Weekly Newsletters
Friday, October 31, 2025
Happy Halloween!
This is a long newsletter, so gather up some leftover candy and enjoy!
- Ms. Lisa's Message
- Upcoming School Closures & November Calendar
- Spirit Store Open for Business
- Clubs at a Glance - Robotics & Salute to Music Chorus
- Field Trip Highlights - Anti-Bullying Conference & NYU Theatre
- 8th Grade Spotlight - Queens Metropolitan High School Visit and Baby Pictures for Yearbook
- Community Corner
Also a special thanks to all the parents who volunteers in the past 2 weeks for picture day. Halsey parents really are the best and we all appreciate you so much!
Don't forget to be awesome!
Coach Sue
Ms. Lisa's Message
Halsey News Team Tryouts
This week, we were thrilled to host tryouts for the Halsey News Team—and what an incredible turnout we had! Over 100 students stepped up to the challenge, each preparing and presenting their own news script in hopes of joining our dynamic team.
From the moment they walked into the room, our students demonstrated poise, professionalism, and passion. Their creativity, confidence, and commitment to storytelling were truly inspiring. Whether they were reporting on school events, community happenings, or sharing thoughtful commentary, every student brought something unique to the table.
We are so proud of each student who participated. Their enthusiasm and effort reflect the vibrant spirit of our school community. We can’t wait to officially welcome the newest members of the Halsey News Team, and we can't wait to see them shine on the morning news! A huge thank you Mr. Lober for organizing and running the tryouts and for helping us run the news team every day.
Halsey Athletics Update
As the flag football season wraps up, we couldn’t be prouder of our team. In their very first season, they played with heart, determination, and true Halsey spirit. Meanwhile, our soccer and volleyball teams are charging into the playoffs, showcasing incredible teamwork and resilience. We are so proud of all our student-athletes who continue to represent our school with pride and sportsmanship. Go Halsey!
🎃 Halsey Halloween Celebration: A Spooktacular Success! 🕸️
This year’s Halsey Halloween celebration was topped all the other celebrations. During each lunch period, our students were treated to a festive and fun-filled experience, thanks to the incredible efforts of our dedicated parent volunteers and staff. From spooky decorations to candy bags and engaging activities, the spirit of Halloween was alive and well throughout our school.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing parent volunteers and our parent coordinator Ms. Landis, who helped transform our space and made sure every student had a fun experience. We couldn't have done it without you! We are especially grateful to the Halsey Halloween Team, who braved Thursday night’s storm to decorate our lobby and turn Halsey into the enchanting Nevermore Academy. Your creativity is endless.
We also want to recognize our talented staff members who stepped into character as the cast of Wednesday. You truly morphed into your roles, and the children loved it. Special thanks to Mr. Blanco, our Halloween DJ, who kept the energy high and the party rocking. Thank you to Ms. Gruet and the Halsey Elite student and staff dance team for the special Wednesday dance performance. It made the celebration even more special. A huge thank you to our Assistant Principals who basically planned, organized, and helped run the entire show!
Our students had a fabulous time enjoying the activities, and we had many winners in both the student and teacher costume contests. The creativity and enthusiasm were inspiring!
Events like this remind us of the power of community. When we come together to create joyful experiences for our students, we build lasting memories and strengthen the bonds that make Halsey such a special school. In a world where children often face challenges beyond their years, this celebration gave them a chance to simply be kids—to laugh and have fun.
It’s moments like these that make me so proud to be the principal of our incredible school. Check out some of the initial pictures from Halsey Halloween 2025 (more to come).
Upcoming School Closures
Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org.
Tuesday, November 4 - Election Day - Students do not attend school, teachers have a Professional Development day.
Tuesday, November 11 - Veteran's Days - School is closed.
Thursday, November 13 - Early Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Students will be dismissed after Period 4 at 11:20 AM.
The November calendar is attached!
Spirit Store Open for Business
Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed. Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]
** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES. Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.
Clubs at a Glance
Robotics Team Update
It’s been an exciting week for our Robotics Team! We received our brand-new building kit for the upcoming competition robots, and two engineering teams are already hard at work on the builds. Each robot is being designed to meet all competition requirements. Meanwhile, our outreach team is gathering photos and bios from team members to include in the competition notebook. Great progress all around
Salute to Music
Did you know that JHS 157 hosts the Citywide Salute to Music Chorus on Saturdays, conducted by our own chorus teacher, Ms. Shikowitz? It is completely free and open to any child in a NYCPS in grades 4-8. Registration is now available for the fall season. Auditions for new members will take place on October 25th at JHS 157. Please click this link to register: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bUULVldAXZZBv88kfXvJnpdb2b0SI95V0Ou1XSPJ-_k/edit?tab=t.0
Field Trip Highlights
Middle School Anti-Bullying Conference
On Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, a group of our 7th and 8th grade students proudly represented our school at the annual Middle School Anti-Bullying Conference, held at the UFT Headquarters in Manhattan. Accompanied by Mr. Robinson and Ms. James, our students joined peers from across the city to learn how to identify, prevent, and respond to bullying in their schools.
Throughout the day, students participated in interactive workshops, listened to inspiring speakers, and explored positive strategies for creating calmer, safer, and more inclusive school environments. This marks the second year our school has participated in this meaningful event, and once again, our students came away feeling empowered to serve as ambassadors of kindness and respect within our community.
We are so proud of their enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to making our school a place where everyone feels valued and supported!
Theatre Arts Field Trip
This past Monday, October 27, a group of 8th grade Theatre Arts students went with Ms. Schwarz to New York University to see a performance of Sonder: The Dreams We Carry, in Black Box Theater. The play was a devised theatre piece created and performed by NYU Educational Theatre students. The Halsey students had an amazing time and had the opportunity to talk with the actors and director asking in-depth, reflective questions about the show and its creation.
8th Grade Spotlight - Queens Metropolitan High School Visit and Baby Pictures for Yearbook
Queens Metropolitan High School Visits Our 8th Graders!
On Tuesday morning, we had the privilege of welcoming Mr. William Johnson, Principal of Queens Metropolitan High School, to our school. Mr. Johnson gave an engaging and interactive presentation to our 8th-grade students, sharing all the wonderful programs, teams, and clubs that Queens Metro has to offer.
Our students were enthusiastic participants—asking thoughtful questions and showing great interest in learning more about high school life. A few lucky students even took home some exciting Metropolitan SWAG for answering questions during the presentation!
We thank Mr. Johnson and Queens Metropolitan High School for taking the time to visit and inspire our future high schoolers.
Yearbook 2025-2026 BABY PICTURES SUBMISSION - 8th GRADE ONLY - DUE BY DEC.15
It’s hard to believe, but before we know it, the school year will be over, and this will all be just a
memory. Help us preserve some of those memories in our annual yearbook!
8th Grade Baby Photos - -submit your baby photo (12 months or younger). Submit just one photo with you in it alone!!!!
please go to the link below.
Https://photos.jostens.com/PCLLRR
ENTER: Student’s name( FIRST & LAST) and HR class # on subject line
Please do not miss the deadline - DUE BY DEC.15. We then will not guarantee your eighth grader's baby photo in the yearbook. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. DO NOT EMAIL BABY PHOTOS!!!!! THEY WILL NOT BE ENTERED!!!!!!
Also, just a quick note for new parents to Halsey. The yearbook is for 8th grade students only!
Community Corner
Calling all Scouts, Girl Troop 96 is coming soon and looking for girls in grades 6-12 to join. See the attached flyer or visit the Google Drive for more information on how to join!
Friday, October 24, 2025
Hello everyone!
Here are the announcements for this week:
- Ms. Lisa’s Message
- Spirit Store Now Open!
- Upcoming School Closures
- 6th Grade Picture Day – Tuesday, October 28th
- Red Ribbon Week (attachment)
- Clubs at a Glance – Robotics
- 8th Grade Spotlight – Queens South High Schools Fair (attachment)
- Community Corner – Museum of Modern Art Family Programs (attachment)
Have a great weekend! Don’t forget to be awesome!
Coach Sue
Ms. Lisa’s Message
Spotlight on Literacy in Class 621
This week I had the pleasure of visiting Class 621 during their English Language Arts lesson. The students had been reading the novel Flush and were deeply engaged in making character inferences and supporting their ideas with evidence from the text.
Our students are building strong literacy foundations that will serve them well in high school, college, and beyond. Their ability to analyze literature and think critically is growing every day.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Ward, their outstanding English Language Arts teacher. Her dedication to literacy instruction is evident in every lesson, and the students in Class 621 are truly fortunate to learn from her.
Bulldogs Volleyball Team Shines with Heart and Teamwork
Yesterday I had the joy of watching our girls' volleyball team take on I.S. 145 in an exciting match. From the first serve to the final point, our team played with determination, skill, and strategy. They worked together seamlessly, showing what true teamwork looks like on the court.
What made me most proud was the way they supported one another throughout the game. Every cheer, high five, and encouraging word reflected the strong spirit of this team. Their unity and positivity were just as powerful as their athletic performance.
Now they’re headed to the playoffs, and we couldn’t be more excited for them. Let’s continue to cheer them on as they represent our school with pride and heart. Halsey Girl Power!
Welcoming Future Halsey Families-Open House
This week we hosted our first Open House for prospective incoming sixth graders. It was a pleasure to meet so many enthusiastic fifth grade students and their families who are considering Halsey for middle school.
Families began the visit with a presentation that offered a glimpse into life at Halsey. They then had the opportunity to observe instruction in our classrooms and see firsthand the engaging learning experiences our students enjoy every day. A guided tour of the building followed, giving families a full picture of our vibrant school community.
The parents and students left feeling confident and excited to send their children to Halsey. We are so proud of the warm and welcoming environment our staff and students created for our guests.
Our next Open House will take place on Friday, November 7th. We look forward to meeting even more future Halsey families.
🎃Thank You, Halsey Families! 🎃
A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing parents who joined us on Thursday, October 23rd for our Candy Bagging Volunteer Event! Your time, energy, and teamwork helped us prepare 1,500 candy bags that will bring smiles to our students this Halloween. We are so grateful for your support and dedication to making Halsey Halloween a success.
We also want to thank the families who have generously donated candy—your contributions are truly appreciated! We’re just 200 bags away from our goal of making 1700 bags, so please keep those donations coming. Every little bit helps!
As we gear up for Halsey Halloween, we’re excited to welcome parent volunteers to help make the day extra special. If you’d like to join us on the day of the celebration, please complete the Google Form at the link below. We can accommodate up to 50 parent volunteers, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun!
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/sRvMDBic6cjRoKE77
📣Halsey JHS 157’s Spirit Wear Shop NOW OPEN!
Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school.
Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed.
Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]
** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES. Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.
Upcoming School Closures
Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org.
Tuesday, November 4 - Election Day - Students do not attend school, teachers have a Professional Development day
Thursday, November 13 - Early Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Exact dismissal time to be shared soon.
6th Grade Picture Day Details
Halsey Picture Day for 6th Grade is Tuesday, October 28. Students will be called down to the auditorium to take a photo and parents will receive an email with the proofs of the pictures. Retakes are scheduled for December 2.
📸Schedule:
- October 28: 6th Grade Pictures
- December 2: Retake Day (all grades, if needed)
Red Ribbon Week Schedule
Don’t forget this coming week is Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is a reminder that we all have the power to make smart choices. It's a time to:
- Learn about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and vaping
- Support friends in making healthy decisions
- Show respect for ourselves and our bodies
By wearing a red ribbon or taking part in Red Ribbon Week, you're helping spread the message:
Be Drug Free.
Clubs at a Glance
Halsey Robotics team had a busy week! The Outreach Team made great progress on the digital engineering notebook, completing the first two pages. Meanwhile, the Engineering Team focused on building the new robot, working together to assemble and test each component. A second engineering group worked on upgrading the previous robot by attaching and aligning the wheels to restore mobility.
8th Grade Spotlight – Queens South High Schools Fair
7th and 8th Grade Students and Familiesare invited to the 4th Annual Queens South High Schools Fair on Saturday, October 25!
The fair will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10AM-1PM at Jamaica High School Campus, located at167-01 Gothic Drive, Queens, NY 11432. This event is open to all middle school families who want to check out all the great Queens South High Schools and everything they have to offer for the future.
Register today with the link below:
Please see the attached flyer for all the schools that will be represented at the fair.
Community Corner – Museum of Modern Art Family Programs
The Museum of Modern Art offers family programming geared for children aged 5-12. Please take a look at the attached flyer for more information.
Friday, October 17, 2025
Hi everyone!
There are so many updates today. It's a busy time of year! Here's what you can find in this week's newsletter:
- Ms. Lisa's Message
- Upcoming School Closures
- Picture Days
- Jupiter Log In Instructions
- Halloween Donations - Still a few items that we need!
- Halsey JHS 157’s Spirit Wear Shop NOW OPEN!
- Math Department Update
- Clubs at a Glance - Math Club, Robotics Club, Halsey Dance
- 8th Grade Spotlight: Disney Trip, High School Application Support, Assembly, Yearbooks
Don't forget, school is closed on Monday for Diwali. See you all on Tuesday!
Don't forget to be awesome!
Coach Sue
Ms. Lisa's Message
Building Bridges Through Writing-Our 8th graders take on a leadership role mentoring our 6th graders in ELA
This week, something truly special unfolded in our ELA classrooms. Ms. Amber and Ms. Kohlasch introduced Class 891 (8th grade) to Class 693 (6th grade) as part of a new cross-grade writing initiative. Since both groups are currently working on personal narratives, they saw a wonderful opportunity for mentorship and collaboration.
Our 8th graders stepped into leadership roles with confidence and care, helping their younger peers join a new Google Classroom and begin their first digital writing assignment. It was inspiring to witness 891 guiding 693 through the process—answering questions, offering encouragement, and modeling digital literacy and responsibility.
Class 693 was thrilled to work alongside their older peers, and the sense of community and shared purpose was evident in every interaction. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a series of meaningful connections between our students, fostering growth, empathy, and academic success.
We’re so proud of our students and grateful to Ms. Amber and Ms. Kohlasch for creating such a thoughtful and enriching experience. Stay tuned for more collaborative moments as we continue to build leadership opportunities and bridges across grades at Halsey!
🌟Happy Diwali to Our Halsey Community! 🌟
As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, I want to extend heartfelt wishes to all our students, families, and staff who observe Diwali. May this season bring brightness to your homes, joy to your hearts, and success to all your endeavors.
Diwali reminds us of the power of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. These are important values we hold at Halsey. Let’s continue to shine together as a community, lifting each other up and celebrating the diversity that makes our school so special.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Diwali filled with peace, prosperity, and happiness!
Remember school is closed on Monday for the holiday!
Upcoming School Closures
Please mark your calendars for the following days when school will be closed or early dismissals. This information is also available at Halsey157.org.
Monday, October 20 - School Closed for Diwali
Tuesday, November 4 - Election Day - Students do not attend school, teachers have a Professional Development day
Thursday, November 13 - Early Dismissal for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Exact dismissal time to be shared soon.
Picture Day Details
Halsey Picture Days are coming and the PTA is looking for volunteers to help Picture Day runs smoothly!
Please review the available slots below and click this link to sign up. We appreciate your time and support!
📸 Schedule:
- October 22: 8th Grade – Graduation Pictures
- October 23: 7th Grade Pictures
- October 28: 6th Grade Pictures
- December 2: Retake Day (all grades, if needed)
Thank you for volunteering and helping our students capture lasting memories!
Jupiter Log In Instructions
Instructions for Parent Log In and Student Log In for Jupiter are available in the Google Drive. Parents who are experiencing issues with the password should email Coach Sue - [email protected] - and include the name of the student and their class.
Halloween Donations
We thank you all for your enormous support in purchasing items off the wish list for the Halloween event! There are still a few items on the list and you still have time to make a donation. Here's the link one last time: Halloween Wish List.
📣Halsey JHS 157’s Spirit Wear Shop NOW OPEN!
Welcome to Halsey JHS 157’s spirit wear shop! We are so excited to present to you all these new styles and colors. Thank you for supporting our school.
Please allow 3 weeks for delivery. All orders will be delivered to the school and distributed.
Should you have any questions you can email the PTA @ [email protected]
** ALL SALES ARE FINAL NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES. Since these are custom printed please make sure you order the correct size.
Math Department Update
The Math Department is excited to spotlight the incredible work our students are doing in math this school year. From creative problem-solving to collaborative projects and competitions, there’s so much to celebrate and we’d love to share these moments with our school community!
In order to feature photos or videos of your child in newsletters or school-approved social media platforms, we need your permission. If you would like your child to be included in any media we share, please take a moment to complete the Media Consent Form: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to showcasing the amazing math minds in our classrooms!
Clubs at a Glance
Math Club Update
We’re thrilled to share two exciting opportunities from the Halsey Math Department that will challenge minds, build teamwork, and celebrate the joy of problem-solving!
Math Team Tryouts: Do you love tackling tough problems and thinking outside the box? The Halsey Math Team is looking for students ready to compete in nationwide math competitions! Team members will collaborate, sharpen their skills, and represent our school with pride. To sign up for tryouts, please visit your Math Google Classroom and look for the note from Ms. Savva or Ms. McGuckin, which includes the Google link for registration. You may also access the link to the Google Form to register for tryouts here: https://forms.gle/BqiXMjye3YR7yNbP8
Math Club: If you enjoy puzzles, friendly competition, and working with peers in a relaxed setting, Math Club is the place for you! We’ll meet every Wednesday starting November 12th. Interested students should visit Ms. Falcone, Ms. Murdukhayev, or Ms. Quintero in rooms 357 or 353 to pick up and return permission slips. Please note: only the first 40 students will be accepted, so act fast! You may also access the Math Club Permission Slip here: 25-26 Math Club Permission Slip.pdf
We look forward to seeing our students explore, grow, and have fun with math!
Robotics Club
This week, the Halsey Robotics team had the exciting opportunity to visit Forest Hills High School for a mentorship session. Our students learned directly from experienced members of the Forest Hills Robotics team, gaining valuable insights into robot design, coding, and construction techniques.
The Forest Hills team demonstrated their working robots, shared their programming strategies, and offered helpful tips for improving our own builds. They also guided our students through a brainstorming session to develop ideas for our robots and assisted in acquiring 3D-printed components to support our designs.
Armed with new knowledge and inspiration, our team returned to Halsey ready to apply what we learned and continue building our robots with fresh perspective and enthusiasm!
Halsey Dance
This week, Halsey Dance went on our first field trip of the year. We traveled to Frank Sinatra School of the Arts to see the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company. We also got to see some Halsey Dance Alumni who now attend the dance program at Sinatra!
8th Grade Spotlight
Please check the Halsey157.org 8th Grade page for information regularly. Lots of important information that is shared via email and in Assembly is also available there.
Disney Trip!
There is still space available for the 8th Grade Halsey Trip to Disney taking place February 9-12, 2026. After the sessions held this past spring, we are hosting one more information session for families that would like to find out more. The session will take place via Zoom on Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00 PM. Here is the link: https://zoom.us/j/91914016170?pwd=2cbsgZWPL47QYj6Qiu9I5sa0ukPmIE.1
If you are already signed up, you do not need to join the information session. There is no new information about the trip at this time. Once we have a finalized list of attendees, we will hold a follow-up session for all confirmed parties. This trip is only open to this year's 8th graders.
For more information, please email Mr. Dechongkit at [email protected].
High School Application Support
Halsey is hosting workshop on the high school application process. Below is a list of upcoming dates and times for these workshops.
- Wednesday, October 22 at 3:00 PM - 7:00PM
- Saturday, November at 8 9:00 AM - 2:00PM
If you have any question or would like more information, please reach out to Mr. Plummer via email or at extension 2103.
8th Grade Assembly Spotlight: Leadership and Public Service High School
This week, our 8th grade students had the privilege of welcoming representatives from Leadership and Public Service High School, a dynamic District 2 high school located in Lower Manhattan. Known for its commitment to developing conscientious, creative, and globally minded leaders, Leadership offers a close-knit and caring community where students are both supported and challenged. Through rigorous academics, the arts, training in Restorative Justice, and a focus on civic engagement, the school empowers students to grow as active members of their communities. Leadership also emphasizes a personalized educational experience, blending technology with traditional methods to meet individual student needs. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to attend an Open House or School Tour beginning in October.
Application Codes:
- M76A: Leadership and Public Service High School
- M76B: Business and Entrepreneurship
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Thomas, Guidance Counselor – [email protected]
Ms. Natareno, Parent Coordinator – [email protected]
Please see the flyer below for additional details.
Yearbook Sales
We're excited to share that Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year. All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email is the purchase link, so families can easily place their orders.
Here are the details:
- Yearbook Price: $37 per book
- Personalization (optional): $7
- Icons (optional): $3 each
- Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30
Friday, October 10, 2025
Hello!
Are you ready for a long weekend? Just a reminder that schools are closed on Monday, October 13th in observance of Italian Heritage/Indigenous People's Day.
Here's what you can find in this newsletter:
- Ms. Lisa's Message
- Wear Pink on Wednesday, October 15
- Picture Day Details
- Club Updates - Yoga, Robotics Club Update, Cheer Tryouts Day 2, Careers Club
- Yearbook Sales Now Open!
- Performing Arts High School Audition Requirements
- Halsey Open Houses
- Commonpoint Queens 3v3 Basketball Tournament
- ABT RISE Selective High School Audition Preparation Workshop
- FREE Paul Taylor Modern Dance Tickets
- 7th Grade SHSAT Prep - Kweller Prep
- Lost keys?
Don't forget that you can find all this information on the Halsey157.org site and in the Google Drive as well!
Have a great long weekend and DON'T FORGET TO BE AWESOME!
Coach Sue
Ms. Lisa's Message
🎉6th Grade Parent Meet & Greet: A Fun Evening of Connection!
We were thrilled to welcome so many of our 6th grade families to our Parent Meet and Greet last night! The evening was filled with laughter, great conversations, and a true sense of community. Our 6th grade parents enjoyed delicious pizza and sweet treats while getting to know one another and our dedicated staff.
To break the ice, we played fun games that had everyone laughing and mingling. The excitement continued with raffles, where lucky winners took home some fantastic prizes! It made me so happy to see our families come together, share stories, and build connections that will support our students throughout their years at Halsey.
Thank you to everyone who joined us — your presence made the evening truly special. A big thank you to Dr. Yasin who organized the entire event and of course our amazing teachers and staff who volunteered to help with the activities. We look forward to many more opportunities to connect and celebrate our amazing school community.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens: Launching Our Junior Lighthouse Student Government
I am thrilled to share that we are officially kicking off the Leader in Me Junior Lighthouse Student Government at JHS 157. This initiative gives our students a meaningful opportunity to grow as leaders, contribute to our school community, and live out the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens in everyday actions.
The Junior Lighthouse Team will include student representatives from each grade who demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive impact in our school community. These young leaders will help plan school-wide events, lead service projects, and bring student voice into school decisions. Most importantly, they will serve as role models who inspire others to lead with purpose and positivity.
I am especially excited to see how our students will embrace the 7 habits—like Being Proactive, Thinking Win-Win, and Finding Their Voice—to help create a school environment that is fun, safe, and welcoming for everyone. The application process is now underway, and I encourage all interested students to speak with their homeroom teachers and consider applying. The application will be provided to students in their homeroom class, but it can also be found on our school website at www.halsey157.org.
This is more than just student government. It is leadership in action, and I cannot wait to see our Junior Lighthouse shine.
Finally, a shout out to our Volleyball Team they won their game against I.S. 145 yesterday. Go Bulldogs!
That ends another fabulous week at Halsey!
Wear Pink on Wednesday, October 15
October is breast cancer awareness month. Please wear pink on Wednesday, October 15 to help raise awareness, support people with breast cancer, and increase funding for research.
Picture Day Details
Halsey Picture Days are coming and the PTA is looking for volunteers to help Picture Day runs smoothly!
Please review the available slots below and click this link to sign up. We appreciate your time and support!
📸 Schedule:
- October 22: 8th Grade – Graduation Pictures
- October 23: 7th Grade Pictures
- October 28: 6th Grade Pictures
- December 2: Retake Day (all grades, if needed)
Thank you for volunteering and helping our students capture lasting memories!
Club Updates
Yoga Club
On Thursdays, every week, from 2:30 - 4:00 pm, Ms. Ruzicka will be teaching a yoga class. We will learn yoga poses, breathing exercises and meditation along with other fun activities to make us feel energized, relaxed and feeling good! The class will take place in room 204. The class will start next Thursday, October 16th. All permission slips are due by October 14th. There are a limited number of spots for the club. Permission slips will be located outside of classroom 343 and 319 in a folder.
Robotics Club Update
The Robotics Club has been hard at work! One group of students is rebuilding a robot to serve as our backup for the 2025–2026 competition season, while another team is designing and constructing a brand-new robot to compete next year.
In addition to building, we're diving into coding and computer science. Our programmers are currently working with Raspberry Pi computers, which will be used to scan barcodes and help our robots operate autonomously during competition.
Stay tuned for more updates as we build, code, and prepare for an exciting season ahead!
Cheer Tryouts Day 2
Day 2 of Cheer Tryouts will be held on Wednesday, October 15th, from 2:30-5:00pm. You MUST pick up a NEW permission slip and get it signed by a parent/guardian to be able to come to day two. Only students who were present for Day 1 of tryouts will be allowed to tryout for Day 2. Please pick up the yellow permissions slips in the library and return them to either Mrs. Lavino in Library Left, Mrs. Montalbano in Room 303, or Ms. Riccio in Room 257. Remember to bring your Tryout Number to tryouts! Go Bulldogs!
Careers Club
If you find yourself wondering about your future and what you want to be when you grow up, Careers Club may be for you! Please get a permission slip from Mrs. Riccio in room 257. Return the signed permission slip on Tuesday, October 14th in time for the first meeting at 2:30-3:30pm.
Yearbook Sales
We're excited to share that Halsey Junior High School’s yearbook sales are officially up and running for this school year. All purchases will be made online only — we will not be collecting any funds in person. Included in this email is the purchase link, so families can easily place their orders.
Here are the details:
- Yearbook Price: $37 per book
- Personalization (optional): $7
- Icons (optional): $3 each
- Deadline for personalization and icons: January 30
Performing Arts Audition Requirements
Any 8th grade student who is auditioning for a Performing Arts high school should review the audition requirements which are now posted to the Halsey website. You can find the information by going to Halsey157.org ➡️ Families ➡️ Performing Arts Auditions.
Halsey Open Houses
We are excited to offer 2 open houses for perspective families, on Tuesday, October 21 and Friday, November 7 from 8:30-10AM. Registration is now open at Hasley157.org. Registration is limited to 150 entries per date and is filling up quickly. Please help us spread the word!
Commonpoint 3v3 Basketball Tournament on Monday, 10/13
Commonpoint Queens is hosting a 3v3 Basketball Tournament this Monday, October 13th. The registration fee is $25 per player, and all details are included in the attached flyer. Students can sign up directly through the flyer link or contact Dina Goldstein if they have any questions.
ABT RISE Selective High School Audition Preparation Workshop
On Saturday, October 25 the ABT Engagement Department will be holding a high school prep day for interested 8th grade students to go over the application and audition process for performing arts high schools in NYC. This workshop will provide students an opportunity to review and receive coaching on the pre-set video auditions from our faculty, and to get general information and tips for filming or attending video/live auditions. Students should learn the ballet and modern video audition combination before attending the workshop. This prep session is highly recommended for 8th grade students who are interested in NYC performing arts high schools. 7th grade students are welcome to attend if they want to get a head start learning about the process. Please see the attached flyer and letter for more information.
FREE Paul Taylor Modern Dance Tickets
Halsey Dance has free tickets to give out to interested families to see live dance. All families are eligible regardless of grade/talent. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
7th Grade SHSAT prep with Kweller Prep
Kweller Prep has partnered with Halsey students for many years and this year is offering offer free educational trips as well as complimentary testing sessions for current 7th graders who are preparing to take the SHSAT exam next school year. Please see the attached flyer for more details on the dates and how to register. Pre-registration is required.
Lost Keys
Do these keys look familiar? If so, please stop by Coach Sue's office to pick them up.
Friday, October 3, 2025
Happy 1st Friday of October!
I hope you're all enjoying the fall weather today. I know I am! In this newsletter you'll find the following information:
- Ms. Lisa's Message
- Newsletter on the Halsey website
- Halsey Halloween
- October Calendar
- Picture Day
- Red Ribbon Week
- Media Consent Form
- 8th Grade Performing Arts High School Audition Prep
- Halsey Club Updates
- Events and Opportunities in the Community (not Halsey sponsored)
Have a great weekend and don't forget to be awesome!
Coach Sue
Ms. Lisa's Message
Chancellor's State of Our Schools Address
This week, I had the opportunity to attend Chancellor Aviles-Ramos's State of Our Schools address with our District 28 superintendent Dr. Blake. It was inspiring to hear about the progress being made across New York City and to see how our collective efforts as educators, families, and community partners are shaping the future for our students.
One highlight I want to share is the introduction of a new Accountability Tool that the NYC Department of Education has launched. This tool is designed to make school progress more transparent and accessible, allowing both staff and families to better understand how the DOE is monitoring growth and achievement toward citywide goals.
This is an important step in ensuring that all of us—educators, parents, and students—can see where we are excelling and where we need to focus our efforts. It reflects the Chancellor’s commitment to shared responsibility and partnership in supporting every child’s success.
I encourage you to explore the Accountability Tool yourself by visiting:
👉 https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/vision-and-mission/state-of-our-schools
Together, by staying informed and engaged, we can continue to strengthen our Halsey community and help every student reach their fullest potential.
Exciting News – Student Lighthouse Team
This month we are proud to announce the launch of Halsey’s very first Student Government – the Student Lighthouse Team. This leadership group will give our students a powerful voice in our school community, allowing them to share ideas, build leadership skills, and help shape the future of our school.
The application process will begin rolling out in the upcoming weeks through our homeroom teachers. We encourage all students who are interested in leadership and service to apply and take part in this exciting new opportunity.
We look forward to seeing our students shine as leaders and role models on the Student Lighthouse Team.
Spotlight on Learning – English Language Arts with Ms. Eckhardt and Ms. Kohlasch and Class 810
This week, I had the privilege of observing Class 810 in their English Language Arts class. Students were engaged in reading the short story “The Monkey’s Paw” and applying the Notice and Note Fiction Signposts strategy to deepen their comprehension.
As they read, students identified key literary signposts such as:
- Contrasts and Contradictions – when a character behaves in a way that is unexpected.
- Aha Moments – when a character realizes something that changes their understanding.
- Again and Again – when words, phrases, or situations are repeated for emphasis.
- Memory Moments – when the author interrupts the plot to share a memory.
- Words of the Wiser – when a character offers the protagonist important advice.
- Tough Questions – when a character asks themselves difficult or thought-provoking questions.
These signposts are powerful tools that encourage students to pause, reflect, and think critically about the text. By noticing these patterns, our 8th graders are strengthening their ability to infer, analyze, and make deeper meaning of literature.
I am incredibly proud of the thoughtful discussions and insights shared by our students in Class 810. Their ability to apply these reading strategies shows the strong foundation they are building as readers, writers, and thinkers.
Halsey Bulldogs Sports Update
Our Halsey Bulldog Soccer Team kicked off the season with an incredible start, defeating The Garden School with a commanding 7–0 victory. Next up, they will face IS 61—let’s cheer them on as they continue their winning momentum!
Not to be outdone, our Bulldog Flag Football Team also started strong, earning their first victory against Russell Sage 18-8.
Halsey Bulldogs are on fire! We are so proud of our student-athletes for their teamwork, dedication, and Bulldog spirit. Go Bulldogs! 🐾⚽🏈
That is a wrap on another amazing week at Halsey!
Newsletter on the Halsey Website
We're excited to share that the content from the weekly newsletter can be found on the Halsey Website. Head to Halsey157.org and then search for "Weekly Newsletters." The most current newsletter will be available.
Halsey Halloween Amazon Link & Volunteers Needed
Today several emails were sent out about Halsey Halloween. If you are interested in donating the the event, please check out the Amazon Link. Be sure to log into Amazon first! If you are interested in volunteering on Thursday, October 23 to make candy bags, please click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/4XhUNqHcfTJvNYP67
October Calendar
Attached you'll find the October Calendar. It is also available on the Halsey website and in the Google Drive.
Picture Day at Halsey
Picture day is coming at the end of October. Please mark your calendars for the appropriate day.
Wednesday, October 22 – 8th Grade *in cap and gown. Avoid wearing hoodies, because the gown will not fit properly over a hoodie.
Thursday, October 23 – 7th Grade
Tuesday, October 28 – 6th Grade
Tuesday, December 2nd – Retakes for all grades
Red Ribbon Week
We will be having a Halsey Spirt week to promote anti- drug awareness through having a Red Ribbon Week.
Red Ribbon Week is a special week each year when schools across the country focus on saying no to drugs and making healthy choices. It’s all about learning how to live drug-free and encouraging others to do the same. During this week, you might see red ribbons, take part in fun activities, or hear messages about being safe, healthy, and making good decisions.
Media Consent Form - Please fill out this form if you haven't already done so! The link can be found here.
8th Grade Performing Arts High School Audition Prep
Attention all 8th graders who are interested in auditioning for a Performing Arts High School:
Dance
8th & 7th Grade students applying to High School Dance or Summer Dance Programs may come for help with their applications on Tuesdays, 2:30 - 3:30 starting October 7 in the Dance Studio. Interested students should get a permission slip from outside the Dance Studio room 329, or see Mrs. Gruet with any questions.
Theatre Programs
Ms. Schwarz will be offering the Monologue Audition Prep Workshop to help you prepare for the high school audition process, after school on Mondays, from 2:30-3:30pm. Please see Ms.Schwarz in Room 119 for more information and permission slip to attend the workshop.
Vocal Music Program
8th grade students interested in auditioning for performing arts high schools for vocal can see Ms. Shikowitz in room 112 for a permission slip to attend high school audition preparation for voice. This will begin Tuesday, October 7th, from 2:30-4:00 PM.
Instrumental Music Programs
Specialized high school auditions are around the corner for all 8th graders! If you are interested in attending schools like LaGuardia, Frank Sinatra, Talent Unlimited, or Forest Hills Music Academy you will need to successfully audition on your instrument. If you would like assistance with your instrumental music audition, Ms. Zaffery is offering help on Wednesdays 2:30-3:30. Any student may receive help regardless of talent class. See Ms. Zaffery in 113 for permission slips.
Halsey Club Updates
Halsey Cheerleading will be having tryouts on Thursday, October 9th and callbacks on Wednesday, October 15th, in the Auditorium from 2:30-4:00pm. Practices will be on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30pm. Please see Ms. Lavino in Room Library Left for permission slips. They must be returned by tryouts in order for you to participate. Attire for tryouts is: Shorts or leggings, t-shirt, sneakers, and hair in a ponytail. Please bring water.
Below is the link to the dance you will learn at tryouts if you would like to practice ahead of time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G09-QNbl2e4
Please contact Mrs. Lavino, Mrs. Montalbano, or Ms. Riccio if you have any questions.
Go Bulldogs!
Crochet Club is starting soon! It’s a chill space to hang out, chat, and make cool stuff. Never crocheted before? No problem—everyone’s welcome, even total beginners. Just a heads-up: space is limited, so grab a permission slip from Ms. Broker’s office in Room 210 and come join the fun!
Table Talk Club - Attention Halsey Boys! The Table Talk Club is open for new members. This is a safe space to have real conversations, build friendships, and grow confidence while expressing yourself. Joining gives you the chance to connect with others, share your voice, and be part of something positive. If you’re interested, come see Mr. Robinson in Room 325B.
The Respect for All club will be starting on October 9th. Permission slips can be found outside of Room 318b. If you have a permission slip to return, please hand it to either Ms. Cohen in room 318 b or Ms Murdukhayev in room 357.
Jazz Band
All jazz band auditions are complete! Please have students check the posting outside of room 113 along with their google classrooms for results.
The first JAM Band rehearsal is Monday, October 6th from 2:30-4:00PM. Students must turn in their permission slips prior or they will not be allowed to join the group.
PB Band will begin later in October on Thursdays, stay tuned for more updates and make sure your child comes to Ms. Zaffery for a permission slip and sheet music!
Dungeons & Dragons & Magic (D&D&M) Club
Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, October 14th from 2:30-4:00PM. Please have your child wait in the auditorium after school to be picked up for the club (meeting in room 219). See Mr. Blanco or Ms. Zaffery for a permission slip. Spots are limited!
Dungeons & Dragons & Magic (D&D&M) Club is an after school program designed to bring students together and build community at Halsey. If you choose to sign up, you must commit to weekly meetings and actively participate. Students who fail to do so will be removed from the club. Students in D&D&M Club are expected to interact with one another respectfully through creative role play. Students will join one campaign (group) and maintain it throughout the duration of the club. Students are also invited to play Magic: The Gathering if they are interested!
What to bring: pencil, notebook, an open mind!
Optional bring (but highly encouraged): a set of 7 dice, anyD&D 5e or 2024 related accessories, a deck of Magic: The Gathering cards.
The Halsey News Team is hosting a school-wide competition to design our News Team logo! This will be featured on future merchandise and an iconic symbol for our community. There will be a special prize for the winner of this competition. Any illustration (digital or hand-drawn,) will be accepted and voted upon. The deadline to submit is October 6th. Please email all submissions to [email protected]
The Empowerment and Support Program will commence on Tuesday, October 7th. The program will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-4:15 PM after this date in room 322. It will be a safe, fun, and friendly space to make new friends, learn cool life skills, and feel confident in school and beyond! Permission slips are available in room 325.
Yoga Club
Halsey is offering an after- school yoga and meditation club this year for all grades! Sections of the clubs will start next week from 2:30- 4:00: 6th grade will meet on Thursdays, 7th grade on Wednesdays, and 8th grade will meet on Tuesdays. Did you know that consistent yoga and meditation practice has many benefits for students including reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, enhanced emotional regulation, better academic performance, and increased self- esteem? Yoga is even a great practice for athletes!
6th graders- please see Ms. Ruzicka in room 319.
7th graders- see Ms. Iaquinta in room 305.
8th graders- see Ms. Kiliski in room 204.
Club members will be chosen on a first come first serve basis. Get your permission slip signed and come ready! Wear comfortable, athletic clothing. Mats will be provided.
Events and Opportunities in the Community (not Halsey sponsored)
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Attention Brass and Woodwind players! Take a look at the attached flyer from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music for private lessons.
Friday, September 26, 2025
Happy Friday!
I hope everyone had a great week and is ready for the weekend!
Here's what you can find in the newsletter this week:
- Ms. Lisa's Message
- Media Consent Form - Please fill out this form if you haven't already done so!
- Halsey Clubs Info
- Table Talk Club
- Crochet Club
- Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering Club
- Empowerment and Support Club
- Respect for All Club
- STEM Fair
- Social Work and Mental Health Professions
- Jazz Band Updates
- Select Chorus Updates
- Dance Team Updates
- 8th Grade Performing Arts High School Audition Prep
- Events and Opportunities in the Community (not Halsey sponsored)
- OMNY Card Update
Don't forget to be awesome!
Coach Sue
Ms. Lisa's Message
Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming Ms. Olessia Bauer, our Community Education Council (CEC) school liaison, to JHS 157. Her visit was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the vibrant learning environment and strong sense of community that defines our school.
Ms. Bauer spent time touring classrooms, engaging with students, and speaking with staff about the incredible work happening every day at Halsey. She was especially impressed by our students’ enthusiasm for learning and the dedication of our educators. Her visit reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between schools and the CEC in supporting our students' success.
We are grateful for Ms. Bauer’s continued advocacy and support, and we look forward to working together to ensure that JHS 157 remains a place where all students thrive.
Parent Handbook Now Available!
We are excited to announce that our newly updated Parent Handbook is now available on the JHS 157 school www.halsey157.org. This essential resource is full of important information to help families stay informed and engaged, including:
- Grading policies
• Dress code expectations
• Cell phone usage guidelines
• Our Ladder of Referral and student support systems
• And much more
The Parent Handbook is a living document and will be updated throughout the school year as new policies and procedures are refined. We encourage families to check back regularly and stay connected with any changes.
A strong partnership between home and school begins with shared understanding, and this handbook is a great place to start.
Supporting Positive Behavior Through Engagement and Partnership
This week, families received our Halsey Behavioral Accountability Policy, which outlines the expectations and supports we have in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and engaging school environment for all students. At JHS 157, we believe that clear communication and consistent structures help our students grow socially and emotionally while staying focused on their academic success.
We also know that student engagement is key to building a positive school culture. That’s why we’re proud to offer a wide range of sports teams, student clubs, after-school programs, and school-wide activities designed to keep our students connected, motivated, and thriving. These opportunities allow students to build meaningful relationships with peers and staff, explore their interests, and develop leadership skills.
We deeply appreciate our families’ ongoing support and partnership in helping our students stay on the right track. Together, we are creating a school community where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to succeed.
That is a wrap on another productive week at JHS 157. With our students actively engaged in academics, sports, clubs, and school-wide activities, the energy in our building is exciting.
Thank you, families, for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are building a school community where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
We look forward to another exciting week at Halsey!
Media Consent Form
Halsey is digitizing the Media Consent Form for all students in all grades. This form will cover images in print, on broadcasts, online spaces (such as the school Instagram) and all other forms of media, including the graduation media presentation. Please take a moment to complete the form located at this link: Media Consent for NYC Department of Education Use | Stephen A Halsey JHS 157 Please note that once completed, this consent will be good for as long as the student is at Halsey, unless you choose to change your consent.
Halsey Clubs
Table Talk Club - Attention Halsey Boys! The Table Talk Club is open for new members. This is a safe space to have real conversations, build friendships, and grow confidence while expressing yourself. Joining gives you the chance to connect with others, share your voice, and be part of something positive. If you’re interested, come see Mr. Robinson in Room 325B
Crochet Club - Looking for a chill space to hang out, chat, and make cool stuff? Crochet Club is kicking off soon, and we’d love to have you! Whether you’ve never tried crocheting or you’ve been stitching for years, everyone’s welcome. We’ll meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays starting October 8th to relax, learn new skills, and work on fun projects together. It’s a great way to unwind and get creative with friends. Space is limited, so grab your permission slip from Ms. Broker’s office in Room 210! You can also stop by if you have any questions.
Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering Club - Create a fantastical character, roleplay adventures across strange lands, problem-solve and improvise, and, of course, find your people at Halsey’s Dungeons and Dragons Club! We will begin after school on Tuesdays from 2:30-4:00 in room 219 on October 7th! See Mr. Blanco or Ms. Zaffery for a permission slip. But wait, there’s more! This year, we will also include the card game Magic: The Gathering in our club. Adventure awaits!
Empowerment and Support Club - The Empowerment and Support club focuses on students' social emotional health through fun activities like games, vision boards, role play scenarios. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Respect for All Club - The Respect for All club will be starting on October 9th. Permission slips can be found outside of Room 318b. If you have a permission slip to return, please hand it to either Ms. Cohen in room 318 b or Ms Murdukhayev in room 357.
STEM Fair - The STEM Fair is back! For 6th graders, this is an amazing opportunity to showcase your engineering minds and compete with students all around the school in who can create the best solution to change the world. Our orientation will be held Monday, September 29th after school in room 333. If you would like to attend, please see Mr. Lober in room 333 for a permission slip.
Social Work and Mental Health Professions - 8th grade students who have an interest in Social Work and other mental health professions are invited to join Ms. Laylor on Wednesdays for this special program. The program will begin in November and more details can be found in the attached flyer/permission slip, which is also saved in the Google Drive.
Jazz Band - Congratulations to everyone who completed jazz band auditions this week! Everyone brought their A Game, which means that this year the bands are incredibly equal in skill. Results will be posted today outside of room 113. JAM Band will begin on October 6th. Come see Ms. Zaffery for music and permission slips as soon as possible. PB Band will begin a little later in October with a special teaching guest, more info to come.
Select Chorus - The Select Chorus list will be posted today outside of room 112 after PM homeroom. Everyone should be very proud of themselves, we had over 120 students audition for 44 open spots. If your name is on the list, take a permission slip and bring it back on Monday. Join the google classroom and start practicing. Rehearsals start October 6th from 2:30-4:00 PM.
Halsey Dance Team - Thank you to everyone who auditioned for the Halsey Dance Company Elite team! There was so much talent and hard work - it was very difficult to determine the results. The final list of Dance team members will be posted on the wall outside the Dance Studio room 329 by Period 8 today.
8th Grade Performing Arts High School Audition Prep
Attention all 8th graders who are interested in auditioning for a Performing Arts High School:
Theatre Programs
Starting Monday, September 29, Ms. Schwarz will be offering the Monologue Audition Prep Workshop to help you prepare for the high school audition process, after school on Mondays, from 2:30-3:30pm
Please see Ms.Schwarz in Room 119 for more information and permission slip to attend the workshop.
Vocal Music Program
8th grade students interested in auditioning for performing arts high schools for vocal can see Ms. Shikowitz in room 112 for a permission slip to attend high school audition preparation for voice. This will begin Tuesday, October 7th, from 2:30-4:00 PM.
Instrumental Music Programs
Specialized high school auditions are around the corner for all 8th graders! If you are interested in attending schools like LaGuardia, Frank Sinatra, Talent Unlimited, or Forest Hills Music Academy you will need to successfully audition on your instrument. If you would like assistance with your instrumental music audition, Ms. Zaffery is offering help on Wednesdays 2:30-3:30. Any student may receive help regardless of talent class. See Ms. Zaffery in 113 for permission slips.
Events and Opportunities in the Community (not Halsey sponsored)
Upcoming Kids Programs at Queens Public Library - Check out the calendar on the Queens Public Library website for free activities!
Commonpoint - At Commonpoint, we aim to offer young people (up to age 15) instruction toward improving fitness; building skills, confidence, sportsmanship; and establishing the foundation for a lifetime of active, healthy living. This season, we students can participate in soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, dance and more! Please see the attached flyer for more information regarding programs, which can also be found the Google Drive.
OMNY Card Update
Coach Sue has been working her way through the list of students who requested OMNY cards, and many cards were distributed this week. She will continue distributing for those who have not yet received a card. If a student loses their OMNY card, they should put in a request, using the OMNY Request Form. A couple of notes about OMNY cards to keep in mind. Only one card can be active at a time. If a card is not working, please bring it to Coach Sue to be replaced. OMNY cards are assigned based on Transportation Eligibility, and students who live less than 0.5 mile from school are not eligible for a card. 6th grade students who use the yellow bus will not be issued an OMNY card. If you have other questions regarding OMNY cards, please reach out to Coach Sue at [email protected].