Weekly Newsletters 25-26

Parent Newsletters are released every Friday afternoon. Check back here each week for the latest newsletter so you can keep up-to-date!

Thursday, June 17, 2026

Hi Halsey,

It was another short but busy week at Halsey!

There's still time to get your tickets to the Mets game on June 23rd. Details below. We are almost to 500 tickets! Link below!

Also, please take a moment to do the quick MRA survey. Simply click on this link: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/jhs-157q-stephen-a-halsey/families.

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures & 26-27 School Year Calendar
Upcoming School Events - NY Mets!
PTA - 1st Day School Supplies
Clubs at a Glance - Instrument Rentals
8th Grade Spotlight - Graduation Photo Event
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - McClancy Updates

Coach Sue

A Message From Ms. Lisa

Halsey Bulldog Track Team

On Sunday, June 14, the Halsey Track Team competed in the MSAL City Championships at Columbia University and earned an impressive third place finish in New York City. Several of our athletes also achieved podium finishes, highlighting their outstanding performances. We are incredibly proud of all of our athletes for their dedication, hard work, and accomplishments throughout the season.

A special congratulations go to our coaching staff, Mr. Plummer, Ms. Palmieri, Ms. Iemma, and Mr. Angelastro, who was honored with the Coaches Award for Most Improved Team. This recognition reflects the commitment, perseverance, and teamwork demonstrated by both our coaches and student athletes.

I would also like to offer a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Mr. Plummer for his extraordinary dedication to Halsey Athletics this school year. Mr. Plummer invests countless hours coordinating schedules, communicating with transportation, and ensuring that each sport runs smoothly while adhering to all regulations. He is always willing to find answers, support both players and coaches, and go above and beyond to ensure the success of our programs. His hard work has had a tremendous impact on our athletic program, and it is evident in the success of our teams this year.

We are already looking forward to another great season next year.

8th Grade Graduation

We proudly celebrated the graduation of our Class of 2026 this week, and it was a truly special moment for our entire Halsey community. The ceremony was filled with pride, joy, and reflection as we honored a class that has grown tremendously over the past three years.

This group of students leaves behind an incredible legacy. They have excelled academically, embraced the arts, and taken pride in representing Halsey in athletics and extracurricular activities. From performances on stage to championships on the field, and from innovative STEM projects to memorable school events, they have shown us their many talents and their commitment to excellence.

Beyond their accomplishments, what stands out most about this class is their leadership and their heart. Our graduates took initiative, created opportunities for their peers, and found meaningful ways to give back to the school community. Whether through student government, clubs, or student-led initiatives, they consistently worked to make Halsey a better place for others.

This class has also demonstrated remarkable strength and compassion. During a time of profound loss, they came together to support one another and honor the memory of their classmate Valery. Their empathy, kindness, and unity during that difficult time spoke volumes about their character and the values they carry with them.

Their time at Halsey has been filled with growth, discovery, and meaningful connections. They leave us not only as accomplished students, but as thoughtful, resilient young people who understand the importance of community, perseverance, and caring for others.

We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and all they have achieved. As they move on to high school, we know they will continue to shine and make a positive impact wherever they go.

Congratulations to our graduates. We will miss you!

Celebrating Juneteenth

On Friday, our school is closed to honor Juneteenth, a powerful and important moment in our nation’s history that celebrates freedom, resilience, and the enduring strength of the Black community. June 19, 1865, marks the day when the last enslaved individuals in the United States learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

At Halsey, we take pride in being a school community that values inclusion, respect, and the stories that shape who we are. Juneteenth gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past and recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in equity, understanding, and unity.

We encourage our students and families to take time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Black community.

Happy Juneteenth to our entire Halsey family!

Happy Father's Day

Wishing a very Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures in our community! Thank you for your love, guidance, and the many ways you support and inspire our students each and every day.

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.

Juneteenth - Friday, June 19 Schools Closed

NYCPS released the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. You can find it on the NYCPC website.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!

Tuesday night, June 23^rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!

If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.

As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026

PTA

1st Day School Supplies

Good news for busy parents! Beat the back-to-school rush this year by ordering your child's supply kit online before the chaos hits. Everything on the list, packed and ready, delivered before the first day of school.

No crowded stores
No sold-out items
No stress

👉 Order Here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/72053

Clubs at a Glance

Instrument Rentals for Summer - The Halsey band program does not rent out instruments during the summer. However, Ms. Zaffery has recommendations for you! Here are reliable, Queens-based companies that students have used in the past:
Song of Songs
Wright Music

The Music Shop Music Arts:An online service

8th Grade Spotlight

Graduation Photo Event - Congresswoman Grace Meng would like to celebrate graduates and this milestone of their academic journey. The Office of Congresswoman Grace Meng would like to invite all K-12 students who are graduating in 2026 to attend Rep. Meng’s sixth annual Graduation Photo Event. This event is being held on Saturday, June 27th. The time and location will be shared prior to the event.

Students who reside in our district or attend school in our district will receive certificates, memorable photo opportunities, photobooths, and some memorabilia. This is not limited to a certain number of students per school. If you would like to attend, please RSVP via the link (https://forms.gle/53sG8rAjrhwANbjj9).

Lost & Found - Important Items

There are still plenty of lost items in the Parent Coordinator office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. Airpods? A smart watch? Keys? Hotspot? If you are missing something specific, please ask!

Community Corner

Monsignor McClancy Updates - Registration for each of the annual sports camp are OPEN! Spend the summer here at McClancy enhancing your skills on our state of the art turf field or in our air conditioned gymnasium. It is also great opportunity to make lifelong friends. Register today. https://msgrmcclancy.org/student-life/summer-sports-camps/ Also, the annual Open House will take place on Saturday October 10th. Save the date!

Friday, June 12, 2026

Hi Halsey,
Here's what is going on around Halsey!
There's still time to get your tickets to the Mets game on June 23rd. Details below. We are almost to 500 tickets! Link below!
Also, please take a moment to do the quick MRA survey. Simply click on this link: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/jhs-157q-stephen-a-halsey/families.
Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].
• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures & 26-27 School Year Calendar
• Upcoming School Events - NY Mets!
• PTA - 1st Day School Supplies
• Clubs at a Glance - Select Chorus, Elite Dance
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Graduation Photo Event, All City Music Programs
• Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
• Community Corner - Forest Hills Compost Collective, Free Community Recycling Event, Summer Sights Photography Program at QCH, Projekt NYC, New Song Studio-Queens Music School, New York Philharmonic Free Concerts
Coach Sue

A Message From Ms. Lisa
Forever in Our Hearts: Honoring Valery
This week, we came together in a deeply meaningful way to honor and remember Valery. With the care and guidance of Mr. Plummer, Ms. Astorga, Ms. Goldstein and Mr. Roth, students in classes 802 and 805 planted a beautiful Eastern Redbud tree in the Halsey garden as a living tribute to her. We were grateful to have Valery’s family with us for this special moment, standing together in reflection, love, and remembrance.
Each spring, this Eastern Redbud tree will bloom with soft pink flowers, a gentle and lasting reminder of Valery’s presence in our lives. As the seasons change and the blossoms return, we will pause to remember her, to feel her impact, and to hold her close in our hearts.
Valery will forever remain a part of the Halsey family. Though we carry deep sadness in her loss, we also carry the love, joy, and light she brought to our community. This tree stands not only as a tribute, but as a promise that she will always be remembered, always be cherished, and never be forgotten.

Civics For All Fair
Our Halsey Lighthouse team members presented at the End of Year Civics Fair, reflecting their work as the school’s first ever student government. They shared how they built the organization from the ground up by establishing meeting structures and defining their roles. Students also highlighted their efforts in creating and organizing the school store, including developing a schedule for its operation, as well as helping to run a student led college fair. In addition, they discussed their role in gathering student input to help select a new bell schedule, showcasing their leadership, initiative, and commitment to the school community. We are so proud of all of their work this year, and of everything they have accomplished for our school and for their classmates. We cannot wait to see all that they achieve in their second year.

Improv Champions of the Halsey Universe!
Our Grade 7 students brought incredible energy, creativity, and courage to the stage during this week’s Improv Battle. Given prompts on the spot, students stepped in front of a live audience and built scenes in real time, thinking quickly, supporting one another, and fully embracing the unexpected. Performing improv takes real bravery, and our students truly rose to the occasion with confidence and enthusiasm.
The Improv Team was cooking with jet fuel and absolutely on fire. The fabulous 7T1 Periwinkle Monchichi impressed everyone with their fast thinking and hilarious scenes, while 7T2 Peanut Memorials were spot on with their creative storytelling and standout Two-Line Vocabulary performances. Even members of the audience joined in the excitement, bravely volunteering to come on stage and take part in the fun.
Our Grade 8 theater students served as thoughtful judges, carefully observing each performance before ultimately naming 7T3 Granma’s Bananas as the winners. Their outstanding teamwork, humor, and creativity earned them the title of Improv Champions of the Halsey Universe.
We are especially grateful to Ms. Schwarz, whose talent and dedication helped guide our students to become true Improv Masters of the Halsey Universe. It was a joyful and memorable experience that highlighted not only our students’ creativity, but also their willingness to take risks, collaborate, and celebrate one another.

Halsey Visual Arts Show
Our recent Art Show was a true celebration of creativity, and the incredible talent of our students. Walking through the display on the main floor of our school, it was impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride as each piece reflected the imagination, effort, and individuality that make our students so special. From vibrant paintings to thoughtful mixed media pieces, every work of art told a story and showcased the beauty of student expression.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Lamere, our amazing visual art teacher, for the care, passion, and dedication she brings to her work each day. Through her guidance, our students are not only learning artistic skills but also finding their voices and confidence as creators. We are so grateful to Ms. Lamere for organizing such a fabulous art show where the students were able to showcase their talents to our school community.
I would also like to thank our PTA for running the auction and raffle during the Art Show. It was wonderful to see some of our families leave with fabulous prizes, adding to the joy and excitement of an lovely evening.

Halsey Bulldogs Volleyball Team takes the Queens Championship!
Congratulations to the Halsey Bulldogs volleyball team on an incredible achievement, winning the Queens Championship. This victory reflects your hard work, determination, and teamwork throughout the season. We are so proud of the way you represent Halsey with skill, sportsmanship, and heart.
Track Meet at Columbia University
We also want to wish our track team the very best of luck this Sunday as they head to Columbia University to compete at the citywide level. Your dedication and perseverance have brought you this far, and we are cheering you on as you take on this exciting next challenge. Go Bulldogs!

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.
Juneteenth - Friday, June 19 Schools Closed
NYCPS released the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. You can find it on the NYCPC website.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!
Tuesday night, June 23rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!
If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.
As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026
PTA
1st Day School Supplies
Good news for busy parents! Beat the back-to-school rush this year by ordering your child's supply kit online before the chaos hits. Everything on the list, packed and ready, delivered before the first day of school.
• No crowded stores
• No sold-out items
• No stress
👉 Order Here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/72053

Clubs at a Glance
Halsey Pride was a success! Thank you to all of our teacher and student volunteers for making this event run smoothly and making sure everyone had an amazing time. A special shout out to Ms. Zaffery and her band students for arranging and playing music written by LGBTQ+ artists. HAPPY PRIDE!

Congratulations to grades 7 and 8 Select Chorus members on their filming of the music video for "Go Chase Your Dreams", composed by grade 8 parent, Midori Larsen. The students were able to work with composer Jim Papoulis and professional filmmaker Michael Finan, along with professional musicians. We will share the video once it is complete!
Here is some behind the scenes footage: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ln3_8hrGuMMOXTt-xfQoAf2_Cllmyesn/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oodZODbFnfVZwql6aD1Vy2JkCdSlqZ4c/view?usp=sharing
Select Chorus students also went on a field trip to see the Broadway production of "The Outsiders" this week. The students had a great time and were blown away by the set, special effects, and talented cast. Please click here to see some photos from the day. STAY GOLD!
Halsey Dance Elite put on their final performance of the year at the prestigious Queens Borough Arts Festival last week. They shined bright and made a lasting impression among the 20 other schools who participated in the event. What a great way to end the year in Dance! Congratulations Halsey Dance Elite!

Instrument Rentals for Summer - The Halsey band program does not rent out instruments during the summer. However, Ms. Zaffery has recommendations for you! Here are reliable, Queens-based companies that students have used in the past:
Song of Songs
Wright Music
The Music Shop Music Arts:An online service

Visual Arts Opportunity!
On behalf of the 112th Precinct and the 112th Precinct Community Council, all students are invited to participate in the annual student contest promoting respect, unity, and diversity.
This year, we are introducing a new and creative focus: students are encouraged to design an advertisement that inspires their peers to take a stand against hate and bias while celebrating the rich diversity of our community. We believe this initiative provides a meaningful platform for students to express their voices, foster awareness, and contribute positively to a more inclusive environment. The contest will have cash and other prizes for the students. We will have the posters displayed at our night out against crime . The prizes will be announced at our June precinct council meeting.

We hope that all of your students participate. If you have questions you can contact: Mrs. Lamere room 141

8th Grade Spotlight
Graduation Photo Event - Congresswoman Grace Meng would like to celebrate graduates and this milestone of their academic journey. The Office of Congresswoman Grace Meng would like to invite all K-12 students who are graduating in 2026 to attend Rep. Meng’s sixth annual Graduation Photo Event. This event is being held on Saturday, June 27th. The time and location will be shared prior to the event.
Students who reside in our district or attend school in our district will receive certificates, memorable photo opportunities, photobooths, and some memorabilia. This is not limited to a certain number of students per school. If you would like to attend, please RSVP via the link https://forms.gle/53sG8rAjrhwANbjj9

Lost & Found - Important Items
There are still plenty of lost items in the Parent Coordinator office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. Airpods? A smart watch? Keys? Hotspot? If you are missing something specific, please ask!

Community Corner
Compost Collective - Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a beautiful morning experience with The Compost Collective of Forest Hills at Kessel St &, Yellowstone Blvd, Rego Park, NY 11374, on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, at 8:30 AM-11AM. This free experience will give you hands-on experience with your neighborhood composters and sustainable choices you can make in your daily life :) Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will meet at the location written above and plan on starting promptly at 8:30 AM. There is no cost to attend; you just need to bring a signed waiver that is attached to this form for each person coming. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. There is no maximum capacity, so all are welcome so long as they bring the waiver in that day! Mr. Lober will be there to greet and work with the Compost Collective that day for an unbelievable morning! Come ready to get dirty, so please bring clothes and shoes that can afford some stains. Link to Register: Forest Hills Compost Collective Event June 13th with Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Council Member Linda Lee’s office is teaming up with the Lower East Side Ecology Center and local elected officials to host a Free Community Recycling Event in Queens Village, made possible through discretionary funding from Council Member Lee.
This is an easy, no-cost opportunity for families to safely dispose of old electronics, unwanted textiles, and accepted paint items, rain or shine. Families simply need to load the items into their car and bring them to the event site — staff will be on hand to help unload accepted items from vehicles.
We would greatly appreciate your help sharing the attached flyer with parents and families through your school newsletters, email lists, parent groups, social media pages, or other school communication channels.
📍 No appointment needed — families can simply drive up or stop by with their items.
📍 Staff will be available on site to help unload accepted items from cars.
📍 No limit on the amount of e-waste that may be dropped off. These events are open to households, nonprofits, schools, and small businesses.
📍 Data security is guaranteed for electronic devices. Older computers, external hard drives, cell phones, and similar items are shredded during recycling, and items that may be reused are wiped during the refurbishing process.
🗓 Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Alley Pond Park parking lot, across from 79-25 Winchester Boulevard, Queens Village
Rain or Shine
✅ What families can drop off
Electronics, working or not:
Computers, keyboards, printers, mobile phones, tablets, televisions, video game consoles, VCRs, DVD/Blu-ray players, cables, chargers, and similar electronic items.
Textiles:
Clean, dry, and odorless clothing, shoes, towels, curtains, linens, bedding, hats, bags, gloves, and other household textiles.
Paint:
House paint and primers, stains, deck and concrete sealers, and clear finishes such as varnish or shellac. Paint must be in its original, sealed, labeled container and no larger than 5 gallons.
❌ What’s not accepted
Air conditioners, household appliances, batteries, light bulbs, CD-ROMs/floppy discs, DVDs, VHS tapes, audio cassettes, smoke detectors, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, leaking or unlabeled paint containers, aerosol spray cans, paint thinner, solvents, glue, pesticides, or cleaning chemicals.

The Summer Sights Photography Program at Queens Community House is a free program open to young participants ages 14-18 that explores basic photography techniques while practicing them indoors and outdoors in Queens. Applicants should be interested in small group art projects focused on developing their photography skills. At the end of the program, participants will host their very own Photography Exhibit!

Program Size: Only 20 spots available!*
*Registration is first come, first serve*

Program Expectations: Participants must be available for all program sessions.

Program General Schedule:
Dates: Tuesday July 7th to Thursday August 13th
Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4 PM to 6 PM@FHCC Room 3
Gallery Exhibit & Reception: Thursday August 13th from 5 PM to 7 PM@FHCC TBA
If interested, students can apply here: https://bit.ly/SSP2026App

Projekt NYC is excited to offer a FREE Financial Literacy Workshop for students in grades 5-8 on Saturday, June 20 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Steinway Library in Astoria. This interactive workshop will be taught by outstanding student volunteers from New York City's high schools. Through a mix of hands-on activities, games, discussions, and real-world examples, participants will learn important financial skills including: budgeting and managing money; saving for short- and long-term goals; smart spending and consumer choices; and building healthy money habits early. Students who actively engage in the workshop will receive 2 hours of community service credit and a certificate of completion. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAwY08hc7kaYfPUlH1DvR9vohWFP3fm-EG9sRsykHqAe458A/viewform

This July, New Song Studio – Queens Music School will be offering Summer Strings 2026, a two-week string-focused day program for students entering Grades 3–9.
The program is designed for students who play, or are interested in learning, violin, viola, or cello. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to more experienced students who would like to strengthen their technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills over the summer.
Program Highlights:
• Dates: Session 1: July 6–10, 2026 | Session 2: July 13–17, 2026
• Location: Townsend Harris High School — permit pending
• Instruments: Violin, Viola, and Cello
• Levels: All levels accepted; beginners are welcome
• Instrument Access: Free instrument rentals available for beginners
• Curriculum: Small-group lessons, guided practice, performance ensembles, musicianship, sight reading, vocal training, and light academic supplement in English and Math
• Lunch: Students may bring lunch or access the free NYC DOE lunch option, if available through the site
Students who register for both sessions will also have the opportunity to participate in a final performance on Friday, July 17.
Registration is currently open, and program details and registration information are available here: https://www.queensmusicschool.com/ss2026 Hasley students can receive a $50 discount when registering for both week by listing Halsey as their current school on the registration form. Registration will be open until June 14th or until all seats are filled.
New York Philharmonic just announced their Free Concerts in the Parks series. June 9-14. Unroll your blankets and fill your picnic baskets because music under the summer sky is back! Since 1965, audiences have gathered with family and friends on the lawns of New York City parks to enjoy a beloved summer tradition: free music by starlight at the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. This year, Principal Cello Carter Brey performs Saint-Saëns’s thrilling Cello Concerto No. 1, in a program featuring American and French concert favorites conducted by Elim Chan. The celebration continues after every concert with dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky! More information can be found here: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/parks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Free%20Summer%20Concert%20Series&utm_campaign=mkt_20260422_ParksAnnouncement_ns

Friday, June 5, 2026

Hi Halsey,

It's a short week again but there is SO MUCH GOING ON! Here's what's happening!

Don't forget to:

Get your tickets to the Mets game on June 23rd. Details below. We are trying to get to 500 Halsey friends and family! Link below!
Visit the school store during lunch! Check out all the cool things being sold!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures & 26-27 School Year Calendar
Upcoming School Events - Halsey Art Exhibition & NY Mets!
PTA - 1st Day School Supplies, Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Get Your Tickets - Theatre Performances
Clubs at a Glance - Chorus Concert Video and Select Chorus, Queens Night Market, Soccer Champions, Pride Celebration,
8th Grade Spotlight - Graduation Photo Event, All City Music Programs
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - New Song Studio-Queens Music School, New York Philharmonic Free Concerts

Coach Sue

A Message From Ms. Lisa

8th Grade Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase

On Wednesday night, our Halsey stage came alive with the incredible talent of our 8th grade theatre students. The Senior Showcase, themed How to Survive Your Teens in 10 Scenes, was a truly special event that highlighted both the humor and insight of adolescence through original student work. It marked the culmination of months of dedication, creativity, and collaboration. Our students took full ownership of their work, writing original scripts, rehearsing together as an ensemble, and performing with confidence and heart.

Having had the opportunity to watch this process unfold over several weeks, I can personally attest to the tremendous growth, perseverance, and artistry that each student brought to the stage. From the earliest drafts of their scripts to the final polished performances, it was clear how much effort, imagination, and passion went into every moment.

We are so proud of our 8th grade performers as they take their final bow on the Halsey stage. Their work not only entertained but also reflected their voices, their experiences, and their creativity in meaningful ways.

A very special thank you goes to Ms. Schwarz, whose dedication to her students and her craft is evident in everything she does. She is an extraordinary theatre educator who creates a space where students feel empowered to express themselves, take creative risks, and grow as performers and collaborators. Her ability to guide students through the entire creative process, from script writing to final performance, is truly remarkable. Our students are incredibly fortunate to learn from a teacher who inspires confidence, nurtures talent, and brings out the very best in each and every one of them.

Global Running Day at Icahn Stadium

What a fantastic day we had celebrating Global Running Day with the NY Road Runners at Icahn Stadium on Wednesday, June 3. Student from classes 794 and 994 enjoyed an energetic and joyful outing filled with movement and teamwork. Students participated in field activities and a banner parade. Check out our photos!

8th Grade Prom

Our 8th grade prom was truly an amazing celebration for our 8th graders. They ate, danced, and celebrated together, creating lasting memories as they prepare to close this chapter of their middle school experience at Halsey.

We were fortunate to have a beautiful day, which allowed everyone to enjoy time outdoors while eating and socializing. The setting added to the overall experience and gave everyone a chance to relax and take in the moment together. After dinner, we had an ice cream bar, which even our teachers enjoyed.

Our students looked absolutely stunning. Each student brought their own unique sense of style, and it was awesome to see how they expressed their individuality and personality. From elegant and classic looks to bold and creative choices, every student shined in their own way.

What stood out most, however, was the way our children conducted themselves throughout the event. I was approached by the manager of The Inn at New Hyde Park, who shared that she coordinates many proms and events, yet she has never seen a group of students who were as well mannered, respectful, and polite as ours. She told me, “You should be so proud. You are blessed.”

I shared with her that I feel blessed to be the principal of Halsey every day. Our students continue to represent our community with pride, and this night was a beautiful reflection of who they are.

A special thank you to Mr. Plummer, Mr. Sarris, and Ms. Sussman for organizing such a beautiful celebration for our students. It took months of hard work and I am so grateful. I would also like to thank all of our staff members who came out to chaperone and support the event. We truly could not do it without you, and your presence helps make the night even more fun and memorable for our students.

6th Grade Orientation

Today we welcomed our incoming 6th grade class and their families to Halsey during our 6th grade orientation. We hosted two sessions and had the opportunity to meet approximately 300 incoming students and their families. Our goal was to help alleviate any transition concerns, answer questions, and most importantly, extend a warm and heartfelt welcome into the Halsey family.

There was a great sense of excitement throughout both sessions. Students and families enjoyed touring the building, becoming familiar with our space, and connecting with staff. It was clear that everyone was eager to begin this next chapter.

We are truly looking forward to welcoming our incoming 6th graders to Halsey in September and are excited for all that lies ahead for them.

Thank you to all of our staff members who came to school on a remote day to assist us in providing this warm welcome to our incoming 6^th graders. I appreciate you so much!

Thank you to our amazing PTA for coming out to support our 6th grade Open House. We are so grateful for your support and for sharing Halsey merchandise with our incoming 6^th grade families, helping to build pride and excitement in our school community.

Our Amazing Parent Coordinator, Ms. Sue Landis “Coach Sue”

We are so grateful for our incredible Parent Coordinator, Ms. Sue Landis, also known to many as “Coach Sue.” From the moment she joined us in September, she jumped right into some of the busiest and most complex work, including OMNY cards, busing, and supporting our incoming 6th grade families with many questions. She has truly been an invaluable resource and a constant source of support for our entire school community, including me!

Sue consistently takes initiative and is always willing to help, no matter the task, even when it extends beyond her official role. Her dedication, positivity, and can-do spirit make a meaningful difference every single day. She has been a wonderful addition to the Halsey family, and we all genuinely love working with her. She brings such great energy and fits right in with our community.

Thank you, Sue, for everything you do for our students, families, and staff. We appreciate you more than words can express.

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.

Juneteenth - Friday, June 19 Schools Closed

NYCPS released the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. You can find it on the NYCPC website.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Halsey Art Exhibition

We warmly invite all students, staff, families, and members of the community to join us in celebrating the creativity, dedication, and artistic growth of our students.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Halsey Junior High School (Halsey 157 - Main entrance)

This exhibition reflects the hard work and talent of our students across all grade levels, and it promises to be an inspiring and meaningful event for our school community.

All are welcome friends and family are encouraged to attend.

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!

Tuesday night, June 23^rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!

If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.

As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026

PTA

Volunteers Needed! We are looking for parent volunteers to help during our upcoming Spring Concerts. Volunteers will assist with selling flowers and snacks, as well as light set-up and clean-up. Any amount of time helps, even one slot makes a difference.

👉 Sign up here: Sign up

1st Day School Supplies

Good news for busy parents! Beat the back-to-school rush this year by ordering your child's supply kit online before the chaos hits. Everything on the list, packed and ready, delivered before the first day of school.

No crowded stores
No sold-out items
No stress

👉 Order Here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/72053

Spring Auction - The auction will run from June 1 through June 10 and features an exciting collection of prizes, experiences, gift baskets, local business gift cards, student activities, and special opportunities with Halsey staff. Starting June 1, families can visit the auction website, browse all available items, and place bids from anywhere: HalseySpring Auction

Get Your Tickets! - All Ticket Links are Now Live on the Halsey157.org!

The 7th Grade Improv Battle will take place on Tuesday, June 9th at 6PM. Come out to watch the 7th graders improv their way through hilarious suggestions and scenes!.

The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Tuesday, June 2nd. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase. Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Friday, June 5th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

Clubs at a Glance

Chorus Concert Video - Please check out the link to this video if you would like to watch the chorus concert from May 19th. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EJW87qd8NKMjvkg0sY_HUQinJDBiJixD?usp=sharing

Select Chorus - Congratulations to our Select Chorus for earning a Gold with Distinction at NYSSMA this week. This is the highest award in the evaluation process and very rarely given. They finished the day with an in school assessment with renowned music educators, Dr. Cara Bernard, Sophia Miller, and Kim Dunkin, who said they needed a new PLATINUM medal for how fantastic they are. We are very proud of our Select Chorus!

Queens Night Market - A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our fantastic Saturday Queens Night Market outing! We had a wonderful time connecting outside of school, eating some delicious food, and enjoying what ended up being a great weather day with the Halsey Community. Be sure to keep an eye out for exciting details regarding our next potential get-together on June 13th—more information will be coming your way soon!

Soccer - We are proud to announce that our soccer team is officially the Queens Champions! Spring Champions Second Year in a Row!!! After an incredible match, we secured the championship victory in a thrilling penalty shootout. Our next game is on June 10, where we will compete to head to the city championship.

Pride Celebration - Halsey is having their annual Pride celebration! Pride Month is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ culture, history, and community. It primarily takes place in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, which served as a major catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. This celebration will take place on June 11^th throughout all four lunch periods where the students will be able to participate in activities to win prizes and hear music by LGBTQ+ artists performed by Halsey band students! Check out the attached flyer for more Pride events in NYC!

Visual Arts Opportunity!

On behalf of the 112th Precinct and the 112th Precinct Community Council, all students are invited to participate in the annual student contest promoting respect, unity, and diversity.
This year, we are introducing a new and creative focus: students are encouraged to design an advertisement that inspires their peers to take a stand against hate and bias while celebrating the rich diversity of our community. We believe this initiative provides a meaningful platform for students to express their voices, foster awareness, and contribute positively to a more inclusive environment. The contest will have cash and other prizes for the students. We will have the posters displayed at our night out against crime . The prizes will be announced at our June precinct council meeting.

We hope that all of your students participate. If you have questions you can contact: Mrs. Lamere room 141

8th Grade Spotlight

Graduation Photo Event - Congresswoman Grace Meng would like to celebrate graduates and this milestone of their academic journey. The Office of Congresswoman Grace Meng would like to invite all K-12 students who are graduating in 2026 to attend Rep. Meng’s sixth annual Graduation Photo Event. This event is being held on Saturday, June 27th. The time and location will be shared prior to the event.

Students who reside in our district or attend school in our district will receive certificates, memorable photo opportunities, photobooths, and some memorabilia. This is not limited to a certain number of students per school. If you would like to attend, please RSVP via the link (https://forms.gle/53sG8rAjrhwANbjj9).

All City Music Programs - All City is a free music program that meets each Saturday in various locations, depending on ensemble. This audition opportunity is available for all high schoolers. Our current eighth graders can audition for the program. For more information, take a look at the attached flyer!

Lost & Found - Important Items

There are still plenty of lost items in the Parent Coordinator office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. Airpods? A smart watch? Keys? Hotspot? If you are missing something specific, please ask!

Community Corner

This July, New Song Studio – Queens Music School will be offering Summer Strings 2026, a two-week string-focused day program for students entering Grades 3–9.

The program is designed for students who play, or are interested in learning, violin, viola, or cello. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to more experienced students who would like to strengthen their technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills over the summer.

Program Highlights:

Dates: Session 1: July 6–10, 2026 | Session 2: July 13–17, 2026
Location: Townsend Harris High School — permit pending
Instruments: Violin, Viola, and Cello
Levels: All levels accepted; beginners are welcome
Instrument Access: Free instrument rentals available for beginners
Curriculum: Small-group lessons, guided practice, performance ensembles, musicianship, sight reading, vocal training, and light academic supplement in English and Math
Lunch: Students may bring lunch or access the free NYC DOE lunch option, if available through the site

Students who register for both sessions will also have the opportunity to participate in a final performance on Friday, July 17.

Registration is currently open, and program details and registration information are available here: https://www.queensmusicschool.com/ss2026 Hasley students can receive a $50 discount when registering for both week by listing Halsey as their current school on the registration form. Registration will be open until June 14th or until all seats are filled.

New York Philharmonic just announced their Free Concerts in the Parks series. June 9-14. Unroll your blankets and fill your picnic baskets because music under the summer sky is back! Since 1965, audiences have gathered with family and friends on the lawns of New York City parks to enjoy a beloved summer tradition: free music by starlight at the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. This year, Principal Cello Carter Brey performs Saint-Saëns’s thrilling Cello Concerto No. 1, in a program featuring American and French concert favorites conducted by Elim Chan. The celebration continues after every concert with dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky! More information can be found here: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/parks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Free%20Summer%20Concert%20Series&utm_campaign=mkt_20260422_ParksAnnouncement_ns

Friday, May 29, 2026

Hi Halsey,

It was a short week, but lots has happened. Here's what's going on around Halsey!

Don't forget to:

Get your tickets to the Mets game on June 23rd. Details below. We are trying to get to 500 Halsey friends and family! Link below!
Last chance to take the Leader In Me Measurable Results Assessment (MRA) survey. Simply click on this link: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/jhs-157q-stephen-a-halsey/families.
Visit the school store during lunch! Check out all the cool things being sold!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures & 26-27 School Year Calendar
Upcoming School Events - Halsey Art Exhibition & NY Mets!
PTA - 1st Day School Supplies, Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser, Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Get Your Tickets - Dance and Theatre Performances
Clubs at a Glance - Helping Hands Club
8th Grade Spotlight - Graduation Photo Event, All City Music Programs
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - New Song Studio-Queens Music School, New York Philharmonic Free Concerts

Coach Sue

A Message From Ms. Lisa

Halsey's Spring Dance Concert
On Thursday evening, our school community came together for a beautiful Spring Dance Concert. Our students lit up the stage performing with confidence, pride, and remarkable poise. They were beaming on stage, and it was inspiring to see their growth not only as dancers, but in the way they expressed themselves. Our staff dance team also took the stage and truly rocked the house, bringing incredible energy and excitement that had the crowd cheering throughout.

We are incredibly proud of every student (and staff member!) who performed and grateful to our families for supporting the arts at Halsey. A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms. Gruet, whose passion, talent, and commitment to her students made this special evening possible. Her guidance and dedication continue to elevate our dance program and create opportunities for our students to truly excel.

Click here for videos of the concert: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RLnVhiBcpZ_nDXtG_PHeSc1cA_JJEYlE

Our 8^th Graders Prepare for the Regents Exams

Our 8th grade students are working diligently as they prepare for their upcoming Regents exams in June. Across classrooms, students are deeply engaged in rigorous lessons, strengthening their skills, building their knowledge, and demonstrating a strong commitment to their academic success. It has been amazing to see their focus, perseverance, and determination as they rise to meet these high expectations.

In addition to their hard work during the school day, many students are taking advantage of our after-school Regents preparation sessions, where they are receiving targeted support and additional practice in Algebra, English, Biology, and U.S. History. These extra sessions reflect our students’ motivation and the dedication of our staff to ensuring every student feels confident and prepared.

We are incredibly proud of our 8th graders and all that they are doing to prepare for this important milestone, and we are confident that their hard work will lead to success on their Regents exams in June.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Assemblies

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, our school community came together today for a powerful series of assemblies celebrating culture, artistry, and shared learning. Students had the opportunity to experience the incredible work of Ajna Dance Company, a premier performing arts group that highlights the richness of South Asian culture.

Throughout the day, students were engaged in dynamic performances that showcased a wide range of dance styles, including classical, folk, and Bollywood. The energy in the auditorium was palpable as students not only watched but actively connected with the music, movement, and stories being shared. These assemblies provided a meaningful opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of diverse cultures while celebrating the vibrant contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

We are grateful to Ajna Dance Company for returning to Halsey and providing such an engaging and enriching experience for our students. Today’s assemblies were a wonderful reminder of the importance of honoring culture, fostering inclusion, and celebrating the diversity that strengthens our school community.

Halsey Represents at the MathCON Finals in Chicago

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about one of our outstanding students, Kyle Xu of Class 822! Kyle recently traveled to Chicago to compete in the MathCON Finals, where he earned an Honorable Mention, an incredible achievement at a national level.

This accomplishment is a testament to Kyle’s hard work, dedication, and passion for mathematics. We are so proud of his success and grateful for the support of his teacher, Ms. Savva and his family who helped him reach this milestone. Congratulations to Kyle on representing Halsey with such excellence!

Track Team Highlights – Astoria Park Meet
Our track team delivered an outstanding performance at Astoria Park, finishing in the top four across all track categories—a truly remarkable achievement! The athletes showed dedication, teamwork, and determination throughout the meet. Our strongest events were the shot put and the 200m sprint, where our competitors especially shined. We are incredibly proud of the entire team!

I cannot believe that next week already ushers in the month of June. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, I am so proud of all that our students have accomplished and look forward to celebrating all that is still 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.

Anniversary Day - Thursday, June 4 students do not attend

Clerical Day - Friday, June 5 students do not attend

Juneteenth - Friday, June 19 Schools Closed

NYCPS released the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. You can find it on the NYCPC website.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Threatre Arts Senior Showcase

On Wednesday, June 3 at 6pm, the 8^th grade Theatre Arts students will be presenting their Senior Showcase, entitled "How to Survive Your Teens in 10 Scenes".

Senior Showcase is a series of scenes dealing with adolescent experiences, independently directed, performed and produced by 8^th grade Advanced Theatre students as their culminating performance after 3 years in in Theatre Arts.

Tickets are available for $5.00 on our school website and be purchased at the door. Ticket link is further down in the email!

Please come support these amazing and talent 8^th grade students in their FINAL HALSEY show!!

Halsey Art Exhibition

We warmly invite all students, staff, families, and members of the community to join us in celebrating the creativity, dedication, and artistic growth of our students.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Halsey Junior High School (Halsey 157 - Main entrance)

This exhibition reflects the hard work and talent of our students across all grade levels, and it promises to be an inspiring and meaningful event for our school community.

All are welcome friends and family are encouraged to attend.

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!

Tuesday night, June 23^rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!

If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.

As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026

PTA

Volunteers Needed! We are looking for parent volunteers to help during our upcoming Spring Concerts. Volunteers will assist with selling flowers and snacks, as well as light set-up and clean-up. Any amount of time helps, even one slot makes a difference.

👉 Sign up here: Sign up

1st Day School Supplies

Good news for busy parents! Beat the back-to-school rush this year by ordering your child's supply kit online before the chaos hits. Everything on the list, packed and ready, delivered before the first day of school.

No crowded stores
No sold-out items
No stress

👉 Order Here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/72053

Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser - Aigner Chocolates, located at 103-02 Metropolitan Avenue, is running a fundraiser that can help support our PTA. For every Cocoa Joy Community Bar purchased in-store from May 1 through May 31, Aigner Chocolates will donate $3 to the PTA of your favorite school! Just let them know you want to support JHS 157 Halsey! It's that easy! And the chocolate is delicious!

Spring Auction - The auction will run from June 1 through June 10 and features an exciting collection of prizes, experiences, gift baskets, local business gift cards, student activities, and special opportunities with Halsey staff. Starting June 1, families can visit the auction website, browse all available items, and place bids from anywhere: HalseySpring Auction

Spirit Store 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.

Get Your Tickets! - All Ticket Links are Now Live on the Halsey157.org!

The Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase takes places on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00 PM. Senior Showcase is a series of scenes and monologues written, directed, produced and performed by 8^th grade Advanced Theatre students as a culminating performance project after 3 years in Theatre Arts.

Online ticket sales will continue until Monday, June 1st at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Tuesday, June 2nd. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Monday, June 1st all tickets must be purchased at the door

Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vioa8lr.19Q_

The 7th Grade Improv Battle will take place on Tuesday, June 9th at 6PM. Come out to watch the 7th graders improv their way through hilarious suggestions and scenes!

Online tickets sales will continue through Friday, June 5th at 12PM.

The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Tuesday, June 2nd. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase. Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Monday, June 5th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

7th Grade Improv Battle Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vk4R3k1.D8_

Clubs at a Glance

Helping Hands Club - All of May, the Helping Hands Club is collecting donations to create “Sunshine Boxes” for patients at Northwell Hospital Cohen Children's Medical Center.

How you can help:
Donate new, unused items such as:
- Socks
- Blankets
- Toys & fidgets
- Puzzles
- Art supplies
- Books

Important: All items must be in their original packaging.

Drop-off Location: Room 200 (Ms. Vassiliou)
When: Anytime during the month of May

Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Visual Arts Opportunity!

On behalf of the 112th Precinct and the 112th Precinct Community Council, all students are invited to participate in the annual student contest promoting respect, unity, and diversity.
This year, we are introducing a new and creative focus: students are encouraged to design an advertisement that inspires their peers to take a stand against hate and bias while celebrating the rich diversity of our community. We believe this initiative provides a meaningful platform for students to express their voices, foster awareness, and contribute positively to a more inclusive environment. The contest will have cash and other prizes for the students. We will have the posters displayed at our night out against crime . The prizes will be announced at our June precinct council meeting.

We hope that all of your students participate. If you have questions you can contact: Mrs. Lamere room 141

8th Grade Spotlight

Graduation Photo Event - Congresswoman Grace Meng would like to celebrate graduates and this milestone of their academic journey. The Office of Congresswoman Grace Meng would like to invite all K-12 students who are graduating in 2026 to attend Rep. Meng’s sixth annual Graduation Photo Event. This event is being held on Saturday, June 27th. The time and location will be shared prior to the event.

Students who reside in our district or attend school in our district will receive certificates, memorable photo opportunities, photobooths, and some memorabilia. This is not limited to a certain number of students per school. If you would like to attend, please RSVP via the link (https://forms.gle/53sG8rAjrhwANbjj9).

All City Music Programs - All City is a free music program that meets each Saturday in various locations, depending on ensemble. This audition opportunity is available for all high schoolers. Our current eighth graders can audition for the program. For more information, take a look at the attached flyer!

Lost & Found - Important Items

There are still plenty of lost items in the Parent Coordinator office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. Airpods? A smart watch? Keys? Hotspot? If you are missing something specific, please ask!

Community Corner

This July, New Song Studio – Queens Music School will be offering Summer Strings 2026, a two-week string-focused day program for students entering Grades 3–9.

The program is designed for students who play, or are interested in learning, violin, viola, or cello. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to more experienced students who would like to strengthen their technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills over the summer.

Program Highlights:

Dates: Session 1: July 6–10, 2026 | Session 2: July 13–17, 2026
Location: Townsend Harris High School — permit pending
Instruments: Violin, Viola, and Cello
Levels: All levels accepted; beginners are welcome
Instrument Access: Free instrument rentals available for beginners
Curriculum: Small-group lessons, guided practice, performance ensembles, musicianship, sight reading, vocal training, and light academic supplement in English and Math
Lunch: Students may bring lunch or access the free NYC DOE lunch option, if available through the site

Students who register for both sessions will also have the opportunity to participate in a final performance on Friday, July 17.

Registration is currently open, and program details and registration information are available here: https://www.queensmusicschool.com/ss2026 Hasley students can receive a $50 discount when registering for both week by listing Halsey as their current school on the registration form. Registration will be open until June 14th or until all seats are filled.

New York Philharmonic just announced their Free Concerts in the Parks series. June 9-14. Unroll your blankets and fill your picnic baskets because music under the summer sky is back! Since 1965, audiences have gathered with family and friends on the lawns of New York City parks to enjoy a beloved summer tradition: free music by starlight at the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. This year, Principal Cello Carter Brey performs Saint-Saëns’s thrilling Cello Concerto No. 1, in a program featuring American and French concert favorites conducted by Elim Chan. The celebration continues after every concert with dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky! More information can be found here: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/parks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Free%20Summer%20Concert%20Series&utm_campaign=mkt_20260422_ParksAnnouncement_ns

Friday, May 22, 2026

Hi Halsey,
Another busy week at Halsey and we've made it to the long weekend!
Don't forget to:
• Get your tickets to the Mets game on June 23rd. Details below. We are trying to get to 500 Halsey friends and family! Link below!
• Take the Leader In Me Measurable Results Assessment (MRA) survey. Simply click on this link: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/jhs-157q-stephen-a-halsey/families.
• Be awesome this weekend!
Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].
• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures & 26-27 School Year Calendar
• Upcoming School Events - Spring Dance Concert, Halsey Art Exhibition & NY Mets!
• PTA - Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser, Spring Auction & Spirit Store
• Get Your Tickets - Dance and Theatre Performances
• Clubs at a Glance - Intro to AI Design League, Crochet Club Fundraiser Update, Dance Elite, Robotics Club, and Helping Hands Club
• 8th Grade Spotlight - All City Music Programs
• Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
• Community Corner - New Song Studio-Queens Music School, New York Philharmonic Free Concerts
Coach Sue

A Message From Ms. Lisa
This week has been a powerful reflection of who we are as a school community and as a family.
We have had so many moments of celebration and joy, from our chorus concert, to the 8th grade dance thesis presentations, our first track meet, a great win by our baseball team, to the energy and excitement of our field days. These are the moments that bring us together and remind us of the pride we share in our students and in one another.
At the same time, as in any family, we also experience moments of deep sadness and loss. This week, our community experienced a devastating loss with the passing of one of our students. It is a reminder that alongside our celebrations, there are times when we must come together to support one another through grief.
During times like these, it is important that we lean on each other, show care and compassion, and provide strength to those who are hurting most. As a community, we will channel our sadness and grief into offering support and love to the Halsey family experiencing this devastating loss, and together we will find beautiful ways to honor the memory of our student.
We will continue to lift one another up with kindness, empathy, and love. That is who we are, and that is what makes our Halsey school community so special.
With so Much Love,
Ms. Lisa
Your Principal

Halsey's Spring Chorus Concert
Our recent chorus concert was far more than a performance. It was a beautiful reflection of dedication, artistry, and the meaningful experiences our students gain through music. As our students took the stage, they did not simply sing. They performed with intention, skill, and a confidence that filled the room with pride.
What made the evening so special was not only the quality of the music, but the depth behind it. Through their work in chorus, students learn to connect music to real emotions and real experiences. They begin to understand that a song can be a bridge between people, helping them better understand one another and the world around them. This sense of empathy and expression was evident in every note that was shared. Take a look at the program attached to this email!
It was also clear that each student felt seen and valued. Their poise, their pride, and their presence on stage reflected the strong sense of community that has been built within the chorus.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our chorus teacher, Ms. Sara Shikowitz. She is a truly gifted educator who brings both excellence and heart to her work each and every day. Her ability to nurture talent while caring deeply for each student as an individual is what makes our chorus program so special. We are incredibly thankful for her passion, her compassion, and her unwavering commitment to bringing out the very best in our students.

8th Grade Senior Thesis Dance Production
Last night, our 8th grade students took the stage for their Senior Thesis Dance Showcase, and they absolutely delivered. The evening was a beautiful display of talent, hard work, and heart, as our students shared performances that reflected both their growth and their dedication.
What made this showcase especially meaningful was the level of ownership our students demonstrated throughout the process. Each student played an active role in developing the choreography for their routine, selecting costumes, and bringing their creative vision to life. Their ability to design and perform such thoughtful pieces speaks volumes about their commitment, artistry, and confidence.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Gruet for her dedication, creativity, and the countless hours she poured into making this showcase such a meaningful experience for our students. Her passion for dance and her commitment to nurturing each child’s growth was evident in every performance.
We are so proud of our 8th graders and all that they accomplished. Check out this link for photos and videos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fZSalN9LcCHpdmFJWU8d7ROrWy_nOPwK

Don't miss the Spring Dance Concert on Thursday, May 28th featuring our 6, 7, and 8th grade dancers! Link below!
Halsey’s First Track Meet
On Thursday, May 21st, Halsey proudly participated in our very first track meet, and our athletes truly rose to the occasion. Despite the rain, our students showed up with determination, resilience, and an incredible sense of team spirit.
Throughout the day, our athletes demonstrated not only physical strength and skill, but also perseverance and heart. Competing in challenging weather conditions did not slow them down. Instead, it brought out their grit and their commitment to doing their best for themselves and for one another.
Our students supported each other, celebrated every effort, and represented Halsey with such pride. This first meet marks the beginning of what we know will be a strong and growing track program for our school.
We are so proud of our athletes for showing up, pushing through the rain, and giving it their all. Their effort and sportsmanship truly captured the spirit of Halsey.

Halsey’s Baseball Team Keeps Winning and Winning!
Our Halsey Baseball Team continues to build an exciting season, and their most recent game was nothing short of thrilling. In a truly stunning finish, our players rallied at the end of the game to secure a hard-fought victory, showing determination, focus, and heart when it mattered most.
With the pressure on, our team stayed composed, supported one another, and delivered in those final moments, turning the game around in a way that had everyone on the edge of their seats. It was a powerful display of teamwork.
We are incredibly proud of our student athletes for their continued success and the way they represent Halsey with such pride and sportsmanship. The energy, commitment, and unity of this team are something special to watch.
Go Halsey!

Field Day Fun
Grades 6, 7, and 8 enjoyed an incredible week of Field Day celebrations filled with fun, laughter, and school spirit. Our students participated in soccer, basketball, and volleyball games, along with a variety of organized activities like Connect Four and other team challenges that kept the energy high throughout the day.
Beyond the competition, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Students danced together with the DJ, spent time with friends, and enjoyed favorite treats including ice cream from the Mister Softee truck, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, funnel cakes, and more.
Most importantly, our students had the opportunity to relax, celebrate, and create lasting memories together. We were especially lucky to have beautiful, sunny weather that made the experience even more special.
A huge shout out to Mr. Plummer for helping to organize this event, and to all of our teachers and staff who supported the day and made it such a success.

Jewish Heritage Month Assemblies
On Wednesday, our school had the pleasure of welcoming Jewish recording artist Shlomo Mash as part of our Jewish Heritage Month celebration. He performed for all three grades, bringing energy, joy, and meaningful music to each group. Students were fully engaged—singing along, dancing, and truly enjoying the lively performance. Shlomo Mash’s visit was a wonderful way to celebrate Jewish culture and heritage, creating a memorable and uplifting experience for our school community.

Uncle Tony’s Animal Show
Our 6th grade students had an unforgettable live learning experience this week during Uncle Tony’s Animal Show. Students had the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of fascinating animals up close, making for an exciting and interactive program.
The show featured some incredible animal guests, including Noodle the ferret, Fruit Loop the giant snapping turtle, Coconut the snake, and Mr. T the tarantula. Our sixth-grade students were both amazed and curious as they learned fun facts and gained a deeper appreciation for these unique creatures.
I even got in on the fun. I had the chance to hold Noodle, the ferret, who was incredibly cute and soft, although a bit stinky. Definitely lots of fun!

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.
Memorial Day - Schools Closed - Monday, May 25, 2026
Eid al-Adha - Schools Closed - Wednesday, May 27, 2026
NYCPS released the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. You can find it on the NYCPC website.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Dance Spring Concert - Next week is the Dance Spring Concert featuring Grades 6, 7, and 8 Dance students. $5 Tickets are being sold online and will also be available at the door. Hope to see you there! Ticket info below!

Halsey Art Exhibition
We warmly invite all students, staff, families, and members of the community to join us in celebrating the creativity, dedication, and artistic growth of our students.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Halsey Junior High School (Halsey 157 - Main entrance)
This exhibition reflects the hard work and talent of our students across all grade levels, and it promises to be an inspiring and meaningful event for our school community.
All are welcome friends and family are encouraged to attend.

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!
Tuesday night, June 23rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!
If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.
As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026
PTA
Volunteers Needed! We are looking for parent volunteers to help during our upcoming Spring Concerts. Volunteers will assist with selling flowers and snacks, as well as light set-up and clean-up. Any amount of time helps, even one slot makes a difference.
👉 Sign up here: Sign up

1st Day School Supplies
Congratulations, J.H.S. 157 STEPHEN A. HALSEY families… your 1st Day School Supplies store is now open. Yes, it feels early. And that’s actually the point. Ordering now means you can check school supplies off your list before summer even begins. No scrambling in July. No store runs in August. Just the exact supplies teachers requested, handled in a few simple clicks. It only takes a few minutes to select our school and choose your child’s grade. Everything will arrive packaged and ready for the first day. There’s something nice about heading into summer knowing one big thing is already done. 👉 Order Here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/72053

Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser - Aigner Chocolates, located at 103-02 Metropolitan Avenue, is running a fundraiser that can help support our PTA. For every Cocoa Joy Community Bar purchased in-store from May 1 through May 31, Aigner Chocolates will donate $3 to the PTA of your favorite school! Just let them know you want to support JHS 157 Halsey! It's that easy! And the chocolate is delicious!
Spring Auction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!
Spirit Store 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.

Get Your Tickets! - All Ticket Links are Now Live on the Halsey157.org!
The Spring Dance Concert takes places on Thursday, May 28th at 6:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 5:00PM in costume with hair and makeup already done.
Online ticket sales will continue until Tuesday, May 26th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Thursday, May 28th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.
Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Tuesday, May 26th all tickets must be purchased at the door.
Spring Dance Concert Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vinp8t5.LZ_
Dance parents, click here for schedule and costume information.

The Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase takes places on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00 PM. Senior Showcase is a series of scenes and monologues written, directed, produced and performed by 8th grade Advanced Theatre students as a culminating performance project after 3 years in Theatre Arts.
Online ticket sales will continue until Monday, June 1st at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Tuesday, June 2nd. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.
Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Monday, June 1st all tickets must be purchased at the door
Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vioa8lr.19Q_

The 7th Grade Improv Battle will take place on Tuesday, June 9th at 6PM. Come out to watch the 7th graders improv their way through hilarious suggestions and scenes!
Online tickets sales will continue through Friday, June 5th at 12PM.
The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Tuesday, June 2nd. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase. Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Monday, June 5th all tickets must be purchased at the door.
7th Grade Improv Battle Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vk4R3k1.D8_

Clubs at a Glance
Intro to AI Design League is an exciting 25+ hour after-school program for 6th–8th grade students. Focusing on human-centered design, students learned to think like tech innovators as they explored the basics of AI and UI/UX design. Our students worked hard to create digital product concepts aimed at solving real-world problems, wrapping up their experience by celebrating their innovation at the virtual Emoti-Con Citywide Showcase! Check out their projects here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/18IwmD6RY-74fvXRExSyxfWMZgPHS5AtvQ9L2krCMpGM/edit?usp=sharing

Halsey Crochet Club raised $710 for the American Cancer Society with the Stitch and Fundraise Challenge! Let's congratulate all of our crocheters on a job well done!

Halsey Dance Elite - Halsey Dance Elite will be performing next week at the Queens Borough Arts Festival at Queens College! We are so proud to showcase their incredible talent at this Queens-wide event. All are welcome to come, tickets are free! Here is a link for more info. https://sites.google.com/schools.nyc.gov/qbaf-ao-page/queens-borough-arts-festival

Robotics Club - As the weather heats up, so do our robotics skills! This week, our new members truly stepped up and took charge in every department.
In programming, students successfully created autonomous code that allows the robot to move completely on its own — an exciting milestone for the team! Meanwhile, our engineering group modified the motor design and successfully attached it to the robot through teamwork and problem-solving.
Our outreach team has also been hard at work designing creative social media content for the upcoming school year. We are proud of the dedication, innovation, and collaboration shown by all of our students this week!

Helping Hands Club - All of May, the Helping Hands Club is collecting donations to create “Sunshine Boxes” for patients at Northwell Hospital Cohen Children's Medical Center.
How you can help:
Donate new, unused items such as:
- Socks
- Blankets
- Toys & fidgets
- Puzzles
- Art supplies
- Books
Important: All items must be in their original packaging.
Drop-off Location: Room 200 (Ms. Vassiliou)
When: Anytime during the month of May
Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Visual Arts Opportunity!
On behalf of the 112th Precinct and the 112th Precinct Community Council, all students are invited to participate in the annual student contest promoting respect, unity, and diversity.
This year, we are introducing a new and creative focus: students are encouraged to design an advertisement that inspires their peers to take a stand against hate and bias while celebrating the rich diversity of our community. We believe this initiative provides a meaningful platform for students to express their voices, foster awareness, and contribute positively to a more inclusive environment. The contest will have cash and other prizes for the students. We will have the posters displayed at our night out against crime . The prizes will be announced at our June precinct council meeting.

We hope that all of your students participate. If you have questions you can contact: Mrs. Lamere room 141

8th Grade Spotlight
All City Music Programs - All City is a free music program that meets each Saturday in various locations, depending on ensemble. This audition opportunity is available for all high schoolers. Our current eighth graders can audition for the program. For more information, take a look at the attached flyer!

Lost & Found - Important Items
There are still plenty of lost items in the Parent Coordinator office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. If you are missing something specific, please ask!

Community Corner
This July, New Song Studio – Queens Music School will be offering Summer Strings 2026, a two-week string-focused day program for students entering Grades 3–9.
The program is designed for students who play, or are interested in learning, violin, viola, or cello. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to more experienced students who would like to strengthen their technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills over the summer.
Program Highlights:
• Dates: Session 1: July 6–10, 2026 | Session 2: July 13–17, 2026
• Location: Townsend Harris High School — permit pending
• Instruments: Violin, Viola, and Cello
• Levels: All levels accepted; beginners are welcome
• Instrument Access: Free instrument rentals available for beginners
• Curriculum: Small-group lessons, guided practice, performance ensembles, musicianship, sight reading, vocal training, and light academic supplement in English and Math
• Lunch: Students may bring lunch or access the free NYC DOE lunch option, if available through the site
Students who register for both sessions will also have the opportunity to participate in a final performance on Friday, July 17.
Registration is currently open, and program details and registration information are available here: https://www.queensmusicschool.com/ss2026 Hasley students can receive a $50 discount when registering for both week by listing Halsey as their current school on the registration form. Registration will be open until June 14th or until all seats are filled.
New York Philharmonic just announced their Free Concerts in the Parks series. June 9-14. Unroll your blankets and fill your picnic baskets because music under the summer sky is back! Since 1965, audiences have gathered with family and friends on the lawns of New York City parks to enjoy a beloved summer tradition: free music by starlight at the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. This year, Principal Cello Carter Brey performs Saint-Saëns’s thrilling Cello Concerto No. 1, in a program featuring American and French concert favorites conducted by Elim Chan. The celebration continues after every concert with dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky! More information can be found here: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/parks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Free%20Summer%20Concert%20Series&utm_campaign=mkt_20260422_ParksAnnouncement_ns

Friday, May 15, 2026

Hi Halsey,

It's Maycember, when the number of school activities and social engagements is about as busy as the month of December, but with fewer presents and days off. Remember to check the school calendar for all of the upcoming events at Halsey! It's also Mental Health Awareness Month, so don't forget to breathe and schedule time to rest between all the activities!

A quick reminder that our school is administering the Leader In Me Measurable Results Assessment (MRA), a survey and reporting system designed to provide insights into the progress of our school. In order to provide a holistic picture of what is going on in our school, the MRA includes three different surveys; 1) one completed by all school staff, 2) one completed by students, and 3) one completed by the families of students in all grades.

We hope you will participate so we can use the feedback to make our school an even better place for students and families. Simply click on this link: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/jhs-157q-stephen-a-halsey/families.

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures & 26-27 School Year Calendar
Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, Dance Shows, Halsey Art Exhibition & NY Mets!
PTA - Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser, Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Get Your Tickets - Chorus, Dance and Theatre Performances
Clubs at a Glance - Helping Hands Club
8th Grade Spotlight - National Anthem Singer Auditions for Graduation and All City Music Programs
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - GEMS Program, NY Pops Performance at FH Library, New Song Studio-Queens Music School, New York Philharmonic Free Concerts

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Grand Opening of the Halsey School Store

We are excited to share that the Halsey School Store is finally open for business! This has been an exciting initiative for our school community, and we are so proud to see it come to life.

The store is currently offering a variety of items for our students, including Halsey merchandise, backpacks, pens, pencils, keychains, water bottles, and Halsey stickers. There is truly something for everyone, and it is a wonderful way for our students to show their school pride.

Students are able to visit the School Store during their lunch periods, making it convenient for them to shop and engage with this exciting new addition to our school.

We are especially proud that the School Store is being run by our Lighthouse Team students. This initiative provides them with meaningful opportunities to develop responsibility, leadership, and real-world skills while contributing positively to our school community. As the students begin to see revenue from the school store, they will work to make decisions about how to use those funds to support our school community.

We look forward to expanding our offerings and continuing to grow this exciting initiative. We encourage all students to stop by, support the School Store, and represent Halsey with pride.

Halsey's Spring Band Concerts

This week, our auditorium was filled with pride, joy, and incredible talent as we hosted two outstanding band concerts that truly showcased the growth of our student musicians.

On Wednesday evening, we enjoyed performances from our 6th and 7th Grade bands along with our PB Band. It was truly awe inspiring to watch students who had never picked up an instrument before this year perform full musical pieces with such confidence and skill. Their performance of My Girl and other selections had the audience smiling throughout the night. Beyond the music, students also took time to introduce the intricacies of their instruments and engaged the audience in a thoughtful question and answer session, demonstrating not only their musical growth but their deep understanding of their craft.

On Thursday evening, we were treated to performances by our Grade 7 and 8 Bands, along with our JAM and PB Bands. Watching these students, many of whom have been in the program for three years, was truly remarkable. Their transformation has been incredible. They have flourished into true musicians, performing with confidence, precision, and heart. For our 8th graders, this was their final performance on the Halsey stage, making the evening especially meaningful and filled with emotion.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Ms. Zaffery. Her talent never ceases to amaze us. The way she teaches three different grade levels, across a wide range of instruments, while guiding students to read and understand music, is truly exceptional. Most importantly, Ms. Zaffery builds meaningful relationships with our students. She cares deeply for them, and they know they can always turn to her for support. As a principal, that is the most important thing to me, and I am so grateful for the impact she has on our school community.

Next week we celebrate our Chorus and Dance students!

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.

Memorial Day - Schools Closed - Monday, May 25, 2026

Eid al-Adha - Schools Closed - Wednesday, May 27, 2026

NYCPS released the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. You can find it on the NYCPC website.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

NEW DATE: Parent Workshop on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6PM-7PM in Conference Room 110

Brought to you by Queens Community House's LGBTQ+ Youth Services and led by Director of LGBTQ Youth Services, Bo-Andrea Bogarts, LMSW. Join us for a supportive and informative workshop designed for parents and caregivers who want to better understand and uplift the LGBTQ+ young people in their lives and in their communities. This session offers a judgment‑free space to ask questions, build confidence, and strengthen the connections that matter most. Email Coach Sue at [email protected] if you are interested in attending. Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/obasMyQ8iV5nW4cv6

Halsey Dance Shows

Did you hear? There will be a surprise guest performance at the upcoming Dance shows! Who will it be??? There is only one way to find out.

Come see the Dance Senior Thesis on Thurs, 5/21 at 6pm featuring Halsey’s incredible 8th graders showing their own dance projects.

And come see the Dance Spring Concert on Thurs, 5/28 at 6pm showcasing grades 6, 7, and 8!

Be sure to get your tickets online now! More info bleow!

Halsey Art Exhibition

We warmly invite all students, staff, families, and members of the community to join us in celebrating the creativity, dedication, and artistic growth of our students.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Halsey Junior High School (Halsey 157 - Main entrance)

This exhibition reflects the hard work and talent of our students across all grade levels, and it promises to be an inspiring and meaningful event for our school community.

All are welcome friends and family are encouraged to attend.

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!

Tuesday night, June 23^rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!

If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.

As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026

PTA

Volunteers Needed! We are looking for parent volunteers to help during our upcoming Spring Concerts. Volunteers will assist with selling flowers and snacks, as well as light set-up and clean-up. Any amount of time helps, even one slot makes a difference.

👉 Sign up here: Sign up

Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser - Aigner Chocolates, located at 103-02 Metropolitan Avenue, is running a fundraiser that can help support our PTA. For every Cocoa Joy Community Bar purchased in-store from May 1 through May 31, Aigner Chocolates will donate $3 to the PTA of your favorite school! Just let them know you want to support JHS 157 Halsey! It's that easy! And the chocolate is delicious!

Spring Auction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Get Your Tickets! - All Ticket Links are Now Live on the Halsey157.org!

The Spring Chorus Concert takes places on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 6:30 PM.

The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Monday, May 18th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Friday, May 15th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

For more information about the chorus concert, click this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-D51cH9IXUTZe2Bj7Kmv8m2sv7n90RL-jHWZS2AsAIo/edit?tab=t.0

The Dance Senior Thesis takes places on Thursday, May 21st at 6:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 5:00PM in costume with hair and makeup already done.

Online ticket sales will continue until Tuesday, May 19th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Wednesday, May 20th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Tuesday, May 19th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

Dance Senior Thesis Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vinn3YO.Wt_

The Spring Dance Concert takes places on Thursday, May 28th at 6:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 5:00PM in costume with hair and makeup already done.

Online ticket sales will continue until Tuesday, May 26th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Thursday, May 28th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Tuesday, May 26th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

Spring Dance Concert Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vinp8t5.LZ_

Dance parents, click here for schedule and costume information.

The Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase takes places on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00 PM. Senior Showcase is a series of scenes and monologues written, directed, produced and performed by 8^th grade Advanced Theatre students as a culminating performance project after 3 years in Theatre Arts.

Online ticket sales will continue until Monday, June 1st at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Tuesday, June 2nd. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Monday, June 1st all tickets must be purchased at the door

Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vioa8lr.19Q_

Clubs at a Glance

Helping Hands Club - All of May, the Helping Hands Club is collecting donations to create “Sunshine Boxes” for patients at Northwell Hospital Cohen Children's Medical Center.

How you can help:
Donate new, unused items such as:
- Socks
- Blankets
- Toys & fidgets
- Puzzles
- Art supplies
- Books

Important: All items must be in their original packaging.

Drop-off Location: Room 200 (Ms. Vassiliou)
When: Anytime during the month of May

Questions? Contact: [email protected]

8th Grade Spotlight

Singer Needed! - We are looking for a singer! One eighth grade student will perform the National Anthem at eighth grade graduation. Any eighth-grade student in any talent is welcome to audition. Students must perform memorized. Students may perform a cappella (without music) or with a YouTube accompaniment track (this type of track does not include a singer on it, only the instrumental part).

Auditions will take place on Thursday, May 21st, from 2:20-3:45 PM in the chorus room, 112. If you want to audition but cannot attend that day, please see Ms. Shikowitz in room 112 to find a make-up date. Auditions will take place in front of a panel of teachers and administrators to assure fairness and equity. Judges will be grading on the following criteria:

Tone (quality/beauty of the voice):
Memorization
Sense of pitch (able to sing the notes accurately)
Confidence and presence
Posture and alignment (body position)

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]

All City Music Programs - All City is a free music program that meets each Saturday in various locations, depending on ensemble. This audition opportunity is available for all high schoolers. Our current eighth graders can audition for the program. For more information, take a look at the attached flyer!

Lost & Found - Important Items

There are still plenty of lost items in the Parent Coordinator office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. If you are missing something specific, please ask!

Community Corner

GEMS Program for Middle School Students - The application for the upcoming GEMS camp on Health Across the Lifespan is open! The GEMS Program for Middle School Students, sponsored by the ISMMS Chapter of the American Medical Women's Association, focuses on team-building, communication skills, mentorship, leadership skills, and self-confidence, all while providing a platform to help students develop an interest in STEM.

The workshop will take place in person at the Mount Sinai Hospital on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 from 10am-1pm. The program is completely free for all participants, and any student in 6th-8th grade is welcome to apply. The event will include a guest speaker from the Mount Sinai faculty and hands-on activities about health in early childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age (see attached flier for example topics).

Here is the link to the application: May 30th Camp Application Link. Please submit the application no later than Friday, May 15th at 11:59pm. Students and parents will be notified of acceptance at the email provided in the Google Form by Friday, May 22nd, 2026. The essay questions in the application must be answered by the student alone.

New York Pops String Quartet Performance on May 16th at Forest Hills Library - As part of The New York Pops’ community outreach efforts, a chamber ensemble concert has been organized in collaboration with the Queens Library. The performance will take place on Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 PM at the Forest Hills Library branch (108-19 71 Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375). This is a completely free concert featuring a string quartet performing a selection of pieces in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and more information can be found on the attached flyer.

This July, New Song Studio – Queens Music School will be offering Summer Strings 2026, a two-week string-focused day program for students entering Grades 3–9.

The program is designed for students who play, or are interested in learning, violin, viola, or cello. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to more experienced students who would like to strengthen their technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills over the summer.

Program Highlights:

Dates: Session 1: July 6–10, 2026 | Session 2: July 13–17, 2026
Location: Townsend Harris High School — permit pending
Instruments: Violin, Viola, and Cello
Levels: All levels accepted; beginners are welcome
Instrument Access: Free instrument rentals available for beginners
Curriculum: Small-group lessons, guided practice, performance ensembles, musicianship, sight reading, vocal training, and light academic supplement in English and Math
Lunch: Students may bring lunch or access the free NYC DOE lunch option, if available through the site

Students who register for both sessions will also have the opportunity to participate in a final performance on Friday, July 17.

Registration is currently open, and program details and registration information are available here: https://www.queensmusicschool.com/ss2026 Hasley students can receive a $50 discount when registering for both week by listing Halsey as their current school on the registration form. Registration will be open until June 14th or until all seats are filled.

New York Philharmonic just announced their Free Concerts in the Parks series. June 9-14. Unroll your blankets and fill your picnic baskets because music under the summer sky is back! Since 1965, audiences have gathered with family and friends on the lawns of New York City parks to enjoy a beloved summer tradition: free music by starlight at the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. This year, Principal Cello Carter Brey performs Saint-Saëns’s thrilling Cello Concerto No. 1, in a program featuring American and French concert favorites conducted by Elim Chan. The celebration continues after every concert with dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky! More information can be found here: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/parks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Free%20Summer%20Concert%20Series&utm_campaign=mkt_20260422_ParksAnnouncement_ns

Friday, May 8, 2026

Hi Halsey,

Starting today, our school will be administering the Measurable Results Assessment (MRA), a survey and reporting system designed to provide insights into the progress of our school. In order to provide a holistic picture of what is going on in our school, the MRA includes three different surveys; 1) one completed by all school staff, 2) one completed by students, and 3) one completed by the families of students in all grades.

We hope you will participate so we can use the feedback to make our school an even better place for students and families. Simply click on this link: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/jhs-157q-stephen-a-halsey/families.

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures & 26-27 School Year Calendar
Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, & NY Mets!
PTA - Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser, Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Get Your Tickets - Spring Band, Chorus Dance and Theatre Performances
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics Team, Helping Hands Club
8th Grade Spotlight - National Anthem Singer Auditions for Graduation and All City Music Programs
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - NY Pops Performance at FH Library, New Song Studio-Queens Music School, Arthouse Astoria Summer Stage Project, New York Philharmonic Free Concerts

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Celebrating Our Amazing Halsey

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to recognize the extraordinary educators who make our Halsey community so special. Our teachers are truly among the strongest educators in New York City. Their expertise in the classroom is evident every day through thoughtful instruction, high expectations, and a deep commitment to student learning.

What makes our staff even more remarkable is the care they show for each child beyond academics. Our teachers invest in the whole student. They listen, they encourage, and they create safe, supportive spaces where every child feels seen and valued. Whether they are guiding a student through a challenging lesson, cheering them on during an activity, or simply checking in to make sure they are okay, our teachers consistently go above and beyond.

I am incredibly grateful for their dedication, their compassion, and the pride they take in their work. They are the heart of our school, and their impact on our students’ lives is immeasurable.

Please join me in thanking our amazing teachers for all that they do each and every day. And thank you to our PTA for sponsoring our Teacher Appreciation luncheon today!

Happy Mother's Day to All of Our Halsey Families!

Wishing all of our Halsey families a very Happy Mother’s Day. This weekend we celebrate the remarkable mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and caregivers who fill our students’ lives with love, strength, and guidance. Your support is felt in every success, every smile, and every moment of growth we see in our classrooms.

At Halsey, we are so grateful for the partnership we share with you and for the care and dedication you pour into your children each and every day. We hope this Mother’s Day brings you time to feel appreciated, cherished, and celebrated for all that you do.

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.

Memorial Day - Schools Closed - Monday, May 25, 2026

Eid al-Adha - Schools Closed - Wednesday, May 27, 2026

NYCPS released the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. You can find it on the NYCPC website.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

NEW DATE: Parent Workshop on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6PM-7PM in Conference Room 110

Brought to you by Queens Community House's LGBTQ+ Youth Services and led by Director of LGBTQ Youth Services, Bo-Andrea Bogarts, LMSW. Join us for a supportive and informative workshop designed for parents and caregivers who want to better understand and uplift the LGBTQ+ young people in their lives and in their communities. This session offers a judgment‑free space to ask questions, build confidence, and strengthen the connections that matter most. Email Coach Sue at [email protected] if you are interested in attending. Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/obasMyQ8iV5nW4cv6

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!

Tuesday night, June 23^rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!

If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.

As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026

PTA

Volunteers Needed! We are looking for parent volunteers to help during our upcoming Spring Concerts. Volunteers will assist with selling flowers and snacks, as well as light set-up and clean-up. Any amount of time helps, even one slot makes a difference.

👉 Sign up here: Sign up

Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser - Aigner Chocolates, located at 103-02 Metropolitan Avenue, is running a fundraiser that can help support our PTA. For every Cocoa Joy Community Bar purchased in-store from May 1 through May 31, Aigner Chocolates will donate $3 to the PTA of your favorite school! Just let them know you want to support JHS 157 Halsey! It's that easy! And the chocolate is delicious!

Spring Auction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Get Your Tickets! - All Ticket Links are Now Live on the Halsey157.org!

There are TWO Spring Band Concerts this year. Please make sure you ask your child which date(s) they are performing on. The first night takes place on Wednesday, May 13th at 6:00 PM and includes: 6^th grade, 7T2, and PB Band. The second night takes place on Thursday, May 14th at 6:00 PM and includes: 8^th grade, 7^th Grade Select Band (7T1, 7T3), PB Band, and JAM Band. Student performers must arrive by 5:00 PM at the yard door through the school yard. The main entrance will open between 5:30 and 5:45 PM for audience members.

Band Concerts Ticket Link - Open until 12PM Monday - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vicmi8O.Yu_ Tickets can be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00.

For more information about the band concert, click this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

The Spring Chorus Concert takes places on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 6:30 PM.

Online ticket sales will continue until Friday, May 15th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Monday, May 18th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Friday, May 15th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

Chorus Concert Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vhDuBPV.vA_

For more information about the chorus concert, click this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-D51cH9IXUTZe2Bj7Kmv8m2sv7n90RL-jHWZS2AsAIo/edit?tab=t.0

The Dance Senior Thesis takes places on Thursday, May 21st at 6:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 5:00PM in costume with hair and makeup already done.

Online ticket sales will continue until Tuesday, May 19th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Wednesday, May 20th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Tuesday, May 19th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

Dance Senior Thesis Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vinn3YO.Wt_

The Spring Dance Concert takes places on Thursday, May 28th at 6:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 5:00PM in costume with hair and makeup already done.

Online ticket sales will continue until Tuesday, May 26th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Thursday, May 28th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Tuesday, May 26th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

Spring Dance Concert Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vinp8t5.LZ_

Dance parents, click here for schedule and costume information.

The Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase takes places on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00 PM. Senior Showcase is a series of scenes and monologues written, directed, produced and performed by 8^th grade Advanced Theatre students as a culminating performance project after 3 years in Theatre Arts.

Online ticket sales will continue until Monday, June 1st at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Tuesday, June 2nd. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Monday, June 1st all tickets must be purchased at the door

Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vioa8lr.19Q_

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics Team - This week was an exciting one for our Robotics team! We proudly received our trophies for the Judges’ Award, a moment that meant a great deal to both our returning members and our new 2025–2026 team. Seeing their hard work recognized was incredibly rewarding, and it has sparked even more motivation for the season ahead.

Our newest members had the opportunity to witness this achievement firsthand, watching with admiration as the team was celebrated for its dedication and effort. It was a meaningful experience that has already begun to inspire them to push themselves and contribute to future successes.

We’re energized by this milestone and look forward to continuing our journey—putting in the hard work, growing together, and striving for many more accomplishments in the future.

Congratulations to The Halsey Staff Dance Team on their incredible performance last weekend at the Dance Educators Collective Concert held at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theatre in Manhattan! The audience went wild! Kudos to Ms. Ahmed, Ms. Champagne, Mr. Dechongkit, Ms. Goldstein, Mr. Lederman, Ms. Montalbano, Ms. Riccio, Ms. Tehuitzil, Ms. Fuller, Ms. Wanamaker and of course, Mrs. Gruet!

Helping Hands Club - All of May, the Helping Hands Club is collecting donations to create “Sunshine Boxes” for patients at Northwell Hospital Cohen Children's Medical Center.

How you can help:
Donate new, unused items such as:
- Socks
- Blankets
- Toys & fidgets
- Puzzles
- Art supplies
- Books

Important: All items must be in their original packaging.

Drop-off Location: Room 200 (Ms. Vassiliou)
When: Anytime during the month of May

Questions? Contact: [email protected]

8th Grade Spotlight

Singer Needed! - We are looking for a singer! One eighth grade student will perform the National Anthem at eighth grade graduation. Any eighth-grade student in any talent is welcome to audition. Students must perform memorized. Students may perform a cappella (without music) or with a YouTube accompaniment track (this type of track does not include a singer on it, only the instrumental part).

Auditions will take place on Thursday, May 21st, from 2:20-3:45 PM in the chorus room, 112. If you want to audition but cannot attend that day, please see Ms. Shikowitz in room 112 to find a make-up date. Auditions will take place in front of a panel of teachers and administrators to assure fairness and equity. Judges will be grading on the following criteria:

Tone (quality/beauty of the voice):
Memorization
Sense of pitch (able to sing the notes accurately)
Confidence and presence
Posture and alignment (body position)

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]

All City Music Programs - All City is a free music program that meets each Saturday in various locations, depending on ensemble. This audition opportunity is available for all high schoolers. Our current eighth graders can audition for the program. For more information, take a look at the attached flyer!

Lost & Found - Important Items

There are still plenty of lost items in the Parent Coordinator office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. If you are missing something specific, please ask!

Community Corner

New York Pops String Quartet Performance on May15th at Forest Hills Library - As part of The New York Pops’ community outreach efforts, a chamber ensemble concert has been organized in collaboration with the Queens Library. The performance will take place on Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 PM at the Forest Hills Library branch (108-19 71 Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375). This is a completely free concert featuring a string quartet performing a selection of pieces in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and more information can be found on the attached flyer.

This July, New Song Studio – Queens Music School will be offering Summer Strings 2026, a two-week string-focused day program for students entering Grades 3–9.

The program is designed for students who play, or are interested in learning, violin, viola, or cello. All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to more experienced students who would like to strengthen their technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills over the summer.

Program Highlights:

Dates: Session 1: July 6–10, 2026 | Session 2: July 13–17, 2026
Location: Townsend Harris High School — permit pending
Instruments: Violin, Viola, and Cello
Levels: All levels accepted; beginners are welcome
Instrument Access: Free instrument rentals available for beginners
Curriculum: Small-group lessons, guided practice, performance ensembles, musicianship, sight reading, vocal training, and light academic supplement in English and Math
Lunch: Students may bring lunch or access the free NYC DOE lunch option, if available through the site

Students who register for both sessions will also have the opportunity to participate in a final performance on Friday, July 17.

Registration is currently open, and program details and registration information are available here: https://www.queensmusicschool.com/ss2026 Hasley students can receive a $50 discount when registering for both week by listing Halsey as their current school on the registration form. Registration will be open until June 14th or until all seats are filled.

The Summer Stage Project is a month-long production experience designed for students who want to spend their summer fully immersed in creating a show. Each summer, a dedicated ensemble works together from first read to final performance — focusing on rehearsal, collaboration, and the joy of bringing a full production to life. For 2026, The Summer Stage Project will present Mean Girls JR., a fast-paced, hilarious musical packed with unforgettable characters, big ensemble moments, and plenty of heart.

This summer production runs Monday–Friday, July 6–August 1 from 4:00–6:00pm, culminating in fully staged performances on July 31 and August 1. Auditions will be held Wednesday, June 24. Registration is required to audition, and all students who register will be cast. Registration closes June 1, so we encourage families to reserve a spot early for this exciting new summer program. For more information, visit: https://www.arthouseastoria.org/mean-girls?fbclid=PAZnRzaARTdJdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaeOftSGerI2ddKEaus3wy6wtZ75teysIZrE8jv4ZekOdqgc5nvuUVVF5qX3Tw_aem_b45bBxWjvXTPAT4yoAuxow

New York Philharmonic just announced their Free Concerts in the Parks series. June 9-14. Unroll your blankets and fill your picnic baskets because music under the summer sky is back! Since 1965, audiences have gathered with family and friends on the lawns of New York City parks to enjoy a beloved summer tradition: free music by starlight at the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. This year, Principal Cello Carter Brey performs Saint-Saëns’s thrilling Cello Concerto No. 1, in a program featuring American and French concert favorites conducted by Elim Chan. The celebration continues after every concert with dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky! More information can be found here: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/parks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Free%20Summer%20Concert%20Series&utm_campaign=mkt_20260422_ParksAnnouncement_ns

Friday, May 1, 2026

Hi Halsey,

HOW IS IT MAY?!?!? Asking for a friend... There's lots going on this month and this is a long newsletter!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures & 26-27 School Year Calendar
Upcoming School Events - Staff Dance Team Livestream, NYCFC Game, Parent Workshop, & NY Mets!
PTA - Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser, Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Get Your Tickets - Spring Band, Chorus Dance and Theatre Performances
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics Team, Helping Hands Club
8th Grade Spotlight - Last Chance to order a Yearbook! Yearbook Farewell Letter Contest Winner, National Anthem Singer Auditions for Graduation and All City Music Programs
Theatre Arts Spotlight - Improv on the Run! and Lunchtime Theatre!
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - FHHS production of The Addams Family, MoMA Family Programs, Arthouse Astoria Summer Stage Project, New York Philharmonic Free Concerts

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Preparing Our Students for the Future: New York State Portrait of a Graduate and Upcoming Graduation Changes

New York State is reimagining what it means for students to graduate from high school, and I want to share some important information about how these changes will shape the future of our students.

The New York State Education Department has officially adopted a Portrait of a Graduate, which outlines the skills, knowledge, and dispositions students should develop throughout their educational journey. This portrait reflects a more holistic vision of student success and emphasizes preparing students not only academically, but also for life beyond high school. According to the state, graduates will be academically prepared, effective communicators, creative innovators, critical thinkers, global citizens, and reflective and future focused individuals. This framework centers culturally responsive education and encourages students to apply learning in meaningful, real-world ways through projects, collaboration, service, and authentic problem solving.

Alongside the Portrait of a Graduate, New York State has launched a broader initiative called NY Inspires, which will lead to significant changes in high school graduation requirements over the next several years. While current graduation requirements remain in place today, the state has announced a gradual transition to a more flexible and inclusive system, with full implementation expected by the 2029 to 2030 school year.

Some of the key changes families should be aware of include a move toward multiple pathways to graduation, giving students more ways to demonstrate their learning beyond traditional exams. Over time, Regents exams will no longer be the sole requirement for earning a diploma, and students will be able to show proficiency through options such as capstone projects, portfolios, career and technical education experiences, internships, and service learning. The state is also transitioning to one New York State diploma, with opportunities for students to earn seals or endorsements that highlight specialized achievements such as bilingualism or civic readiness. In addition, new instructional expectations, including financial literacy and climate education, will begin during the 2026 to 2027 school year.

While these changes apply to high school graduation, the work begins much earlier. At Halsey, we are committed to helping students develop these skills now through strong instruction, critical thinking, collaboration, and student leadership opportunities. Our goal is to ensure that every student is prepared not only to meet future graduation requirements, but to thrive as confident, capable learners.

To ensure our school community stays informed and engaged, this important work will be discussed at the May School Leadership Team meeting and the May PTA meeting, where we will share additional details, answer questions, and continue the conversation about how we will prepare our students for these statewide changes.

We will continue to share updates as additional guidance is released by New York State, and we are grateful for your continued partnership as we prepare our students for the future.

Celebrating Student Excellence: Halsey Math Team Member Kyle Xu Class 822 Heads to Chicago for MathCON

We are incredibly proud to share some exciting news about one of our outstanding students and members of the Halsey Math Team.

Eighth grade student Kyle Xu Class 822 has earned the honor of being named a MathCON National Finalist, qualifying for the national competition that will take place on May 23, 2026, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. This remarkable achievement reflects Kyle’s dedication, perseverance, and strong mathematical thinking. This is his third year earning a spot in this prestigious national competition, which is an extraordinary accomplishment.

MathCON is a highly competitive event that brings together top math students from across the country to engage in advanced problem solving and mathematical challenges. Qualifying for the national finals is a testament not only to Kyle’s hard work, but also to the strong instruction and support provided by our mathematics teachers.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Kyle and our heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Heroux, Kyle's 8^th grade math teacher and Ms. Savva, our math team teacher, for their continued commitment to nurturing student talent and excellence. We are so proud to see our students represent Halsey on a national stage and wish Kyle the very best as he heads to Chicago!

Student Artwork Featured in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Seventh grader Nuzha Ahmed and eighth grader Kaitlyn Wong have both submitted original artwork to this year’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Their pieces will be featured in a special exhibition at the Queens Museum as part of the 2026 Queens Borough Art Festival.

The exhibition, which runs through May 17, will showcase all selected student artwork, celebrating creativity and talent from across the district. This is a wonderful opportunity for students, families, teachers, and community members to come together and appreciate the artistic achievements of our young creators.

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.

Memorial Day - Schools Closed - Monday, May 25, 2026

Eid al-Adha - Schools Closed - Wednesday, May 27, 2026

NYCPS released the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar. You can find it on the NYCPC website.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Halsey's Staff Dance Team, Saturday, May 2 Livestream

Halsey’s very own Staff Dance Team is performing this Saturday night - and you can watch it from home! Click on the link to see some of your favorite teachers and staff members slay live on the dance floor at the Annual NYC DOE Dance Collective Concert (DECC) on Saturday, May 2 at 7pm.

The DECC features DOE Dance Teachers from all around NYC performing various styles of dance. While the other acts feature dance teachers, Halsey brings the most unique piece of all - a mix of academic teachers, paraprofessionals, school aides and even an Assistant Principal! The Halsey Staff Dance Team includes Ms. Ahmed Science, Ms. Champagne Substitute, Mr. Dechongkit AP, Ms. Goldstein ELA, Ms. Gruet Dance, Mr. Lederman Ed Tech, Ms. Montalbano ELA, Ms. Riccio Science, Ms. Tehuitzil Spanish, Ms. Fuller Para and Ms. Wannamaker School Aide.

Our dance is called Sounds of a Generation, including songs and sound effects from the 1970s through today. We will perform right before Intermission. Mrs. Gruet will also appear in the very last dance of the night alongside other dance teachers in a piece called We Are All On Earth Together/All I Do, choreographed by guest artist Ronald K. Brown.

NYCFC Game on Sunday, May 3, 2026

Join fellow Halsey families for NYCFC vs. DC United on Sunday, May 3rd at 3:00pm at Citi Field. Click the link below to purchase group tickets reserved for our Halsey community. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated back to the Halsey PTA to support our students and school programs.

Get your tickets here! https://www.gofevo.com/event/Stephenhalsey2

Come cheer on New York City FC as they take on D.C. United, enjoy a fun day at the stadium, and support our school community at the same time.

NEW DATE: Parent Workshop on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 6PM-7PM in Conference Room 110

Brought to you by Queens Community House's LGBTQ+ Youth Services and led by Director of LGBTQ Youth Services, Bo-Andrea Bogarts, LMSW. Join us for a supportive and informative workshop designed for parents and caregivers who want to better understand and uplift the LGBTQ+ young people in their lives and in their communities. This session offers a judgment‑free space to ask questions, build confidence, and strengthen the connections that matter most. Email Coach Sue at [email protected] if you are interested in attending. Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/obasMyQ8iV5nW4cv6

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!

Tuesday night, June 23^rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!

If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.

As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026

PTA

Aigner Chocolates Citywide Fundraiser - Aigner Chocolates, located at 103-02 Metropolitan Avenue, is running a fundraiser that can help support our PTA. For every Cocoa Joy Community Bar purchased in-store from May 1 through May 31, Aigner Chocolates will donate $3 to the PTA of your favorite school! Just let them know you want to support JHS 157 Halsey! It's that easy! And the chocolate is delicious!

Spring Auction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Get Your Tickets! - All Ticket Links are Now Live on the Halsey157.org!

There are TWO Spring Band Concerts this year. Please make sure you ask your child which date(s) they are performing on. The first night takes place on Wednesday, May 13th at 6:00 PM and includes: 6^th grade, 7T2, and PB Band. The second night takes place on Thursday, May 14th at 6:00 PM and includes: 8^th grade, 7^th Grade Select Band (7T1, 7T3), PB Band, and JAM Band. Student performers must arrive by 5:00 PM at the yard door through the school yard. The main entrance will open between 5:30 and 5:45 PM for audience members.

Online ticket sales will continue until Monday, May 11th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Tuesday, May 12th for Night 1 and Wednesday, May 13th for Night 2. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00.

Band Concerts Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vicmi8O.Yu_?_=1777574765453

The Spring Chorus Concert takes places on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 6:30 PM.

Online ticket sales will continue until Friday, May 15th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Monday, May 18th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchsae.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Friday, May 15th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

Chorus Concert Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vhDuBPV.vA_

The Dance Senior Thesis takes places on Thursday, May 21st at 6:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 5:00PM in costume with hair and makeup already done.

Online ticket sales will continue until Tuesday, May 19th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Wednesday, May 20th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Tuesday, May 19th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

Dance Senior Thesis Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vinn3YO.Wt_

The Spring Dance Concert takes places on Thursday, May 28th at 6:00 PM. Student performers must arrive by 5:00PM in costume with hair and makeup already done.

Online ticket sales will continue until Tuesday, May 26th at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Thursday, May 28th. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Tuesday, May 26th all tickets must be purchased at the door.

Spring Dance Concert Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vinp8t5.LZ_

Dance parents, click here for schedule and costume information.

The Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase takes places on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:00 PM. Senior Showcase is a series of scenes and monologues written, directed, produced and performed by 8^th grade Advanced Theatre students as a culminating performance project after 3 years in Theatre Arts.

Online ticket sales will continue until Monday, June 1st at 12PM. The cost is $5.00 per person. Anyone who takes up a seat must purchase a ticket. Tickets purchased online will be delivered to students on Tuesday, June 2nd. You must bring the tickets with you to the concert as proof of purchase.

Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the door for $5.00. After Monday, June 1st all tickets must be purchased at the door

Advanced Theatre Senior Showcase Ticket Link - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vioa8lr.19Q_

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics Team - The robotics team is continuing to welcome and train new members this week! Our newest recruits have been working side by side with experienced team members, learning all about outreach, engineering, and programming.

As they jump into hands-on activities, new members are building important problem-solving skills—figuring out how coding works and how to design and build a robot. It’s been exciting to watch them learn and grow each day.

We’re especially proud of how well everyone has been working together. The teamwork, support, and collaboration between students have made this a great experience for all involved!

Helping Hands Club - All of May, the Helping Hands Club is collecting donations to create “Sunshine Boxes” for patients at Northwell Hospital Cohen Children's Medical Center.

How you can help:
Donate new, unused items such as:
- Socks
- Blankets
- Toys & fidgets
- Puzzles
- Art supplies
- Books

Important: All items must be in their original packaging.

Drop-off Location: Room 200 (Ms. Vassiliou)
When: Anytime during the month of May

Questions? Contact: [email protected]

8th Grade Spotlight

You have until midnight to order a yearbook! https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1053211/JHS-157-S-A-Halsey-Junior-High-School/2026-Yearbook/2025100615150755751/CATALOG_SHOP/

Yearbook Farewell Letter Contest Winner - A BIG Congratulations to our Yearbook Farewell Letter Contest winner, Ace Conde 827. Your farewell message was beautiful, capturing the heart of our graduating class and reminding us how powerful our shared memories truly are. She will also be receiving a $25 Amazon gift card as our token of appreciation for her outstanding work!

Singer Needed! - We are looking for a singer! One eighth grade student will perform the National Anthem at eighth grade graduation. Any eighth-grade student in any talent is welcome to audition. Students must perform memorized. Students may perform a cappella (without music) or with a YouTube accompaniment track (this type of track does not include a singer on it, only the instrumental part).

Auditions will take place on Thursday, May 21st, from 2:20-3:45 PM in the chorus room, 112. If you want to audition but cannot attend that day, please see Ms. Shikowitz in room 112 to find a make-up date. Auditions will take place in front of a panel of teachers and administrators to assure fairness and equity. Judges will be grading on the following criteria:

Tone (quality/beauty of the voice):
Memorization
Sense of pitch (able to sing the notes accurately)
Confidence and presence
Posture and alignment (body position)

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]

All City Music Programs - All City is a free music program that meets each Saturday in various locations, depending on ensemble. This audition opportunity is available for all high schoolers. Our current eighth graders can audition for the program. For more information, take a look at the attached flyer!

Theatre Arts Spotlight

Improv on the Run

The 7^th grade Theatre students continued their Improv on the Run show this week, "crashing " different classrooms to do a 10-minute Improv show, then running off to crash another class. These amazing Improv players are incredibly quick thinking and funny!!! And it gave the audience a much-needed laugh break during the day.

We also dragged Ms. Asaro and Ms. Vassiliou to do "guest spot" in the show!!! Check them out! They were brilliant!!!

Check out videos of the show here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uCjhb5Qd5DiB_YOgKCBHgOiExQAl86_B

Lunchtime Theatre Show

Also, the 8^th grade Advance Theatre students did their annual Lunchtime Theatre show. Lunchtime Theatre is Site Specific theatre, which is theatre performed in non-traditional stage spaces. During Lunchtime Theatre, the students performed a series of scenes in the school yard during lunch, drawing a large audience for each lunch period.

Click here for pictures from the show: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10SnHYP5ew7ZRp-QQFXJiGaPNumX83Uqb

Lost & Found - Important Items

There are still plenty of lost items in the Parent Coordinator office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. If you are missing something specific, please ask!

Community Corner

Get your tickets to Forest Hills High School's production of The Addams Family! The show is on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 at 7PM. You can find more information at https://linpei-jiang.github.io/theAddamsFamily/index.html, a wonderful website which includes behind the scenes videos, student presentations about the show, and a link to purchase tickets.

MoMA Family Gallery Talks - Join Heyman Family Programs at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for programs and activities. All of the programs are free and include free admission to the Museum. In addition to the programs listed below, families can explore art using free audio guides for kids, kids labels, an activity guide, available in English and Spanish.

FamilyGallery Talks (ages 11–14) Sat, May 2, 12:00 p.m. and Sun, May 3, 12:00 p.m. This month explore the theme of People and Portraits through conversation and activities in the galleries. Online registration opens Friday, Apr 2, at 10:00 a.m. Registration is required; space is limited.

The Summer Stage Project is a month-long production experience designed for students who want to spend their summer fully immersed in creating a show. Each summer, a dedicated ensemble works together from first read to final performance — focusing on rehearsal, collaboration, and the joy of bringing a full production to life. For 2026, The Summer Stage Project will present Mean Girls JR., a fast-paced, hilarious musical packed with unforgettable characters, big ensemble moments, and plenty of heart.

This summer production runs Monday–Friday, July 6–August 1 from 4:00–6:00pm, culminating in fully staged performances on July 31 and August 1. Auditions will be held Wednesday, June 24. Registration is required to audition, and all students who register will be cast. Registration closes June 1, so we encourage families to reserve a spot early for this exciting new summer program. For more information, visit: https://www.arthouseastoria.org/mean-girls?fbclid=PAZnRzaARTdJdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaeOftSGerI2ddKEaus3wy6wtZ75teysIZrE8jv4ZekOdqgc5nvuUVVF5qX3Tw_aem_b45bBxWjvXTPAT4yoAuxow

New York Philharmonic just announced their Free Concerts in the Parks series. June 9-14. Unroll your blankets and fill your picnic baskets because music under the summer sky is back! Since 1965, audiences have gathered with family and friends on the lawns of New York City parks to enjoy a beloved summer tradition: free music by starlight at the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. This year, Principal Cello Carter Brey performs Saint-Saëns’s thrilling Cello Concerto No. 1, in a program featuring American and French concert favorites conducted by Elim Chan. The celebration continues after every concert with dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky! More information can be found here: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/parks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Free%20Summer%20Concert%20Series&utm_campaign=mkt_20260422_ParksAnnouncement_ns

Friday, April 24, 2026

Hi Halsey,

There's still time to sign up for the next parent workshop on Tuesday, April 28th at 6PM and you can find more information below and on the attached flyer!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures & 26-27 School Year Calendar
Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, NYCFC Game & NY Mets!
PTA - Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Save the Date! - Dance Performances
Clubs at a Glance - Halsey World Record?!?!?! & Crochet Club "Stitch and Fundraise"
8th Grade Spotlight - National Anthem Singer Auditions for Graduation
7th Grade Spotlight - Improv on the Run!
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - FHHS production of The Addams Family, MoMA Family Programs, Arthouse Astoria Summer Stage Project, Learn Trumpet at Louis Armstrong Music House, New York Philharmonic Free Concerts, Camps! Activities!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Halsey’s First Student-Led College Fair

This month, our students made history by planning, preparing, and running Halsey’s very first Student-Led College Fair, and what an incredible experience it was!

Each homeroom selected a college to research in depth and became true experts on their school. Students designed impressive college fair displays and tables complete with fact sheets, pamphlets, display boards, and even giveaways such as stickers and pins. They proudly presented key information about their colleges, including academic majors, areas of specialization, campus culture, tuition costs, and available financial aid opportunities.

Every student had the opportunity to present and speak knowledgeably about their assigned college, demonstrating confidence, collaboration, and strong presentation skills. Our students truly rose to the challenge and represented their colleges with pride.

At the middle school level, this is exactly the work we want our students engaging in. Our goal is for students to begin thinking about college, exploring different majors, and imagining the many possibilities that exist for their futures. Experiences like this help build curiosity, excitement, and confidence as students start to envision the paths that may lie ahead.

We were also excited to welcome a special guest: an admissions representative from Penn State who is a proud Halsey alumnus. This meaningful connection inspired our students and made the experience even more authentic, showing them firsthand the long-term impact of a Halsey education.

A special thank you goes to our Halsey Student Lighthouse Team, who worked tirelessly to help plan and organize the event. The Lighthouse Team assisted students and families as they visited the tables, helped keep the fair running smoothly throughout each period, and supported cleanup after every session. Their leadership, responsibility, and commitment truly made a difference.

We were thrilled to welcome so many parents and family members who attended the fair and engaged with our student presenters. Their support helped make this experience even more meaningful for our students.

Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to Ms. Sussman, Ms. Stellatos, Mr. Blomquist, Ms. Saava, and Ms. Giaccone for all of their hard work in making this event possible. We truly could not have done it without you!

This student-led college fair was an amazing learning experience for our school community, and we could not be prouder of our students for their preparation, enthusiasm, and ownership of their learning. They showed us what is possible when students lead—and they absolutely shined.

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.

Memorial Day - Schools Closed - Monday, May 25, 2026

Eid al-Adha - Schools Closed - Wednesday, May 27, 2026

NYCPS released the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar this week. You can find it attached to this email and on the NYCPC website.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Parent Workshop on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 6PM in Conference Room 110

Brought to you by Queens Community House's LGBTQ+ Youth Services and led by Director of LGBTQ Youth Services, Bo-Andrea Bogarts, LMSW. Join us for a supportive and informative workshop designed for parents and caregivers who want to better understand and uplift the LGBTQ+ young people in their lives and in their communities. This session offers a judgment‑free space to ask questions, build confidence, and strengthen the connections that matter most. Email Coach Sue at [email protected] if you are interested in attending.

NYCFC Game on Sunday, May 3, 2026

Join fellow Halsey families for NYCFC vs. DC United on Sunday, May 3rd at 3:00pm at Citi Field. Click the link below to purchase group tickets reserved for our Halsey community. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated back to the Halsey PTA to support our students and school programs.

Get your tickets here! https://www.gofevo.com/event/Stephenhalsey2

Come cheer on New York City FC as they take on D.C. United, enjoy a fun day at the stadium, and support our school community at the same time.

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!

Tuesday night, June 23^rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!

If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.

As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026

PTA

SpringAuction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Save the Date!

Halsey Dance Spring Performances are coming up.

Thurs, 5/21, 6pm Senior Thesis Grade 8

Thurs, 5/28, 6pm Dance Spring Concert Grades 6, 7, 8

Dance parents, click here for schedule and costume information.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey World Record?!?!?! Halsey Middle School has some exciting news brewing; we are going to attempt to break a Guinness World Record!

While there are multiple records the Halsey community can attempt to break, we would like to target records consisting of the most number of nationalities engaged in the same activity simultaneously. These types of records will highlight our community's diversity.

We are seeking ALL the help we can get from our students, our students’ families, our teachers, staff, administration, and even friends in the neighborhood who want to support the attempt we ultimately choose. Participation is 100% voluntary, but in order to verify that we have broken the record, we need to collect some information from interested participants. If you are interested, please complete the form below by May 8th, 2026.

More information on time, date, and the exact record will follow soon after reviewing this initial information.

Link to participate: https://bit.ly/3Qr2E4T

🧶Crochet Club Joins “Stitch and Fundraise” for the American Cancer Society

Halsey’s Crochet Club is excited to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Stitch and Fundraise challenge this April. This nationwide event invites crafters of all kinds—crocheters, knitters, quilters, embroiderers, and more—to create daily throughout the month to raise awareness and support for cancer research and patient programs.

Throughout April, our students will be working on their fiber‑arts projects and sharing their progress to inspire donations. Funds raised will help support ACS initiatives such as research, patient services, and transportation for treatment.

Donate at this link: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vhxKxNl.1wu_ Check out their awesome projects!

8th Grade Spotlight

We are looking for a singer! One eighth grade student will perform the National Anthem at eighth grade graduation. Any eighth-grade student in any talent is welcome to audition. Students must perform memorized. Students may perform a cappella (without music) or with a YouTube accompaniment track (this type of track does not include a singer on it, only the instrumental part).

Auditions will take place on Thursday, May 21st, from 2:20-3:45 PM in the chorus room, 112. If you want to audition but cannot attend that day, please see Ms. Shikowitz in room 112 to find a make-up date. Auditions will take place in front of a panel of teachers and administrators to assure fairness and equity. Judges will be grading on the following criteria:

Tone (quality/beauty of the voice):
Memorization
Sense of pitch (able to sing the notes accurately)
Confidence and presence
Posture and alignment (body position)

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]

7th Grade Spotlight

Back by popular demand, it's Improv on The Run!

The 7^th grade Intermediate Theatre student have been doing a unit on Improv. Improv is acting without a script. Not for the faint of the heart! Everything is unscripted, unrehearsed, unexpected and totally unhinged!!!

This week, the Theatre students have been "crashing" in different classes around the building and doing a 10-minute Improv show, then rushing off to crash into another class! Attached below are videos from the 7T1 Periwinkle Pepperonis and the Low Cortisol Monchichis and the 7T3 Banana Builders and Grandma's Cookies. IMPROV ON THE RUN VIDEOS

Lost & Found - Important Items

Here are some new photos of items that have been found and brought to the office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. If you are missing something specific, but it's not here in the photos, please ask!

Community Corner

Get your tickets to Forest Hills High School's production of The Addams Family! The show opens on Thursday, April 30 at 7PM, with additional shows on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 at 7PM. You can find more information at https://linpei-jiang.github.io/theAddamsFamily/index.html, a wonderful website which includes behind the scenes videos, student presentations about the show, and a link to purchase tickets.

MoMA Family Gallery Talks - Join Heyman Family Programs at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for programs and activities. All of the programs are free and include free admission to the Museum. In addition to the programs listed below, families can explore art using free audio guides for kids, kids labels, an activity guide, available in English and Spanish.

FamilyGallery Talks (ages 11–14) Sat, May 2, 12:00 p.m. and Sun, May 3, 12:00 p.m. This month explore the theme of People and Portraits through conversation and activities in the galleries. Online registration opens Friday, Apr 2, at 10:00 a.m. Registration is required; space is limited.

The Summer Stage Project is a month-long production experience designed for students who want to spend their summer fully immersed in creating a show. Each summer, a dedicated ensemble works together from first read to final performance — focusing on rehearsal, collaboration, and the joy of bringing a full production to life. For 2026, The Summer Stage Project will present Mean Girls JR., a fast-paced, hilarious musical packed with unforgettable characters, big ensemble moments, and plenty of heart.

This summer production runs Monday–Friday, July 6–August 1 from 4:00–6:00pm, culminating in fully staged performances on July 31 and August 1. Auditions will be held Wednesday, June 24. Registration is required to audition, and all students who register will be cast. Registration closes June 1, so we encourage families to reserve a spot early for this exciting new summer program. For more information, visit: https://www.arthouseastoria.org/mean-girls?fbclid=PAZnRzaARTdJdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaeOftSGerI2ddKEaus3wy6wtZ75teysIZrE8jv4ZekOdqgc5nvuUVVF5qX3Tw_aem_b45bBxWjvXTPAT4yoAuxow

Louis Armstrong House Museum offers students age 8-16 opportunities to learn the trumpet at the home of one of the most important figures of Jazz, Louis Armstrong. For more information check out: https://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/trumpetprogram/

New York Philharmonic just announced their Free Concerts in the Parks series. June 9-14. Unroll your blankets and fill your picnic baskets because music under the summer sky is back! Since 1965, audiences have gathered with family and friends on the lawns of New York City parks to enjoy a beloved summer tradition: free music by starlight at the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. This year, Principal Cello Carter Brey performs Saint-Saëns’s thrilling Cello Concerto No. 1, in a program featuring American and French concert favorites conducted by Elim Chan. The celebration continues after every concert with dazzling fireworks displays lighting up the night sky! More information can be found here: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/explore/parks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Free%20Summer%20Concert%20Series&utm_campaign=mkt_20260422_ParksAnnouncement_ns

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

NYC Basketball Kids - NYC Basketball Kids is excited to invite students from Halsey to join their NBA Player Featured Summer Camp in Manhattan this summer. The camp provides young athletes with the opportunity to learn high-level basketball skills, develop confidence, and train in a fun and competitive environment led by experienced coaches and special NBA player appearances. To make this opportunity more accessible to students, they are offering an exclusive school discount. If you have any questions, call Mini at 212-390-1776. Sign up using this link: https://www.nycbasketballleague.com/programs/register/camps/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_E2d0-yEqjsHP4vfrARkebQjru5u6_ONN9uuCSWAVmtfyCeCshO2UorEQUSvOcqwGv06u5R1X5f8GJXNB9TihqAwQH4A&_hsmi=407985354&utm_content=407985354&utm_source=hs_email

Regular Price: $645 per week
Special School Price: 50% OFF with code SUMMERCAMP2026

McClancy Summer Sport Camps - Monsignor McClancy Summer Sport Camps is now OPEN! Improve, train, and compete at McClancy this summer: $325 a week. Camp runs 9am-3:30pm.

July 6th-10th Baseball or Cheer
July 13th-17th Girls’ Softball
July 20th- 24th Co-ed Soccer
July 27th-31st Boys’ Basketball
August 3rd-7th Girls’ Basketball
August 10th-14th Girls’ Volleyball

Follow this link, ( https://msgrmcclancy.org/student-life/summer-sports-camps/ ) and create an account today! Returning campers, log in to your account click add applicant and complete the registration. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Friday, April 17, 2026

Hi Halsey,

I'm excited to announce the next parent workshop and you can find more information below and on the attached flyer!

Have you filled out the Media Consent form on the Halsey website? We have over 700 students whose parents have completed the form. This allows the school to share images and videos of events in our school. Don't be left out: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, NYCFC Game & NY Mets!
PTA - Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Save the Date! - Dance Performances
Clubs at a Glance - New Club Alert! Track Call Backs for 6th Grade. Robotics Team & Crochet Club "Stitch and Fundraise"
8th Grade Spotlight - National Anthem Singer Auditions for Graduation
6th Grade Spotlight
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - Learn Trumpet at Louis Armstrong Music House, Camps! Activities!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

New York State Testing

This week, our 6th and 7th grade students rose to the challenge and completed the New York State ELA Exam. We are incredibly proud of how focused, prepared, and determined they were throughout the testing days. Our students showed resilience, confidence, and a strong commitment to doing their very best.

Next week, it’s our 8th graders’ turn, and we know they are ready to conquer the exam!

Advocating for Our School
Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the Community Board District 6 meeting to advocate for much-needed renovations to our school auditorium. It was a great experience and allowed me to share our vision and highlight how important this space is for our students, staff, and families. I am hopeful and will continue to keep our school community informed should we receive any funding toward this capital project.

🌟 Student‑Led College Fair – Celebrating College Awareness

We are thrilled to invite our families to attend Halsey’s first‑ever Student‑Led College Fair on Friday, April 24! This exciting event marks the culmination of our College Awareness Month, during which students engaged in meaningful lessons and activities focused on college life, campus exploration, and identifying post‑secondary pathways aligned with their interests and goals.

At the fair, students will proudly present research on over 60 colleges and universities. The event will take place across Gym A and Gym B, creating an engaging and dynamic experience that highlights our students’ hard work, growth, and aspirations.

We are pleased to welcome the first 100 parents/guardians who register to attend. Families may visit at any time between 9:15 AM and 1:15 PM, based on what is most convenient for their schedule.

👉 Registration Link: https://forms.gle/T8CzRY2epBeMzkHWA

We truly hope you can join us for this special event as we celebrate our students’ dedication, achievements, and future goals. We look forward to welcoming our families and showcasing the incredible work of our students!

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.

Memorial Day - Schools Closed - Monday, May 25, 2026

Eid al-Adha - Schools Closed - Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Parent Workshop on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 6PM in Conference Room 110

Brought to you by Queens Community House's LGBTQ+ Youth Services and led by Director of LGBTQ Youth Services, Bo-Andrea Bogarts, LMSW. Join us for a supportive and informative workshop designed for parents and caregivers who want to better understand and uplift the LGBTQ+ young people in their lives and in their communities. This session offers a judgment‑free space to ask questions, build confidence, and strengthen the connections that matter most. Email Coach Sue at [email protected] if you are interested in attending.

NYCFC Game on Sunday, May 3, 2026

Join fellow Halsey families for NYCFC vs. DC United on Sunday, May 3rd at 3:00pm at Citi Field. Click the link below to purchase group tickets reserved for our Halsey community. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated back to the Halsey PTA to support our students and school programs.

Get your tickets here! https://www.gofevo.com/event/Stephenhalsey2

Come cheer on New York City FC as they take on D.C. United, enjoy a fun day at the stadium, and support our school community at the same time.

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!

Tuesday night, June 23^rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!

If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.

As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026

PTA

SpringAuction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Save the Date!

Halsey Dance Spring Performances are coming up.

Thurs, 5/21, 6pm Senior Thesis Grade 8

Thurs, 5/27, 6pm Dance Spring Concert Grades 6, 7, 8

Dance parents, click here for schedule and costume information.

Clubs at a Glance

New Club Alert!

During the spring of 2026, Halsey JHS 157 will host an after-school club called the Halsey Reporters Club. The club will help students develop writing, interviewing, editing and visual literacy skills (such as photography and graphic design). In this program, we will make a website version of our Reporters publication, and work towards a print version next school year that will be published and handed out to all members of the community.

The Halsey Reporters Club will be conducted after-school on Thursdays beginning April 23^rd from 2:30-4:00pm in room 2025.

If you would like your child to attend this program, you can return the permission slip below to Ms. Jess Hinds or take a picture and email it to [email protected]. Ms. Hinds works in 2021 with Ms. DiStasio and Ms. Gordon, who can also collect the slip.

6th Grade Track Call Backs - All 6th graders who attended the first tryout for track are invited to attend a final call back for all categories on Monday, April 20th from 2:30-5pm. This is for 6th graders only. Permission slips are available outside Mr. Plummer's office room 210.

Robotics Team - We are excited to officially welcome our new Robotics Team members! Congratulations to all the students who made the team, and a big thank you to everyone who tried out. We really enjoyed getting to know you, and we hope you’ll try again next year.

Our new members have already jumped right in! They are currently being trained by returning team members in different areas, including engineering, programming, and outreach. Throughout this process, students are exploring each department and building new skills.

By the end of the year, each student will be placed in a department based on their interests and strengths. We are excited to see our team continue to grow and succeed with these new members!

🧶Crochet Club Joins “Stitch and Fundraise” for the American Cancer Society

Halsey’s Crochet Club is excited to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Stitch and Fundraise challenge this April. This nationwide event invites crafters of all kinds—crocheters, knitters, quilters, embroiderers, and more—to create daily throughout the month to raise awareness and support for cancer research and patient programs.

Throughout April, our students will be working on their fiber‑arts projects and sharing their progress to inspire donations. Funds raised will help support ACS initiatives such as research, patient services, and transportation for treatment.

We’ll share full details on how families can contribute and support our young makers in this meaningful cause soon.

8th Grade Spotlight

We are looking for a singer! One eighth grade student will perform the National Anthem at eighth grade graduation. Any eighth-grade student in any talent is welcome to audition. Students must perform memorized. Students may perform a cappella (without music) or with a YouTube accompaniment track (this type of track does not include a singer on it, only the instrumental part).

Auditions will take place on Thursday, May 21st, from 2:20-3:45 PM in the chorus room, 112. If you want to audition but cannot attend that day, please see Ms. Shikowitz in room 112 to find a make-up date. Auditions will take place in front of a panel of teachers and administrators to assure fairness and equity. Judges will be grading on the following criteria:

Tone (quality/beauty of the voice):
Memorization
Sense of pitch (able to sing the notes accurately)
Confidence and presence
Posture and alignment (body position)

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected]

6th Grade Spotlight

Matilda the Musical - Come see 'Matilda the Musical' at our neighborhood theater this April, starring Halsey’s very own Hazel Lau in the lead role of Matilda!

There are 6 shows in total, so the Matilda lead role is split between 2 girls. Hazel is scheduled to perform these 3 shows:

Saturday April 18 at 2:30pm
Sunday April 19 at 2:30pm
Friday April 24 at 8:00pm

Here is the link to purchase tickets if you are interested: https://www.gingerbreadplayers.org/

Lost & Found - Important Items

Here are some new photos of items that have been found and brought to the office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. If you are missing something specific, but it's not here in the photos, please ask!

Community Corner

Louis Armstrong House Museum offers students age 8-16 opportunities to learn the trumpet at the home of one of the most important figures of Jazz, Louis Armstrong. For more information check out: https://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/trumpetprogram/

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

📚✨ FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY – In Partnership with Brooklyn Book Bodega on April 18, 2026!✨📚

Brooklyn Book Bodega’s mission is simple but powerful: to increase the number of books in homes for kids 0–18 across NYC. They believe access to books builds literacy, confidence, and opportunity. 💛

Through this partnership, families will have the opportunity to select books that are age-appropriate, culturally affirming, and engaging for young readers.

📌 IMPORTANT: Registration is REQUIRED.
To ensure we have the appropriate quantity of books — and the right genres for each age group attending — families must register in advance. This helps us prepare books that truly match the children we are serving. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpKPrcYz-bYFRLWy-ORw1f7-_7PnGK2z0vuzlY5Wm9jwGMJw/viewform?pli=1

NYC Basketball Kids - NYC Basketball Kids is excited to invite students from Halsey to join their NBA Player Featured Summer Camp in Manhattan this summer. The camp provides young athletes with the opportunity to learn high-level basketball skills, develop confidence, and train in a fun and competitive environment led by experienced coaches and special NBA player appearances. To make this opportunity more accessible to students, they are offering an exclusive school discount. If you have any questions, call Mini at 212-390-1776. Sign up using this link: https://www.nycbasketballleague.com/programs/register/camps/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_E2d0-yEqjsHP4vfrARkebQjru5u6_ONN9uuCSWAVmtfyCeCshO2UorEQUSvOcqwGv06u5R1X5f8GJXNB9TihqAwQH4A&_hsmi=407985354&utm_content=407985354&utm_source=hs_email

Regular Price: $645 per week
Special School Price: 50% OFF with code SUMMERCAMP2026

McClancy Summer Sport Camps - Monsignor McClancy Summer Sport Camps is now OPEN! Improve, train, and compete at McClancy this summer: $325 a week. Camp runs 9am-3:30pm.

July 6th-10th Baseball or Cheer
July 13th-17th Girls’ Softball
July 20th- 24th Co-ed Soccer
July 27th-31st Boys’ Basketball
August 3rd-7th Girls’ Basketball
August 10th-14th Girls’ Volleyball

Follow this link, ( https://msgrmcclancy.org/student-life/summer-sports-camps/ ) and create an account today! Returning campers, log in to your account click add applicant and complete the registration. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Hi Halsey,

We made it to Spring Break!

The NYC School Survey deadline has been extended to April 17. Please take some time to complete the survey to help our school. More info is below.

Have you filled out the Media Consent form on the Halsey website? We have over 700 students whose parents have completed the form. This allows the school to share images and videos of events in our school. Don't be left out: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - NYCFC Game & NY Mets!
NYC School Survey - Deadline extended to April 17!
PTA - Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Clubs at a Glance - Respect for All, Robotics Team & Crochet Club "Stitch and Fundraise"
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
8th Grade Spotlight - Last Call for Yearbooks!
6th Grade Spotlight
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - Camps! Activities!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Halsey's Production of Clue

This week, our Theatre Department brought Clue to life, and it was an unforgettable production. The show was absolutely amazing. Our cast delivered performances that were not only incredibly talented but also genuinely funny, engaging, and full of heart. Their energy lit up the stage from beginning to end.

A huge round of applause goes to our remarkable pit band, whose music and sound effects elevated every moment. Their work added excitement, suspense, and depth to the entire production. Behind the scenes, our extraordinary stage crew moved the set with such skill and seamless coordination that the audience barely blinked between scenes. It was true artistry in motion.

To Ms. Schwarz and Ms. Zaffery, thank you. Your endless hours of dedication, creativity, leadership, and love for our students made this production possible. You guided, inspired, encouraged, and believed in our young performers and technicians every step of the way. The joy and pride on that stage reflect your passion and commitment. We are deeply grateful.

To our wonderful families, thank you for your support, from building sets on weekends to cheering your children on as they stayed late so many nights for rehearsals. Your partnership and presence are felt in every success. This production was truly a community effort, and we could not have done it without you.

Clue was fun, funny, vibrant, and loved by all. So proud of our theatre and band students!

Wishing Everyone a Fabulous Spring Break!

As we head into the break, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of our students and families celebrating Passover and Easter. May these special holidays bring you moments of reflection, joy, and togetherness.

I hope this Spring Break offers the chance to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy meaningful time with your children. They work so hard each day, and this pause in our busy routines is an opportunity to rest, recharge, and make memories.

I am already looking forward to returning after the break. The Spring at Halsey will be filled with learning and so many fun, memory-making events!

Wishing you all a wonderful and restful week ahead! 🌷

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.

Spring Break - Schools Closed - Thursday, April 2 through Friday, April 10, 2026. School will reopen on Monday, April 13.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

NYCFC Game on Sunday, May 3, 2026

Get ready for an exciting afternoon of soccer with the Halsey community! ⚽ Join fellow Halsey families for NYCFC vs. DC United on Sunday, May 3rd at 3:00pm at Citi Field. Click the link below to purchase group tickets reserved for our Halsey community. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated back to the Halsey PTA to support our students and school programs.

Get your tickets here! https://www.gofevo.com/event/Stephenhalsey2

Come cheer on New York City FC as they take on D.C. United, enjoy a fun day at the stadium, and support our school community at the same time.

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Mets Vs. Cubs & Halsey Takes Citi Field!

Tuesday night, June 23^rd , our students will perform the National Anthem at Citi Field. The Mets play the Chicago Cubs that night at 7:10 PM. We invite everyone to come out to support our student performers, and to have a fun night alongside other Halsey students, families, and staff!

If the Halsey community purchases at least 500 tickets for the evening through a specific link, the Halsey JAM Band and Select Chorus will be slotted to perform. We have met this number each of the past two years and anticipate doing so again. Only tickets sold through this through this link will count towards the 500 that qualify our students to perform: https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026. The tickets are for sections 140-142 and will cost $43.50 each. Five dollars per ticket sold through the link will go towards the PTA. This ticket price is lower than single game ticket prices for this game sold through mets.com. As an example, tickets in section 139, which mirrors 140, are currently $66.25.

As an added bonus, it’s a promotional night; a Mets chain necklace will be given to the first 15,000 fans. Purchase your tickets quickly for the widest selection of seats! https://www.gofevo.com/event/JHS157-2026

2026 NYC School Survey

Beginning February 9, 2026, NYCPS will hold its annual NYC School Survey. NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding their experiences in our school. Your confidential survey responses help our school better understand what its students, educators, and community members need and improve their learning environments, curricula, support services, and more.

To complete the survey, visit nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc beginning February 9. You will also receive a printed copy of the survey with instructions on how to complete it on paper or online. The 2026 Survey will close on April 17, 2026. Learn more at nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

PTA

SpringAuction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Respect for All Club - To celebrate the end of Women’s History Month, the Respect for All Club created a special timeline bulletin board by the auditorium highlighting the achievements and contributions of influential women from the late 1800s to present day. The bulletin board showcased key historical milestones and demonstrated how women's roles and opportunities have evolved over time. This collaborative project encouraged students to reflect on how women have shaped society and continue to inspire change today!

Robotics Team - After 2 weeks of tryouts the robotics team has chosen their new members. We would like to thank all of the students who came and tried out. We loved getting to know you all. Over the next few weeks, the current members are going to train our new members in engineering, programming, and outreach. We are excited to build our team and welcome our new members.

🧶Crochet Club Joins “Stitch and Fundraise” for the American Cancer Society

Halsey’s Crochet Club is excited to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Stitch and Fundraise challenge this April. This nationwide event invites crafters of all kinds—crocheters, knitters, quilters, embroiderers, and more—to create daily throughout the month to raise awareness and support for cancer research and patient programs.

Throughout April, our students will be working on their fiber‑arts projects and sharing their progress to inspire donations. Funds raised will help support ACS initiatives such as research, patient services, and transportation for treatment.

When we return from break, we’ll share full details on how families can contribute and support our young makers in this meaningful cause.

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

8th Grade Spotlight

The final day to purchase a yearbook is April 17th. After April 17th, the ordering window closes and we are not able to reopen it. Last year, several students were disappointed because they missed the deadline. Link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1053211/JHS-157-S-A-Halsey-Junior-High-School/2026-Yearbook/20251007041826433145/CATALOG_SHOP/

Thank you for helping us ensure all students who want a yearbook are able to get one. If you need any assistance purchasing a yearbook, please reach out to Mrs. Slaney.

6th Grade Spotlight

Matilda the Musical - Come see 'Matilda the Musical' at our neighborhood theater this April, starring Halsey’s very own Hazel Lau in the lead role of Matilda!

There are 6 shows in total, so the Matilda lead role is split between 2 girls. Hazel is scheduled to perform these 3 shows:

Saturday April 18 at 2:30pm
Sunday April 19 at 2:30pm
Friday April 24 at 8:00pm

Here is the link to purchase tickets if you are interested: https://www.gingerbreadplayers.org/

Lost & Found - Important Items

Here are some new photos of items that have been found and brought to the office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected]. In addition, some electronic equipment has been turned in. If you are missing something specific, but it's not here in the photos, please ask!

Community Corner

Commonpoint of Central Queens in Forest Hills has a new season starting April 14. See below for details.

Queens College Spring Break Basketball Camp - Queens College Women’s Basketball will be hosting a Spring Break Basketball Development Camp. The camp will offer half-day and full-day options, making it accessible for students with different schedules. Participants will work directly with Queens College players and coaching staff through fun, engaging drills designed to improve basketball fundamentals, teamwork, and confidence. The goal is to create a positive environment where students can develop their skills and enjoy their spring break in a safe, upbeat atmosphere. See below for more information.

Eastern Queens Alliance, Inc. is hosting a spring break camp - Save the Planet: Kids in Action. More information can be found below. Register here, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcz0RzEFhTSMaFn48SX_rFwn3sq2FwU_gcuDqNcNmoxFOx4w/viewform

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

📚✨ FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY – In Partnership with Brooklyn Book Bodega on April 18, 2026!✨📚

Brooklyn Book Bodega’s mission is simple but powerful: to increase the number of books in homes for kids 0–18 across NYC. They believe access to books builds literacy, confidence, and opportunity. 💛

Through this partnership, families will have the opportunity to select books that are age-appropriate, culturally affirming, and engaging for young readers.

📌 IMPORTANT: Registration is REQUIRED.
To ensure we have the appropriate quantity of books — and the right genres for each age group attending — families must register in advance. This helps us prepare books that truly match the children we are serving. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpKPrcYz-bYFRLWy-ORw1f7-_7PnGK2z0vuzlY5Wm9jwGMJw/viewform?pli=1

NYC Basketball Kids - NYC Basketball Kids is excited to invite students from Halsey to join their NBA Player Featured Summer Camp in Manhattan this summer. The camp provides young athletes with the opportunity to learn high-level basketball skills, develop confidence, and train in a fun and competitive environment led by experienced coaches and special NBA player appearances. To make this opportunity more accessible to students, they are offering an exclusive school discount. If you have any questions, call Mini at 212-390-1776. Sign up using this link: https://www.nycbasketballleague.com/programs/register/camps/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_E2d0-yEqjsHP4vfrARkebQjru5u6_ONN9uuCSWAVmtfyCeCshO2UorEQUSvOcqwGv06u5R1X5f8GJXNB9TihqAwQH4A&_hsmi=407985354&utm_content=407985354&utm_source=hs_email

Regular Price: $645 per week
Special School Price: 50% OFF with code SUMMERCAMP2026

McClancy Summer Sport Camps - Monsignor McClancy Summer Sport Camps is now OPEN! Improve, train, and compete at McClancy this summer: $325 a week. Camp runs 9am-3:30pm.

July 6th-10th Baseball or Cheer
July 13th-17th Girls’ Softball
July 20th- 24th Co-ed Soccer
July 27th-31st Boys’ Basketball
August 3rd-7th Girls’ Basketball
August 10th-14th Girls’ Volleyball

Follow this link, ( https://msgrmcclancy.org/student-life/summer-sports-camps/ ) and create an account today! Returning campers, log in to your account click add applicant and complete the registration. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Friday, March 27, 2026

Hi Halsey,
Here's what's happening!
The NYC School Survey deadline has been extended to April 17. Please take some time to complete the survey to help our school. More info is below.
Have you filled out the Media Consent form on the Halsey website? We have about 700+ students whose parents have completed the form. This allows the school to share images and videos of events in our school. Don't be left out: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_
Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].
• Ms. Lisa's Message
• 2026 Mathematics Bee
• Math-A-Thon Results
• 7th & 8th Grade Chorus Event
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - CLUE performances, NYCFC Game & More!
• NYC School Survey - Deadline extended to April 17!
• PTA - Spring Auction & Spirit Store
• Clubs at a Glance - Jewish Culture Club, Respect for All,
• Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
• 8th Grade Spotlight - Last Call for Yearbooks!
• 6th Grade Spotlight
• Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
• Community Corner - Queens College Spring Break Basketball Camp, FanFaireNYC, Free Book Giveaway, NYC Basketball Kids
Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message
Halsey's 2026 STEM Fair
Yesterday afternoon we hosted our annual STEM Fair, and it was extraordinary! Our students' projects were filled with creativity, curiosity, and innovation. Each project reflected hours of thought and care, and I was genuinely inspired by the brilliance on display.
I had the joy of speaking with every student as they presented their work. Their ability to articulate their scientific process—their questioning, experimenting, and problem-solving—was outstanding. I left the fair having learned so much from them.
Among my new discoveries:
• Adam Hammami's (Class 721) project, "The Benefits of Different Coffee Varieties" taught me that mushroom coffee might actually boost productivity more than traditional caffeinated coffee—and yes, I already bought some mushroom coffee on Amazon!
• Kavya Jhaveri (Class 621) and Isabella Cuero's (Class 627) project, "Healthier Confectionary Items" allowed me to taste delicious, chemical-frees strawberry candy.
• Ana Kim (Class 622) and Zoe Lam's (Class 622) project "Analyzing Plant Growth Under Different Color Lights" taught me that red light can help plants grow more effectively.
• Kara Sin (Class 625), Hattie Heitner (Class 624), and Danika Ng's (Class 622) project, "Gone for Good" taught me that adding cornstarch to cleaner can help sweep up bacteria more efficiently—and I even went home with a sample!
• Amelie O'Neal (Class 621), Ahlionne Beckett-Peschan (Class 622), and Layla Osmond's (Class 623) project, "Curl and Swill helped me find a homemade organic hair product for curly hair, created through careful testing and ingredient analysis. I brought a sample home to my curly haired daughter!
• Ding-Ye Cheng's (Class 723) project, "Solving S.O.L.V.E" showed me that the S.O.L.V.E. Strategy used in our mathematics classrooms is very effective in yielding higher test scores!
• Andrew Goldman's (Class 724) project, "Inexpensive Homemade OLED Monitor" taught me the benefits of the OLED monitor. I also learned that Andrew is working on building a PC at home!
• And of course, I had a blast playing with student-built bots, each one designed with creativity and engineering skill.
• Our winner of the 2026 STEM fair, Aiden Cheng (Class 722) taught me about ferrofluids and how he was able to use them to remove microplastics from water. His research was fascinating!
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Lober, Mr. Lederman and Mr. Liu for their tremendous hard work and dedication in ensuring this event comes together so beautifully each year. Their commitment to our students and to the spirit of inquiry truly makes the STEM Fair possible.
The STEM Fair reminded me once again why our students are so exceptional. Their curiosity and innovation continue to elevate our school community, and I could not be more proud.

🎓 Career Club Visits NYU
This week, our Career Club had the wonderful opportunity to visit the NYU campus, and it was truly an inspiring experience for our students. They explored the College Connections program, learned about academic pathways, and gained a firsthand look at college life at a major university. Our students asked thoughtful questions, engaged in meaningful conversations, and represented our school with pride throughout the visit.
This trip came to life thanks to the incredible leadership of Ethan Yu who founded our Career Club. His initiative and vision continue to open doors for his classmates and create meaningful opportunities that extend beyond our school building. This is powerful student leadership!
A special thank you to Ms. Riccio, Ms. Ahmed, and Ms. Slaney for helping to plan the trip and accompanying our students. Their support, encouragement, and guidance helped make this experience both smooth and memorable.
It was a day filled with learning, discovery, and excitement about the future.

📚 Classroom Spotlight: Ms. Distasio’s Class 828 English Language Arts Class
This week I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Distasio with Class 828. Students were engaged in an HMH unit focused on influential figures who fought for freedom. The lesson centered on analyzing how figurative language in Walt Whitman’s “O Captain! My Captain!” shapes meaning, and students demonstrated impressive engagement from the moment the lesson began.
Students activated their prior knowledge through a thoughtful discussion on leadership and connected it to a video featuring well-known sports captains. They then moved into a carefully structured learning experience where Ms. Distasio used a quick check for understanding to form flexible groups. Some students collaborated on a poster analyzing the poem’s extended metaphor, while others participated in a small group lesson to strengthen their understanding. Across all groups, students supported their ideas with textual evidence and engaged in meaningful dialogue.
The lesson was an amazing example of Ms. Distasio's intentional planning, differentiation, and strong instructional moves that support every learner. I left feeling excited by the academic rigor in the classroom and so proud of Class 828.
🎭 School Play: Clue
I am very excited to attend our school play, "Clue" on Monday and Tuesday of next week. I have caught a few glimpses of our cast rehearsing, and they are absolutely amazing. The energy they bring to the stage is truly impressive. It is going to be an awesome show, and I cannot wait to see all of their hard work come to life. Tickets will be sold at the door, so be sure to come out and support our talented performers. There will also be some surprise cameos you won't want to miss!

2026 Mathematics Bee
This week, JHS 157 held its fourth annual Mathematics Bee with 114 student participants representing all grade levels. These students competed in multiple rounds at the classroom level, before advancing to the final Math Bee competition. With quick-thinking and strong mental math skills our scholars excelled in what turned out to be a 6-period competition. We are extremely proud of all of today’s mathletes!
A special thank you to Ms. Hodgkinson, Ms. Savva and Ms. McGuckin for organizing and hosting the JHS 157 Mathematics Bee. We would also like to thank all our Mathematics teachers for preparing the students for today’s event.
We are buzzing with excitement to announce our Math Bee Winners! These top three math enthusiasts took their math knowledge and skills to the next level at the competition.
Our third place winner: Ahmad Salman of class 726.
Our second place winner: Oliver Tan of class 725.
Our first place winner: Thomas Bradshaw of class 823.
Congratulations to our top three students in showcasing your exceptional math skills. We are extremely proud of you!

Math-A-Thon Results - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Fundraiser
Thank you to all our students, parents, teachers and staff who made contributions and helped collect donations for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon. The fundraiser was a great success! This year our school has made a total donation of $19,380.38. Incredible job done by all our participants!! We thank you for your dedication and participation for such a worthy cause.
Greatest Total Collections by class on each grade:
6th Grade: Ms. Wittmer’s Class 622
7th Grade: Ms. Jacob’s Class 725
8th Grade: Ms. Savva’s Class 821
Greatest Total Collections made by students (Top three students in the school):
Greatest Amount of Donations Collected: Leah Halili of Class 821

Second Highest Amount of Donations Collected: Zoe Lam of Class 622

Third Highest Amount of Donations Collected: Marley Chiu of class 809

7th & 8th Grade Chorus Event - This week the seventh and eighth grade chorus students had the pleasure of welcoming Midori Larsen into the chorus classroom. Midori is a JHS 157 eighth grade parent, educator, and professional composer. In 2023, Midori emailed a thank you note to Ms. Shikowitz after the Winter Concert. Her daughter was in sixth grade chorus. In her email signature, she included her musical background and professional website. Ms. Shikowitz looked into her work and was fascinated. We met on a Zoom to discuss the possibility of Midori writing a piece for our choir, even though she had never written for choir before. Unsure of where to get inspiration for lyrics, Ms. Shikowitz and Midori agreed that the JHS 157 chorus students would interview immigrant women in their families. Midori then used their words to craft the lyrics to “Go Chase Your Dreams”. The PTA funded the commission, and the rest is history! The students got to know Midori, her immigration story, and her musical journey. Come hear the world premiere of "Go Chase Your Dreams" at the chorus concert on May 19th, 7:00 PM!

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.
Spring Break - Schools Closed - Thursday, April 2 through Friday, April 10, 2026. School will reopen on Monday, April 13.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Clue Performance - Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st at 6PM. Tickets will be available at the door with cash for $5.

Marking Period 3 Report Card Distribution - Tuesday, March 31, 2026
NYCFC Game on Sunday, May 3, 2026
Get ready for an exciting afternoon of soccer with the Halsey community! ⚽ Join fellow Halsey families for NYCFC vs. DC United on Sunday, May 3rd at 3:00pm at Citi Field. Click the link below to purchase group tickets reserved for our Halsey community. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated back to the Halsey PTA to support our students and school programs.
Get your tickets here! https://www.gofevo.com/event/Stephenhalsey2
Come cheer on New York City FC as they take on D.C. United, enjoy a fun day at the stadium, and support our school community at the same time.

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form
Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form
2026 NYC School Survey
Beginning February 9, 2026, NYCPS will hold its annual NYC School Survey. NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding their experiences in our school. Your confidential survey responses help our school better understand what its students, educators, and community members need and improve their learning environments, curricula, support services, and more.
To complete the survey, visit nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc beginning February 9. You will also receive a printed copy of the survey with instructions on how to complete it on paper or online. The 2026 Survey will close on April 17, 2026. Learn more at nycschoolsurvey.org.
If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:
• One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
• One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

PTA
Volunteers Needed - To help make the evenings run smoothly during CLUE, we are looking for parent volunteers to assist with sales during the show (snacks, concessions, simple setup/cleanup). Even a short time helps a lot… truly. Performance Dates: Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM and Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30 PM
If you’re available to support, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-63034187-clue
We appreciate every bit of help – these events only come together because of parents like you. Thank you for supporting our students and the arts program!
SpringAuction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!
Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance
Jewish Culture Club went on a trip to Crown Heights Brooklyn. There they watched matzoh being prepped for Passover, tefillin being made and even went to the Chabad headquarters.

Respect for All Club - Throughout Women's History Month, RFA members have been working on a timeline of important events in modern US history to display in the school. We even had help from our former RFA members! Please check out the bulletin board by the auditorium on Monday March 30th to see their hard work!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

8th Grade Spotlight
The final day to purchase a yearbook is April 17th. After April 17th, the ordering window closes and we are not able to reopen it. Last year, several students were disappointed because they missed the deadline. Link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1053211/JHS-157-S-A-Halsey-Junior-High-School/2026-Yearbook/20251007041826433145/CATALOG_SHOP/
Thank you for helping us ensure all students who want a yearbook are able to get one. If you need any assistance purchasing a yearbook, please reach out to Mrs. Slaney.
6th Grade Spotlight
Matilda the Musical - Come see 'Matilda the Musical' at our neighborhood theater this April, starring Halsey’s very own Hazel Lau in the lead role of Matilda!
There are 6 shows in total, so the Matilda lead role is split between 2 girls. Hazel is scheduled to perform these 3 shows:
• Saturday April 18 at 2:30pm
• Sunday April 19 at 2:30pm
• Friday April 24 at 8:00pm
Here is the link to purchase tickets if you are interested: https://www.gingerbreadplayers.org/

Lost & Found - Important Items
Here are some new photos of items that have been found and brought to the office. If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner
Queens College Spring Break Basketball Camp - Queens College Women’s Basketball will be hosting a Spring Break Basketball Development Camp. The camp will offer half-day and full-day options, making it accessible for students with different schedules. Participants will work directly with Queens College players and coaching staff through fun, engaging drills designed to improve basketball fundamentals, teamwork, and confidence. The goal is to create a positive environment where students can develop their skills and enjoy their spring break in a safe, upbeat atmosphere. See below for more information.

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

📚✨ FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY – In Partnership with Brooklyn Book Bodega on April 18, 2026!✨📚
Brooklyn Book Bodega’s mission is simple but powerful: to increase the number of books in homes for kids 0–18 across NYC. They believe access to books builds literacy, confidence, and opportunity. 💛
Through this partnership, families will have the opportunity to select books that are age-appropriate, culturally affirming, and engaging for young readers.
📌 IMPORTANT: Registration is REQUIRED.
To ensure we have the appropriate quantity of books — and the right genres for each age group attending — families must register in advance. This helps us prepare books that truly match the children we are serving. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpKPrcYz-bYFRLWy-ORw1f7-_7PnGK2z0vuzlY5Wm9jwGMJw/viewform?pli=1

NYC Basketball Kids - NYC Basketball Kids is excited to invite students from Halsey to join their NBA Player Featured Summer Camp in Manhattan this summer. The camp provides young athletes with the opportunity to learn high-level basketball skills, develop confidence, and train in a fun and competitive environment led by experienced coaches and special NBA player appearances. To make this opportunity more accessible to students, they are offering an exclusive school discount. If you have any questions, call Mini at 212-390-1776. Sign up using this link: https://www.nycbasketballleague.com/programs/register/camps/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_E2d0-yEqjsHP4vfrARkebQjru5u6_ONN9uuCSWAVmtfyCeCshO2UorEQUSvOcqwGv06u5R1X5f8GJXNB9TihqAwQH4A&_hsmi=407985354&utm_content=407985354&utm_source=hs_email
• Regular Price: $645 per week
• Special School Price: 50% OFF with code SUMMERCAMP2026

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Hi Halsey,

It's a short week and here's what's happening!

Please take some time to fill in the NYC School Survey. More info is below.

I am making another push to have all parents sign a Media Consent form on the Halsey website. We have about 675 students whose parents have completed the form. This allows the school to share images and videos of events in our school. Please take a moment to fill out the form: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - STEM Fair, CLUE performances, NYCFC Game & More!
NYC School Survey
PTA - Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics Tryouts
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
NYSSMA Registration - LAST CALL!
8th Grade Spotlight - Last Call for Yearbooks!
6th Grade Spotlight
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - Padres Comprometidos, CUNY Citizenship Now!, Queens College Spring Break Basketball Camp, FanFaireNYC, Free Book Giveaway, NYC Basketball Kids

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Math Instruction at Halsey

I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. McGuckin’s 721 mathematics class this week. Students explored theoretical probability through an engaging series of hands‑on activities, discussions, and problem‑solving tasks. Ms. McGuckin launched the lesson with a visual warm‑up using spinners to spark conversation and encourage students to use mathematical vocabulary. Students then practiced identifying sample spaces and determining the likelihood of events using Plickers, allowing everyone to participate actively. During guided and collaborative work, students compared multiple strategies for finding probabilities, such as using fractions, decimals, percents, and complements, and explained their reasoning to their peers. Students also engaged in a “power write,” where they reflected on what a complement means in probability. The classroom was filled with rich mathematical thinking, strong collaboration, and a clear sense of curiosity as students deepened their understanding of probability. The students in class 721 are very lucky to have Ms. McGuckin as their math teacher, and I am so proud of the students for their hard work, enthusiasm, and thoughtful engagement throughout the lesson.

Wishing a very happy Eid al‑Fitr to all of our Halsey families who celebrate. May this joyous holiday bring you peace, reflection, and moments of togetherness with loved ones. We hope your celebration is filled with happiness, gratitude, and a renewed sense of hope. To all who observe, Eid Mubarak!

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.

Eid al-Fitr - Schools Closed Friday, March 20, 2026. Schools reopen on Monday, March 23.

Spring Break - Schools Closed - Thursday, April 2 through Friday, April 10, 2026. School will reopen on Monday, April 13.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates

Halsey STEM Fair - Thursday, March 26 from 4-6PM in Gym A. Request tickets at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebdjH4paZVe7nlkNwdguQsyUFItaIMX4ErMn1yIn3YvHNpHQ/viewform

The 2026 Halsey Middle School STEM Fair showcases the curiosity, creativity, and scientific thinking of our students through a wide range of impressive projects. This year’s fair features investigations that tackles real-world questions and innovative ideas. While at the STEM Fair, you can enjoy some fun STEM activities and even an AI learning experience to hear more about the ins and outs of the latest global innovation. You can also get excited to learn about the differences between mushroom-based coffee and traditional coffee, examining factors such as taste, energy effects, and potential health benefits. Look to learn about our plastic waste audit of our school, carefully collecting and analyzing data to better understand how much plastic we use and proposing ways our community can reduce it. And a new shampoo formula? Join us on March 26th from 4-6pm in GYM A. Tickets are only available by request through the link attached to this post. Requests will end on March 19th, 2026, and be distributed starting Monday, March 23rd.

Clue Performance - Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st at 6PM. Tickets are $5 and are available online at: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/news/article/2177515?categoryId=24313 Please note that there are 2 separate links, one for each day. Tickets will also be sold at the door with cash for $5.

Marking Period 3 Report Card Distribution - Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Pottery Painting with Mr. Lober:
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a pottery painting experience on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at Ellys Arts & Crafts at 12 Noon (Address: 10031 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, NY 11375) This includes a set 2–3-hour experience (as long as you need) to choose the pottery of your choice and hand paint it with Mr. Lober and the Halsey Community! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each person is $10 to reserve the studio space, then it is priced per item you paint (which you may handle at the studio). If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster March 7th, 2026. This is a first come, first serve basis since the studio can only hold 20 people at a time.

Link to apply: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Link: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

NYCFC Game on Sunday, May 3, 2026

Get ready for an exciting afternoon of soccer with the Halsey community! ⚽ Join fellow Halsey families for NYCFC vs. DC United on Sunday, May 3rd at 3:00pm at Citi Field. Click the link below to purchase group tickets reserved for our Halsey community. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated back to the Halsey PTA to support our students and school programs.

Get your tickets here! https://www.gofevo.com/event/Stephenhalsey2

Come cheer on New York City FC as they take on D.C. United, enjoy a fun day at the stadium, and support our school community at the same time.

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

2026 NYC School Survey

Beginning February 9, 2026, NYCPS will hold its annual NYC School Survey. NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding their experiences in our school. Your confidential survey responses help our school better understand what its students, educators, and community members need and improve their learning environments, curricula, support services, and more.

To complete the survey, visit nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc beginning February 9. You will also receive a printed copy of the survey with instructions on how to complete it on paper or online. The 2026 Survey will close on April 1, 2026. Learn more at nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

PTA

Volunteers Needed - To help make the evenings run smoothly during CLUE, we are looking for parent volunteers to assist with sales during the show (snacks, concessions, simple setup/cleanup). Even a short time helps a lot… truly. Performance Dates: Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM and Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30 PM

If you’re available to support, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-63034187-clue

We appreciate every bit of help – these events only come together because of parents like you. Thank you for supporting our students and the arts program!

SpringAuction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey Robotics Team - Our Robotics Team had a very successful round of tryouts! Students rotated through three different stations where they demonstrated their skills in engineering, coding, and shared their robotics experiences during an interview.

With so many strong candidates, the team will have a difficult time selecting new members. We are excited to continue tryouts on Tuesday, March 24, from 2:30–4:00 PM, and we hope to see many more students there!

Select Chorus - Congratulations to our Select Chorus students for being selected to perform at the Queens Borough Arts Festival in May!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO.

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO.

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

8th Grade Spotlight

The final day to purchase a yearbook is April 17th. After April 17th, the ordering window closes and we are not able to reopen it. Last year, several students were disappointed because they missed the deadline. Link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1053211/JHS-157-S-A-Halsey-Junior-High-School/2026-Yearbook/20251007041826433145/CATALOG_SHOP/

Thank you for helping us ensure all students who want a yearbook are able to get one. If you need any assistance purchasing a yearbook, please reach out to Mrs. Slaney.

Lost & Found - Important Items

I'm happy to report that several items have been claimed, including a wallet, glasses, keys, headphones and AirPods, and there are still plenty of items here!

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

Padres Comprometidos is a parent engagement course presented by CHCF (Committee for Hispanic Children & Families) to help parents better understand the school system, support their children's learning at home, and build confidence communicating with teachers and school staff. The program will be offered through weekly virtual sessions both in English and Spanish. The first session will take place on March 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Parents can register by clicking the following link: Padres Comprometidos registration link

CUNY Citizenship Now! - “Virtual Consultations Friday: Ask an Immigration Lawyer” Schedule a free consultation for information on:

Changes in immigration law that may affect you
Family-Based Petitions
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Renewal and replacement of immigration documents

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 Free, Virtual

How to make an appointment:

Call us at 646-664-9400 and leave us a message
Text us at 929-334-3784
Email us at [email protected]

Website: Click Request a Call Back - https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/communications-marketing/citizenship-now/

Queens College Spring Break Basketball Camp - Queens College Women’s Basketball will be hosting a Spring Break Basketball Development Camp. The camp will offer half-day and full-day options, making it accessible for students with different schedules. Participants will work directly with Queens College players and coaching staff through fun, engaging drills designed to improve basketball fundamentals, teamwork, and confidence. The goal is to create a positive environment where students can develop their skills and enjoy their spring break in a safe, upbeat atmosphere. See below for more information.

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

📚✨ FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY – In Partnership with Brooklyn Book Bodega on April 18, 2026!✨📚

Brooklyn Book Bodega’s mission is simple but powerful: to increase the number of books in homes for kids 0–18 across NYC. They believe access to books builds literacy, confidence, and opportunity. 💛

Through this partnership, families will have the opportunity to select books that are age-appropriate, culturally affirming, and engaging for young readers.

📌 IMPORTANT: Registration is REQUIRED.
To ensure we have the appropriate quantity of books — and the right genres for each age group attending — families must register in advance. This helps us prepare books that truly match the children we are serving. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpKPrcYz-bYFRLWy-ORw1f7-_7PnGK2z0vuzlY5Wm9jwGMJw/viewform?pli=1

NYC Basketball Kids - NYC Basketball Kids is excited to invite students from Halsey to join their NBA Player Featured Summer Camp in Manhattan this summer. The camp provides young athletes with the opportunity to learn high-level basketball skills, develop confidence, and train in a fun and competitive environment led by experienced coaches and special NBA player appearances. To make this opportunity more accessible to students, they are offering an exclusive school discount. If you have any questions, call Mini at 212-390-1776. Sign up using this link: https://www.nycbasketballleague.com/programs/register/camps/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_E2d0-yEqjsHP4vfrARkebQjru5u6_ONN9uuCSWAVmtfyCeCshO2UorEQUSvOcqwGv06u5R1X5f8GJXNB9TihqAwQH4A&_hsmi=407985354&utm_content=407985354&utm_source=hs_email

Regular Price: $645 per week
Special School Price: 50% OFF with code SUMMERCAMP2026

Friday, March 13, 2026

Happy Friday Halsey!

It's another Friday the 13th! I can't decide if I believe this is an unlucky day or not... What do you think?

I am making another push to have all parents sign a Media Consent form on the Halsey website. This allows the school to share images and videos of events in our school. Please take a moment to fill out the form: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Chancellor Town Hall, PTA Meeting, STEM Fair, CLUE performances & More!
NYC School Survey
PTA - Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics Tryouts, 7th Grade Dance, Select Chorus
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
NYSSMA Registration
8th Grade Spotlight - Last Call for Yearbooks!
6th Grade Spotlight
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - Padres Comprometidos, CUNY Citizenship Now!, Queens College Spring Break Basketball Camp, FanFaireNYC, Free Book Giveaway, NYC Basketball Kids

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Student Leadership Shines at Halsey

One of the most inspiring parts of our work at Halsey is watching students take initiative and turn their ideas into meaningful opportunities for our school community. This week, we are proud to highlight the leadership of Ethan Yu, whose creativity and drive have made a lasting impact on our students.

Ethan proposed the idea for our Career Club after recognizing how valuable it is for students to learn about different pathways and future possibilities. With the support of Ms. Riccio, Ethan, launched the club and continues to play a central role in guiding its meetings and activities. His vision has created a space where students can explore their interests, ask questions, and learn from one another. He most recently has planned a trip for the club to visit NYU.

Ethan also took his leadership to a national level by writing an article for Time for Kids about how to start a career club. His work now serves as a resource for students across the country who want to bring similar opportunities to their own schools. It is wonderful to see a student take such pride in helping others discover their strengths and plan for their futures.

We are very proud of Ethan for his initiative and dedication, and we are grateful to Ms. Riccio for supporting and encouraging this important student-led work.

Spotlight on Student Leadership, Courage and Resilience

This week, during our grade assemblies, one of our incredibly brave and strong students, Daenerys Jackson stood before her peers in the grade assembly and shared her personal journey with cancer. Her presentation was nothing short of inspiring. Daenerys spoke honestly about her diagnosis, the challenges of undergoing an adult level chemotherapy treatment at only eight years old, the impact it had on her daily life, and the strength it took to push forward through surgeries, radiation, and moments of pain and uncertainty.

What moved us all most deeply was not only her resilience but also her willingness to use her experience to lift others. She spoke with maturity, compassion, and courage, reminding every student in the room that hardship does not define you.

I want to express how profoundly proud I am of Daenerys. Sharing such a personal and emotional story takes immense strength, and she demonstrates that strength with grace. She is a role model not only because of what she has overcome but also because of the kindness she continues to show. She has offered to support other students who may be struggling with serious health challenges, hoping that her story can bring comfort, connection, and hope.

Her bravery represents the very best of the Halsey spirit, including resilience, compassion, and community. We are honored to have Daeneyrs as part of our Halsey family.

Halsey Student Lighthouse Team Swearing‑In Ceremony

This week, as we celebrate Civics for All week, we were honored to welcome Judge Fassler to Halsey. Judge Fassler led the official swearing‑in ceremony for our Student Lighthouse Team, our very own student government. Judge Fassler administered the oath of office with the same dignity and care she brings to her work in the courtroom, making the moment truly special for our students.

After the ceremony, she spent time answering thoughtful questions from our newly elected leaders about what it means to serve as a judge, how she ensures fairness, and the responsibilities that come with upholding the law. Her openness and encouragement offered our students an inspiring look into civic leadership and public service.

We were also happy to have families in attendance, cheering on their children as they stepped into these important leadership roles. Their presence made the morning even more meaningful.

Congratulations to all the members of our Student Lighthouse Team! You have already had a positive impact on our school community!

As always, it was another fabulous week at Halsey! This week was filled with learning, lots of leadership, and moments that remind us what makes our school community so special.

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.

Eid al-Fitr - Schools Closed Friday, March 20, 2026. Schools reopen on Monday, March 23.

Spring Break - Schools Closed - Thursday, April 2 through Friday, April 10, 2026. School will reopen on Monday, April 13.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

D28 Town Hall with Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels - Monday, March 16 at 6:30PM - The Town Hall will be live streamed. Please register for this event by clicking the following link https://zoomgov.com/j/1618456797 More information can be found on the attached flyer.

Conversations with the Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels - Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30PM-8:00PM at Queens Innovation Center (53-16 Northern Boulevard, Queens, NY 11377) Register now at: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/vision-and-mission/state-of-our-schools-event/conversations-with-the-chancellor

March PTA Meeting - Wednesday, March 18th at 7PM on Zoom.

Halsey STEM Fair - Thursday, March 26 from 4-6PM in Gym A. Request tickets at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebdjH4paZVe7nlkNwdguQsyUFItaIMX4ErMn1yIn3YvHNpHQ/viewform

The 2026 Halsey Middle School STEM Fair showcases the curiosity, creativity, and scientific thinking of our students through a wide range of impressive projects. This year’s fair features investigations that tackles real-world questions and innovative ideas. While at the STEM Fair, you can enjoy some fun STEM activities and even an AI learning experience to hear more about the ins and outs of the latest global innovation. You can also get excited to learn about the differences between mushroom-based coffee and traditional coffee, examining factors such as taste, energy effects, and potential health benefits. Look to learn about our plastic waste audit of our school, carefully collecting and analyzing data to better understand how much plastic we use and proposing ways our community can reduce it. And a new shampoo formula? Join us on March 26th from 4-6pm in GYM A. Tickets are only available by request through the link attached to this post. Requests will end on March 19th, 2026, and be distributed starting Monday, March 23rd.

Clue Performance - Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st at 6PM. Tickets are $5 and are available online at: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/news/article/2177515?categoryId=24313 Please note that there are 2 separate links, one for each day. Tickets will also be sold at the door with cash for $5.

Marking Period 3 Report Card Distribution - Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Pottery Painting with Mr. Lober:
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a pottery painting experience on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at Ellys Arts & Crafts at 12 Noon (Address: 10031 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, NY 11375) This includes a set 2–3-hour experience (as long as you need) to choose the pottery of your choice and hand paint it with Mr. Lober and the Halsey Community! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each person is $10 to reserve the studio space, then it is priced per item you paint (which you may handle at the studio). If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster March 7th, 2026. This is a first come, first serve basis since the studio can only hold 20 people at a time.

Link to apply: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Link: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

2026 NYC School Survey

Beginning February 9, 2026, NYCPS will hold its annual NYC School Survey. NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding their experiences in our school. Your confidential survey responses help our school better understand what its students, educators, and community members need and improve their learning environments, curricula, support services, and more.

To complete the survey, visit nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc beginning February 9. You will also receive a printed copy of the survey with instructions on how to complete it on paper or online. The 2026 Survey will close on April 1, 2026. Learn more at nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

PTA

Spring Auction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey Robotics Team - Our school is very proud of the Robotics Team for their presentation at the FIRST LEGO League Competition this past Sunday. The team presented in front of a full auditorium of students and parents. They explained how they built their robots and demonstrated how their program works.

The younger students at the event are just starting to learn about robotics, and our team showed them how these skills can grow and be used in the future. Our students spoke with confidence and did an excellent job representing our school.

The Halsey Robotics Team will be holding two tryout dates for the 2026–2027 season. Students interested in joining may sign up for one tryout date only. Tryouts will take place on March 17, 2026, from 2:30–4:00 PM and March 24, 2026, from 2:30–4:00 PM, and both sessions will be held in Room 333. Students must pick up a permission slip outside Room 333 and return it to Mr. Lober before their scheduled tryout date in order to participate. We are excited to see students interested in robotics, engineering, and teamwork. Come out and try out for the team.

7th Grade Dance: Check out 7th grade Dance students learning the Salsa in this video! Oh, and save the Date for our Halsey Dance Spring Performances!

Thurs, 5/21 at 6pm - Dance Senior Thesis

Thurs, 5/28 at 6pm - Dance Spring Concert

Letters have been sent home with students and are posted in Dance Google Classrooms.

Select Chorus - On Wednesday, Select Chorus students attended Frank Sinatra High School's final dress rehearsal of their spring musical, "The Prom". The students had a great time watching the amazing performance and were an impeccable audience. They had the chance to experience a bit of the Astoria neighborhood by attending Panera for lunch, and then a quick stop at a local playground to burn off some energy. Thanks to Frank Sinatra High School for the invitation!

6th Grade Yoga has been postponed until the Test Prep classes finish. Ms. Ruzicka let students know when the club will resume.

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO.

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO.

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

8th Grade Spotlight

The final day to purchase a yearbook is April 17th. After April 17th, the ordering window closes and we are not able to reopen it. Last year, several students were disappointed because they missed the deadline. Link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1053211/JHS-157-S-A-Halsey-Junior-High-School/2026-Yearbook/20251007041826433145/CATALOG_SHOP/

Thank you for helping us ensure all students who want a yearbook are able to get one. If you need any assistance purchasing a yearbook, please reach out to Mrs. Slaney.

6th Grade Spotlight

This past weekend, Zoe Lam of class 622 volunteers at the one year anniversary of the Queens Statue sculpture block part at Macdonald Park in Forest Hills. Zoe was at the social media giveaway booth and was interviewed by the Forest Hills Times. Way to go Zoe!

Lost & Found - Important Items

I'm happy to report that several items have been claimed, including a wallet, glasses, keys, headphones and AirPods, and there are still plenty of items here!

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

Padres Comprometidos is a parent engagement course presented by CHCF (Committee for Hispanic Children & Families) to help parents better understand the school system, support their children's learning at home, and build confidence communicating with teachers and school staff. The program will be offered through weekly virtual sessions both in English and Spanish. The first session will take place on March 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Parents can register by clicking the following link:Padres Comprometidos registration link

CUNY Citizenship Now! - “Virtual Consultations Friday: Ask an Immigration Lawyer” Schedule a free consultation for information on:

Changes in immigration law that may affect you
Family-Based Petitions
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Renewal and replacement of immigration documents

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026 Free, Virtual

How to make an appointment:

Call us at 646-664-9400 and leave us a message
Text us at 929-334-3784
Email us at [email protected]

Website: Click Request a Call Back - https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/communications-marketing/citizenship-now/

Queens College Spring Break Basketball Camp - Queens College Women’s Basketball will be hosting a Spring Break Basketball Development Camp. The camp will offer half-day and full-day options, making it accessible for students with different schedules. Participants will work directly with Queens College players and coaching staff through fun, engaging drills designed to improve basketball fundamentals, teamwork, and confidence. The goal is to create a positive environment where students can develop their skills and enjoy their spring break in a safe, upbeat atmosphere. See below for more information.

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

📚✨ FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY – In Partnership with Brooklyn Book Bodega on April 18, 2026!✨📚

Brooklyn Book Bodega’s mission is simple but powerful: to increase the number of books in homes for kids 0–18 across NYC. They believe access to books builds literacy, confidence, and opportunity. 💛

Through this partnership, families will have the opportunity to select books that are age-appropriate, culturally affirming, and engaging for young readers.

📌 IMPORTANT: Registration is REQUIRED.
To ensure we have the appropriate quantity of books — and the right genres for each age group attending — families must register in advance. This helps us prepare books that truly match the children we are serving. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpKPrcYz-bYFRLWy-ORw1f7-_7PnGK2z0vuzlY5Wm9jwGMJw/viewform?pli=1

NYC Basketball Kids - NYC Basketball Kids is excited to invite students from Halsey to join their NBA Player Featured Summer Camp in Manhattan this summer. The camp provides young athletes with the opportunity to learn high-level basketball skills, develop confidence, and train in a fun and competitive environment led by experienced coaches and special NBA player appearances. To make this opportunity more accessible to students, they are offering an exclusive school discount. If you have any questions, call Mini at 212-390-1776. Sign up using this link: https://www.nycbasketballleague.com/programs/register/camps/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_E2d0-yEqjsHP4vfrARkebQjru5u6_ONN9uuCSWAVmtfyCeCshO2UorEQUSvOcqwGv06u5R1X5f8GJXNB9TihqAwQH4A&_hsmi=407985354&utm_content=407985354&utm_source=hs_email

Regular Price: $645 per week
Special School Price: 50% OFF with code SUMMERCAMP2026

Friday, March 6, 2026

Happy Friday Halsey!

This was a long and exciting week! And this is a long and exciting newsletter! I hope I don't miss any important information, but if I do, just reach out and let me know.

I am also making another push to have all parents sign a Media Consent form on the Halsey website. This allows the school to share images and videos of events in our school. Please take a moment to fill out the form: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events
NYC School Survey
PTA - Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics, 7th&8th Grade Baseball Tryouts, 6th Grade Yoga, Clue Set Building Day, Mural Club, 6th Grade Dance Performance, Chess Club
Summer Arts Institute Deadline Extended! - 7th & 8th Graders
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
NYSSMA Registration
8th Grade Spotlight - Forest Hills High School Peer-Assisted Tutoring Hub, Last Call for Yearbooks!
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - Webinar for The Evaluation Process in Children with ASD, Commonpoint Basketball, Kweller

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Celebrating Our 8th Graders

I want to take a moment to express just how proud I am of our 8th graders and the way they have navigated this year’s high school application and acceptance process. From start to finish, they demonstrated maturity, responsibility, and a level of composure that truly reflects the strength of their character. Whether they were preparing for auditions, sitting for the SHSAT, or carefully researching their options, our students showed dedication and heart every step of the way.

Their hard work has led to outstanding results, and we are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments:

71 of our students received offers to Specialized High Schools!

24 to Stuyvesant High School
14 to Bronx High School of Science
18 to Brooklyn Technical High School
11 to Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
2 to HS of American Studies @ Lehman College
1 to Brooklyn Latin School
1 to HS for Math, Science & Engineering @ City College

And these are just the Specialized High Schools! Our students also earned seats in specialized programs across outstanding high schools throughout New York City—programs in the arts, the sciences, STEM, humanities, and so much more.

Among the many highlights, our students received acceptances to the Baccalaureate School for Global Education (5 students), Bard High School Early College (7 students), Beacon High School (5 students), and Eleanor Roosevelt High School (4 students). Forest Hills High School’s Carl Sagan Program welcomed 43 of our students, while 27 students were accepted to Townsend Harris High School.

Students were also accepted to a variety of strong academic and themed programs across the city, including the Academy of American Studies — Intensive (25 students) and Academic Humanities (11 students), Aviation High School (12 students), Art & Design High School (8 students), Maspeth High School (6 students), Talent Unlimited High School (4 students), NYC Lab School (3 students), NYC iSchool (3 students), NYC Museum School (2 students), and the Special Music School (2 students). Additional acceptances include Forest Hills High School’s Drama Academy (3 students) and Academy of Instrumental Music (11 students).

Our students also received impressive acceptances to the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts across several programs: Film & Media Arts (1 student), Fine Arts (6 students), Instrumental Music (3 students), Dance (2 students), and Drama (1 student).

Students also earned acceptances to the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in several artistic studios, including Fine Arts (6 students), Dance (1 student), Instrumental Music (4 students), Vocal Music (3 students), Drama (2 students), and Technical Theater (2 students).

Their success reflects not only their talent, but their passion and perseverance in pursuing the opportunities that inspire them. This is an incredible achievement for our students, our staff, and our entire school community. We celebrate not only the impressive numbers, but the determination, effort, and growth behind them.

Congratulations to all of our 8th grade families! I couldn’t be more proud of our 8th grade class.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Judaline Cassidy Inspires Halsey

This week, our Halsey community had the incredible honor of welcoming Judaline Cassidy—a groundbreaking feminist plumber, tradeswoman activist, and powerful voice for equity in the skilled trades. Born and raised in Trinidad, Ms. Cassidy became one of the first women accepted into Plumbers Local 371 on Staten Island, breaking barriers in a field historically closed to women and reshaping the conversation about who belongs in construction and the trades.

During her visit, Ms. Cassidy spoke to our students with honesty, humor, and unwavering encouragement. She reminded them that “jobs don’t have genders,” and that excellence comes not from talent, but from grit, effort, and pride in your work. She reinforced that anything they dream of—any path they choose—they are capable of achieving when they show up fully and give their best.

Her message was one of empowerment and possibility. Our students left her presentation inspired, energized, and ready to challenge stereotypes with confidence and courage. We are so grateful to Ms. Cassidy for sharing her story and helping our children see the strength within themselves.

Halsey's Talent Show

On Wednesday night, our school community came together for an unforgettable Talent Show. The show reminded us just how brightly our students shine both inside and outside of the classroom. The evening was filled with incredible performances that showcased the wide range of gifts, passions, and creativity our students bring to our community.

Just to highlight a few of the many standout moments:

Sophia’s beautiful performance of Concerto in G captivated the entire audience with her poise and skill.
Michael’s stunning rendition of Flute Sonata filled the auditorium with artistry and emotion.
DJ’s powerful performance of Rise Up gave me chills and had the crowd cheering.

These were just a few of the remarkable talents shared on stage. Every performer brought something unique, and we left the auditorium feeling inspired, proud, and deeply impressed by our students’ dedication and courage.

Closing Out This Week-Girls Basketball!

As I write this newsletter, our girls’ basketball team is still undefeated in the playoffs and gearing up for an exciting afternoon game. If we win today, we advance to another big matchup on Tuesday—and if we take that one, we’re heading straight to the finals! I’ll be there cheering for them and hoping to watch our team continue this incredible run. Go Bulldogs!

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.

Parent Teacher Conferences - Early Dismissal on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Students will be dismissed at 11:20AM. There will be bus service.

Eid al-Fitr - Schools Closed Friday, March 20, 2026. Schools reopen on Monday, March 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

D28 Town Hall with Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels - Monday, March 16 at 6:30PM - The Town Hall will be live streamed. Please register for this event by clicking the following link https://zoomgov.com/j/1618456797 More information can be found on the attached flyer.

March PTA Meeting - Wednesday, March 18th at 7PM on Zoom.

Clue Performance - Monday, March 30th and Tuesday, March 31st. More details to come!

Marking Period 3 Report Card Distribution - Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Pottery Painting with Mr. Lober:
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a pottery painting experience on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at Ellys Arts & Crafts at 12 Noon (Address: 10031 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, NY 11375) This includes a set 2–3-hour experience (as long as you need) to choose the pottery of your choice and hand paint it with Mr. Lober and the Halsey Community! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each person is $10 to reserve the studio space, then it is priced per item you paint (which you may handle at the studio). If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster March 7th, 2026. This is a first come, first serve basis since the studio can only hold 20 people at a time.

Link to apply: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Link: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

2026 NYC School Survey

Beginning February 9, 2026, NYCPS will hold its annual NYC School Survey. NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding their experiences in our school. Your confidential survey responses help our school better understand what its students, educators, and community members need and improve their learning environments, curricula, support services, and more.

To complete the survey, visit nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc beginning February 9. You will also receive a printed copy of the survey with instructions on how to complete it on paper or online. The 2026 Survey will close on April 1, 2026. Learn more at nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

PTA

Spring Auction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. Our first committee meeting will take place within the next two weeks (date to be announced). We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics - This weekend, our Robotics Team will be presenting at the Robotics Exhibition at IS 61 Leonardo Da Vinci Intermediate School. Team members have been hard at work preparing their presentation, fine-tuning their robot, and organizing the details for the big day. We’re excited for them to showcase their skills and represent our school community!

We will also be holding Robotics tryouts beginning March 17. Be sure to keep an eye out for additional information about times and specific details. We look forward to welcoming new members to the team!

7th and 8th Grade Baseball Tryouts - Any 7th or 8th grade student interested in trying out for Halsey's Varsity Baseball team should see Mr. Suh in room 212 to get a permission slip. Permission slips must be returned BEFORE the tryouts. You must have your own glove and protective equipment. 8th grade tryouts are on Tuesday, March 10 and 7th grade tryouts are on Thursday, March 12.

6th Grade Yoga has been postponed until the Test Prep classes finish. Ms. Ruzicka let students know when the club will resume.

Clue Set Building Day - Last Saturday, February 28, we had a group of amazing parents, alumni and staff who came to help build, craft and paint sets for our upcoming production of Clue which will be performed on March 30 & 31^st at 6:30pm. A big shout out to our these awesome volunteers!

Yudish Maharaj

Sharon and Mat Demek

Angela Laskodi

Ana Radonjic (Alumni Class 2013)

Ian Medina

Deniz Beyazit

Basia DeBonis

Joseph Villaluna

Frederic Sandy

Joanne Baker-Smith

Ian and Mon Cheri Medina

Irene Tan
Mr. Dylan Roth
Ms. Maria Napolitano
Michael Sylvester

Here are some photos from the day and a funny video of Ms. Schwarz being stuck!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zkl_ZF_fQWVMDL3WNHCHbj-6zq2CgMdo/view?usp=sharing

Mural Club - We are happy to announce Halsey Mural Club! Mural Club is a team of student artists who work together to design and paint a large mural that will be permanently displayed in our school! The club will take place on Thursdays 2:30-4:30 p.m. You can pick up an application in room 249. Applications are due by Wednesday, March 11th. Please keep in mind that a submission of application does not guarantee acceptance into the club. You can return the application to Ms. Cala in room 249 or Ms. Stellatos in room 251.

6th Grade Dance Performance - 6th Grade Dance students had their first performance at Halsey on Friday, 2/27 during the 6th Grade Assembly! They were joined by top scoring Hip Hop Teams, and even joined onstage by some special guest 8th graders. It was a great show! Congratulations to all the performers! More photos are available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TgLMUpgRwlTR2kmTVGC_Zq-t2nQ9cKug

Halsey Chess Club - Halsey’s Chess Club is ending its winter session and starting a spring session on Wednesday, March 11^th. This second session will allow students who were not able to participate for the last couple of months the chance to join the Chess Club. As with the first session, meetings will be facilitated by a representative from ChessNYC (https://chessnyc.com/ ).

All students, including students currently in Chess Club, need to apply if they would like to be considered. Those students currently enrolled in ELA and Math State Test Prep can still apply. If accepted, they will begin in April after test prep sessions end.

Families can use this link to sign up for the second session: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4wtQcY.2x5_.

Please note, limited seats are available. For this second session, we will give priority to students who were not accepted into the first session. Any remaining seats will be open to current Chess Club students who have applied. Students accepted into the program will be emailed confirmations by Tuesday, March 10th. Any students not enrolled will be placed on a waiting list.

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline Extended: Monday, March 9, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline Extended: Monday, March 9, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO.

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO.

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

8th Grade Spotlight

Are you ready for Algebra I? - The Forest Hills High School Peer-Assisted Tutoring Hub (PATH) is offering free tutoring for 7th and 8th graders to prepare them for the Algebra I curriculum. Sessions will take place at Halsey on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30 PM from March 11th to May 6th. Please see the attached flyer for more information. To sign up, please click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxIQFM-TW1nzXejMN5fzeD1xwB4ADZxcg1xrkiVJtdS-U3iw/viewform

This is a reminder that the deadline to personalize your child’s yearbook is March 13th. If you would like to add a name, icons, or any custom features, please make sure to complete that by the deadline.

The final day to purchase a yearbook is April 17th. After April 17th, the ordering window closes and we are not able to reopen it. Last year, several students were disappointed because they missed the deadline. Link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1053211/JHS-157-S-A-Halsey-Junior-High-School/2026-Yearbook/20251007041826433145/CATALOG_SHOP/

Thank you for helping us ensure all students who want a yearbook are able to get one. If you need any assistance, please reach out to Mrs. Lamere and Mrs. Slaney.

Lost & Found - Important Items

I'm happy to report that several items have been claimed, including a wallet, glasses, keys, headphones and AirPods, and there are still plenty of items here!

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

Family Connect is hosing a free webinar on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 10-11:30AM on The Evaluation Process in Children with ASD. This presentation will focus on the different diagnostic evaluations available to diagnose ASD. Dr. Gorenstein will discuss what parents should look for when seeking an independent evaluation for his or her child and provide an overview of what types of evaluations are needed to access services. You can register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cCMCYdVDQdOR2illkml77Q#/registration

Commonpoint Central Queens Basketball is offering 3 leagues:

Co-ed (Ages 9–11)
Co-ed (Ages 12–15)
All Girls (Ages 8–12)

They are also offering a 20% discount from today through March 7th. To receive the discount, families can reach out directly to Dina Goldstein at [email protected] or contact [email protected]

Kweller Prep - Kweller Prep is offering many classes, including:

Algebra 1 Regents Crash Course - https://www.kwellerprep.com/product/regents-exam-prep-april-18th-june-6th-2026/
SHSAT Summer Camp - https://www.kwellerprep.com/tutoring-services/shsat-exam-prep/

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

Friday, February 27, 2026

Happy Friday Halsey!

It feels like a really long week, and I can only imagine it's because of the blizzard!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
NYCPS March Family Letter
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - School Spirit Day, Talent Show, Women's History Month Assemblies
NYC School Survey
St. Jude Math-A-Thon
PTA - Volunteers Needed, Spring Auction & Spirit Store
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics, Queens Borough Arts Festival, Baseball Tryouts
Summer Arts Institute Deadline Extended! - 7th & 8th Graders
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
NYSSMA Registration
8th Grade Spotlight - Last Call for Yearbooks!
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - Kweller, INCLUDElive, FanfaireNYC 2026

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Spotlight on Inspiration: Our Assembly with Paralympic Champion Blake Leeper

This week, our Halsey community had the tremendous honor of welcoming Blake Leeper, Paralympic medalist, world-record-breaking sprinter, and a living example of what it means to rise above every obstacle placed in your path. Blake’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Born without legs below the knee, his parents were told he would never walk. Yet Blake not only learned to walk, he learned to run, and to chase dreams far bigger than anyone imagined for him.

His message to our students was powerful and beautifully simple: anything is possible, believe in yourself, build resilience, and dream huge.

Blake reminded us that no great achievement happens alone. He encouraged our students to build their own “gold medal team,” to surround themselves with people who lift them higher, cheer for their success, and challenge them to be their best selves. Just as importantly, he urged them to be that kind of friend for others.

Watching our students connect with Blake’s energy, humor, honesty, and passion was truly moving. His words sparked reflection, laughter, hope, and a sense of determination that filled the auditorium. Moments like these remind us why special assemblies are important, because when students see someone who has defied every odd imaginable, they begin to see all that they too are capable of becoming.

We are so grateful to Blake Leeper for sharing his story, his heart, and his belief in the limitless potential of every young person. His visit will stay with our students for a long time, and I know many walked away feeling inspired to work a little harder, dream a little bigger, and believe a little more deeply in themselves.

Reflecting on a Meaningful February

As we close out the month of February, I want to take a moment to recognize just how vibrant and inspiring this month has been at Halsey. Our school was filled with powerful conversations, joyful celebrations, and experiences that brought our community even closer together.

During Respect for All Week, our students and staff embraced the values that define who we are as a school family. Through activities, classroom discussions, and daily affirmations, our community leaned into kindness, empathy, inclusivity, and the understanding that every person deserves to feel valued and seen. Watching our students lead with compassion was a reminder of the culture we continue to build together.

We also spent the month honoring Black History Month, celebrating the extraordinary achievements, contributions, and enduring legacy of Black leaders, innovators, artists, and changemakers. Our classrooms and hallways were alive with learning, storytelling, reflection, and student-centered projects that centered both historical and contemporary voices. Most importantly, our students had opportunities to see themselves reflected in the brilliance, strength, and excellence of Black history and culture.

This month, we were fortunate to host two incredible assemblies that deepened our students’ learning and added even more meaning to our February celebrations.
Students heard from Cheryl Wills, award-winning journalist and author, who encouraged them to know their story and understand the history and legacy that shape who they are. Then this week, Blake Leeper, Paralympic medalist and world-record-breaking sprinter, inspired our students with his message that anything is possible when you believe in yourself, build resilience, dream big, and surround yourself with people who lift you higher. Both speakers left a powerful impact on our school and reminded our students of the importance of identity, perseverance, and purpose.

February has been a month full of pride, learning, unity, and joy. While this month offers a special opportunity to shine an even brighter light on Black history and culture, we celebrate Black excellence every single day at Halsey!

Now Onto March!

As we welcome the month of March, we look forward to another exciting stretch of learning and celebration at Halsey. March is College Awareness Month at our school, and our students will participate in a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity, expand their aspirations, and help them envision their future pathways. This month will culminate in our very own Halsey student‑run College Fair on March 27th, where our students will proudly represent different colleges for the entire school community.

March is also Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable achievements, resilience, and leadership of women throughout history and around the world.

We look forward to an exciting month of March!

NYCPS March Family Letter - Attached please find the NYC Public Schools family letter for March. Translations of this letter are available at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/messages-for-families Included in the letter is information about Summer Rising 2026, High School Offers, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Civics Week and the NYC School Survey.

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.

Parent Teacher Conferences - Early Dismissal on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Students will be dismissed at 11:20AM. There will be bus service.

Eid al-Fitr - Schools Closed Friday, March 20, 2026. Schools reopen on Monday, March 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

School Spirit Day - Monday, March 2, 2026 - Everyone is invited to share their college pride by wearing something that represents a college or university - sweatshirt, t-shirt, jersey or school colors!

Talent Show - Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 6PM in the Auditorium. Tickets are $5 and available on the website at https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vcgdWPW.sc_

Women’s History Month Assemblies - As part of Halsey's recognition of March’s Women's History Month, on Friday March 6^th (Day 1) each grade will meet with Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, Tradeswoman activist, and author. She will share her story, explaining the importance of giving women and girls opportunities in every field, including male-dominated fields.

Marking Period 3 Report Card Distribution - Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Pottery Painting with Mr. Lober:
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a pottery painting experience on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at Ellys Arts & Crafts at 12 Noon (Address: 10031 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, NY 11375) This includes a set 2–3-hour experience (as long as you need) to choose the pottery of your choice and hand paint it with Mr. Lober and the Halsey Community! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each person is $10 to reserve the studio space, then it is priced per item you paint (which you may handle at the studio). If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster March 7th, 2026. This is a first come, first serve basis since the studio can only hold 20 people at a time.

Link to apply: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Link: Pottery Painting With Mr. Lober! – Fill out form

Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober
Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a private tour of the world`s famous Queens Night Market on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, at Flushing Meadow Park at 3:45PM (Address: it is right behind the Hall of Science) This includes a tour of the Queens Night Market with Mr. Lober as your guide to some of the best food from all over the world found right in your backyard! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. We will be meeting right outside the Queens Night Market at 3:30 PM to brief about the experience and then walk around as it opens (make sure to come hungry!) After, I will have a large, blanketed area set up on the grass so people can sit and mingle as they enjoy their food! Understand that the Queens Night Market is in a flood-zone and is prone to cancellation, so weather is a factor. If the forecast do not look great, Mr. Lober will reach out via email to let families know not to attend. There is no cost to attend, but each item you purchase is typically 4-6 dollars, and cash is your best friend. If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting applications on Monday, February 6th, 2026, and finalize roster May 7th, 2026.

Link to apply: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

Link: Queens Night Market Tour Hosted by Mr. Lober – Fill out form

2026 NYC School Survey

Beginning February 9, 2026, NYCPS will hold its annual NYC School Survey. NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding their experiences in our school. Your confidential survey responses help our school better understand what its students, educators, and community members need and improve their learning environments, curricula, support services, and more.

To complete the survey, visit nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc beginning February 9. You will also receive a printed copy of the survey with instructions on how to complete it on paper or online. The 2026 Survey will close on April 1, 2026. Learn more at nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, March 6, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week.

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA

Volunteers Needed - If you would like to volunteer to help out at the school, we have an upcoming event that need staffing:

Talent Show (March 4) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61855178-talent

Spring Auction - The Halsey Spring Auction is in the works! If you would like to join the auction committee or donate an item, please email [email protected]. Our first committee meeting will take place within the next two weeks (date to be announced). We are especially looking for experience-based donations - tickets to events, camps, enrichment classes, or other activities our students would enjoy. Thank you, as always, for supporting Halsey!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics - We hope everyone had a wonderful break and stayed safe during the snow!

Our robotics team jumped right back into action this week. They are getting ready for an upcoming exhibition where they will proudly present their robot. As part of the event, students will give a presentation explaining how they worked together as a team to design and build their robot. They’ll be sharing their hard work in front of an auditorium filled with future robotics members!

We will begin recruitment for the 2026–2027 Robotics Team later in March. Be on the lookout for more information if your student is interested in joining!

Queens Borough Arts Festival - Congratulations to Alani in 8T3 whose artwork "Sea of Lies" was chosen for the Queens Borough Arts Festival at the Queens Museum. The exhibition opens on April 28, 2026!

7th and 8th Grade Baseball Tryouts - Any 7th or 8th grade student interested in trying out for Halsey's Varsity Baseball team should see Mr. Suh in room 212 to get a permission slip. Permission slips must be returned BEFORE the tryouts. You must have your own glove and protective equipment. 8th grade tryouts are on Tuesday, March 10 and 7th grade tryouts are on Thursday, March 12.

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline Extended: Monday, March 9, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline Extended: Monday, March 9, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO.

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO.

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

8th Grade Spotlight

This is a reminder that the deadline to personalize your child’s yearbook is March 13th. If you would like to add a name, icons, or any custom features, please make sure to complete that by the deadline.

The final day to purchase a yearbook is April 17th. After April 17th, the ordering window closes and we are not able to reopen it. Last year, several students were disappointed because they missed the deadline. Link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1053211/JHS-157-S-A-Halsey-Junior-High-School/2026-Yearbook/20251007041826433145/CATALOG_SHOP/

Thank you for helping us ensure all students who want a yearbook are able to get one. If you need any assistance, please reach out to Mrs. Lamere and Mrs. Slaney.

Lost & Found - Important Items

I'm happy to report that several items have been claimed, including a wallet, glasses, keys, headphones and AirPods, and there are still plenty of items here!

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

Kweller Prep - Kweller Prep is hosting a series of free webinars and free high school tours designed to support students as they prepare for state tests, entrance exams, and the high school admissions process. These opportunities are completely free for families. Free High School Tours:

Trip to York High School: https://conta.cc/4bwkMCZ
Trip to Brooklyn Tech: https://conta.cc/3Zo6soJ

INCLUDElive Series - INCLUDEnyc is hosing conversations with experts in the disability community and the next live is on March 5 at 12 noon. The topis is Anxiety in Children and Youth: What Parents Need to Know and will feature a discussion with Michael L. Costa, Psy.D. on learning how to recognize signs of anxiety in young people, insights on parenting a child with anxiety, when and how to seek help, and how cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) works. Sign up here: https://includenyc.org/events/anxiety-in-children-and-youth-what-parents-need-to-know/

FanfaireNYC 2026, the High School for Art & Design's Premier Pop Culture Event, will be held the weekend of April 25-26. See artists, illustrators, animators and others in professions that related to one of the school's 8 design majors. Purchase your ticket in advance to take advantage of the Early Bird Ticket Pricing. Use code: EARLY2026 for 15% off. More information can be found on their website: https://www.fanfairenyc.com/

Friday, February 13, 2028

Happy Friday Halsey!

We made it to mid-winter break! When we get back, I'm hosting a parent workshop (details below). And if you haven't yet signed up for NYCSA, do that over the break!

A note to students (and your parents), take some time over the break to CLEAN OUT YOUR BACKPACKS! I know my own kids' backpacks are full of sorts of things that don't need to be there. Take a few minutes and go through what's in there and make some decisions about what you need and what can be left at home!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, Black History Month Assembly, Talent Show, Women's History Month Assemblies
OPERATION Backpack Clean Up
NYC School Survey
ELA & Math Test Prep
St. Jude Math-A-Thon
PTA - Volunteers Needed & Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Boys Volley Ball, NYSSMA, All Star Basketball
Summer Arts Institute - 7th & 8th Graders
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
NYSSMA Registration
Field Trip Highlights
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - Kweller & NYC Parks

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

PS. I will be traveling and will reply to emails when I return to school on 2/23!

Ms. Lisa's Message

Respect for All Week at Halsey

This was a truly wonderful week at Halsey, filled with positive energy, joy, and meaningful learning experiences as we celebrated Respect for All Week. Our students participated with enthusiasm, creativity, and kindness, and the spirit they brought each day made our school shine.

We began the week with our Respect Defined activity. Each homeroom received a word connected to the theme of respect and spent time brainstorming what their word meant to them. Students then created beautiful poster boards that showcased their ideas and artistic talents. These posters now form a giant Respect for All mural in our main hallway. The mural is filled with powerful messages and incredible artwork that show how deeply our students understand the importance of treating one another with kindness and dignity.

Throughout the week, every homeroom also signed a No Place for Hate pledge. By signing this pledge, students committed to standing against hate and helping ensure that Halsey remains a welcoming and supportive place for everyone.

On Wednesday, we celebrated Multicultural Day. So many of our students honored their culture, ethnicity, or gender identity through their clothing, while others proudly wore shirts and accessories with positive and uplifting messages. As students passed through the halls, we also enjoyed music from many different countries, which created a joyful atmosphere and highlighted the beauty of our global community. It was a wonderful reminder of the diversity that makes our school so special.

Thursday brought even more meaningful activities. Our Respect for All Club hosted an information table during lunch where they shared resources and gave out pins to promote kindness, understanding, and inclusion. Class 821 also held a bake sale to support the Equal Justice Initiative after reading the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. They were inspired to take action and raise awareness about individuals who have been wrongfully accused. The Equal Justice Initiative works to confront racial disparities in the judicial system and support victims of discrimination. The students raised 625 dollars for the organization, and we could not be prouder of their compassion and leadership. We extend a very special thank you to Ms. Gordon, Class 821's amazing ELA teacher, who encouraged and guided this powerful act of student activism.

Today we closed out Respect for All Week with P S I Love You Day. This day focuses on promoting mental health awareness, spreading kindness, and reminding one another that no one is ever alone. Students wore purple in recognition of the day and created purple hearts with messages of gratitude, encouragement, and kindness. These hearts are displayed throughout the building, and our beautiful heart tree outside the main office is filled with heartfelt messages from our students. During lunch, students made an effort to sit with peers they may not usually talk to as we also recognized National No One Eats Alone Day. Our incredible PTA added to the joy by hosting the annual P S I Love You candy gram sale, and students loved sending sweet messages to one another all afternoon.

As we wrap up this special week, I know our students will carry these lessons forward and continue to help our community spread kindness, acceptance, and love throughout the rest of the school year.

Meanwhile in Spain....

Meanwhile in Spain, our students are having a truly fabulous time exploring Ronda, Seville, Granada, and Toledo. Yesterday, they even Face Timed me while making beautiful, hand-crafted fans, and I loved to see their excitement. They have been fully immersed in the culture of Spain, enjoying the history, taking in the breathtaking sights, and practicing the language with confidence and enthusiasm.

I cannot wait to hear all of their stories and reflections when they return. This experience is giving them memories that will last a lifetime, and we are so proud of the way they are embracing every moment of their adventure.

Halsey-Sage Disney Trip Returns!

Today our students returned to school full of smiles and wonderful stories after spending an unforgettable week in Disney with students from Russell Sage JHS 190. Throughout the trip, they had the incredible opportunity to participate in a variety of arts workshops hosted by Disney, where they explored creativity, performance, and teamwork in truly magical ways. Students also visited the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT Center, with many sharing that EPCOT was their absolute favorite. They had an amazing time, built new friendships, and created memories they will carry with them for years to come. We are so happy to have them back and so proud of the way they represented Halsey on this exciting trip.

Wishing Our Families a Wonderful Winter Break

As we head into winter break, I want to wish all of our Halsey families a lovely break. To everyone who celebrates, I wish you a beautiful Lunar New Year filled with hope, renewal, and good fortune. I also want to extend warm wishes to our families preparing for Ramadan. May this sacred time bring peace, reflection, and blessings to you and your loved ones. However you spend this break, I hope it is filled with moments that bring you joy.

When we return to school on Monday, February 23rd, we will resume our regular morning routines, with both the school yard and the cafeteria opening at seven thirty in the morning for students.

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.

Midwinter Recess - Schools Closed Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20. Schools reopen on Monday, February 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

Parent Workshop - "Staying Informed at Halsey" With a school as big as Halsey, parents and guardians need to stay informed. This workshops will focus on the various communication methods and tools used at Halsey. Parents will walk away with an understanding of where to find the information they need. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 at 9AM in Room 110. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/sSQKW7nvueZNvbzW6

Black History Month Assembly - Thursday, February 26^th (Day 1) Blake Leeper, 8-time Paralympic Track & Field international medalist, author of Why Not Me, and motivational speaker will visit Halsey to share his life’s story, and to talk to students about the power of resilience and inclusion.

Talent Show - Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Women’s History Month Assemblies - As part of Halsey's recognition of March’s Women's History Month, on Friday March 6^th (Day 1) each grade will meet with Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, Tradeswoman activist, and author. She will share her story, explaining the importance of giving women and girls opportunities in every field, including male-dominated fields.

OPERATION Backpack Clean Up

A note to students (and your parents), CLEAN OUT YOUR BACKPACKS!

Here are some suggestions to cleaning up and lightening up the bag:

Take a few minutes to go through what is in the backpack and make decisions about what you need and what can be left at home. Here's a hint: you probably don't need 96 markers and 48 pencils, a handful is probably enough.
Place heavier items towards the back of the bag (like laptops and heavy books) so they are near the back, and put lighter items on the outer side of the bag. This helps evenly distribute the weight.
Use both straps of the backpack and choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps. Make sure that the straps are tight so the back is not hanging too low.
Use a small or lighter water bottle. Big stainless steel water bottles that are full are quite heavy. Opt for a bottle that is smaller and refill.

2026 NYC School Survey

Beginning February 9, 2026, NYCPS will hold its annual NYC School Survey. NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding their experiences in our school. Your confidential survey responses help our school better understand what its students, educators, and community members need and improve their learning environments, curricula, support services, and more.

To complete the survey, visit nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc beginning February 9. You will also receive a printed copy of the survey with instructions on how to complete it on paper or online. The 2026 Survey will close on April 1, 2026. Learn more at nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

ELA & Math Test Prep

Halsey is pleased to offer ELA and Math test prep sessions to our students preparing for the ELA and Math state tests in April and May:

English Language Arts (ELA) state test dates:

Grade 6: Tuesday April 14^th and Wednesday, April 15^th
Grade 7: Thursday, April 16^th and Friday, April 17^th
Grade 8: Monday, April 20^th and Tuesday, April 21^st

Mathematics state test dates:

Grade 6: 7th. Thursday, April 30^th and Friday, May1^st
Grades 7 and 8: Tuesday, May 4^th and Wednesday, May 5^th

Test prep sessions will take place beginning the week of March 2^nd and run through the last week in March, with a make-up session on Wednesday April 1^st:

Wednesdays 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th
Thursdays 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: March 5^th, 19^th, 26^th, with Wednesday April 1^st as the make-up session for Thursday March 12^th (no session due to PT Conferences)
Wednesday mornings 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th
Thursday mornings 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: March 5^th, 19^th, 12^th, 26^th

If you would like to register your child for test prep for either or both ELA and Math, visit the following link: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vahPTwL.3R_ . You must indicate your preferences before Friday, February 13^th. Final registrations will be emailed to parents the week of February 23^rd. Please note that spaces are limited. If we cannot accommodate all students, registration will be prioritized based on need.

Parents of 8^th grade Algebra Regents students, this is NOT Algebra Regents Test preparation. Algebra test prep will be organized later in the school year and an email regarding test prep for Algebra will be sent out at a later date.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Dechongkit ([email protected]).

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, February 27, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week.

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA

Volunteers Needed

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the school, we have an upcoming event that need staffing:

Talent Show (March 4) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61855178-talent

Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Boys Volleyball - Open to boys in grades 6, 7 and 8, the tryouts for Boys Volleyball will be on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 2:30-5:00PM. All boys who are interested should pick up a permission slip and return it to Ms. McGuckin in room 213 or MR. Kagen in Gym B.

NYSSMA

Congratulations to our wonderful students who participated in the NYSSMA Zone 12 Queens Junior Area All State Festival last weekend! We were the only school to have student participants in all five ensembles.

Queens vs. Brooklyn Allstar Game

Congratulations to the students, Nyla Moore, Sabrina Gomez, Mason Diaz, Zarshed Najmiddinov, chosen to represent Halsey at the Queens vs. Brooklyn Allstar basketball game. Our own Ms. Palmieri was chosen to coach the girls team!

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO.

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO.

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

Field Trip Highlights

Select chorus went to see the NY Philharmonic today!

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is hosting a series of free webinars and free high school tours designed to support students as they prepare for state tests, entrance exams, and the high school admissions process. These opportunities are completely free for families.

Free Webinars (Online):

SAT Exam Webinar: https://conta.cc/4rskim5

Free High School Tours:

Trip to York High School: https://conta.cc/4bwkMCZ
Trip to Townsend Harris High School: https://conta.cc/4a2bUma
Trip to Brooklyn Tech: https://conta.cc/3Zo6soJ

NYC Parks - Little Hearts, Big Smiles!

Bring your family and friends to the Al Oerter Recreation on Friday February 20, to celebrate love and friendship at our Little Hearts, Big Smiles event. This event will feature arts & crafts, fun games and activities, and a musical performance by our afterschool program.
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Al Oerter Recreation Center | (718) 353-7853
131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11355

Friday, February 6, 2026

Happy Friday Halsey!

I am hosting another workshop for families. See the details below!

Also, I'm working to make sure all our parents and guardians have access to NYC Schools Account (also known as NYCSA or My Student). Individual letters were sent home to parents/guardians with instructions for setting up an account. If anyone has any questions, please reach out to me!

And I have a lot, and I mean A LOT, of lost items in my office. If you've misplaced your wallet, your car keys, your AirPods, please take a look if they are in the photos below.

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, Black History Month Assembly, Talent Show, Women's History Month Assemblies
NYC School Survey
ELA & Math Test Prep
St. Jude Math-A-Thon
PTA - Volunteers Needed & Fundraisers - Candy Grams &Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Math Team, Robotics, Hip Hop Battle
Summer Arts Institute - 7th & 8th Graders
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
NYSSMA Registration
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - Senior Due
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

February is always a special month at JHS 157, and this year’s celebration of Black History Month began with an unforgettable experience for our students. Today, we had the honor of welcoming Cheryl Wills, Emmy winning journalist, author, and proud New Yorker (Queens born and raised) to our school. She shared her deeply moving journey of uncovering her family’s history, a story that left our students inspired, emotional, and brimming with admiration.

Cheryl’s presentation focused on her extraordinary discovery of her great great great grandfather, Sandy Wills, a man born into slavery in Tennessee who self emancipated, joined one of the Union Army regiments made up of Black soldiers during the Civil War in 1863, and fought for the freedom of others.

For 135 years, Sandy Wills rested in an unmarked grave; his service and sacrifice nearly lost to history. Cheryl spent many years researching, working with genealogists and archaeologists, tracing census records, military documents, and burial grounds to find and honor him. Her persistent efforts ultimately led to his proper reburial with full military honors in 2024, a tribute long overdue for a man whose bravery shaped generations.

As Cheryl recounted this journey, of reclaiming a story buried by time, of honoring an ancestor denied dignity, and of reconnecting the pieces of a family legacy, our students listened with intense attention. After the assembly, several students came to me wanting to talk about what they heard:

“She is such a strong woman Ms. Lisa.”
“That was such an amazing story about her life.”
“I never knew this history.”

Their reactions said everything. Today was not just a presentation, it was a lesson in resilience, justice, and the power of knowing where we come from.

As we continue our month-long celebration of Black history, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Cheryl Wills for sharing her family’s story and reminding our school community that history lives within all of us. Her message of perseverance aligns beautifully with the values we strive to teach our students every day: courage, curiosity, and the determination to see things through to the end, as Cheryl herself says.

We look forward to a month filled with learning, reflection, and appreciation for the countless contributions Black Americans have made and continue to make to our nation’s story.

Respect for All Week Begins Next Week!

Next week, we will proudly participate in Respect for All Week, a time dedicated to uplifting our community values of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. This year, our theme is Kindness Over Bullies, aligning with the citywide initiative to promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students. This special week gives our students meaningful opportunities to celebrate who they are, honor one another’s differences, and strengthen the positive culture we work so hard to build every day.

The link below contains a letter from Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels regarding Respect for All Week:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O7vr8o-dg_zfELT4Ln-Zq0NOQhggg_t6

Below is our schedule of events for a meaningful and engaging Respect for All Week. Alongside these special activities, teachers in every content area will incorporate lessons on effective communication, confidence building, developing personal power, decision making, staying healthy, and additional skills that support students' well-being.

2026 Respect for All Week Activities

Wednesday, February 4th – Friday, February 6th:

P.S. I Love You Day Grade Assemblies

Grade teams will introduce the story behind P.S. I Love You Day, an annual movement dedicated to spreading love, increasing awareness about mental health, and reminding students that they are never alone. The message behind this day encourages communities to lift one another up and make kindness the norm. These assemblies build toward Friday’s activity, in which students will create purple hearts describing a time they helped someone—or someone helped them.

Monday, February 9th (Day 5):

RESPECT Defined Activity – Wear Red or Pink (Kindness)

Students will remain in their AM homeroom through 1st period to complete our “RESPECT Defined” activity. Each homeroom receives a word connected to the concept of respect and will brainstorm what that word means to them. Classes will create posters that will be displayed along the first-floor hallway, forming our Kindness & Respect for All mural.

Tuesday, February 10th (Day 6):

Halsey’s “No Place for Hate” Pledge – Wear Orange (Anti-Bullying)

Students will sign the No Place for Hate Pledge in their homeroom and continue working on their RESPECT Defined posters. Completed posters should be displayed outside each homeroom.

Wednesday, February 11th (Day 1):

Multicultural Day – Wear Cultural Attire (Celebrate our Diversity)

Students and staff are encouraged to proudly represent their culture, ethnicity, gender identity, or heritage. If students do not have cultural attire, they may wear clothing with positive or uplifting messages. We will play music from different countries during passing throughout the school day.

Thursday, February 12th (Day 2):

Respect for All Club in the Cafeteria – Wear Rainbow Colors (RFA)

During all lunch periods, the Respect for All Club will host an informational table in the cafeteria.

Friday, February 13th (Day 3):

P.S. I Love You Day & No One Eats Alone Day – Wear Purple

Students will remain in homeroom to complete their P.S. I Love You Day purple heart activity. P.S. I Love You Day promotes mental health awareness, compassion, and unity, encouraging schools to create spaces where every student feels cared for.

We will also be participating in National No One Eats Alone Day, a Positive Prevention Initiative that fosters inclusion by encouraging students to sit with peers they may not usually connect with. The goal is to build friendships, reduce social isolation, and create a school culture where every student feels valued and seen.

In addition, our PTA will host a Candygram Sale, giving students the opportunity to send a sweet message that brightens someone’s day.

Each day on the morning news, we will remind students of the upcoming activities and the color they should wear the following day.

Spring ’26 Academic Outcomes Sprint

We are excited to share that beginning February 9th, our students will participate in the Spring ’26 Academic Outcomes Sprint, which will run through April 10th, 2026. This citywide initiative is designed to strengthen literacy skills and build student confidence through focused instruction and intentional support.

Throughout the Sprint, students will work with the i‑Ready platform, engaging in personalized reading instruction tailored to their individual needs. They will receive dedicated time during the school day, or within additional support sessions, to work toward their literacy goals.

Our amazing ELA teachers will be closely monitoring progress, encouraging students, and celebrating their hard work. Families can support the Sprint by encouraging daily reading at home and having their child use their i‑Ready individualized learning path each day. More information about the Academic Outcome Sprint will be shared at our upcoming PTA meeting!

We look forward to seeing how much progress our students make this spring!

Halsey Travels to Spain!

And finally, this afternoon our students are heading off on their trip to Spain! I am so excited for them. They are going to have an amazing experience exploring a new country, learning together, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Wow, this was a long one-but February is packed with so much excitement!

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.

Midwinter Recess - Schools Closed Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20. Schools reopen on Monday, February 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

Parent Workshop - "Staying Informed at Halsey" With a school as big as Halsey, parents and guardians need to stay informed. This workshops will focus on the various communication methods and tools used at Halsey. Parents will walk away with an understanding of where to find the information they need. The workshop is scheudled for Wednesday, February 25 at 9AM in Room 110. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/sSQKW7nvueZNvbzW6

Black History Month Assembly - Thursday, February 26^th (Day 1) Blake Leeper, 8-time Paralympic Track & Field international medalist, author of Why Not Me, and motivational speaker will visit Halsey to share his life’s story, and to talk to students about the power of resilience and inclusion.

Talent Show - Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Women’s History Month Assemblies - As part of Halsey's recognition of March’s Women's History Month, on Friday March 6^th (Day 1) each grade will meet with Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, Tradeswoman activist, and author. She will share her story, explaining the importance of giving women and girls opportunities in every field, including male-dominated fields.

2026 NYC School Survey

Beginning February 9, 2026, NYCPS will hold its annual NYC School Survey. NYCPS families and students in grades 6–12 can provide direct feedback regarding their experiences in our school. Your confidential survey responses help our school better understand what its students, educators, and community members need and improve their learning environments, curricula, support services, and more.

To complete the survey, visit nycschoolsurvey.org or log in to your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA) at schoolsaccount.nyc beginning February 9. You will also receive a printed copy of the survey with instructions on how to complete it on paper or online. The 2026 Survey will close on April 1, 2026. Learn more at nycschoolsurvey.org.

If a child’s family completes the survey, they can print out the confirmation page or bring in the paper survey in the sealed envelope so they can be entered into our school raffle:

One $50 amazon gift card winner per grade
One $200 amazon gift card winner for the school

ELA & Math Test Prep

Halsey is pleased to offer ELA and Math test prep sessions to our students preparing for the ELA and Math state tests in April and May:

English Language Arts (ELA) state test dates:

Grade 6: Tuesday April 14^th and Wednesday, April 15^th
Grade 7: Thursday, April 16^th and Friday, April 17^th
Grade 8: Monday, April 20^th and Tuesday, April 21^st

Mathematics state test dates:

Grade 6: 7th. Thursday, April 30^th and Friday, May 1^st
Grades 7 and 8: Tuesday, May 4^th and Wednesday, May 5^th

Test prep sessions will take place beginning the week of March 2^nd and run through the last week in March, with a make-up session on Wednesday April 1^st:

Wednesdays 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th
Thursdays 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: March 5^th, 19^th, 26^th, with Wednesday April 1^st as the make-up session for Thursday March 12^th (no session due to PT Conferences)
Wednesday mornings 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th, 25^th
Thursday mornings 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM: March 5^th, 19^th, 12^th, 26^th

If you would like to register your child for test prep for either or both ELA and Math, visit the following link: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.vahPTwL.3R_ . You must indicate your preferences before Friday, February 13^th. Final registrations will be emailed to parents the week of February 23^rd. Please note that spaces are limited. If we cannot accommodate all students, registration will be prioritized based on need.

Parents of 8^th grade Algebra Regents students, this is NOT Algebra Regents Test preparation. Algebra test prep will be organized later in the school year and an email regarding test prep for Algebra will be sent out at a later date.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Dechongkit ([email protected]).

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, February 27, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week.

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA

Volunteers Needed

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the school, we have two upcoming events that need staffing:

Candy Grams - Valentines Day (February 13) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61854721-volunteers

Talent Show (March 4) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61855178-talent

Fundraisers

Candy Grams – Valentine’s Day Fundraiser 💌

This Amazon wish list supports our Valentine’s Day Candy Gram fundraiser, which will take place February 13 during the school day.

On Valentine’s Day, students will be able to purchase candy, chocolates, small treats, and Valentine cards during lunch periods.
They can send a Candy Gram to a friend, a teacher, a family member — or even treat themselves.

A small gesture.
But it matters.

All items from this wish list will be used to assemble Candy Grams for students and help make the day festive, fun, and inclusive for everyone.

Your donation helps:

Keep prices affordable for students
Ensure a wide variety of treats and cards
Support PTA fundraising for school programs and student activities

Every item donated makes a difference — whether it’s candy, cards, or small Valentine treats.

Thank you for helping us spread a little joy at school this Valentine’s Day 💝
Your support means so much to our students. https://a.co/hRK3Icj

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Math Team - Our students took part in Perennial Math, an international competition for grades 3–8 (with some offerings for grades 3–12) designed to strengthen problem-solving skills through monthly online contests, live on-site tournaments hosted at universities, and virtual competitions.

Several of our students performed exceptionally well and have been recognized on Perennial Math’s Wall of Fame for their high scores.

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievement:

Alex Kocon
Kyle Xu
Brandon Cheung
Thomas Bradshaw
Ryan Rhee
Andrew Lee
Ariel Kalantarov
Swara Jayawant
Gia Lin
Ryan Xu
Oscar Soon
Jerry Sun
Kaden Zhang
Emma Hui
Amirlan Bassandorj
Ricky Huang
Elnura Jalilova
Yirui Guo
Daniel Sun

Their hard work and dedication to mathematics are truly commendable, and we are very proud of their accomplishments.

Robotics Club - Although the competition season has ended, the Robotics Team is still hard at work. We have been invited to participate in additional competitions later this year and are currently upgrading our robot by adding a new motor to improve ball-shooting performance during matches.

Our fundraising efforts are also continuing. We are reaching out to local businesses for support, and anyone interested in donating to the Robotics Team can email Ms. Golden at [email protected].

We are proud to continue our partnership with Forest Hills High School. Their team has won their competitions and is advancing to the next round. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them and learn new skills along the way.

Hip Hop Battle

The Halsey Hip Hop Battle was fierce this week! 7th and 8th grade dance students brought the house down with their incredible projects showcasing rap, graffiti, mixing music, dance and even costume design! Big shout out to all the performers! And congratulations to the top placing teams: 7T2 Motion 6, 8T3 Limitless and 8T3 Top Level! Take a bow!!!

Check out videos here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wX9f0zMkdF-aolnXtQYkn16q_sxbIeQt?usp=drive_link

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO.

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO.

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

Field Trip Highlights

We had no field trips this week. Check back soon!

8th Grade Spotlight

Senior Dues

Don't forget to pay your senior dues! Check the email for more details!

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Friday, January 30, 2026

Happy Friday Halsey!

What a snowy week! Please let this be the last of the snow and ice!

Also, there are a couple volunteer opportunities for any parents who want to get involved. Check out the requests below in the PTA section!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Hip Hop Battle, Black History Month Assemblies, Talent Show, Women's History Month Assemblies
St. Jude Math-A-Thon
PTA - Volunteers Needed & Fundraisers - Candy Grams &Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - AM Clubs & Mouse AI League
Summer Arts Institute - 7th & 8th Graders
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
NYSSMA Registration
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - Senior Due
6th Grade Spotlight - Hoops and Hearts
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - FHYAA Softball, Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo, Kweller Prep and NYC Parks Events

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

A Successful Pivot to Remote Learning

I could not be prouder of our students, teachers, and the entire Halsey community for the incredible success of our pivot to remote learning on Monday, January 26th. Despite not being in the school building, our students showed resilience, responsibility, and enthusiasm for learning, attending their classes, participating actively, and engaging in meaningful instruction throughout the full school day.

I want to highlight an extraordinary accomplishment: 1,561 students logged into their virtual classes and were fully engaged in learning. This level of attendance and participation speaks volumes about our students’ dedication and the strong instructional practices our teachers bring to every setting, whether in person or remote.

To our teachers, thank you for your flexibility, preparation, and unwavering commitment to keeping learning seamless and impactful. To our parents and families, your support makes all the difference. Thank you for helping ensure this remote learning day was a success.

Together, we continue to show what makes Halsey such an outstanding school community.

6^th Grade Assembly-Holocaust Remembrance Day

During our Grade 6 Assembly this week, students shared original poems they thoughtfully created in their ELA classes in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day, using their voices to honor the memories of the millions of lives lost and to reflect on the lessons of history. Their writing demonstrated deep empathy, maturity, and a strong sense of responsibility to remember the past and learn from it, as students explored themes of resilience, humanity, and the importance of standing against injustice. As they courageously shared their work aloud, students showed how literacy can be a powerful tool for remembrance, reflection, and understanding, reminding our school community of the importance of compassion, respect, and historical awareness.

Another amazing but COLD week at Halsey!

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.

Midwinter Recess - Schools Closed Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20. Schools reopen on Monday, February 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

Halsey Hip Hop Battle

Halsey’s Annual Hip Hop Battle is proud to announce an exciting lineup of competing teams and guest performances! The 7th and 8th grade dance students have chosen the top teams to represent each class. Now come see them battle it out on the dance floor on Weds, 2/4! The show starts at 6:30, the lobby will open at 6pm. Tickets are $5 sold online and at the door. Click the link below to reserve your tickets. Be sure to catch this highly anticipated event!

https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v99dBBV.Vx_?_=1769188861972

Black History Month Assemblies

This year, we have two separate Black History Month assemblies:

Friday, February 6^th (Day 4) ***Periods 5-7*** Emmy award-winning journalist, author, and public speaker Cheryl Wills will be here to speak about events detailed in her book Emancipated: My Family’s Fight for Freedom. These include the discovery that her ancestor was a slave in Tennessee who fought for freedom as a Soldier during the Civil War, as well as her trip to the location where that family member was buried. Her book is relevant to all teenagers today who are learning about the importance of freedom in people’s lives.

Thursday, February 26^th (Day 1) Blake Leeper, 8-time Paralympic Track & Field international medalist, author of Why Not Me, and motivational speaker will visit Halsey to share his life’s story, and to talk to students about the power of resilience and inclusion.

Talent Show - Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Women’s History Month Assemblies

As part of Halsey's recognition of March’s Women's History Month, on Friday March 6^th (Day 1) each grade will meet with Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, Tradeswoman activist, and author. She will share her story, explaining the importance of giving women and girls opportunities in every field, including male-dominated fields.

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, February 27, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week.

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA

Volunteers Needed

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the school, we have two upcoming events that need staffing:

Candy Grams - Valentines Day (February 13) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61854721-volunteers

Talent Show (March 4) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61855178-talent

Fundraisers

Candy Grams – Valentine’s Day Fundraiser 💌

This Amazon wish list supports our Valentine’s Day Candy Gram fundraiser, which will take place February 13 during the school day.

On Valentine’s Day, students will be able to purchase candy, chocolates, small treats, and Valentine cards during lunch periods.
They can send a Candy Gram to a friend, a teacher, a family member — or even treat themselves.

A small gesture.
But it matters.

All items from this wish list will be used to assemble Candy Grams for students and help make the day festive, fun, and inclusive for everyone.

Your donation helps:

Keep prices affordable for students
Ensure a wide variety of treats and cards
Support PTA fundraising for school programs and student activities

Every item donated makes a difference — whether it’s candy, cards, or small Valentine treats.

Thank you for helping us spread a little joy at school this Valentine’s Day 💝
Your support means so much to our students. https://a.co/hRK3Icj

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

New AM Clubs!
Halsey is exited to offer three new morning clubs for our students:

Stepping / Step Club (Mondays 7:00-8:00 AM)
Bucket Drumming (Thursdays 7:00-8:00 AM)
Martial Arts (Friday 7:00-8:00 AM)

These clubs will meet weekly beginning the week of February 9th, and continue through June. Outside professionals will work with students under the supervision of Halsey staff. Students who are enrolled in each club are expected to arrive the morning of their activity at 7:00 AM, and are expected to attend weekly.

Applications will be accepted on our website: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v9NU978.1pl_

Requests will be open through Wednesday, February 4th. If more students sign up than can be accommodated, club members will be selected randomly on Thursday, February 5th. Students and families will be notified of their club application status on the afternoon of Thursday, February 5th.

Please email any questions to [email protected].

Mouse AI League - Stephen A. Halsey 157 JHS is excited to offer the Mouse AI League, an after-school program focused on artificial intelligence, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Program Details:
• Instructor: Mr. Liu
• Day: Thursdays
• Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Stephen A. Halsey 157 JHS
• Dates: February 5, 2026 – May 14, 2026

About the Program: The Mouse AI League introduces students to foundational AI concepts through hands-on activities and collaborative projects. Students will develop critical thinking, computational skills, and teamwork in a supportive learning environment.

Eligibility: We are seeking 20 independent, motivated, and responsible students. Priority will be given to 8th grade Computer Talent students. If space allows, 7th grade students may be accepted.

Special Opportunities: Students will participate in a school-based presentation day. Additionally, 8th grade students will submit their final projects to the Mouse Citywide Virtual Showcase.

Permission Slips: Permission slips are required and will be posted in the Computer Talent Google Classroom. Printed copies are available in Room 301. Students are expected to follow all school rules and behavior expectations during the program.

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO.

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO.

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

Field Trip Highlights

We had no field trips this week. Check back soon!

8th Grade Spotlight

Senior Dues

Don't forget to pay your senior dues! Check the email for more details!

6th Grade Spotlight

We are excited to announce that Halsey’s Grade 6 Hoops & Hearts Celebration will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the school gym and cafeteria.

Tickets can be purchased on the Halsey school website for $10 per child, plus a $0.75 surcharge. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, February 6, 2026. Please note that no tickets will be sold after this date. https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v7rr1Xz.n2_

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

multiple pairs of AirPods

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

FHYAA Softball

Don't miss out on all the excitement of FHYAA's 2026 Girls Softball league. This is the ultimate place for the girls to learn real skills, make friends, and have fun! No experience necessary! Register by FEBRUARY 1 at: https://registration.teamsnap.com/form/47660

Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo

The Kew-Forest School, a cornerstone of Queens for over 100 years, invites adults 21+ to a Community Radio Bingo Night! Enjoy a fun night out with live music, bingo, exciting raffles, and amazing prizes on Saturday 31 January 2026. Doors open at 6:00 pm. BYO food and drinks. Tickets $40 (bundles available). All proceeds will support student learning. Learn more and register here.

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is hosting a series of free webinars and free high school tours designed to support students as they prepare for state tests, entrance exams, and the high school admissions process. These opportunities are completely free for families.

Free Webinars (Online):

State Test Webinar: https://conta.cc/3YNd0wS
ISEE Exam Webinar: https://conta.cc/4jQljl1
SHSAT Exam Webinar: https://conta.cc/4smoqVM
SAT Exam Webinar: https://conta.cc/4rskim5

Free High School Tours:

Trip to York High School: https://conta.cc/4bwkMCZ
Trip to Townsend Harris High School: https://conta.cc/4a2bUma
Trip to St. Francis Prep: https://conta.cc/4a8iSHg

NYC Parks - Little Hearts, Big Smiles!

Bring your family and friends to the Al Oerter Recreation on Friday February 20, to celebrate love and friendship at our Little Hearts, Big Smiles event. This event will feature arts & crafts, fun games and activities, and a musical performance by our afterschool program.
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Al Oerter Recreation Center | (718) 353-7853
131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11355

Friday, January 23, 2026

Happy Friday Halsey!

We made it through a short week. And now we have a potential snow storm approaching! Please keep an eye on your email for more information about Monday.

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Hip Hop Battle, Black History Month Assemblies, Talent Show, Women's History Month Assemblies
St. Jude Math-A-Thon
PTA - Volunteers Needed & Fundraisers - Candy Grams &Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics Club & Halsey Dance
Summer Arts Institute - 7th & 8th Graders
Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY
NYSSMA Registration
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - Senior Dues & Yearbook
6th Grade Spotlight - Class of '28 Sweatshirts
Lost & Found - Did you lose something?
Community Corner - INCLUDEnyc Fair, Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo, Kweller Prep and NYC Parks Events

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

🏫“Halsey at Home (Just in Case!)

As we continue to monitor the weather forecast, I want to ensure that our school community is prepared—even though no announcement has been made at this time—for the possibility of a remote instructional day on Monday due to the upcoming storm. We are sharing this guidance proactively so that families have everything they need should a shift to remote learning occur.

Remote Learning Practice in Homeroom

Today, students participated in an extended homeroom remote learning simulation. During this time, they practiced logging in, navigating to their classes, and following the steps required for remote instruction. This preparation ensures that students are ready to transition smoothly and confidently into virtual learning, if necessary.

What to Expect if Monday Is a Remote Day

If a remote instructional day is announced, students will follow their regular school schedule, just in a virtual format. It is essential that students attend all classes and engage fully so they do not miss important lessons or activities. Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain continuity of learning!

Students should begin their day by visiting the Homeroom Google Classroom page on our website:
🔗https://www.halsey157.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4410089&type=d&pREC_ID=2639612

There, they will find the full schedule, including subjects and remote meeting links for each class period. Students will also complete the daily attendance form, which will be shared during AM Homeroom and again throughout the day:
🔗 https://forms.gle/b5au2xSKA86kmKoV8

We reviewed all of these steps with students this morning so they feel prepared and confident.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Please take care, stay warm, and do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything as we prepare for this storm.

🔦Student Lighthouse Team Shines This Week!

Our Student Lighthouse Team has been hard at work, and they continue to impress us with their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to making Halsey the best it can be!

This week, representatives from each grade level proudly presented at the PTA meeting. Sam Co of Class 626 represented Grade 6, Andrew Goldman of Class 724 represented Grade 7, and Abbygail Tarigan of Class 824 represented Grade 8. They shared their team mission and the work they have started in preparation for the grand opening of our Halsey School Store.

Today, the team met again to take the next important step: gathering student voice. Under Charlie Cohen’s (Class 725) leadership, the team created a schoolwide Google Form to collect input from students about what items they would like to see sold in the store. Early feedback shows that two of the most requested items so far are mechanical pencils and water bottles—both excellent choices!

We are so proud of our Student Lighthouse Team for demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and initiative. Their work continues to shine a light on what it means to be a Halsey student leader.

That is the close of another awesome week. I hope all of our Halsey families stay warm and safe in this upcoming winter storm!

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.

Midwinter Recess - Schools Closed Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20. Schools reopen on Monday, February 23.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

Halsey Hip Hop Battle

Halsey’s Annual Hip Hop Battle is coming up on Weds, 2/4 at 6pm! Come see the 7th and 8th grade Dance students showcase incredible projects based on the 5 Elements of Hip Hop - Dance / Breakdance, Rap, DJ, Graffiti, and Knowledge. Tickets are being sold on the Halsey website and also at the door.

https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v99dBBV.Vx_?_=1769188861972

Black History Month Assemblies

This year, we have two separate Black History Month assemblies:

Friday, February 6^th (Day 4) ***Periods 5-7*** Emmy award-winning journalist, author, and public speaker Cheryl Wills will be here to speak about events detailed in her book Emancipated: My Family’s Fight for Freedom. These include the discovery that her ancestor was a slave in Tennessee who fought for freedom as a Soldier during the Civil War, as well as her trip to the location where that family member was buried. Her book is relevant to all teenagers today who are learning about the importance of freedom in people’s lives.

Thursday, February 26^th (Day 1) Blake Leeper, 8-time Paralympic Track & Field international medalist, author of Why Not Me, and motivational speaker will visit Halsey to share his life’s story, and to talk to students about the power of resilience and inclusion.

Talent Show - Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Women’s History Month Assemblies

As part of Halsey's recognition of March’s Women's History Month, on Friday March 6^th (Day 1) each grade will meet with Judaline Cassidy, feminist plumber, Tradeswoman activist, and author. She will share her story, explaining the importance of giving women and girls opportunities in every field, including male-dominated fields.

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, February 27, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week.

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA

Volunteers Needed

If you would like to volunteer to help out at the school, we have two upcoming events that need staffing:

Candy Grams - Valentines Day (February 13) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61854721-volunteers

Talent Show (March 4) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B44ADAF2FA1FD0-61855178-talent

Fundraisers

Candy Grams – Valentine’s Day Fundraiser 💌

This Amazon wish list supports our Valentine’s Day Candy Gram fundraiser, which will take place February 13 during the school day.

On Valentine’s Day, students will be able to purchase candy, chocolates, small treats, and Valentine cards during lunch periods.
They can send a Candy Gram to a friend, a teacher, a family member — or even treat themselves.

A small gesture.
But it matters.

All items from this wish list will be used to assemble Candy Grams for students and help make the day festive, fun, and inclusive for everyone.

Your donation helps:

Keep prices affordable for students
Ensure a wide variety of treats and cards
Support PTA fundraising for school programs and student activities

Every item donated makes a difference — whether it’s candy, cards, or small Valentine treats.

Thank you for helping us spread a little joy at school this Valentine’s Day 💝
Your support means so much to our students. https://a.co/hRK3Icj

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics Club -

The Halsey Robotics Team competed in their competition this Sunday against high school students from across New York City. The team proudly won the Judge’s Award! This award recognizes teams for unique efforts and exceptional qualities that may not fit into other categories. It highlights innovation, outreach, overall team spirit, and gracious professionalism, honoring teams that embody the mission of FIRST Tech Challenge through strong performance, community involvement, and thoughtful interviews and portfolios.

Our students demonstrated professionalism and maturity throughout the competition, and we could not be more proud of them.

Moving forward, we are making improvements to our robot and expanding our outreach efforts to gain additional local support.

Halsey Dance

Last weekend, the Halsey Dance Elite Lyrical team had the honor of performing at United in Movement, a Middle School dance showcase hosted at Brooklyn Tech HS. We had a great time! And we got to see the new Brooklyn Tech dance team in action!

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp - 7th Graders ONLY

The application to Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp 2026 is open until April 3 and available in 14 languages. Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week summer arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering grade 8 in September 2026. The program also includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin. Please see the flyer attached. Translated copies of the flyer can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO.

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO.

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

Field Trip Highlights

We had no field trips this week. Check back soon!

8th Grade Spotlight

Senior Dues

Don't forget to pay your senior dues! Check the email for more details!

2025–2026 HALSEY JHS YEARBOOK - LAST CALL!

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

6th Grade Spotlight

🎉 Class of 2028 Sweatshirt – Winning Design 🎉
The winning Class of 2028 sweatshirt design, selected by a student vote, was designed by Isabella Narain of Class 628. The Class of 2028 sweatshirt is now available for purchase.
🛒 Order your sweatshirt here:https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v7x5R4c.1OM_

Important Details:

Cost: $18
• Order Deadline: January 30, 2026
• A separate order form must be completed for each sweatshirt purchased

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

a gold bangle bracelet
a blue inhaler

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

2026 INCLUDEnyc Fair

The 2026 INCLUDEnyc Fair is on Saturday, January 24, 10:30 AM to 3 PM at the Shed at Hudson Yards! Meet face-to-face with recreational programs, summer camps, health agencies, educational organization, plus other supports and services for young people with disabilities. Sign up today here!

Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo

The Kew-Forest School, a cornerstone of Queens for over 100 years, invites adults 21+ to a Community Radio Bingo Night! Enjoy a fun night out with live music, bingo, exciting raffles, and amazing prizes on Saturday 31 January 2026. Doors open at 6:00 pm. BYO food and drinks. Tickets $40 (bundles available). All proceeds will support student learning. Learn more and register here.

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is excited to share four free, in-person high school visits for NYC 6th–7th graders and their families.

The Brooklyn Latin School

Thursday, January 29 | 5:30 pm -6:30 PM
Sign up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Free-Tour-of-The-Brooklyn-Latin-Specialized-High-School.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=nSLCZSz3e5Y

Important notes for families:

A parent/guardian must attend with the student.
Please arrive before 5:30 PM for check-in and a prompt start.

Also, Kweller Prep is hosting a webinar on the New Adaptive SHSAT on February 4, 2026. Sign up here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Adaptive-SHSAT-Webinar-on-February-4--2026.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=BqhMEA08M_s

NYC Parks - Little Hearts, Big Smiles!

Bring your family and friends to the Al Oerter Recreation on Friday February 20, to celebrate love and friendship at our Little Hearts, Big Smiles event. This event will feature arts & crafts, fun games and activities, and a musical performance by our afterschool program.
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Al Oerter Recreation Center | (718) 353-7853
131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11355

Friday, January 16, 2026

Happy Friday Halsey!

Are you ready for a long weekend? I know I am!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - PTA Meeting and Hip Hop Battle
St. Jude Math-A-Thon
PTA Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics Club, Halsey's Got Talent
Summer Arts Institute
NYSSMA Registration
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - Senior Dues & Yearbook
6th Grade Spotlight - Class of '28 Sweatshirts
Lost & Found - Did you lose a ring or a key fob for your car?
Community Corner - Commonpoint 3v3 Basketball Youth Tournament, INCLUDEnyc Fair, Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo, Kweller Prep and NYC Parks Events

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Classroom Spotlights: World Language in Action

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Duarte and Ms. Smiljanic’s World Language Spanish class with 809, where students were immersed in using action words and vocabulary to describe different parts of the body. It was good to see our students actively engaging with the New York State World Language Standards, using the key elements of communication to participate in conversations, deepen understanding, interpret meaning, and analyze language in context. Their confidence and willingness to take risks with Spanish was a testament to the strong, supportive environment created in the classroom.

I then stopped by Ms. Aristy’s classroom with Class 727, where students were working with the Reporteros curriculum. Students were purposefully communicating with one another in Spanish, applying vocabulary and grammar structures in real‑time interactions. Their conversations were authentic, student‑driven, and reflective of the thoughtful planning and high expectations in the lesson.

Our World Language team continues to inspire students to see themselves as global citizens, and I’m proud of the strong language‑learning community they are building.

Social Studies Spotlight

In Mr. Blomquist’s Social Studies class 726, students explored the perspectives of the Federalists and Anti‑Federalists. Each student was assigned a side and read documents to understand their group’s position. Using these texts, students identified a clear claim and selected evidence to support their ideas.

They then engaged in discussions with classmates representing the opposing side. Throughout their conversations, students consistently referenced text evidence to explain and defend their viewpoints, showing strong reasoning and thoughtful analysis. They also took notes on the claims and reasoning shared by the other group before completing reflection questions to bring their learning together.

I was impressed by the level of engagement and accountable conversation in the classroom. I am so proud of Class 726!

Student Leadership Spotlight

This week, grade representatives from our Halsey Student Lighthouse Team attended their first School Leadership Team (SLT) meeting. Samuel Co of Class 626, Andrew Godman of Class 724 and Abbygail Tarigan of Class 824, confidently shared the Lighthouse Team mission statement and updated the SLT team on what they’ve been working on.

Halsey Student Lighthouse Team Mission Statement:

Our mission as student government is to make Halsey a better place for the entire community by celebrating diversity, empowering students equally, and allowing student voices to be heard. The Leader in Me program is socially enriching, and we strive to open doors that were closed before. We are committed to taking on projects and ideas that will help the student body and our community grow together.

Our student leaders spoke about the progress of the school store and the presentations they have been leading at grade‑level assemblies. Their voices and ideas added so much to the meeting, and they represented Halsey with pride and maturity.

I am so proud of these students and the leadership they demonstrated at the SLT meeting this week.

As we head into the long weekend, I’m thinking about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the powerful reminders his life continues to offer about kindness, fairness, and lifting others up. His message encourages us to look for everyday moments to make a positive difference, and our students show me this every day.

Wishing you all a peaceful and meaningful weekend in honor of Dr. King.

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, January 19 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School is closed. School will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

PTA Meeting - Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 7PM on Zoom. Details will be emailed out a day before the meeting.

Halsey Hip Hop Battle - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

St. Jude Math-A-Thon

The Halsey 2026 St. Jude Math-A-Thon is here! St. Jude Math-A-Thon is a school-based fundraiser that supports St. Jude's Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to treating and defeating childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. The fundraiser will run from Friday, January 16 through Friday, February 27, 2026. More details were shared with students during assemblies and in their math classes and in a dedicated email this week.

Families can also support fundraising efforts online by sharing the following link on social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.): https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Math/Math?pg=entry&fr_id=163522

PTA Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics Club - Our Competition Is This Sunday!

The Halsey Robotics Team has been working tirelessly in preparation for this weekend’s tournament. Through dedication and teamwork, our students have successfully built, designed, and programmed a fully functioning robot. In addition, the outreach team completed the engineering notebook and prepared team members for the presentations they will deliver to the judges.

Halsey is proud to be the only middle school team competing against high school students in this tournament. We are incredibly proud of our students’ hard work and determination and look forward to sharing their exciting competition experience.

Halsey's Got Talent!

More than 40 students took the stage to audition for this year’s talent show and the level of talent on display was truly incredible. From powerful vocal performances and energetic dance routines to impressive musical pieces, each act showcased the creativity and dedication of our students. Just as inspiring as the performances was the atmosphere in the room—students cheered one another on, offered encouragement, and celebrated each other’s courage and skill. It was a joyful reminder of the talent and strong sense of community within our school.

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

NYSSMA Registration

NYSSMA registration for solo evaluations will open soon! NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) evaluations are a place where students who play an instrument and/or sing perform for a judge and receive feedback. Students must perform something from the NYSSMA manual and are typically students who take private lessons (although that is not mandatory). The private teachers typically have a manual and choose a song for the students. Please note that the manual is now digital and can be purchased on the NYSSMA website if you are a NYSSMA member.

NYSSMA is on May 29th OR May 30th at Corona Arts & Sciences Academy 98-11 44th Ave, Corona 11368, for all instruments and voice EXCEPT PIANO.

NYSSMA piano solos will be held at Queens College. The piano festival will be held at Queens College on June 12th OR June 13th. This festival is for ONLY PIANO.

The registration deadline for both festivals is Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

Please click the link below to fill out an information form, which Ms. Shikowitz will then use to register your child on the official site once it is available.

Information form link: https://forms.gle/Eau4wCURZKBXYLms6

Questions? Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected].

Field Trip Highlights

We had no field trips this week. Check back soon!

8th Grade Spotlight

Senior Dues

Don't forget to pay your senior dues! Check the email from Monday for more details!

2025–2026 HALSEY JHS YEARBOOK

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

6th Grade Spotlight

🎉 Class of 2028 Sweatshirt – Winning Design 🎉
The winning Class of 2028 sweatshirt design, selected by a student vote, was designed by Isabella Narain of Class 628. The Class of 2028 sweatshirt is now available for purchase.
🛒 Order your sweatshirt here:https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v7x5R4c.1OM_

Important Details:

Cost: $18
• Order Deadline: January 30, 2026
• A separate order form must be completed for each sweatshirt purchased

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

A set of keys found in the school yard on Monday, January 12 during 6th period lunch.
A gold necklace was turned in on Thursday, January 15.

If you believe an item may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

Commonpoint 3v3 Basketball Tournament

Commonpoint is hosting a Youth Basketball 3v3 Tournament for players ages 9-15 on Monday, January 19 at 2:30PM. Register here: https://www.commonpoint.org/event/cq-youth-basketball-3v3-tournament-monday-january-19-2025

2026 INCLUDEnyc Fair

The 2026 INCLUDEnyc Fair is on Saturday, January 24, 10:30 AM to 3 PM at the Shed at Hudson Yards! Meet face-to-face with recreational programs, summer camps, health agencies, educational organization, plus other supports and services for young people with disabilities. Sign up today here!

Kew-Forest School Radio Bingo

The Kew-Forest School, a cornerstone of Queens for over 100 years, invites adults 21+ to a Community Radio Bingo Night! Enjoy a fun night out with live music, bingo, exciting raffles, and amazing prizes on Saturday 31 January 2026. Doors open at 6:00 pm. BYO food and drinks. Tickets $40 (bundles available). All proceeds will support student learning. Learn more and register here.

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is excited to share four free, in-person high school visits for NYC 6th–7th graders and their families.

The Brooklyn Latin School

Thursday, January 29 | 5:30 pm -6:30 PM
Sign up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Free-Tour-of-The-Brooklyn-Latin-Specialized-High-School.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=nSLCZSz3e5Y

Important notes for families:

A parent/guardian must attend with the student.
Please arrive before 5:30 PM for check-in and a prompt start.

Also, Kweller Prep is hosting a webinar on the New Adaptive SHSAT on February 4, 2026. Sign up here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Adaptive-SHSAT-Webinar-on-February-4--2026.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=BqhMEA08M_s

NYC Parks - Little Hearts, Big Smiles!

Bring your family and friends to the Al Oerter Recreation on Friday February 20, to celebrate love and friendship at our Little Hearts, Big Smiles event. This event will feature arts & crafts, fun games and activities, and a musical performance by our afterschool program.
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Al Oerter Recreation Center | (718) 353-7853
131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11355

Friday, January 9, 2026

Happy New Year Halsey!

This week in Ms. Schwarz's class, she and 7th grade student Ava channeled their inner Charlie's Angels. No notes. 10/10

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop, SPYSCAPE Museum Trip, Free Tickets to NYC Ballet, and Hip Hop Battle
PTA Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Debate Team, Robotics Club, Halsey's Got Talent, Intergenerational Choir
Summer Arts Institute
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - Yearbook
Lost & Found - Did you lose a ring or a key fob for your car?
Community Corner - Kweller Prep and NYC Parks Events

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Happy New Year!

Welcome back, Halsey community! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and joyful winter break. We are excited to be back in school and ready for an amazing 2026.

Student Lighthouse Team Shines Bright

The Student Lighthouse Team is off to a fantastic start! Today, our Grade 7 representatives took the stage at the 7th grade assembly for their very first presentation. They introduced the Student Lighthouse Team mission statement and delivered an engaging presentation on Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind. They encouraged their peers to start thinking about creating their own personal mission statements, a powerful step toward leadership and goal setting.

This impressive presentation was the result of a thoughtful collaboration with Ms. Broker and Mr. Robinson, and our students presented as true professionals. I am incredibly proud of their hard work, confidence, and commitment to leadership. Check out the videos here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

Looking ahead, next Wednesday, members of the Lighthouse Team will attend their first School Leadership Team (SLT) meeting. I cannot wait to see them share the Lighthouse Team work with the school community!

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, January 19 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School is closed. School will reopen on Tuesday, January 20.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date

Parent Workshop - Thursday, January 15 9AM, Day 1 - Into to Jupiter for Parents and Guardians: In this is interactive workshops, parents and guardians will be guided through logging into Jupiter, Halsey’s new system for managing student assignments and grades. Parents will have an opportunity to explore platform and learn more about how to communicate with teachers. Participants are encouraged to bring a mobile device to use. Sign up at: https://forms.gle/2XSmJJMrwCbhCvwEA

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026.

Free Tickets to New York City Ballet - January 31, 2026

Ms. Gruet has arranged for a limited number of FREE tickets to the New York City Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater | Lincoln Center in Manhattan on Saturday, January 31, at 1:15PM. Tickets are available to any student, regardless of talent, and are limited. Below are the details.

Link to request tickets - https://forms.gle/jYDpNZVm7LDDXny66

Halsey Hip Hop Battle - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

PTA Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

The Halsey Debate team competed in the December Citywide Competition this past month Below are the results.

Top Speakers Middle School Public Forum JV out of 40 Students

11th: Nicholas Kendt

8th: Jasper Traub

6th Benjamin Callahan

2nd: Alina Mithani

1st: Charlie Cohen

Top Speakers Middle School Parliamentary JV out of 40 Students

10th Alyssa Polakovich

9th Caitlin Han

8th Camilla Quinteros

5th: Leo Cohen

3rd: Natan Wecel

2nd: Jacquelyn Chew

1st: Juliet Kujo

Top Teams Middle School Public Forum JV

13th: Alexa Fink and Benjamin Callahan

9th Beryl Petersen and Jasper Traub

1st Charlie Cohen and Alina Mithani

Top Teams Middle School Parliamentary JV

5th: Adam Hammani, Jonathan Looby and Leo cohen

3rd: Natan Wecel and Samy Sharma

2nd Juliet Kujo, Skivikaa Agrawal and Camilla Quinteros

1st: Jacquelyn Chew, Caitlin Han, Alyssa Polakovich

Congratulations to the Halsey Debaters and their coaches Ms. Farrone, Mr. Monaco and Mr. Sarris. Go Bulldogs!

Robotics Club - The countdown is on—only one week until our robotics competition!

Our students are hard at work and making incredible progress. The team has successfully completed the coding needed to bring the robot to life, and they are now practicing how it will move and perform during the competition. Collaboration has been key as students fine-tune their strategies, test their robot, and support one another.

In addition, the team is gearing up for their competition presentation by assigning roles and rehearsing, making sure everyone is confident and ready to shine. We can’t wait to see all their hard work in action!

Halsey's Got Talent!

Get ready to shine, Halsey! We’re excited to announce Halsey’s Got Talent, our all-school talent show! Whether you sing, dance, juggle, play an instrument, perform magic, or have a unique skill to share, this is your moment to take the stage. Auditions will be held on January 12 and January 13 at 2:30.
All students are welcome to try out and show us what you’ve got! Come ready to show your act. See the attached flyer for more information and the permission slip!

Let’s make this an unforgettable Talent show! 🌟

Intergenerational Choir

Parents: Do YOU like to sing? Are you looking for an educational way to bond with your child? If so, then Intergenerational Choir is for you! Parents, students and teachers come to Halsey and learn a song in a chorus setting. All family members are welcome. Students are also allowed to come on their own, without a parent. Parents can come without their child. Any student in any grade or talent can join. Alumni are also welcome. We have also hosted students and families from other schools. This is a community choir that is welcoming to all.

Intergen will meet on the following Saturdays from 12:00 PM-12:50 PM: February 28th, March 14th, March 21st, April 18th, April 25th, May 9th, May 16th. We will perform one song as a group at the spring concert on May 19th at 7:00 PM at JHS 157. You can still participate even if some of the dates do not work for you, including the concert date.

You do not need to be an excellent singer. You only need to be someone with an open mind that is interested in music making. We are always telling our students to step outside of their comfort zone, and I am encouraging you to do the same. Come make memories with your child that you and they will never forget!

Click here to register once you are sure you can attend. We can only accept 60 members. Once we reach capacity, we will form a wait list.

Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected] with any questions.

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Field Trip Highlights

In Ms. Iemma’s 7th grade ELA class, students have been learning about the big question: Is space exploration a daring adventure or a dangerous risk? At the end of the unit, students will choose a side and write an argumentative essay explaining what they believe.

To help bring this topic to life, students in classes 702 and 705 took a trip to the Hall of Science. There, they learned about what humans need to survive, how our world is connected, and what cities need to run smoothly. Students also had a blast seeing the Mars Rover and exploring the rocket park!

8th Grade Spotlight

2025–2026 HALSEY JHS YEARBOOK

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

A key fob for a car
A ring was found at the Chorus Concert.

If you believe either of these items may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is excited to share four free, in-person high school visits for NYC 6th–7th graders and their families.

1) Townsend Harris High School

Thursday, January 15 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Sign-up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Great-News--In-Person-Trip-to-Townsend-Harris-High-School-.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=RZnL6W2I_YA

2) The Brooklyn Latin School

Thursday, January 29 | 5:30 pm -6:30 PM
Sign up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Free-Tour-of-The-Brooklyn-Latin-Specialized-High-School.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=nSLCZSz3e5Y

Important notes for families:

A parent/guardian must attend with the student.
Please arrive before 5:30 PM for check-in and a prompt start.

Also, Kweller Prep is hosting a webinar on the New Adaptive SHSAT on February 4, 2026. Sign up here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/New-Adaptive-SHSAT-Webinar-on-February-4--2026.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=BqhMEA08M_s

NYC Parks - Little Hearts, Big Smiles!

Bring your family and friends to the Al Oerter Recreation on Friday February 20, to celebrate love and friendship at our Little Hearts, Big Smiles event. This event will feature arts & crafts, fun games and activities, and a musical performance by our afterschool program.
Friday, February 20, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Al Oerter Recreation Center | (718) 353-7853
131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing, N.Y. 11355

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Happy Holidays Halsey!

We made it through the fall and now we get a long break!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop
PTA Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards and Sprit Store (Last minute gift ideas)
Girls Basketball Cookie Swap & Media Day
CLUE! Cast List
Dance Assembly

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Chorus Caroling

This morning, our halls were filled with the sounds of the season as Ms. Shikowitz and our talented chorus brought holiday cheer to every corner of the school. I had the good fortune of catching them in the main office, and their beautiful voices put me in the holiday spirit. It was a wonderful reminder of the joy and community that make Halsey so special.

Here’s a short video of their performance—take a moment to enjoy and let it brighten your day as much as it did mine!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1glTx2J-vfBfQxmtu3iv2_5_2gj4Zx5lC

Happy Holidays to Our Halsey Family

I want to extend warm wishes to our entire Halsey family whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or simply enjoy this time of year in your own way. I hope you take this break to relax, recharge, and most importantly, spend quality time with your loved ones. Our lives are so busy that we often don't spend enough time with our children and families—this is the perfect opportunity to catch up, create memories, and do something meaningful together.

Reflecting on 2025, what an incredible year it has been! We experienced growth, learning, and countless achievements as a school community. While we were sad to say goodbye to Mr. Suraci (and I still miss him every day), I am truly honored and excited to have stepped into the role of Principal of our amazing school. I am deeply grateful for the support, collaboration, and spirit that each of you bring to Halsey every day. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary for our children, and I can’t wait to see what the new year holds for us.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season, a wonderful break, and a happy, healthy New Year. I will see you in 2026!

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.

Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4 - Winter Recess - School is closed. School will reopen on Monday, December 5.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Parent Workshop - Thursday, January 15 9AM, Day 1 - Into to Jupiter for Parents and Guardians: In this is interactive workshops, parents and guardians will be guided through logging into Jupiter, Halsey’s new system for managing student assignments and grades. Parents will have an opportunity to explore platform and learn more about how to communicate with teachers. Participants are encouraged to bring a mobile device to use. Sign up at: https://forms.gle/2XSmJJMrwCbhCvwEA

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026.

Halsey Hip Hop Battle - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

PTA Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store

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.

Girl Basketball Cookie Swap and Media Day

On Monday, the girls basketball team gathered to celebrate the holidays with a cookie swap! They also took their media photos. Check it out!

CLUE! Cast List

After 2 auditions and 2 callbacks, in which over 125 very talented students auditioned for 15 parts, it made for a very challenging decision…

Drum Roll Please!!! The moment everyone has been waiting for!!!

The Cast List for Spring Play CLUE has been announced!!! CLUE CAST LIST!!!

Be sure to check the Cast list to see who is who in the cast!

Congratulations to the Cast of Clue and good job all the amazing student who auditioned!!!

The first rehearsal will be Monday, January 5 at 2:30pm in the Theatre Arts Rm.119

Dance Assembly

Halsey had an amazing day with guest artists Kid Glyde and 2 members of the Dynamic Rockers! First, they held a special workshop to teach breakdance skills to 7th and 8th grade dance students. Then all dance students got to watch - and some even got to participate - in a demonstration onstage! Check out some pics and videos here

Friday, December 19, 2025

Happy Final-Friday-of-December Halsey,

Congratulations to the students who performed in the winter concerts this week! For any student who would like a ticket as a memento, I have extra tickets in my office. Come by to pick up a ticket!

Don't forget our spirit days next week - Pajama Day and Festive Holiday Sweater Day! And I'm excited to host a parent workshop on 1/15/26, more info below!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Parent Workshop
PTA Fundraisers - Regal Cinema & Instacart Gift Cards
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Debate Team, Graphic Novel Club, Robotics Club, Halsey's Got Talent, Intergenerational Choir, Career Club, and Breakdancing!
Summer Arts Institute
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - Yearbook
Lost & Found - Did you lose a ring or a key fob for your car?
Community Corner

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Magical Evenings with Our Chorus and Band Concerts

The highlight of my week was experiencing the incredible talent of our students during the Chorus and Band concerts. I love watching them shine in the classroom every day, but there is something truly special—and so much fun—about seeing them shine on the stage. These performances were a beautiful celebration of their hard work, creativity, and the joy that the arts bring to our school community.

On Tuesday night we had our winter Chorus Concert, and it was nothing short of spectacular! The talent and dedication of our students truly shone on stage. When our chorus sang Smile, a song dedicated to those who may be having a difficult holiday season, it brought tears to my eyes. Their voices carried a message of hope and compassion that touched everyone in the auditorium. Then, when they sang and danced to the lively Candy Cane song, the joy and holiday spirit were absolutely contagious! And their beautiful Hanukkah songs filled the auditorium with celebration.

It was such an amazing night—I loved every single minute of it. Our students reminded us of the power of music to bring people together and lift spirits during this special time of year.

A special thank you goes to our incredible chorus teacher, Ms. Shikowitz. Her passion for music is evident in every note sung, but what makes her truly exceptional is the way she builds meaningful, lasting relationships with her students. She not only teaches them to sing with professionalism and grace, but she also nurtures their confidence and sense of belonging. We are so fortunate to have her guiding our chorus singers and creating such unforgettable concerts for our school community.

Then, on Thursday night, we were treated to an absolutely fabulous Band Concert! The energy in the auditorium was electric as our talented musicians showcased their hard work and dedication. It’s always inspiring to see how much they grow as musicians throughout the year, and Thursday night was a true celebration of their skill and passion.

We enjoyed the beautiful melodies of The Rust Belt and On the Colorado Trail, which transported us to different landscapes through music. And when the jazz bands took the stage, the crowd couldn’t help but to rock out! Their performance was a perfect blend of talent and enthusiasm.

A huge thank you to our band teacher, Ms. Zaffery, for guiding our band students with expertise and heart. It takes extraordinary talent to teach and direct hundreds of students playing different instruments—and she does it with such grace, enthusiasm, and care. Ms. Zaffery not only brings out the best in our musicians, but she also fosters confidence, teamwork, and a love for music that will stay with them for a lifetime. We are so fortunate to have her leading our band program and creating unforgettable band concerts for our school community.

Highlighting our Multilingual Learners in Science and ELA

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Bennett’s Science classroom, where Class 605 was actively engaged in a hands-on science lesson as they prepared to learn about density. Before introducing this new concept, Ms. Bennett reviewed volume, focusing on how to measure the volume of liquids. Students practiced measuring both regular and irregular objects using graduated cylinders and applied their learning by solving word problems to determine the final volume. It was wonderful to see our multilingual learners in Class 605 confidently using academic vocabulary and problem-solving skills during this meaningful, interactive learning.

This week, I also visited Class 705 during their English Language Arts lesson with Ms. Iemma. Students were deeply engaged in reading an informational text about space exploration. They worked diligently to identify an argument’s claim, reasons, and supporting evidence, while also analyzing how the author strengthened their argument through rhetorical devices.

I am so proud of their hard work and focus. These students are not only learning English but also building strong literacy skills that will serve them well across all subjects. Their commitment to understanding complex texts and expressing ideas clearly was outstanding. Keep up the great work, Class 705!

"Bulldogcast" Shirts for the Halsey News Team

And finally, our Halsey News Team is looking sharper than ever in their brand-new News Team shirts! The "Bulldogcast" shirts look amazing on set and we love them! The team is so excited about this new look as they continue to deliver the morning news to our school community.

That’s a wrap on another amazing week at Halsey!

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.

Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4 - Winter Recess - School is closed. School will reopen on Monday, December 5.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Pajama Day - Monday, December 22. Wear your comfy holiday jammers!

Holiday Sweater Day - Tuesday, December 23. Let's see your most festive (ugly) holiday sweaters to finish out 2025!

Breakdance Guest Artist Visit - Tuesday, December 23, Day 4, Period 2-5.

Parent Workshop - Thursday, January 15 9AM, Day 1 - Into to Jupiter for Parents and Guardians: In this is interactive workshops, parents and guardians will be guided through logging into Jupiter, Halsey’s new system for managing student assignments and grades. Parents will have an opportunity to explore platform and learn more about how to communicate with teachers. Participants are encouraged to bring a mobile device to use. Sign up at: https://forms.gle/2XSmJJMrwCbhCvwEA

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026.

Halsey Hip Hop Battle - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

PTA Fundraisers

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Regal Cinemas runs from December 15, 2025 through February 15, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69227

The PTA Fundraiser with GroupRaise & Instacart runs from December 19, 2025 through February 27, 2026.

Fundraiser link: https://www.groupraise.com/offer-campaigns/69228

For more information, see the attachment!

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Debate Team - The Halsey Debate team competed in the November Citywide Competition this past November. Below are the results.

Top Individual Speaker Middle School Public Forum JV

16^th: Jasper Traub

15^th: Beryl Petersen

13^th: Nicholas Kendt

12^th: Ethan Gelman

6^th: Alina Mithani

2^nd: Charlie Cohen

Top Individual Speaker Middle School Parliamentary JV

20^th: Juliet Kujo

16^th: Camilla Quinteros

15^TH: Shivikaa Aggarwal

11^th: Natan Wecel

7^th: Jacquelyn Chew

Top Teams Middle School Public Forum JV

7^th: Jasper Traub and Beryl Petersen

1^st: Charlie Cohen and Alina Mithani

Top Teams: Middle School Parliamentary JV

5^th: Natan Wecel

2^nd: Caitlin Han, Jacquelyn Chew and Alyssa Polakovich

Congratulations to the Halsey Debaters and coaches Mr. Sarris, Ms. Farrone and Mr. Monaco. Go Bulldogs!

Graphic Novel Club -Halsey's Graphic Novel Club is starting on January 8th! Please pick up a permission slip in Room 201. Please see the attached PDF with more information.

Robotics Club -

This week, the Robotics Team had the exciting opportunity to visit PS 196! We showed the 5th graders how our robot works and even let them try coding and moving the robot themselves. They had a blast and learned a lot about robotics. Our team did an amazing job presenting to the students, staying calm and confident. They represented Halsey in the best way possible!

We also made great progress on our robot. Our team created a strategy for the upcoming competition to help us earn as many points as possible. The engineers successfully installed the control hub and team number plates, which are key parts of our robot.

Meanwhile, the coding team focused on improving the autonomous code, which allows the robot to move on its own without a controller.

There’s only one month left until the competition! We’re getting closer and working harder every day!

Halsey's Got Talent!

Get ready to shine, Halsey! We’re excited to announce Halsey’s Got Talent, our all-school talent show! Whether you sing, dance, juggle, play an instrument, perform magic, or have a unique skill to share, this is your moment to take the stage. Auditions will be held on January 12 and January 13 at 2:30.
All students are welcome to try out and show us what you’ve got! Come ready to show your act. See the attached flyer for more information and the permission slip!

Let’s make this an unforgettable Talent show! 🌟

Intergenerational Choir

Parents: Do YOU like to sing? Are you looking for an educational way to bond with your child? If so, then Intergenerational Choir is for you! Parents, students and teachers come to Halsey and learn a song in a chorus setting. All family members are welcome. Students are also allowed to come on their own, without a parent. Parents can come without their child. Any student in any grade or talent can join. Alumni are also welcome. We have also hosted students and families from other schools. This is a community choir that is welcoming to all.

Intergen will meet on the following Saturdays from 12:00 PM-12:50 PM: February 28th, March 14th, March 21st, April 18th, April 25th, May 9th, May 16th. We will perform one song as a group at the spring concert on May 19th at 7:00 PM at JHS 157. You can still participate even if some of the dates do not work for you, including the concert date.

You do not need to be an excellent singer. You only need to be someone with an open mind that is interested in music making. We are always telling our students to step outside of their comfort zone, and I am encouraging you to do the same. Come make memories with your child that you and they will never forget!

Click here to register once you are sure you can attend. We can only accept 60 members. Once we reach capacity, we will form a wait list.

Please contact Ms. Shikowitz at [email protected] with any questions.

Career Club - This week the Career Club welcomed their first guest speaker. Eric Yu, MBA, CPA Head of Finance & Operations, Galaxy Interactive joined us this past Tuesday to speak to the students about his career as a finance manager. He spoke about his education and career path, which eventually led to his current position. The students were able to ask him insightful questions, allowing them to gather knowledge for potential future decisions. Thank you, Mr. Yu! Career Club will meet after winter break to decide who our next speaker will be. See you in January!

Dance - Check out Dance Class 8T3 Breakdancing as we gear up for our Annual Hip Hop Battle!

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Field Trip Highlights

There were no field trips this week, but we have several coming up!

Upcoming Visual Art Field Trips

8t1 will be going to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

Students will attend their period one class, then report to the auditorium, where we will meet and take attendance before boarding the bus. We anticipate arriving back at school sometime during period 8. All students are aware of completing all class work missed that period.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Mrs. Lamere if you have any questions.

8th Grade Spotlight

2025–2026 HALSEY JHS YEARBOOK

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

A key fob for a car
A ring was found at the Chorus Concert.

If you believe either of these items may be yours, please reach out to Coach Sue - [email protected].

Community Corner

Kweller Prep

Kweller Prep is excited to share four free, in-person high school visits we’re running for NYC 6th–7th graders and their families.

1) Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (QHSS @ York)

Tuesday, January 6 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Sign-up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Great-News--Free-Trip-to-QHHS-Specialized-High-School-.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=ZTrhKZH3xws

2) Stuyvesant High School

Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Sign-up: https://conta.cc/49bBBBj

3) Townsend Harris High School

Thursday, January 15 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Sign-up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Great-News--In-Person-Trip-to-Townsend-Harris-High-School-.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=RZnL6W2I_YA

4) The Brooklyn Latin School

Thursday, January 29 | 5:30 pm -6:30 PM
Sign up: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Free-Tour-of-The-Brooklyn-Latin-Specialized-High-School.html?soid=1125981902198&aid=nSLCZSz3e5Y

Important notes for families:

A parent/guardian must attend with the student.
Please arrive before 5:30 PM for check-in and a prompt start.

Friday, December 12, 2025

Happy Friday Halsey,

WHAT A WEEK!? Time feels like it's flying by and 2026 will be here before we know it. I'm trying to take a moment to breathe to enjoy the holidays!

For any student who took a retake photo, your photos should now be available in your gallery at https://pictureday.com/. The proof sheets should be available next week and will be sent home as soon as we receive them. If anyone missed the retake day, you can open a case at https://www.irvinsimon.com/contact-us/customer-care-for-parents/ and request a retake during the In-Studio sessions at the Irvin Simon studios.

Also, I'm personally asking you all to fill out the Media Consent form for your child so we can share photos! You can find the form here - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_ Pretty please, with a cherry on top?

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates, including Halsey's Got Talent!
Winter Concert Details - Tickets now on sale!
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - E-Sports, Graphic Novel Club, Robotics Club, and CLUE Call Backs!
Summer Arts Institute
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - 8th Grade Class Photos, Yearbook and baby photos
Lost & Found - Did you lose glasses?
Community Corner - Forest Hills High School Winter Concerts and Kweller Prep School Visit

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

The Halsey Student Lighthouse Team Shines Bright

This Thursday morning, our Student Lighthouse Team held their very first meeting—and what an incredible start! Together with members of our staff Lighthouse Team, students worked thoughtfully to establish protocols for gathering input from their peers. As grade-level representatives, they were eager to ensure that every student has a voice in shaping ideas to strengthen our school community.

The team came up with creative plans to use grade assembly periods as a platform for collecting feedback and sharing ideas. This week, each grade assembly will introduce the Student Lighthouse representatives so everyone knows who to turn to with suggestions.

We also kicked off their first big project—the School Store! The team jumped right into a brainstorming session, generating exciting ideas and possibilities. Their energy, leadership, and commitment were truly inspiring. I couldn’t be prouder of these students—they hit the ground running and are ready to make a real difference in our school community.

Student Spotlight: Leadership in Action

I am thrilled to share an incredible example of leadership and initiative from two amazing students in Class 722—Anna Plotnik Friedman and Abha Thapaliya. These remarkable young leaders came to me with a thoughtful proposal for a new after-school program called Helping Hands.

Their vision is truly inspiring: they want students of all ages, ethnicities, religions, and beliefs to come together to make a positive impact on our community and in the lives of those in need. Through fundraisers and volunteer projects, their goal is to create opportunities for Halsey students to give back and make a real difference in the world.

I am so impressed by their passion and commitment to service. Once the club is up and running, we’ll share sign-up information—so keep an eye out! I couldn’t be prouder of Anna and Abha for their leadership and initiative. They are shining examples of how our students can lead with heart and purpose.

The Halsey Girls Basketball Team Kicks Off the Season with a Big Win

On Wednesday, I had the absolute pleasure of watching our Girls Basketball Team play their very first game of the season—and what a game it was! The team played with incredible heart, determination, and true Halsey school spirit.

Facing off against IS 5, our players gave it their all and came out on top with an impressive 42–15 victory! Their teamwork, energy, and sportsmanship were inspiring to watch. I can’t wait to cheer them on throughout the season as they continue to make us proud. Go Bulldogs!

Wishing Our Debate Team the Best of Luck

Tomorrow, our talented Debate Team will compete in the NYC Urban Debate League competition at Gotham Tech High School. We know they’ve worked hard to prepare, and I have no doubt they will represent Halsey with excellence, confidence, and school pride.

Good luck to all our debaters—you’ve got this! We can’t wait to hear about your success.

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.

Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4 - Winter Recess - School is closed. School will reopen on Monday, December 5.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Winter Chorus Concert - Tuesday, December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 On Sale Now - See Below!

Winter Band Concert - Thursday, December 18th, 6:00PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 On Sale Now - See Below!

Pajama Day - Monday, December 22. Wear your comfy holiday jammers!

Holiday Sweater Day - Tuesday, December 23. Let's see your most festive (ugly) holiday sweaters to finish out 2025!

Breakdance Guest Artist Visit - Tuesday, December 23, Day 4, Period 2-5.

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026.

Halsey Hip Hop Battle - Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 6PM in the auditorium.

Halsey's Got Talent!

Get ready to shine, Halsey! We’re excited to announce Halsey’s Got Talent, our all-school talent show! Whether you sing, dance, juggle, play an instrument, perform magic, or have a unique skill to share, this is your moment to take the stage. Auditions will be held on January 12 and January 13 at 2:30.
All students are welcome to try out and show us what you’ve got! Come ready to show your act. More details coming soon!

Let’s make this an unforgettable Talent show! 🌟

December Calendar is available at Halsey157.org.

Winter Concert Details

Tickets for the Winter Concerts will be sold online on our school website and at the door that night for $5. Tickets sold online have a small service fee. This fee is standard for all ticket sale websites. Please note there is a separate link for each concert.

You must bring the ticket to the concert as proof of purchase. There is no limit on the number of tickets a family can purchase. There are no assigned seats.

Chorus Concert on Tuesday, December 16 at 7PM Please click here to purchase tickets for the Chorus Concert: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4qNMzO.1Bm_ Online ticket sales to the Chorus concert will close on Friday, Dec. 12. Online ticket sale purchases will be distributed to your child in homeroom on Monday, 12/15. Tickets will be available at the door for $5.

Please see the attached here to see some FAQ's about our chorus concerts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-D51cH9IXUTZe2Bj7Kmv8m2sv7n90RL-jHWZS2AsAIo/edit?usp=sharing

Band Concert on Thursday, December 18 at 6PM Please click here to purchase tickets for the Band Concert: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4wVGkL.eJ_ Online ticket sales to the Band concert will close on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Online ticket sale purchases will be distributed to your child in homeroom on Wednesday, December 17. Tickets will be available at the door for $5.

Please read through the Helpful Hints attachment! Students are to arrive at 5PM. Please note that this concert is just 7th Grade Select Concert Band (featuring 7T1 and 7T3), 8th Grade Concert Band, PB Band and JAM Band.

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey E-Sports - There will be a new Esports team starting up for the 2025/26 school year. The main focus of this team is to compete in the 2025/26 Mayor’s Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs competition. 25 students, who excel both in the engineering thought process and Minecraft, will be chosen to compete. Students will be planning, designing/redesigning, and building structures in Minecraft Education that can achieve one or more of the 17 United Nations sustainability goals, While Minecraft Education and engineering skills are paramount to a competitive team, other skills, such as video editing, leadership, presentation, and creative thinking will be evaluated and considered when picking the team members. There will be two tryouts for the team to accommodate all students. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are allowed to try out. Only one tryout per student. Please see the PDF for more information.

Graphic Novel Club -Halsey's Graphic Novel Club is starting on January 8th! Please pick up a permission slip in Room 201. Please see the attached PDF with more information.

Robotics Club - Our outreach team has been hard at work planning our upcoming visit to PS 196, where we will work with 5th graders to spark their interest in robotics. The coding team made great progress as well—they can now successfully control the robot’s motors through their programming. Meanwhile, the engineering team is close to completing their design. They spent the week collaborating to test and fit different components together. Overall, it’s been an exciting and busy week for our robotics team!

CLUE! Call Backs - This week, over 125 students auditioned for the Spring Play CLUE!!

There will be Call Back Auditions for Clue on Tuesday, December 16 at 2:30 pm in Auditorium. Please check the Call Back Audition list to see if you need to attend the audition.

Summer Arts Institute

Attention 7th and 8th Graders!

The Summer Arts Institute 2026 Application is now live! The Summer Arts Institute is a FREE four week summer arts program for rising 8-12th grade students administered by the NYCPS Arts Office. Admission to the Summer Arts Institute is by application and audition. Students may apply and audition for only ONE studio.

Student Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026

For More Information and to Apply Visit: https://www.tinyurl.com/SummerArtsInstitute2026

Questions?: Please e-mail cmcglone2@schools.nyc.gov

See the attached flyer for more information!

Field Trip Highlights

There were no field trips this week, but we have several coming up!

Upcoming Visual Art Field Trips

Art Class 6T3, 8T1, & 8T3 and Mrs. Lamere will be attending a field trip in December.

8t1 will be going to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

8t3 will be going to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art)on Monday, Dec. 19, 2025

Students will attend their period one class, then report to the auditorium, where we will meet and take attendance before boarding the bus. We anticipate arriving back at school sometime during period 8. All students are aware of completing all class work missed that period.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Mrs. Lamere if you have any questions.

8th Grade Spotlight

8th Grade Class Photos

📸8TH GRADE CLASS PHOTOS ARE COMING!

2025–2026 HALSEY JHS YEARBOOK

We’re excited to announce that 8th Grade Class Photos (including teachers!) will be taken for this year’s school yearbook, along with your induvial photo that was taken.

📅PHOTO DATES START MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

Please remind your child to arrive at school on time and be photo-ready photo will be taken during AM Homeroom.

CLASS PHOTO SCHEDULE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 — A.M. HOMEROOM

802
805
803
807
804
809

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19

808
802
810
806
826
823

The remainder 8th-grade classes will be scheduled at a later date and will be announced shortly.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out before December 15 to Mrs. Lamere or Mrs. Slaney

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 in your YEARBOOK Google Classroom- if you're not in the YEARBOOK GOOGLE Classroom room please see Mrs. Lamere room 141

ENTER: Student’s name( FIRST & LAST) and HR class # on subject line
That MEANS YOUR NAME, NOT YOUR PARENTS!!!!!!

Please do not miss the deadline. DUE DATE DEC. 15TH

We then may not be able to 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!!!!!!

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

Community Corner

Forest Hills High School will be having their Winter Concerts on Wednesday, December 17 and Thursday, December 18. See the attached flyer for more details.

Kweller Prep will host and in-person walking tour of Townsend Harris High School on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 5:30-6:30PM. Parents and Guardians, if you can attend with your 6th or 7th grader, please meet by teh main enterance to Townsend Harris by 5:30PM. Siblings are welcome to join. Wear your sneakers! Sign up here - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgQxKjSisnOkJnEtsK3-SCvzQxVKfl-9r-1cyS3z5lwGNQrA/viewform

Friday, December 5, 2025

Happy Friday Halsey,

You all know I'm kind of the "New Girl" and I don't always know what I don't know. Such as, apparently we have a pajama day and an ugly holiday sweater day before winter break. I'm officially adding these to the calendar!

Also, I'm personally asking you all to fill out the Media Consent form for your child so we can share photos! You can find the form here - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_ Pretty please, with a cherry on top?

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates, including info on the trip to SPYSCAPE Museum
Winter Concert Details - Tickets now on sale!
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Clue Auditions, Chess Club, and Robotics Club
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - Yearbook and baby photos
6th Grade News - Sweatshirt Design Contest
Lost & Found - Did you lose glasses?
Community Corner - Commonpoint Basketball, Kweller Prep for Hunter High School Entrance Exam and SHSAT Prep, and AAPI-CARE

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Celebrating Excellence: District 28 Leaders Visit Halsey

On Wednesday, we had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Patrick Awosogba, our District 28 principals’ mentor, along with several District 28 principals, to our school. Visiting principals included Principal Lombard of PS 175, Principal Fishburne of PS 206, Dr. Lewis of PS 174, Principal Mack of PS 101, Principal Sferrazza of PS 303, Principal Hanley of PS 54, Dr. Green of PS 86, Principal Walter of PS 50, and Principal Elkarany of MS 358.

The visit began with a mentoring session led by Dr. Awosogba, followed by classroom walkthroughs that highlighted the incredible work happening at Halsey.

We visited Ms. Iemma and Ms. Spindel’s Class 709, where students were engaged in a warm-up activity and an accountable conversation about the text A Long Walk to Water. The discussion focused on how Nya’s repeated trips to the pond for water impacted her life and shaped her experiences. Students demonstrated deep thinking and strong text-to-world connections during this dialogue.

Next, we observed Class 620 in Science with Dr. Coppola and Ms. Pignataro, where students were engaged in the topic of scientific writing. They explored the scientific method of Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER). Students learned how to respond to a research question by making a clear and definite claim. They then practiced analyzing data and text to gather evidence that supported their claim. Finally, they worked on connecting the evidence to the claim through reasoning, using precise and descriptive language to strengthen their explanations.

Finally, we visited Ms. Gavilanes-Palma’s Math class with Class 624, where students were actively writing algebraic expressions and explaining their reasoning.

Dr. Patrick Awosogba and the District 28 principals were extremely impressed with our students. They noted their high level of engagement and the clear evidence of literacy skills being applied across all content areas. They also praised the students’ sense of agency in their learning—taking ownership of their ideas and confidently sharing their thinking.

This visit was a wonderful affirmation of the hard work and dedication of our teachers and students. I am always so proud to showcase the incredible efforts of our teachers and students!

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.

Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4 - Winter Recess - School is closed. School will reopen on Monday, December 5.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Winter Chorus Concert - Tuesday, December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 On Sale Now - See Below!

Winter Band Concert - Thursday, December 18th, 6:00PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 On Sale Now - See Below!

Pajama Day - Monday, December 22. Wear your comfy holiday jammers!

Ugly Holiday Sweater Day - Tuesday, December 23. Let's see your most festive (ugly) holiday sweaters to finish out 2025!

SPYSCAPE Museum Trip - January 17, 2026

Halsey Middle School is proud to offer a trip to the SPYSCAPE Museum on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at SPYSCAPE at 12 Noon (Address: 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019) This includes interactions with the museum itself as well as spy games that's fun for the whole family! Each student that would like to come must come with at least one parent/guardian chaperone. Each ticket for children is $34 and each adult is $39, If you are interested, please fill out the Microsoft form. We will start accepting payments after Dec 22nd, 2025, and finalize roster Jan 9th, 2026.

December Calendar is available at Halsey157.org.

Winter Concert Details

Tickets for the Winter Concerts will be sold online on our school website and at the door that night for $5. Tickets sold online have a small service fee. This fee is standard for all ticket sale websites. Please note there is a separate link for each concert.

You must bring the ticket to the concert as proof of purchase. There is no limit on the number of tickets a family can purchase. There are no assigned seats.

Chorus Concert on Tuesday, December 16 at 7PM Please click here to purchase tickets for the Chorus Concert: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4qNMzO.1Bm_ Online ticket sales to the Chorus concert will close on Friday, Dec. 12. Online ticket sale purchases will be distributed to your child in homeroom on Monday, 12/15.

Please see the attached here to see some FAQ's about our chorus concerts: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-D51cH9IXUTZe2Bj7Kmv8m2sv7n90RL-jHWZS2AsAIo/edit?usp=sharing

Band Concert on Thursday, December 18 at 6PM Please click here to purchase tickets for the Band Concert: https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4wVGkL.eJ_ Online ticket sales to the Band concert will close on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Online ticket sale purchases will be distributed to your child in homeroom on Wednesday, December 17.

Please read through the Helpful Hints attachment! Please note that this concert is just 7th Grade Select Concert Band (featuring 7T1 and 7T3), 8th Grade Concert Band, PB Band and JAM Band.

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey Theatre Arts: CLUE Auditions

Halsey Theatre Arts is please to announce the Spring Play will be the Broadway hit, CLUE (High School Edition). Auditions for the show will be Monday, December 8 and Tuesday, December 9 at 2:30 pm in the auditorium. Auditions are first come first serve and you will audition in the order you signed up.

Please note, this a Play, not a musical. Click on the attached link for more audition information.

Halsey Chess Club

Halsey’s Chess Club will meet every Wednesday from 2:30-4:00 PM beginning next week on December 10^th. The Club will be taught by representatives from ChessNYC (https://chessnyc.com/).

Request a seat using the link below. Limited spots are available, and we have to offer them on a first-come, first-served basis. Students accepted into the program will be emailed confirmations by Tuesday, December 9th.

https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.v4wtQcY.2x5_

Robotics Club

The Robotics team has been working hard, and we’re excited to say we’re almost ready for competition! Our Outreach team kept polishing the engineering notebook, adding the helpful suggestions we got from Forest Hills High School and the Mighty Mechanics. The Coding team spent the week developing our starter code and learning how to get the motors running. And the Mechanics team made big strides by installing two control hubs and another battery, working together to figure out the best setup for the robot.

Field Trip Highlights

There were no field trips this week, but we have several coming up!

Upcoming Visual Art Field Trips

Art Class 6T3, 8T1, & 8T3 and Mrs. Lamere will be attending a field trip in December.

6t3 will be going to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art ) on Dec. 1

8t1 will be going to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

8t3 will be going to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art)on Monday, Dec. 19, 2025

Students will attend their period one class, then report to the auditorium, where we will meet and take attendance before boarding the bus. We anticipate arriving back at school sometime during period 8. All students are aware of completing all class work missed that period.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Mrs. Lamere if you have any questions.

8th Grade Spotlight

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 in your YEARBOOK Google Classroom- if you're not in the YEARBOOK GOOGLE Classroom room please see Mrs. Lamere room 141

ENTER: Student’s name( FIRST & LAST) and HR class # on subject line
That MEANS YOUR NAME, NOT YOUR PARENTS!!!!!!

Please do not miss the deadline. DUE DATE DEC. 15TH

We then may not be able to 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!!!!!!

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

6th Grade News

Grade 6 Sweatshirt Design Contest

We’re excited to announce a sweatshirt design contest for all Grade 6 students! This is your chance to showcase your creativity and help design a sweatshirt that represents our class. Each student can submit an original design for their "Class of 2028" Sweatshirt. All designs must be original and cannot include any copyrighted material.

Contest Guidelines:

1. Theme: Create a sweatshirt design that reflects our class spirit, values, or memories from this year.

2. Design Format: Your design should fit on the BACK of a sweatshirt. You can use any drawing or graphic software, or create your design by hand and scan or photograph it. You will also come up with a small logo for the FRONT of the sweatshirt.

3. Deadline: All designs must be uploaded to the website by 12/12/2025.

4. Voting: After the submission deadline, all approved designs will be posted on the website. Grade 6 students will be invited to view the entries and vote for their favorite design.

5. Winner Announcement: The design with the most student votes will be printed on our official Grade 6 sweatshirt!

We can’t wait to see your awesome ideas and find out which design our class will choose!

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

Community Corner

Commonpoint at Central Queens Basketball

Please see the attached flyer from Commonpoint at Central Queens and three leagues they are currently offering:

• Co-ed ages 9–11
• Co-ed ages 12–15
• All-girls ages 8–12

Kweller Prep

Attention 6th and 7th grade parents: Kweller Prep asked us to share information about their upcoming Hunter High School Entrance Exam Webinar, SHSAT Prep Webinar, as well as test prep sessions. Please see the attached file with more details.

AAPI-CARE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - Connect. Activate. Reimagine. Engage.)is a 1-day convening that brings togetherNYC’s AAPI and allied parents to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI families. AAPI-CARE aims to create a shared learning community where parents and caregivers will be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and the wider AAPI community as a whole. This convening will also create opportunities for parents to engage in social justice leadership.

This convening is open to AAPI parents/grandparents/legal guardians of a child/children in public, K-12 schools; parents are interested in leadership and are curious, open-minded, and want to learn. Please see the attached flyer for more information on Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF).

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Hi there Halsey,
Happy Thanksgiving! Short week = Not So Short Newsletter!
If you have not yet completed a Media Consent form for your child, please do so now! You can find the form here - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_ I'm hoping we can get 100% participation of every family and that I can start sharing pictures of all the awesome events we do here!
Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].
• Ms. Lisa's Message
• Upcoming School Closures
• Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates and December Calendar
• Halsey Book Fair
• Sprit Store Open
• Chick-fil-A Spirit Night Fundraiser
• Clubs at a Glance - Jewish Culture/Israel Club and Respect for All
• Field Trip Highlights
• 8th Grade Spotlight - High School Applications Due, Forest Hill High School Assembly, 8th Grade Baby Photos and Yearbook
• Lost & Found - Important Items Edition
• Community Corner - AAPI-CARE
Don't forget to be awesome!
Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message
Announcing the Official 2025-2026 JHS 157 Student Lighthouse Team
We are excited to announce the Official 2025-2026 JHS 157 Student Lighthouse Team. These outstanding students were selected by their peers to represent their grade, and there are five student representatives on each grade.
I am so proud of these students for their initiative and leadership. I look forward to working with them as we make plans for the future of our school. Our first project together will be launching the school store, and I am eager for our first Student Lighthouse Team meeting in December.
Each member of the team received a certificate to recognize their achievement and commitment to leadership, and their names were announced on the Halsey morning news today. Congratulations to all of our Student Lighthouse Team members. We cannot wait to see the positive impact you will make on our school community.
6th Grade
• Zara Musinova 610
• Isabella (Izzy) Villemaire 621
• Sophia Wu 622
• Annabel Chang 628
• Sam Co 626
7th Grade
• Dilnura Kobuljonova 705
• Daniella Quinto 720
• Blake Bajraktari 723
• Andrew Goldman 724
• Charlie Cohen 725
8th Grade
• Mason Diaz 804
• Oliya Azamova 808
• Natan Wecel 821
• Abbygail Tarigan 824
• Ace Conde 827

Celebrating Our Multilingual Learner Family Institute Thanksgiving Dinner
On Monday, November 24th, we had the pleasure of hosting a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner for our Multilingual Learner families. It was a truly special evening where families came together to learn, share, and connect. After engaging in meaningful activities, everyone enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving meal, complete with dessert and warm conversation among families and staff.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Albanese, Ms. Astorga, and Ms. Goldstein for their incredible efforts in organizing this event. Your dedication made the evening memorable for all.
We are already looking forward to continuing this tradition with our Holiday Dinner in December, where we will celebrate the season with our Multilingual families.

Spotlight on Our 8th Grade Dancers and Ms. Gruet
Our talented 8th grade dancers have been working tirelessly under the guidance of Ms. Gruet, our dedicated dance teacher, to prepare for their upcoming auditions for specialized high schools. Today, these students had the incredible opportunity to present their audition pieces to a live audience of peers and parents.
This experience gave them a true sense of performing on stage complete with the energy and excitement of an audience which is invaluable as they get ready for their official auditions. It is a testament to how seriously our talent teachers prepare students for these important milestones.
We want to extend a huge thank you to Ms. Gruet for her commitment and passion in helping our dancers shine. To our students: we are so proud of your hard work, and we cannot wait to find out the high schools you will be accepted into!

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser Success
Today our school community came together for a sweet celebration with our Halsey PTA Krispy Kreme fundraiser. A huge thank you to our amazing PTA for all of their hard work in making this event possible. Your dedication helps create wonderful opportunities for our students and staff.
Staff members enjoyed picking up boxes of delicious donuts to take home for the Thanksgiving holiday and grabbing a sweet treat throughout the day. Our students absolutely loved buying and snacking on donuts during their lunch periods.
I bought some for my family and sent over a few dozen to my principal friend Principal Lombard of PS 175!
Thank you again to the PTA for supporting our school and making today such a fun and tasty success!

Wishing Our Halsey Community a Beautiful Thanksgiving
As we head into the holiday, I want to wish all of our Halsey students and families a very happy Thanksgiving. This is such a special time to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and spend quality time catching up and talking with your children.
I know I will be cherishing the time with my daughters, and I want you to know that I am truly grateful for each of you and grateful to be the principal of our amazing school!
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.
Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School is closed.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!
Halsey Book Fair - Tuesday, December 2, Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4
Chick-fil-A Fundraiser - Tuesday, December 2, 5:00-7:00PM. Details below!
Winter Chorus Concert - December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon!
Winter Band Concert - December 18th, 6:00PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon! Please read through the Helpful Hints attachment!
December Calendar is attached and also at Halsey157.org.

Halsey Book Fair
The Halsey Book fair is coming back! We have partnered up with Kew and Willow books once again, a local book store in Kew Gardens to host our fair. It’s the perfect chance for students to explore new worlds and discover their next favorite book. There will be books, comics, and stationery. A percentage of every sale goes directly to support our school – helping fund programs and activities for our students! Interested in coming to visit? Please see below for all details:
• When? For students, the fair will be held during the school day on Tuesday, December 2, Wednesday, December 3rd, and Thursday, December 4th
• Where? Halsey’s Library
• What will be there? Books, comics, AND stationery. See the flyer attached for a QR code to our catalog. Or, click the link here: https://kewandwillow.com/catalog/halsey-middle-school-book-fair Please note: This catalog includes only a snapshot of what Kew and Willow will be bringing- there will be much MORE at the fair.
• Stationery is not listed on the catalog but expect a wide variety of items that are from the brand IF USA. Check out some of their beautiful items on their website here: https://www.ifusa.com/
• Parents, guardians, and caregivers who are interested in attending the fair are welcome to visit on Tuesday, December 2nd from 2:30PM – 4:00PM. Please fill out the form below to let us know that you’ll be there!Halsey Book Fair Parent Sign Up – Fill out form
Details regarding purchases:
• Students should bring in cash to make purchases at the fair.
• Kew and Willow will accept cash OR card only from parents, guardians, and caregivers.
• Online purchases through our catalog (see above) purchased from 12/2-12/5 also count towards our sales! If you place an order online, be sure to mention that you’re a Halsey family in the order notes.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to the ELA Assistant Principal, Ms. Albanese at [email protected] or to your child’s ELA teacher.

Spirit Store 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.

Chick-fil-A Spirit Night Fundraiser
Halsey Middle School is teaming up with Chick-fil-A for a special Spirit Night Fundraiser on Tuesday, December 2nd from 5-7pm, with 15% of sales supporting our PTA. Bring the family, enjoy a great meal, and snap a photo with the Chick-fil-A Cow during their special appearance!

Clubs at a Glance
Jewish Culture/Israel Club
There is still time to join Jewish Culture Club/Israel Club! If interested, give your permission slip to Ms. Cohen [email protected] or room 318b) asap. Here are some photos from our last meeting. We played games, learned about the Hebrew Alphabet and the purpose of Tefillin!


Respect for All
The Respect for All Club celebrated Thanksgiving by creating a Turkey feather scavenger hunt! Halsey students who found a feather wrote what they are grateful for and returned the feather for a chance to win a prize! HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y'ALL!

Field Trip Highlights
Halsey 8th Graders Explore Beacon High School
Our 8th graders who completed the Beacon writing piece were given an incredible opportunity to tour Beacon High School and experience firsthand what makes it one of the top high schools in New York City. Students learned what it means to attend a consortium high school and gained a clear understanding of Beacon’s performance-based assessment model.
Throughout the visit, our students were highly engaged—asking thoughtful questions and speaking directly with two of Beacon’s guidance counselors, including Ms. Shriki, a former Halsey guidance counselor. They also heard personal stories and insights from three Halsey alumni now thriving at Beacon: two freshmen and one junior.
The group explored the school environment, observed classes in action, and took in the vibrant surroundings of both Beacon and New York City. It was an inspiring and informative experience that gave our students a meaningful look into their potential high school future.


Upcoming Visual Art Field Trips
Art Class 6T3, 8T1, & 8T3 and Mrs. Lamere will be attending a field trip in December.
6t3 will be going to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art ) on Dec. 1
8t1 will be going to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025
8t3 will be going to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art)on Monday, Dec. 19, 2025
Students will attend their period one class, then report to the auditorium, where we will meet and take attendance before boarding the bus. We anticipate arriving back at school sometime during period 8. All students are aware of completing all class work missed that period.
Thanks for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Mrs. Lamere if you have any questions.

8th Grade Spotlight
Friendsgiving
Class 891 planned, set up, and hosted 693 for a "Friendsgiving" on Tuesday during 8th period. It was amazing to see 891 in leadership roles, and all students were respectful and had fun together. Thank you to the staff who supported the students in this fun activity!

High School Applications Due December 3
Wednesday, December 3 is the absolute final deadline to submit the High School Application, the LaGuardia Application, and to upload all assessment and audition materials in MySchools.
Final After-School Application Support:
To ensure that every family has the opportunity to complete their applications correctly and on time, we will be offering one final after-school High School Application help session on Tuesday, December 3rd from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Please see the attached document for more detailed information.
Good luck 8th Graders!

Forest Hills High School Wows at Halsey’s 8th Grade Assembly
Forest Hills High School visited our 8th grade assembly this week, giving students an exciting look at the incredible programs, clubs, and sports teams the school has to offer. As a special treat, we were also lucky enough to receive a sneak preview of their upcoming spring musical, The Addams Family.
The talented Forest Hills performers lit up our auditorium with two musical numbers, showcasing extraordinary energy, skill, and stage presence. Their performance left our 8th graders inspired and eager for what awaits them next year.
We look forward to seeing the full production of The Addams Family this spring at Forest Hills!

8th Grade Baby Photos
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 in your YEARBOOK Google Classroom- if you're not in the YEARBOOK GOOGLE Classroom room please see Mrs. Lamere room 141
• ENTER: Student’s name( FIRST & LAST) and HR class # on subject line
• That MEANS YOUR NAME, NOT YOUR PARENTS!!!!!!
Please do not miss the deadline. DUE DATE DEC. 15TH
We then may not be able to 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!!!!!!

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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
LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Lost & Found - Important Items
When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

Community Corner
The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes and celebrates extraordinary public school teachers who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment. Six grand-prize winners - one from each of the five NYC boroughs and one 3K-5th grade educator from any borough - will receive a $25,000 unrestricted cash prize, and their schools will receive a $10,000 grant designated for use in an arts-based initiative designed by each winner. To nominate a Halsey Teacher, click here.

AAPI-CARE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - Connect. Activate. Reimagine. Engage.)is a 1-day convening that brings togetherNYC’s AAPI and allied parents to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI families. AAPI-CARE aims to create a shared learning community where parents and caregivers will be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and the wider AAPI community as a whole. This convening will also create opportunities for parents to engage in social justice leadership.

This convening is open to AAPI parents/grandparents/legal guardians of a child/children in public, K-12 schools; parents are interested in leadership and are curious, open-minded, and want to learn. Please see the attached flyer for more information on Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF).

Friday, November 21, 2025

Hi there Halsey,

I hope you all had a wonderful week! It was a busy one here at Halsey!

Quick Question: Do you want to see photos of students while they are at Halsey in this newsletter? Is so, please make sure that you fill out the Media Consent form for your child(ren). You can find the form here - https://www.halsey157.org/apps/form/form.STEAHJ.uTdgPnP.1aj_ I'm hoping we can get 100% participation of every family and that I can start sharing pictures of all the awesome events we do here!

Below is a list of what you can find in the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates
Report Cards
Halsey Book Fair
Krispy Kreme Fundraiser - DON'T FORGET TO ORDER TODAY!
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics Club
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - Newtown High School Visit, Dance Performance, and Yearbook
Lost & Found - Important Items Edition
Community Corner - The Eisman Center for Preparatory Studies in Music and AAPI-CARE

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Investing in Our Future: Thank You Borough President Richards

On Monday, I had the honor of attending the Education Press Conference alongside Chancellor Avilés Ramos and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. It was an incredible opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Borough President Richards for his unwavering support of our students and staff.

Thanks to his generous discretionary capital allocation of $75,000 for Fiscal Year 2026, we will be able to enhance technology at Halsey, an investment that will empower our students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This commitment reflects a shared belief in the importance of innovation and equity in education, and we are deeply appreciative of his partnership in making this vision a reality.

Thank you, Borough President Richards, for supporting Halsey! If you look all the way to the back left side of the photo you will see me and Principal Lombard of PS 175! Dr. Blake is in the front right behind our chancellor.

6th Grade Parent Learning Walk: A Day of Collaboration and Insight

Today, we proudly hosted our 6th Grade Parent Learning Walk, an event designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school. Parents had the opportunity to learn about our instructional goals and how they align with the vision of NYC Public Schools and Dr. Blake’s priorities for District 28.

During the session, families explored the pedagogy and curriculum that drive teaching and learning at Halsey. We highlighted key areas of focus, including small group instruction, explicit instruction, checks for understanding, and WIN (What I Need) periods, all of which support personalized learning and academic growth.

Following the overview, parents visited classrooms across all content areas. Using a rubric, they observed lessons and identified evidence of our goals in action. This hands-on experience allowed parents to see firsthand how our strategies come to life in the classroom.

We concluded the day with a thoughtful debrief, sharing observations and reflections. It was an amazing experience for both our administration and our families, reinforcing our shared commitment to student success. We look forward to hosting the Grade 7 parent learning walk in December!

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.

Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School is closed.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Marking Period 1 Report Card Distribution - Friday, November 21

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Fundraiser - Wednesday, November 26

8th Grade Dance Performance - Wednesday, November 26

Halsey Book Fair - Tuesday, December 2, Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4

Winter Chorus Concert - December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon!

Winter Band Concert - December 18th, 6:00PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon! Please read through the Helpful Hints attachment!

Report Cards

Report cards and Honor Roll certificates were distributed today, Friday, November 21^st.

Beginning this marking period, there will be a single Honor Roll, called Halsey Honor Roll. Students with an overall MP1 average of 93.00 or higher will be eligible for Honor Roll if all of their conduct grades are Satisfactory or Excellent.

NYCDOE report cards are weighted; certain classes carry more weight than others when calculating the overall average.

More information about the Honor Roll and weighted report cards can be found in the Grading Policy on the school website (https://www.halsey157.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4410089&type=d&pREC_ID=2660465)

Halsey Book Fair

The Halsey Book fair is coming back! We have partnered up with Kew and Willow books once again, a local book store in Kew Gardens to host our fair. It’s the perfect chance for students to explore new worlds and discover their next favorite book. There will be books, comics, and stationery. A percentage of every sale goes directly to support our school – helping fund programs and activities for our students! Interested in coming to visit? Please see below for all details:

When? For students, the fair will be held during the school day on Tuesday, December 2, Wednesday, December 3rd, and Thursday, December 4th
Where? Halsey’s Library
What will be there? Books, comics, AND stationery. See the flyer attached for a QR code to our catalog. Or, click the link here: https://kewandwillow.com/catalog/halsey-middle-school-book-fair Please note: This catalog includes only a snapshot of what Kew and Willow will be bringing- there will be much MORE at the fair.
Stationery is not listed on the catalog but expect a wide variety of items that are from the brand IF USA. Check out some of their beautiful items on their website here: https://www.ifusa.com/
Parents, guardians, and caregivers who are interested in attending the fair are welcome to visit on Tuesday, December 2nd from 2:30PM – 4:00PM. Please fill out the form below to let us know that you’ll be there!Halsey Book Fair Parent Sign Up – Fill out form

Details regarding purchases:

Students should bring in cash to make purchases at the fair.
Kew and Willow will accept cash OR card only from parents, guardians, and caregivers.
Online purchases through our catalog (see above) purchased from 12/2-12/5 also count towards our sales! If you place an order online, be sure to mention that you’re a Halsey family in the order notes.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to the ELA Assistant Principal, Ms. Albanese at [email protected] or to your child’s ELA teacher.

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser

Today is the last day to order your doughnuts!

The Halsey PTA is proud to announce the first Krispy Kreme Fundraiser! From November 10 through November 21, you can place an order for $20.00 per one dozen doughnuts. The orders will be distributed to the students on Wednesday, November 26.

To place an order, please click HERE.

Individual doughnuts - Glazed and Chocolate - will be for sale during the lunch periods for $2.00 per doughnut.

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Robotics Club

This week was an exciting one for our robotics team! We were lucky to have members of the Forest Hills Robotics Team visit and mentor us.

Our programming team has been learning about both manual and autonomous coding to help our robot move on its own and with a controller. The engineering team has been working together to try new building techniques and improve their robot designs. Meanwhile, the outreach team continued developing the team notebook and sketching the model robot.

We made a ton of progress this week and learned so much about what it takes to build and operate a successful robot!

Field Trip Highlights

Last weekend, Halsey went to see a live dance show! We enjoyed watching the Paul Taylor Modern Dance Company perform at Lincoln Center. Tickets were graciously provided by the Arnhold Tier 3 Program and arranged by Mrs. Gruet.

This week, a group of Halsey Dance 7th & 8th students took a trip to see the Hunter College Dance program in Manhattan. It was so inspiring to see college students studying and performing dance - it gave us ideas not for our work but also for our future.

Upcoming Visual Art Field Trips

Art Class 6T3, 8T1, & 8T3 and Mrs. Lamere will be attending a field trip in December.

6t3 will be going to the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art ) on Dec. 1

8t1 will be going to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

8t3 will be going to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art)on Monday, Dec. 19, 2025

Students will attend their period one class, then report to the auditorium, where we will meet and take attendance before boarding the bus. We anticipate arriving back at school sometime during period 8. All students are aware of completing all class work missed that period.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Feel free to contact Mrs. Lamere if you have any questions.

8th Grade Spotlight

Newtown High School Visit

This Monday, November 17, 2025, our 8th graders had a wonderful opportunity to attend an assembly with Newtown High School. The presentation was highly informative, and our students were fully engaged as they learned about the wide range of programs Newtown offers—including its impressive CTE pathways. Newtown also provides a variety of clubs and sports teams, ensuring that every student can find an activity that interests them. This school year, Newtown launched its brand-new nursing program, adding to an already robust selection of AP courses and College Now opportunities. Students were also excited to hear that Newtown has its own sports field, offering even more extracurricular possibilities.

Halsey 8th Grade Dance Performance

8th Grade Dance students are hard at work preparing for their performance next week! Check out a sneak peak here. If your 8th grader is in Dance Talent, come watch the performance Wednesday morning - parents are invited! Details were sent home on paper, by email, via Jupiter messages, and can also be found on students’ Dance Google Classrooms.

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Lost & Found - Important Items

When items like keys or glasses are found around the building, the items are usually brought to the Parent Coordinator office. Here are a few items that were recently found and may belong to one of our students. If you recognize the item, come see Coach Sue in Room 100.

Community Corner

For parents of vocal and instrumental students, please see the attached flyer about The Eisman Center for Preparatory Studies in Music at Queens College.

AAPI-CARE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - Connect. Activate. Reimagine. Engage.)is a 1-day convening that brings togetherNYC’s AAPI and allied parents to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI families. AAPI-CARE aims to create a shared learning community where parents and caregivers will be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and the wider AAPI community as a whole. This convening will also create opportunities for parents to engage in social justice leadership.

This convening is open to AAPI parents/grandparents/legal guardians of a child/children in public, K-12 schools; parents are interested in leadership and are curious, open-minded, and want to learn. Please see the attached flyer for more information on Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF).

Friday, November 14, 2025

Hi there Halsey,

I hope you all had a wonderful week!

Below you'll find a list of what you can find the newsletter this week. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates
Report Cards
MRA Surveys
Uplift Program, Partnership with Townsend Harris High School
Krispy Kreme Fundraiser
Picture Day Proofs
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Robotics, Basketball Tryouts
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - High School Application Help Session & Yearbook
Community Corner

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Celebrating Our 8th Graders’ Hard Work on the SHSAT!

This past Wednesday, November 12th, our incredible 8th graders took the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), a milestone moment in their academic journey. Leading up to this day, our students demonstrated unwavering dedication and determination. They committed countless hours to preparation, participating in classes both inside and outside of school, reviewing materials, and practicing strategies to ensure they were ready.

We could not be prouder of their effort and perseverance. Preparing for and taking the SHSAT is no small task, and our students rose to the challenge with grit and focus. Their hard work reflects not only their academic ambition but also their resilience and commitment to their future.

Now, as we await the results, we are filled with excitement to see the amazing opportunities that await them in New York City’s specialized high schools. Regardless of the outcome, these students have already achieved something remarkable. They set a goal, worked tirelessly toward it, and gave it their all.

To our 8th graders: we are so proud of you! Your determination inspires us all, and we can’t wait to celebrate you as you receive acceptance letters to the specialized high schools!

A Super Cool Moment: 8th Graders at the Barclays Center!

This week brought an unforgettable experience for our 8th grade students—they conquered the Barclays Center! Our students had the incredible opportunity to step onto the court and play basketball in one of the most iconic arenas in New York City.

The energy was electric as they showcased not only their athletic skills but also their school spirit and sportsmanship. It was an afternoon filled with teamwork, pride, and excitement. Moments like these remind us that education is about more than academics—it’s about creating memories, building character, and celebrating the talents of our students in every arena.

I am so proud of the way our 8^th grade players represented Halsey.

Halsey Hosts the District 28 Literacy Leaders Institute

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hosting the November session of the D28 Literacy Leaders Institute. Our school welcomed district leaders Doris Castillo, Laura Cobos, and members of the District 28 team, who facilitated a powerful day of learning centered on Access to Core Curriculum for All. Together with literacy teachers from across the district, our own Halsey lead teachers and Assistant Principal engaged in rich collaboration throughout the day.

The session featured lectures, group discussions, and grade-level breakout workshops that explored key topics such as using Checks for Understanding to identify strategic entry points for explicit instruction, supporting students in accessing grade-level texts through small-group instruction, and leveraging the Writable platform to better serve our Multilingual Learners in preparation for the NYSESLAT examination.

It was an energizing and productive day of professional learning, and we are grateful for the strong partnership we share with our District 28 team.

And that ends another fabulous week at our school!

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.

Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School is closed.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

6th Grade Fall Fun Night - Wednesday, November 19, 3:00-5:00 PM. Price: $10.00 and tickets are available on Halsey157.org until Sunday evening.

Marking Period 1 Report Card Distribution - Friday, November 21

Winter Chorus Concert - December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon!

Report Cards

Report cards and Honor Roll certificates will be distributed on Friday, November 21^st.

Beginning this marking period, there will be a single Honor Roll, called Halsey Honor Roll. Students with an overall MP1 average of 93.00 or higher will be eligible for Honor Roll if all of their conduct grades are Satisfactory or Excellent.

NYCDOE report cards are weighted; certain classes carry more weight than others when calculating the overall average.

More information about the Honor Roll and weighted report cards can be found in the Grading Policy on the school website (https://www.halsey157.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4410089&type=d&pREC_ID=2660465)

MRA Survey

As you may know, we are a Leader in MeSchool. Leader in Me is a whole-school transformation model aimed at developing leadership skills in students. Through the teaching of life skills, such as responsibility, critical thinking, goal setting, and collaboration, school environments are changed for the better. Academic achievement and personal growth amongst students and staff alike skyrockets. Everyone is empowered to take ownership and contribute to the learning environment that is Halsey.

We are currently administering the Measurable Results Assessment (MRA), a survey and reporting system designed to provide insights into the progress of our school. The questions relate to the experiences you and your child have at Halsey. Would you please take 5 minutes before November 19^th to take this anonymous survey? We can use the feedback to make our school an even better place for students and families.

Simply click on this link: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/jhs-157q-stephen-a-halsey/families .

Exciting New Partnership with Townsend Harris High School!

We’re thrilled to share that Halsey is launching a new partnership with Townsend Harris High School through their Uplift Program, beginning Friday, November 14, 2025!

Uplift is a student-led service organization in which Townsend Harris students provide peer tutoring support to nearby partner schools. Starting this Friday, 15 Townsend Harris students, many of whom are proud Halsey alumni, will join us every Friday afternoon to support our classrooms and students.

Tutors will arrive around 12:30 PM and remain with us through 8th period.

Provide one-on-one academic support for students who need extra help
Work with small groups to strengthen key skills and concepts
Offer general classroom support that enhances learning for all students

Every Halsey teacher has the opportunity to sign up to host a peer tutor in their classroom, allowing the program to reach a wide range of subjects and grade levels.

We’re so excited to welcome these incredible Townsend Harris students back to Halsey! This partnership not only provides additional academic support for our students but also fosters meaningful mentorship and community connections between our schools.

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser

The Halsey PTA is proud to announce the first Krispy Kreme Fundraiser! From November 10 through November 21, you can place an order for $20.00 per one dozen doughnuts. The orders will be distributed to the students on Wednesday, November 26.

To place an order, please click HERE.

Individual doughnuts - Glazed and Chocolate - will be for sale during the lunch periods for $2.00 per doughnut.

Picture Day Proofs

All proofs from picture day have been distributed to students and emails have been delivered to parent with the unique codes to access the pictures and order prints. If you have any questions about this process or you have not received the code, please reach out to Coach Sue Landis.

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Halsey Robotics

This week, our Robotics team reflected on the Forest Hills High School Robotics meetup from October and discussed what we learned from that experience. We also began programming our robot and are excited to start coding with our Raspberry Pi. Meanwhile, the engineering team made great progress on the robot’s structure — it’s almost ready to be assembled!

Halsey GIRLS Varsity Basketball Tryouts will be on Tuesday 11/18 from 2:30-5:00. Tryouts are open to 6th-8th grade girls who are interested in playing in a competitive season, which includes games against other Queens middle schools from November - March. The team will have practices and games 2-3 times a week, depending on the league schedule. Athletes who are interested in the TRYOUT must complete the Google Form AND bring a paper permission slip to the tryout. Please reach out to Coach Palmieri ([email protected]) and Coach Kohlasch ([email protected]) with any questions.

Halsey BOYs Varsity Basketball Tryouts will be next week also. Tryouts for 7th grade boys will be on Wednesday, November 19. Tryouts for 8th grade boys will be on Thursday, November 20. Get a permission slip from Mr. Suh's office in room 212 or Mr. Plummer's office in Room 210. The permission slip must be signed by a guardian and brought in the day of the tryout.

Field Trip Highlights

Check back here next week for updates from the field trips students are taking!

8th Grade Spotlight

High School Application Help - On Tuesday, November 18, Halsey will host a workshop on the high school application process. Please see that attachment for more information about this event.

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Community Corner

AAPI-CARE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - Connect. Activate. Reimagine. Engage.)is a 1-day convening that brings togetherNYC’s AAPI and allied parents to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI families. AAPI-CARE aims to create a shared learning community where parents and caregivers will be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and the wider AAPI community as a whole. This convening will also create opportunities for parents to engage in social justice leadership.

This convening is open to AAPI parents/grandparents/legal guardians of a child/children in public, K-12 schools; parents are interested in leadership and are curious, open-minded, and want to learn. Please see the attached flyer for more information on Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF).

Friday, November 7, 2025

Hi there Halsey!

How's everyone doing this week? Adjusting to the time change? This was another busy week at Halsey and I hope you're all looking forward to the weekend!

Below you'll find a list of what you can find the newsletter this week! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected].

Ms. Lisa's Message
Upcoming School Closures
Upcoming School Events - Save the Dates
Parent Teacher Conferences
Picture Day Proofs
Sprit Store Open
Clubs at a Glance - Jewish Culture Club
Field Trip Highlights
8th Grade Spotlight - Yearbook
Community Corner

Don't forget to be awesome!

Coach Sue

Ms. Lisa's Message

Highlighting 6^th Grade English Language Arts

This week I had the pleasure of observing a literacy lesson in Ms. Ward’s 6th Grade ELA class, Class 622. Students are currently engaged in the Sustaining the Environment unit, which centers around the mentor novel Flush. The focus of this lesson was the learning target: “I can identify and explain how authors use literary techniques such as foreshadowing, pacing, and imagery to create suspense and to keep readers engaged.”

The lesson began with students drawing on their prior experiences as readers and viewers to consider how writers and filmmakers use various techniques to captivate their audiences. Students were highly engaged and took an active role in leading discussions, demonstrating curiosity and respect for their peers’ perspectives.

Ms. Ward skillfully incorporated an on-demand Google Form assessment to gauge students’ understanding of key literary techniques early on in the lesson. Based on this real-time data, she implemented flexible grouping—allowing some students to work independently or in pairs, while others participated in a focused “I Do” session to reinforce comprehension. In all groups, students looked carefully at how writers use the techniques of foreshadowing and pacing to create suspense for readers, deepening their understanding of how these choices impact the reader’s experience.

The result was a purposeful and well-differentiated lesson in which all students received targeted instruction aligned with their individual needs. Ms. Ward’s intentional planning and responsive teaching fostered an environment of engagement, reflection, and academic growth. I am exceptionally proud of the meaningful literacy work taking place in our classrooms and the dedication our students demonstrate each day!

Mathematics with our 7th Grade Multilingual Learners

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of visiting Ms. Signer’s 702 mathematics class, a vibrant group of multilingual learners who are truly developing into confident young mathematicians. The classroom was alive with energy and focus as students tackled one-step inequalities involving rational numbers—a challenging concept that they approached with determination and enthusiasm.

What stood out most was the level of engagement and collaboration. Every student was actively involved—solving, graphing, and checking their work with care and precision. The academic conversations I overheard were not only thoughtful but also reflective of deep understanding and peer support. It was inspiring to witness students explaining their reasoning to one another, asking questions, and celebrating their progress together.

Ms. Signer’s instructional approach was equally impressive. She skillfully implemented the Close Reading Strategy to support comprehension and critical thinking, while also providing targeted support through small group instruction. Her ability to meet students where they are and guide them forward is a testament to her dedication and expertise.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Signer as part of our Math ENL team. Her commitment to excellence and her students’ success is evident in every lesson she teaches. I left the classroom feeling proud—not only of our students’ hard work and growth, but also of the outstanding teaching happening every day at our school.

Halsey Athletics: A Season to Celebrate!

Our Fall sports season has officially come to a close, and what an incredible journey it has been! From soccer to volleyball to flag football, our student-athletes showed up with heart, hustle, and determination every single game.

This season wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication. Our players supported one another, respected their opponents, and represented Halsey with pride both on and off the field.

We are so proud of the effort and commitment our athletes demonstrated. They balanced academics with practices, pushed through challenges, and gave their best for their teams. These experiences build character and leadership, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what they accomplish next.

Thank you to our coaches, families, and fans for cheering on our students and making this season unforgettable. Go Halsey Bulldogs!

That is a close on another fabulous week at Halsey!

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 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. See below for more information.

Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Recess - School is closed.

Upcoming School Events - Save the Date!

Halsey Basketball at Barclay's Center - Wednesday, November 12, 5:30PM. Tickets available at pbraise.co/halsey.

6th Grade Fall Fun Night - Wednesday, November 19, 3:00-5:00 PM. Price: $10.00 and tickets are available on Halsey157.org.

Winter Chorus Concert - December 16th, 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Price: $5.00 More details coming soon!

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place remotely on Thursday November 13, from 1:00-3:00 PM and 4:30-7:30 PM. Students will attend school that day from 8:00 AM to 11:20 AM, which encompasses AM Homeroom, Periods 1-4, and PM Homeroom. Please read the following notes related to these conferences, as well as the end of Marking Period 1:

We have restricted the viewing of MP1 grades while teachers finalize them. They will re-open closer to the date of report card distribution, November 21^st. If you have questions about missing assignments, please contact your child’s teacher.

All parents will have the opportunity to sign up for conferences with their child's teachers by visiting https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/ (the link and sign-ups are available now). From there, you can select the teacher and the time that is available that you wish to meet. Fill out the required information and confirm your booking. If you need to book another appointment, you can press "New Booking " and repeat the process.

As the conferences near, teachers will reach out to parents to confirm how they will communicate (video conference or phone call).

Please note that there is only a limited amount of time slots per teacher. If you would like to speak to a teacher whose availability does not match yours for that day, please email the teacher directly to set up a time to speak.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Parent Coordinator, Ms. Sue Landis, at [email protected].

Picture Day Proofs

As the picture day proofs become available, emails are being sent to parents with a unique code to access the pictures and order prints. Paper proof sheets, which include the unique codes, are also being distributed to homeroom teachers to be sent home with the students. If you have any questions about this process, please reach out to Coach Sue Landis.

Spirit Store 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.

Clubs at a Glance

Jewish Culture Club - Rabbi Horvitz will be starting Jewish Culture Club on November 7th. If you are interested in learning about Jewish culture and Israeli traditions please pick up a permission slip in room 318b or room 160. Return permission slips to Ms. Cohen in room 318b.

Field Trip Highlights

Today, classes 891 and 892 took a trip to the Tenement Museum to learn about life in New York City during the Progressive Era!

8th Grade Spotlight

High School Application Help - Tomorrow, Saturday, November 8, Halsey will host a workshop on the high school application process. Please see that attachment for more information about this event.

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 are both a purchase link and a QR code, 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

LINK: Https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05652800.

Community Corner

AAPI-CARE (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - Connect. Activate. Reimagine. Engage.)is a 1-day convening that brings togetherNYC’s AAPI and allied parents to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI families. AAPI-CARE aims to create a shared learning community where parents and caregivers will be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves, their families, and the wider AAPI community as a whole. This convening will also create opportunities for parents to engage in social justice leadership.

This convening is open to AAPI parents/grandparents/legal guardians of a child/children in public, K-12 schools; parents are interested in leadership and are curious, open-minded, and want to learn. Please see the attached flyer for more information on Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF).

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 8^th 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
6^th Grade Picture Day – Tuesday, October 28^th
Red Ribbon Week (attachment)
Clubs at a Glance – Robotics
8^th 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.

6^th Grade Picture Day Details

Halsey Picture Day for 6^th 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.

8^th 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:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=tyxJGEXvYUWFcQxC5fesB1jT3lPUhXxDgnTeV1-NzKtUNVNNWENKVkM4TE41M1k1NjA3QjRKQldTVC4u&route=shorturl

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 8^th graders take on a leadership role mentoring our 6^th 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 – 7^th Grade

Tuesday, October 28 – 6^th 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 6^th 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 14^th 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].