Dear PS/MS 206 Families,
Happy Sunday!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Coffee Connection, our PTA meeting, Tiger Fitness Zumba, Grandparents Day, and the Homecoming Resource Fair. Your presence, participation, patience, and support helped make our first full week together very special.
We are looking forward to another week of learning, family engagement, and community connection.
This Week: September 21–25
Monday, September 21 — Schools Closed
All NYC Public Schools are closed in observance of Yom Kippur. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 22.
Tuesday, September 22 — Students Return
Students return to school on Tuesday.
Doors open at 7:55 a.m.
School begins at 8:00 a.m.
Students in Grades 3–8 should enter through the Main Entrance at 508 East 120th Street.
Students who walk or are dropped off cannot enter before 7:55 a.m.
Students arriving on their assigned yellow school bus will be received by school staff when the bus arrives.
Dismissal remains in the schoolyard at 2:20 p.m., weather permitting.
Wednesday, September 23 — Tiger Fitness Zumba
Time: 8:30–9:30 a.m.
PS/MS 206 and PS 112 families are invited to join us for music, movement, laughter, and positive energy.
No pressure and no judgment—just come move with us! Please wear comfortable clothing and sneakers.
The event is planned for the schoolyard. Any weather-related change will be shared with families.
Thursday, September 24 — Bring Your Dad to School Day
Time: 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Location: Schoolyard
Fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, brothers, mentors, and other supportive male figures are invited to spend a special morning with their child.
Please RSVP to [email protected] and include the student’s full name and grade.
Thursday’s forecast currently includes the possibility of rain and wind. Because forecasts can change, families should watch for a school update confirming whether the event will remain in the schoolyard or move indoors.
Friday, September 25
No family event is currently scheduled. This is a regular school day, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 2:20 p.m.
Attendance and Morning Arrival
Building a strong attendance routine early in the year helps students feel connected, confident, and prepared to learn.
Please help your child arrive by 8:00 a.m. each day. If your family is experiencing a transportation, medical, housing, childcare, or other challenge affecting attendance or punctuality, please reach out. Our goal is to understand what is happening and help connect your family with support.
After-School Programs
After-school programs operate Monday through Friday from 2:20–5:30 p.m.
Grades 3–5: Union Settlement
Grades 6–8: New York Edge
Families must receive acceptance directly from the program before their child can attend. School-bus transportation is not provided after the program, so families must arrange pickup at 5:30 p.m.
Applications are available from the Parent Coordinator during morning arrival, Main Office hours from 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., and afternoon dismissal.
Transportation Reminder
Families receiving school-bus service should continue checking their NYC Schools Account for current route, pickup, and drop-off information.
Bus routes and pickup times are managed by the Office of Pupil Transportation. Families may contact OPT at (718) 392-8855 and should also notify Ms. Airyn Perez so the school is aware of the concern.
Family Resource: NYC Kids RISE
Eligible elementary-school families can activate and view their child’s NYC Scholarship Account through NYC Kids RISE.
Families who need their child’s student identification number or help understanding the program may contact the Parent Coordinator.
Next Week at a Glance: September 28–October 2
Monday, September 28
Coffee Connection: 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Join us for coffee, conversation, school updates, and an opportunity to connect with other PS/MS 206 families.
Wednesday, September 30
Tiger Fitness Zumba: 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences: 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Families will have an opportunity to speak with their child’s teachers and discuss the beginning of the school year. The virtual meeting information will be shared during the week of the conference.
No other family events have been confirmed for October 1–2. Any additions or changes will be communicated to families.
Who to Contact
Parent Coordinator and Family Support
Lorena Smoakes
Email: [email protected]
Cell: (718) 749-8363
Office: (212) 860-5809, ext. 1434
Transportation
Ms. Airyn Perez
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (212) 860-5809, ext. 1430
Verification Letters and Registration
Ms. Cheryle Forsyth
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (212) 860-5809, ext. 1432
Family Worker and Attendance
Ms. Jessica Santiago
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (212) 860-5809, ext. 1431
Middle School Social Worker
Mr. Ruben Zorrilla
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (212) 860-5809, ext. 1428
Elementary School Social Worker
Ms. Lesley Rozon
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (212) 860-5809, ext. 1229
NEST Coach
Ms. Miriam Campos
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (212) 860-5809, ext. 1340
Staff Nurse
Ms. Marcia Phillips, RN
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (212) 860-5809, ext. 3
School Events and RSVPs
School Website: www.psms206.org
Warmly,
Lorena Smoakes
Parent Coordinator
PS/MS 206 – The José Celso Barbosa School
718 749 8363 cell