September/October Newsletters

A back to school message from Chancellor David Banks:

August 29th, 2024

Dear Families and Staff,

In just a few weeks, we’ll have our first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year. I always look forward to this time of year—to hallways humming with activity, classrooms buzzing with eager discussion, and playgrounds filled with shrieks of laughter.

We just wrapped up another terrific Summer Rising program. As we turn our attention toward the start of school, I want to encourage families to prepare for September 5 with these critical steps:

Create your New York City Schools Account (NYCSA); it’s how we’ll get in touch with you throughout the year with critical announcements. If you already have a NYCSA account, check to confirm your contact information is accurate.
Make sure you’ve submitted all required health forms and that your child is up-to-date on immunizations. Learn more about these health forms—and why they matter—here.
Check your child’s transportation options and eligibility. You can also learn more about Student OMNY Cards, which are replacing Student MetroCards and offer more free rides and greater flexibility. OMNY Cards can be used four times daily, at any time, 365 days a year—that means free rides on weekends, holidays, and during the summer. Now, students have every reason to tap and take transit!
Follow us at @nycschools on social media (X/Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook) and check out our blog, The Morning Bell. We’ll be posting lots of exciting updates in the first few weeks of school (and throughout the year), highlighting important information, opportunities for students, and stories that showcase all the great work happening in our schools.

For a full back-to-school checklist, visit our website at schools.nyc.gov/bts2024.

To our families: Thank you for supporting, encouraging, and preparing our students as they return to school. To our staff: Thank you for all your hard work this summer to start the year on the right foot. I’m looking forward to September 5 and a fantastic school year!

Soaring high,

David C. Banks

Chancellor