LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

Dear BNS, 
Welcome to 2026! I write this January morning from our Health Studio, during our second Families as Learning Partners workshop of the school year.  Our first FLP session was “Making the Most of Work Shares at BNS,” led by members of our steering committee (Rachael W. - science coordinator, Greta - second grade teacher and leadership intern, Shelley & Fernando - parent and community coordinators). Inspired by a second grade parent who brought the idea to a School Leadership Team meeting this fall, we looked at completed student projects to uncover the learning that went into it, asking ourselves: What layers of student exploration and mastery are reflected in the work?  What types of teaching facilitate that type of learning?  ... continue reading here.

A MESSAGE FROM KAMAR H. SAMUELS
— NYC Public Schools Chancellor

Partnering with You

Dear Families,

As a lifelong educator who has served our system as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, and as the parent of two New York City Public Schools students, I know firsthand that our schools are the heart of our communities. At their best, schools are places where our children are cherished, supported, and encouraged to grow. They are places where you, our families, are welcomed and valued, and where opportunity and possibility are made real every day.

I also know that as a school system, we still have work to do to ensure our schools live up to that promise for every child in every classroom … continue reading.

[Click on the “Available In” link to access the letter in other languages]

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
FARM STAND HAS MOVED FROM JANUARY 14 TO JANUARY 21

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Corner of Henry & Rapelye Streets

BNS ANNUAL CITY HARVEST FOOD DRIVE

Thursday, January 8th until Wednesday, January 21st 

We are collecting:

• Non-perishable food items

• Only food in sealed packages, so for example, we cannot accept a bag of nuts or beans that were bought in bulk and sealed with a twist-tie.  

• Food that is not expired (even if the expiration date was in the last month, we cannot accept it)  

• Cash (in a sealed, labeled envelope) — the City Harvest club will go to the supermarket to buy food using the money we collect

Please check items before donating because we have to throw away any items that have expired, any cans that are dented or missing labels, and any items that are damaged, dirty or ripped. 

See the Konstella announcement for further details.

4TH GRADE MUSICAL
Weekly planning meeting

Tuesday, January 13 

8:15 am
In-person: Music Room 104

On Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96969476202?pwd=ZUFTZ0liNVRBVWpYSTNndjVyUzRldz09

Let's bring this magical production to life, we need your help!

Fourth grade families are invited to meet with BAX teaching artists Donna & José, alongside music teacher David to plan and support your 4th graders as they create their very own musical !

There are plenty of important roles to fill. Join us!

ORDER YOUR 2026 BNS CALENDAR

https://www.bns146.org/shop/p/2026-bns-calendar

HELMETS:
A note from Anna Allanbrook regarding the Bike Program

Dear Parents:

Thanks for all of your support  of the biking program. We have been working with second, third, fourth and fifth grade children.  

To that end, we do not have enough large helmets. Please send in your old helmets that you no longer use. You can bring them right to the biking area on Rapelye Street and put them in the big bin.  

Thanks again,

Anna

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, January 14 

8:20 - 9:00 am
Cafeteria 

Come learn where our school’s fundraising dollars go, help us plan events, build community, and brainstorm fun new ways to support BNS. All are welcome — no experience needed!

FOURTH GRADE FAMILY MEETING!

Thursday, January 15 

8:20 - 9:40am
Health Studio, room 124

Join Diane — hear about what is happening in 4th grade, how you can join a PBA panel, and bring your wonders.

JANUARY PTA MEETING 

Friday, January 16 

8:30 - 9:30 am
In person: Health Studio, room 124

On Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88111272353?pwd=4n1NyJ2psRBvBwZfQTbXND8aEEoF9K.1

UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

Brooklyn New School will host in person Open Houses and virtual tours this fall/winter. These events are geared towards parents and will last an hour. After a presentation, 5th graders will take small groups of parents on tours of the building. This event is appropriate for parents with children entering pre-K through grade 5. 

Registration is not necessary for in person open house events.
BNS is not an accessible space. Please let us know if you’d like accommodations. 

Tuesday, January 20 at 5:00 pm — Zoom (registration link)

Thursday, February 5 at 5:00 pm — Zoom (registration link)

Thursday, February 26 at 9:00 am — in person 

NYC KIDS RISE SAVE FOR COLLEGE PROGRAM

NYC SCHOLARSHIP MONTH IN JANUARY — this is the time when all kindergarten and newly enrolled 1st through 4th grade families are able to activate and view their children’s NYC Scholarship Accounts for the first time. 

The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program provides families, schools, and communities with a way to work together to invest in and save for their children’s futures. It is a scholarship and savings program designed to make college and career training more accessible and achievable for public school students. It enables all of us to work together to build assets and support expectations of educational and economic success for every child.

Do you have questions about NYC Kids Rise?

Visit https://nyckidsrise.org/frequently-asked-questions/ 

Or read this article in The City 

Ready to create an account for your child?

https://nyckidsrise.org/get-started/ 

Want to learn more about the program?

Take a look at the Save for College Program Intro Document and the Save for College Program Intro Video, or visit https://nyckidsrise.org/events/ to find an online workshop in your language.

SAVE THE DATE
BNS POP-UP OPEN LIBRARY

Tuesday, January 20

2:30 - 3:30 pm

Library

Come visit our BNS/BCS library with your adult!

• Play Board Games

• Do Homework

• Engage with our community

• Read, Read, Read….

REMEMBER to please walk across any BNS floor (1st, 2nd or 3rd) to the Rapelye St. staircase to go up to the 4th floor.

(See attached flyer)

SAVE THE DATE
3RD ANNUAL BETTER TOGETHER EVENT

Saturday, January 24 

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sponsored by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Please join our 3rd annual free event celebrating the incredible diversity of our BNS community. We invite you to share in fun, food, and music. Bring your family's favorite dish for our potluck or just come and enjoy time with your community! 

Potluck sign-up HERE

SAVE THE DATE
ADDITIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS

SCHOOL CLOSED FOR MLK JR. DAY 

Monday, January19

SLT MEETING 

Tues. 1/27 3:15-4:15 

BNS FAMILY DAY AT DISNEY ON ICE 

Sat. 1/31 7 pm

FROM DISTRICT 15
Virtual Family Workshop: Math Workshop Part 2

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

6:00pm - 07:00pm

Presented by the D15 Math Instructional Team

• Learn about the progression of multiplication and division.
• Learn about different strategies and models for multiplication and division to help you support your child at home.
• Q and A with the math team.

https://zoom.us/j/7268853826?pwd=N0hhMDZCSzZ2NUtvNEJLSGpoYUNoZz09&omn=94720855686

Meeting ID: 726 885 3826

Passcode: 251368

(See attached flyers in Chinese, English, and Spanish)