Monthly Principal's Message — October 2026

October 1, 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We thank God for the enjoyable time that we were able to have on the two trips taken thus far this school year. Although we encountered some challenges with the rented bus on the return trip from the apple picking excursion, all the students made it home safely. Please take note of the following:

1. Multiplication/Division Challenge – The first round of the multiplication/Division Challenge will be a timed written assessment and will take place on Thursday, October 1. Students who earn 80% or more in the first round will advance to the second round. The second round will be a timed oral assessment and will take place on October 15. The two students who make fewer than 2 mistakes will advance to the final round. The Final round will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

2. Media Opt-Out – If you do not want your child to appear in media promotion for our school, please return the signed media opt-out form to the school by Friday, October 2, 2026.

3. MAP Test – Students in grades 3 - 8 will take the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Test during the week of October 5 – 9.

4. Home and School Meeting – The first Home and School meeting for the 2026/2027 school year will be held on Tuesday, October 6 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. All parents are invited. The Login information is as follows: ID number: 935 9342 8364 | Passcode: ops

5. Orchestra – Practice will begin on Wednesday, October 7. The music teacher will be Mr. Veras.

6. Hispanic Heritage Presentation – On Friday, October 9, we will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special presentation at the school. Parents are welcome to attend.

7. Indigenous People's Day/Columbus Day – School will be closed on Monday, October 12.

8. Science Fair – The 5th - 8th grade STEM Exposition will take place on Tuesday, October 13. Only students with an experiment and a display board will be permitted to go to the gym to explain their projects to the judges.

9. Clemente/Miss Chocolate Fundraiser – Please continue encouraging your family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to support our school by purchasing items from the fundraising booklet. The fundraiser will end on October 15.

10. Self Defense and Body Mechanics – The first session will be on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

11. Junior Choir Engagement – The Victory Seventh-day Adventist Church has invited the Junior Choir to sing for their Children's Day on Sabbath, October 17, 2026. The dress code will be the formal school uniform. Parents, please make a concerted effort to have your child/ren present for the choir presentation. The church is located at 1271 Burke Ave, Bronx, NY 10469.

12. Fall Week of Prayer – During the week of October 19 – 23, Pastor Kumal Smith will conduct a week of prayer at the school.

13. End of Marking Period – The students received their progress reports last week. Please ensure that your child continues to work hard and submits all assignments. The first marking period will end on Friday, October 23.