THE COMMUNITY & MAST
Empowering Families, Supporting Students, Building Futures
Summer 2026 Special Edition🌟 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & POLICIES
• Free Civil Service Exams: Mayor Mamdani and DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei announced free civil service exams for NYC high school students and first-time test takers through OASys 2.0[cite: 2]. The FY 2027 schedule includes 149 exams[cite: 2].
• Curriculum Reforms Extended: Expansion of NYC's elementary math and high school reading reforms, set for full middle school implementation by 2027–28[cite: 2]. Mayoral control has been extended for two years[cite: 2].
• Class Size Reduction Plan (CSRP): NYCPS released a $244M plan to lower class sizes across 360 schools to meet state caps phased through 2030[cite: 2].
• 2-K Seats Rollout: The first 2,000 2-K seats are coming online this fall in Queens (Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Rockaways, etc.)[cite: 2]. Apply at MySchools.nyc[cite: 2].
Commissioner Rosa and the Board of Regents shared the next phase of NY Inspires to offer new ways for P-12 students to demonstrate readiness[cite: 2]. Additionally, Chancellor Samuels released the Engagement Tour Report highlighting key priorities like NYC Reads, NYC Solves, and 3-K expansion[cite: 2].
📅 2026–2027 School Year Calendar 📖 NYC RBERN July Newsletter🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS & COMMUNITY DATES
🎷 The 25th Annual St. Albans Jazz, R&B & Comedy Festival
When: Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM[cite: 2]
Where: Roy Wilkins Park (177th St & Baisley Blvd, Jamaica, Queens, NY)[cite: 2]
Featured Guest: Actor, Comedian, and Entertainer Eddie Griffin[cite: 2].
🏫 Hybrid CEC 28 Calendar & Business Meeting
When: Thursday, August 6, 2026 | 6:30 PM[cite: 2]
In-Person: District 28 Office, 90-27 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435[cite: 2]
Spanish Interpretation: Dial 1-347-966-4114 (ID: 576 295 189#)[cite: 2]
🎒 Senator John Liu’s Back to School Backpack Drive
Donation Deadline: August 14, 2026[cite: 2]
Drop-Off Location: District Office, 38-50 Bell Boulevard, Suite C, Bayside, NY 11361[cite: 2]
Requested Items: Backpacks, notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, calculators, and supplies[cite: 2].
Contact: (718) 765-6675 | [email protected][cite: 2]
♻️ Free E-Waste & Textile Drop-Off Event (CM Linda Lee)
When: Saturday, August 23, 2026[cite: 2]
Details: Safely dispose of eligible electronics, clothing, shoes, and textiles for reuse/recycling[cite: 2].
🏃 INCLUDEnyc 3rd Annual 5K for Love, Equity, and Access
When: Sunday, September 27, 2026[cite: 2]
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park[cite: 2]
What: Join supporters, disability community members, and family teams[cite: 2].
🎓 YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES & ADMISSIONS
- 🏛️ CCHS Student Member Position: High school seniors for 2026–2027 holding an elected student government post can apply[cite: 2]. Email application to [email protected][cite: 2].
- 🌏 AAPI-LEAD Youth Conference (August Cohort): 4-day youth leadership conference (Cohort B: Aug 14–17, 10 AM–4 PM at 40 Broad St, 5th Fl)[cite: 2].
Sign Up Link → - ⭕ The Circle Keepers Youth Program: Training in restorative justice, civic engagement, leadership, and conflict resolution for students[cite: 2]. Contact Jania Witherspoon ([email protected])[cite: 2].
Fill Application → - 💻 IT Training — Commonpoint Queens: Free training for CompTIA A+ and Google Support Certifications[cite: 2]. Text (201) 455-7671 or email [email protected][cite: 2].
- ⌛ High School Waitlist Deadline: HS waitlists close strictly on Friday, September 18, 2026[cite: 2]. Email [email protected] for summer support[cite: 2].
- 🗣️ NYSED Youth Advisory Panel: High school students receiving special education services are needed to advise on state disability policies[cite: 2]. Email [email protected][cite: 2].
📚 FAMILY & COMMUNITY CORNER
📚 Queens Public Library (QPL) Summer Fun: Free technology workshops, citizenship application prep, and free summer meals (Mon–Sun, no reservations needed)[cite: 2]. Free online tutoring is available via Brainfuse[cite: 2].
🍲 Free Weekend Summer Meals: Available 10 AM – 3 PM at select pools or food trucks across NYC[cite: 2]. Check locations via NYC Meal Tracker[cite: 2].
🎙️ Adobe Podcast via Adobe Express: Free premium access for NYCPS students/staff via TeachHub for classroom podcasting and audio recording[cite: 2]. Contact Chiara Geremia ([email protected])[cite: 2].
🚌 Busing Air Conditioning Survey: Report bus AC issues to the Citywide Council on Special Education to escalate to the OPT[cite: 2].
🛋️ Venture House Mental Health Podcast: Listen to Episode 14 of Nothing Ventured on YouTube[cite: 2]. Explore the Clubhouse Model at VentureHouse.org[cite: 2].
🧠 Marble Health Parent Workshops: Virtual mental health sessions including "Thriving Together: Family Communication." Register at Marble Health Workshops[cite: 2].
• Parent RISE EBT Summer Tool Kit: Contact Priscilla Prince (718-725-8996 Ext: 908 | [email protected])[cite: 2].
• Supportive Work Readiness (Intellectual Disabilities): 151 Lawrence St, Brooklyn (Contact Ramona Diaz: 718-310-5644)[cite: 2].
• PTA Link Weekly Office Hours: Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on PTALink.org[cite: 2].
• Youth Drop-In Centers & Generation NYC: Access 24/7 housing and counseling services via Generation NYC[cite: 2].
• Family Assessment Program (FAP): Family counseling support via NYC ACS FAP[cite: 2].
• General Assistance Directory: FindHelp.org[cite: 2].