🔵 All schools are CLOSED for Presidents Day & Winter Recess Monday, February 16, 2026 Through Friday, February 20, 2026
🔵 Central Office will be open Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Through Friday, February 20, 2026
In this #WeekInReview, learn about our recent celebrations, including the Mayor’s School Spotlight at Ella Fitzgerald Academy, the start of our valedictorian and salutatorian announcements, and our competitive athletes who continue to thrive.
Also, this week Superintendent Soler stood alongside Mayor Mike Spano during a press conference addressing the fiscal challenges facing our district. Transparency matters. Partnership matters. And advocacy matters.
Friendly reminder, all Yonkers Public Schools will be closed February 16–20 for Winter Recess.
Link to the newsletter: https://bit.ly/yps-week-in-review
Have a wonderful/restful break!
As a reminder, all Yonkers Public Schools will be closed February 16–20 for Winter Recess.
Please note: Central Office will also be closed February 16–17 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Keep striving and achieving! Special congratulations to Valedictorian, Christine Flores and Salutatorian, Ean Tyson-Raymond Anderson! 👏🏽🎉
#YonkersMagic
Their visit sparked meaningful dialogue about perseverance, leadership, and the importance of community. As a heartfelt thank-you, students presented the YPD with handmade drawings, and they were honored with certificates of appreciation.
Officers in attendance included: Quinasia Jackson, Fredrick Robinson, Gregory Boney, Kevin Henry, Devin Ali, Jared Pinto and Adeza Imadadon.
Thank you to our Yonkers Police Department for taking the time to uplift and empower the next generation! 💙✊🏾
#BlackHistoryMonth
Please join us on Wednesday, February 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Lincoln High School, 275 Kneeland Avenue, for an informative Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) meeting.
All elementary science teachers, secondary science teachers, administrators, and #YonkersPublicSchools parents are most welcome!
Learn about the Grades 5 & 8 Science Tests, Regents exams, new lab investigations, New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS), and much more.
Parents will also get tips on supporting their students in science and preparing for state tests. New York State Education Department (NYSED) representatives will present, and light snacks will be provided.
✨ Calling all motivated #YonkersPublicSchools High School students!
Are you between 14–18 years old and ready to make a difference? Join New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousin’s Youth Advisory Council!
This is your chance to earn community service hours, build leadership and public speaking skills, and have your voice heard 💬
Deadline to apply: February 20th
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! 🚀
https://shorturl.at/TrEXz
Students were inspired by a dynamic panel of distinguished leaders and accomplished women across diverse careers who shared powerful insights on sports, leadership, confidence, and the lifelong skills built through athletics.
Thank you to EmpowerHer Sports & Leadership Inc., and to our incredible speakers and leaders from Yonkers Public Schools, the Office of Andrea Stewart-Cousins, New York State Senate, City of Yonkers Mayor’s Office, and the Yonkers City Council for pouring into and empowering the next generation of strong, confident leaders.
Last week, Empress EMTs visited Mr. Cacciola’s class to support hands-on learning as students strengthened their knowledge of respiratory emergencies. Students participated in interactive practice sessions, learned how to use pulse oximeters, nasal cannulas, and oxygen tanks, and reviewed key signs and symptoms related to breathing difficulties and respiratory injuries.
Real-world learning in action!
#YonkersMagic 💙✨
Hey families! Family Services of Westchester is now accepting applications for Yonkers Children’s Place! Children ages 3–5 can learn and grow in a nurturing environment with beautiful classrooms, engaging play areas, with meals and snacks provided. To apply, visit https://shorturl.at/7k9pP
MBK ALL DAY! Yonkers My Brother’s Keeper chapter leaders held their first meeting of the school year, led by Dr. Robinson, the new Executive Director of MBK.
During the meeting, MBK leaders reviewed the citywide vision for MBK Yonkers, aligned the six MBK milestones with ongoing work in school chapters, and connected their efforts to the 2030 YPS Strategic Plan, reinforcing a unified commitment to leadership. #YonkersMBK #NYSMBK #MBKModelCommunity #MBKYonkers
🍎Families, nominations are open for the 2026 Yonkers Teacher of the Year Awards!
#YonkersPublicSchools invites you to recognize an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond.
Nominate a deserving teacher today! Link in comment section.
https://www.yonkersny.gov/712/Teachers-of-the-Year
🗓️ Deadline: February 2
After nearly a foot of snow, our community showed up—supporting one another and welcoming students back strong. Superintendent Soler testified in Albany, seven students graduated from the PEACE Program, and Yonkers My Brother’s Keeper chapter leaders held their first meeting of the year.
We also welcomed American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten to Yonkers Middle/High School and Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film & Television, highlighting the strong leadership and instruction across our schools.
🍎 Reminder: Nominations for the 2026 Teacher of the Year Awards are open through Monday, February 2, 2026!
Have a safe and warm weekend!
Yonkers continues to showcase the Yonkers Magic through innovation, strong community partnerships, and a focus on student success through meaningful, real-world pathways for #YonkersPublicSchools students. 🎬📚
The day began with an inspiring panel featuring women working in leadership roles across sports-related careers and concluded with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of MetLife Stadium.
This unforgettable experience broadened students’ perspectives on careers in athletics and reinforced the importance of women’s voices and leadership in sports.
