#YonkersMagic ✨
In celebration of justice, courage, and unity, selected poets in grades 6-12 will share their poem at the Youth Meet & Poetry Showcase on Thursday, January 8, 2026
To submit, send your poem to contest@yonkersny.gov. For Questions, email Dwanita.Crosby@yonkersny.gov
🎄 At the top of the month, the Enrico Fermi School choir sang in full Christmas spirit at the Office of the Aging Senior Citizens Holiday Party! Led by Ms. Olivieri-Reyes, the students’ joyful voices filled the room with holiday cheer, bringing smiles and the #YonkersMagic to everyone in attendance. What a magical start to the holidays!
The polls are open for the LoHud Boys Basketball Player of the week! Eli Mitchell from Barack Obama School for Social Justice is a nominee. Click the link to view all nominees and cast your vote.
https://shorturl.at/dRNbg
https://shorturl.at/hlFo1
This in-person session gives families the opportunity to ask questions and enjoy a guided school tour immediately following, offering a true look at the PEARLS experience.
📅 Application deadline extended to December 19. https://shorturl.at/AD5zL
See you there!
✨ Yonkers Public Schools #WeekInReview! ✨
From holiday concerts and dessert receptions to toy drives and pep rallies, our schools were full of #YonkersMagic!
We also recognized incredible staff members whose leadership continues to uplift student achievement.
Click the link in bio to read this week's newsletter!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Today, Yonkers Public Schools proudly celebrates Jeanine Castagna, a dedicated Special Education teacher at Yonkers Early Childhood Academy who was recently recognized by Influential Women for her exceptional commitment, talent, and lasting impact in the classroom.
In her Autism K–2 class, Ms. Castagna builds individualized, multi-modal learning experiences that blend the Next Generation Learning Standards, the Unique Learning System, and each student’s IEP goals. She incorporates visual supports, American Sign Language, music, and hands-on activities—ensuring every child receives the support they need to succeed.
Working with students who require moderate to high levels of support, Ms. Castagna leads with compassion and inclusivity, creating a classroom where every student feels seen, understood, and empowered.
She is a model educator and a YSEPTA Spirit Award recipient who truly exemplifies professional excellence. #YonkersMagic
The School 16 PTA nominated her for leading with compassion and steadfast dedication to students, families, and staff. She encourages collaboration, elevates parent voices, and brings enthusiasm to every event — reminding all that strong schools grow from strong partnerships.
✨ Congratulations, Dr. Vasquez!
❄️ Students at School 17 brought the Yonkers Magic at this year’s Winter Holiday Concert—sharing talent, joy, and community spirit with every performance. ❤️
During the rally, the roar of the crowd said it all: every student was cheering, supporting, and celebrating one another with pure excitement for the year ahead. ❤️🖤 #YonkersMagic
✨ Today, community partners from across Yonkers gathered for the Pathways to Success (PTS) Literacy Zone Partners Meeting, sharing their services and how they support PTS four state-designated Literacy Zones. Each zone is home to a Family Welcome Center offering vital resources such as health care support, legal services, housing assistance, and more.
Since 2008, Literacy Zone efforts have delivered more than 1,200 workshops, served over 15,000 community members, and helped over 1,500 Pathways to Success students secure employment.
A powerful reminder of what happens when a community collaborates to build pathways to success. #YonkersMagic
Deadline Extended to December 19, 2025 for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2026 Poem Contest
Details & Submission Forms: https://www.yonkerspublicschools.org/page/mlk-poem-contest-2026
Last week, Cross Hill Academy fifth-grade families shared inspiring parent-engagement ideas at Cross Hill Academy’s Family Friday event.
Parents visited classrooms to see teaching and learning in real time, then wrapped up with a presentation from WJCS licensed clinical social worker, Valerie Sutton and clinical intern, Lea LaGreca on managing holiday stress.
It was meaningful morning of connection, collaboration, and community! 💙 #YonkersMagic
The School Choice Process is open until December 31, and school tours are happening now across all schools.
📝 Plan your school visits and check out the full tour schedule by selecting the link https://aptg.co/0nyNJT
Your voice matters and we’re excited to hear from you! It takes less than 3 minutes to complete the Community Feedback Survey, and your input makes a real impact. The deadline is Friday, January 16.
Click the link and share your insights today!
Today at #YonkersPublicSchools, our Special Education leaders shared the personal stories that inspired their journey in special education. Their stories highlight the power of compassion and advocacy.
To our administrators, teachers, support staff, and exceptional parents — thank you for helping us foster an inclusive and supportive community. 💛
The deadline to apply to PEARLS has been extended to Friday, December 19th, giving families more time to secure a spot.
PEARLS is designed for academically talented students entering grades Pre-K through 8.
To learn more join us for an informational Zoom session on December 9th at 6:30 PM to explore why PEARLS is the right place for curious, creative, and high-achieving learners.
✨ To apply today, visit https://www.yonkerspublicschools.org/page/academically-talented-programs
It’s day 2 of December, and this month marks the final stretch of 2025! Let’s soar through it with energy, holiday cheer, and, of course, the #YonkersMagic!
