Good Afternoon, School 23 Families, Students, and Staff!
We had another busy and exciting week at School 23!
This week, over 130 students received free dental cleanings through Smile NY Outreach. We thank Smile NY for providing this valuable service to our students and families.
Our teachers also participated in HMH professional development and coaching sessions as we continue working to strengthen literacy instruction across our classrooms.
On Wednesday, October 21, we celebrated Unity Day! Our students and staff wore orange to stand together against bullying and promote kindness, respect, and inclusion throughout our school community.
We also had a special visit from the Yonkers Fire Department! Our Pre-K through second-grade students had the opportunity to explore a fire truck and learn about fire safety. A big thank you to the Yonkers Fire Department and Ms. Soliman for organizing this wonderful experience.
I'm also happy to share that School 23 reached 90% attendance this week! A special congratulations to Ms. Alonzo's Pre-K class for leading the school with an impressive 98% attendance rate! Let's keep up the great work and continue making attendance a priority every day.
Finally, today we conducted a lockdown drill as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Looking Ahead to Next Week:
Monday, October 26: The Yonkers Fire Department will return to provide a fire safety presentation for our second-grade students.
Wednesday, October 28: Wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Thursday, October 29: Wear orange to continue promoting unity and kindness.
Friday, October 30: Our annual Halloween Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. for students in Pre-K through Grade 6. Please remember that masks are not permitted.
School Safety: We will also conduct another fire drill next week.
As always, thank you to our families, teachers, and staff for your continued support and commitment to making School 23 a place where every student belongs, learns, and thrives.
Have a wonderful weekend, School 23!
We had another busy and exciting week at School 23!
This week, over 130 students received free dental cleanings through Smile NY Outreach. We thank Smile NY for providing this valuable service to our students and families.
Our teachers also participated in HMH professional development and coaching sessions as we continue working to strengthen literacy instruction across our classrooms.
On Wednesday, October 21, we celebrated Unity Day! Our students and staff wore orange to stand together against bullying and promote kindness, respect, and inclusion throughout our school community.
We also had a special visit from the Yonkers Fire Department! Our Pre-K through second-grade students had the opportunity to explore a fire truck and learn about fire safety. A big thank you to the Yonkers Fire Department and Ms. Soliman for organizing this wonderful experience.
I'm also happy to share that School 23 reached 90% attendance this week! A special congratulations to Ms. Alonzo's Pre-K class for leading the school with an impressive 98% attendance rate! Let's keep up the great work and continue making attendance a priority every day.
Finally, today we conducted a lockdown drill as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Looking Ahead to Next Week:
Monday, October 26: The Yonkers Fire Department will return to provide a fire safety presentation for our second-grade students.
Wednesday, October 28: Wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Thursday, October 29: Wear orange to continue promoting unity and kindness.
Friday, October 30: Our annual Halloween Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. for students in Pre-K through Grade 6. Please remember that masks are not permitted.
School Safety: We will also conduct another fire drill next week.
As always, thank you to our families, teachers, and staff for your continued support and commitment to making School 23 a place where every student belongs, learns, and thrives.
Have a wonderful weekend, School 23!
Good evening, School 23 families, students, and staff!
We had a short but impactful week at School 23!
On Thursday, our Pre-K through 6th-grade students participated in our first Hispanic Heritage Month Mini-Concert! Students did a wonderful job celebrating Hispanic cultures through music and performances. A special thank you to Ms. Herbert for organizing this beautiful celebration and Ms. Albano for the wonderful artwork and decorations!
We also celebrated over 150 students who achieved perfect attendance since September! Congratulations to Ms. Russo’s homeroom for leading the school with 96% attendance, followed by Ms. Pascuma’s and Ms. Felice’s classes. Keep up the great work!
Be sure to check out our Instagram page, @school23yonkers, for pictures and videos of our celebrations!
This week, we also conducted a fire drill, and our sixth-grade boys participated in their second My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) meeting, focusing on respect and loyalty.
Important Reminders for Next Week:
Smile NY Dental Visit: Smile NY Outreach will be at School 23 all week providing free dental cleanings. Please return your child's consent form if you have not already done so. Families who provided consent last year should refer to the separate notice regarding opting out.
Wednesday, October 21 – Lockdown Drill: We will conduct our first lockdown drill. Students will practice remaining quiet in their classrooms and following staff directions in the event of an emergency inside the building.
Friday, October 23 – Fire Department Visit: Our Pre-K through 1st-grade students will welcome the Yonkers Fire Department! Students will explore a fire truck, meet firefighters, and learn about fire safety.
Thank you to our families and staff for your continued support and partnership. Together, we continue building a community where every student belongs, learns, and thrives!
Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
Together, We SOAR!
School 23 Administration
We had a short but impactful week at School 23!
On Thursday, our Pre-K through 6th-grade students participated in our first Hispanic Heritage Month Mini-Concert! Students did a wonderful job celebrating Hispanic cultures through music and performances. A special thank you to Ms. Herbert for organizing this beautiful celebration and Ms. Albano for the wonderful artwork and decorations!
We also celebrated over 150 students who achieved perfect attendance since September! Congratulations to Ms. Russo’s homeroom for leading the school with 96% attendance, followed by Ms. Pascuma’s and Ms. Felice’s classes. Keep up the great work!
Be sure to check out our Instagram page, @school23yonkers, for pictures and videos of our celebrations!
This week, we also conducted a fire drill, and our sixth-grade boys participated in their second My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) meeting, focusing on respect and loyalty.
Important Reminders for Next Week:
Smile NY Dental Visit: Smile NY Outreach will be at School 23 all week providing free dental cleanings. Please return your child's consent form if you have not already done so. Families who provided consent last year should refer to the separate notice regarding opting out.
Wednesday, October 21 – Lockdown Drill: We will conduct our first lockdown drill. Students will practice remaining quiet in their classrooms and following staff directions in the event of an emergency inside the building.
Friday, October 23 – Fire Department Visit: Our Pre-K through 1st-grade students will welcome the Yonkers Fire Department! Students will explore a fire truck, meet firefighters, and learn about fire safety.
Thank you to our families and staff for your continued support and partnership. Together, we continue building a community where every student belongs, learns, and thrives!
Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
Together, We SOAR!
School 23 Administration
Dear School 23 Families,
Smile NY Outreach, a mobile dental provider, will be visiting School 23 next week to provide FREE dental cleanings to students.
Applications were sent home in students' bookbags yesterday. If you would like your child to receive a free dental cleaning, you must complete and return the application.
Important Information for Families Who Completed an Application Last School Year:
If you completed a consent form last school year, you should have received a separate notification informing you that your child is scheduled to receive a dental cleaning next week.
Please be aware that the consent form signed last school year authorizes both the initial cleaning and future dental visits. Therefore, you do not need to complete another application.
If you previously provided consent and do not want your child to receive a cleaning next week, you must call 800-409-2563 to opt out.
Please note: The opt-out instructions apply only to families who completed a consent form last school year. All other families must submit a completed application for their child to participate.
Thank you for helping us support the health and well-being of our School 23 students!
Smile NY Outreach, a mobile dental provider, will be visiting School 23 next week to provide FREE dental cleanings to students.
Applications were sent home in students' bookbags yesterday. If you would like your child to receive a free dental cleaning, you must complete and return the application.
Important Information for Families Who Completed an Application Last School Year:
If you completed a consent form last school year, you should have received a separate notification informing you that your child is scheduled to receive a dental cleaning next week.
Please be aware that the consent form signed last school year authorizes both the initial cleaning and future dental visits. Therefore, you do not need to complete another application.
If you previously provided consent and do not want your child to receive a cleaning next week, you must call 800-409-2563 to opt out.
Please note: The opt-out instructions apply only to families who completed a consent form last school year. All other families must submit a completed application for their child to participate.
Thank you for helping us support the health and well-being of our School 23 students!
Dear School 23 Families,
This is a friendly reminder that there will be no school tomorrow, Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
School will resume on Tuesday, October 13.
Enjoy the holiday!
Dear School 23 Families, Students, and Staff.
We had another wonderful week at School 23, where our students continue to SOAR!
Our attendance rate for this week was 90%. Thank you to our families for your continued commitment to ensuring students are in school and ready to learn each day. Let's continue working together to improve our attendance!
This week, our sixth-grade students participated in School 23's first My Brother's Keeper (MBK) meeting. This exciting initiative focuses on leadership, mentorship, and empowering our young men to reach their full potential.
Our teachers also participated in our first 8:05 professional development session, where we explored the New York State Portrait of a Graduate and discussed the skills and competencies we want all students to develop as they grow and succeed.
As we continued our Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week celebrations, today was "Represent Your Country with Flag Colors" Day! It was wonderful to see our students celebrating their cultures and heritage with pride. Follow School 23 on Instagram to see pictures from today's celebration!
Important Announcements & Reminders:
Monday, October 12: Schools will be closed in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Thursday, October 15: We will conclude our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with a special student assembly featuring a mini concert performed by our talented students. Please note that this performance is for students only.
Fire Safety: We will conduct another fire drill next week as part of our ongoing commitment to school safety and emergency preparedness.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making School 23 a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Together, we SOAR!
School 23 Administration
We had another wonderful week at School 23, where our students continue to SOAR!
Our attendance rate for this week was 90%. Thank you to our families for your continued commitment to ensuring students are in school and ready to learn each day. Let's continue working together to improve our attendance!
This week, our sixth-grade students participated in School 23's first My Brother's Keeper (MBK) meeting. This exciting initiative focuses on leadership, mentorship, and empowering our young men to reach their full potential.
Our teachers also participated in our first 8:05 professional development session, where we explored the New York State Portrait of a Graduate and discussed the skills and competencies we want all students to develop as they grow and succeed.
As we continued our Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week celebrations, today was "Represent Your Country with Flag Colors" Day! It was wonderful to see our students celebrating their cultures and heritage with pride. Follow School 23 on Instagram to see pictures from today's celebration!
Important Announcements & Reminders:
Monday, October 12: Schools will be closed in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Thursday, October 15: We will conclude our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with a special student assembly featuring a mini concert performed by our talented students. Please note that this performance is for students only.
Fire Safety: We will conduct another fire drill next week as part of our ongoing commitment to school safety and emergency preparedness.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making School 23 a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Together, we SOAR!
School 23 Administration
Dear School 23 Families,
It was another wonderful week of learning at School 23!
Our students have begun their i-Ready Diagnostic assessments in both Reading and Math. These assessments will provide our teachers with important baseline information about where students are currently performing and help us identify their strengths and areas where they may need additional support.
Today, we also completed our first fire drill of the school year. Our students did a wonderful job following directions and exiting the building safely and in a timely manner. Next week, we will continue practicing our safety procedures with another schoolwide safety drill.
Thank you to all of the families who attended our Open House! We appreciate you taking the time to meet our teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about the exciting work happening at School 23. Your partnership is an important part of our students’ success.
We are also looking for families to get involved in our PTSA! A strong PTSA helps strengthen the partnership between our school and families and provides more opportunities for our students. We encourage all parents and guardians to join and become involved.
Lastly, our attendance for this week was just under 90%. We need everyone’s help as we work toward improving our schoolwide attendance. Every day of learning matters! Please make sure your child arrives at school on time and is present every day unless they are ill.
A special shoutout to Ms. Felice’s class and Ms. Pascuma’s class for having the highest attendance this week! Keep showing up and SOARing!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Together We SOAR!
It was another wonderful week of learning at School 23!
Our students have begun their i-Ready Diagnostic assessments in both Reading and Math. These assessments will provide our teachers with important baseline information about where students are currently performing and help us identify their strengths and areas where they may need additional support.
Today, we also completed our first fire drill of the school year. Our students did a wonderful job following directions and exiting the building safely and in a timely manner. Next week, we will continue practicing our safety procedures with another schoolwide safety drill.
Thank you to all of the families who attended our Open House! We appreciate you taking the time to meet our teachers, visit classrooms, and learn more about the exciting work happening at School 23. Your partnership is an important part of our students’ success.
We are also looking for families to get involved in our PTSA! A strong PTSA helps strengthen the partnership between our school and families and provides more opportunities for our students. We encourage all parents and guardians to join and become involved.
Lastly, our attendance for this week was just under 90%. We need everyone’s help as we work toward improving our schoolwide attendance. Every day of learning matters! Please make sure your child arrives at school on time and is present every day unless they are ill.
A special shoutout to Ms. Felice’s class and Ms. Pascuma’s class for having the highest attendance this week! Keep showing up and SOARing!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Together We SOAR!
Good evening, School 23 families.
This is a reminder that our Open House is tomorrow, Thursday, September 24, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
We look forward to welcoming you to School 23, introducing you to your child’s teachers, and sharing some of the exciting things happening this school year.
We hope to see you tomorrow evening. Thank you, and have a great night. Together We SOAR!
Dear School 23 Families,
This is a friendly reminder that our Open House will take place this Thursday, September 24, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
We look forward to welcoming you into our school, meeting with families, and giving you an opportunity to visit your child’s classroom and learn more about the exciting year ahead.
We hope to see you there!
Together We SOAR!
School 23
Good evening, School 23 Families,
We hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. This is a reminder that School 23 will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22. Our doors open for breakfast at 8:15 a.m., and the school day begins at 8:35 a.m. Please help us start the week strong by having students arrive on time and ready to learn.
As part of our continued commitment to student safety, we will also be practicing a fire safety drill this week. These drills help our students and staff become familiar with the procedures we follow in the event of an emergency. Teachers will review expectations with students beforehand so that everyone knows what to do.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow!
Together We SOAR!
School 23
Dear School 23 Families,
It has been another great week at School 23! We are excited to share that our school had over 90% attendance this week. Thank you to our families for helping our students Show Up each day and arrive ready to learn.
A special congratulations to Ms. Russo’s class and Ms. Felice’s class for having the highest attendance in the building this week! Great job!
We also kicked off our Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week! Today, our students and staff celebrated by wearing the colors of a Hispanic or Latino country. It was wonderful to see our School 23 community come together to celebrate the many cultures represented in our school.
Our Spirit Week celebration continues next Friday, September 25! Students and staff are encouraged to wear their favorite sports jersey or team shirt as we celebrate Hispanic and Latino athletes and their contributions to sports.
A few important reminders for next week:
• No School Monday: School will be closed on Monday, September 21, in observance of Yom Kippur. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 22.
• Fire Safety Drill: As part of our commitment to keeping our students and staff safe and prepared, School 23 will conduct a fire safety drill during the upcoming week. Students will practice safely and calmly exiting the building in the event of an emergency.
• Open House: We look forward to welcoming our families to School 23 on Thursday, September 24, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, visit their classroom, and learn more about the school year. We hope all of our families can attend!
I would also like to thank our School 23 staff for another great week. Their hard work, dedication, and care for our students are what make each day at School 23 special. From welcoming our students each morning to creating engaging learning experiences throughout the day, I appreciate everything they do to help our students SOAR.
Thank you to our families for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to another great week at School 23!
Together We SOAR!
Dear School 23 Students and Families,
Welcome back! We had a great first two days of school, and I want to thank our students, families, teachers, and staff for helping us start the year on such a positive note. It was wonderful to see our students back in the building, and we are looking forward to a great school year together.
As we head into next week, here are a few important announcements:
No School – Monday, September 7
School will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Grade-Level Assemblies
Next week, we will begin our grade-level assemblies for the school year. Students in each grade will participate in an assembly where we will welcome them, review school expectations, and talk about what it means to SOAR at School 23:
Show Up
Own Your Learning
Achieve Your Best
Respect Everyone
Dismissal & Extended Learning Time (ELT)
Extended Learning Time (ELT) has ended. All students will be dismissed by 3:15 p.m. Please remember that students cannot be picked up from the Main Office after 2:45 p.m. Families should plan accordingly.
Open House – Save the Date
Our School 23 Open House will be held on Thursday, September 24, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming our families into the building. Additional information and details will follow.
Join Our PTSA
Please consider joining the School 23 PTSA and becoming involved in our school community. We are also looking for parents and guardians interested in serving as PTSA board officers. More information will be shared soon.
Thank you again for a wonderful opening to the school year and for your continued partnership. Enjoy the extended weekend with your families, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday ready to learn, grow, and SOAR!
Together We SOAR,
Cyrus Shojai
Principal
Welcome back! We had a great first two days of school, and I want to thank our students, families, teachers, and staff for helping us start the year on such a positive note. It was wonderful to see our students back in the building, and we are looking forward to a great school year together.
As we head into next week, here are a few important announcements:
No School – Monday, September 7
School will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Grade-Level Assemblies
Next week, we will begin our grade-level assemblies for the school year. Students in each grade will participate in an assembly where we will welcome them, review school expectations, and talk about what it means to SOAR at School 23:
Show Up
Own Your Learning
Achieve Your Best
Respect Everyone
Dismissal & Extended Learning Time (ELT)
Extended Learning Time (ELT) has ended. All students will be dismissed by 3:15 p.m. Please remember that students cannot be picked up from the Main Office after 2:45 p.m. Families should plan accordingly.
Open House – Save the Date
Our School 23 Open House will be held on Thursday, September 24, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming our families into the building. Additional information and details will follow.
Join Our PTSA
Please consider joining the School 23 PTSA and becoming involved in our school community. We are also looking for parents and guardians interested in serving as PTSA board officers. More information will be shared soon.
Thank you again for a wonderful opening to the school year and for your continued partnership. Enjoy the extended weekend with your families, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday ready to learn, grow, and SOAR!
Together We SOAR,
Cyrus Shojai
Principal
Good afternoon, School 23 families!
We are excited to welcome everyone back for the first day of school tomorrow! Please review these important reminders:
KINDERGARTEN–6TH GRADE
Tomorrow is a full day of school for Kindergarten through 6th Grade.
PRE-K FAMILIES
Thursday, September 3rd and Friday, September 4th are half days for Pre-K. Students who receive transportation will be transported to school in the morning, but there will be no transportation home. All Pre-K students must be picked up by a parent or authorized adult at 12:00 p.m.
PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN
For the first two days of school, Pre-K and Kindergarten parents may walk their children to their classrooms.
BREAKFAST & ARRIVAL
Breakfast will be available beginning at 8:15 a.m. for any student who would like breakfast. Once students enter the building, they must remain inside and cannot leave and return.
Bus and van students must enter when their bus or van arrives. Regular arrival for walkers and students being dropped off is at 8:35 a.m.
DISMISSAL — ALL FAMILIES
Extended Learning Time (ELT) has ended. Dismissal begins at 3:00 p.m., and all students must be picked up by 3:15 p.m.
GRADES 3–6
Students may walk home independently with parent/guardian permission. Please send a written note or contact your child’s teacher through ClassDojo.
PRE-K–2ND GRADE
Students must be picked up by a parent or authorized adult. Written permission is required if someone not listed as an authorized contact will be picking up your child.
We can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow and look forward to a great school year!
Together We SOAR!
Cyrus Shojai
Principal, School 23
Good morning, School 23 families!
We are excited to share that today’s Mayor Mike Spano Backpack-to-School Drive has been expanded to include ALL School 23 students in Pre-K through Grade 6!
The event begins today at 12:00 p.m. in the School 23 Auditorium. Students will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies.
We know this is a last-minute invitation for our Grades 3–6 families, but we would love to have you join us if you are available!
We hope to see you at noon. Together We SOAR!
We are excited to share that today’s Mayor Mike Spano Backpack-to-School Drive has been expanded to include ALL School 23 students in Pre-K through Grade 6!
The event begins today at 12:00 p.m. in the School 23 Auditorium. Students will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies.
We know this is a last-minute invitation for our Grades 3–6 families, but we would love to have you join us if you are available!
We hope to see you at noon. Together We SOAR!
Good evening, School 23 families.
This is Principal Shojai calling to remind you that Mayor Mike Spano’s Backpack-to-School Drive will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25, at 12:00 p.m. in the School 23 Auditorium.
All School 23 students in Pre-K through Grade 2 are invited to attend and will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies.
We look forward to seeing our students and families tomorrow at noon. Have a great evening, and Together We SOAR!
Good evening, School 23 families. This is Principal Shojai with some exciting news!
On Tuesday, August 25 at 12:00 p.m., School 23 will host tMayor Mike Spano's Backpack to School Drive in our auditorium.
All School 23 students in Pre-K through Grade 2 are invited to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies to help them get ready for the new school year.
Please remember, this event is exclusively for School 23 students.
We look forward to seeing our families on Tuesday and getting our students ready for a great year at School 23. Have a wonderful evening!
🚌 Today, Superintendent Dr. Soler, Associate Superintendent Dr. Hernandez, and School 23 administrators welcomed students and families to the First-Time Riders Orientation Program!
Students learned important safety tips and protocols to help ensure a safe and smooth ride to and from school each day.
A special thank you to First Student for supporting our students and families as they prepare for their very first bus ride this fall! 💛
Students learned important safety tips and protocols to help ensure a safe and smooth ride to and from school each day.
A special thank you to First Student for supporting our students and families as they prepare for their very first bus ride this fall! 💛
Good morning School 23 Families.
We are excited to welcome our first-time bus riders and families who are new to Yonkers Public Schools!
Join us at 9 am at School 23 to learn about bus safety!
Good evening, Pre-K families.
This is Principal Shojai calling to welcome you to School 23 and to remind you about our Pre-K Orientation tomorrow, Monday, August 17, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
We are excited to welcome you and your child to School 23, meet our Pre-K team, and help you get ready for a great start to the school year.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning. Have a wonderful evening!
Hello Pre-K Families!
We are excited to welcome you and your child to School 23! Please join us for our Pre-K Orientation on Monday, August 17, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
This will be a great opportunity to visit the school, meet members of our team, and learn more about what to expect as your child begins Pre-K.
📍 School 23
56 Van Cortlandt Park Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10701
914-376-8445
We look forward to welcoming our newest students and families to the School 23 community!
Cyrus Shojai
Interim Principal
We are excited to welcome you and your child to School 23! Please join us for our Pre-K Orientation on Monday, August 17, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
This will be a great opportunity to visit the school, meet members of our team, and learn more about what to expect as your child begins Pre-K.
📍 School 23
56 Van Cortlandt Park Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10701
914-376-8445
We look forward to welcoming our newest students and families to the School 23 community!
Cyrus Shojai
Interim Principal
To our Yonkers educators:
You are the ❤️ of our schools.
You inspire. You uplift. You create magic every single day. 🪄
Thank you for shaping the future of Yonkers.
— Superintendent Anibal Soler, Jr.
You are the ❤️ of our schools.
You inspire. You uplift. You create magic every single day. 🪄
Thank you for shaping the future of Yonkers.
— Superintendent Anibal Soler, Jr.
