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Student Family Update

BCS Student/Family Update – 3/29

Published March 28, 2026 by Scill Chan

Dear BCS Students/Families, what a wonderful MS Glow Dance we had on Friday night!  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

No School – Upcoming Days

  • Thurs 4/2 – Fri 4/10 – No School for Spring Recess
  • Mon 5/25 – No School for Memorial Day
  • Thurs 6/4 – No School for Staff Professional Development Day
  • Fri 6/19 – No School for Juneteenth

Middle School NYS Testing Information

  • New York State testing for middle school students begins immediately after our spring break. Please review the schedule for upcoming dates. All state tests are computerized.
  • State tests are NOT required for promotion. If you would like to opt your child out of the state tests, see below. Students will remain in regular classes during the state tests.
  • Middle School State Tests — Coming Up
    • Tuesday 4/14 – Wednesday 4/15 – Grade 6 ELA NYS State Test
    • Thursday 4/16 – Friday 4/17 – Grade 7 ELA State Test
    • Monday 4/20 – Tuesday 4/21 – Grade 8 ELA State Test
    • Monday 4/27 – Tuesday 4/28 – Grade 6 Math NYS State Test
    • Wednesday 4/29 – Thursday 4/30 –  Grade 7 Math NYS State Test
    • Wednesday 6/17 – Algebra Regents for Grade 8 only
    • Thursday 6/18 – Life Science: Biology Regents for Grade 8 only 
  • Middle School NYS Parent Opt Out

NYC Student and Family Survey – Access Codes

  • Students/Families – it’s the annual NYC Survey.  Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at: NYCschoolsurvey.org
  • Families, enter a lowercase “f” followed by your child’s nine-digit OSIS number (example: f123456789).
  • Students, enter a lowercase “s” followed by your nine-digit OSIS number (Example: s123456789).

NYCPS Artificial Intelligence Policy

  • Please review NYC Public School’s newly released guidance on artificial intelligence (AI). NYCPS are committed to ensuring that our school communities, including staff, students, and families, can navigate AI responsibly and effectively, and to that end, this guidance lays out boundaries that protect our students, support our educators, and empower our families. It also outlines how AI can support teaching and learning in ways that are intentional, equitable, and grounded in data safety.
  • This guidance is the first step in a multi-step process of developing systemwide policy around the use of AI. As part of this process, we are seeking feedback from internal and external stakeholders over the next 45 days. Please read this family letter (available on our website in all NYCPS languages) to raise awareness both about this document and about the opportunity for community input.

Donate to our PTA Annual Appeal – we need you!

  • We love providing all our programming to students – camping, Expeditionary Thursdays, campus visits, supplies and more!  Please help us with our PTA Annual Appeal – we recommend $50 per family if you can – more if you’re able.  As a NYC public school, we rely on our city budget and generous support from families like you to keep our high quality programming! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/2025-26-brooklyn-collaborative-pta-annual-appeal

Donate from our Amazon wish list – WE NEED MASKS AND TISSUES!

Parents – interested in volunteering?

  • We are looking for parents who are available Fridays 9am-10am to practice English conversation with some of our MLL students in the library – prompts/convo cards will be provided to parent volunteers.  
  • Please email Scill if interested in volunteering!

Family Book Club – How to ADHD by Jessica McCabe

  • Wed April 29, 2026 @ 5:30pm – 7:30pm
  • Dinner & Book Talk in Room 213 (In-Person at BCS)
  • Join BCS school leaders (Scill, Imani and Tracey) and Ashley (Director, Inspiring Minds) to share educator/parent voices on changing your perspective when your brain works differently!  Dinner and book provided!
  • About the book – In How to ADHD, author Jessica McCabe reveals the tools that have changed her life while offering an unflinching look at the realities of living with ADHD. She explains how ADHD affects everyday life, covering executive function impairments, rejection sensitivity, difficulties with attention regulation, and more. You’ll also find ADHD-specific strategies for adapting your environment, routines, and systems.  Open to all families and staff! Come learn and discuss with us!​
  • Email Scill@bcs448.org if you’re interested and we’ll send home a book with your child (or you can purchase your own copy). Supplies are limited. Even if you aren’t able to read the book, please join us if you can!

Electronics policy – no phones, no personal laptops, and no headphones/earbuds

  • The 2025 NYC DOE cell phone policy requires all students to keep personal internet-enabled devices stored away from the school day, from bell-to-bell. All personal electronic devices, including smartphones and smartwatches and personal laptops, must be stored and inaccessible during the entire school day. 
  • Middle school students – hand in their phones to Pd 1 teacher and get it back Pd 8 – here is the Middle School Electronics Policy
  • High school students – pouch their phones at entry in the provided Yondr, carry their pouch all day, unpouch when exiting the building at dismissal.  Students must carry their pouches to and from school daily.  Lost or damaged pouches cost $20 for replacement.  Here is the High School Electronics Policy.
  • Students who hand in fake phones or attempt to use electronics during the school day are subject to progressive disciplinary action.
  • No personal student laptops are permitted and no video games.  Students who need laptop access must use the school laptops, available in every classroom every class period.  Additionally headphones and earbuds are not permitted.
  • Distraction-free schools without internet-enabled devices increase academic achievement, decrease mental health concerns, increase positive socialization, and decrease behavior incidents for all
IMPORTANT LINKS Calendar for NYC Public SchoolsCalendar on our school website (specific to BCS)Instagram — upcoming events and fun recapsSTUDENT OPPORTUNITIES – click this link for ongoing student opportunities citywideCONTACTS Important Staff Contacts – Brooklyn Collaborative

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES – click this link for ongoing student opportunities citywide

Pratt Young Scholars Summer Program

  • Pratt Young Scholars is a need-based, three-year scholarship program providing instruction in art and design to motivated high school students. Through rigorous studio experiences and college preparation in the Institute’s youth programs, this scholarship provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue advanced studies in art and design.
  • Scholars participate in three years of required studio classes and electives exposing students to higher educational opportunities and careers in the creative fields. This scholarship covers:
    • Three years of studio instruction;
    • All art materials for courses taken;
    • Summer Scholars courses in July; and
    • A year-round college access program including SAT preparation, essay writing, and one-on-one guidance throughout the college application and financial aid process
  • Students entering 10th grade in the 2026-2027 school year are eligible to apply if they:
    • Attend a New York City public school; 
    • Demonstrate an interest in art and design;
    • Are academically prepared, highly motivated, and have demonstrated persistence;
    • Commit to attending classes on Wednesdays after school and Saturdays for three years, as well as July summer programs (no exceptions!); and
    • Meet the income eligibility requirements.
  • Submit an online application and provide the following documents:
    • A copy of your most recent report card;
    • One letter of recommendation from an art teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator;
    • A personal statement; and
    • Three images of artwork saved as JPEGs.
    • Visit our website to check additional guidelines for each required document.
  • Applications are due on April 1, 2026.

Gowanus Canal Conservancy’s volunteer programs this spring

  • We are offering street tree care and rain garden stewardship on varying Fridays and Saturdays this season in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Ages 10+ are welcome, and anyone under age 14 must have a guardian present. Please share with your students, alumni, and neighbors. Please see the flier below, and registration for all opportunities can be found here.
  • Students in need of community service credits will receive them. For more information, please contact volunteer@gowanuscanalconservancy.org.

NYU College & Career Lab (CCL) Summer 2026 Exploratory Stage Application – Current 7th and 8th grade students

  • The Application Deadline is at 11:59 PM on March 31, 2026. The College & Career Lab is a tuition-free, six-year program offered as a multi-week intensive workshop during the summer and Practice Lab sessions during the academic year to prepare students to succeed in their post-secondary education and career paths.
  • We offer New York City middle and high school students the opportunity to explore a variety of academic pathways and “try on” careers. Through two stages, Exploratory and Immersive, CCL scholars dive into college-style lectures and workshops led by New York University faculty, on subjects ranging from neuroscience to philosophy and everything in between. Scholars network with industry professionals and get to experience what it would be like to be an immigration lawyer, physical therapist, game designer, and more. Through each stage and Practice Lab, students receive introductory courses, mentorship, advising, and a specialized CCL curriculum to enhance soft skills and prepare for the college application or career entry process.  You can find answers to frequently asked questions via our program’s FAQ. 
  • Who should apply? Current 7th and 8th graders – students that attend New York City public, charter, or home school programs.  Students of all backgrounds who attend school in and reside in one of NYC’s five boroughs and meet the previous eligibility requirements are eligible for admission to this program. Economically disadvantaged and first-generation college-going students are especially encouraged to apply.
  • More Information:
  • You can also email us directly at collegecareerlab@nyu.edu

Published in BCS News