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Student Family Update

BCS Student/Family Update – 5/3

Published May 3, 2026 by Scill Chan

Dear BCS Students/Families, hope you had a wonderful weekend!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Free summer camping opportunity for BCS Grades 9-12 students

  • BCS is excited to offer a fully funded canoe and camping trip in Minnesota for students in partnership with Voyageur Outward Bound School.  Free to all students including travel costs!  This is a special opportunity for BCS high school students in partnership with NYC Outward Bound.
  • Megan Sisson (Partnership Manager, VOBS) will be present to share details and answer questions.  Parent Info Session: Monday, May 4, 6:00–6:45 PM Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83948452739?pwd=N9ad1Sn8mrUexGWzav13e17Rf1N9Nh.1
  • Trip Details:
    • Dates: July 7–14
    • Cost: FREE
    • Activities: Canoeing, camping, rock climbing, and team-building
  • Application deadline: May 7
  • This is a great opportunity for students to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.  Please join us if you are interested.  Email Thomas@bcs448.org for any questions

Attend a Know Your Rights Workshop

NYCPS – Family Letter

  • Please read the May 2026 NYCPS Family Update backpack letter (available in all NYCPS languages). This month’s letter features important information about the 2026–27 school year calendar, Summer Rising offers, admissions updates, Teacher Appreciation Week, Climate Action Day, and Parent-Teacher Conferences. 

Tues Tiers afterschool

  • All students are welcome at Tues Tiers Support after school where every teacher is available for students to check in with, to revise assessments, or to do work supervised and with the support of the teacher

No School – Upcoming Days

  • Mon 5/25 – No School for Memorial Day
  • Wed 5/27 – No School for Eid al-Adha
  • Thurs 6/4 – No School for Staff Professional Development Day
  • Fri 6/19 – No School for Juneteenth

College Now for Grades 10-12 Students (take college classes while in HS)

  • We are excited to announce that the College Now Spring 2026 online application for college-credit courses is now live!  The College Now program at CUNY City Tech University offers students the opportunity to earn up to 12 credits for free while in high school.  If you pass the college course, you should be able to transfer the credits, but check with the colleges you’re applying to for their policies. The courses are free, which will save you money by earning those credits while in high school. If you have a GPA of 80+, this is an opportunity that will help you get ready for college, learn how to get there and what to expect, and check out different careers and degrees.
  • Please refer to the Spring 2026 Class Schedule for eligibility requirements, course listings, and meeting times. Once you have reviewed the schedule, visit the online application on our website and click on “APPLY NOW” to start the application.
  • Please be advised that students are only allowed to take ONE College Now course per semester, per program. 
  • Email imani@bcs448.org or drop by room 516 if you have ask any questions about the College Now Program or about the application process.

Scooter policy reminders

  • No electric scooters are permitted in the building because they are a fire hazard.  They must be locked outside the building – student brings their own lock and is subject to their own risk.
  • Regular scooters (not-electric) are permitted – they must be stored for the whole day in the student’s locker or in the office, they cannot be wheeled around from class to class

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!

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

Free Summer Program for Middle School and High School Students

Anti-Prom Event for Teens

  • The New York Public Library is hosting its annual Anti-Prom, a free, inclusive event for teens that centers joy, self-expression, and community. Students can enjoy music, dancing, and creative activities in a safe, affirming space.
  • Open to ages 12–18, Anti-Prom is a great option for students who may be looking for an alternative to traditional prom experiences.
  • Learn more and register: https://www.nypl.org/spotlight/antiprom

Future Leaders Summer Academy (Grade 9-12 girls)

  • A two-week summer camp open for incoming 9th–12th graders! This camp is specifically designed to help girls develop leadership and hands-on technical skills, build confidence, explore a variety of career pathways, and so much more!
  • Dates: July 6th – July 17th, Mondays – Thursdays
  • Location: Central Park East High School, 1573 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029
  • Lunch will be provided
  • Register here

2026 Summer Animation Lab (ages 14-19)

  • Bring your ideas to life through the art of animation! This hands-on summer program is designed for young creatives who want to explore storytelling through movement, design, and digital media. Learn 2D and 3D animation along with community support, and access to industry tools. Grow your skill and animate your vision.
  • If your application is selected, we will reach out to schedule an interview. We’re excited to learn more about you and appreciate your interest in the program!
  • Application closes May 25.
  • https://form.typeform.com/to/rZTw6vJ2

Summer Supported Experimental Lab (ages 15-21)

  • The Reel Works Supported Experimental Lab is a FREE filmmaking workshop that provides community, support, and resources for neurodivergent NYC students as they explore storytelling through filmmaking. Students will use cameras and mobile devices, as well as professional editing software to explore storytelling and make their own short films! Student films will be featured at an internal screening at the end of the program and on our Reel Works YouTube Channel.
  • The Supported Experimental Lab is part of Reel Works’ mission to advance diversity and inclusion efforts in our community, as well as create and strengthen an inclusive culture for all people in the media industry. Reel Works is focusing on individual needs to provide multiple entry points to expression.
  • This workshop will have 2 lead Filmmaking Instructors with a Special Education background, as well as Reel Works peer mentors for 8 students.
  • We are looking for young aspiring artists who are interested in filmmaking, or the media entertainment industry, however, applicants are not required to have experience in film or media in order to be accepted into this program.
  • Applicants will be invited to meet with the Reel Works team, as part of a selection process, before entering the program, as we have limited spots. Legal Guardians/Parents are encouraged to support in filling out this application and are invited to the meet and greet. Please see below for eligibility requirements.
  • Application closes May 25.
  • https://form.typeform.com/to/mjfPO5GS

Intro to Broadcast Journalism (Summer course – Ages 16-19)

  • In this hands-on summer Journalism course you’ll learn to research, report, film, and edit news segments that reflect diverse voices and perspectives. Using industry-standard tools, you’ll develop on-camera confidence, interview skills, and storytelling techniques to bring real issues to life. This lab is for students ages,16-19. Some experience in filmmaking, journalism, or creative writing is a plus, but not required! Enroll and tell the stories that matter!
  • The Intro to Broadcast Journalism application closes May 25.
  • APPLY HERE: https://form.typeform.com/to/ypF5y6HI

YouthBridge-NY Fellowship for rising juniors

  • The heart of YouthBridge-NY is its one-year Fellowship program, where high school juniors from diverse backgrounds participate in intensive trainings on leadership and diversity.
  • The fellowship kicks off in late August with an overnight orientation retreat, where participants get to know each other through team-building games, outdoor activities, and workshops on topics like diversity, social justice, and leadership.
  • Currently accepting applications for the upcoming 2026-2027 Fellowship Class
  • Eligibility:
    • Must be a rising high school junior
    • Must be able to travel to two meetings (weekday evenings) per month in NYC
    • Must be willing to learn about new perspectives and share yours
  • The link to apply can be found here: https://www.youthbridgeny.org/fellowship
  • Priority deadline: May 15, 2026

Young Playwrights Summer Program, July 6 to 17

TDF’s FREE Young Playwrights Summer Program is currently seeking talented high school applicants. We hope you know some students who would benefit from this opportunity.

Taught by award-winning playwright and teaching artist Crystal Skillman, this two-week intensive helps participants learn the art of dramatic writing. Students will work individually and in groups, with a final presentation on the last day. This program is offered at no cost to accepted students.

Students must have well-developed writing skills and an interest in playwriting along with a writing sample and letter of recommendation from a teacher or teaching artist.

Who is eligible to apply to the Young Playwrights Summer Program?

Rising high school juniors and seniors as well as spring 2026 graduates who are interested in learning the craft of playwriting and creating their own works. Residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are eligible. Deadline to apply is Monday, May 11!

When is the Young Playwrights Summer Program?

July 6 to July 17: Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. Final presentation on Friday, July 17 from 1 to 7 p.m.

Where does the Young Playwrights Summer Program take place?

In-person sessions will typically take place at TDF’s Midtown Manhattan offices at 520 Eighth Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets, Suite 801. (On two dates, classes will be held elsewhere in Manhattan.)

What does the Young Playwrights Summer Program include?

  • Playwriting workshops five days a week for two weeks
  • Two Broadway/Off-Broadway evening show outings for study and inspiration
  • Small group seminars with professional theatre artists
  • Writing (and rewriting) a short original play
  • Professional actors reading student plays in progress with a professional director to guide them
  • Staged readings of final works by professional actors

Apply now! Deadline is Monday, May 11

Published in BCS News