IS 235 Dual Language Spanish Program, Launching Fall 2026

IS 235 is launching a Dual Language (DL) Spanish Program in Fall 2026, empowering students to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.

Why this change at IS 235?
Since 1996, IS 235 has supported multilingual learners through ENL, TBE, and SIFE programs. However, these programs phase out students’ home language as they gain English proficiency. A Dual Language program allows students to maintain and grow their native language while building English skills, promoting bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural pride. Astoria currently has no middle school DL option, leaving families without a continuation path. As a boroughwide school, IS 235 aims to fill this critical community gap.

Why a Dual Language program?
Parents want their children to maintain their home language. DL programs treat the native language as an asset, not something to replace.

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Important Message for Families

All students will learn remotely from home on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Our regular school schedule will remain in place.

1. Monday, November 2
Log in to TeachHub to make sure your account works and fix any technical issues.

2. Tuesday, November 3
Log in 15 minutes after the start of your first class. Attend all live classes and complete work in Google Classroom.

Need tech help?
Cynthia Gallegos, Parent Coordinator · 934-386-6375

Click Learn More to read the full details, or read the Principal’s Letter (PDF).

To read this in your language, use the Select Language tool at the bottom right of the screen.

Dear IS 235 Families,

Please take a moment to review the November 2026 NYCPS Family Update Backpack Letter, which is available in all NYCPS languages.

This month's letter includes important information about:

• Key dates on the 2026-2027 school year calendar
• Remote learning on Election Day,
• Upcoming parent-teacher conferences,
• Middle and high school admissions deadlines,
• and free technology resources for families.

We encourage all families to read this important update and stay informed about upcoming events and expectations for the school year.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

We’re excited to share that the October 2026 edition of our Shining Stars Newsletter is now available! Please take a moment to explore all the wonderful highlights, student achievements, and important updates from our school community.

📣 Boletín Shining Stars – Octubre 2026 (Edición 21) ¡Ya está disponible! Nos complace compartir que la más reciente edición de nuestro Boletín Shining Stars ya está lista. Les invitamos a tomarse un momento para explorar los logros de nuestros estudiantes, los momentos destacados y las actualizaciones importantes de nuestra comunidad escolar.

Dear IS 235 Families,

Since 1996, the Academy for New Americans has offered students a supportive and engaging 6th–8th grade middle school experience where they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. As we celebrate 30 years of educational excellence, Principal Evelyn Mosquea invites families to commit to the full three-year middle school experience and partner with us, so every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Click Learn More to read the Principal’s full welcome letter.

📣 ¡Celebrando 30 años! Desde 1996, la Academia para Nuevos Estadounidenses ofrece a los estudiantes una experiencia de escuela intermedia estimulante y de apoyo desde sexto hasta octavo grado, donde pueden crecer académica, social y emocionalmente. Al celebrar 30 años de excelencia educativa, la Directora Evelyn Mosquea invita a las familias a comprometerse con la experiencia completa de tres años y a colaborar con nosotros, para que cada estudiante tenga la oportunidad de aprender, crecer y prosperar. Haga clic en Learn More para leer la carta de bienvenida completa de la Directora.

AFNA families, don't miss this week's edition of the Shining Stars Newsletter! Inside, you'll find important school updates, upcoming events, exciting announcements, and inspiring student spotlights that celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our students and community.

🎥 Hear directly from students in our AFNA Student Voices feature, explore our new Gratitude Wall, and discover the many ways our shining stars are learning, leading, and making a difference every day.

Take a few minutes to read, celebrate, and stay connected with all that's happening at AFNA! Click Learn More to read the newsletter.

Dear IS235 Families,

Please take a moment to review the October 2026 NYCPS Family Update Backpack Letter, which is available in all NYCPS languages.

This month's letter includes important information about:

• Key dates on the 2026-2027 school year calendar
• Upcoming admissions processes and deadlines
• Preparing for remote learning
• Parent-Teacher Conferences
• The NYCPS electronic device policy
• Student vaccination requirements

We encourage all families to read this important update and stay informed about upcoming events and expectations for the school year.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

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Dear IS 235 Families,
As we settle into the 2026–2027 school year, we want to ensure our families are fuly informed about how technology is used to support learning at IS 235 and across New York City Public Schools (NYCPS).

Please take a moment to review The Technology in Our Schools Fall 2026 Family Letter, which is now available for our entire school community. This letter provides key updates on how NYCPS is approaching digital tools this school year, including:
● Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines: Important details on NYCPS’ new framework for student use of AI and generative technology in the classroom.
● Screen Time Expectations: Recommended screen time balances tailored by grade level to ensure technology enhances, rather than distracts from, student engagement.
● Personal Devices & Remote Learning Policies: Reminders regarding existing district policies for personal electronic devices during the school day and expectations for remote learning days.
The official Fal 2026 Family Letter is available in al official NYCPS languages Here.
Partnering with you is essential to fostering a safe, responsible, and effective learning environment for our students. If you have any questions after reviewing the letter, please feel free to reach out to our main office or parent coordinator.
Thank you for your continued support and colaboration!
Warm regards,
IS235 Admin Team

We’re excited to share that the latest edition of our Shining Stars Newsletter is now available! Please take a moment to explore all the wonderful highlights, student achievements, and important updates from our school community.

📣 Boletín Shining Stars – Junio 2026 (Edición 20) ¡Ya está disponible!Nos complace compartir que la más reciente edición de nuestro Boletín Shining Stars ya está lista. Les invitamos a tomarse un momento para explorar los logros de nuestros estudiantes, los momentos destacados y las actualizaciones importantes de nuestra comunidad escolar.

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🌟 Shining Stars News – May 2026 | Edition 19 🌟Welcome to the May 2026 edition of Shining Stars News! As we move into the final stretch of the school year, our community continues to shine brighter than ever. In this issue, you’ll find exciting upcoming events, inspiring spotlights, and meaningful interviews that celebrate the voices, achievements, and talents of our students, staff, and families. Thank you for being part of our journey—let’s finish the year strong and shining together!

🌟 Noticias Estrellas Brillantes – Mayo 2026 | Edición 19 🌟¡Bienvenidos a la edición de mayo 2026 de Noticias Estrellas Brillantes! A medida que nos acercamos a la recta final del año escolar, nuestra comunidad continúa brillando más que nunca. En esta edición, podrán conocer los próximos eventos, destacados reconocimientos y entrevistas inspiradoras que celebran las voces, logros y talentos de nuestros estudiantes, personal y familias. Gracias por ser parte de nuestro camino—¡sigamos brillando juntos hasta el final del año escolar!

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Dear Parent/Guardian,
I am writing to inform you of an approved change to our school’s calendar for June 2027.
This calendar modification was voted on by the Parent-Teacher Association on June 26, 2026,
and has been formally approved by Department of Education leadership and our school staff.
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Summary of Calendar Changes:
● Tuesday, June 8, 2027: Instructional Day (Students attend school)
● Friday, June 11, 2027: Non-Attendance Day for Students (Staff clerical day; no school
for students)
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The primary goal of this change is to minimize instructional interruptions and maximize valuable
learning opportunities for our students during the final days of the school year.
If you have any questions regarding this update, please contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms.
Gallegos, at CGallegos2@schools.nyc.gov or call the Main Office at 718-956-4140.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our school community.
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Sincerely,
Ms. Mosquea
Principal

Happy April! 🌷✨ Please enjoy The Shining Stars Newsletter – April 2026, Issue 18. This month highlights school updates, student celebrations, and ways families can stay involved.Family Engagement Opportunities:We invite you to join upcoming school events, participate in classroom activities, and take advantage of resources designed to support learning at home.Please share the newsletter with our students and families. Wishing everyone a bright and joyful April!

(Spanish)Estimada Comunidad de IS235,¡Feliz abril! 🌷✨ Nos complace compartir el Boletín Estrellas Brillantes – Abril 2026, Edición 18. Esta edición incluye novedades escolares, celebraciones estudiantiles y oportunidades importantes para que nuestras familias participen y se mantengan conectadas.Oportunidades de Participación Familiar:Les invitamos a acompañarnos en los próximos eventos, participar en actividades del aula y explorar recursos diseñados para apoyar el aprendizaje en casa. Su participación fortalece nuestra comunidad y enriquece la experiencia de nuestros estudiantes.Por favor, compartan este boletín con nuestras familias y estudiantes. ¡Les deseamos a todos un abril lleno de alegría y luz!

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Join the Media Club in partnership with StoryTruths. We aren’t just making videos. We’re capturing the heart of our school. Learn about professional filmmaking, from interviewing like a pro to editing cinematic masterpieces.

Spanish:

Únete al Club de Medios en colaboración con StoryTruths. No solo hacemos videos, sino que capturamos la esencia de nuestra escuela. Aprende sobre cine profesional, desde cómo entrevistar como un experto hasta cómo editar obras maestras cinematográficas

All Are Welcome!

Join us for our Family Workshop Series, a bilingual, in‑person set of sessions exploring the Science of Reading, including executive functioning, the reading brain, foundational skills, comprehension, and flexible thinking.

Español:

Únase a nuestra Serie de Talleres para Familias, una serie bilingüe y presencial que explora la Ciencia de la Lectura, incluyendo las funciones ejecutivas, el cerebro lector, los fundamentos de la lectura, la comprensión y el pensamiento flexible.

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English

The March edition of the Shining Stars Newsletter is here! This issue celebrates our students’ achievements and creativity. Discover the winners of this month’s contest, learn about our inspiring GRACE Award recipients, and enjoy highlights from our school-wide Talent Show—where our students truly shined on stage. Don’t miss this uplifting and exciting showcase of our school community!

Español

¡La edición de marzo del Boletín Shining Stars ya está aquí! Este número celebra los logros y la creatividad de nuestros estudiantes. Conozca a los ganadores del concurso de este mes, a los inspiradores estudiantes que recibieron los Premios GRACE y disfrute de los mejores momentos de nuestro Show de Talento—donde nuestros estudiantes brillaron en el escenario. ¡No se pierda esta edición llena de orgullo y celebración para toda nuestra comunidad escolar!

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Given the severity of the storm forecast, and the state of emergency issued by the Governor, all NYC Public Schools will BE CLOSED on Monday, February 23, 2026.  There will NOT be remote instruction on this day.  Please continue to check your email and messages for all updates.  We will inform you of any announcements made about Tuesday, February 24th. Enjoy  your snow day, and please stay safe!

Mrs. Evelyn Mosquea

Principal

What's happening at IS235? Informate sobre lo que está pasando en IS235?

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Find out what is happening in the new year! Lee sobre lo que esta pasando en el año nuevo.

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Here is what is new at IS235!

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We are excited to announce that IS235 will be opening the DL program next year.

Lea nuestra noticias...

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Lea nuestras noticias

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Dear IS 235 family,

Please find the October Family News updates below:

English link

Have a wonderful long weekend. No School on Monday, October 13th, 2025. Happy Italian

Herritage Day/ Indigenouse People's Day!

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We are thrilled to share a wave of phenomenal news that solidifies a bright future for our students!

¡Nos emociona enormemente compartir noticias fenomenales que afianzan un futuro brillante para nuestros estudiantes!

¡Familia IS235, dejen lo que están haciendo!

¡Llegó la 11.ª edición de The SHINING STARS NEWSLETTER! Sumérjanse en las noticias con nuestra publicación del 30 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2025:

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Dear IS235 Family,

Get ready to dive into the 11th edition of The SHINING STARS NEWSLETTER! Find all the latest news, updates, and brilliant features in the SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 publication (Issue 11).

Together, We Can Reach for the STARS! 🌟

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June Calendar, click here.

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Weekly Updates!

February 2025, Issue 6, Shinning Stars News

With English, Math and Science Student Enrichment Class; and Workshops & English Classes for parents, our Saturday Academy is in full operation.

Shining Stars Newsletter, December 2024, Issue 4 Read all about it by clicking .

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Please see flyer! Invite a friend! Bring your Family!

Parent Teacher Conferences Will Be Held Virtually On November 14th, From 12:30 To 2:20pm And From 4pm To 7 Pm. Families Will Receive A Signing Sheet Shortly.

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Free Admissions

This year, we’re trying something new. Our eight partner institutions will be holding their Family Science Days (FSDs) throughout the year! This fall, we have FSD at four institutions, one in January, and three in May.

During Family Science Days, families will receive FREE admission to UA institutions to participate in hands-on activities, animal demonstrations, plant giveaways, and more!

Please distribute the attached flyer to your students. Either forward them by email OR print them and give copies to your students.

Families should bring an electronic OR paper copy of this flyer to ANY institution for admission. The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium require pre-registration.

Please see attached Family Science Day flyer and the Spanish Version. A Chinese version is in the works.

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Please see our Attendance Brochure.

Join the Library in celeberating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. Discover free events for all ages.

Unase a la biblioteca publica de Nueva York para celebrar el mes dela Herencia Latina e Hispana, desde el 15 de Septiembre al 15 de Octubre. Descubra eventos gratis para todas las edades.

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Come to our Open House/Casa Abierta!

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION! OPEN ENROLLMENT IS AVAILABLE AT I.S.235. PLEASE COME EN LEARN MORE.

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Join Our Virtual Meeting Tonight! Unase A Nuestra Reunion Virtual Esta Noche.

4:30 Pm - 6th Grade Meeting
5:30 Pm - 7th Grade Meeting
6:30 Pm - 8th Grade Meeting

Link: https://zoom.us/j/92113687113?pwd=BahryCamBbtA70PKQGXGkYlcaNzmx2.1

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Here at IS235, we take great pride in our basketball skills! With Coach Cohen leading the way, we enter this upcoming tournament brimming with confidence and excitment.

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Week Of October 23, 2023 This Family Update Provides Important Information About The 2023–24 School Year Calendar, Admissions And Enrollment Deadlines, Parent-Teacher Conferences, And How To Get The Latest News From New York City Public Schools.

Remote Learning

Update On Mask Guidance For Students And Families

An Overview Of Safety Procedures For Our School Building.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022 - 1:00PM (Virtual)

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A Message to Families on the First Day of School from Chancellor David C. Banks: September 8, 2022

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We’re Excited To Welcome You Back To School On Thursday, September 8! As You Prepare For The First Day Of School, We Want To Ensure That You’ve Received New York City’s Most Up-To-Date Guidance On Health And Safety. Contents • Reduce COVID-19 Risk • Get Vaccinated Against Polio • Learn About Monkeypox • Get Ready To Go Back To School!

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Dear Families,

The first day of school is Thursday, September 8, 2022. We’re excited to welcome you back and begin this journey together! Over the course of the next year, we look forward to helping your children learn and grow, academically and socially.

Here are a few important reminders to help you prepare for a great start to the new school year.

Get Connected

• Sign up for a NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) and update your emergency contact information. Find more information about NYCSA at schools.nyc.gov/NYCSA.

• Call or visit your child’s school to get your parent coordinator’s contact information. Your parent coordinator is a helpful resource for all school-related questions.

Be Prepared

• Make sure your children are on a regular sleep schedule and that you’ve practiced your family’s morning routine with them before the first day.
• Review the 2022-23 School Calendar at schools.nyc.gov/calendar for information on upcoming events and closures throughout the year.

Stay Healthy

• Submit all required health forms before the start of the year. For more information about health requirements to attend school, visit schools.nyc.gov/schoolhealth.
• Double check that your child is up to date on all required vaccinations. Visit schools.nyc.gov/immunization for more information.

For more information on how to have an A+ first day of school, read our Back to School Checklist at schools.nyc.gov/checklist.

We can’t wait to see you on September 8!

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Link To Meet The Teacher Night.

Meet Us For One Session. Session #1: 5 PM. Session #2: 6 PM.

Video Call Link: https://meet.google.com/exd-rwzk-zax

Or Dial: (US) +1 513-816-0445
PIN: 389 807 828#

I Am Writing To Invite You To Join Our Virtual Meet The Teacher Night On Thursday, September 21st, 2023. Please Come And Meet The I.S. 235 School Team, Your Child/Children’s Teachers, And Gain Some Insight Into The Academic Expectations For The 2023–2024 School Year.

For Your Convenience, Two Informational Sessions With The Same Content Have Been Scheduled. Please Join The Session That Is Most Convenient For You:

Session #1 – 5:00 PM To 5:45 PM.
Session #2 – 6:00 PM To 6:45 PM.

We Are Looking Forward To Seeing You And Talking To You More About Our Plans For The School Year!

Our Virtual Meeting Will Take Place Through Google Meets. Here Is How To Connect:

Video Call Link: https://meet.google.com/exd-rwzk-zax

Or Dial: (US) +1 513-816-0445
PIN: 389 807 828#

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As We Approach The End Of Another Successful Year, I Would Like To Take The Opportunity To Extend My Appreciation To The District 30 Community For Your Steadfast Support And Commitment In Service Of Our Children. Despite The Challenges Presented This Year Resulting From The Global Pandemic, Our Students, Families, Staff, And Community Came Together To Ensure Our Students Have A World Class Education And Learning Experiences. As I Reflect On This Past School Year, I Am Reminded That We Have Much To Celebrate And Be Proud Of.

Due to recent increases in COVID-19 cases in New York City, the city is now at a COVID-19 high (orange) alert level. This means there is significant spread of COVID-19 in the city.  

Following proven precautions to protect our communities, including  getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a mask, staying home when sick, and getting tested. Additional information can also be found here.      

Please backpack this family letter regarding the update above to your families; translations will be available on the Messages for Families page by end of day, May 17.  

For questions, email COVID19virus@schools.nyc.gov.     

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Our “Stay Safe, Stay Open” plan has succeeded in allowing us to keep New York City public schools open and remain among the safest places for young people to be during the COVID-19 pandemic. As our schools did their part in reducing transmission rates, so have New Yorkers as a whole. We are pleased to announce that as a result, we will be implementing changes in our current COVID-19 health and safety policies in our schools in accordance with the latest guidance.

Thank you for visiting our new website! Please check back often as updates are made, and click on article headlines to view full stories where applicable.

Full news story featured here. Check for related links or documents that could be attached!

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Dear Families,‍

‍Today we find ourselves in the heartbreaking position of having to process, once again, the senseless and devastating murder of students and teachers. We have endured so much these last few years and our school communities have shown incredible resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. What they should not have to worry about is the threat of gun violence in their own classrooms. No parent should have to worry about the safety of their child when they drop them off for school every morning. No teacher or principal should feel fear when the door of a classroom or school building opens throughout the day. No child should have to a light candle for lost friends and classmates.

Community District Education Council 30

Special Virtual Meeting Thursday, May 19, 2022 6:30 PM

Planning for the Town Hall with Candidates

for District 30 Superintendent

Register here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G2- JkdacRHu58dF3-DcSow

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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We’re happy to announce the third session of a series of parent workshops part of

the NYS Integration Project Grant!

Session 1: Representation Matters

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Session 2:  Words Have Meaning & Perception

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Session 3:  Power + Privilege = Support

Wednesday, May 18^, 2022

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