During Black History Month, we're highlighting the stories of individuals who have often been left out of traditional historical records, like Lewis Howard Latimer, who was a draftsman, patent expert, and inventor. He is best known for his contributions to the design of the incandescent lightbulb that helped make electric lighting more commercially viable, including right here in New York City.
Opportunities for Students (February 2026)
Don't let the calendar fool you; February's a big month for City students who are seeking paid learning and earning opportunities this year! See what opportunities are available for City students this month, including free workshops, contests, scholarships, and this year's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), and register/apply for them today!
Spend Your Midwinter Recess at NYC Public Libraries
Midwinter Recess runs from February 16–20 this year, and there’s lots to do for kids and teens at New York City’s public libraries, from reading challenges to extra support for teens applying for financial aid for college, and more!
Make Your Voice Heard in the 2026 NYC School Survey
Let us know what you think about NYC's public schools by completing the 2026 NYC School Survey! Learn more about this year's Survey, and submit your answers by April 1, 2026!
The Month Ahead (February 2026)
See what's happening at NYC Public Schools in February 2026, including celebrating Black History Month and Respect for All Week, and mid-winter recess right in the middle of this busy and short month.
Prepare for Remote Learning
In the event that weather conditions or other emergencies require the temporary closure of public school buildings, students will participate in remote learning at home. Make sure your family is ready with these tips and answers to frequently asked questions.
Every School Day Matters
Attendance matters! Learn how missing just two days of school every month can have a negative effect on your child's education, and see what solutions and resources are available to help your child stay in school every day, all year round!
February is Black History Month! It's the perfect time to dive into a book about Black history and Black experiences, and you can get started with some of our favorites for students of all ages! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Early Readers (3-K–Grade 2)
- Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams, by Lesa Cline-Ransome; illustrated by James E. Ransome
- Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry; illustrated by Vashti Harrison
- Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, by Ellen Levine; illustrated by Kadir Nelson
- When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop, by Laban Carrick Hill; illustrated by Theodore Taylor III
Elementary (Grades 3–5)
- Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling; illustrated by Laura Freeman
- Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating, by Rose Viña; illustrated by Claire Almon
- The Magic in Changing Your Stars, by Leah Henderson
- The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales, by Virginia Hamilton; illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- As Brave as You, by Jason Reynolds
- Ophie’s Ghosts, by Justina Ireland
- Streetcar to Justice: How Elizabeth Jennings Won the Right to Ride in New York, by Amy Hill Hearth
- Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, by Kwame Mbalia
Upper Grades (Grades 9–12)
- Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, by Brandy Colbert
- The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas
- It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Adapted for Young Readers), by Trevor Noah
- Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Remix, by Ibi Zoboi
You can find these books and many more great reads on Sora, our Citywide Digital Library, which provides free access to thousands of digital e-books and audiobooks for our students. You can also find even more recommendations in the Black History Month: Remembering the Past and Shaping the Future Collection on Sora!
Missed our previous book recommendations?
Check them out in the "What We're Reading" Archive!
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SCHOOLS
In this edition of the Spotlight, we're looking back on Kamar H. Samuels' first days as Chancellor of NYC Public Schools!
Following his appointment by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Chancellor Samuels officially began his new role on January 1, 2026, and immediately began reaching out to educators and district leaders to present his vision for City public schools. The new Chancellor also spent his first full week visiting classrooms, speaking directly with parents, and meeting some of the City's most promising scholars.
Welcome aboard, Chancellor Samuels!
Get Ready for More Learning and Less Scrolling
Beginning this September, NYC Public Schools will be implementing its new Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy across all K–12 City public schools, including charter programs, in accordance with New York State law. Learn more about this "cell phone ban," and start getting ready for distraction-free schools this fall!
Ready to Read: Literacy Resources for Families
NYC Reads is reshaping the way that we teach our students to read, but the learning doesn't have to stop at the classroom door! Whether it's a family book club or a phonics-based 20 questions game, you can bring the "science of reading" home by using any of our helpful resources that will help your children continue to develop their literacy skills, like:
- Reading Games
- Phonics, Vocabulary, and Storytelling Practice
- And more!
Stay Informed with a NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)
With a NYCSA, you can:
- Access your child's school information on the go
- See your student’s grades, test scores and more
- Complete important forms
- Take classes in Parent University
- Get technology support through SupportHub
