The Month Ahead (April 2024)
Editor's Note (4/4/24): This post has been updated to reflect the 2024 NYC School Survey's new deadline on April 19, 2024.
Spring is (finally) in the air...
Now that the spring season is in full swing here in New York City, many of us are already seeing our fair share of fools, cherry blossoms, and other seasonal markers. And with other traditional, cultural, and religious celebrations taking place this month, including the end of Ramadan on Eid al-Fitr (April 10), this year’s observance of Passover (April 22–April 30), and our annual national celebration of Earth Day (April 22), and it’s clear that April can be quite an eventful month for City residents and families.
For City public school families, the biggest event to note on this month’s calendar is Spring Recess at the end of April; other important items this month include the last day of the 2024 NYC School Survey, our third Climate Action Day for the school year, and New York State’s administration of this year’s English Language Arts exams for students in grades 3–8.
So without further ado, grab your favorite beverage, fire up your preferred calendar app or daily planner, and take a look at what’s happening in NYC public schools in April 2024, courtesy of our official NYC Public Schools Calendar.
NYC Schools Calendar — April 2024
Date | Details |
---|---|
All Month Long | Arab American Heritage Month |
Monday, April 1 | Easter Monday All schools closed. |
Wednesday, April 3 | Middle School Offers Released Families with students who participated in the 2024 Middle School Admissions process earlier this year will receive their offers via email. Offers will also be viewable in MySchools. |
Wednesday, April 10 | Eid al-Fitr All schools closed. |
Thursday, April 11—Friday, April 19 | NY State English Language Arts Assessments for Students in Grades 3–8 Please check with teachers and school staff members at your child's school to learn your child's exact examination dates. |
Monday, April 15 | G&T Upper Grade Admissions Opens For current K–3 families who are interested in applying for Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs for fall 2024 placement |
Wednesday, April 17 | Climate Action Day #3 — Health, Wellness, and Green Space Schools across the City are celebrating our third Climate Action Day with outdoor activities that promote learning, play, and stewardship for green spaces. Speak with your child's teachers to learn more! |
Friday, April 19 | Last Day to Complete the 2024 NYC School Survey Open to NYC public school families, teachers, and select staff members, as well as NYC public school students in grades 6–12. |
Monday, April 22—Tuesday, April 30 | Spring Recess All schools closed. |
Some notes about this month's schedule:
April is Arab American Heritage Month
Throughout the month, NYC Public Schools will celebrate Arab Americans, past and present, and recognize their invaluable contributions to the United States! Join in on the celebration by learning more about the activities and events taking place at your/your child's school, and visit our Arab American Heritage Month webpage for both our recommended reading lists for students of all ages as well as updated listings of family-friendly events, activities, and exhibitions that are taking place citywide throughout April.
NY State English Language Arts (ELA) Exams (April 11–19)
Generally, students in grades 3–8 who attend schools in New York State are given the State's annual English Language Arts exams every spring. The test, a two-day, untimed exam featuring both multiple-choice and open-ended questions that are based on short passages included in the test, will be scored and evaluated in compliance with policies established by both the NY State Education Department and the NYC Department of Education.
Learn more about the State's ELA exams on our webpage, and speak with your child's teachers for exact exam dates and times as well as for any questions regarding testing accommodations, if applicable.
G&T Upper Grade Application Opens April 15
Families of students currently in grades K–3 who are interested in placing their children into New York City's Gifted & Talented programs can submit an application for consideration beginning April 15, 2024. Eligibility will be based on report card grades, and the application deadline will be on May 3, 2024.
Learn more on our official Gifted & Talented (G&T) webpage, and sign up to get the latest G&T news and updates delivered straight to your email inbox!
April's Climate Action Day: "Health, Wellness, and Green Space"
On April 17, NYC Public Schools across the five boroughs are celebrating this year's third official Climate Action Day, a fun, environmentally-themed, creative learning opportunity for entire school communities. This month's Climate Action Day theme is "Health, Wellness, and Green Space," and participating schools will be hosting activities that promote outdoor learning and stewardship for green spaces.
Check with your/your child's school to see they will be celebrating April's Climate Action Day.
Complete the 2024 NYC School Survey by April 19
Time is running out! The 2024 NYC School Survey is seeking feedback from NYC families, teachers, select school support staff members, and students in grades 6–12 about their experiences in City public schools. Help school leaders gain a better understanding about what you think about your schools by completing the Survey by April 19, 2024!
Learn more about the 2024 Survey right here on The Morning Bell, and log into your NYC Schools Account to access and submit your Survey today!
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And that's all for April! For the latest news and happenings about NYC Public Schools, bookmark us right here on The Morning Bell, and follow us on our social media channels on X and Facebook!
On behalf of NYC Public Schools, we wish all City families and school communities a wonderful and cherry blossom-filled April!
Banner/lead photo by Kamaji Ogino. Original can be found on Pexels.