Principal’s Message
“TOGETHER we will continue to go far and
TOGETHER is truly a wonderful place to be!”
Dearest P.S. 56 School Family,
Another month of wonder-filled learning begins and it continues to be a tremendous honor to be your children’s academic home away from home! In every moment of our school day, your children bring immeasurable joy to our entire school community as they continue to grow as readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, historians, geographers, musicians, critical thinkers, artists, good citizens and good friends. Our children’s parents and guardians have so much to be proud of as their children’s first and forever teachers. We are ever so grateful for your ongoing support!
February is a special month at P.S. 56 as we celebrate Black History Month, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, and our annual Respect For All and Hearts & Flowers Week as a school family. Monday, February 9, begins our Respect For All - Hearts and Flowers Week 2026. There will be lots of opportunities to strengthen our sense of belonging and empathy as we celebrate our annual Respect For All-Hearts & Flowers Week beginning Monday, February 9. Our Respect For All Teacher Ms. McGill plans important activities throughout this week for our students in grades 3, 4 and 5 that build both self-esteem and a deep appreciation and understanding of others. A highlight this week is our closing assembly for students in grades 3, 4 & 5 and our annual Being Kind video on Friday, February 13. Each class shares the core value presentation board they have designed & created together. Yes, we truly have so much to celebrate here at 56!
We are at the midpoint of our school year – this is our academic half time and an invaluable opportunity to revisit our learning goals with all our children so every child achieves, succeeds & wins our academic Super Bowl 2026! Here at P.S. 56 we believe that what we pay attention to grows. All student data is invaluable and supports every child’s progress and achievement. Teachers and administrators are available every week during Parent Engagement Time to discuss your child’s progress and to share resources to support your child’s academic growth. Our positive home-school connection is an important ingredient to the success of every child. We want to do all we can to support all our families and to help all our students reach their learning goals. Teamwork will continue to make this dream work.
So welcome February – a short, but super busy month! We will all be ready to thoroughly enJOY our mid-winter recess vacation! Wishing everyone a month overflowing with beautiful moments with your beautiful families, and, of course, Happy Valentine’s Day!
Fondly,
Maureen O’Neill
Tip of the Month: Old-fashioned board games are always in fashion when it comes to family fun and family togetherness. Board games also strengthen our children’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with their ability to win and lose gracefully. Most importantly, games such as Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Hedbanz, The Game of Life, Clue, Pictionary, Connect Four, Uno, as well as the classic deck of cards, can provide hours of entertainment and create memories that last a lifetime! I was introduced to Bop It here at P.S. 56 and it continues to be a favorite with my grandchildren (and me 😊)!
