Principal’s Message
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”
~ Mr. Rogers
Dearest P.S. 56 School Family,
Hello April! The budding tree branches, the colorful, blooming flowers and the chirping birds each morning are glorious signs that a new season has begun. A season defined by hope, light and new life. Bring it on!
It is truly hard to believe that we are in the final trimester of our 2025-2026 school year. We continue to be so excited about the endless possibilities for academic, physical and social-emotional growth for all our children. Our children are truly without limits and the next three months are a great opportunity for all of us to be better than our last best. Our strong, positive and loving home-school relationship is supporting the success and achievements of every child. They are all joyful learners, and bring immeasurable happiness to all of us blessed to know them.
We are tremendously proud of all our students (grades K – 5) as they continue their 2025-2026 academic journey. In conversation and student work, our students demonstrate the knowledge, strategies and critical thinking skills that are ensuring they are college, career and life ready. During April and May our sensational students in grades 3, 4 and 5 are prepared and ready to rock the NYS ELA and Math Tests. We are excited to cheer them on to victory. They are all so ready to sparkle, shine & succeed!
As I visit our classrooms every day, I am WOWED, inspired and filled with pride by what I see and hear! Our students are Super Stars! As I watch and listen to our students engaged in their learning, my heart is overflowing with love and gratitude. We have so much to celebrate here at P.S. 56!
My Tip of the Month: Play. In our very busy adult lives, we sometimes forget how important playing is, at all ages! For our children, playing is an important, priceless part of their development. As Mr. Rogers told us, “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” As our children’s first and forever teachers, we are also their first and forever playmates. So let’s all promise to make playing with our children a part of our daily routine and a family tradition. Board games and sports are great, but so are freebies like Simon Says, Red Light – Green Light, Giant Steps, charades, hop-scotch, jumping rope and duck-duck-goose. I thoroughly enjoy watching our staff participate in recess activities with our students. It is always difficult to tell who is having more fun! That’s the best thing about playing: EVERYONE has FUN!
April is here and our journey as learners continues. As always, thank you for your incredible support, cooperation and understanding. #BestSchoolFamilyEver! You are so loved and appreciated always! Together we continue to go far and together is truly the most wonderful place to be!
Fondly,
Maureen O’Neill
Principal
