Principal's Memo

Dear P.S. 120 Families,

Our expectations for parent partnership are outlined in the 2025-2026 P.S. 120Q Parent Handbook, a helpful reference document which is shared each week in this bulletin. Please follow these procedures and ensure that you have routines in place at home to help your child succeed at school. 

In particular, I would like to discuss my expectation that all students arrive at school on time for the beginning of our instructional day, which starts at 8:00 AM sharp. When children arrive late to school, they miss valuable minutes of instruction, including social-emotional activities and homeroom routines designed to prepare them for a successful day of learning.

Additionally, here is some general guidance for students given the changing weather this time of year. Please help your child dress in layers, so that they are comfortable for chilly mornings, warmer afternoons, outdoor recess/PE and air conditioned classrooms. Send your child with a full, reusable water bottle. Lastly, all students should wear sneakers/athletic shoes daily to be prepared to exercise safely in PE, gross motor, and outdoor recess.

Have a wonderful weekend with your family!

Sincerely,

Robert Marino

Principal

P.S. 120’s Mission

At P.S. 120, we are committed to preparing our different types of learners to compete in the ever-changing 21st Century workforce by guiding them to recognize the importance of finding the balance between doing what they love, and what the world will need them to do. The faculty at PS 120 will:

  • Commit to the use of data-driven instruction and decision-making to provide equity-based instruction in all classrooms. 

  • Provide opportunities for students to take responsibility for their own learning by participating in classroom discussion and be able to predict how they can use what they are learning in their everyday lives and goals

  • Engage students in problem-solving and critical thinking activities

  • Foster leadership opportunities for students in and out of the classroom

  • Expose and engage students in the cultural arts

  • Enable digital literacy by teaching students to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills

  • Empower students to apply their talents to the service of others

As a result, students at P.S. 120: 

  • Pep Rally: On Tuesday, we hosted our second annual State Exam Pep Rally, and the building was buzzing. Students jumped into fast‑paced academic games and friendly competitions to gear up for this week’s ELA and Math State Exams. Even Principal Marino and AP Momoh joined the action!

  • ELA State Exams: Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Dragons tackled the ELA State Exams this week with focus and determination. We’re proud of the effort they put in and the way they drew on everything their teachers have poured into them all year. Way to go, Dragons!

  • Field Trip: Classes 208, 308, 408, and 508 spent the day unleashing their creativity at Little Pulp Art Studio. Students stepped into the role of true artists as they experimented with new techniques, explored different mediums, and brought their ideas to life.

  • Inside Broadway Residencies: Inside Broadway residencies are in full swing with Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades! A musical theater teaching artist will visit each K/1/2 class 10 times during the spring and help them prepare for a final musical performance for parents to enjoy in June!


Announcements

  • P.S. 120Q Parent Handbook: Our school’s Parent Handbook has been updated for the 2025-2026 school year! Please bookmark the P.S. 120Q Parent Handbook to read school policies and procedures for parents.

    • Birthday Policy: Please note that we have updated our birthday policy for parents. We appreciate your cooperation: Every student’s special day is honored in the classroom with a song, movement break or craft. Please do not send treats to share in class or at lunch/recess/dismissal. PLEASE NOTE: Elaborate food, soft drinks, party favors, party hats, goody bags, balloons, decorations, or entertainment are not permitted and will be returned directly to the family.

  • April 2026 New York City Public Schools Family Updates: Please see New York City Public Schools family updates for April 2026 here (Translations linked within).

  • 2025-2026 Parent Participation Days: We will continue to have monthly Parent Participation Days from December to May. Please save these dates:

    • Wednesday, April 22

    • Friday, May 29

    • Prior to each Parent Participation Day, homeroom teachers will message parents specifying the content area of the lesson parents will view, so that parents know in advance and can decide whether they wish to attend.

    • We will continue to offer Parent Academy workshops before/after classroom visits. If you have a workshop topic you would like to suggest, please contact Parent Coordinator Annabelle TianTian Zhang.

  • Reminder - iReady Expectations: As a reminder, P.S. 120 purchases schoolwide iReady licenses to support students in achieving grade level standards. iReady is an online tool for K-5th grade students in Reading and Math. Three times a year at school, we take the iReady diagnostic screeners to assess students' skill levels. In between assessments, we ask for parents' assistance in encouraging students to complete assigned iReady minutes. It is a schoolwide expectation that all Kindergarten - 5th grade students engage for 30-49 minutes per week, per subject, with a 70% or greater pass rate. Students can engage in the iReady myPath lessons, which provides personalized, adaptive instruction based on students' performance on previous lessons. Students can also be assigned specific content area lessons by their teachers directly. 

  • 📢 Schoolwide Vision Screening – at P.S. 120Q - Rescheduled for Monday, April 20! 

    • This program partners with schools to provide vision services to students in targeted grades. Please note that this screening does not replace a full comprehensive eye exam.

      • 📎 Attachments Available:

Please review the attached information (choose your preferred language)You will  find optional opt‑out forms.

If you do not want your child to participate, please sign and return the opt‑out form to the school. A paper copy is also available in the main office.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Parent Coordinator Annabelle TianTian Zhang.

📎 English                                                   📎 Spanish                           

📎 Arabic                                                    📎 Chinese

📎 Haitian                                                   📎 Urdu  

  • 👁 After the Screening:

Families will be notified if their child receives eyeglasses and/or needs to visit a local doctor for a full eye exam. We encourage all families to stay informed about their child’s eye health and vision.Thank you for your partnership!

  • Free Family Events in the Community:

    • ESOL classes - Free English Class 

      • Registration is on-going. For more information, please call us at 718-939-6137 or email us at education@kcsny.org. Our office hours are from 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Workshop - Support with Homework & Study Skills-[RSVP Here]

During this interactive, in‑person session, families will learn practical and effective strategies to support their children’s academic success at home, including:

  • Establishing positive and consistent homework routines

  • Improving study habits and organization

  • Supporting time management skills

  • Reducing homework‑related stress for both children and families

    • 🗓 Date: April 22, 2026

    • ⏰ Time: 9:15 AM

    • 📍 Location: P.S. 120Q (In‑person)

We encourage all families to attend and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to support your child’s learning. We look forward to seeing you there! 

  • PTA / SLT Elections for 2026-2027

In preparation for the 2026-2027 school year, we are accepting nominations for positions on the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Executive Board and the School Leadership Team (SLT). When families are involved in their children's education, schools and students benefit. Students are more likely to succeed in school when their parents promote their learning inside and outside the classroom. Joining the PTA and SLT are one of the many ways for parents to get involved in their children's school. We need your commitment, time and energy to maintain P.S. 120's level of excellence!

- President, or Co-Presidents (Must run together as a team)

- Treasurer, or Co-Treasurers (Must run together as a team)

- Secretary, or Co-Secretaries (Must run together as a team)

  • SLT - We will elect:

- Up to 2 voting Parent Members for 2026-2027

- 1 Alternate Parent Member

Join us via Zoom to learn how to support your child's Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at home. Families are encouraged to attend all sessions. ALL are welcome!

  • Session #4: Helping your Child Develop Friendships

  • 🎟️ Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Helping your Child Develop Friendships (RSVP Here)

  • Friendships play a crucial role in a child’s growth and well-being. In this workshop, caregivers will learn about the social and emotional skills children need to build strong, healthy relationships — and how these skills evolve as kids get older. Together, we’ll explore the internal and external factors that shape a child’s sense of belonging and practice strategies to help children form lasting friendships while navigating challenges and painful experiences. Presented by Child Mind Institute. 

  • Session #1: Balancing the Books and the Bonds: Stress Management Strategies for Academic-Focused Parenting. 

  • 📺 Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Balancing the Books and the Bonds (Replay)

  • This workshop helps families support strong academic growth while also protecting connection and emotional wellbeing at home. Caregivers will learn practical stress management strategies that balance high expectations with warmth, communication, and healthy relationships. Presented by Child Center of New York.

  • Session #2: Thriving Together: Improving Family Communication

  • 📺 Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Thriving Together: Improving Family Communication (Replay)

  • Build stronger family connections in this workshop focused on helping caregivers and children communicate with empathy, manage stress, and repair after conflict. Families will learn simple, practical tools to listen better, speak clearly, and grow closer through everyday moments. Presented by Marble Health.

  • Session #3: Promoting Positive Behavior at Home

  • 📺 Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Promoting Positive Behavior at Home (Replay)

  • Caregivers often have questions about how to effectively manage challenging behaviors such as tantrums, not listening, and fighting with siblings. This workshop will provide caregivers with concrete strategies to promote positive behavior at home and improve their relationships with their children. These strategies are geared toward parents of children in elementary school. Presented by Child Mind Institute. 

  • 🌟 District 25’s 2nd Annual Wellness Day 🌟

All District 25 families are invited to attend a fun-filled day focused on health, fitness, and family wellness! Join us for interactive activities, community resources, special guests, raffles, and more.

  • 👉 Registration is required—we can't wait to celebrate with you.

    • Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at CommonPoint Queens Bay Terrace (212-00 23rd Ave, Bay Terrace, NY 11360)[RSVP Here]

  • FEATURING:

    • Drone Cadets, Conquer Pickleball, & NYC Football Club

    • Interactive Activities: Yoga, mindfulness, and movement for all ages.

    • Healthy Living: Healthy eating demonstrations and wellness resources.

    • Community Support: Information on local programs, services, and supports.

    • Plus: Special Guests, Raffles, and More!

  • 🚌 Need a ride? Get a ticket for our FREE round-trip shuttle bus from Downtown Flushing. Space is limited!

  • School Meals/Menus: Click the links below to access daily/monthly cafeteria menus:


SEL Corner



  • MindUp/Brain Power Wellness - 5 tips for parenting a child with anxiety

    • 1. Don’t try to eliminate anxiety.

      • Do try to help a child manage it. The best way to help kids overcome anxiety is to help them learn to tolerate it as well as they can. Over time the anxiety will diminish.  

      • Anxiety can be a useful emotion, notes Grace Berman, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker. For example, when we’re crossing the street and a car comes speeding toward us, anxiety is what gets us out of the way. For kids with anxiety disorders, it can be important to realize the difference between helpful and unhelpful anxiety. “I’ll often use the metaphor of an overactive fire alarm — sometimes they go off when there actually isn’t a fire,” she explains. “Treatment is about recalibrating our anxiety alarms so that we’re listening to our anxiety in dangerous situations, and also learning when anxiety isn’t helpful and ways to manage this.” 

    • 2. Don’t avoid things just because they make a child anxious.

      • Helping children avoid the things they are afraid of will make them feel better in the short term, but it reinforces the anxiety over the long run. 

      • A lot of caring parents can think that helping children to avoid their fears is helpful, because we see the reduction in anxiety in the short term. But what this does is send the message to kids that they can’t handle this situation, that they need to continue to avoid it. “The message we want to send is that this is something we know they’re brave enough to handle, even if it feels scary,” Berman says.  

    • 3. Express positive — but realistic — expectations.

      • Don’t promise a child that what they fear won’t happen — that you know they won’t fail the test — but do express confidence that they’ll be able to manage whatever happens. 

      • Anxiety is at its core about a difficulty tolerating uncertainty. “When we promise kids that their fear won’t happen, we’re giving them a false sense of certainty, which is not only potentially untrue, it also feeds the anxiety,” Berman adds. “Instead, we want to send the message that they can handle the situation, no matter what happens.” 

    • 4. Respect their feelings but don’t empower them.

      • Validating feelings doesn’t mean agreeing with them. So if a child is terrified about going to the doctor, do listen and be empathetic, but encourage them to feel that they can face their fears. 

      • Berman suggests saying: “I know you feel scared to go to the doctor, AND I know that you can handle this.” This validates their feeling of fear, but also inspires a sense of confidence in their ability to be brave.  

    • 5. Don’t ask leading questions.

      • Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, but try not to ask leading questions — “Are you anxious about the big test?” Instead, ask open-ended questions: “How are you feeling about the science fair?” 

      • Open-ended questions help kids to reflect on their own emotional experience, which is an important part of managing anxiety. Anxiety often shows up in some specific situations but not others, so it’s important to not make assumptions about a child’s emotions, but instead let them tap into that understanding and share information about how they feel. 


Celebrations

  • New York City Public Schools Calendar 2025-2026: Please bookmark this year’s school calendar, which includes information on school events and vacations throughout the year! Scroll down to view and/or print translations in your preferred language.

    • Please mark your calendar with upcoming events, holidays and school closures:

      • Thursday, May 7: Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences (Parent meetings/Teacher office hours) for Elementary schools

      • Monday, May 25: Memorial Day, schools CLOSED

        • School resumes Tuesday, May 26 at 8:00 AM. Be sure your child attends to enjoy a day full of FUN sponsored by P.S. 120 & PTA.

      • Wednesday, May 27: Eid al-Adha, schools CLOSED

        • School resumes Thursday, May 28 at 8:00 AM

      • Thursday, June 4: Anniversary Day/Chancellor's Conference Day for staff development; students do not attend

      • Friday, June 5: Clerical Day; students do not attend

        • School resumes Monday, June 8 at 8:00 AM