A Message from Mrs. Paz, Principal

School Year 2024-2025

Welcome families of PS/MS 232!

I am excited that we get to spend yet another year together in a space that we all call "Our Home Away from Home". As we navigate each and every day, our students are always placed in the forefront of all things. Our main focus is to always support their personal and academic growth and working in partnership with you.

This year brings a variety of change! From the aesthetic of the building to the curriculum used to support our student's knowledge based, we are excited to share the following changes:

• All students in grade K-8 will be using the HMH Into Reading/Into Literature program to support their reading and writing development. We encourage you to have your children read at home each and every night.
• Our Math program continues to be structured around the Envisions program in grades K-5 with our Middle School students engaging in a selection of GoMath, Eureka and EngageNY modules. Our teachers plan and prepare around the needs of all students to ensure that they are reaching their potential and beyond.
• This year, all of our 8th grade students will be taking the Regents exam in Algebra I and Earth Science. In previous years, only students who were in the honors class were allowed to prepare and take this advanced class. Now, all students will be able to work towards High School credits while at PS/MS232.
• In an effort to support our student's navigating on this rigorous academic journey, we are adding additional teachers to reduce the student:teacher ratio and providing students with a more personal support while in class. We believe this added step during class, will close the achievement gap and build student confidence in Math and Science at the 8th grade level.
• We understand that transitioning to Middle School is a big milestone even for students who have been at our school for many years. For this reason, we have added an SEL/Advisory (Social Emotion Learning) class to support students with navigating this new world. Whether it is organization, working through peer relationships or learning about advocating for themselves, this class focuses solely on our 6th grade students, providing them tools that will support their transition.
• In addition to daily differentiation that teachers plan for, students in grades 6 and 7 participate in an enrichment period. Here, they are able to build on their Math and Reading skills using the support of both their teacher and a computer program that personalizes their learning track.
• We understand that academics is a super important part of every student's life but just as important are classes that encourage students to take part in other content that allows them to showcase or learn about their talents. Students continue to have Art, Drama and Computer Science as part of their program depending on their grade. This year, our 8th grade students have also been provided with an Elective course where they can choose a pathway either in Drama, Dance and/or Computer Science.

We are so excited to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year and as always, look forward to working in partnership with you!

Naviha Ponce-Paz
Principal
PS232 The Lindenwood School
153-23 83rd Street
Howard Beach, NY 11414
T. (718) 848-9247
nponcepaz@schools.nyc.gov