Op-Ed | What to know to ensure your child succeeds as they head back to school | amNewYork

"Our public schools are the best of our city a place where children from every walk of life can get a world-class education. And from pre-K to our selective high schools and technical training programs, New York City students have every opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, with the quality of our teachers unmatched anywhere in this nation. As the largest school district in America, our young people deserve the best chance to fulfill their promise and potential no matter what school they attend."

"Early College Prep is the perfect example of what we're trying to do for our students and their families. It is a school that honors our students' rich backgrounds and histories, provides rigorous instruction, meets local needs, and prepares our students for the future. Students at HBCU Early College will get a head start on college with the opportunity to graduate with an associate's degree from a Historically Black College or University."

"This year will also see some big changes in our schools. Students will be required to put away their phones from bell to bell. We know that phones disrupt our concentration, interfere with actual in-person interactions, and negatively affect young peoples' mental health. Of course, we are not asking students to permanently give up their phones; that doesn't make sense in today's technology-driven world, and we know that parents need to stay in touch"

Students are returning to New York City public schools for the 2025-2026 year as families prepare supplies, backpacks, and reunions with friends. The city emphasizes its diverse, high-quality K–12 system from pre-K through selective high schools and technical training programs, highlighting outstanding teachers and broad opportunities. Continued investment aims to help every student fulfill their promise and potential regardless of school. HBCU Early College Prep in Queens offers rigorous instruction, cultural affirmation, and a pathway to an associate's degree from a Historically Black College or University. A bell-to-bell phone policy aims to protect concentration, in-person interaction, and student mental health while preserving parental contact.

Read at www.amny.com