Dear Colleagues,
I’m thrilled to welcome you to the 2023-24 school year! I hope you will take a couple of minutes to view this message on video and enjoy some wonderful images of our students in action!
Whether you are an educator, a staff member in our schools or offices, or a parent of a New York City public school student, what you do each day makes a difference in the lives of our children and their families. Thank you for your hard work over the summer to set our kids up for a year of strong academics, enriching sports and arts programs, healthy school meals, and so much more.
And thank you for sharing my mission: to offer every child a bright start…and a clear pathway to a bold future. Whether that is higher education or a career, together we will prepare our students for their next steps after high school.
For me, nothing compares to September and the first exhilarating week of classes—when I get to visit schools throughout the five boroughs, meet families, and welcome students and teachers back. When I get to see the hope and promise in children’s faces and feel that familiar nervous energy that charges the air with electricity. When I get to watch students tap into their curiosity and creativity, and experience awesome “aha” moments as they challenge themselves academically. When I get to see children’s brilliance and unique abilities, knowing that their families and teachers will inspire them to reach even greater heights with each passing day.
September is just the start but let us ride its energy, use it as the wind in our sails, and commit to making this a truly exceptional school year. You can help families get a great start by referring them to schools.nyc.gov/bts2023 for important information and updates about academic policies, health and safety protocols, and more. Additionally, they can download a printable Back to School checklist at schools.nyc.gov/btschecklist.
Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for choosing a New York City public school for your own children. I’m very excited about all the great things we’ll accomplish together this year!
Soaring high,
David C. Banks
Chancellor