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Celebrating the Arts this Holiday Season
Dear New Yorkers,
We are in the midst of the holiday season. For many, this is the best month of the year, filled with warmth, happiness, and celebration. For others, it is a particularly difficult time, reminding us of loved ones we’ve lost or other hardships. No matter what this season means to you, I hope you find a sense of community and support here at New York City Public Schools.
One of the best ways we build community in our schools is through the arts. When students have a chance to perform and create, they become part of something larger than themselves.
These last few weeks, I’ve been fortunate enough to see the arts in action in so many of our schools, from holiday performances to end-of-year celebrations. I recently attended an incredible tribute to Tony Bennett, founder of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, where students and alumni sang, danced, and acted to the legendary singer’s music. I also paid a visit to Radio City Music Hall, where 50 dancers from DeWitt Clinton High School opened for the Rockettes! Our students’ talent is nothing short of showstopping.
I also have the good fortune of viewing student artwork every day. Our central office at Tweed Courthouse is currently home to 122 paintings and sculptures from students across all five boroughs, selected from over 1,200 submissions to our annual P.S. Art exhibition. Before they moved to Tweed, these winning pieces were displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art! The deadline for next year’s competition is February 2—teachers can submit their students’ artwork here.
I invite you to read our latest Arts in Schools Report and further explore our arts offerings on our website. And while summer is still months away, applications are open for our free, four-week Summer Arts Institute for students entering grades 8-12 next fall. Learn more here and apply by February 11.
As we approach the new year, I want to send my best wishes to all our students, staff, and families. The next PS + You will land in your inboxes in 2024!
Soaring high,
David C. Banks
Chancellor
Our Spotlight Video:
NYC Public Schools’ students from @nycallcitymusic made their @carnegiehall debut last Saturday alongside @thececiliachorusofnewyork for a… | Instagram
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