In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're sharing the story of Anna May Wong, Hollywood’s first-ever Chinese American movie star, who captivated audiences, earned critical acclaim for her performances, and dared to break free of Hollywood’s early to mid-twentieth century typecasting practices for nonwhite actors.
The Month Ahead (May 2024)
With the last full month of the 2023–24 school year upon us, take a look at what's happening in NYC Public Schools in May 2024! Highlights include our month-long heritage celebrations for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Jewish Americans, as well as Teacher Appreciation Week, parent-teacher conferences, State exams, and Memorial Day.
Deadline for the G&T Application (Grades 1–4) Extended to May 10
The deadline of the Gifted and Talented (G&T) application for children entering grades 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the 2024–2025 school year has been extended to Friday, May 10, 2024! If your child is eligible and you're interested in applying, submit your child's G&T application today.
Books of the Week
Did you know April was National Poetry Month? We’re celebrating by sharing some of our favorite poetry books and novels in verse across all grade levels this week. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
Early Readers (3K–Grade 2)
- Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem, by Amanda Gorman; illustrated by Loren Long
- How to Write a Poem, by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido; illustrated by Melissa Sweet
- Kiyoshi’s Walk, by Mark Karlins; illustrated by Nicole Wong
Elementary (Grades 3–5)
- The Color of My Words, by Lynn Joseph
- Land of the Cranes, by Aida Salazar
- Words With Wings, by Nikki Grimes
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- All He Knew, by Helen Frost
- Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson
- Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science, by Jeannine Atkins
Upper Grades (Grades 9–12)
- An Appetite for Miracles, by Laekan Zea Kemp
- The Poet X, by Elizabeth Acevedo
- Voices in the Air: Poems for Listeners, by Naomi Shihab Nye
For more great reads, check out the National Poetry Month Collection our citywide Digital Library which provides free access to hundreds of digital e-books and audiobooks for our students!
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SCHOOLS
Ready to Read: Literacy Resources for Families
NYC Reads is reshaping the way that we teach our students to read, but the learning doesn't have to stop at the classroom door! Whether it's a family book club or a phonics-based 20 questions game, you can bring the "science of reading" home by using any of our helpful resources that will help your children continue to develop their literacy skills, like:
- Reading Games
- Phonics, Vocabulary, and Storytelling Practice
- And more!
