Principal's Message
Principal's Message
School Year 2026-2027
Welcome Back P.S. 223 Students and Families,
I am so excited to welcome you all back. Our doors will open to all of you on September 10, 2026. Last year was an amazing year for our students' staff and families. We focused on the Science of Reading, Multitiered Systems of Support schoolwide, strengthening students' fluency in Math, and building students' content knowledge in literacy. As a result, we made academic progress schoolwide in both literacy and math, with grades 3-5 showing 12% improvements on the NYS math exam. Closing the achievement gap was our top priority, while still providing students with opportunities to get involved in sports, the arts, leadership, and wellness activities. At 223, we focus on the “Whole Child,” by making sure that all of their academic and social emotional needs are met. Last year, we refined our SEL structures as we built upon our MUSH program, which highlighted students who were Making Good Choices, Using Kind Language, Showing Responsibility, Helping Themselves and Others Stay Safe. We had a remarkable 2025-2026 school year!
We will continue to build on the work we focused on last year around the science of reading, fluency in math, strengthening core instruction through data informed instructional practices, using MTSS to close the achievement gap and partnering with our families. This school year, we have adopted the IReady math curriculum. Through our soft launch in May, we were able to identify areas of focus for this year and areas of celebration. This year we will focus on data informed grouping, tiered instruction, and increasing student engagement and discourse across content areas. We understand that every child is unique and their needs are different. We have adapted our MTSS structures to ensure that all students are getting the support they need to make academic progress.
Last year, all students had the opportunity to participate in Civics for All. This year all students will be exposed to the Black Studies Curriculum. We are expanding our arts program through our partnership with Midori and Friends, which will provide violin instruction to our students. My vision for this school community is that every student is exposed to STEAM so that they are equipped to lead the technologically advanced world that we live in. Our students in grades 3-5 are growing fruits and vegetables in our Hydroponic Lab and have opportunities to integrate them into their diet. It starts now with developing healthy habits, PS223 is committed to maintaining an environment where our students and family's wellness are prioritized. Get ready for our “Family Wellness Afternoons.” throughout the school year with our first being our “Light it Up Pink Walk,” in October.
As the Principal of P.S. 223, it is my goal to ensure that every child receives a positive educational experience. My focus is to bridge the gap between school and home. Families are partners here! The entire staff is committed to engaging, educating, enriching, and empowering every student. We want all students to make academic progress and with your support we can do this! The key to our students’ success is dependent on the collaboration of school staff and families. A strong partnership with families is essential for our students to thrive!
We will have our in person “Back to School Night,” on September 30th at 4:00 pm, we hope that you will join us. This year we will be communicating with you through the Next Generation Student Information System (NGSIS), email, Twitter, Google, Instagram, Facebook, Class Dojo, phone calls and our school website. Please ensure that all of your contact information is up to date. My goal is to keep you involved so that you can be a part of your child’s learning experience. When we work together, we accomplish more!
I look forward to a successful school year and our continued partnership. I am just a phone call and email away. Feel free to reach out to me to share ideas, concerns, or questions.
With Purpose and Excellence,
Principal, Tekesha Babb
Gray Fellow 22-23
Cahn Fellow 24-25
“Learn, Lead, Care, Together”
