8th Grade Information
Graduation Picture Day
Senior T- Shirt Tradition
Attention All Seniors!
It has become a tradition at I.S. 72 for 8th grade students to design the senior t-shirt. We are looking for talented artists, graphic designers, and budding fashion designers. We need your help to design a shirt that is a testament to who we are as the Graduating Class of 2026. Our theme and class slogan this year is:
“Class of 2026 - The Climb to Success”
If you are interested in submitting a design for our shirt, please read the directions below. All designs must be submitted by March 13, 2026 to dmovsesian@schools.nyc.gov. Please email your completed design, either by attaching a picture of it or by scanning it. If you would like to submit a paper copy, please give it to Ms. Movsesian. If your design is chosen, we will require the original artwork.
Directions: Create a t-shirt design to represent the graduating Class of 2026. You may create the design on your computer or by hand (drawing).
Requirements:
- The design must be on regular sized computer paper (8½ x 11). Two separate designs are required, one for the front of the shirt and one for the back. Please label each submitted design.
- The design must be clear and should take up the entire sheet of paper.
- There should be no more than two colors on your shirt design (for example, if we were doing a gray or white shirt we would use orange and blue as the design colors).
- Think about the graduating class of 2026 and what items and/or symbols are representative of this school year, the students, and graduation.
- Your design must include the following:
- The Police Officer Rocco Laurie Intermediate School Class of 2026 (on front of shirt)
- Class slogan: “The Climb to Success” (somewhere on the shirt)
- School mascot (bulldog)
- #BulldogSTRONG (somewhere on the shirt)
- RESPECT, LOYALTY, SERVICE
If you have any questions please email Ms. Movsesian at dmovsesian@schools.nyc.gov or Ms.Treglia at jtregli@schools.nyc.gov. Following this memo are a few examples from past years.
We look forward to seeing all the wonderful designs!
#BulldogSTRONG,
Ms. Movsesian, 8th Grade Assistant Principal
EXAMPLES OF THE FRONT OF T-SHIRT
EXAMPLES OF THE BACK OF T-SHIRT
Senior Dues Class of 2026
Senior Bulletin #1
Dear Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2026:
It’s hard to believe it was three years ago that your child began the intermediate school experience at I.S. 72. This June, we will have approximately 550 students graduate and go on to high school. Our graduation ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. and will be held at Wagner College, 1 Campus Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301, in the gymnasium.
There are certain expenses incurred by the graduating class that cannot be covered by the school. It is customary that these expenses are the responsibility of the graduates and their families. We are therefore informing you that senior dues this year will be $110.00 per graduate. Listed below you will find the items covered by senior dues:
- Rental of Wagner College facilities
- Diploma and diploma case
- Graduation cap and gown (to be kept by the graduate). Graduation caps MAY NOT be decorated.
- The Class of 2026 yearbook (hardcover edition with color pages)
- Senior class t-shirt (worn on the senior trip & Bye Bye Bulldogs yearbook signing)
- Senior digital video download (emailed to 8th grade families after graduation)
- 2 guest tickets per student to attend the graduation ceremony (the graduate does not need a ticket)
We ask that all payments for senior dues are made via Operoo. If you have any issues with Operoo, please contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Leone, for assistance (RLeone2@schools.nyc.gov). Payments will be accepted from January 10, 2026 through May 18, 2026. If you have any questions regarding the dues, or may be experiencing a hardship with payment, please feel free to email DMovsesian@schools.nyc.gov for guidance.
As senior events are a privilege and not a right, please be aware that any 8th grade student who does not abide by the Department Of Education Discipline Code may be excluded from the graduation ceremony and/or other senior activities (such as the senior trip and senior dance) so long as the parents/guardians have been notified in advance. This notice will serve that purpose. The senior dance and senior trip are by invitation only, and there will be a separate cost for both. These events are intended to celebrate those students who have worked hard and maintain our core values of being #BulldogSTRONG in the I.S.72 community on a daily basis. Invitations for the senior dance and/or senior trip will not be issued until senior dues are paid. Invitations will be sent via Operoo.
Due to the large number of graduates, extra ticket requests should be emailed ASAP to Ms. Movsesian
(DMovsesian@schools.nyc.gov). If you are granted an extra ticket it will be confirmed via email and packaged with your tickets come distribution in June. Tickets will be granted on a first come, first served basis. If you are bringing a child or baby that can fit on your lap, a ticket will not be required for the child. No strollers are allowed into the gymnasium for the ceremony. We are only able to accommodate one extra ticket per request for a total of three tickets maximum. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Important dates to know:
Laurie’s Leaders Ceremony- 9 a.m. February 25, 2026
Spring Musical : Beauty & The Beast Jr. 6p.m. March 24, 2026
Spring Musical : Beauty & The Beast Jr. 6p.m. March 26, 2026
NYC ELA Gr. 8 Exam - Day 1 April 16, 2026
NYC ELA Gr. 8 Exam - Day 2 April 17, 2026
NYC Math Exam - Day 1 April 30, 2026
NYC Math Exam - Day 2 May 1, 2026
Arista Ceremony May 8, 2026 (9:00am)
8th Grade Science Exam May 12, 2026
NYSESLAT (specific students) Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 May 13- 15, 2026
7th Grade Spring Performing Arts Showcase May 20, 2026- 6:00p.m.
8th Grade Spring Performing Arts Showcase & Arts Show May 28, 2026- 6:00p.m.
Chancellor’s Conference Day - School Closed June 4, 2026
No School (clerical day) June 5, 2026
8th Grade Dance (invitation only) 5-8 p.m. (Hilton Garden Inn) June 10, 2026
Senior Trip to Dorney Park (invitation only) 8:10-5:30p.m. June 15, 2026
8th Grade Awards Night (invitation only) June 16, 2025
Algebra I Regents (honors classes) 9:15 a.m. June 17, 2026
Earth & Space Sciences Regents ( honors classes) 11:00 a.m. June 18, 2026
Juneteenth- School Closed June 19, 2026
Spanish Proficiency Exam (specific students) 9:15 a.m. June 22, 2065
U.S. History Regents (honors classes) 9:15 a.m. June 23, 2026
Bye Bye Bulldogs- yearbook distribution & signing (pd. 7 & 8) June 24, 2026
Graduation Ceremony 9 a.m. (Wagner College) June 25, 2026
Last Day of School- diploma and report card distribution June 26, 2025
Throughout our years together your cooperation, support, and understanding have been appreciated. We feel confident that our final year together will be with the same spirit of unity. If you have any questions regarding the information in this bulletin, please contact the 8th grade Assistant Principal (Ms. Movsesian) at DMovsesian@schools.nyc.gov .
Sincerely,
Danielle Movsesian
Danielle Movsesian
8th Grade Assistant Principal
Senior Ring/Apparel
Dear 8th Grade Families,
Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! This year is a very important milestone for our students as they begin their final year at I.S. 72. Together, we look forward to making it both meaningful and successful.
Please be sure to stay active on OPEROO, as many opportunities, important information, and payment details will be shared through the platform throughout the year. Staying connected will ensure your child doesn’t miss out on the exciting activities and events planned.
Our theme for this school year is: “The Climb to Success.” We are committed to working together to help all of our students reach their goals and prepare for the next chapter in their academic journey.
As part of celebrating the Class of 2026, we are excited to open our Senior Spiritwear Store, featuring shirts designed exclusively for our 8th grade students. The online store will remain open until November 9, 2025. Please note that purchasing spirit wear is completely optional. Please use the link below to place your orders. www.smoothusa.com/is72si-senior. All orders will be distributed in school.
Throughout the year, we will have additional in-school events to help prepare for graduation. Please note the following important date:
- November 14, 2025 – We will host cap and gown measurements for all students. This does not require parents or students to do anything in advance. All students should be present in school for the day.
- On the same day, students will also have the optional opportunity to purchase a Senior Ring. Brochures and order forms are attached to this letter, and students will also receive copies in school to bring home. If you would like to purchase a senior ring, please send the completed order form and payment with your child on November 14, 2025. Students who are interested will be measured for a ring that day.
Later in the year, you will receive additional information regarding baby pictures and booster ads for the yearbook, payment of senior dues, the graduation ceremony date , and other 8th grade events and invitations.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration as we work together to make this a successful and memorable year for the Class of 2026.
With Bulldog Strong Pride,
Ms. Movsesian
8th Grade Assistant Principal
Yearbook Boosters Due December 19, 2025
Dear Families of the Class of 2026:
One of the opportunities to celebrate your child’s graduation from I.S. 72 is via a booster in your child’s yearbook! If you are interested in placing a booster in the yearbook, please see the information below.
Yearbook Boosters
We are now collecting BOOSTERS for our 8th grade yearbook. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, guardians, siblings, friends, teachers, and administrators use boosters to send short, positive messages which are published in the yearbook. Students always enjoy finding a message written especially for them. Boosters can be no longer than 150 characters (including punctuation, symbols, and spaces). Note: There is no need to include the graduate's name since the name will appear above the booster message(s). Each family can purchase an unlimited amount of boosters for their child. Each Booster message will cost $20.00 per Booster, payable via Operoo. If your family would like to submit more than 1 Booster, please ensure you pay the appropriate payment per Booster. Boosters are due by December 19, 2025.
What does a Booster look like ?
Please see several samples below of what a booster message may look like :
Jane Doe
Congratulations Jane! Keep your cool imagination and creativity. Have fun in High School.
Love Mike, Ali, Grandma and Grandpa
John Smith
From the time you were born, we knew you would be special. Everyday you are proving us right. Always believe in yourself and reach for the stars. We love you, Mom & Dad
How do I pay for and submit my Booster message?
1- Please ensure you make your $20.00 payment fee per Booster message on OPEROO. You can find this payment form in the email (If there are any issues with Operoo, please contact Stephanie Montanez at Smontanez2@schools.nyc.gov )
2- Once payment is made, please click on the link below and fill out the information in the google form for each booster you are submitting. Operoo will only allow you to access the form once. You have a drop down option to purchase more than one Booster if needed.
BOOSTER FORM https://forms.gle/zc5iTiNFxdPJYVEdA
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to Ms. Bianco at GBianco3@schools.nyc.gov .
Thank you,
Ms. Movsesian, 8th Grade Assistant Principal
Ms. Bianco, 8th Grade Yearbook Booster Coordinator
#BulldogSTRONG
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION SESSIONS 25-26
Dear 8th Grade Families,
The Office of High School Enrollment has planned virtual information sessions about high school admissions in New York City! During these sessions, High School Enrollment will explore high schools and programs, building a balanced application, how to register for the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), how to audition for arts programs, and how offers are made. After each presentation, they will respond to your questions.
The first event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
- Join on Zoom at the event’s start time by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2025FallHSEvents.
- Webinar ID: 940 1208 2547
- Passcode: 12345
For phone audio:
- US: +16469313860
- Conference Line: 99012616744#
- Passcode: 123456#
Resources available NOW!
- Visit schools.nyc.gov/High and schools.nyc.gov/SHS to get the latest information and watch our video series to learn how to participate in high school admissions. For in-depth information, read last year's digital High School and Specialized High Schools Admissions Guide. Please note that some resources and information will be updated this fall to reflect any changes for 2025 admissions.
- Start exploring high school program options in the MySchools.nyc high school directory. You don’t need to log in or create an account to use the online directory!
- Sign up for email updates on High School Admissions: schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
Please continue to check schools.nyc.gov/High and schools.nyc.gov/SHS for updates.
#Bulldog STRONG,
Ms.Movsesian, Assistant Principal
Ms.Iburg, Coordinator of Student Activities
HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSIONS WELCOME LETTER 2025
Dear 8th Grade Families,
Welcome to the Class of 2026! Ms. Movsesian and Ms. Iburg will be working with you this year to guide you through the High School admissions process. Each student will receive a letter from the High School Enrollment Office in the mail with a code to create a MySchools account at NYC MySchools.
Please begin to familiarize yourself with the High School application process. The following is important High School information so kindly take the time to carefully read through all categories. If you have any questions, please email Ms.Iburg at Miburg@schools.nyc.gov. Every email should include your child' s full name and class in the subject line.
Important Dates:
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Tuesday, October 7, 2025: High School application, LaGuardia application, and Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) registration opens
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Friday, October 31, 2025: SHSAT registration closes
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Wednesday, November 12, 2025: SHSAT administration
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Wednesday, December 3, 2025: High School and LaGuardia applications close
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March 2026: High School offer release
*Please note these dates are subject to change. We’ll be in constant communication about admissions once we receive updates from High School Enrollment.
SHSAT UPDATE
Today, we have updates for students interested in applying to any of the eight Specialized High Schools. Students apply to these schools by registering for and then taking the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). Offers are made based on each student’s SHSAT score, their school preferences, and seat availability. Here’s what families can do, and when:
● Prepare: Detailed information, sample tests, and information about testing accommodations are available on the NYC schools website.
● Register: Registration for the SHSAT will open October 7, 2025.
● Test: All registered students will take the SHSAT in November 2025. When specific test dates and other information become available, we will send updates.
TACHS TEST
If your child is planning to attend a Catholic High School, they must take the TACHS test for admission to a Catholic High School. The test date is November 7, 2025. You must register online at www.tachsinfo.com by October 29, 2025. The cost for the exam is $71.00. Your child must notify Ms. Iburg that they will be taking the test in order to account for their attendance. Enter your high school choices on tachsinfo.com. Your choices may be revised until November 5th. Failure to complete this information before November 5th will result in scores being unavailable to your high school choices.
If your child receives extended testing time, complete an eligibility form for students needing extended testing time. Send the documentation to your diocese along with a copy of the IEP, IESP, or 504. These forms must be emailed to the Archdiocese of New York by October 3,2025. Please email Carmen Leon at secondary.schools@adnyeducation.org by Friday October 3, 2025
Resources available NOW!
● Visit schools.nyc.gov/High and schools.nyc.gov/SHS to get the latest information and watch our video series to learn how to participate in high school admissions. For in-depth information, read last year's digital High School and Specialized High Schools Admissions Guide. Please note that some resources and information will be updated this fall to reflect any changes for 2025 admissions.
● Start exploring high school program options in the MySchools.nyc high school directory. You don’t need to log in or create an account to use the online directory!
● Sign up for email updates on High School Admissions: schools.nyc.gov/SignUp.
Please continue to check schools.nyc.gov/High and schools.nyc.gov/SHS for updates.
#Bulldog STRONG,
Ms.Movsesian, Assistant Principal
Ms.Iburg, Coordinator of Student Activities
SHSAT VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
Dear 8th Grade Families,
The Office of High School Enrollment has planned a virtual information session that will explore how to register for the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), the exam, and how offers are made. After the presentation, representatives from High School Enrollment will respond to your questions.
Date: 10/9/2025
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Public Zoom: https://bit.ly/2025FallHSEvents.
-
Webinar ID: 940 1208 2547
-
Passcode: 12345
-
US: +16469313860
-
Conference Line: 99012616744#
-
Passcode: 123456#
Language Interpretation Lines:
-
Arabic call in: +1 347-966-4114
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Phone Conference ID: 922 518 443#
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Bangla call in: +1 347-966-4114
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Phone Conference ID: 471 030 757#
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Russian call in: +1 347-966-4114
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Phone Conference ID: 476 034 381#
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Spanish call in: +1 347-966-4114
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Phone Conference ID: 682 163 489#
#Bulldog STRONG,
Ms.Movsesian, Assistant Principal
Ms.Iburg, Coordinator of Student Activities
TACHS EXAM INFORMATION 2025
Dear 8th Grade Parents/Guardians,
Please note if your child is planning to attend a Catholic High School, they must take the TACHS test to gain admission. The test will be administered this year on November 7, 2025. Please go to www.tachsinfo.com and register online by October 29, 2025. The cost for the exam is $71.00.
Please enter your high school choices on www.tachsinfo.com. Your choices may be revised until November 5th. Failure to complete this information before November 5th will result in scores being unavailable to your high school choices.
If your child receives extended testing time, please complete an eligibility form (also found on www.tachsinfo.com). Send the documentation to your diocese along with a copy of their IEP, IESP, or 504. These forms must be emailed to the Archdiocese of New York by October 3, 2025. Please email Carmen Leon at secondary.schools@adnyeducation.org by Friday October 3, 2025.
Your child must notify Ms. Iburg that they will be taking the test in order to account for their attendance.
Finally, be sure to fill out an applicant record and submit it to Ms.Iburg in room 159 by November 6, 2025.
Additional Resources:
https://tachsinfo.com:8443/pdf/ApplicantRecord.pdf?1697663143371
As always, if you have any questions, please email Ms. Iburg at MIburg@schools.nyc.gov.
BulldogSTRONG,
Ms.Iburg
Coordinator of Student Activities
Literary Day
Dear Class of 2026,
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, we will celebrate our annual Literary Character Day. Each student in the class of 2026, after a series of lessons planned by the 8th grade English Language Arts teachers, (and a culminating project) will have the opportunity to take on the persona of a famous character in literature. All information about the project and tasks that need to be completed will be discussed in your child’s ELA class.
In preparation for this event, the ELA teachers will familiarize their students with various literary figures. Your child, after choosing the character they would like to portray, will do the necessary research, become fully knowledgeable about their character of choice, and complete a performance task in ELA class. On Thursday, October 23rd, students that have completed the assignment will have the choice to come to school dressed as their approved character. Students should be prepared to discuss/present their character in a museum style gallery walk, inviting our 6th grade classes in for the day. Dressing up as a character is optional; the ELA task is not.
As a culminating activity, all students that have completed the assignment and character presentation will have the opportunity to take part in an outdoor “Literary Character Dance” during periods 7 and 8 in the schoolyard. Photographs of the students during the dance will be one of the highlights of the senior yearbook, so we encourage students to participate.
This salute to literature is an enjoyable event, and it is educationally worthwhile for all participants. This is a celebration of literary characters, not a Halloween activity. Please note that only characters who have been approved by their ELA teachers are acceptable.
Regarding costumes, please note the following: A mask alone does not constitute a costume, and full face masks covering the entire face and head are NOT allowed. The Chancellor’s Discipline Code, and the school dress code, remain in effect for this event. Which means: NO weapons (real or fake); any item/prop that students should not have in school are not permitted. Midriff shirts, short shorts/skirts, tube tops, etc. are not permitted. If a costume is short, we suggest wearing leggings or an additional shirt underneath the costume to ensure it remains appropriate attire for school. Students are permitted to wear a hat, wig, or use makeup/face paint if it applies to their chosen character. Be creative!
CHARACTERS AND COSTUMES MUST BE APPROVED BY THE ELA TEACHER
A student may participate as any acceptable and appropriately dressed literary character. The term “literary” has been broadened to include “encouraging literacy”(e.g. comic book characters, fairy tales), as long as the character started off book-related. If you’re unsure, submit the character for approval to your ELA teacher. The principal has final say whether the character is acceptable/appropriate. Inflatable blow up battery costumes are not permitted as they are a safety hazard within the school building.
Please check with your ELA teacher before purchasing or making a costume. If you have any questions regarding Literary Day please email your ELA teacher.
All students are expected to conduct themselves in a #BulldogSTRONG manner for this activity. Failure to comply with safety and school rules, policies and dress code may result in removal from the dance during period 7 and 8 on October 23, 2025.
If you would like your child to participate in the Literary Day dance celebration, please be sure to sign the permission slip in OPEROO so they are able to attend.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Movsesian
8th Grade Assistant Principal
Yearbook Cover Design
Attention 8th Grade Graduates: Calling All Artists…
Each year our yearbook cover is a representation of the graduating class. We are once again asking the graduates to design this year’s cover. Having a student design the yearbook cover is an honor and a testament to being a Bulldog!
When designing the yearbook cover, please be sure to follow the guidelines/requirements below. Please also take a look at some past examples of the yearbook for reference.
Guidelines/Requirements:
- Must be on a regular sized piece of white computer paper (8 ½ by 11)
- Should be clear and take up the entire sheet of paper
- Should be colorful and vibrant
- Be creative and have fun. The artwork can be designed using traditional paper and drawing techniques or can be done on the computer. Please make sure your name is included in your artwork.
- Your artwork must include the following:
- The Police Officer Rocco Laurie Intermediate School 72
- Class of 2026
- Our school mascot (bulldog)
- Our school motto: Respect, Loyalty, Service
- #BulldogSTRONG
- Use the theme listed below when designing your cover:
- The Climb to Success
- Volume: L
- 2025-2026
Once you have completed the artwork, please email Ms. Movsesian (Dmovsesian@schools.nyc.gov) and Ms.Treglia (JTregli@schools.nyc.gov) with your submission. Please keep all original artwork. The design is due by February 11, 2026. Here are some example of the covers, front and back, of past yearbooks:
25-26 Yearbook Cover - Google Docs.pdf