8th Grade Information
Port Richmond HS Information Night
Port Richmond Shadowing
New Dorp HS Open House
Tottenville High School Open House
Moore Catholic HS Open House
Curtis High School Information Night
McKee High School Open House
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
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.
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Webinar ID: 940 1208 2547
-
Passcode: 12345
-
US: +16469313860
-
Conference Line: 99012616744#
-
Passcode: 123456#
Language Interpretation Lines:
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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
Wagner High School Information Night
Horizon High School Virtual Fair
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
High School Open Houses 2025- 2026
OPEN HOUSES: All dates & times are correct at the time of printing. Please call the school to confirm the day & time of the Open House as changes may occur.
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*CSI HIGH SCHOOL |
October 23, 2025 |
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4:00PM |
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CURTIS HIGH SCHOOL |
November 3, 2025 |
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6:00PM |
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GAYNOR McCOWAN HIGH SCHOOL |
October 14, 2025 |
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5:00PM |
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MICHAEL J. PETRIDES HIGH SCHOOL |
October 29, 2025 |
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5:00PM |
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NEW DORP HIGH SCHOOL |
October 22, 2025 |
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6:00PM |
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PORT RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL |
October 30, 2025 |
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6:00PM |
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RALPH R. McKEE HIGH SCHOOL |
October 9, 2025 |
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6:-00-8:30 |
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STATEN ISLAND TECH HIGH SCHOOL |
October 8, 2025 |
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5:00-8:00PM Register online |
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SUSAN WAGNER HIGH SCHOOL |
November 5, 2025 |
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6:00PM- 8:00 p.m. |
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TOTTENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL |
October 15, 2025 |
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5:00-8:00PM |
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ST. JOSEPH BY-THE-SEA HIGH SCHOOL |
October 26, 2025 |
BOYS ONLY |
1:00-4:00PM Register online |
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St. JOSEPH-BY-THE-SEA HIGH SCHOOL |
October 19, 2025 |
GIRLS ONLY |
1:00-4:00PM Register online |
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ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY |
October 26, 2025 |
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11:30-2:30PM |
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MONSIGNOR FARRELL HIGH SCHOOL |
October 19, 2025 |
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10:00-2:00PM Register online |
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MOORE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL |
October 4, 2025 |
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12:00-3:00PM Register online |
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NOTRE DAME ACADEMY |
September 28, 2025 |
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10:00-2:00PM Register online |
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ST.PETER’S HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS |
November 2, 2025 |
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12:00-2:30PM |
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XAVERIAN HIGH SCHOOL |
October 19, 2025 |
Coed |
10:00-2:00PM Register online |
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FONTBONNE HALL ACADEMY |
October 18, 2025 |
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12:30-3:30PM Register online |
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STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY |
October 25, 2025
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9:00am-12:00pm |
*** Students wishing to attend C.S.I. High School & Gaynor McCowan must attend the open house session if they wish to be considered.