
Welcome
Dear Rocco Laurie Families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! I hope you and your children have had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to an exciting year of learning, growth, and success here at Police Officer Rocco Laurie Intermediate School 72.
My name is Rose Leone, and I am honored to serve as your Parent Coordinator. I am here to support our families, help strengthen the connection between home and school, and ensure that all parents and guardians feel informed, empowered, and engaged in our school community. Please know that when I say I am here for you, I mean it with the utmost sincerity. My door is always open, and I am fully committed to supporting you and your child throughout their time here.
A major part of ensuring your child's success is staying informed. Our school relies heavily on Operoo, NYCSA (NYC Schools Account), and Google Classroom to share critical updates, progress reports, grades, trip information, events, and school news. Getting connected to these platforms is absolutely essential, as they are our primary ways to communicate important information with you.
To help you navigate these tools, I host a monthly workshop called "Tech Tuesday". This is a dedicated, hands-on space specifically designed for parents who need technology support. I will guide you step-by-step through each platform so you can confidently stay updated on your child's education. Please look out for our upcoming school calendar and monthly flyers for specific dates and times.
I encourage you to reach out whenever you have questions, need assistance, or would simply like to learn more about the resources available to you and your family. Building strong partnerships between families and schools plays an important role in student success, and I look forward to working together throughout the year.
We are very excited to invite you to use our very user friendly school website: www.is72.org. It is another way to stay connected. Here is what you can do in just a few clicks: Translate the entire site into any language with one click! Access the school calendar, upcoming events, and sports schedules. Access essential portals quickly: Operoo (Forms & Flows), NYCSA, and Google Classroom. Check bus stops and connect directly to the School Bus App. Report an absence, all programs and sports information and their schedules, email our amazing staff and much more.
Please be on the lookout for upcoming communications regarding parent engagement events, workshops, family activities, and school updates. We have many exciting events planned throughout the year, and I hope you will join us whenever possible.
Whether you are new to our school or a returning family, know that you are a valued part of the I.S. 72 community. I look forward to meeting, connecting, and partnering with each of you.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and successful school year!
Rose Leone
ext. 1782
Dear Rocco Laurie Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year. If you would like your child to receive a device this year, please fill out the survey below so that we may begin to hand out the technology early in the school year. If you have questions or concerns, please email Mr. Primm at jsilvermanprimm@schools.nyc.gov As always, if needed, you may also email Mr. Whitford at dwhitfo@schools.nyc.gov.
Please know that once we loan you a device your family is responsible for that loaner for the entire year until we collect it in June.
Thank you and have a great year.
Mr. Dennis Whitford
Assistant Principal of Operations and Discipline
When the summer heats up, families need ways to cool down. Sure, you can hide out in the air conditioning all day long, but where’s the fun in that? With a plethora of pools, beaches, and sprinkler parks across the Island, Staten Islanders do not need to travel far for relief on a hot day. So grab your swimsuits and head out for some fun in the sun! Below you will find a comprehensive list of free outdoor pools, sandy beaches, and parks with sprinkler systems in our area where your family can have a splashing good time, all summer long!
Holton Ave., Chisolm St., Luten Ave., Arbutus Ave. and Raritan Bay
The "Start Here" Portals — If you aren't sure what you qualify for, these two websites act as a "front door" for almost all aid:
These centers are co-designed by the community and offer everything from emergency food and clothing to help with job applications and childcare.
Bronx H.Y.P.E. (Mott Haven)
O.U.R. Place (Hunts Point)
109 Bruckner Blvd; (347) 483-9463
940 Garrison Ave; (718) 618-5559
The Yard (East Flatbush)
Bushwick H.O.P.E. (Bushwick)
3521 Church Ave; (718) 414-1222
959 Madison St; (718) 497-6090
Community Connection (Jamaica)
Astoria Love (Astoria)
203-12 Linden Blvd; (917) 979-4517
31-18 31st St (2nd Fl); (347) 396-5531
SNAP (Food Stamps): Monthly benefits to buy groceries.
Food Help NYC Map: Interactive map to find nearest food pantries and community kitchens.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Special support for pregnant women and children under 5.
City Harvest: A massive food rescue organization helping feed families across the five boroughs.
Homebase: Emergency grants and legal help to prevent families from losing their homes.
PATH: Intake center for families with children needing emergency shelter (151 East 151st St, Bronx).
NYC Housing Connect: Portal to apply for affordable housing lotteries.
Temporary Assistance (Cash Assistance): Help for those who cannot work or have very low income.
One Shot Deal: A one-time emergency grant for unexpected expenses (rent, utility bill, etc.).
Empire State Child Credit: A tax credit for low-to-moderate-income families with children.
Catholic Charities of New York: Help with food, housing, and immigration.
United Way of NYC: Focuses on education, health, and financial stability.
Coalition for the Homeless: Direct crisis intervention and advocacy for families.
The Salvation Army (Greater NY): Community centers, shelters, and emergency food.
Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC (1466 Manor Road) — This is one of the borough's most advanced hubs. They use a Digital Kosher Food Pantry (via the Market by Met Council app) where you can "shop" online for what you need and set a pickup time.
Contact: 718-475-5245 or email amartinez@sijcc.com
St. Teresa's Food Pantry (1634 Victory Blvd) — They operate on the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month (following the first Sunday).
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri, 10 AM – 2 PM.
Contact: 718-442-5412
Jacob's Well (1616 Richmond Ave) — Located in the Our Lady of Pity gym.
Hours: Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
The "Baby Bin" at St. Teresa (1634 Victory Blvd) — Specifically for mothers and young children. They provide diapers, wipes, formula, and gently used clothing (up to 4T).
Cross Road Foundation (482 Manor Road) — If you are expecting or have an infant, they provide "layettes" (newborn kits), strollers, and clothing. Call 718-556-3474 for an appointment.
The Jewish Board (1765 South Ave) — They offer the Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS). If your kids are struggling with the stress of your current situation, they provide at-home counseling and peer advocates for parents.
While the physical offices for free legal aid are located at St. George (10301), they serve all 10314 residents:
Legal Services NYC (Staten Island): Best for housing issues, evictions, or domestic matters.
Call: 718-233-6480 or their citywide access line at 917-661-4500
The Legal Aid Society: 60 Bay Street. Best for criminal or immigration matters.
Call: 347-422-5333
One-Shot Deal (HRA): If you have a specific emergency (e.g., you're about to lose your power or have an eviction notice), apply for a "One-Shot Deal" through the ACCESS HRA app. You can also visit the Richmond Center at 201 Bay Street for in-person help.
The #1 Tool: The Plentiful App — The standard for NYC in 2026. Find the closest pantry and reserve a specific time to pick up groceries. Download "Plentiful" on your phone or text "FOOD" to 726-879. It supports 9 languages and helps you avoid crowds.
City-Wide Food Maps (Real-Time)
POTS (Part of the Solution)
NY Common Pantry (Bronx)
2759 Webster Ave; (718) 220-4892
1290 Hoe Ave; (917) 982-2564
The Campaign Against Hunger
St. John's Bread & Life
2010 Fulton St; (718) 773-3551
795 Lexington Ave; (718) 574-0058
NY Common Pantry
West Side Campaign Against Hunger
8 East 109th St; (917) 720-9700
263 West 86th St; (212) 362-3662
La Jornada
Astoria Food Pantry
133-36 37th Ave (Flushing); (917) 880-5693
25-82 Steinway St; info@astoriafoodpantry.com
Project Hospitality
CHASI Community Pantry
514 Bay St; (718) 815-0800
2134 Richmond Terrace; (718) 808-1840
City Harvest runs "Mobile Markets" that distribute free, fresh produce in specific neighborhoods twice a month. These are outdoors and open to the public:
The North Shore has the highest density of hot meal sites reachable from zip code 10314.
211 Canal St
Thursdays: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
1295 Forest Ave
Mon, Wed, Fri: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
309 St. Paul's Ave
Saturdays: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
1546 Castleton Ave
Thurs & Sat: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM (Breakfast)
1331 Bay St
Sundays: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Manhattan
The Bronx
Brooklyn
Queens
Mobile Soup Kitchens (The "Soup Van")
The Grand Central Food Program (Coalition for the Homeless) runs vans that stop at the same NYC spots every single night, 365 days a year — hot soup, bread, and fruit.
Pro-Tip — Community Fridges: Staten Island has several Community Fridges (colorful refrigerators on the sidewalk) stocked by neighbors 24/7.
Check the NYC Community Fridge Map for one near 10314.
Download the prevention services flier for information about services available in your community.
Download Prevention Services Flier PDF →Download the Playbook for Parents of Teens — resources for talking to your teen about substance use during Red Ribbon Week and beyond.
Download Parent Playbook PDF →Resources for immigrant families and those seeking asylum in New York City.
NYC Open Arms — Families Seeking Asylum PDF →Operoo: operoo.com
NYCSA (NYC Schools Account): schoolsaccount.nyc
NYCSA School Bus Transportation App: Bus Eligibility Info
Library/Alliance WiFi: nycgo.com — Internet Access in NYC
LinkNYC WiFi: nycgo.com — WiFi in NYC
Carrier WiFi: List of providers offering free WiFi
A healthy school setting gives all students the best chance to learn and grow. Vaccines are very important to this effort. They protect children from getting and spreading diseases that can make them very sick. For this reason, we require children aged 2-months to 18-years-old who are entering or attending child care, public school, or private school be vaccinated against certain diseases.
Please click on the link below to visit the NYC DOE website for Immunization Requirements.
NYU/Steinhardt offers Nest families the ASD Nest Support Project Family e-newsletter. With funding from the NYC DOE, this e-newsletter provides:
Navigating the Transition
Digital Parenting & Safety
Emotional & Mental Health SupportEmotional & Mental Health Support
Academic Advocacy & Future Planning
Today begins National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) – started by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it inspires meaningful conversations around youth substance use. We are honored to partner with NIDA to share facts around topics that are often steeped in misinformation and stigma.
The majority of people who reach out to our helpline are concerned about marijuana. Today, we are answering some important questions related to the substance itself and how to talk to young people in your life about marijuana.
Why is it important for parents to be informed about marijuana?
Nearly 30% of people who use it have a mild, moderate or severe form of marijuana use disorder.
What are the risks of my child using marijuana?
How do I talk to my child about marijuana?