​Irwin Altman Middle School 172

News & Announcements

• Advanced Classes Offered to Students 2026-2027

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 6th and 7th Grade Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal, Dr. DeSimone:

   

  Dear MS 172 Family,

  We want to tell you about special advanced classes that will be offered at Irwin Altman Middle School 172 next school year. These classes can help your student learn more, build important skills and get ready for the future.

  Why Take Advanced Courses?

  Students in advanced classes: 

  · Learn harder and more interesting lessons.
  · Get better at thinking and solving problems.
  · Feel more confident about themselves.
  · Show they are ready for college.
  · May earn college credit before they finish high school.
  · May spend less time and money in college.

   

  Please see attached letter for further information regarding Advanced Courses including what Advanced Courses will be offered and criteria for Advanced Courses

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  • Letter to Families - Advanced Classes docx.pdf

  MS172Q

• We Will Resume testing tomorrow, Friday, May 1, 2026 and all students will begin Session Two of the NYS Math Exam (Charged Device & Charger)

  Good afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal, Dr. DeSimone:

   

  Dear M.S. 172 Family,
  As we shared earlier this week, on Wednesday, April 29, connectivity issues across New York State prevented many students from completing the Grades 3 – 8 State Mathematics exam as scheduled. Students who were able to log in and access the exam without incident completed the test; those who were unable to log in or who were kicked out after having done so were advised to complete the exam at a later date.

  We are happy to report that the State has assured us that the issue has been resolved and that testing can resume. Students whose testing experience was disrupted will resume testing where they left off; those who had trouble logging in will start at the beginning of the exam. The test is untimed, so all students will have as much time as they need within the school day to complete the exam. The administration window for makeup exams runs through May 15. As necessary, we will utilize this extended time to adjust our testing schedule in the interest of minimizing additional inconveniences to our school community. We will resume testing tomorrow, Friday, May 1, 2026 and all students will begin Session Two of their NYS Math Exam. As a result, our school will run on a Thursday schedule for the entire school day. Lastly, make-up tests will begin on Monday, May 4, 2026. 

  Thank you to you and your students for your patience during this time. We appreciate your flexibility. 

  Sincerely,

  Dr. Paul DeSimone
  Principal

  Please see attached for official letter.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  • Math Exam Update 4_30_26 docx(1).pdf

  MS172Q

• Fun With Flowers

  Good morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of The District Office:

  Stop and explore the roses! Join us to investigate and create a fun  craft while learning how plants make food. Discover the science  behind every bloom in this parent/child craft workshop!

  Fun with Flowers 

  Date: Wednesday, May 13

  Time: 6:15 pm - 7:30 pm

  Location: PS 133

  Details and registration link are on the flyer attached to this email.

   

  Please see attached flyer for further details.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  • FunWithFlowers.pdf

  MS172Q

• Jane’s Walk NYC 2026 🗓 May 1–May 3, 2026

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our PTA:

   

  Dear MS172 Families,

  The MS172 PTA is excited to share a community‑building opportunity that highlights student voice, civic engagement, and learning beyond the classroom.

  The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) is a nonprofit organization that has long uplifted the voices of New Yorkers in shaping conversations about the city’s built environment—helping create a more livable city from sidewalk to skyline. Since 2011, MAS has been the NYC organizer of Jane’s Walk, inspired by urban activist Jane Jacobs. What began as a small number of neighborhood walks has grown into an international organization whose NYC chapter offers hundreds of free, community‑led walking tours and activities across all five boroughs and online.

  📍 Jane’s Walk NYC 2026
  🗓 May 1–May 3, 2026

  This weekend, families and students are invited to participate in Jane’s Walk 2026, which offers free walking tours throughout New York City. These walks are a wonderful way for students to experience how academics—such as social studies, civics, history, geography, and urban planning—connect to real‑world impact, advocacy, and civic participation.

  🔗 Learn more and view the schedule here: https://janeswalk.org/

  Student Participation & School Connection

  The PTA and school encourage students to:

  • Attend any Jane’s Walk or similar SEL‑ and civics‑focused community event
  • Wear their Grizzly Gear to show school spirit 🐻💙💛
  • Take photos of themselves participating in these experiences

  Please note:

  • Photos may be featured in our “Learning Outside the Walls” video collage displayed in the main lobby
  • Participation may be used as the basis for optional extra‑credit assignments
  • Highlights may be shared with District 26 to showcase how MS 172 supports civic engagement and exposure to cultural institutions and nearby high schools
  • These activities may be eligible for merit points

  Students interested in learning more about credit or merit opportunities should speak directly with A.P. Nash for additional information.

  Thank you for supporting meaningful, real‑world learning and strengthening our school community. We hope many of our Grizzlies and families take part in this inspiring NYC civic event!

  Warm regards,
  MS 172 PTA
  in collaboration with Middle School 172

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Spring Health Fair

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of The District Office,

   

  Come and join Council Member Linda Lee's Spring Health Fair. 

  Saturday, May 30th, 12pm-3pm

  Alley Pond Park, 76th Avenue/Springfield Boulevard

   

  Please see attached flyer for further details.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• May 2026 NYCPS Family Update backpack letter.

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of The District Office:

   

  Please click on the link below for important upcoming information.

  Backpack May Family Update Letter:  May 2026 NYCPS Family Update backpack letter. 

  This month’s letter features important information about the 2026–27 school year calendar, Summer Rising offers, admissions updates, Teacher Appreciation Week, Climate Action Day, and Parent-Teacher Conferences.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Screenagers Next Chapter: Addressing Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of The District Office:

  A Gentle Reminder...

  Presidents' Council and MS 67 PTA present an exclusive film screening and panel discussion for District 26 parents and students in grades five and up...

   

  Screenagers Next Chapter: Addressing Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age

  Film Screening and Q&A Panel Discussion

  Friday, May 1 

  5:00 to 7:30 PM

  At Louis Pasteur Middle School 67

  REGISTER HERE.

   

  Please see attached flyer for further details. 

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• *****IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL FAMILIES REGARDING STUDENT SAFETY & APPROPRIATE CONDUCT******

  

   

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

  On Behalf of our Principal, Dr. DeSimone:

  Dear MS 172 Families,

  As the weather becomes warmer and students spend more time outdoors, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all families of our school’s expectations regarding student safety and appropriate conduct.

  Students are not permitted to bring toy water devices, replica items, or any objects that may be considered inappropriate or could be perceived as unsafe while on school grounds or during school-related activities. These items can cause unnecessary concern and may disrupt the safe and respectful environment we strive to maintain for all students and staff.

  If a student is found in possession of such items, they will be confiscated, and appropriate follow-up actions will be taken in accordance with school policy.

  We ask for your support in reinforcing this expectation at home by ensuring that students come to school with only appropriate materials.

  Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and positive learning environment.

   

   

  Dr. Paul J. DeSimone

  Principal

  Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  81-14 257 Street

  Floral Park, NY 11004

  Phone: (718) 831-4000

  www.ms172.org

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• 4th Marking Period - Not Issuing Separate Progress Reports

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal, Dr. DeSimone:

   

  Dear MS 172 Families,

  We would like to share an update regarding progress reports for the 4th marking period.

  At this time, we will not be issuing separate progress reports. Instead, our upcoming May Parent Teacher Conferences will serve as the primary opportunity for families of students who are failing, in danger of failing, or considered Promotion in Doubt to meet with teachers and discuss student progress in detail.

  We strongly encourage all families to regularly check Google Classroom, where teachers are continuing to keep grades and assignments updated. This is the most current and accurate way to monitor your child’s academic progress.

  If you have any questions or would like additional information about your child’s performance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers.

  Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

  Sincerely,
  MS 172 Administration

   

  MS172Q

• Annual Ronald McDonald House "Stuff a Bus" Drive! Please Donate!

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our 8th grade AP Ms. Devine and SEL Team:

   

  Join Our Annual "Stuff a Bus" Drive!

   

  Irwin Altman Middle School 172 is excited to host our Annual Ronald McDonald House "Stuff a Bus" Drive! The Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" for families while their children receive extended hospital care.

  This year's drive is proudly sponsored by our School Wellness Council. To help support these families, members of the council will be personally delivering all collected items to the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park.

  How You Can Help

  Students can bring donations to the collection bin located in our Main Office. We are accepting items through May 29th.

  Current Priority Items Include:

  • Toys & Games: Board games, puzzles, Legos, and coloring books.
  • Household Essentials: Paper towels, laundry pods (HE), and disinfecting spray.
  • Food & Drinks: Cereal cups, granola bars, juice boxes, and bottled water.
  • Gift Cards: Stop & Shop, CVS, and Target.

  For a full list of requested donations, please see the flyer attached to this email. Thank you for your kindness and for helping the "Home of the Grizzlies" support families in need!

   

  Audrey Geliga'

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

   

  • MS 172 Stuff a Bus School Flyer 4 26 2.pdf

  MS172Q