​Irwin Altman Middle School 172

News & Announcements

• Due to impending weather, The PTA has decided to change their In Person meeting to Virtual for this Monday, January 26th, 2026.

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families, 

   

  On Behalf of The PTA:

  Due to impending weather, The PTA has decided to change their In Person meeting to Virtual for this Monday, January 26th, 2026.

  We are still awaiting final decision from the Mayor's office, regarding whether school will be in person or remote, and please be on the look out for an update email once we know what that decision will look like.

  Here is the link for Monday night's PTA meeting, which will begin at 7pm.

  https://nycdoe.zoom.us/j/96113388970?pwd=6dAa3QraCmY4HvBVUxSH8oywB7S8Hr.1&from=addon#success

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Join us  This Saturday, January 24th at 11am. Our MS 172 Band and Chorus will be showcased in the showroom.

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of The PTA:

   

  Raymour & Flanigan of Carle Place is Partnering with MS 172.

  Join us  This Saturday, January 24th at 11am. Our MS 172 Band and Chorus will be showcased in the showroom.

  Come See our Students, Explore our Raffles, Enjoy the Refreshments.

  At this location only: 275 Glen Cove Road, Carle Place, NY 11514.

   

  Please see attached for more details, and for savings!

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

   

  MS172Q

• Due to impending weather occurring this Monday, January 26th 2026, The PTA Panera Fundraiser has been changed to February 24th, 2026

  Good Afternoon  Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our PTA:

  Due to impending weather occurring this Monday, January 26th 2026, The PTA Panera Fundraiser has been changed to February 24th, 2026.

   

   "We're raising dough!" The PTA is holding a fundraiser Tuesday, February 24th 2026 from 4pm-8pm at Panera Bread. The location is 669 Hillside Ave, New Hyde Park, NY.

  20% of the net sales will be donated. Use code FUND4U at panerabread.com, in the Panera App, or at the kiosk in-cafe.

  Bring this flyer or show a digital copy to your cashier when ordering at the cafe to ensure your organization gets a portion of the net sales.

   

  Please see attached flyer for further details

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Broadway performance at no cost for 7th Grade Students

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal Dr. DeSimone and our 7th Grade AP Ms. Soto:

   

  Dear 7th Grade Families,

   

  Irwin Altman Middle School 172 is excited to offer our 7th grade students the opportunity to attend a Broadway performance at no cost through the 2025-2026 Principal Fellowship with the the NYC Public Schools Arts Office.

  We will be seeing Buena Vista Social Club, a hit Broadway musical that tells the story behind the iconic Grammy-winning album through the lives of its legendary Cuban musicians. The show blends 1950s Havana with the 1990s recording sessions and features incredible live Afro-Cuban music, dance, and a tale of resilience and second chances.

   

  Please read the attached document for further important trip details. Space is limited to the first 65 students.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  • Broadway Permission Slip - 7th Grade docx.pdf

  MS172Q

• Regarding immunizations and resources for immigrants

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  Please see below, regarding immunizations and resources for immigrants.

   

  On Behalf of The Chancellor's Office:

   

  On January 7, the New York State Department of Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued a Health Advisory addressing immunization practices following updates to federal childhood vaccination recommendations. As noted in the advisory, these federal updates do not impact New York State or New York City school immunization requirements, nor do they alter existing state or city policies governing student attendance.  

  All existing immunization policies and procedures for student attendance remain in place. For guidance, refer to the medical immunization requirements for the 2025–26 school year document, the 2025–26 Immunization Chart for Families, and the Guidance to Schools on Immunization Compliance document. Additionally, please backpack home this letter (available in all NYCPS languages) to families regarding this guidance from New York State and New York City.

  For questions regarding immunization or clarification related to student compliance, contact your health director.

   

  NYCPS remains committed to supporting immigrant communities and ensuring that all immigrant students and families are aware of available resources, as well as their rights.

  You or your designee should backpack home both the letter from Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels regarding immigrant supports (available on the Messages for Families webpage in all NYCPS languages) and the NYCPS Know Your Rights flyer as soon as possible.

  As a reminder, staff-facing resources are available on the Project Open Arms InfoHub page. For questions, email OpenArms@schools.nyc.gov.

   

  Please see attached documents for further important information

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  • cks-family-letter---immigrant-resources.pdf
  • january-2026-vaccine-letter 1.pdf

  MS172Q

• Free Game Jam for All Grades

  Game Jam for Grades 7 & 8                The Games for Change Student Challenge (After School)
  I'm hosting a Games for Change (G4C) Game Jam on Thursday, January 22, Thursday, January 29, Thursday, February 5, Thursday, February 12, Thursday, February 26, Thursday, March 5, Thursday, March 19, Thursday, March 26   from 2:20 to 3:40 and wanted to invite you to participate! You will be creating educational games at these 8 sessions to be submitted for an international contest. The first 34 students who sign up for this Game Jam will be notified by email. You will then be sent a permission slip that must be signed by your parents. There is no charge for these sessions. These sessions will be held in room 234.
  If you are interested in attending this Game Jam, you must submit the form below by  Tuesday,  January 20th.  This entry will close after that  date.

  Thank you for participating in this wonderful Game Jam!!
  Mrs. Sohn

   

  MS172Q

• Friday is Picture Retake Day.

  On Behalf of The PTA:

   

  This is a friendly reminder that this Friday is Picture Retake Day. Mark your calendars. If your child was absent and wants to take and buy pictures, go to mylifetouch.com and use the code EVTVHN3F6 or your student's ID to order pictures. 

  If your child is an 8th grader who missed picture day, they must take their picture for the Yearbook.

  If your child took pictures but you do not like them, have your child bring the package back with them on picture day and retake them. There will be no class pictures on Retake Day.

  If you have any questions, please email the Parent Coordinator at ageliga@schools.nyc.gov.

   

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest 2026

  Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest 2026 

  NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is excited to announce the 40^th annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest. Second through twelfth grade students in New York City and the East and West of Hudson Watersheds are invited to create original art and compose poetry that reflects an appreciation for our shared water resources. The five central themes of the contest, incorporating STEM and humanities disciplines, include: Water, a Precious Resource; NYC Drinking Water; NYC Wastewater Treatment; Harbor Water Quality and Healthy Marine Ecosystems; and Water Stewardship and Climate Change. 

   

  DEADLINE: Friday, March 6, 2026 

  To learn more and submit entries, visit DEP's website. 

  For questions, contact artandpoetry@dep.nyc.gov. 

   

  MS172Q

• Our School is Implementing MindUP, an Evidence-Based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Program

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal Dr. DeSimone and our 8th Grade AP Ms. Devine:

   

  Dear Parents and Guardians,

  We are thrilled to share that our school is implementing MindUP, an evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) program developed by The Goldie Hawn Foundation. For over 20 years, MindUP has helped millions of children worldwide develop the mental fitness tools they need to thrive in school and in life.

  What is MindUP? MindUP is a preventative mental health curriculum grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, mindful awareness, and social-emotional learning. It teaches children practical strategies to:

  • Better understand how their brains work (especially emotions and focus)

     

  • Practice mindful breathing and short “Brain Breaks” to calm down, reduce stress, and

    regain focus

     

  • Build resilience, optimism, empathy, and kindness

  • Strengthen self-regulation, attention, and positive relationships.

   

  Please read the attached document for further important information regarding MindUP.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

   

  • MindUp Family Letter January 2026 docx.pdf

  MS172Q

• Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Practice: The Irwin Altman Middle School CBT Simulation will take place on Monday, February 2nd, 2026

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal Dr. DeSimone:

   

  Dear Parent/Guardian,

  Each spring, students take the computer-based English Language Arts(ELA) and Mathematics tests in grades 3-8 and the Science tests in grades 5 and 8. These tests are used to measure how well students perform on New York's Next Generation Learning Standards in ELA, Math, and Science.

  Please note the following:

  Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Practice: The Irwin Altman Middle School CBT Simulation will take place on Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Before the actual test is given, your child will have a chance to practice taking the test on a device while in school. This will help your child become familiar with the online testing format.

   

  Please see attached document for a link to review and practice using the online Question Sampler. Please read the attached document for further important information.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q