JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER

A message from our CEO

• Homework getting done before play time after school

• Homework time being screen-free: TV off and phones away while homework is being completed

• Phones not staying in children’s bedrooms at night

• Time for reading every day

Each of these small habits can make a big difference in children’s ability to focus at school, and therefore the amount of academic growth they achieve. Thank you, as always, for your partnership in supporting your children’s education. Working together, I believe we can open doors for our children to achieve any dreams they have for their future!

Warmly,

Marina Cofield

EAST HARLEM SCHOLARS ACADEMY

Picture Day !

Picture Day at East Harlem Scholars Academy was especially fun for our 8th graders, who officially stepped in front of the lens for their cap and gown photos! Our scholars brought their biggest smiles, sharpest looks, and so much personality to the camera. We are incredibly proud of how far they’ve come and can’t wait to see the final portraits!

EAST HARLEM SCHOLARS ACADEMY II

Guardian and Me Brunch

To close out December 2025, East Harlem Scholars Academy II hosted a heartwarming Guardian and Me Brunch, recognizing students who met their 95% attendance, uniform, and behavior goals.

It was a powerful way to boost student confidence and strengthen the partnership between our school and our families. A massive shout-out goes to Dean Taylor and Mr. Wright for their incredible hard work and attention to detail in curating these special VIP Hawk experiences.

EAST HARLEM SCHOLARS ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL

Boys and Girls Basketball  

Huge props to our East Harlem Scholars Academy High School Boys and Girls Basketball teams (GO HAKWS) for leaving it all on the court in some seriously tough, well-played games. Watching that kind of hustle and heart was the absolute best way to start the new year!

We also have to give a shout-out to the High School coaching staff for their leadership and for getting our squads ready to battle. We are incredibly proud of the energy and teamwork everyone showed—let's keep this momentum going!

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT 

Community Celebrates Holiday-Mania with EHTP

Here at EHTP, we are still smiling after this year’s Holidaymania! It was truly the highlight of our season to see so many families gathered together, celebrating and making memories.

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we were able to distribute hundreds of gifts to local children. We want to extend a massive thank you to our partners at NYSOM Community and every single volunteer who dedicated their time to make this event a success. Special shoutout to Board Member Brian Gavin and his Wife Cindy Gavin who cont  We couldn't do this work without you!

OUT OF SCHOOL TIME 

Scholars 3D Print Device For Toddlers with Disabilities

Our STEM students partnered with LINK PBC, TOM (Tikkun Olam Makers), and MakeGood NOLA to produce the 3D-Printed Toddler Mobility Trainer (3DTMT).

This project addresses a critical gap for toddlers with lower-limb disabilities who lack the strength to crawl but are too young for standard insurance-covered wheelchairs. Using 3-D printers, the team has started to manufacture this open-source, arm-driven device to provide children with a seated way to explore their environment independently.

In the real world, the 3DTMT serves as an affordable, easily manufactured solution for families needing early-age mobility support. This initiative demonstrates how student-led technical skills can be directly applied to solve complex accessibility challenges. Shout out to students Eric Santi, Zullay de Los Angeles, Daniel Saldana, and Jayden Planas for an excellent concept and effort on this project.

OST's Holiday Treat

Last month, OST held a Holiday Event for Grades K-2nd to learn about celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. During the event, Santa made a guest appearance, and scholars were able to take pictures with their families, as well as go home with a gift. Thank you to the OST staff that participated to make this event so memorable.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT AND RECRUITMENT 

Upcoming PK-8 Open House

Join East Harlem Scholars Academies for an Open House on Saturday, January 24th, 11:00 AM. Explore our PK-8 community and meet teachers at 2050 Second Avenue.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE 

NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program

This school year, all public school kindergarten and new first, second, third, and fourth grade families citywide, including our students, can participate in the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program, a college and career scholarship and savings program.

This free program is available regardless of family income or immigration status. Your child will be automatically enrolled and receive an NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 unless you choose not to participate. 

Please see these Save for College Program Intro documents for more information. If you have questions, contact Max Cox at mcox@ehtp.org or call NYC Kids RISE at 833-543-7473.

Save for College Program Intro documents for more information. If you have questions, contact Max Cox at mcox@ehtp.org or call NYC Kids RISE at

833-543-7473 to learn more.

UPCOMING EVENTS

East Harlem Scholars Academy Winter Spectacular

Please join us for our Winter Spectacular! We will come together to see our scholars perform!

When: Wednesday, January 28th

• Act 1 → Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade performance will be from 9:00-9:45 a.m.

• Act 2 → 2nd and 3rd grade performance will be from 10:05-10:50 a.m.

• Act 3 → 4th and 5th grade performance will be from 11:10-11:55 a.m.

• Act 4 → 6th, 7th, and 8th grade performance will be 12:15 -1:00 p.m.

Where: All four shows will be in the Scholars 1 gym. (2050)

Attire: All scholars are asked to wear blue, silver, and/or white

Tickets: Please note that tickets will be limited to two tickets per family for each show.

Family Support: Please encourage your scholar to practice their song at home. When students know the lyrics to the song they perform, it helps to increase their confidence and maximize rehearsal time.

Student Dismissal: This is a regular half-day of school, and student dismissal will remain at 1:45 p.m. If a family member chooses for their scholar to be dismissed following the performance, they must sign out their scholar in the main office.

Student Dismissal: This is a regular half-day of school, and student dismissal will remain at 1:45 p.m. If a family member chooses for their scholar to be dismissed following the performance, they must sign out their scholar in the main office.

Charter School Advocacy Day

Join East Harlem Scholars Academy representatives and thousands of charter school supporters in Albany, New York, to support charter school education. Advocate on behalf of Scholars for access to school choice.  

For more information or any questions, email: Engage@EHTP.ORG

Tuesday, January 27th, 

Depart NYC at 5:30 am, Return to NYC by 5:30 pm via Bus