Weekly Communication
Family Newsletter
During the school year we send out weekly newsletters to our families and scholars. These newsletters provide important information on upcoming events, announcements, and what's happening at Mott Hall II each week and month.
Our weekly newsletter is your primary source for school news, event reminders, academic updates, and community announcements. We encourage all families to read each edition and share key information with your scholar before the week begins.
Newsletters are sent through our school mailing list every Sunday. If you are not receiving them, please contact our Parent Coordinator, Mrs. Matos, to be added to our distribution list.
Action Steps for Families
Stay Connected
Staying informed is one of the most powerful things you can do to support your scholar. Here are five specific tools and actions that keep you in the loop throughout the year:
NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)
Create your free account at schoolsaccount.nyc to access your scholar's records, attendance, and official school communications all in one place.
Check JupiterEd Weekly
Log in to JupiterEd at least once a week to review your scholar's grades, missing assignments, and attendance. Early awareness prevents late surprises.
Read the Family Newsletter
Our newsletter arrives every Sunday. Open it, read it, and share key updates with your scholar before the week begins. It is your most reliable source of school news.
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up to date with school news, scholar recognition, event photos, and community updates by following Mott Hall II on our official social media channels.
Update Emergency Contact Info
Keep your phone number, email, and emergency contacts current so we can reach you when it matters. Call the main office at 212-678-2960 to update your information.
Families as Partners
Parent Leadership Community
At Mott Hall II, families are not spectators — they are partners in school decisions. There are many meaningful ways to raise your voice, share your skills, and shape our school community.
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)
- Open to all Mott Hall II families
- Monthly meetings with school leadership
- Vote on decisions that affect our school
- Help plan and fund school programming
School Leadership Team (SLT)
- Collaborative governance body
- Includes parents, teachers, and administration
- Shapes school policy and budget priorities
- Parent seats open — contact us to apply
Volunteer Leadership Roles
- Event planning and coordination committees
- Fundraising leadership and support
- Cultural committee representatives
- Family outreach and ambassador roles
Translation Support Available
- School materials in Spanish and French
- Interpretation support at key meetings
- Contact Mrs. Matos to request assistance
- All families are welcome — no language barrier
Give Your Time
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our school community. Whether you can give a few hours or an entire day, your presence and energy make a direct difference in the lives of our scholars.
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Winterfest & School Events
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Cultural Celebration Days
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Talent Shows & Performances
Academic Partnership
Support Learning at Home
Family involvement at home is one of the strongest predictors of scholar success. These five habits, practiced consistently, create the conditions every scholar needs to thrive at Mott Hall II:
How Families Can Support Academic Success
1
Set a consistent homework routine. A dedicated, distraction-free time each evening reinforces academic habits and prepares your scholar for the next school day.
2
Monitor JupiterEd weekly. Log in regularly to review grades, missing work, and attendance. Our grading is 50% formative — everyday classwork matters significantly.
3
Encourage daily reading (20–30 minutes). Independent reading strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking across every subject area.
4
Communicate early if there are concerns. Don't wait for conferences. Reach out to your scholar's teacher or the main office as soon as something feels off — we are partners.
5
Ensure scholars arrive on time and prepared. School begins at 8:20 AM. Being present, punctual, and ready to learn sets the tone for everything that follows.
Proactive Engagement
Family Workshops & Events
Throughout the year, Mott Hall II hosts workshops and events designed to keep families informed, empowered, and connected to their scholar's academic journey. We are proactive — not reactive.
01
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Held twice annually. All families are strongly encouraged to attend and schedule individual time with each of their scholar's teachers to discuss progress and next steps.
02
Academic Data Nights
Review your scholar's academic progress, assessment data, and individualized growth targets alongside our teaching team. These evenings provide clear, actionable information for families.
03
High School Readiness Workshops
Essential for families of 7th and 8th grade scholars navigating the NYC high school application process. Dates and times are announced in the weekly newsletter.
04
Financial Aid Workshops (Grades 8–12)
Guidance on college financial aid, FAFSA, and scholarship opportunities. Designed to help families of our older scholars plan ahead with confidence.
05
Respect for All Week Activities
School-wide events and family programming that celebrate our community's diversity, model respect, and reinforce the values that define Mott Hall II.
06
IB & Curriculum Info Sessions
Learn about our International Baccalaureate programme, course expectations, and specific ways to support IB learning at home. Open to all Mott Hall II families.
All workshop dates are shared in the weekly family newsletter.
Make sure you are on our mailing list so you never miss an upcoming event.
View Calendar
Whole-Child Development
Cultural & Community Engagement
Mott Hall II is committed to the whole child — academically, socially, and culturally. Family presence at our events shows scholars that their community cares about more than just grades.
Cultural Celebrations
Join us for cultural heritage events throughout the year that honor the rich, diverse backgrounds represented in our school community. Every culture has a seat at our table.
Spirit Week Participation
Encourage your scholar to fully engage in Spirit Week. School pride, community connection, and a sense of belonging are powerful motivators — both inside and outside the classroom.
Community Service Opportunities
Scholars and families can participate in service projects that connect Mott Hall II to the broader Harlem community. Leadership begins with giving back.
Talent Shows & Performances
Show up and cheer your scholar on. Attending performances and showcases is one of the most meaningful things a family can do — your presence matters enormously.
When Families & Schools Work Together,
Scholars Thrive.
At Mott Hall II, every family has a role to play. Whether you join the PTA, chaperone a field trip, attend a workshop, or simply read the newsletter each Sunday — your involvement matters deeply to us and to your scholar.