​Irwin Altman Middle School 172

News & Announcements

• PTA Meeting In-Person February 23rd at 7PM Rising Stars certificates, for "Citizenship" and "Motivation."

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families, 

   

  On Behalf of The PTA:

  The PTA will be holding their January meeting in person on Monday, February 23rd at 7pm. The PTA will be discussing upcoming events, and we will be giving out Rising Stars certificates, for "Citizenship" and "Motivation."

  In addition, Beacon will also be presenting a special presentation.

  Please see below:

  "Interactive workshop on communicating with teens at our upcoming PTA meeting. We’ll explore practical strategies, share experiences, and practice techniques that can help strengthen connections with your teen.

  Come ready to participate, ask questions, and engage in a hands-on session designed to make talking with your teen easier and more effective."

   

  Look forward to seeing you there!

   

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Join Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) for FREE guided bird walks funded by Council District 23!

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of The District Office:

  Join Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) for FREE guided bird walks funded by Council District 23!

   

  APEC Bird Walks: Welcome to Spring For ages 6 and up only. All children and adults must be registered. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Join Alley Pond Environmental Center for a bird walk this spring. APEC is in the second largest park in Queens, Alley Pond Park. Alley Pond Park is a hidden gem with over 635 acres of diverse landscape including forest, wetlands, and meadows. It is an ideal place for birdwatching due to its rich variety of wildlife. This engaging program is perfect for both adults and families with children ages 6 and up. Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or a curious beginner this experience will invite you to explore the beautiful trails and learn something new about the animals that call Queens their home. 10:30 am to 11:45 am* - 5 dates available; please only register for one walk.

  Contact us at(718) 229-4000 or contact@alleypond.org. All programs take place at Alley Pond Environmental Center at 229-10 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, NY 11362.Dress for the weather. Preregistration is required. Space is limited. Wednesday, April 8th Thursday, April 9th Sunday, April 19th Sunday, April 26th Sunday, May 24th.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• *****IMPORTANT***** 8th Grade Boosters

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 8th Grade Families,

   

  On Behalf of the PTA:

  Our 8th Graders are on the last pages of their time at Irwin Altman MS 172. Let’s help boost them toward the next volume with a Yearbook Booster. 

  We are offering personalized Class of 2026 Yearbook Booster messages. Boosters are a great way to celebrate our graduate's hard work, encouraging the next steps and looking forward to their bright future. 

  Note, we’ve included a few samples below to give some ideas. Be sure to review your message to ensure it’s clear, appropriate, and within the word limit specified. Personalize your booster by addressing it to your graduate and sign it too.

  Important Details

  • Deadline: Submit your booster order by March 6, 2026. Late submissions may not be included in the yearbook.

  • Space is limited: Boosters are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly!

  • Proceeds: All proceeds will go towards funding senior activities, generously sponsored by the PTA.

  Payment Information

  Cost: $10

  Payment can be made through the following methods:

  • Zelle: Send payment to 26q172pa@schools.nyc.gov. In the notes section, type: Booster (Student name), (Class). Please record the confirmation ID to include on the submission form.

  • Check: Make checks payable to MS 172 PTA. In the memo line, write: Booster (Student name), (Class). Please record the check number and date on the submission form and drop off at the main office in an envelope labeled Booster (Student name), (Class).

  • Cash: Place cash in an envelope labeled Booster (Student name), (Class) and drop it off at the main office, please indicate Cash on the submission form.

   

  Click here for the submissions form, please complete all required fields: https://forms.gle/1o1aTFjVTbGige517

   

  Be sure to review your message to ensure it’s clear, appropriate, and within the word limit specified.

  Here are sample messages to give some ideas on what to include. Make sure to personalize for your student and don’t forget to sign it!

   

  • Congratulations on graduating! Be proud of how far you’ve come and excited for what’s ahead. Keep learning, keep growing, and always believe in yourself.

  • You did it! Middle school was just the beginning. Dream big, work hard, and don’t be afraid to be yourself. We’re so proud of you!

  • Class of 2026—congratulations! May high school bring new friends, new challenges, and many great memories. Keep shining!

  • So proud of you today and always. Remember: kindness, courage, and effort will take you far. Congratulations on your graduation!

  • You’ve grown so much over the years. Keep chasing your goals and never stop believing in yourself. Congrats, graduate!

   

  Please see attached for further details.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• PTA Bake Sale Thursday and Friday This Week 2/12 and 2/13

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of the PTA:

   

  The PTA will be holding a Bake Sale this Thursday, 2/12 and Friday, 2/13 during students' lunch periods. Donation of baked goods and parent volunteers needed.

  Please send donations in the morning with your child for a ticket to a sale item.

  If you are interested in volunteering for The Bake Sale, the times are from 10am-12:45pm.

  Please email the PTA at pta.ms172@gmail.com or the parent coordinator at ageliga@schools.nyc.gov

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• "We're raising dough!"

  Good Afternoon  Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our PTA:

   

   "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

  • Panera Updated.pdf

  MS172Q

• Spirit Week Themes February 9-13

  • Spirit Week Themes 2026 - Google Docs.pdf

  MS172Q

• Irwin Altman Middle School has been designated for LS which I is the best accountability status currently available

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of Our Principal, Dr. DeSimone:

   

  February 2, 2026

  Dear Parent or Guardian,

  Each year, the New York State Education Department (NYSED), under the Every Student SucceedsAct (ESSA), is required to identify the support model for every K–12 school and district in New York State. The support model determined through the ESSA accountability system is crucial to ensuring every student gets the support they need to succeed, promoting fairness, and preparing students for
  a bright future.

  We are writing to inform you that our school, Irwin Altman Middle School 172, has been designated for Local Support and Improvement (LSI) by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for the 2025-26 school year based on the performance of our students on New York State assessments in school year 2024-25. The designation “Local Support and Improvement (LSI),” recognizes that all
  schools, even higher performing schools like ours, are in a continuous improvement mode and can benefit from local support from their districts to meet students’ differentiated needs. LSI is the best accountability status currently available.

  I’m confident that the programs and interventions that are being implemented citywide and at our school will continue to make the 2025-26 school year a high-quality educational experience for your child.

  Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. Our entire school staff is committed to ensuring a successful year for our students and school community. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 718-831-4000.

  Sincerely,

  Dr. Paul J. DeSimone
  Principal

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  • 2025-26 State Accountability Designation Letter - MS 172 docx 1 1.pdf

  MS172Q

• Respect for All Week February 9-13, 2026

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School Families,

   

  On Behalf of The Chancellor's Office:

   

  Please join us in our citywide commitment to foster kindness and respect in our schools during “Respect for All” Week on February 9–13, 2026.
  As parents and caregivers, we all know that teaching children to respect others is a shared responsibility.

  It is important that we as New Yorkers lead the way in demonstrating kindness and compassion for one another, respecting diversity, and preventing bullying.

   

  Please see attached letter for further details.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

   

  • 2026 RFA Family Letter - English ADA.pdf

  MS172Q

• Community Service for 7th and 8th Grade Students

  Please see attached flyer.

  • Service Hours-flyer.pdf

  MS172Q

• 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of MS 172 Beacon and our PTA:

   

  MS 172 Beacon and PTA invite your to the 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration. Year of the Horse. 

  At MS 172 Irwin Altman Middle School. Wednesday- February 25, 2026. 5pm-7pm.

  Free for all students and families. Join us for an evening of food, crafts, music, performances, and more!

   

  Please see attached for further details.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

   

  • Lunar New Year 2026 Flyer - Final draft.pdf

  MS172Q