​Irwin Altman Middle School 172

News & Announcements

• Information on the 7th Grade Trip - Wednesday - June 1st

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 7th Grade Families,

   

  On Behalf of our 7th Grade Assistant Principal Ms. Soto:

   

  Dear 7th Grade Families, 

   

  This is a gentle reminder that the 7^th grade trip to the Nickelodeon Universe (located in The American Dream Mall at 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, New Jersey) is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026. All 7^th graders who are going on the trip will be leaving the school building by 8:45am and will return to the building by 3:30pm (after school dismissal). We ask families of students who had "I will pick up my child from MS 172 when the bus returns from Nickelodeon Park, NJ at 3:30pm" checked off on their permission slip, to arrive at the school building no later than 3:30pm as students will be told to wait for their parent/guardian in front of the main entrance.

  Also, as communicated in the trip permission slip, students should eat a heavy breakfast that morning and bring their lunch and/or snacks to eat during the bus ride home (since no outside food is permitted in the park). We recommend sending your child with $20 cash to purchase snacks in the park. Please note that students should only bring a small bag to carry any personal items since they will not need any instructional materials that day and should wear sneakers along with their Grizzly T-shirt or a blue shirt. 

   

  Lastly, any student who is not participating in the trip will follow a regular 7^th grade class schedule throughout the school day.  

   

  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns at msoto32@schools.nyc.gov. 

   

  Sincerely, 

   

  Ms. Maritza Soto

  7th Grade Assistant Principal

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Important Information for Rising 8th Grade Students for September 2026 from Mrs. Soto

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Families of Classes 721,722 and 723,

   

  On Behalf of our 7th Grade Assistant Principal, Ms. Soto:

   

  Dear 7th Grade Families, 

   

  You are receiving this follow-up message regarding your child's current 7th grade “Screened Program” placement as we plan for next year. We have been analyzing all 7th graders’ academic data over the course of these two years to make informed decisions about our future 8th grade New York State Regents track offerings.

   

  The two Regents courses that all Screened Program classes will take are: 

   

  • Life Science: Biology   
  • Algebra I

   

  We have also added the Regents course below which will be part of at least one of our Screened Program classes for the 2026-2027 school year:

   

  • U.S. History and Government (Typically taken in 11th Grade)

   

  We want to make sure that all students are placed in a class program that sets them up for success due to the high school level coursework that will be expected. As part of our class reorganization process from 7th to 8th grade, we will continue to analyze students’ academic data for the remainder of the school year which includes data such as your child's course grades and average in all classes; their state exam and in-school assessment scores and their performance on the upcoming mock U.S History Regents placement exam which is scheduled to be taken during their social studies class on Tuesday, May 26th. In addition, we also take our teacher recommendations and our student conduct into account along with our seat availability.

   

  Please note that this information will not only be used to decide the classes and students that will be programmed for all three Regents courses during their 8th grade year but will also determine the students who will remain in a Screened program.  

   

  Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns at msoto32@schools.nyc.gov. 

   

  Sincerely, 

   

  Ms. Maritza Soto

  7th Grade Assistant Principal

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• UPDATE ******8th Grade Senior Trip -  Two more chaperone spots open for parent volunteers. (Spots Filled)

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 8th Grade Families,

   

  On Behalf of our 8th Grade Assistant Principal Ms. Devine and our 8th Grade Senior Activities Advisor, Ms. Guilz:

   

  Dear 8th Grade Parents and Guardians,

  Thank you to all the family members who reached out and volunteered to chaperone our upcoming senior trip to Lake Compounce.

  We are writing to inform you that we have officially met our required student-to-chaperone ratio, and all volunteer spots have now been filled. We truly appreciate the overwhelming response and the willingness of our community to support our graduates.

  We look forward to a safe and memorable trip for the Class of 2026!

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Upcoming HIV Curriculum - There is a separate letter for 6th grade and for 7th and 8th Grade

  

   

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Supervisor of Science and Health, Ms. Devine:

   

  Please see attached letters regarding upcoming HIV Curriculum. There is a separate letter for 6th grade and for 7th and 8th Grade.

   

  Thank you

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  • HIV Family Letter 6th 25-26 docx.pdf
  • HIV Family Letter 7th and 8th 25-26 docx.pdf

  MS172Q

• 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

• 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