NYC public schools open doors for new academic year

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — As the 2024-2025 school year kicked off, public schools across New York City welcomed students back to the classroom.

The excitement was palpable at P.S. 257 John Hylan School in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where parents like Martha Galarza arrived to pick up their children.

Galarza, reuniting with her fifth-grade son Jared, described the school’s welcoming atmosphere.

“It’s always like a high five. How you doing? You know, it’s like you didn’t see each other all summer, but it was like he didn’t skip a beat when we come back,” she said.

Her son’s enthusiasm was evident. “He was ready to come. He’s always ready to come here. It’s always like a party for him,” Galarza explained.

Jared himself shared his positive experience, saying, “School is really good, the school has already helped me with my confidence but it boosted my mental skills too.”

Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers, expressed optimism for the year ahead: “We’re off to another great school year, we’re going to have a lot of great things that will happen throughout the year in all these schools. It’s going to be miracles across the city in every borough in every district that are going to happen.”

Before classes began, Mayor Eric Adams articulated his vision: “We can have these children prepared for the future, and we’re excited about that and we’re looking forward to it.”

As students poured out of P.S. 257, Galarza highlighted the school’s positive environment: “The principal here, he pumps them up and gives them a reason to come to school every day.”

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