Dear Parents and Families, | | |
As we begin to wrap up Women’s History Month, we’re reflecting on the many ways New York’s story continues to be shaped by inspiring women whose creativity, curiosity, and leadership guide our state forward. Throughout the month, the New York State Museum has welcomed families to explore the remarkable women who have made a lasting impact on New York through hands‑on learning and shared experiences.
Visitors of all ages are engaging with women’s contributions through exciting exhibitions, engaging lectures, fascinating archival insights, and interactive family programs. From scientists studying New York’s rivers and lakes, to artists preserving cultural traditions, to faith leaders supporting their neighbors, these stories remind kids and adults alike that there are many meaningful ways to make a difference.
One of the month’s highlights has been Women of Science, a special program giving families the opportunity to meet scientists from the New York State Museum and beyond. Through demonstrations and conversations, kids asked questions, sparked their curiosity, and imagined themselves as the next generation of researchers and innovators.
Families and educators can also continue exploring a wide range of family‑friendly educational resources available on the New York State Museum’s website. These programs encourage learning together, celebrating achievement, and ensuring every child sees themselves as an important part of New York’s ongoing story.
| |
Sincerely,
Betty A. Rosa
Commissioner
| | Governor Hochul and Commissioner Rosa Announce Bold New Chapter for the New York State Museum | | |
Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa recently announced the launch of Phase One of the New York State Museum’s transformation and the members of the New York State Museum Visioning Task Force. Made possible by Governor Hochul’s historic $150 million investment in the Museum’s future, this first phase introduces major new exhibits, a dedicated Kids Zone, the reopening of the Museum café and gift shop, and the creation of a Visioning Task Force to guide continued revitalization. Together, these efforts represent a new era of collaboration and vision, aimed at transforming the State Museum into a vibrant, inclusive, and family-friendly destination that reflects the full diversity and creativity of New York.
We are also excited to share that the Carousel Café by Stacks Espresso Bar is officially open at the New York State Museum! This week, we celebrated its debut with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Café offers a warm, welcoming space for visitors to relax, recharge, and spend time together before, during, or after exploring the Museum.
We’re thrilled to welcome this beloved local business to the Museum. Special thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, and the New York State Office of General Services for their continued support.
| | PLAN Pilot Participants Offer Insight Into the State’s Education Transformation | |
The New York State Education Department’s Performance-Based Learning and Assessment Networks (PLAN) Pilot program was the focus of a March 5 workshop at the New York State Council for the Social Studies’ annual conference. The moderated panel discussion featured representatives from the Department and four of the 23 pilot schools statewide.
PLAN pilot schools take a holistic approach to education by incorporating performance-based learning models that allow students to demonstrate knowledge and skills. These learning models include career & technical education and work-based learning; inquiry-based approaches with learner profiles; and project-based learning and performance-based assessments.
Panelists provided insight on how they’re shifting away from structured, teacher-led lessons and the impact it’s having on student engagement. The evidence collected through the pilot initiative will inform the statewide implementation of New York Inspires. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, all public school districts will award one high school diploma based on new credit requirements.
Information about PLAN Pilot, including resources for educators, is available on NYSED’s PLAN Pilot website.
| Purple Up! for Military Kids | |
April has once again been designated the Month of the Military Child – also known as Purple Up! For Military Kids. Across the nation, states and school districts will celebrate the important role of military families through special events and by wearing the color purple.
Please visit our Month of the Military Child web page to learn more and to get some great ideas for celebrating these special children.
Additional information about the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is available on our Interstate Compact web page.
| NYSED Launches Visioning Task Force to Reimagine the Future of the New York State Summer School of the Arts Program | | |
NYSED recently announced the creation of the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) Visioning Task Force, a statewide initiative to strengthen and reimagine one of New York’s most longstanding and impactful arts education programs.
As NYSSSA enters its next chapter, NYSED is launching a forward-looking planning process to ensure the program’s long-term success. The upcoming year will serve as a dedicated planning year, allowing NYSED and its partners to reflect on past experience and design a future-focused model that aligns with statutory requirements, student needs, and the highest standards of excellence, equity, safety, and sustainability.
| | The WNET Group’s Count on June Bug! Brings Joyful Math Adventures to Preschoolers across New York and the Country | | |
The WNET Group’s Emmy-nominated math comedy adventure for preschoolers, Count on June Bug!, recently premiered on PBS KIDS. Designed for children ages 3–5, the short-form animated series follows June, a curious and energetic little beetle, as she explores her big, bug-sized world with friends. Through humor, storytelling, and outdoor adventures that lead to “sticky situations” and joyful discoveries, the series introduces foundational math concepts while nurturing curiosity, persistence, and problem-solving skills that support school readiness and lifelong learning.
The launch also includes The Count-y Fair, a playful new interactive game where children explore counting, patterns, and more through fair-themed mini-games. Available in English and Spanish, both the videos and game are available for streaming, with companion family activities and educator resources available online. Already recognized with a Bronze Anthem Award and nominations from the Kidscreen, Webby, and Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, Count on June Bug! is produced by The WNET Group with funding from the New York State Education Department and General Motors.
| | New York 250th Commemoration & New York State Museum Update | At the March Regents meeting, department staff and PBS partners presented updates on statewide efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, as well as updates on the NYS Museum, including the “Kids Zone.” | New York State Museum Celebrates Black Women of the Great Migration with New Display Highlighting Community, Identity, and Faith | | |
The New York State Museum is honoring the Black women whose faith helped shape Albany’s communities with the opening of its newest collections feature, Fashion and Faith: Hats from the Great Migration.
Between 1910 and 1970, more than seven million African Americans left the South, with New York State becoming a popular destination for those seeking higher wages, better housing, less discrimination, and improved educational opportunities for their children. The display explores the lived experiences of women during the Great Migration through their church hats, which became vibrant, impactful expressions of identity, connection, and possibilities.
| | | | |
