Welcome, Junior Families!
We are Rasheedah Brown-Harris and Nathifa Lewis, your Junior Class Co-Representatives for the 2026–2027 school year!
Junior year is an important AND busy time as our students balance academics, their artistic commitments, testing, extracurricular activities, and preparation for life after LaGuardia. Our goal this year is to help keep junior families informed, connected, and prepared, while sharing useful resources and opportunities along the way.
✉ Have a Junior issue or opportunity you want highlighted?
Send us an email at juniorrep@laguardiahspa.org or say hi in the Class of 2028 Parent chat.
Not in the WhatsApp chat? Send us a message to be added.
Your Junior Year Resource Hub
Bookmark this page for junior-year deadlines, opportunities, and practical family resources. Updated as new information becomes available.
— Nathifa & Rasheedah
Junior Class Co-Representatives, 2026–2027
📅 Dates & Deadlines | October 2026
Check this section often. Dates and programs can change; confirm details with the school or event organizer.
Wed, Oct 14 • 6 PM: Supporting Students with Academic & Test Anxiety — Parent workshop registration
Fri, Oct 16 • 9 AM: Coffee & Donuts with the Parent Coordinator (confirm location with school).
Sat, Oct 17 • 8 AM–Noon: Optional PSAT/NMSQT for registered juniors. Follow school arrival and device instructions.
Tue, Oct 20 • 5 PM: Thriving Together: Improving Family Communication (Spanish) — register
Wed, Oct 28 • 8 PM: Supporting Children Through Grief and Transition — register
October–November: College representatives visit LaG; consult Maia for the latest schedule.
PSAT quick prep: Try official Bluebook practice; check test-day instructions, charge any approved device if required, sleep well, and eat breakfast. The school’s directions take precedence.
🎓 College Now | Explore Free CUNY Courses
What is it? College Now offers eligible NYC public high school students opportunities to take college-level courses and potentially earn college credit while still in high school, at no tuition cost.
Where can LaG juniors apply? LaGuardia families have been advised of preferred enrollment pathways at City College (CCNY) and Hunter College. Students may also explore programs at other participating CUNY campuses. Eligibility, available courses, campus procedures, and deadlines vary; a preferred pathway does not guarantee a seat.
When? Explore spring offerings now and verify each campus’s current application window before applying. Ask Guidance about school approvals and whether a course fits studio and academic commitments. College-credit transfer policies are determined by the receiving college.
CUNY College Now overview | PA Academic Forum
🏫 Maia, College Visits & Post-Secondary Planning
Have you logged into Maia? Students can explore colleges, view upcoming visits and events, and self-report volunteer activities to build a record of their experiences. Encourage your junior to keep activities current.
College representatives at LaG: Visits generally take place in third-floor Guidance Suites, rooms 321 and 323, during periods 4–7. Students must sign the attendance sheet. If a visit conflicts with class, students must ask their teacher before the visit, arrange missed work, and ensure class attendance is recorded appropriately. Guidance strongly recommends juniors avoid missing class whenever possible.
Maia Visits & Events student tutorial | LaG Guidance Department | BigFuture Career Quiz
Also explore: College Board Junior Planning Calendar and BigFuture Parent Community.
📚 Testing, Academics & Student Profiles
Testing: Free Marigold Prep SAT/ACT practice tests; Marigold Parent Academy; SAT dates and deadlines; College Board AP/SAT resources. See the PA Academic Forum for additional prep and tutoring resources, including the Marigold starter kit.
Build a student profile: Keep a record of volunteer hours, arts achievements, leadership, performances, projects and awards. Maia allows students to self-report volunteer activities. Consider school opportunities such as Math & Science peer tutoring, National Honor Society (check current eligibility/application announcements), and Math & Science enrichment opportunities.
Community-sourced tutoring: Explore tutoring options (families should independently evaluate providers).
🎭 Junior Year in the Studios | What Families Should Know
Each studio has its own junior-year milestones. Help students preserve evidence of their work now for future auditions, portfolios and applications. Follow your studio’s official communications for current requirements.
🎵 Music | Juries, NYSSMA, Music History & Performance
Both Vocal and Instrumental students have required juries in junior and senior years; expectations differ by program. NYSSMA participation is optional, and Music History is part of the studio’s course sequence. Confirm requirements and deadlines with the Music Department.
Family tip: Save repertoire lists, recordings, programs, ensemble participation, jury feedback and performance accomplishments.
🎨 Fine Arts | Build a College Portfolio
Photograph and organize artwork, including finished pieces and selected process work. Ask about portfolio feedback and Open Studio opportunities for juniors and seniors.
🎭 Drama | Develop Range & Repertoire
Track productions, training, roles, scenes and monologues; begin exploring how BA, BFA and conservatory audition requirements differ.
💃 Dance | Technique, Choreography & Artistic Voice
Document performance experience, choreography, training and summer programs. Explore audition expectations for different post-secondary dance pathways.
🎬 Technical Theater | Build a Production Portfolio
Record production credits, technical responsibilities, design work, stagecraft skills and projects, sharing images only when permitted.
🏫 School Procedures & Student Services
Practical guidance from the October 16, 2026 Coffee & Donuts “LaG 101: Policies & Procedures” session, welcomed by Parent Coordinator Tracy Ballas. These are parent-shared notes, not an official policy document so confirm and clarify time-sensitive or individual procedures directly with the school.
🛡️ Student Safety, Discipline & Support | Deans Team, Room 229
Greg Brunel and the Deans Team discussed safety and discipline, school procedures for reporting and investigating bullying or harassment, and how families are notified under applicable NYC Public Schools procedures.
- Trusted adults: Encourage your student to identify school staff they can approach for help.
- Mentorship: Dean Shearn coordinates a Disney employee mentoring program; inquire with the school about participation.
- Digital well-being: Discuss cyberbullying, AI, online interactions and how your student is doing.
- Belonging: Clubs and sports can help students develop confidence and connections.
Family takeaway: Check in regularly and encourage early reporting of concerns to a trusted adult or the Deans Team.
📋 Attendance, Lateness & Early Dismissal | Rooms 201/231
Justin Mackey and the Attendance Team advised families to include the following when emailing about absences, lateness or early dismissal:
- Student’s full name
- Student’s OSIS number
- Reason for the absence, lateness or early dismissal
- Early dismissal: Submit email requests before 8:00 a.m. that day; confirm any exceptions with the Attendance Team.
- Missed work: Also contact teachers regarding absences and makeup work. when you know in advance the earlier you communicate the better.
- School-sponsored activities: Attendance for approved events such as school sports is handled internally, without a separate parent email to the Attendance Office. BUT your child should still email their teachers in advance as a courtesy and to plan for missed work!
- Official records: Jupiter entries from teachers are not the same as official attendance records in NYCSA. Third period attendance provides the official one.
- College transcripts: Attendance is not listed on the school’s official college transcripts just tracked by NYC PS.
Family takeaway: Keep the student’s OSIS number and the school’s current attendance contact details handy.
🚇 Student OMNY Cards & Working Papers | Room 231
Ms. Yasine assists with student OMNY cards and regular, non-performance working papers. Students age 14 and older can visit Room 231 for regular working-paper forms and instructions.
🎭 Performance-specific working papers: For paid performing arts or entertainment work, students should coordinate the required paperwork through their guidance counselor, not Ms. Yasine.
Family takeaway: Check which employment certificate is needed before a student begins paid work. LaGuardia Guidance Department
Questions? Start with the appropriate school office or contact Parent Coordinator Tracy Ballas through the school’s published contact channels.
❤️ Wellness & Family Support
Junior year combines academics, studio work, testing and college exploration. Make time to ask students how they are managing their schedules, stress, expectations and rest. School Social Worker Dr. Campbell has shared parent workshop opportunities.
October parent workshops / registration | 504 plans and testing accommodations | LaG communication protocol
For additional support or a referral, contact the school’s counseling or social work team. Program coverage and availability should be confirmed directly with the provider.
👕 Class of 2028 | Community & Pride
We are exploring a Class of 2028 Junior hoodie to celebrate our shared journey and build class pride. If approved, proceeds could provide seed funding for senior-year activities. Timing would be coordinated to avoid competing with established PA fundraisers. No sale or fundraiser has been announced. Have ideas? Email the Junior Co-Reps.
📸 September Guidance Meeting | Key Takeaways & Screenshots
The September 24 Junior Parent Information Session covered academic schedules (separate from studio requirements), graduation requirements, Maia, and ACT options. Below are the original six screenshots shared with families. Check the Guidance Department page for any official slides, recordings or updated requirements.
Helpful Guidance links: Find your LaG counselor; CLEP credit policy search; National Merit information; Campus disability resources; 2026 NYS college application fee waivers; School meal application / potential fee-waiver eligibility.
🗂️ Past College Fairs | Archive
These events have passed, but their materials may help families identify colleges to research. Registration links below are archival and should not be treated as upcoming events.
Big Apple College Fair — September 27, 2026 — view archived materials
Harlem School of the Arts College Fair — October 3, 2026 — view archived materials
NYPL Annual College Fair — October 7, 2026 — view archived materials
Event concluded. Explore college websites or reach out to admissions offices directly for future opportunities.
AKA College Fair at Columbia — October 10, 2026 — view archived materials
Questions, suggestions or opportunities to share? juniorrep@laguardiahspa.org — Rasheedah & Nathifa, Class of 2028 Junior Co-Reps.
