back to newsletters

Originally delivered on 1/25/2026 5:40 pm

SUBJECT: SNN 1/25, Gala Tix on Sale!

Issue 21, January 25, 2026
ANNUAL GALA NEWS

Purchase your tickets HERE now!


Know someone who can serve as our auctioneer for the event? Please email auction.gala@laguardiahspa.org with the information or any questions. 


And reach out to your network, and ask them to sponsor the benefit and/or donate to the auction!

  • Go HERE to donate an item
  • Go HERE to submit for sponsorship
In less than two weeks, Rising Stars 2026 takes the stage!


BUY YOUR TICKETS

Don’t wait and hope there are tickets left—get yours now before we sell out. Find the Box Office link at the top of the Rising Stars 2026: Get On Your Feet website—or right HERE! Move fast. Bring your people. See you in the audience.


VOLUNTEER AT THE SHOW

Help behind-the-scenes and make the show run like clockwork—your hands-on impact is priceless. Sign up HERE.


TOUR THE WEBSITE

Everything you want to know about Rising Stars lives in one place — news video, official merch, cast, and more — come take a look HERE!


ENTER THE RAFFLES

Spread the word. Share the raffle. Buy one entry or grab a few to boost your chances, then share it with your people. More entries, more excitement, more support for our Rising Stars. All info HERE.


YOU CAN WIN BIG!

  1. Acting Lessons and Atlantic Grill Gift Card

  2. Frieze NYC Art Fair and P.J. Clarke’s Gift Card

  3. Japanese Izakaya Toribar Dinner, Alamo Drafthouse Movie Tickets, and Peppino Candy

  4. MCC Theater One Year Designer-Level Patron Membership

  5. Voice Lessons - Hit that High Note

  6. NYC Iconic Eats : Cafe Luxembourg, Shake Shack, & Billy’s Bakery Gift Cards

  7. The Friends Experience, Momofuku Noodle Bar, & Summit One Vanderbilt

Order the Official Hoodie HERE now, to be shipped directly to your home.

Questions? Email: risingstars@laguardiahspa.org 

A NOTE FROM OUR STUDENTS
Vote for the Design to Represent LaG!

The LaGuardia HS CANstruction Team is asking you to help choose the design that will best represent our school at CANstruction NY, an annual public event. Vote for your choice HERE.


Our humanitarian, community service team’s mission is to fight hunger! We will create a giant sculpture out of unopened canned foods and will compete against engineering firms, architectural firms, and contractors from all over NYC. 


The Common Goal: All competitors bring awareness to the hunger crisis. It is a truly awesome and large-scale community service project, collectively contributing to one of New York City’s largest food donations. 


We hope you vote!


To find us on Instagram, click HERE.

ACADEMIC FORUM

Karen Gillen
Nathifa Lewis
Kathy Pence
Jonathan Wynne

academicforum@laguardiahspa.org

Join us on Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00pm for a panel discussion with LaG parents whose students applied to college early action / decision. We’ll hear about why some students are choosing to apply early, the process, timing and what parents wished they knew sooner. This information session will take place on Zoom, link HERE.


As the second term gets underway, it’s a good time to remember that students tend to do best when they feel trusted, supported, and encouraged to take ownership of their learning.


What often helps most is simply being present - showing interest, being available, and keeping home a steady, supportive place. Casual check-ins about how school is going or what’s coming up can go a long way in helping students feel grounded and confident.

Some families find it helpful to:

  • Encourage students to organize their time in ways that work for them
  • Check in now and then about workload or upcoming deadlines
  • Normalize asking for help when something feels hard
  • Pay attention to shifts in stress or motivation and offer support when needed
  • Start low-pressure conversations about next year’s course choices, focusing on interests, strengths, and balance - not just outcomes


High school is a time for building independence. When students know their trusted adults are there to listen - without steering decisions - they’re more likely to make thoughtful choices, both now and as they look ahead.

COLLEGE RESOURCES

Shelliann Roach
Assistant Principal, Counseling Support
sroach2@schools.nyc.gov

Monday - Friday 8:15am - 4:15pm
Room 243
212-496-0700, ext. 2206


Click HERE to access LaG's Guidance Department page.

CLASS NEWS
Class of 2026

Senior Class Representative, VACANT
seniorrep@laguardiahspa.org 

ISO Co-Class Rep

Class of 2026 needs a second class representative. This is an executive board member position within the Parents Association. The class reps serve as liaisons between the parents of the senior class and the school administration and Student Government Organization, and help plan events, collect dues, among other things. Please email president@laguardiahspa.org if interested. Be part of making your student's last year of high school memorable!

Class of 2027

Junior Class Representative, Yvette Frith-Raymond
juniorrep@laguardiahspa.org 

Class of 2028

Sophomore Class Representative, Rasheedah Brown-Harris
sophomorerep@laguardiahspa.org 

Class of 2029

Freshman Class Representative, Sandra Lau-Mui
freshmanrep@laguardiahspa.org

STUDIO CONTACTS & NEWS

Shira Eisenberg

tech@laguardiahspa.org



TECH: The small studio with a huge impact.

POPSTARS

Less than two weeks until the amazing variety show that is Rising Stars and we're looking for a few good Moms and Pops to get on their feet and help with the Tech Merch table on February 5, 7, and 8.

More info and volunteer sign up for Tech Merch sales HERE.


POTS

Save the date - the January POTS Zoom meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28 at 8:00pm. We'll be discussing the Spring show season and more.

Take a good look at these amazing popcorn flavors and get ready to order TOMORROW, Monday, January 26 @12:00pm!!! Our tech store will be open for 4 days until January 30 at 12:00pm and you will be munching on popcorn before Valentine’s Day!!!


And don’t forget to *share the link found HERE far and wide* so all your friends can enjoy as well while we raise more money for our tech crew!!!

Jennifer Dumlao
Vanessa Enri
quez

Marlene Smoot
Diane Vasquez

music@laguardiahspa.org

WINTER BAND CONCERT

The Music Studio invites you to warm up in front of a toasty wall of sound powered by Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony, our two most senior curricular woodwind, brass, and percussion ensembles. The Winter Band Concert is this Thursday, January 29 @ 6:00pm and tickets are available HERE now. Seating is reserved so get your tickets now!

WINTER GOSPEL CONCERT

The winter concert season continues next week with the Winter Gospel Concert next Friday, February 6 @ 6:00pm. Tickets are available HERE for that show as well. The Band Concert and Gospel Concert are the last two Music Studio concerts until the Operetta in March, so catch these last two shows and soak up that last bit of inspiration to carry you through the snowy winter!


MUSIC STUDIO PA MEETING - Health and Wellness

Join us this Wednesday, January 28, @ 7:30pm on Zoom for an important Health & Wellness Meeting featuring guest speaker Leryn Turlington. Leryn will speak about how students can care for their mental and emotional well-being in 2026 and beyond, offering practical tools and thoughtful insight to support their overall health.

Zoom link HERE.

Meeting ID: 894 3039 4938

Passcode: 699096

Mindy Greenberg
Jamie Ganey

drama@laguardiahspa.org


“As an actress, you have to give your character a life, a history, and make it full and rich for yourself.”

– Cara Buono

PODS MEETING THIS WEEK!

January PODS meeting this Tuesday, January 27 at 7:30pm. All YOU have to do is click this link right HERE and show up.

MERCH MADNESS: RISING STARS EDITION

Our performers are rising. Our merch is ready. Now we just need you.
We're looking for volunteers to help run the Merch Table during each of the Rising Stars shows (Feb. 5–8). It's fun, it's easy, and it supports the Studio. Sign up HERE.


PUT A SPRING (DRAMA FESTIVAL) IN YOUR STEP

Welcome to our new weekly “substack” – all devoted to our Spring Drama Festival. Because it’s that big of a deal to our seniors (and parents!).


THE POWER OF THREE

Mark your calendars now, because this year’s SDF is a titanic triple-header of theatrical talent. A holy trinity of hot takes. A Cerberus of productions, if you will (#iykyk). Anyway, jot these dates down.

  • SDF #1 – Urinetown: March 26–28
  • SDF #2 – Noises Off: April 30–May 2
  • SDF #3 – Macbeth: May 29–31

Volunteer sign-ups for merch & concessions are coming soon, so get your snack smiles and Square app thumbs ready too.

 

CALLING ALL SPACE WIZARDS AND GENEROUS HUMANS

Here's the deal: We need rehearsal space during our February and April breaks, AND we need a donor to help make it happen (because unfortunately, this stuff costs money). Here's what we're looking for:

  • February 17-20, 9:00am - 3:00pm: Two studios (one with a piano) for Urinetown and Noises Off
  • April 6-8, 9:00am - 3:00pm: Two studios (no piano needed) for Noises Off and Macbeth

Know someone who can help? Have a lead on space? We're all ears! And vocal chords, etc. Bonus: your heroism will be tax deductible.

Katie Miller
Barbette Leonard

dance@laguardiahspa.org

Hello amazing dance families,


We hope you are enjoying this snowy weekend!


A few things to note:


Our seniors have been hard at work auditioning for their senior graduation concert pieces -- it is going to be spectacular! How can you help, you ask? Well, thanks so much for checking! We will be sharing out information shortly about how to sponsor specific concert pieces.


On January 28 our students will have their first Guest Artist in the ballroom style - Jason Dai! We are so excited for them to experience the beauty and artistry of ballroom dance.


Please note that the LaG Alumni and Friends application for scholarships for Summer 2026 Arts Programs is now open for 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Deadline is February 6. You can learn more HERE.


And, as always, please donate! All donations go to support the magic happening in the studios. Every dollar counts. Please donate HERE now!


Warmly,

Katie and Barbette

Kristin Leigh

Cindy Wolf

art@laguardiahspa.org


SUPPORT OUR ART STUDENTS AT RISING STARS!

A number of our Fine Arts students will be sharing their incredible work at the Rising Stars Art Exhibit. Be sure to arrive at the show early to enjoy the exhibit!


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RISING STARS MERCH SALE

All studios have been invited to sell merch at the Rising Stars shows, and we’d love to see if there is enough interest/availability of volunteers for the Art Studio to sell merch at the performances. Please sign up HERE for various nights under the section for FINE ARTS MERCH. If you can’t stay for the whole sign-up window, but want to help, please email us at art@laguardiahspa.org and let us know. Thanks so much!


UPCOMING MEETING!

February is nearly here, and our next Art PA monthly meeting will be held on Monday, February 9 at 7:00pm. Zoom link to be sent out prior to the meeting. Hope to see you there!


Questions? Comments? Ideas? Meeting topics? Please email us anytime at: art@laguardiahspa.org. We'd love to hear from you! 

  

Have a great week and STAY WARM!

Kristin Leigh & Cindy Wolf

FROM TRACY'S DESK (PARENT COORDINATOR)
OUTSIDE & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Summer Programs at Parsons School of Design

Read below and linked for details about two youth and pre-college summer programs at Parsons School of Design:

Both art and design programs include student scholarship opportunities.

Pre-College Scholarship Opportunity

Creatives Want Change administers a pre-college scholarship for high school students in grades 9 through 12 with an interest in fashion design or merchandising. This scholarship is intended for applicants who can participate in a summer pre-college program in 2026 and demonstrate financial need. It covers all associated expenses, including travel, tuition, fees, and supplies. Accepted students will have access to mentorship opportunities, internships, and college scholarships. Participating institutions:

  • Pratt Institute
  • Parsons School of Design
  • Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
  • Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
  • Otis College of Art and Design
  • Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)


Each summer, 25 students are awarded this scholarship. 


  • Application Link HERE 
  • Application Explanation HERE
  • Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 3
  • Pre-College Programs Descriptions HERE
Casting Call

ProjectNowhere Near Home (NYU Thesis Short Film)
Genre: Narrative, Drama / Dark Comedy
Logline: Two brothers get stranded after school and try to hitchhike home, facing unexpected challenges that test their relationship.
Location: NYC (local talent from NY, NJ, CT encouraged)
Rehearsals: Late January to early February (flexible based on availability)
Shoot Dates: March 23–29 (NYC)


We are currently casting MARCOS (Lead): Male, 13 - 18 (ideally a freshman “baby face”).


Marcos is earnest, hopeful, and impulsive. He mistakes bravery for proving himself, and he pushes too hard because he wants his older brother to take him seriously. This actor must be comfortable playing vulnerability, fear, and emotional exposure without irony, and able to carry scenes with grounded realism.

(We are also casting supporting roles including DANIEL (Male, 15–20s, must read young) and ROSY (Female, 50–70s).)

Compensation: No payment. Meals, transportation, and (if needed) lodging will be provided. Actors will receive footage/clips for reels upon completion. 

Minors: A parent or legal guardian will be required to be present, in accordance with NYC film laws. Working hours will be limited based on the actor’s age and all applicable regulations.

Submit the following to pc3321@nyu.edu:

  • Headshot

  • Resume

  • Reel or any relevant performance footage (if available)

  • Confirmation of availability for late January to early February rehearsals, and March 23rd to 29th shoot window

The WindowsWear Mentorship Program connects brands with students from around the world! Brands like Coach present ideas to identify new talent, and students submit projects to win exclusive opportunities and paid internships!

See more details HERE and to apply.

Any questions, please email Dr. Wright-Campbell at EWrightcampbell@schools.nyc.gov.

PA REMINDERS
Get Some New LaG Swag!

Visit our online shop for general LaGuardia merch. Make your purchases HERE. (You can also still purchase more items and Studio-specific swag in person at school events and shows!)

IEP/504 NEWS

If you are a parent/guardian of a student with an IEP or 504 at LaGuardia, please join our WhatsApp chat group HERE. The purpose is to support each other regarding questions/concerns related to our student's IEP or 504 at LaGuardia.

For questions, please contact Parent Association VP for Special Education, specialeducation@laguardiahspa.org

SCHOOL CONTACT LIST

If you need a comprehensive list of who to contact at the school for various questions, click HERE

LAG ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Parent Association Instagram: Laguardia_pa
Parent Association Facebook: LaG Families and Friends

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION & INTERVENTION

Alex Falk is LaGuardia's Substance Abuse Prevention & Intervention Specialist: AFalk@schools.nyc.gov

The NYC DOE Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialists (SAPIS) program provides a range of prevention and intervention services in grades K-12. The goals of the program are to:

  • Reduce the prevalence of substance abuse among youth
  • Delay the initiation of substance abuse behavior among youth
  • Decrease the negative health, social, and educational consequences associated with substance abuse
  • Prevent the escalation of substance abuse behaviors to levels requiring treatment
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
USEFUL LINKS
Explore the LaGuardia PA Website

For questions about, and/or to submit content for consideration in the Sunday Night News, please email: snn@laguardiahspa.org

*DISCLAIMER: The LaGuardia High School Parents Association Inc (LAGHSPA) and its officers and elected members do not endorse third-party content shared in our communications, nor do they profit from third-party promotions featured in our communications.

**DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in listed WhatsApp chats and Facebook groups are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Parents Association or school administrators. 

LAGHSPA Photo/Video Disclaimer

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -