It is with continued gratitude and deep commitment that I serve as your Interim Acting Superintendent, and I am energized by the promise and possibility this new school year brings.
To our school leaders and administrators: Thank you for your steadfast leadership and tireless preparation in readying our schools for another year of excellence. Your vision, collaboration, and care are the backbone of our schools, and I look forward to working alongside you as we create the conditions for every child and adult in our system to thrive.
To our teachers and staff: You are the heart of our classrooms and the champions of student success. Whether you're welcoming our youngest learners for the first time or guiding students through their final year with us, your dedication, creativity, and love for this work are deeply appreciated. I am inspired by your unwavering commitment to nurturing the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally, and I am committed to supporting you in this vital mission.
To our students: Welcome back! Your brilliance, curiosity, and resilience are why we do this work. This year, we encourage you to dream big, ask questions, take on challenges, and celebrate your growth. Know that we believe in you, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
To our families and caregivers: Thank you for your trust and continued partnership. Your role in your child’s education is essential, and we are grateful to walk alongside you as co-educators. We are committed to maintaining strong communication, listening to your voices, and working together to ensure each child has the opportunity to succeed and shine.
District 21 is a vibrant, diverse, and resilient community and this new school year is a chance to build on our shared legacy of excellence, equity, and joy. Together, we will continue to deepen our focus on rigorous instruction, literacy achievement, inclusive practices, and student voice. We will expand opportunities for enrichment and support, and we will ensure that every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential.
Thank you for all that you do to make our schools safe, welcoming, and empowering places of learning. I am excited for what lies ahead and confident in what we will accomplish, together.
With sincere appreciation and commitment,
Erin Lynch-Reyes
Interim Acting Superintendent
District 21 – New York City Public Schools