Principal Manuel Urena

Dear Parents/Guardians/Students,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!

Be it returning families or new families becoming part of the JKO Family, I am delighted to have you join us for what is set to be an inspirational, engaging and successful year.

For the 2026-2027 school year, our focus will revolve around one instructional vision that encompasses solid academic preparation paired with real-world application. Our partnership with the district, and our magnet program has allowed us to focus on the following four domains to prepare our students to be ready for college, careers and citizenship:

Literacy Across Content Areas (NYC Reads): Each day, our students will engage with rich text in all subject areas to foster comprehension, analytical writing and communication.

Mathematical Sensemaking & Inquiry (NYC Solves): Through problem solving and inquiry through discussions, students will build their sense-making skills to create fluency in mathematics.

Hands-On Science & Inquiry: Through phenomenon based instruction in Biology, Earth & Space Science, Chemistry and Physics; students will solve authentic scientific inquiries to build their thinking skills.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) & STEAM: PBL is at the core of our magnet program. Students will be addressing business and city-wide problems from a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) approach using up-to-date technology and research skills to find solutions.

Expanding College and Career Pathways

In order to ensure our students are fully prepared for the next stage in life, we are expanding our advanced academic options:

Advanced Placement (AP) & Advanced Coursework: Growing our advanced options with AP for All, which includes AP Seminar, AP Research, AP Precalculus, AP English Language and AP English Literature.

Civic & Language Recognition: Possibility of students earning a New York State Seal of Civic Readiness and Seal of Biliteracy.

College Partnerships: Early college experiences through CUNY College Now, BMCC and Berkeley College; coupled with our great business industry partnerships.

First Day of School Information:

First Day of School: Thursday, September 10, 2026

Start Time: 8:20 a.m.

Dismissal Time: 2:40 p.m.

For further details in regards to schedules, school policy and events, please refer to our inaugural parent newsletter that can be found on our school website at www.JKOhighschool.org under the "Parents" section. You may also wish to view the following attached documents from our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Reaves and school counseling team.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment, trust and support towards our students and school community. Together, we are going to make this an amazing school year!

Sincerely,

Manuel A. Ureña

Principal