The Unity Scoop – September 27
Dear Families of Unity,
I hope this past week has been a joyful one for you and your loved ones!
In this edition of the Unity Scoop, we are excited to share highlights of our students and teachers in action, our October calendar, and a number of upcoming events, family gatherings, and service opportunities.
Enjoy your weekend—our first Fall weekend of the season—and best wishes in the week ahead!
A final but very important note: As listed on our school calendar, we will have a full day of school on Thursday, October 2nd, even though it is Rosh Hashanah and NYCDOE public schools will be closed. We wish a joyful and meaningful holiday to all in our community who are observing, and we look forward to welcoming students to school that day.
In unity,
Josh
Josh Beauregard
Executive Director / Co-founder
Updates as of September 27, 2025:
1. New – Highlights of Students and their Teachers in Action this Week!: Enjoy the photos below of Ms. LaPlaca’s 6th grade scientists in action as they built their skills using microscopes to conduct research and experiments. Our young scientists practiced centering their field of view, adjusting their focus, and refining magnification – an exciting step in their journey as budding researchers!
2. New – October 2025 School-wide Calendar: For your family’s convenience, here is a schoolwide calendar of events for the month of October – print it out and throw it on the refrigerator door! It is possible that events could change and new events could be added. An up-to-date events calendar can always be accessed on our website.
3. New – Unity Stands Against Bullying! – Wednesday, October 1st: We’re standing together against bullying and for kindness, inclusion, and respect. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange on 10/1 to show solidarity and remind our community to speak up, reach out, and support one another.
4. New – Save the Date! Unity’s Campuses to Join Forces to Support The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Saturday, October 25th: Members of our community from grades 6 through 12 will participate in a 3-mile walk on Saturday, October 25th, in support of The American Cancer Society (ACS). ACS’s Making Strides initiative raises lifesaving funds that support breast cancer patients, survivors, thrivers, and caregivers through every step of the journey. Unity families are encouraged to take part!
5. New – Urban Advantage Family Science Days: Free Museum Admission for Unity Middle Families!: Through Unity’s partnership with Urban Advantage (UA), students in grades 6–8 and their families can enjoy free admission to some of New York City’s premiere museums and institutions. Vouchers will be handed out to students in their science classes next week. Each voucher provides free entrance for our Unity scientists plus three guests.
6. New – Attention Middle School Families Who Are Interested in Afterschool Programming!: The partnership with our middle school and St. Nick’s Alliance continues strongly this year. St. Nick’s offers a rich array of afterschool programming in academic enrichment, leadership development, and extra-curricular activities for our middle school students. Programming began on Monday, September 15th. Afterschool applications have been distributed to students and additional copies are available in the main office. Through St. Nick’s programming, 17 students from each grade have access to a free field trip to Dorney Park Halloween Haunt!
Details on St. Nick’s Alliance afterschool program and the upcoming field trip will be shared with families after submitting their application. Please contact Program Director, Luis Rodriguez, with questions via email at lrodriguez@stnickallliance.org
7. Updated: Kudos to Unity’s Student-Athletes for Engaging in Fall Athletics Tryouts! The Fall Season Officially Tips Off!: Our fall teams have been hard at practice this week, bringing incredible energy and determination as they gear up for their upcoming competitions.
Finally, a huge shout-out to our high school Cross Country Club team for competing in their very first meet on Friday – you made us proud! Let’s hear it for all of our Unity Panthers!
8. Recap – Photos from this Week’s Open School Night Sessions: Thank you again to our families across grades 6-12 for participating in this week’s Back-to-School-Night festivities. And enjoy the photos below!
9. Recap – Guidance on Supporting Your Child with School at Home: As communicated last week, there are four key actions you are encouraged to engage in at home throughout this month to help your child get off to a strong start to the school year. Congratulations on completing #4 below this week!
Four Actions for a Strong Start
Ask Your Child About Their Day
Engage your child in conversations about their school day and week. If our team can help ensure your child is enjoying their school experience, please reach out to:
- help.ms@unityprep.org
- help.hs@unityprep.org
- or your child’s advisor
Check Jupiter for Progress Updates
Stay informed about your child’s progress in Jupiter.
- Watch this brief video tutorial for instructions.
- Email your child’s advisor with any questions about their specific gradebook or assignments.
Create a Homework Space & Routine
Help your child set a consistent space and routine for completing homework or practicing skills. Routines build strong study habits that will pay off all year long.
Attend Back-to-School Night this Week!
Meet teachers, learn about curricula, and see what your child will be learning this year!
- High School: Tuesday, 9/16
- Middle School: Wednesday, 9/17
10. Recap – Unity’s 2025-26 Student & Family Handbook is Available Here!:
11. Recap – Athletics Enrichment Beyond the Court and Field at Unity!!: On Saturday, September 27th, our Annual Student vs. Faculty Flag Football Game will take place at MetLife Stadium! Our students will have the incredible opportunity to compete on an actual NFL field, with kickoff at 5:35 p.m. This event also serves as a fundraiser for our athletic department, and we encourage families to join us, cheer on our Panthers, and support the Unity community. See the details below—including a QR code for purchasing tickets!
Enjoy the accompanying photos of our community in action: members of the Girls Basketball Team at the NY Liberty’s playoff game and Unity alumni gathering at Citi Field for a Mets game. These moments showcase the enrichment that athletics at Unity provides – building skills, pride, and lasting memories both on and off the court or field.
12. Recap – 2025-26 School Year Calendar of Key Events and Vacations for Families: Calendars for the 2025-26 school year are available below. Note that we have two versions this year – one version for our middle school (grades 6-8) and another version for our high school (grades 9-12).
- Grades 6-8 2025-26 School Calendar of Key Events and Vacations for Families
- Grades 9-12 2025-26 School Calendar of Key Events and Vacations for Families
13. Recap – Guidance on School Supplies: Guidance on school supplies are below:
14. Recap – Information and Guidance on Unity’s Dress Codes for the 2025-26 School Year: Unity’s dress codes by grade level are provided below.
- Grades 6-8: Here is a link to all things dress code for all middle school students.
- Grades 9-12: Here are links to our dress code policy and the school store to buy uniforms online.
15. Updated – New Students for Fall 2025 – Unity Prep has a few seats available for rising 6th and 9th graders for the 2025-26 school year. Finding the right school can be tough, and our current families (you!) are the best advocates. If you know of any interested families, please reach out to Mr. Beckford via email or cell (862-294-0219). For any families that refer a new family, both will be given a $100 Amazon gift card for school supplies.
16. Recap – Join our New Unity Prep Instagram (IG) Account Today!: We recently launched our new grades 6-12 IG account to bring our entire community together – @unityprepcharterschool. Don’t miss out – follow us now!
