Message from our Principal

It is my honor to introduce myself as Linda O'Shaughnessy, the principal of P.S. 88Q.  There is not one time that the words " I am the principal of PS 88Q" doesn't humble me.  I hold many titles; mother, teacher, wife, daughter, sister and principal of which I hold each sacred and important.  

I am a born and bred Brooklynite, and a product of the NYC Public School system.  My years at PS 199K, Hudde JHS, and Edward R. Murrow High School immersed me in a diverse, rigorous and inclusive environment.  I began teaching in 1993 in Brooklyn, ranging from 2nd grade to 6th/7th grade.  Fate brought me to Queens (District 27) in 2007.  I loved my years at PS 97Q, but when leadership called, I answered.  After three years as an Assistant Principal at Mosaic Pre-K Centers @ District 24, I was offered the principalship at PS 88Q in August of 2018.  My initial reaction, "I'm Home."  

I am beginning my sixth year at P.S. 88Q and am excited for what this year will bring.  Over the past five school years, our school, our community, and our world has changed drastically.  What we knew to be true, open school doors, classrooms full with inquisitive minds and inspiring staff, school buses dropping off our precious students, changed overnight.  What had never been done before, a shutdown of all NYC Public Schools took place, and on a moments notice P.S. 88Q moved into the virtual world.  Our staff, our families and our students were and continue to be amazing in a time of uncertainty.  This was only possible because of the trust in our community.  When the pandemic ended, and school returned to "normal" PS 88Q came back even stronger.  We never stopped believing that our school community was capable of great things, under any circumstances. 

 

There is so much to be proud of at PS 88Q.  Just to walk the halls, or enter the classrooms, or see the students at play in the school yard, you can tell so much.  What would you see and what would you hear at PS 88Q? You would hear music, laughter, and questions. What would you see?  Art, writing, projects, dance, performance and learning.  

 

The 2023-2024 school year brings so much hope and learning.  We are celebrating the highest NYS ELA and NYS Math scores that we have seen in 13 years. The future for PS 88Q is bright!  We have a vibrant early childhood program, with two 3K classes and four Pre-K classes.  We have a thriving ICT/STEM class on each grade, thanks to an amazing grant secured by District 24.  We have  a Gifted and Talented program for our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.  We are proud to become a NEST school this year.  Our arts program has expanded, including music, visual arts, theater and dance.  Our STEM Lab is ready for all of our students, as well as our beautiful library.  2023-2024 is going to be an amazing year!

Check out the latest podcast, where Mr. Canales interviews me!