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First day of school 2023 in New York City

UFT President Michael Mulgrew kicked off the first day of school for New York City public schools on Sept. 7 at PS 121 in the Bronx with Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor David Banks. They welcomed the more than 900,000 students back to school citywide, including about 21,500 from families that have migrated to the city in the past year; announced a state waiver that will allow more bilingual educators to teach migrant students; and touted the new, phonics-based reading curriculum.

A teacher fist bumps with one of his students

Fifth-grade teacher Louis Villani welcomes his new students and greets one with a fist bump.

Erica Berger
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A teacher fist bumps with one of his students

Fifth-grade teacher Louis Villani welcomes his new students and greets one with a fist bump.

Erica Berger
A man consoles a crying child
Dad Don White tries to convince his son to go into the school for his first day of prekindergarten.
Erica Berger
A woman with purple hair takes photos on her phone

Literacy Coach Tawanna Cardoza, an educator for 12 years, takes photos of her students as she makes the rounds of the classes gathered on the playground before school.

Erica Berger
UFT President Michael Mulgrew and NYC Mayor Eric Adams

UFT President Michael Mulgrew (left) and Mayor Eric Adams give each other a fist bump during a news conference in front of the K-5 school’s new Parent Resource Center.

Erica Berger
A student is interviewed by television reporters

A student starting kindergarten is interviewed by television reporters as she arrives at the school.

Erica Berger