Welcome

Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year at Sonia Sotomayor Middle School at Adelphi!

Dear Bobcat Family,

As we prepare to begin an exciting new school year, I would like to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all members of our Sonia Sotomayor Middle School community. Your continued support, dedication, and enthusiasm are deeply valued, and I look forward to another year of collaboration and shared success as we serve our students and families.

With the first day of school fast approaching, we embrace the collective anticipation of our scholars and families. This year, our guiding theme is:

“Nurturing Excellence through Compliance, Capacity, Culture, and Instruction.”

This framework reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a learning environment where all students can thrive:

• Compliance: We are grounded in integrity, responsibility, and adherence to academic and behavioral expectations. These principles build the trust and consistency that drive schoolwide success.
• Capacity: We strive to unlock each student’s potential by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth through meaningful, differentiated learning opportunities.
• Culture: Our strength lies in our diversity. We are proud to cultivate an inclusive, respectful, and affirming culture that reflects and uplifts every member of our school community.
• Instruction: High-quality, research-based instruction remains the heart of our mission. Our educators are dedicated to delivering engaging, standards-aligned learning experiences that meet the needs of all learners.

This year, we are placing intentional focus on supporting our scholars receiving special education services and our multilingual learners, particularly in mathematics. Through inclusive practices and targeted supports, we aim to accelerate achievement and ensure equity for all students.

We will also continue to advance our work through The Six Pillars of Community Schools:

1. Expanded and Culturally Relevant Curriculum
2. Effective Teaching Practices
3. Inclusive Leadership
4. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
5. Family and Community Partnerships
6. Community Support Services

Additionally, we are proud to share that this will be our first year operating as a Title I Schoolwide Program. This important designation supports our mission to serve all students by implementing the four core components:

1. Comprehensive Needs Assessment
2. Evidence-Based Reform Strategies
3. Parent and Family Engagement - Theme: Building Capacity, Fostering Culture, Ensuring Compliance
4. Coordination of Federal, State, and Local Resources

Together, we will build a school year filled with purpose, growth, and achievement. With Bobcat Pride and a shared vision, I am confident that 2025–2026 will be one of our most impactful years yet.

With appreciation and excitement,

Leroy Alicea-Cabassa, Ed. D
Founding Principal