Stephen Gaynor School

We introduce to you… the Class of 2026! On June 12, 52 Blue Cluster students became Gaynor graduates. We are so proud of the journey each student took to get to this moment, and the hard work they’ve accomplished. We wish them the best as they move to the next chapter, but remember—once a gator, always a gator! Check the link in our bio for a full graduation recap. 🐊🎓

Photos by Deutsch Photo - Brett & Sherri

The official premiere of Never Again, a Holocaust memorial film project, was held on June 2. This student-created project took place during an elective for our Blue Cluster, where students learned interview techniques, gained film and editing skills, and worked collaboratively to produce a complete documentary. We are so grateful to all of the participants who lent their stories to the film, and our amazing group of program directors—Ms. Adams, Ms. Bentsen, Ms. Dash, and Ms. Laviano—for making this powerful program possible. Watch the full film here: https://vimeo.com/1201861131/5186dd58b4?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci 🐊🎥

To celebrate the last day of school for our Gaynor graduates, we held a breakfast for our students and their families. We celebrated how far each graduate has come in their time at Gaynor, and cheered them on as they prepare to enter the next chapter of their lives. We can’t wait to celebrate even more at graduation! 🐊💚

On June 3, we held our final Breakfast My Way of the school year! For this breakfast, we celebrated Pride and our faculty who facilitate the LGBTQIA+ affinity groups at Gaynor. Both faculty and students spoke about what Pride means to them, the importance of creating safe spaces, and how Gaynor has helped them feel that they belong. Check the link in our bio to learn more, and Happy Pride! 🐊🏳️‍🌈

Orange Cluster is rooting for the Knicks! 🐊🧡💙🏀

Orange Cluster teacher Jackie Dobish has been at Gaynor since 2014, and for the last five years she’s been a Co-Lead teacher with Jackie Kolbert, forming “the Jackies” of Room 404! For the Winter 2026 Gazette, we sat down with Jackie to learn more about her experience at Gaynor, her love of Orange Cluster, and the way the Co-Lead model helps set students up for success. Swipe to learn more, or read the full interview here: https://www.stephengaynor.org/2026/06/05/five-questions-with-jackie-dobish/ 🐊🧡

On May 7 & 8, the Gaynor community was treated to "Shrecktacular" performances of Shrek the Musical Jr.! Our talented Green and Blue Cluster students put on a ogre-tastic show worth more than a few onions. We are so proud of them! 🐊🎭🧅

May 29 was Field Day, and what a day it was! The whole school went to the fields on Randall’s Island for a day of fun athletic activities. Students competed in relays, soccer, and kickball, caught rubber chickens and stacked buckets, and most importantly, had a blast! Thank you to our wonderful Athletics team for planning the day, our Facilities team for assisting with set up, and Ms. Keffler for coordinating all the buses! It was truly a team effort. 🐊⚽️☀️

The Green Cluster recently went on their annual overnight trip to Trail’s End! And get this— 2026 marks ten years that Gaynor has been visiting Trail's End Retreats. Our students have a blast every time, and we can’t wait to be back!