In Observance of Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, NYC public schools will be closed on May 28, 2012. 

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.

For more information about this national holiday and to see the many videos available about this topic, click here.

The Ellington Poets Society Perform at BAM

The Ellington Poets Society with Mayhem Poets

The BAMcafe stage

The Ellington Poets Society recently performed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music with the professional poet group, Mayhem Poets.  The Mayhem Poets take audiences on a high energy verbal adventure that raises poetry to playful and thought-provoking heights, inspiring students with the power of spoken word.  Commenting on subjects from Dr. Seuss to superheroes to fast food, this trio of theatrically trained artists is joined by an electric violinist to explore rhythm in its many forms.

More than two hundred students from all over NYC were invited to this event, but the only student group to take the stage was the Ellington Poets.  One member was very inspired by the Mayhem Poets.  Byron M. asked Mason Granger, who joined the Mayhem Poets in 2005, about his inspiration for one of his poems.  "Do you really love cartoons that much?", asked Byron. "Yea", Granger responded, "I do".  For more information about Mayhem Poets, click here!

Lead by our school's Dean of Discipline, Mr. Cantu, the next two performances by the Ellington Poets Society will be at Aaron Davis Hall (Langston Hughes Choral Speaking Festival) on May 23rd and at our annual Talent Show on June 15th.

Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Return

 For the fourth year in a row, the Thunderbird American Dancers performed at PS4!  Students from first, second, third and fourth grade learned about the beautiful culture of the American Indian.  Specializing in the songs and dances of the tribes of the Northwest Coast, Woodlands (Iroquois and Winnebago), Plains (Sioux) and the Southwest (Hopi and Santo Domingo), their dances include the traditional "Fancy Dance' and the "Hoop Dance" as well as a variety of other distinct regional tribal dances.  Many students were even invited on stage to dance with the Thunderbird Dancers!

Special thanks to Makalina Gallagher from Lotus Music & Dance for sponsoring this wonderful performance at our school year after year.  For more information about the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, click here!

Mexican Heritage Celebration

Our Mexican Heritage Celebration was a huge success!  With more than fifty parents attending a dance performance form the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company and a luncheon sponsored by the PTA, our school community was proud to celebrate the beautiful culture of Mexico.  "My students have heard me talk about how important it is to celebrate traditions from all over the world," said 4th grade teacher Ms. Marmolejos.  "This is a perfect connection to what we are all doing in our classrooms."

A very special thank you goes to the dancers of The Calpulli Mexican Dance Company who performed for more than five hundred students, teachers and guests. "I've worked for the Department of Education for more than 25 years and this is, by far, the best performance I've every seen," said Ms. Martin (Assistant Principal).  See the slide show below for photographs from our Mexican Heritage Celebration.  For more information about The Calpulli Mexican Dance Company, click here!

Create a picture slideshow

We Love Our Teachers!

May 7-11, is celebrated nationally as Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. While educators can, and should, receive recognition year-round, this week can serve as a special opportunity to honor all school staff, herald unrecognized actions, and strengthen a school community.  If you haven't already done so, tell your teachers how much you appreciate them!

150 Years of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo celebrates a victory by the Mexican Army over the French Army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Today, Mexicans all over the world celebrate this victory!  This year marks the 150th anniversary of this victory.  PS4 will be celebrating this special victory on Thursday, May 10th with a performance and luncheon for parents.  Happy Cinco de Mayo!

For more information and some fun facts about Cinco de Mayo, click here. To learn more about Mexico, click here.

PS4 Baseball Shows Promise

The PS4 Wolves lost a heart-breaking baseball game to PS115 with a score of 1 - 0. The loss is the second in a row for PS4. But, there were some good moments for The Wolves! Starting pitcher, Christopher R., struck out 8 batters and the PS4 defense completed many plays in the field and played a game without many errors. "This was a good game and PS4 would not have lost if they didn't make that mistake at third base.", said umpire Angel R.

Even though the Wolves lost this game, Coach Harris is confident that they'll be ready to win the next time they step on the field.

Healthy Habit of the Month: May

The Healthy Schools Healthy Families Healthy Habit of the Month:

Switch to low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt!

Milk is good for the body. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin D‐‐ good for the bones, eyes, skin, immune system, muscles, nervous system and heart. Milk is also a good source of certain proteins and may contribute to a healthy weight and healthy blood pressure. Low‐fat milk or non fat milk (1% or less) has the same nutrients as whole milk.  This type of milk lowers your fat intake and calories.

For more information and tips on drinking milk, click here!