Did You Know?

Did you know that PS4/The Duke Ellington School has a Facebook page?  Well, we do and now you know!


If you have a Facebook account (and parent permission) 'Like Us' by clicking here!

Did you know?

Autumn is not only a wonderful time of year with crunchy, colorful leaves and cooler weather, but it is also a great time to learn some new autumn facts for kids. When you think of autumn, you probably think of cooler weather, going back to school, Halloween and falling leaves, but what else do you know about the season? Did you know that red and purple leaves are actually caused by the presence of sugars that are trapped inside the leaves?

For more information about autumn, click here!

Violence In Our Neighborhood

Since early October, a police officer has been stationed at the corner of 160th Street and Broadway.  This has been done by the New York City Police Department to address the increase of gang and gun violence taking place in our school's community.  To address the concerns for our students and parents that live near PS4, Dean Cantu and the administration wanted to make sure that we are all safe by inviting experts to talk to the Duke Ellington School community.

On October 27th, parents and students from 4th and 5th grade were invited to hear important information from members of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.  This organization advocates for change by talking to teens and youth groups about gun violence problems and teach them solutions.  Did you know that 30,000 people are killed by guns every year in America?  We can solve the problem by saying something if we see a gun or gun violence in our community.  A special thanks goes to Jackie and Shawna from NYAGV for speaking to our parents and students about gun violence.  For more information about their organization, click here.

Assistant DA Rey Cabrera & Student Government

On November 9th, Assistant District Attorney Reynaldo Cabrera discussed ways that gangs try to get children to join gangs.  "If you are ever given a choice to join a gang or NOT to join a gang...choose NOT to join a gang", said Mr. Cabrera.  "Gang membership always ends in death or jail".   Mr. Cabrera reminded students that gang membership is not always obvious.  Hand signals, backpack designs, graffiti, and social networks make it easy for gangs to elicit young members.  He also spoke to members of our Student Government after the assembly and was impressed with the student leadership at PS4.  Special thanks to "Mr. Ray" and Community Affairs Coordinator, Joeselinne Minaya for speaking to the boys and girls of our school.  For more information on what the Crime Strategies Unit at the New York County District Attorney's Office does, click here.

If you or someone you know is being influenced by gangs, contact Mr. Cantu or any teacher.

What's In Your Community?

A community is a place where groups of people live, work, play and shop. The businesses around PS4 are part of our school-community.  In the next several weeks, we will be highlighting places near our school.


Do you know all of the places in our community?  Take a look at the picture on the right.  What do people do there?  Click the comment section below to share your answer.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the first Latin American player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame was from Puerto Rico? Roberto Clemente is remembered today as one of the game's best all-round right fielders, with one of the best arms in baseball.

On Sunday, June 12th, The National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) will take place along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, in honor of the nearly 4 million inhabitants of Puerto Rico and nearly 4 million people of Puerto Rican birth or heritage residing in the United States. This year's Parade is dedicated to the Hometown of Cabo Rojo in their celebration of 240 years of foundation, also a Co-Dedication to the Hometown of Patillas in their celebration of 200 years of foundation. The Theme for this year parade is “Celebrating the natural beauty of Puerto Rico,” in an effort to educate the community of how to preserve the natural beauty of the island. Also, the parade will be celebrating GOYA; a partner in their celebration of their 75 years of foundation and services.

Happy Mother's Day!

Did you know that Mothers' Day is a holiday that is always celebrated on the second Sunday in May? It is a day when children honor their mothers with cards, gifts and flowers. The holiday first began in 1907, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It started as a suggestion by a woman named Julia Ward Howe in 1872. Jarvis and others began a letter-writing campaign to ministers, businessmen, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. They were successful! President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day a national observance that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

Students and teachers took time to acknowledge Mother's Day by making cards, purchasing flowers and creating crafts to deliver to mothers.

Take a look at the slide show below with highlights of the day.