Sing For Hope Piano Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Principal Stevens and Melanie Smith from the Sing For Hope Organization with PS4 students, teachers and PTA Pres.

The Sing For Hope Piano, located in our school's lobby, received an official welcome by members of the Student Government Organization, The Ellington Poets, Principal Stevens and representatives from the Sing For Hope Organization.  During this much anticipated celebration, Melanie Smith, Youth Programs Manager at Sing For Hope, gave students information about the organization and the history of our piano.  "Your piano", she told students "came all the way from under the arch at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn and was painted by an artist named Lance Johnson".  This piano is perfect for our school because the artist, from NYC, was inspired by jazz music and wanted to visually express the improvisational creativity of the music. To learn more about is artwork, click here!

During this celebration of the arts, Ms. Williams' (Assistant Principal) daughter Maddie played a song on the piano, Sing For Hope Volunteer John Clinton engaged students in a sing along and our very own Ellington Poets performed an excerpt from their poem, Hamlet in the Heights.  To learn more about the Sing For Hope Organization and how they celebrate the arts, click here!  For more highlights from the event, click here, watch the video and take a look at the photos below!

Special thanks to Melanie Smith and John Clinton from Sing For Hope for leading our ribbon cutting ceremony!  Thanks to Mr. Cantu, Arts Coordinator, for leading arts in our school and bringing this special piano to our lobby.

Canned Food Drive

Did you know that nearly 1.4 million New Yorkers struggle with hunger, including close to one in four New York City Children?!  Since December 12th, Student Government Members have encouraged their classmates in grades 3, 4 and 5 to donate canned food for hungry New Yorkers.  This year, City Harvest will rescue 55 million pounds of food and deliver it to 500 soup kitchens, food pantries and other community food programs throughout New York City.

Student Government Member Jaybrian, from class 520, packs up all donation in the lobby.

In total, our school has collected 172 cans of food, 26 boxes of cereal and macaroni and cheese, and 25 bags or rice to donate to hungry New Yorkers.  Some of our donations will go to City Harvest. The rest of our donations will stock shelves on our new food pantry here at PS4!  Principal Stevens will give us more details about this important initiative will come next month.

Student Government member Maria, from class 520, counts the donations of canned food.

Congratulations to PS4's Student Government Organization for a second successful service-learning project! With their leadership,we collecting more than 225 pounds of food to donate to hungry New Yorkers.  Our next service-learning project will focus on those individuals living in shelters.  (Photos taken by Jaylen C.)

Student Government Organization Raises $500

Our school has completed the challenge of helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society find cures for blood cancer! Student Government members from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes encouraged their classmates to donate money to specifically support children living with cancer. Thanks to all of the contributions from PS4 and schools all over the United States, patients will be able to go beyond surviving and live a long and happy life.

Student Government Organization members count the donations from students in their class.

At a recent meeting, student-leaders completed the campaign by counting the many boxes of change. Although donations are still being collected.  As of January 9, 2016, $521.04 has been collected from upper-grade classes.  A special congratulations to students in Dr. Thomas's class who donated $101.41!  Special thanks to Madeleine Hamingson, Student Series Campaign Assistant, from LLS for attending one of our Student Government meetings and talking to our scholars about her organization.  For more information about LLS, click here!

First Service Learning Project

Members of PS4's Student Government pose with Madeleine Hamingson from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The Student Government Organization, led by Technology Teacher Ms. Lennon, launched their first service-learning project this week!  Madeleine Hamingson, Student Series Campaign Assistant from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society visited our student leaders at their monthly meeting to distribute materials, discuss details of how to run a successful campaign and give them information about the organization.  "We really are thankful that you have chosen to help the many children and adults who suffer from cancer", she said to the members in attendance.

Ms. Madeleine speaks to Student Government members.

Student Government members have decided to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society whose mission it is to help find a cure for Blood Cancer!  PS4M/The Duke Ellington School joins over 29,000 schools across the nation to make a difference and raise as much money as we can.  Until the end of December, our school will be working to reach a goals of $1,200.  Envelopes have been sent home to all students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades with information about the Pennies for Patients campaign.  Each classroom has a collection box for all donations.  For families that would like to make an online donation, click here!

Student Government Members Support Families In Need

generationOn Student Government members from class 502 (center) with their classmates.

The newly named generationOn Student Government has been selected to receive an NYC generationOn Clubs Grant!  As a grant award recipient, the club will receive t-shirts for each member, a visit from a generationOn representative and a $500 gift card to use for a service learning project!  Their first service-learning project will provide six families in the Washington Heights community with bags of food for the holiday season.  Click here for more information about generationON!

Student Government members prepare to give a speech to their classmates about donating to City Harvest.

Through morning announcements, speeches and reminders, Student Government members have been encouraging their classmates to bring in cans of food, boxes of cereal and plastic jars of peanut butter to help feed the 1.7 million New Yorkers that currently live in poverty; 24% of which are New York City children living in food insecure homes.  "It's always wonderful to see students use their leadership skills to make an big impact in their own community", said Ms. Lennon (Student Government Advisor).  With the help of Parent Coordinator Denise Nunez, six families took home bags of food just before Thanksgiving break.  City Harvest will pick up all donations, which are being placed in the school's lobby, on Tuesday, December 1.  Click here to learn more about the City Harvest Organization that feeds millions of hungry New Yorkers every year.

Two 5th Grade Girls Donate to PS4

Veia G. (top) and Stacey E. are creative 5th graders who are helping PS4 raise money.

The PS4 School Store, run by members of the Honor Society and managed by Ms. Lennon (librarian), is not just a rolling cart where students get to purchase school supplies.  The School Store is a fundraising initiative that allows students to understand the concept of money, learn elements of customer service and experience running a small business.  Each year, student leaders are encouraged to support their school by creating a product to sell at the PS4 School Store.

This year, Stacey E. and Veia G. (5th graders from Ms. Wilson's class) are donating their creativity to help PS4 raise money for school assemblies and programs.  They are decorating pens with Duck tape!  Proceeds of the sale of every pen will support PS4.  "I wanted to sell these pens to help my parents with money for my college education.  But, the school needs money", said Stacey who wants to be a doctor and give these pens to hospitalized children.  Veia wants to be a designer of shoes and dresses.  She used Duck Tape to create her own tablet bag!  "YouTube has videos on how to make everything", she exclaims.

Duck Tape Pens are wrapped in decorative duck tape and will be sold for $2 in the cafeteria from 11:30-12:30pm.  For directions on how to make your own Duck Tape Pen, click here!  

Respect For All - 2015

During a recent meeting, Student Government members promote RESPECT FOR ALL.

The NYC Department of Education has designated February 9-13, 2015 as Respect For All Week in all NYC public schools. During this week, schools will have opportunities to highlight and build upon ongoing diversity programs and curriculum-based instruction. Schools will also have opportunities to begin new initiatives that promote respect for diversity and engage students in meaningful lessons and/or other activities that focus on preventing bias-based harassment, intimidation and/or bullying.  Through reading one of many books about diversity, PS4 teachers will engage students in conversations that promote a school community where all are respected and feel safe.

Our school is committed to making sure each student is respected. Through our No Place for Hate initiative, created by the Anti-Defamation League, and the many cultural assemblies that take place at PS4, our students are reminded that human beings are very different, yet we have so much in common.  Since the beginning of the school year, students at PS4 have made this promise:

I promise to do my best to treat everyone fairly.

I promise to do my best to be kind to everyone, even if they are not like me.

If I see someone being hurt or bullied, I will tell a teacher.

Everyone should be able to feel safe and happy at school.

I want our school to be No Place for Hate.

For more information on Respect For All, a city-wide initiative, click here.  To learn more about No Place for Hate, speak to Ms. Lennon or click here.

PS4M Donates 600lbs Of Food

Free picture collage generated with Smilebox

It's Penny Harvest Time

Student Government members discussing causes to support.

The Common Cents Penny Harvest grew from one child’s desire to feed the homeless, and since 1991, children between the ages of four and fourteen have been converting their natural compassion for others into action by collecting pennies and turning those pennies into grants for community organizations.  Since 1991, The Common Cents Organization has collected $8.1 million in pennies donated by children!  Last year, with some additional donations from Harlem Girl Scout Troop #3027,  the boys and girls of PS4 donated more than $450 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!  Students decided to fund cancer research after hearing personal experiences of students living with family members who have suffered from the disease.

This year, PS4's Student Government Organization will again decide which cause to support.  After adding cancer to the "Wheel of Caring" (shows causes that students are passionate about supporting) and talking about his experience with seeing his mother deal with cancer, Michael G. (President of class 520) plans to persuade members to support the cause.  "It feels good to persuade others to support cancer research", says Michael.  "My class has already given some pennies". 

Students are asked to bring in pennies until collection day on Monday, January 14.  For more information about the program, speak to Micheal G. or click here!

PS4 Improves Recycling Efforts

Student Government members Adrianna H. and Leslie V. recycle.

Members of PS4's Honor Society have joined forces with members of the Student Government to improve recycling efforts in classrooms throughout the school!  With new recycling bins, funded by a grant from DonorsChoose.org, each classroom now has a blue bin for recycling paper and a brown bin for trash.  Tall blue bins for plastic and another for paper have been placed near the elevator on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor.  Offices have also had their bins replaced! 


Honor Society students created presentations for students in first and second grade to teach them how to recycle.  "They are in the process of visiting lower grade classrooms to show students what to do," said Ms. Lennon (adviser of both the Student Government and Honor Society).  "They've been instrumental in making our recycling program a success and have been encouraging students to recycle at home." 

Honor Society Members give a recycling presentation.

Student Government members have the very important job of placing all recyclable materials in the blue bins in the hallway.  Our students are doing their part to save the Earth!

Students Took A Bite Out Of Cancer

In an effort to continue our service learning, we've teamed up with a local Girl Scout Troop to help us meet our goal of donating $1000 towards cancer research!  Recently Jennifer Avedon, Campaign Coordinator from Pennies for Patients, visited PS4 to express her gratitude to the 5th grade members of the Student Government and Honor Society for encouraging other students to make donations to causes that they are passionate about.  "Thank you, in advance, for supporting those who are effected by blood cancers", Ms. Avedon said during a recent presentation.  "Our organization really appreciates you."

Students and teachers from each 5th grade class learned about blood cancers and how to give their time, talents and treasures to causes that are important to our community.

All donations go directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  To make a donation, see any 5th grade student or teacher.  You may also click the link below to help our school take a bite out of cancer!

http://www.active.com/donate/cancerbites/PS4HarlemGirlScouts

*Update:  In an April 3, 2012, letter from Lisa Schwerdt (Sr. Director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), she writes "On behalf of the NYC Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) thank you for donating to this year's Pennies for Patients program at PS4 Duke Ellington School in the amount of $420.25."

The PS4 Penny Harvest

This month, the boys and girls of PS4's Student Government reminded students, teachers and staff to bring in pennies to donate to a good cause.  Each year, the Penny Harvest shows young people they have the ability to make the world a better place by introducing them to the power of philanthropy and service.  As children help others, they develop their generosity and moral character, and they learn through practice the skills and responsibilities of democratic participation.

Principals and parents find that the Penny Harvest encourages a caring culture and sense of belonging; teachers see it as an opportunity to enhance curriculum through a blend of service-learning, character education, and child philanthropy; community leaders value the millions of dollars and hours that children donate back to better our communities; and kids like the program because it’s fun! 

Congratulations to kindergartners from Mr. Diaz's class who brought in $41.67 worth of pennies!  Good job K-020!  We appreciate your philanthropy!  Click here for more information about the Penny Harvest and ake a look at the slide show below to see highlights of our penny harvest!

Make your own free photo slideshow

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.

Official Box Top Collection Begins!

This week, the members of our Student Government will begin collecting Box Tops!  Be sure to check for Box Tops at home and bring them to your teacher.  For more information on where to find Box Tops, click here.

Bears, Panthers, Knights and Wolves...OH MY!

This week, students of the Duke Ellington School will vote on a new mascot!  Voting has already begun on our blog!  Members of the Student Government will be visiting classrooms to distribute ballots for students in grades 3, 4, and 5 to vote.  If you haven't voted, please see the poll question on the left side of your screen and choose the symbol that will represent our school.

Here's what each symbol represents:

• Bear - strength and courage
• Panther - strength and grace
• Knight - honor and intelligence
• Wolf - power and strength

Panther

Knight

Bear

Wolf

Choose wisely!  Our new mascot will be announced by Coach Harris at our first basketball game on Friday, October 21st.

NOTE:  On October 21st, Coach Harris announced that nearly 75% of students voted for the wolf to be our new mascot!

Classroom Recycling

Have you seen this symbol?  Do you know what it means?

It is the recycling symbol.   It was created in 1970!  The artist who created it won a contest celebrating the first Earth Day!  The arrows represent the three steps used in the recycling process; collecting, processing and manufacturing.

This week PS4 will begin a new way of recycling.  Each classroom will have a new brown box that will hold paper (i.e. loose leaf paper, copy paper, notebooks and worksheets-NO PAPER TOWELS).  Classrooms will also have a grey bin for garbage.  Members of the Students Government will be visiting classrooms to explain the new routine to teachers and students.

For more information about recycling in our school see our Sustainability Coordinator, Ms. Lennon, or click here.  Watch this great video for ways to reuse, recycle and reduce!

One for Japan

The student members of PS4's National Honor Society and members of the Student Government Organization are raising money to help the thousands of victims of the earthquake in Japan. Please donate $1 to support our One for Japan campaign. All donations will be hand delivered to the Japan Society of NYC on April 15, 2011. Help us reach our goal of donating $1000.00.

This past Saturday, some members of The Ellington Poets Society were given a special art class led by Japanese poet and teacher, Emi Kikuchi. "Each class that donates to the One for Japan campaign will be given an origami crane", said Mr. Cantu. Origami cranes are Japanese symbols of friendship and peace. Feleesha J. (from class 402) felt proud to help. "I feel good helping out with what happened in Japan", she says. "I'm learning that any little thing can help". Origami cranes will be placed in our school's lobby and in each classroom.

For details about earthquakes, click here. For details about the earthquake/tsunami in Japan, click here or go to timeforkids.com/japanquake. For more information about our One for Japan campaign, see Ms. Lennon or contact Mr. Cantu at jcantu@schools.nyc.gov.

Update: $652 was delivered to the Japan Society of New York along with haikus written by students from the Ellington Poets Society. Thank you to all who donated.

PS4 Donates 180 Pounds of Pennies!

For nearly two months, students in grades 3, 4 and 5 have been collecting pennies. On Monday, pennies from all classes were collected and the grand total is $325!

With the help of an organization called Penny Harvest, the full amount collected will be donated to a charity chosen by our student leaders. The boys and girls of our school's National Elementary Honor Society and Student Government Organization (President Omar D. pictured with the clip board) have chosen to donate the pennies to the ASPCA to fight animal cruelty.

A special "thank you" goes to Ms. Thompson's class (301) who donated $71.62 in pennies. "This is a lot of pennies", said Ben G. (pictured below wearing a gray shirt) who helped his class raise the nearly 33 pounds of pennies!

Click here, to see 100 million pennies!

5th Graders Get Awarded

"I'm very proud of each of you", announced Mr. Polubiec, Assistant Principal at the bi-weekly 5th grade meeting. "You and your teachers are working so hard".

At this assembly, nearly 40 students were given certificates for their achievements in math, reading, attendance, and Project Wisdom (our character education program).

Each assembly, members of our Student Government and Honor Society share what they are working on in their classrooms and give updates on our school's Service Learning Projects. Currently, students are collecting pennies for Penny Harvest and donating food to City Harvest.

Student Government Members Support HSHF

Our Student Government has partnered with Columbia/New York Presbyterian Hospital's Healthy Schools-Healthy Families to support good eating habits! With a grant from Cabot Cheese, on November 10th nearly 240 parents were treated to a snack-tasting event including a variety of cheeses and seltzer water. Gift baskets were given to four lucky winners and simple recipes were handed out to all.

HSHF's mission is to utilize community partnerships to promote healthy lifestyles and identify and address unmet health and wellness needs in the entire school community. The organization's main goal is to cultivate a school culture which values physical activity and healthy eating. What better way to do that, than to have a healthy snack!

Thanks to our student leaders Alex R. (521), Gilani D. (401), Michelle G. (401), Seleny P. (501) and Franklin S. (501) for helping to run the event during Parent-Teacher Conferences. A very special thanks goes to Alexandra Groezinger from Cabot Creamery and Rahel Biegel, Education Coordinator for HSHF, for funding the event.