If You Really Love Polar Bears...

Did you know that there are more than 7 billion people on Earth?  Wasteful habits that each person may have affects the polar bears habitat.

At a recent stage performance, sponsored by Making Books Sing, first graders were able to meet a puppet named Patchy.  He is a little boy who is obsessed with polar bears!  His daily routine is filled with activities that celebrate his favorte ice bear.  But, at what cost?  While traveling on a magical journey into the past, present and future, Patchy learns firsthand how much of an impact he has on the planet.  He finally learns to unplug appliances when not using them, take short showers to save water and recycle.  By changing his wasteful habits, Patchy realizes how he could save an animal's life.

Actors from Making Books Sing perform at PS4

Patchy learns how his habits affect Polar Bears

1st graders perform with actors on stage

Students were able to watch this interactive story told through music, puppetry and physical comedy!  When asked what he thought about the show, six-year old Javier S. (class 123) said, "It was funny!  I like when the bear said grrrrrr".

To learn more about the Greenhouse Effect and how we affect animal habitats, click here!

Did You Know?

Did you know that Capoeira (pronounced cap-o-ware-a) is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music?  It was created in Brazil with African and Brazilian influences.  It is known by quick and complex moves, using mainly power kicks and quick leg sweeps, with some ground and aerial acrobatics, knee strikes, take-downs, elbow strikes, punches where the opponents never touch each other.  Click here to see videos!

Capoeira instructor leads the class.

"The Circle"

Since Monday, November 14, nearly 50 students from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade have participated in PS4's Capoeira After-School Program which is held on Mondays and Fridays from 3-5pm.  This program promotes discipline and self-esteem, as well as cultural awareness.  Master Capoeira Instructors from Capoeira Brazil have been training students to perform this expression of art.

Although no more students are being accepted for this program, click here to find information on how you can take classes.

Great American Smoke-Out with Micky Magic

On November 17th, the American Cancer Society marked the 36th annual Great American Smoke-Out!  It is a day that many smokers stop smoking.  Did you know that 4-7% of smokers are able to quit without any help?  Students and staff of PS4 learned ways they can help a smoker in their stop smoking.  They also celebrated this day by learning about the harmful effects of smoking from Master Magician and Smoking Cessation Counselor, Micky Magic.  "Students now really know how bad smoking really is", said 5th grade teacher Ms. Cabral, "it was a good show".


After the show, the students promised to remain healthy and teach others about this cancer causing habit.  Students and staff took their promise outside as they marched and rallied for the entire community to see and hear.  Special thanks to Micky Magic for a magical show!  His enthusiasm about putting an end to smoking in our community inspired all of us to talk to our friends and family about ways to stop the habit.

Micky Magic talks to 4th graders.

4th grade students march against smoking.

For more information about Micky Magic, click here.  Go to www.cancer.org for more information about the harmful effects of smoking.