The Power Within

Dr. Montanez encourages students in grades 3-5 to believe in their "heroic" qualities.

The Power Within - PBIS assemblies foster the definition of Ellington PRIDE.  Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based framework for improving and integrating all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. It is a way to support our school community to create the kind of school where all students are successful. The Power Within series is an educational and enriching set of assemblies where teachers and students alike can experience using positivity to attain goals and express their Ellington PRIDE.

Dr. Montanez teaches scholars about the effects of stress on the human body.

The Power Within Series, created by Mr. Cantu (PBIS Chairperson) is a series of workshops, geared toward scholars in grades 3-5. Scholars are motivated to believe in their super hero or “heroic” qualities. Qualities like positivity, respect and determination should be shared with the school community; classmates, teachers and family members. During this particular assembly, Dr. Evelyn Montanez, leader of Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation in New York City, encouraged students to focus on the five virtues that our school upholds:

1. Positivity
2. Respect
3. Integrity
4. Determination
5. Excellence

With help from members of her team from Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Montanez shows scholars how to incorporate these positive traits in their everyday actions. She also reminded scholars to remain positive when they take tests. "Stress hormones in the body can affect your mood, body and test-taking skills", she says. "Negative thinking before a test, can release those stress hormones".  Students in grade 3-5 will be taking New York State Standardized Tests in March, April, May and June. The test dates are as follows:

March 25-26, 2020 - Grade 3-5 NYS English Language Arts Test
April 21-22, 2020 - Grades 3-5 NYS Mathematics Test
May 28, 2020 - Grade 4 NYS Science Test (Performance)
June 1, 2020 - Grade 4 NYS Science Test (Written)

Special thanks to Dr. Montanez for her continuous support of PS4 scholars and staff. For more information about her and the Turn 2 Foundation, click here. For more information about the Power Within Series, contact Mr. Cantu. For details about New York State and local tests that PS4 scholars will be taking this year, click here.

Pictured (left to right): Dr. Montanez, Mr. Cantu, PS4 scholars and members of the Turn 2/Columbia-Presbyterian team.

Middle School and Beyond (VIDEO)

PS4 parents, teachers and scholars in 4th & 5th grade attend an assembly about the middle school application process.

Scholars in 5th grade will apply to middle school this fall! Online applications will open in October. The scholars will have the opportunity to apply for up to twelve schools. The deadline to apply for middle school is December 2, 2019. Therefore, it is important that scholars are aware of their expectations. At a recent assembly entitled, "Middle School and Beyond", scholars in 4th and 5th grade, as well as many parents, discussed the importance of planning and thinking ahead.

Mr. Cantu, Ms. Javier and Ms. Rojas speak to 4th and 5th grade scholars about the importance of showing determination.

This month, we focus on the virtue of determination. Presenters Ms. Javier (Social Worker), Ms. Rojas (Social Worker) and Mr. Cantu (ENL Instructor and Dean), gave scholars four ways to show determination, as it relates to planning for middle school:

• Making a decision requires planning - planning well, requires determination
• Determination is an important part of success
• One way of showing determination about something is by setting realistic goals
• There are two types of goals: short term (ex: completing a math assignment) and long term goals (ex: getting into middle school)

As 5th graders prepare to apply for middle school, there a few things that families can do. Parents can sign up for our middle school admissions email list (Open external link) to get the latest updates on middle school admissions, including event information. Families of 5th graders can also go to a middle school fair to earn about the application process and explore school options in the district. The first Middle School Fair for District 6 will take place on Wednesday, October 30, from 5:30 -7:30pm at The Paula Hedbavny School (421 W219th Street). Check out the video below, from the Department of Education, about the middle school application process!

5th Grade Graduation Ceremony - 2018 (VIDEO)

Seniors and family members stand for the pledge of allegiance during their graduation ceremony.

After some words of wisdom from Principal Stevens, Ms. Williams (Assistant Principal), and Special Guest Mr. Carlos Castillo (Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, selected students were given awards for their academic achievement.  Family members and friends of each graduate enjoyed performances and musical selections by our scholars.  The highlight of the ceremony was the conferring of the diplomas.

Congratulations to all of our graduating 5th graders!  We are so proud of you and look forward to your visits, next year.  Take a look at the video below, for the slideshow that was shown to guests during the graduation ceremony.  Created by Mr. Robinson (5th grade teacher), it showcases some memories from the 2017-2018 school year.

Middle School Application Process

Ms. Estrella, PS4's Guidance Counselor, meets with parents of 5th graders to discuss the Middle School application process.

The deadline for Middle School applications is December 1st!  Parents of 5th grade students will soon receive applications from our school's Guidance Counselor, Ms. Estrella.  She has been meeting with parents weekly to answer questions they may have about the application process and encourage them to make the best choice for their child.  The transition from elementary to middle school is an important moment in every adolescent’s life. This is an opportunity for parent and children to come together to determine what middle school experience is right for their family and how they can plan together for the big changes ahead.

For more information about he Middle School process, contact Ms. Estrella by calling the main office or sending an email to aestrel@schools.nyc.gov.  Click here for the 2018 NYC District 6 Middle School Directory and go to schools.nyc.gov/middle for more information on the application process.

Ms. Estrella answers question from parents of 5th graders.

Jazz & Civil Rights Show

Band leader and pianist Samora, plays for students during a Jazz and Civil Rights Show in the auditorium.

What does jazz music have to do with civil rights?  Students, teachers and parents assembled in the auditorium for the third and final assembly from the Jazz and Democracy Project.  The project helps the scholars make connections between democracy and jazz in a historical perspective. It is a music integrated curriculum that utilizes jazz as a metaphor to bring American democracy to life, enrich the study and teaching of U.S. history, government, civics and culture, and inspire youth to become active, positive contributors to their communities.

At this Jazz and Civil Rights Show, more than two hundred audience members learned about the origin of "Spirituals" and how they helped people in coping with the obstacles and struggles that came with the slavery experience. Slavery in America began when the first African slaves were brought to the North American colony of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619.

As part of the Ellington P.R.I.D.E. Arts Series, organized by PS4's Arts Coordinator Mr. Cantu, students have been learning about the history of jazz music. When asked about how the arts help our students, Mr. Cantu said, "our students are able to make connections with everyday personal conflicts that they may have in their own lives..they find ways to cope with problems by using music or art".  To see photos from a Jazz & Democracy Show done in Novembers, click here!

College and Career Day

 Fifth grade students celebrated College and Career Day with PS4!  Special guests from Boricua College and City College of NYC - Teachers College, spoke to students about the reasons why college is so important. Hosted by Mr. Batiz, Assistant Principal, and Ms. Estrella, Guidance Counselor, students were encouraged to start thinking about colleges that they may want to apply for.

For assistance in choosing the right middle school, contact our guidance counselor, Ms. Estrella.  For more inspiration, watch the video below of Michelle Obama speaking about the importance of going to college!

Tar Wars - 2016

5th grade students from Ms. Anderson's class participate in the Tar Wars anti-smoking program.

Recently, physicians and medical students returned to PS4 for our annual Tar Wars presentation for students in 5th grade. Led by Dr. Anita Softness, who coordinates Tar Wars, the program has been a hit at our school for nearly 10 years!

Tar Wars is a tobacco-free education program for students in 4th and 5th grade students. The program is designed to teach kids about the short-term, image-based consequences of tobacco use, the cost associated with using tobacco products, and the advertising techniques used by the tobacco industry to market their products to youth.  Ms. Anderson (5th grade teacher) was very excited about Tar Wars returning to PS4.  "This was the best Tar Wars workshop I've seen in years, " she said.  "The student-doctors really interacted with the students and the curriculum now includes more anti-smoking activities".

Dr. Anita Softness, Tar Wars Coordinator, for making sure our school is always at the top of the list for receiving this great program! Check out the photos below from the Tar Wars presentation at PS4 and click here for more information about the program!

Middle School Information

Guidance Counselor, Ms. Estrella conducts a Middle School information session for parents of 5th grade children.

Informational sessions for parents regarding Middle School took place in October and November.  Parents of and students in 5th grade will be making important decisions about entering Middle School.  PS4 is committed to the success of all scholars beyond Elementary School.  We will provide parents and students with the necessary support for them to be aware of the different Middle School options offered so informed decisions can be made.

Although informational sessions for parents are no longer available, you may contact Ms. Estrella, Guidance Counselor, for assistance.  She will be available during all Parent/Teacher Conferences and by appointment in room 212C.  Please contact the main office to schedule an appointment.

Senior Trip to Sportime USA

5th grade students from Ms. Marmolejos & Mr. Nycz's class at Sportime USA.

Congratulations to the graduating girls and boys of the 5th grade who went to Sportime USA in Elmsford, New York!  They enjoyed 4 hours of unlimited games, roller coasters, laser tag and bumper cars!  They even got a $10 game card!

Thanks to Kenya our party host who made sure we had a lot of fun.  Special thanks to Jackie Rivera (Sales and Marketing) and Jay Matthew (Sportime President) for making sure our students had an opportunity to participate in all that Sportime had to offer.  Take a look at the slide show below for some highlights from the festive occasion!

Free slideshow generated with Smilebox

Mini-Medical School 2015

Dr. Akala (left), Dr. Hultgren (center) and Dr. Carey (right) visited 5th grade classes for PS4's Mini-Med School.

Dr. Aaron Hultgren, who specializes in emergency medicine at NYU/Langone Medical Center and who is now Assistant Professor at NYU's School of Medicine, has been bringing his Mini-Medical School Program to PS4 since 2010.  With the help of medical students, Dr. Hultgren allows 5th grade students to have a better understanding of the human body. 

This year, he brought Dr. Akala, Dr. Sani (not pictured) and Dr. Carey!  Over the course of three sessions, PS4 students learned about the cardiovascular system, the central nervous system, and the musculoskeletal system.  Activities included listening to heart sounds, testing nerve reflexes, examining the pupil reflex, making a splint for a broken bone, and the students even created a simulated brain and performed heart surgery on damaged vessels.   They showed what they learned through station challenges.  They were also required to answer questions and perform activities based on the different body systems.

To see highlights from Dr. Hultgren's previous visits, click here!  To see a professional video from our 2013 Mini-Med School, click here!   We love you, Dr. Hultgren!  On behalf of the students and teachers, thank you for inspiring our young scholars and allowing them to make valuable connections to the real world.

5th Graders Win Art Competition

Winning artwork from 5th graders Chrismailyn D. (left) and Stacey E.

Artists from the 5th Grade Art Club have been awrarded!  Artwork entitled "The Protestors" from 5th grader Chrismailyn D. (class 521) has been accepted for display in the 1st annual 2015 Manhattan Borough Arts Festival Visual Art Exhibition! The Visual Art Exhibition will be on view at Cooper-Hewitt's Harlem Design Center, located at 111 Central Park North from June 2nd to June 5th.  Stacey E., from class 501  has been selected as a winning student of the Town Hall & Con Edison Poster & Essay Contest!  Take a look at their artwork below.  Congratulations to both Chrismailyn and Stacey!

Special thanks to Ms. Lennon and Dr. Thomas for entering the artwork into these annual contests.  Parents, teachers and the winners have been invited to the opening reception for the exhibits
.

"The Protestors" by Chrismailyn D.

"The Urban Bush Women" by Stacey E.

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!  

5th Grade Girls Celebrate Women's History Month

5th grade girls from PS4 attend a 'Women Who Rock' event at New York Presbyterian hospital.

Recently,  Dr. Montanez and her team from Turn 2 Us brought 5th grade girls from PS4 to Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital at New York Presbyterian to celebrate Women's History Month! They participated in an educational workshop and enjoyed a concert given by an incredible all-female band.  As part of the Musical Magic Outreach program, funded by the Ronald McDonald House, students got the opportunity to pay tribute to the many amazing women who contributed to the music industry from blues, jazz to hip hop.

For more information about members of the band, click here!  To read more about the Turn2Us program, managed by Dr. Montanez, click here!  Take a look at the slide show below for more photos from the event!  Special thanks to Ana S. Furnari from New York Presbyterian Hospital for the amazing photos of our 5th grade girls!

This free photo slideshow made with Smilebox

Congratulations Graduates!

Congratulations to the Class of 2014! Woohoo! Fordham University hosted our graduation ceremony featuring the Ellington Poets, student musicians from the Midori & Friends Guitar Program (with Nick Russo) and two songs from the entire graduation class! Well done, girls and boys! We are so proud of you

For some great 5th grade memories from the 2013-2014 school year, take a look at the slideshow below!

A photo slideshow by Smilebox

NY State Mathematics Exams

The NY State Mathematics Exams for Grades 3, 4, and 5 takes place April 30-May 2, 2014.  Students should have two sharpened #2 pencils, a good breakfast and arrive to school on time.  

Students in grades 3–8 take the State Mathematics Test each spring. These assessments measure the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS).  Teachers and principals use the results from the State math test to help make decisions about whether or not a student will be promoted to the next grade level, and to place students in summer school.  Educators also use individual student test results to assign students to the appropriate classes and to identify areas where the student needs extra help, or where he or she may be ready for more challenging material. Teachers and principals also use the results from the whole class, grade, or school, to identify areas where they can improve instruction.
 
Click here, for more information about the Common Core Learning Standards.

PS4 5th Graders Design in the Classroom

Cooper-Hewitt Museum of Design Educator, Allison Cox gives students in Ms. Wilson's class a design challenge.

The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum's Design in the Classroom Program brings a basic understanding of design to the classroom!  Recently, students in 5th grade classrooms were visited by Allison Cox, Design Educator for Cooper-Hewitt.  During her 45-minute workshop, students solved a challenge through prototyping or creating a smaller version of a structure that will solve a problem.  Ms. Allison worked with each class to create a structure for kids on the beach!  "PS4 students are very innovative", she said.  "They really thought about the challenge and even created a water slide with a tent for a sunscreen".  Ms. Allison went on to talk about how design impacts our daily life and how it is thinking at a higher level.

Special thanks to Allison Cox and the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum!

  Ms. Allison and Physical Education Teacher, Mr. Ovalle, support students with a design challenge.

Tar Wars Comes Back to PS4

Recently, physicians and medical students returned to PS4 for our annual Tar Wars presentation for students in 5th grade.  Led by Dr. Anita Softness, who coordinates Tar Wars, the program has been a hit at our school for more than seven years! 

Tar Wars is a tobacco-free education program for students in 4th and 5th grade students.  The program is designed to teach kids about the short-term, image-based consequences of tobacco use, the cost associated with using toacco products, and the aderttising techniques used by tht toacco industry to market thier produts to youth.  A follow-up post contest is conducted at the school, state, and national level to reinforce the Tar Wars message.  After a visit from doctors to her classroom, Ms. Cabral said, "I'm sure after experiencing 'Tar Wars', my students will encourage members of their family to stop smoking".  For more information about this program and the poster contest, click here!

Special thanks to Andrea Hausel, from Columbia University and Dr. Anita Softness, Tar Wars Coordinator, for making sure our school is always at the top of the list for receiving this great program!  Check out the photos below from the Tar Wars presentation at PS4!

Free picture collage created with Smilebox