Haitian University Students Visit PS4



Mr. Theodore (center) with university students and professors from Haiti.

 A few weeks ago, ten university students and two professors from Haiti visited PS4 to learn more about education in America.  With the help of Mr. Theodore, who is also from Haiti, the students were given a given a chance to tour our school and speak with a few PS4 students and teachers in their classrooms.  "The teachers here are very knowledgeable and I am impressed with how the school is organized", said one Taris Lynn Audrery during the tour. "And I really like the Smartboards", added Professor Jean Claude Abraham.  Student Abraham UJean Claude Louikes said, "I can't find the words to explain the way that I felt appreciated at the school." 

On behalf of the administration, staff and students of The Duke Ellington School, thank you for visiting our school and we wish you all the best in your professional and personal goals.  We look forward to your next visit! For more information about the country of Haiti, click here.

Students & Staff Donate $2,100 to Haiti!

The members of the student government consist of presidents and vice presidents of 4th and 5th grade classes. Each Wednesday they meet with teacher-advisor Ms. Lennon to discuss fundraising initiatives, clubs & organizations, future assemblies, and issues within the school. After the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the student government wanted to do something to support the citizens of that country. They wanted to raise enough money for a local Haitian organization to purchase clothes, medicine and shipping supplies. Our One for Haiti campaign urged students to give up their ice-cream money and donate $1. Students from Pre-K to 5th grade brought in their coins and bills for this cause. Three weeks later, $1,000 was raised and given to a representative of the First Baptiste Haitian Church. Willy Theodore, both PS 4 school budget manager and member of the church, graciously accepted our donation. Teachers and staff raised money right along with the students! Their total was $1,100! PS4/The Duke Ellington School raised a total of $2,100 dollars to support the Haitian relief efforts. In addition to the money that was raised, Harvey Jaswal, from Build It Green NYC heard about our campaign and offered to give us 20 barrels to donate! "We've been wanting to do something special for Haiti", says Harvey. Special thanks to all the students, teachers, staff and organizations that helped make our One for Haiti campaign special!