Gingerbread Fun In Kindergarten

This week, Kindergarten students had fun making gingerbread houses! After learning about the various cultures celebrated around the world, students in Ms. Benenson,  Ms. Duverglass and Mr. Diaz's class  learned all about Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Teachers discussed the many traditions that are shared with family and friends during the holiday season. When discussing Christmas, students discussed and debated why people make gingerbread houses. Kindergarteners examined what properties make for a standing house and what happens to the graham crackers with no support compared it to the graham crackers with support. To make each gingerbread house, clean milk cartons were used as a base to support the structures. Frosting was used as the "glue" and yummy treats were used to decorate!

When asked what she enjoyed most when teaching her scholars how to make gingerbread houses, Ms. Benenson said, "allowing scholars to experience building with products that are found in our community - scholars experienced recycling for the purposes of art."

Congratulations to all the kindergarten teachers and scholars on a successful, creative, hands-on project! Click here, if you're interested in making a gingerbread house with your family!

The Nutcracker - Interactive Adaptation

Linda Lawrence, Director of Dance Quirks, and Principal Stevens (center) stand with PS4 teachers.

PS4 kindergarten and 1st Grade scholars enjoyed an interactive adaption of The Nutcracker, told through creative movement and dance! The program was offered to us from Linda Lawrence, Director of Dance Quirks. Each child was given an opportunity to come up and participate in this educational and highly motivational experience. This was a marvelous kick start to this festive holiday season! See some photos below!

For more information about Dance Quirks, click here!

PS4 Students Meet Derek Jeter

Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter surprised more than 400 children from across the five boroughs, including students from PS4M, when he stopped into two events as part of his Turn 2 Foundation’s annual Holiday Express at Chelsea Piers.

“From their personal growth to their academic achievements, these children continue to amaze me. They each deserve a happy holiday season, and I am excited to be able to celebrate with them at our annual Holiday Express,” Derek Jeter said. “This has been an unforgettable year, especially as we celebrated 20 years of Turn 2, and I look forward to what 2017 will bring.”

Class 483 poses with Derek Jeter as they present their winning anti-bullying poster.

The children who attended the events at Chelsea Piers and Queens included members of Turn 2’s after-school programs – a partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation – and the Turn 2 Us program – a program created as a collaborative effort between Public School 128M of Washington Heights, NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and Turn 2 that is now administered under NewYork-Presbyterian’s Ambulatory Care Network.

“All their efforts in school definitely paid off with a fun-filled day at the recreation center and the icing on the cake was Mr. Jeter’s and Santa Claus’ surprise visit,” said Evelyn Montanez, program manager of the Turn 2 Us program at NewYork-Presbyterian’s Ambulatory Care Network. “The smiles and excitement of each and every child was priceless!

Special thanks to Dr. Montanez!  We appreciate her efforts to support our students.   For the full article, click here! To see the video from NBC-Channel 4, click here!

St. Patrick's Day - 2016

Scholars in Ms. Sanchez's 2nd grade class celebrated St. Patrick's Day.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish culture celebrated by people all over the world. On this day, the Irish remember an important leader who helped many people over a thousand years ago. Many of our scholars spent some time learning about this cultural celebration.  Do you know why we wear green on this day?  The Irish tradition is to pinch anyone who isn't wearing green.  Ouch!  So, on St. Patrick's Day it is customary to wear green to honor this tradition.

Click here, to earn more about St. Patrick's Day!

A Special Holiday Celebration

Out of 1,400 schools in New York City, PS4M was selected to participate in a holiday celebration sponsored by the Local Union 891 AFLCIO on Wednesday, December 16, 2015.  Every student received a gift from Santa!  Take a look at the slideshow below to see some exciting moments from this special day!

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A Word From Mr. Stevens: Traveling During the Holidays

Dear Families,

Are you planning a family trip for the holidays?  As you think about your arrangements, we want to stress the importance of sending your child to school every day possible.  Every year, absences spike in the weeks before and after the winter holiday as families squeeze in a few more vacation days.  It's time to break that cycle.  We know that just a few missed days here and there, even if they're excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and put your child behind in school.  This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.  Put simply, too many absences at any age can affect a student's chances for academic success and eventually for graduation.

We recognize that holidays are an important time for reconnecting with families far away.  The costs of plane tickets often influence when you want to travel.  But, keep in mind the costs to your children's education if they miss too much school - and the message you will be sending about the importance of attendance.  Even if you've got a homework packet from the teacher, it doesn't make up for the interaction and learning that happens in the classroom.  Our teachers will be teaching, and our students will be learning, right up until vacation starts and the first day back.  The school is having a 17 Days of Success Contest during the month of December to encourage our scholars to come to school every day.  The class with the hightest attendance will win a PIZZA PARTY!!  You can help us convey the important message.  This holiday season, give your children the gift of an education and the habit of attendance.  Click here for the school calendar.

Sincerely,

Adam Stevens
Principal (I.A.)

A Word From Mr. Stevens: We Are Thankful

Dear Families,

As we prepare to take a short break from school for Thanksgiving, we want to express our gratitude for everyone who makes it possible for as many students as possible to come to school every day, on time, ready to learn.  We thank:

• Our students and families for making daily attendance a priority since they know the habit of attendance will help them do well in the classroom and eventually in a job
• Our wonderful teachers who pour their energy into making each classroom an exciting place for exploration and knowledge so children do not want to miss out on learning
• Our support staff and community volunteers who provide the extra hands and attention our children need

We appreciate each one of you so much.  We look forward to seeing you after the Thanksgiving holiday.  We also hope you will keep in mind that school is closed on Thursday, November 26 and reopens on Monday, November 30.

We especially appreciate everyone's efforts to avoid taking extra days off during the Thanksgiving holiday.  Just a few missed days here and there, even if they're excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and leave your child behind in school.  This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.

Sincerely,
Adam Stevens
Principal (I.A.)

This Week In Social Studies: A Word From Mr. Harris

This week in Social Studies, I am preparing the Kindergarten and 1st grade classes for their next holiday; Thanksgiving!  Most people think of food and family at the end of November. I thought it was important for the students to know two things about thanksgiving that hey may not have known or perhaps forgotten.

1. Thanksgiving celebrations in America date back to the Pilgrims and the Native Americans sharing a meal in the 17th century.  The Pilgrims were new to America and did not know how to grow food or live in the cold environment of Plymouth, Massachusetts.  The Native American men and women already living in the area felt sorry for the Pilgrims and taught them how to survive!  They taught them  how to plant crops and how to build shelters.  The harvest that they produced became the food that they ate together.  That was how Thanksgiving began!
2.  Thanksgiving means more than food and that people should remember to "give thanks" for the things that they do have in their life. Giving thanks means to be happy with what you have.

Thanksgiving is a special time that we should all give thanks for the things we have.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy New Year! (VIDEO)

Before beginning a well-deserved vacation, 4th and 5th grade students at PS4M enjoyed a New Year's assembly!  With the help of music teacher Mr. Means and classroom teacher Ms. Barnosky, students in class 402 began the assembly with the "12 Days of Christmas".  Fifth grade student Yensy A. provided the slideshow to accompany Social Studies Project Coordinator Ms. Thomas and her student reporters who educated the audience on the various ways cultures around the world celebrate the New Year! 

After an "I Gotta Feelin'" dance presentation from class 520 (under the direction of Physical Education Teacher and Coach, Ms. McArdle), the countdown to the new year began.  "A resolution is a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice beginning on New Year's Day", said Social Studies Teacher Mr. Harrris.  "Before the new year begins, make a list of 5 resolutions that you will try to accomplish...no sugary drinks for me".

From the PS4M/The Duke Ellington School Family to yours, happy new year!  Take a look at the videos below to see our countdown to 2015.

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Happy Holidays!

On behalf of the students, teachers, administrators and staff of PS4M/The Duke Ellington School, happy holidays to all.  Take a look at the slide show below to see some highlights from our many holiday celebrations.

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5th Grade Art Club Decorates MJM Tree

Students from the 5th Grade Art Club decorate tree at the Morris-Jumel Mansion.

Instead of the usual holiday decorating style that makes the Morris-Jumel Mansion beautiful and festive, the staff is trying something new entitled “Community Holidays” at MJM. Each of the rooms in the house that George Washington once lived in has a tree in it and the director of this historical house wanted a group of boys and girls from PS4 to decorate one of those trees!

The tree, decorated by the 5th Grade Art Club, is located in the dining room of the mansion!  Four traditions are represented; Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas and Three Kings Day.  Students made the garland, ornaments and even the one-of-a-kind Three Kings tree topper to represent the traditions that are celebrated by students at PS4.   

To see the six trees decorated by artists, neighborhood organizations, theater groups and students of PS4, visit the Morris-Jumel Mansion...it's FREE!  Click here to find out more information about the mansion and see the photo/video collage below for highlights of the 5th Grade Art Club's tree decorating event.  Special thanks to Ms. Danielle (MJM Program Director) and especially Carol Ward, Director of MJM, for making sure there's always a place in the mansion for our students.

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Happy New Year - 2014

On behalf of our administrators, teachers, staff and the many partners in education, Happy New Year!

The Holidays at PS4

The holiday season at PS4 is always filled with music, colorful decorations, special performances and a visit from Santa. This year was no different! Students from kindergarten to fifth grade performed on our stage during three separate holiday assemblies! Special thanks to Johnny Wheels and Aly Sunshine for encouraging nearly 300 students use their imagination as they celebrate the joys of the season.

 Click out the slideshow below for photos taken of the many holiday activities at PS4!

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PS4's Joy Ambassadors

Members of PS4's Honor Society delivers toys to Little Sisters of the Assumption.

The student members of the PS4 Honor Society have partnered with Little Sisters of the Assumption in Manhattan. Little Sisters collaborates with public, governmental and other non-profit organizations to improve the physical, social and spiritual health of needy children and impoverished families. The members of our Honor Society have chosen this organization to donate toys, holiday cards and letters to the children that they service.  Thanks to a special 'Joy Ambassadors' grant an a referral from 4th grade teacher Ms. Cruz, donations of toys were delivered to this wonderful community organization.

The donations of toys were greatly appreciated by Martha Andrade, Director of Education and Youth Services.  She expressed her thanks to the students during a tour of the facility.  "Thank you so much for your donation of 36 toys for our children" she says.  "Meeting you is indeed a pleasure and I hope that through the experience of giving, you learn to be generous with your hearts".  

Special thanks to Martha Andrade, Pura Cruz (Client Advocate) and Trish Gough (Coordinator of Volunteer Services) for helping us with this enjoyable service learning project.

Holidays at PS4 - 2012

During the holiday season, PS4 comes alive with decorations, celebrations and visits from very special people.  This season did not disappoint the girls and boys of the Duke Ellington School!  Our annual Holiday Show was success, music could be heard in every classroom and every boy and girl got a very special visit from Santa!  Happy Holidays!

Take a look at the slideshow below for some highlights of the season!

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Winter Recess - 2012

Holiday decorations in the lobby.

Lucy is in the holiday spirit

Dear Parents,

Please be advised that PS4 will be closed on Monday, December 24, 2012 through Tuesday, January 1, 2013 for Winter Recess.

There will be no After-school Programs on Friday, December 21, 2012.  Please arrange to pick up your child/ren promptly at 3:00pm.  School will re-open on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

Have a wonderful vacation!  Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
Delois White-Jones
Principal    

Thanksgiving Recess

Please be advised that P4 will be closed on Thursday, November 22, 2012 and Friday, November 23, 2012 for Thanksgiving Recess.  School will re-open on Monday, November 26, 2012.  For a complete calendar from the Department of Education, click here!

For great Thanksgiving websites for PS4 kids, click on any link below!

• BrainPOP - American Indian
• War Paths 2 Peace pipes
• National Geographic for Kids

Monday Is Columbus Day!

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, October 8th, in observance of Columbus Day.  Read Columbus's letters about his 1492 voyage, compare the world before and after his arrival and more at Ed.gov.  Click here to watch a video about this famous Italian explorer!

Today is Yom Kippur!

Even though we all love holidays, it is important for us to also understand the importance of the holiday. Today is Yom Kippur- also known as the day of atonement - and it is a Holy Day for those that observe the Jewish Faith.  In fact, it is seen as the the holiest day for people that observe the Jewish Faith. On this day Jewish people fast and atone. If you would like to know more about this day of atonement click here.

Happy Rosh Hashanah!

Please be advised that PS4 will be closed on Monday, September 17th and Tuesday, September 18th, 2012 in observation of Jewish Holidays.  For more information about Rosh Hashanah, click here!

School will re-open on Wednesday, September 19, 2012.