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!

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.

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.

PS4 Hosts Annual Middle School Fair

On Thursday, October 28th, PS4 welcomed administrators and student-leaders from eight middle schools in District 6; including I.S. 52 and Mott Hall. From 6pm to 8pm, more than 100 students and parents from our 5th grade classes attended this annual event. Many students came prepared with questions for administrators of schools that they were interested in. Tommie M, from class 501, asked the following questions:

• What different and new skills would we be learning at your school?
  
• What kind of person will I be when I am done at your school?

“This event represents a major step towards our students’ future beyond our school, beyond middle school and even beyond high school" said Mr. Polubiec, Assistant Principal of the Wiiliam Shakespeare Academy at PS4. "Our students understand that the process they are going through right now, to choose a middle school that will match their goals, interests and personalities, is very similar to the process they will be going through when selecting their colleges. Since we are 'College bound and 21st century ready', this is very significant to all of us because we want our students to be thoughtful and proactive when making brave choices that will impact their lives in the years to come.” Ms. White, our principal, was very pleased with the amount of parents that attended the fair and attributes its success to Mr. Polubiec who organized this event.