Fathers Take Your Child To School Day - 2019

Parent with 5h grade scholar.

Fathers Take Your Child to School Day celebrated its 13th year! Starting with just one school in 2006, this initiative now takes place at over 200 schools and Head Start Programs throughout New York State. Research indicates that children whose fathers take a more active role in their lives have better outcomes. Here are some statistics:

• Children of highly-involved resident fathers were 55% more likely to enjoy school
• 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes
• Children living in homes with a father present are two times less likely to repeat a grade 

During a morning event for fathers and father figures of PS4 students, Mr. Stevens, a father to a child of his own, spoke about the importance of fathers being present in their children’s lives. He discussed the importance of knowing where their kids are at all times.  Especially at night,  since sometimes he leaves late and sees kids on the streets alone. "I feel strongly", he noted, "that if fathers aren’t present in their child's life, the streets will raise them".

Fathers and father figures discuss the importance of supporting their children.

During the event parents were asked to share things they do with their children. One father, in particular, talked about how he loves cooking with his daughters and listening to music while doing it. "It's an experience of learning", said Mr. Huerta; parent of a two young daughters and husband of our PTA President. Another father shared the importance of being a Dad. During this powerful time of sharing, he became emotional as he recently suffered the loss of a daughter.  It was during this time that many dads took the opportunity to console him.  

Principal Stevens speaking to a father of a PS4 scholar.

We appreciate all the fathers and father figures that are Dads to their children and that took time to be a participant in our annual event.

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.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: March 2017

Families gather in the cafeteria during Parent-Teacher Conferences (afternoon session) to fill out parent surveys.

Parent-Teacher Conferences take place in November and March of each year.   An ideal parent-teacher conference is a conversation between you and your child’s teacher about your child’s progress at school. This may include a child’s transition to a school, how the child gets along with friends and teachers, how the child is learning and what your child is learning, information about things they do well and how parents can help your child grow further, ways to support the child in the areas where he/she needs some help and where parents can find more information to help support their child. 
During PTC's, parents may receive ideas for concrete activities they can do at home or may receive helpful websites, books or pamphlets found at the library or parent workshops being offered in the Washington Heights community.

Prior to meeting with their child's teacher, our staff and partners-in-education were in the cafeteria and gymnasium where they...

• provided visitors with refreshments in our 'welcome center'
• gave information about school trips
• registered families for Smile NY Dental
• provided information about immigration counseling
• provided technical assistance with the Parent Surveys and PupilPath
• provided families with a 3-day supply of food from our pantry
• registered additional scholars for our after school program(s); and 
• reminded families of upcoming state exams

Thank you to all families who joined us for either our afternoon or evening conference session.  If you missed any of the information provided to visitors at the conference, click here, contact your child's teacher or call the main office.  Take a look at the video below to see some highlights of this past parent-teacher conference.

School Surveys - 2017

Every year, all parents, teachers, and students in grades 6-12 take the NYC School Survey. The survey helps school leaders understand what key members of the school community say about the learning environment at each school. The 2016-2017 version of the NYC School Survey is aligned to the DOE's Framework for Great Schools and collects important information about a school’s ability to improve student achievement and can support a dialogue among all members of the school community about how to make the school a better place to learn.

After completing your survey, please return it to our Parent Coordinator (Ms. Nunez) in the main office to receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win movie tickets.  Congratulations to winners of last week's prizes who received gift certificates to the book fair or tickets to Medieval Times! For more information about the parents survey, click here or contact the main office.

Andrew and Matthew D. were winners of a gift certificate to the book fair.

SchoolCNXT

Parent Coordinator Denise Nunez, helps parents register for SchoolCNXT.

SchoolCNXT is a flexible, mobile/web-based parent engagement platform that connects parents, teachers, students, and administrators, providing an efficient and effective way to share news and important information; send reminders; and create an engaged, empowered, connected community.

Since the beginning of our school year, PS4 has been utilizing School CNXT to connect with parents.  In September, Parent Coordinator Denise Nunez conducted a informational session for parents in the school's computer lab.  During the session, parents were given assistance with the registration process.  "This is really a great resource for our parents", says Ms. Nunez.  "Because many of them work full-time and have busy schedules, they would prefer to send emails to communicate with the school".

For more information about this platform, please contact the main office or click here!

New Goals, New Habits and New Results

Parents attend a workshop held in the PS4 library.

Parent Workshops have begun!  With help from Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian and School-Based Mental Health Program, PS4 parents were invited to attend a recent workshop led by Licensed Social Worker, Melissa Bitalvo.   Ms. Bitalvo discussed comprehensive health services provided to all children, adolescents and families in participating schools.  She also encouraged parents to take advantage of the myriad of services that we provide in an effort to have a successful school year.

The overall mission of the School Mental Health (SMH) program is to promote healthy social, emotional, and behavioral development of students. Barriers to learning must be addressed so that the general well-being of students, families and school staff can be enhanced in collaboration with other comprehensive student support and services.  The School Mental Health programs support the emotional health and academic growth of all students through:

• A comprehensive array of effective and efficient services and supports which is integrated throughout the levels of student supports;
• Incorporates a three-tiered approach when assessing school mental health needs through Universal, Selective, and Targeted interventions 
• Accessibility to behavioral and mental health services and programs; 
• Utilization of primarily DOE personnel to provide necessary supports and services; and 
• Collaborative relationships that engage school, family and community. 

For more information about services provided, click here or call the Intake Office at 212-305-0924.  If you'd like information on upcoming parent workshops, contact Denise Nunez (Parent Coordinator) in the main office at 212-928-0739.

A Monster Book Fair - Fall 2015

Scholastic Book Fair in the PS4 library.

Our second Fall fundraising program took place from November 2-6 when we hosted the Scholastic Book Fair! This year's theme wass Monster Book Fair: Reading is so much fun, you'll get GOOSEBUMPS!  Parents, teachers and students visited the library while it was transformed into a book store featuring popular titles and and a large selection of new books by great authors!

Students choosing a book to purchase at the book fair.

Special thanks to the Ms. Lennon (librarian) and her Student Crew for setting up the fair and supporting visitors by answering questions and helping them find books to purchase.  Our next book fair is in March!

Ms. Lennon with the Student Crew!

Photo of the Week: March 16-20, 2015

The photo of the week was taken by Parent Coordinator, Denise Nunez!  With seventeen parents in attendance, the first of many meetings of Class Parents met to promote parental involvement at PS4!  They discussed ways to support Spanish translating during school events, gave fundraisers ideas, and suggested ways to help organize student activities during and after lunch. To find out more about the Class Parents meeting, click here!

Class Parents: Meeting #1

PTA President Ms. Lopez and Assistant Principal Ms. Martin meet with parents during the first meeting of the Class Parents.

Recently, a dedicated group of adults attended the first meeting of parents that have volunteered to become Class Parents!  Class Parents will meet with their child's teacher twice monthly and communicate with him or her via e-mail to support programs and activities.  They will support class projects and homework as well as assist with trips, class activities and celebrations.  Their responsibilities include promoting parental involvement, school wide events and these activities:

• Fundraising
• Bake Sales
• Mother's Day and Father's Day store
• Talent Show/Fashion Show
• Picture Day 

As an incentive, Class Parents will receive participation awards and participate in monthly raffle drawings.  They will also have their photo featured on our blog!  To find out more about monthly workshops and the Class Parent Program, see Denise Nunez (Parent Coordinator) in the main office or call 212-928-0739.  To read the latest issue of the Public School Press: The Latest News for Parents from the NYC Department of Education, click here!

Did You Know?

Ms. Lorenzo (Bilingual Coordinator) provides information about bilingual program at PS4 to interested parents.

Did you know that PS4 provides bilingual programs (Transitional Bilingual Education and Dual Language) that strengthen students’ native language development and content knowledge while building their social and academic English skills? We also provide English as a Second Language (ESL) programs that use strategies for English language development with native language support so that students develop language and content knowledge in English. Recently, Ms. Lorenzo (Bilingual Coordinator) gave a workshop for parents to give provide information on ELL programs.  Click here or watch the videos below for more information.


English Parent Choice Video Fall 2014 from OELL on Vimeo.




Spanish Parent Choice Video Fall 2014 from OELL on Vimeo.

Family Night - 2014

"Family Night" was a huge success!  More than 400 family members visited PS4!  Parents and family members met with their child's teacher, visited classrooms and looked at textbooks and materials used to provide instruction. Teachers made presentations and answered questions.   

Take a look at the photo collage below for some highlights from our successful event!

Free collage made with Smilebox

National Fathers Take Your Children to School Day

District 6 Superintendent, Manuel Ramirez spoke to nearly 200 fathers from PS4.

Guests enjoyed donuts and coffee.

PS4M/The Duke Ellington School celebrated National Fathers Take Your Children to School Day with a special guest!  As part of our first monthly parent engagement initiative, District 6 Superintendent, Manuel Ramirez spoke to nearly 200 fathers, grandfathers, foster-fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, male caregivers, mentors and family friends.  On this particular day, each guest walked their children to school, met in the auditorium and received a certificate of attendance in honor of their dedication.

Superintendent Ramirez spoke about the importance of being an involved parent.  "I lost my father at a young age and I have a daughter", he says.  "You must be involved in your child's life".  Mr. Ramirez spoke about his new role as District 6's Superintendent.  "I just got here", he said with a laugh.  "Don't rush me".

Guests received information on how to help their children establish good study habits and ways to encourage a positive attitude by being supportive, setting standards and making sure expectations are fair.  Special thanks to Superintendent Ramirez and all of the PS4 fathers.  

School Principal, Ms. White-Jones greeted guests.

PS4's Parent Teacher Association

All parents were invited to the first monthly meeting on Friday in the auditorium.  The agenda included Title 1 funding, delegate elections and the School Leadership Team.  With PTA President Ana Gonzalez and Vice President Wallesca Lopez leading the meeting, more than thirty parents attended.  Our school's principal, Ms. Delois White-Jones gave parents information regarding the budget and discussed the administrative goals for the year.  "The PTA has a budget that you (parents) will decide on how to spend", said Ms. White. "We really need your support, this year, and we'll be asking you to help us with fundraising".  The 2012-2013 goals include, but are not limited to:

• School fundraising
• Utilizing Common Core Standards
• Using technology in the classroom and at home

Executive Board of PTA speaks to parents.

The PTA's next meeting is Wednesday, October 10, 2012.  To speak to members of the PTA, contact Lucy Perez (Parent Coordinator) by calling 212-928-0739.

Fathers Take Your Child to School Day at PS4

Fathers Take Your Child to School Day celebrated its 6th year!  Starting with just one school in 2006, this initiative now takes place at over 200 schools and Head Start Programs throughout New York State.  Research indicates that children whose fathers take a more active role in their lives have better outcomes.  Here are some statistics:

• Children of highly-involved resident fathers were 55% more likely to enjoy school
• 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes
• Children living in homes with a father present are two times less likely to repeat a grade

Mr. Vanduyne, a proud father of Pre-K and fifth grade boys attending PS4, agrees with the statistics.  "Fathers are important in the lives of their children", he says.  "Fathers can provide structure and a focus on education".  Dr. Evelyn Montanez, Executive Director of the Turn-2 Us Program, spoke about fathers at a recent professional development workshop for PS4 staff.  "Many PS4 students come from single-parent homes led by fathers", she said.

PS4 father, Mr. Vanduyne, with his sons.

Fathers Take Your Child to School Day recognizes fathers and significant male caregivers who are dedicated parents.  Click here, for more statistics and information about this special day.  To see some photos of PS4 fathers, take a look at the slideshow below!

Customize a free digital slideshow

The Book Fair is Here!!

Ms. Lennon helps a student select a book.

Three times during the year, the PS4 community is invited to shop at the Scholastic Book Fair.  More than 200 selections of books are available for parents, teachers and students to purchase in the library.  This year, many students have been asking about the latest in the Diary of a Wimpy series (available on Tuesday, November 15th).  Last year, we raised more than $2,000 for a new sound system in our auditorium.  We were also able to put new books in classrooms through the One For Books Program!  Please visit our Book Fair from November 14-18, from 9am-2pm.  To see some of the books that you can buy, click here.

If you are unable to visit the Book Fair, you can shop online!  Click here for times and details and click here to shop online!

Violence In Our Neighborhood

Since early October, a police officer has been stationed at the corner of 160th Street and Broadway.  This has been done by the New York City Police Department to address the increase of gang and gun violence taking place in our school's community.  To address the concerns for our students and parents that live near PS4, Dean Cantu and the administration wanted to make sure that we are all safe by inviting experts to talk to the Duke Ellington School community.

On October 27th, parents and students from 4th and 5th grade were invited to hear important information from members of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.  This organization advocates for change by talking to teens and youth groups about gun violence problems and teach them solutions.  Did you know that 30,000 people are killed by guns every year in America?  We can solve the problem by saying something if we see a gun or gun violence in our community.  A special thanks goes to Jackie and Shawna from NYAGV for speaking to our parents and students about gun violence.  For more information about their organization, click here.

Assistant DA Rey Cabrera & Student Government

On November 9th, Assistant District Attorney Reynaldo Cabrera discussed ways that gangs try to get children to join gangs.  "If you are ever given a choice to join a gang or NOT to join a gang...choose NOT to join a gang", said Mr. Cabrera.  "Gang membership always ends in death or jail".   Mr. Cabrera reminded students that gang membership is not always obvious.  Hand signals, backpack designs, graffiti, and social networks make it easy for gangs to elicit young members.  He also spoke to members of our Student Government after the assembly and was impressed with the student leadership at PS4.  Special thanks to "Mr. Ray" and Community Affairs Coordinator, Joeselinne Minaya for speaking to the boys and girls of our school.  For more information on what the Crime Strategies Unit at the New York County District Attorney's Office does, click here.

If you or someone you know is being influenced by gangs, contact Mr. Cantu or any teacher.

Parent Workshops: Budgeting Your Finances

On Friday, March 11, Parent-Coordinator Lucy Perez held another great workshop for parents of PS4. This workshop was led by an expert in the field of finances. She taught parents how to make their money go farther by managing finances, tracking what is spent, and using ways to save money. Keylis Sanchez, mother of twin boys in Ms. Capozzolli and Ms. Hodge's class, thought this workshops was helpful. "All this information can help you", she explains, "We all need to learn how to budget our money. I just cashed a check yesterday and it's already gone!"

Keylis Sanchez is one of many Parent-Volunteers at PS4. She's been supporting our school for three years and has no plans on stopping. "I like PS4", she says, "I'm learning a lot here". Thank you to all of the Parent-Volunteers who help to make this school great!

For more information about future workshops for parents, contact Lucy Perez by calling the main office at (212) 928-0739.

PS4 Parents Are Wonderful!

Do you recognize this beautiful smile? This is Lucy Perez! She is the Parent Coordinator and since September she is the person whose job it is to support the parents of students in our school. "Our parents are wonderful", says Lucy, "and they like to do things at PS4". Along with answering questions, Lucy organizes workshops and monthly meetings for parents.

The We Are New York Project organizes free conversation groups across New York City. With the help of volunteer language leaders and Mr. Polubiec (Assistant Principal), Lucy hosts these evening workshops that teach nearly twenty-five parents how to speak English. This program uses videos that show characters, which are English-Learners themselves, speaking English during important and realistic situations; like going to the doctor or visiting your child's teacher.

Our parent coordinator also hosts monthly workshops, held in the morning, that help parents and guardians of our students understand our school's academic policies and make use of the many resources available in our community. For more information about workshops and programs available at our school, you may contact Lucy by calling (212) 928-0739 or by e-mailing her at LPerez5@schools.nyc.gov.

Click here to see a video of the ESL Parent Graduation!