Ellington P.R.I.D.E (VIDEO)

With support from Dr. Montanez and the Turn2 Us Staff at Columbia Presbyterian, the students, teachers and staff at PS4 used their Ellington P.R.I.D.E. (positivity, respect, integrity, determination and excellence) to create this video that showcases our positive school culture. (Credits: Music from Justin Timberlake's "Dance", production by Jose Cantu and editing by Jesse Means.

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!

Girls Basketball - 2016/2017

Members of PS4's Girls Basketball Team led by Coach McArdle

The 2016-2017 girls basketball team looks to have another strong season under the leadership of five returning players! According to Coach McArdle, with the experience of these athletes along with the new additions this season will be very successful. "This year", says Coach McArdle, "the students are focused on what it means to be a student-athlete and the responsibility that comes with being part of a team." Keep up the great work team! Ellington P.R.I.D.E.!

Derek Jeter's Turn2 Us Foundation sponsors the basketball program at PS4. Turn 2 Us is a comprehensive wellness program. The mission of program is to enable youth to internalize different methods which encourage healthy lifestyles through a variety of physical and psycho-educational awareness activities. PS4 is thankful to Derek Jeter and his foundation for sponsoring our basketball program and helping students lead healthy lifestyles. Click here for more information.

October is Anti-Bullying Month

Students in 3rd grade sit with an educator from Turn2Us to discuss bullying.

Every October, schools and organizations across the country observe National Bullying Prevention Month. The goal: encourage communities to work together to stop bullying and cyber-bullying by increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all children of all ages.

With help from Dr. Montanez, Mr. Cantu and two teams from the Turn2 Us Foundation, PS4 students engaged in anti-bullying workshops that focused on showing respect to everyone.  Students were encouraged to stand up for those that are being bullied and get help from an adult immediately, when they don't feel safe.  Click here to find resources from the Department of Education. 

The Turn2 Us Foundation has encouraged all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes to participate in PS4's anti-bullying slogan and poster challenge!  The winners will participate in the 1st annual Anti-Bullying March on Friday, October 28, and winning slogans/posters will also be highlighted on New York Presbyterian's and Derek Jeter's social media websites!  The challenge will conclude on Friday, Ocober 14th.  Please contact Dr. Montanez or Mr. Cantu for more details.

The Final Year at PS4

Coaches McArdle and Coach Nycz with the PS4 Baseball Team at the Turn 2 Us Awards Ceremony.

The Turn 2 Us Organization, funded by Derek Jeter, has funded many programs since it began its tenure 10 years ago at PS4.  This is the final year of the program and they recently celebrated all of thier accomplishments for the 2014-2015 school year.  At their final awards ceremony that took place at Jacob Schiff Field, the Turn 2 Us sports teams were recognized.  The ceremony was attended by coaches Brent Nycz and Kelly McArdle, along with the boys and girls of their baseball team. 

Although the new PS4 Wellness Committee has not officially booked any events for the coming school year, that will happen in their next meeting, the committee will aim to continue the work of the Turn 2 Us program in the areas of wellness initiatives for families and staff, sports teams and mentorship, school assemblies, and mind-body exercises for in-class, cafeteria and recess. 

PS4 Wellness Committee for 2014-2015 school year.

The mentorship program runs in conjunction with the Turn 2 Us sports teams, drama, and art clubs. This program allows students to spend lunch time once each week learning problem solving skills, stress management, and other healthy lifestyle practices. 

Students 4th and 5th grade Turn 2 us programs.

Dr. Montanez had the priveledge of handing out scholarships to the YMCA Camp Hi Rock's Sleep-away Camp.  These scholarship recipients were chosen for their excellence in class and in program or for overcoming personal obstacles. The six students will attend sleep-away camp at YMCA Camp Hi Rock in Mt. Washington, Massachusetts for two weeks this summer, from August 9 to 22.  More information and pictures are available at camphirock.org.

 

Honorees of the Hi Rock Sleep Away Camp Scholarship.

 

Special thanks to Dr. Montanez and her dedicated team for supporting the boys and girls of PS4 since 2004.  We appreciate her dedication to educating the whole child and we wish her all the best.  Click here to read highlights from programs that Turn 2 us has had at our school over the years.

It's Baseball Season!

Assistant Coach McArdle (far left) and Coach Nycz (far right) with the PS4 Wolves Baseball team.

Baseball season has begun!  This year, the Duke Ellington Wolves are looking to bounce back from a down year with second year coach Mr. Nycz!  "This year's team has great talent from both fourth and fifth grade".  Coach Nycz also believes his new assistant coach, Coach McArdle, will help the team improve skills and win games.

The PS4 baseball team is one of many supported by the Turn2 Us Organization, funded by Derek Jeter.  Coach Nycz describes the Turn2 Us Baseball League as a league that is full of good teams.  "You can't overlook any team", he said.  "But PS 173, the defending champions, look to pose the biggest threat".  The Wolves start their championship journey with their first game on March 28th.