In this Newsletter
Upcoming Events
PTA General Meeting - Wed, Feb 26, 6:30 pm, Zoom
No School, March 6 - Parent-Teacher Conferences
PS 154 Nets Game - Sun, Mar 16, 6 pm, Barclays Center
The Talk, Sex Ed 2.0: A Workshop for Parents - Tues, Mar 18, 6:30-8pm, MMR
No School, Eid al-Fitr, March 31
A Note from Principal Fitzgerald
📢📢 TWO WEEKS TO GO - We need your Auction Items!📢📢
BHM Author Visit: Jacqueline Crann, Thursday, February 27th
The Talk, Sex Ed 2.0: A Workshop for Parents
Book Market Update
Summer EBT Application open now
Fifth Grade News
A Note from Principal Fitzgerald
Dear Families,
What a milestone! Today, we celebrated the 100th day of school, a special day filled with excitement, learning, and community spirit. Our students have been hard at work, and this celebration was a fantastic reminder of how much they've grown and accomplished in just over 100 days.
From creative art projects to math challenges, our classrooms were buzzing with energy as students explored the significance of the number 100 in fun and engaging ways. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm, curiosity, and teamwork shine through in every activity.
Thank you to our dedicated teachers and staff for making this day so memorable. And a special thank you to all our families for their continued support as we work together to make this year one of growth, learning, and celebration.
Here’s to the next 100 days!
Remember that parent teacher conferences sign ups will be shared via ParentSquare tomorrow afternoon and that there is no school for students on March 6th due to parent teacher conferences.
📢📢 TWO WEEKS TO GO - We need your Auction Items!📢📢
Calling all our last-minute people! There are just two weeks to go before this year’s PTA auction goes live. If you have been waiting to donate an item or call in a favor - this is the moment to do so!
We need volunteers! No matter how much or how little time you have, there’s a role for you. We need people to:
Contact prior business/parent donors
Identify and/or reach out to potential new business donors by email or by walking around and speaking with (friendly!) neighborhood businesses.
Help with communications
We need donations! Are you willing to donate an item or experience for a silent auction? Examples include a gift card to a local business, tickets to a game or show, or a stay in your vacation home — just to name a few. Ask a friend, too! Or please pass on a name or idea using the form below, and we can get in touch.
Please fill out this short form to let us know you’re willing to volunteer or donate. You can also email Auctions & Sponsorships Chair Judd Gartenberg (judd.gartenberg@gmail.com).
BHM Author Visit: Jacqueline Crann, Thursday, February 27th
PS 154 is thrilled to welcome author Jacqueline Crann for a special visit on Thursday, February 27th, as we close out our amazing Black History Month Celebration! Born and raised in Sheffield, England, Jacqueline discovered her passion for writing after moving to the United States. Her latest book, Being Different Is The New Cool, is part of a heartfelt series inspired by her two sons, encouraging kindness, empathy, and self-acceptance. Through her work, Jacqueline strives to empower young readers with the message that every child deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated.
Her work can be viewed at www.jaxlovesbooks.com. To support our wonderful author, her amazing books to read to our children can be found here:
📖 Being Different Is The New Cool – Buy Here
📖 Honesty Is The New Cool – Buy Here
📖 Sharing Is The New Cool – Buy Here
We can’t wait to share this inspiring experience with our PS 154 community! A huge thank you to our Equity Committee for facilitating such a meaningful Black History Month celebration.
The Talk, Sex Ed 2.0: A Workshop for Parents
The PTA will once again host Rachel Lotus for “The Talk: Sex Ed 2.0: A Workshop for Parents”.
The Talk Workshop is for ALL elementary parents, not just 5th grade. Everyone is welcome! The workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 18th from 6:30-8:00 p.m in the MMR. The Talk itself is 50-60 mins, with 30 mins for Q&A at the end. Babysitting will be available.
Reserve your babysitting spot here by 3/13/25 or until all spots are filled.
More information about Rachel can be found on her website. Please join us for this very informative session!
Book Market Update
The book market is officially taking donations again! We are taking all books except picture books. We are especially in need of chapter books (all levels), graphic novels, and non-fiction (specifically I Survived series and Who Would Win series). As a reminder, we only accept books in great condition, and we do not accept board books, religious books, or workbooks. Please bring book donations to the MMR and leave the bag by the bins on the stage. Thank you, and happy reading!
Summer EBT Application open now
The application form for Summer EBT funds is now available: https://summerebt.ny.gov/en-US/
For more information, including eligibility information, please click here.
Fifth Grade Updates!
WE ARE AT 68% PARTICIPATION ON OUR DUES! LET'S GET TO 100% SO WE CAN COVER ALL OF OUR EVENT COSTS!
Other HOT 5th Grade Reminders!
Overnight Aquarium Trip 3/8/25-3/9/25
WE STILL HAVE TICKETS TO THE AQUARIUM OVERNIGHT AVAILABLE! DEADLINE IS THURSDAY!
Cost is $105 per person (children and chaperones alike)
This cost is NOT part of your 5th grade dues and this event is completely optional
Siblings are welcome! Do note that all guests need to be over the age of 5
Your kids wants to go to the Aquarium but you'd rather not? Please email me and I will help you find a “pod". If you have any other questions - please email me crystal.orraca@gmail.com or text 917-691-1000
Graduation T-Shirt Design Contest A WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED!
The kids have voted and a winner has been picked! I will share the final design next week - in the meantime - PLEASE REMEMBER TO FILL OUT THE SIZE FORM IF YOU HAVEN'T YET!!!
5th Grade Events
Here's the lineup of events specifically for our 5th graders:
5th Grade Graduation - June 20th 2025 in the MMR
5th Grade Class Trip - Wagon Road (ropes course and outdoor fun event in Chappaqua) - June 4th, 2025
5th Grade Ball Room Recital (concluding event for PTA funded 5th Grade Ball Room Dance Enrichment) TBD May 2025
5th Grade Picnic TBD June 2025
5th Grade Students vs. Faculty Kick Ball Competition June 18th, 2025
Overnight Aquarium Trip (optional for families) March 8th, 2025
5th Grade Spring Bash May 1st, 2025
All of these events (unlike the aquarium) - are covered by our 5th grade dues.