April 17 - Special Notice

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all had a restful Spring Break! We have so much going on this week that we are sending out a special dispatch. We’re looking forward to seeing families at our Family Week mornings next week (check the Events page for your class dates).

4/15 Community Giving

The PTA is collaborating with our parent coordinator, Tanica Gordon, to raise funds for PS 154 families in need. Please consider donating so we can give the gift of comfort and kindness to families in our school community that have been economically impacted this year. Thank you, as always, for being such a supportive community! Donations of cash/checks should be dropped off in the main office on weekdays before 2pm. Checks should be made payable to The PTA of PS 154 (note on check: “Community Giving”). Tanica will pass along gift cards to families confidentially.

If you are a PS 154 family that is struggling with providing basic needs for your family, please complete this Needs Survey.

DONATE HERE

4/18  Summer Rising workshop

Parent/Family Summer Rising Workshop 

10AM - 11AM

 ZOOM LINK 

4/19 Townhall meeting with Superintendent Alverez

This month's Town Hall is Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30 pm. Topic:

LGBTQ+ History and Creating Safe and Affirming School 

Communities 

Presented with History Unerased; unerased.org

via  Zoom

4/19 Shipwrecked Takeover

Shipwrecked Brooklyn in Red Hook is opening their doors for PS 154 family and friends on Wednesday 4/19 from 5-8pm.  A portion of the money raised from mini golf, escape rooms and arcade cards will be provided back to the PS 154 PTA as a fundraiser.  

***Please RSVP HERE as soon as you can so we can gauge interest to make the fundraiser and meet up as successful as possible.

4/20 - Read Write Inc Workshop

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Families - come join our instructional support coach, Karen D’Avino, and find out more about our Read, Write Inc curriculum, what your children are doing in groups now, and ways you can support their reading journey at home.

Kindergarten: 12:00-12:45

1st Grade 1:00-1:45

Zoom Link

4/20 NYC School Survey Deadline 

Please help us meet our school goal of 100% participation! You can fill out the hard copy (green envelope) or you can fill it out online by going to the School Survey Website.

5/5 Brooklyn Cyclones Game

Come join your friends, cheer on the Brooklyn Cyclones play the Aberdeen Ironbirds, and raise some money for the school! Purchase tickets below:

Brooklyn Cyclones Tickets

April 14 News

Spring Break Updates and Reminders!

Even as you enjoy the time with your families this week, please take a moment over the break to take note of these updates and reminders.


The PTA & You

PTA Meetings

Did you know that our PTA Meetings are all listed on our web site under events? You can even add them directly to your calendar using the links on each event page 📅 You can also view our past meeting minutes, programs and by-laws at any time here!
Coming up:

  • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2023, 6:30 PM  7:30 PM [ZOOM LINK; Add to Cal]

  • Agenda 🔥 Topics: Nominees for the PTA and SLT for the 2023-24 school year

  • WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2023, 6:30 PM  7:30 PM [ZOOM LINK; Add to Cal]

  • Agenda 🔥 Topics: Election for the PTA and SLT for the 2023-24 school year

  • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023, 8:30 AM  9:30 AM [ZOOM LINK; Add to Cal]

  • Note: Special morning time; in the schoolyard!

    1. Agenda 🔥 Topics: It’s in person, there will be coffee; we don’t need an agenda!

PTA & SLT board: Upcoming Elections

At the PTA’s April general meeting (4/26 @ 6:30p), we will be holding nominations for the entire executive board and SLT parent positions.

We need you! Yes, you! As you check out all the upcoming events below, take a moment to consider running for a role in the PTA. Without all the organization and planning by our board members and committees, these events and other valuable school programs would not be possible. Please add your voice and talents to our amazing team!

We'd love to answer your questions and help you figure out which role is best for you. Open roles include marketing & communications, fundraising, events, and chair of auctions, to name a few. Please read this message from PTA President Dani Kim, for all the details, and more on what the roles entail.

These roles do not need to be a huge time commitment; many of us in parent leadership are full-time working parents, parents of multiple kids, or both! No experience is necessary—and we encourage diverse candidates. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out  at pta_info@ps154.org

The following executive board positions are available [most-needed roles are highlighted!]:

  • President (must have served one year on the board)

  • Co-Chairs of Fundraising  

  • Secretary

  • Chair of Events-Food Coordination

  • Chair of Fundraising Events

  • Chair of Community Events

  • Chair of Programs

  • Chair of Technology

  • Recording Secretary

  • Chair of Auctions and Sponsorships

  • Chair of Volunteer Coordination

  • Co-Treasurers (2 roles - must run as a slate)

  • President-Elect

  • Chair of Communications and Marketing

  • Chair of After School

  • School Store Manager

  • Members at Large (8 roles, including a 5th Grade Committee Chair and 4 positions held for new/incoming parents.

More information on each role and what it requires can be found in our PTA of PS154 bylaws. These roles do not need to be a huge time commitment; many of us in parent leadership are full-time working parents, parents of multiple kids, or both! No experience is necessary—and we encourage diverse candidates. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out  at pta_info@ps154.org


SAVE THE DATE!

ANNUAL PS 154 CHESS TOURNAMENT

Saturday, May 13, 12-4 pm in the PS 154 Cafeteria

Open to ALL students grades K-5 (PS 154 students and their siblings only)

$30 entry fee — Online registration opens next week (no day-of registration). One order per player.
Contact alicelincoln@gmail.com with any questions.

4 sections: Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2+3, and 4+5

The tournament will last 4 hours. No eliminations - everyone plays 4 games. Trophies awarded to the top 3 players in each category, prizes for everyone!

Participants should plan to stay for the entire tournament. There will be snacks for sale between games.

We need volunteers to make the tournament a success! Sign up starting next week for a volunteer shift.


Events! Mini golf and baseball!

Shipwrecked Takeover Wednesday 4/19

Shipwrecked Brooklyn in Red Hook is opening their doors for PS 154 family and friends on Wednesday 4/19 from 5-8pm.  A portion of the money raised from mini golf, escape rooms and arcade cards will be provided back to the PS 154 PTA as a fundraiser.  

***Please RSVP HERE as soon as you can so we can gauge interest to make the fundraiser and meet up as successful as possible.

Brooklyn Cyclones Cinco de Mayo

Save the Date! On 5/5, Come join your friends and cheer on the Brooklyn Cyclones play the Aberdeen Ironbirds. The ticket link will be available next week


April 7 News

Spring Break Updates and Reminders!

Even as you enjoy the time with your families this week, please take a moment over the break to take note of these updates and reminders.


The PTA & You

PTA Meetings

Did you know that our PTA Meetings are all listed on our web site under events? You can even add them directly to your calendar using the links on each event page 📅 You can also view our past meeting minutes, programs and by-laws at any time here!
Coming up:

  • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2023, 6:30 PM  7:30 PM [ZOOM LINK; Add to Cal]

  • Agenda 🔥 Topics: Nominees for the PTA and SLT for the 2023-24 school year

  • WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2023, 6:30 PM  7:30 PM [ZOOM LINK; Add to Cal]

  • Agenda 🔥 Topics: Election for the PTA and SLT for the 2023-24 school year

  • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023, 8:30 AM  9:30 AM [ZOOM LINK; Add to Cal]

  • Note: Special morning time; in the schoolyard!

    1. Agenda 🔥 Topics: It’s in person, there will be coffee; we don’t need an agenda!

PTA & SLT board: Upcoming Elections

At the PTA’s April general meeting (4/26 @ 6:30p), we will be holding nominations for the entire executive board and SLT parent positions.

We need you! Yes, you! As you check out all the upcoming events below, take a moment to consider running for a role in the PTA. Without all the organization and planning by our board members and committees, these events and other valuable school programs would not be possible. Please add your voice and talents to our amazing team!

We'd love to answer your questions and help you figure out which role is best for you. Open roles include marketing & communications, fundraising, events, and chair of auctions, to name a few. Please read this message from PTA President Dani Kim, for all the details, and more on what the roles entail.

These roles do not need to be a huge time commitment; many of us in parent leadership are full-time working parents, parents of multiple kids, or both! No experience is necessary—and we encourage diverse candidates. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out  at pta_info@ps154.org

The following executive board positions are available [most-needed roles are highlighted!]:

  • President (must have served one year on the board)

  • Co-Chairs of Fundraising  

  • Secretary

  • Chair of Events-Food Coordination

  • Chair of Fundraising Events

  • Chair of Community Events

  • Chair of Programs

  • Chair of Technology

  • Recording Secretary

  • Chair of Auctions and Sponsorships

  • Chair of Volunteer Coordination

  • Co-Treasurers (2 roles - must run as a slate)

  • President-Elect

  • Chair of Communications and Marketing

  • Chair of After School

  • School Store Manager

  • Members at Large (8 roles, including a 5th Grade Committee Chair and 4 positions held for new/incoming parents.

More information on each role and what it requires can be found in our PTA of PS154 bylaws. These roles do not need to be a huge time commitment; many of us in parent leadership are full-time working parents, parents of multiple kids, or both! No experience is necessary—and we encourage diverse candidates. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out  at pta_info@ps154.org


Events! Mini golf and nbaseball!

Shipwrecked Takeover Wednesday 4/19

Shipwrecked Brooklyn in Red Hook is opening their doors for PS 154 family and friends on Wednesday 4/19 from 5-8pm.  A portion of the money raised from mini golf, escape rooms and arcade cards will be provided back to the PS 154 PTA as a fundraiser.  

***Please RSVP HERE as soon as you can so we can gauge interest to make the fundraiser and meet up as successful as possible.

Brooklyn Cyclones Cinco de Mayo

Save the Date! On 5/5, Come join your friends and cheer on the Brooklyn Cyclones play the Aberdeen Ironbirds. The ticket link will be available next week


March 31 News

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A note from Ms. Rached

What a whirlwind of a week! The open music classes were such joyous events - our students were so happy to get to showcase eveything they learned with Mr. Fitz, Mr. Sisterhenm (“Mr. Sister”), and Mr. Powell. We are so grateful for our partnership with Encore music, and we hope to have a longer residency with them next year!A huge thank you to our PTA for funding this amazing program. A special shout-out to Chair of Programming Sarah Shears for helping to coordinate with Encore Music, and to Mr Buckley for supporting with scheduling.

This week, we were also delighted to welcome local author (and former 154 parent!) Elizabeth Starkey for a delightful and fun-filled author visit with our Kindergarten, first, and second grade classes. The students were treated to a read aloud of her new book,Today is a Me Day, and some fun crafts. We are working on getting more copies of the book on the website.

Grade 3-5 ELA and math State testing info

Grades 3, 4, and 5 will have New York State Testing on April 19-20 (ELA) and May 2-3 (Math). Each year, some of our families opt out of the State test, which is a decision they make for their child/children for a number of reasons. If you would like to opt your child out of the state test this year, please use this form. If you have questions about opting-out, you can reach out to your child’s teacher, or to Leila or Michael.

Read Write INC. Family Workshops - Thursday, April 20 (Zoom)

Kindergarten and 1st Grade Families - come join our instructional support coach, Karen D’Avino, and find out more about our Read, Write Inc curriculum, what your children are doing in groups now, and ways you can support their reading journey at home.

Kindergarten: 12:00-12:45

1st Grade 1:00-1:45

Zoom Link

Family Week: April 24-28

We are also delighted to share the news that the Week of April 24 will be Family Week, where families will be invited into classrooms during our first period of the day, one grade per day. We be sharing more info in the coming weeks! You can use the Calendar or Events buttons at the top of this page (and on the homepage at ps154.org) to find out when your grade’s Family Morning will be.

Summer Rising Info

The DOE had released preliminary information about Summer Rising 2023. All of the info can be found here. The application will open on April 17, and unlike in past year, seat allocation will NOT be first-come, first served. According to the DOE, “placements will be assigned with a focus on equity, prioritizing students in temporary housing, foster care, 12-month Individualized Education Program (IEP) programs, and students mandated for summer school and with a local connection to a school-year CBO program or school community.” Read more in the DOE letter here.


The PTA & You

2023-24 PTA elections upcoming - we need you!

Dear PS 154 Parents and Guardians,

We need you! Yes, you. Our PS 154 PTA nominations meeting is coming up in April, and if you’ve been considering running for a role, we're hoping you might reach out in advance so we can answer any questions and help you figure out which role is best for you.] We welcome you, and are grateful for your input and participation.

The following executive board positions are available [most-needed roles are highlighted!]:

  • President (must have served one year on the board)

  • Co-Chairs of Fundraising  

  • Secretary

  • Chair of Events-Food Coordination

  • Chair of Fundraising Events

  • Chair of Community Events

  • Chair of Programs

  • Chair of Technology

  • Recording Secretary

  • Chair of Auctions and Sponsorships

  • Chair of Volunteer Coordination

  • Co-Treasurers (2 roles - must run as a slate)

  • President-Elect

  • Chair of Communications and Marketing

  • Chair of After School

  • School Store Manager

  • Members at Large (8 roles, including a 5th Grade Committee Chair and 4 positions held for new/incoming parents.

More information on each role and what it requires can be found in our PTA of PS154 bylaws. These roles do not need to be a huge time commitment; many of us in parent leadership are full-time working parents, parents of multiple kids, or both! No experience is necessary—and we encourage diverse candidates. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out  at pta_info@ps154.org

It’s Almost Next Year - Save Time and Money on school supplies

The PTA of PS 154 offers the EduKit program as a convenient option for busy families to order school supplies for the 2023/2024 year. EduKits include the supplies approved by our school.

Order TODAY at www.edukitinc.com
Order By June 30th for best pricing and free delivery to the school.

For each grade, except kindergarten, there are two kit options. There is a student kit and a household kit. The student kit includes the supplies used by the student. The household kit contains items shared in the classroom and to keep the classroom clean. To see a complete list of items included in each kit, go to edukitinc.com.

If you choose NOT to purchase the household kit, please send the items, with your student, during the first two weeks of school.

Your child’s EduKit will be in your student’s classroom on the first day of school.

Extended ordering is available July 1 through August 1 for a $12.95 additional fee and will be delivered to your home shortly before school begins.

Find the ordering guide and pricing list here.

Please consider donating to help support deserving students in our school community. Donations can be added to your order online.

A portion of your order directly supports the PTA’s initiatives and activities. Thank you for your support!


Events!

Shipwrecked Takeover Wednesday 4/19

Shipwrecked Brooklyn in Red Hook is opening their doors for PS 154 family and friends on Wednesday 4/19 from 5-8pm.  A portion of the money raised from mini golf, escape rooms and arcade cards will be provided back to the PS 154 PTA as a fundraiser.  Please RSVP HERE as soon as you can so we can gauge interest to make the fundraiser and meet up as successful as possible.

Brooklyn Cyclones Cinco de Mayo

Save the Date! On 5/5, Come join your friends and cheer on the Brooklyn Cyclones play the Aberdeen Ironbirds. The ticket link will be available next week


NYC SCHOOLS

NYC SCHOOL SURVEY - Deadline extended to April 20

DEADLINE FOR NYC SCHOOL SURVEY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 20. YOUR SCHOOL! YOUR VOICE! YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Please fill out the NYC School Survey and mail, no postage necessary. This survey can also be done online at NYCSchoolSurvey.org. You will need your child’s OSIS, to begin filling out your survey online. You can find the OSIS on your student’s report card, or on their NYCSA Account. Once on the survey page, you must enter “f”, followed by your child’s OSIS to access the survey. Note that the “f” must be lowercase.

AUTISM MONTH

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we will be meeting to discuss plans for how to celebrate and spread awareness at our school. If you would like to attend, our meeting is on Monday April 3rd, at 9:15am. All are welcome to share their input! Please use the Zoom link below.

HOST: Cristina Septien

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79615836553?pwd=Tb7kkrt40uXh22jMQx8bYpxbJzN8zt.1

Meeting ID: 796 1583 6553
Passcode: 6p4Nyp

Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) Parent Applications

The PEP application is up on the DOE website.  We encourage as many parents as possible to apply. Candidate can submit their applications to PEPParentApplications@schools.nyc.gov by April 15, 2023.

NYCSA ACCOUNTS

We are encouraging all custodial parents to set up their NYCSA account. NYCSA is a very important DOE online portal that provides all your child’s official school records, including report cards, attendance, and IEPs. Please log on to the link below and set up your account. Reach out to Tanica Gordon if you need a creation code or have any questions. tgordon@ps154.org https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/student-journey/nyc-schools-account


154 & More

Raccoons on Sale!

No, not everyone’s favorite procyonid. But if you’re not sporting PS154 raccoon gear on these stylish Brooklyn streets, we’ve got you covered. Shop the mid-winter sale on long sleeve Ts and crew neck sweatshirts! Starting at $15, it’s a great time to show your support for PS154.


Book Market Donations

We are always accepting donations to our book Market! Book donations can be left on the stage in the MMR in clearly marked boxes or bags. Thank you!


COMMUNITY CORNER

COMMUNITY GIVING AT PS 154

The PTA is collaborating with our parent coordinator, Tanica Gordon, to raise funds for PS 154 families in need. Please consider donating so we can give the gift of comfort and kindness to families in our school community that have been economically impacted this year. Thank you, as always, for being such a supportive community! The deadline to contribute is Saturday, April 15.

Donations of cash/checks should be dropped off in the main office on weekdays before 2pm. Checks should be made payable to The PTA of PS 154 (note on check: “Community Giving”). Tanica will pass along gift cards to families confidentially.

If you are a PS 154 family that is struggling with providing basic needs for your family, please complete this Needs Survey.

DONATE HERE

DONACIONES COMUNITARIAS EN PS 154


La PTA está colaborando con nuestra coordinadora de padres, Tanica Gordon, para recaudar fondos para las familias necesitadas de PS 154. Considere donar para que podamos dar el regalo de comodidad y amabilidad a las familias de nuestra comunidad escolar que se han visto afectadas económicamente. ¡Gracias, como siempre, por ser una comunidad tan solidaria! La fecha límite para contribuir es el 15 de abril.

Las donaciones en efectivo/cheques deben entregarse directamente en la oficina principal los días de semana antes de las 2:00 p.m. Los cheques deben hacerse a nombre de PS 154 (nota en el cheque: “Community Giving”). Tanica entregará tarjetas de regalo a las familias de manera confidencial.

Si usted es una familia de PS 154 que tiene dificultades para satisfacer las necesidades básicas de su familia, complete esta Encuesta de necesidades.

DONA AQUÍ


YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE. 

The PTA of P.S. 154 Brooklyn is a 501(c)3 charity. Your contributions are tax-deductible and may be eligible for a corporate matching program at the company where you work. Our Tax ID is 27-1185656.

ATTENDANCE REMINDER

Let us know when your kids are absent; please email the classroom teacher and cc Tina (thill@ps154.org).

Aid for survivors of Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Please see below for a list of organizations providing relief for the survivors of the recent Earthquake, which was shared by a member of the PS154 community.

GLOBAL GIVING TURKEY EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND

TURKISH PHILANTHROPY FUND,  TURKEY EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORT

BRIDGE TO TURKIYE EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND

Cost-free English classes

District 15 is offering English classes! Please see the flyer for details.