PS84

Contribute to the school library by buying books on our wish list

Fri, 10 May 2013 01:18:25 GMT

In conjunction with our students, library committee head, Holly McDade, has put together a wish list of books on Amazon. If you have questions, please email her: Holly McDade <photo.holly@gmail.com>

If you'd like to buy a book (or books!) for our library, don't forget to start your shopping on our website's home page, and click on the Amazon button there.

When you land on the Amazon homepage, you will see wish list tab on the top far right. Go to the Wish LIst section, and under it, in the pull down menu, you will see "find someone's wishlist." You can type in something like just PS 84, and our wish list of books will appear.

PS 84's Music Program, Education Through Music, featured in Huffington Post article

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:48:55 GMT

Here is an excerpt from the Huffington Post Article:

...Education Through Music is the only nonprofit in New York City that provides a comprehensive program to bring music education ... ensuring that the work ... will have a long-term impact with the students we serve.

...Many education models focus on high school, and getting students into college. But we shouldn't miss the early years of learning, where there is an opportunity to engage students and to create life-long learners, who are naturally eager and want to learn. Engaging students at an early age means, many times, that they remain engaged in the learning process throughout their school careers.

...Research shows that Education Through Music students achieve improved test performance in math and English language arts. Our teachers go through a extensive vetting process, and receive continuous professional development to ensure high-quality instruction is at the core of what we do.

We are seeing strong results from utilizing music education to engage students in school ... schools ... are seeing results that clearly make the case that all students should have quality music education in their schools.

PS 84 Students Ambassors at Community-Word Project Benefit

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:14:46 GMT

Community-Word Project, a New York City-based arts education not-for-profit that works with our third graders, hosted its 13th annual benefit on April 9, at Bonhams Auction house. The benefit, Writing Our Future, honored the remarkable voices of the young people who participate in Community-Word’s arts education programs.

PS 84 students Marley and Jeremiah (see attached photo) represented PS 84 at the event and were asked questions by those attending about their experience with Community-Word Project and the painting of the mural. The best parts according to Marley were the pizza they provided prior to the event, the candy table, and talking to people about how much he loves to draw.

Thanks to Marley's mom Dinayomi for also attending the event and reporting back

PS 84 SECOND ANNUAL GALA BENEFIT AUCTION

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:47:33 GMT

The fundraising committee is excited to announce PS 84's Second Annual Gala Auction to be held at the Crown Victoria (60 South Second Street) on Sunday May 19th, 2013 at 6:00pm. Tickets are available online for $25.00.

The goal is to raise $40,000 to support PS 84's unique arts and science programs.

Last year, thanks to the overwhelming support and generous contributions from a broad array of businesses, most of them local, we were able to raise over $25,000 at our first ever auction. Whether you are a new donor or a returning donor, your support is essential to the ongoing success of our school.

We are reaching out to our neighbors and beyond to participate in this important event in whatever way possible. Please consider donating goods or services that can be auctioned at our event.

We are hoping to collect all donations by Friday, May 3rd. We will provide those donating with an official receipt recognizing your donation. All donations are tax deductible.

Video and online article about the New Perspectives Photo Exhibit at PS 84

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:10:28 GMT

The Global Foundation for Democracy and Development wrote about the fantastic photography exhibit of images of the Dominican Republic at PS 84:

On February 1, Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) was delighted to take teachers, parents and students of the Brooklyn Visual Arts & Sciences Primary School on an exciting “study tour” to the Dominican Republic. The 50 some scenes of the Dominican Republic were presented through the itinerant photography exhibit, which was displayed in what became an "island oasis" of the school’s cafeteria. The exhibit showcased aerial images from the GFDD and FUNGLODE publication “New Perspectives: Dominican Republic” documenting lesser-known images of the country.

The special “tour”, started off from the welcoming words of the school’s part-Dominican principal, Sereida Rodriguez-Guerra.

Ms. Rodriguez, thanked GFDD and one of the Dominican teachers, Sandra Vizcaino, for initiating such a beautiful exhibition in their school. A large percentage of the school teachers and students are of Latin or Dominican descent and bringing the photography exhibit in, provided the teachers and students with a wonderful opportunity to experience close the land of their heritage.

The trip went on with a presentation of the exhibition by GFDD Executive Director Natasha Despotovic, who mentioned that she is originally from Croatia. A naturalized Dominican, Ms. Despotovic recalled how the exhibit was born in 2004 during a routine flight from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana with Photographer Anne Casale, she came up with an idea of capturing aerial images of the landscape passing below. The images taken were later presented in a form of the book, which was such an overwhelming success, the decision to create a traveling photo exhibition was made which to date has been seen by thousands in countries worldwide. On behalf of GFDD, Natsha thanked the school for its partnership and said that it great pleasure to present to the school audience today. She also hopes that this will be the beginning of a connection with students in the DR through cultural exchange opportunities.The principal also gave a special note of thanks to Dominican-born New York City government official, Jeanne B. Mullgrav, who was in attendance, and Brooklyn political leaders, Joe Lentol and Diana Reyna, for their strong support in advocating youth and community programs at P.S. 84 Jose De Diego Magnet School for the Visual Arts & Sciences. She continued that the school, which has been undergoing a rapid transformation thanks to a popular district-wide dual language program and a huge surge in parent involvement, is currently in the midst of fundraising for an enviormental awareness project for a school rooftop greenhouse.

The photography exhibit trip then came to its most enjoyable part – a reception with the Dominican food made by the students and their parents, some of whom were wearing traditional folkloric Dominican dress. The GFDD team was glad to see so many happy smiles on the faces of the gathered crowd intrigued by the breath-taking images of landscapes of the Dominican Republic. The photography exhibition, in the view of the parents, was extremely educating, interesting and inspiring; it served as a source of pride for those present and successfully reconnected the two big cultures, American and Dominican.

The New Perspectives: Dominican Republic photo exhibit is free and open to the public daily February 1 - March 1, 2013 at PS 84 Cafeteria 250 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY.

Proceeds from the sale of posters, donated by GFDD, will go to the Greenouse Project at PS 84.

New Perspectives Dominica Republic hardcover book is on sale and can be purchased through the GFDD/New Perspectives websites or on Amazon.

Links:
www.newperspectivesdominicanrepublic.com

and check out the video!

The Greenpoint Y and PS 84 Celebrate Black History Month

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:47:06 GMT

The Greenpoint Gazette featured an article about PS 84!

On Friday, February 15th, PS 84 students celebrated the country’s rich African-American heritage through dance, poetry and the presentation of historical figures. The performances, honoring Black History Month, were coordinated with staff from the Greenpoint Y afterschool program, which has been offering fun, educational activities at the Berry Street school for over 10 years.

Second and third graders opened the show with a “Celebration” of the past, throwing red and green paper flowers in the air. First graders followed with a recitation of a poem honoring all those that serve to inspire them and an oral tribute to women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony. Musical talent was also on ample display. Kindergarteners delivered a rousing performance of “Jombo,” a popular Swahili song, and 4th graders brought down the house with a spirited African dance routine. 1st and 5th and graders closed out the event with step dancing and presentations of famous African-Americans, including Jack Johnson, the first Black boxer to win the world heavyweight championship, and George Washington Carver, “America’s Greatest Farmer.”

Parents and guardians beamed with pride, as did the leaders and counselors who run the afterschool program. Working with the students on everything from costumes to choreography, History/World Culture Y Leader Chrystine Johnson instructed the students on how to step dance and even wrote the poem recited by the first graders. Prevention Y Leader Reina Oronato taught the African dance routine and helped Johnson design and make costumes. Students could also thank Art Y Leader Ann Blackie and Inclusion Specialist Crystal Vega.

“The show went well, we’re always proud of our kids,” said Y Aftershool Program Coordinator Korina Montoya. In contrast to PS 84’s commemoration of Black History in 2012, said Montoya, this year the Y Afterschool program had a more academic focus, thanks to a new grant from the Chicago-based Y-USA, the national resource office for all 2,687 YMCAs in the United States.

In addition to the Y Afterschool program, PS 84 students can now also participate in the Y School, which provides Structure Recess and Move to Improve, a Board of Education curriculum. Other classes include yoga, where students can learn “mindfulness” – techniques to control anxiety and increase relaxation. There are also ESL classes for adults on Saturdays from 9AM – 1PM as well as Spanish classes from 9AM – 12 o’clock noon. Kids accompanying their parents can engage in enrichment classes.

UPDATE ON ARTS RECYCLING PROGRAM

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:07:24 GMT

PS 84 has an ongoing recycling program at the school where we collect recyclable materials in our front lobby "train" and with the help of our Arts Teacher, Mr. Soto, and our science teachers, Mr. Leslie and Mr. Nocero, our kids turn the

materials into art and science projects.

Parent Cristina Dodd <cristinamiragem@gmail.com>, is the head of the arts committee for the PTA, and is requesting that we donate more actual art materials, paper, buttons, beads, yarns, etc... right now if possible. Currently, we have enough bottles, egg crates, and similar items.

Cristina will put up signs in the lobby when there is a specific need for donations because of upcoming projects. She did note that we previously collected water bottles for a Christmas tree project and cereal boxes for mask-making, and both projects were super fun and turned out great.

PS 84's MUSIC PROGRAM - EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC (ETM)

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 04:42:54 GMT

PS 84 has entered into a three year partnership with Education Through Music (ETM). ETM has provided the school since the beginning of the school year with a full time music teacher, David Blumenthal. All children in the school have music class once a week, and older students have formed a chorus. Additionally, fourth and fifth graders can attend twice weekly early morning enrichment classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In December, the school put on a holiday concert for the families.

ETM’s primary activity is forming long-term partnerships with New York City schools to help principals establish and sustain school-wide music education programs that reach every student.

Each year, ETM helps thousands of children to learn skills, gain self-esteem and become excited about school. But for the long term, we are helping our partner schools establish strategic plans to hire their own music teachers and sustain music education beyond the existence of ETM.

External evaluation of ETM's programs has found positive impacts on children's achievement and youth development and on teaching practices. We rely on ongoing internal assessment to improve our programs and to communicate with our principals and teachers, so that we can ensure children receive the quality education they deserve.

ETM employs the following components to reinforce music's role as a core subject:

*Music instruction for every child that follows a skills-based, comprehensive and sequential curriculum that aligns with State and National Arts Learning Standards and the Common Core Standards.

*Integration to support student learning in a range of areas.

*Professional development to improve instruction and to increase support and understanding of arts education in the school community.

*Enrichment opportunities, such as band and orchestra programs, visiting artists, and summer camp scholarships.

*Evaluation and assessment.

*Outreach to parents and community.

*Long-term planning for sustaining instruction.

VALENTINE'S DAY RAFFLE

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 04:33:35 GMT

PS 84 is hosting a Valentine’s Day Raffle!

Each child will receive 20 tickets to sell. Tickets are $1.00 each.

If you would like more tickets, please contact:
Yenny Almonte 347-569-3677 or Zoribel Nevarez 917-420-1087

Please make sure to include the name, address and phone number of the person who purchased the ticket. Please make sure you write your child’s name andclassroom on the front of the ticket sold

There will be
5 prizes:

Grand prize is a chef's tasting dinner at Anella

1st prize includes a dinner for two at Viva Toro Restaurant

2nd prize is a gift card for $75.00 to Parish Hall

3rd prize is a gift card for $50.00 to the Roebling Tea Room

4th prize is a chocolate basket

Please send the tickets and the money in your child’s folder. The last day to submit raffle tickets will be Monday, February 11, 2013. The raffle will be held during our next PTA meeting on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 6:00 pm.

EXHIBIT COMING TO PS 84 - OPENING ON FEBRUARY 1ST AT 6:00PM

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 22:05:04 GMT

Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) is happy to announce it is bringing photography exhibit “New Perspectives: Dominican Republic” the Jose de Diego Magnet School for the Visual Arts & Sciences , PS 84, in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

This represents an invaluable opportunity for GFDD and FUNGLODE to continue in its tradition of connecting with New York City schools through a promotion of Dominican culture and heritage. A large percentage of PS 84 students and its teachers are of Latin or Dominican descent. Through the initiative, GFDD hopes that students of Dominican background, and the New York community at large, will be able to experience up close all thirty three provinces of the Dominican Republic as rarely seen before.

The exhibit will be inaugurated at the school on February 1 at 6pm, and thereafter open to the public, by appointment, Monday through Friday during school hours.

The exhibit will showcase aerial images from the book “New Perspectives: Dominican Republic”, a publication by GFDD, realized by an international interdisciplinary team led by Project Director and Editor-in-Chief, Natasha Despotovic. Over 50 aerial photographs, by Dominican-based photographer Anne Casale, will be on display, depicting scenes from the thirty three provinces and will represent nine conceptual categories – reflections of light, coasts, heights, plains, history, city, people, tourism and work – and commemorate the country’s achievements in the areas of economic, social, environmental and democratic progress.

The exhibition has been shown with great success both nationally and in Spain, the United States, and Chile. Through the initiative, GFDD and FUNGLODE seek to expand and enrich understanding of the Dominican Republic.

Dates:

February 1- March 1, 2013
Location: PS 84 Cafeteria
250 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening: Friday, February 1, 2013 @ 6pm