First Day of School!
It is going to be an exciting year. I hope everyone’s summer was amazing.
It is going to be an exciting year. I hope everyone’s summer was amazing.
Rosh Hashanah, though literally meaning "head of the year" in Hebrew, has a rich history that goes beyond a simple New Year's celebration. Here's a breakdown of its development:
Origins:
While not explicitly mentioned in the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, the concept of a sacred occasion on the first day of the seventh month (Tishrei) is present. There's a possibility the holiday was well-established by the 6th century BCE.
Key Points to Remember:
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year but falls in the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar.
It's also considered the start of the High Holy Days, a 10-day period of introspection leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Find out more about this holiday. Indigenous Peoples' Day
Meaning and Significance:
Diwali, which comes from the Sanskrit word "deepavali" meaning "row of lights," is a celebration of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil.
Duration: It's a five-day festival, with the most important celebrations on the third day.
Activities: People decorate their homes with lights (diyas), exchange gifts, and enjoy fireworks.
Celebration of New Year: Diwali also coincides with the Hindu New Year.
Sign-Ups for parent-teacher conferences were shared through Remind. Please reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions.
History:
Originally called Armistice Day, it marked the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1954, after World War II, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars.
Significance: It's a day to recognize the sacrifices and contributions veterans have made to protect the country.
Commemorations: There are parades, ceremonies, and other events held across the country to honor veterans. The national ceremony takes place at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sign-Ups for parent-teacher conferences were shared through Remind. Please reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions.
Lunar New Year, also sometimes called Spring Festival, is a massive celebration in many cultures around the world. It's based on the lunisolar calendar, so the date changes every year, falling somewhere between late January and February according to the Gregorian calendar we normally use.
Here are some key things to know about Lunar New Year:
Celebration of Spring and New Beginnings: It traditionally marks the start of spring and a new year on the lunisolar calendar. Many cultures view it as a time to wash away the old and welcome fresh beginnings.
Widespread Celebration: It's one of the most important holidays in China, Vietnam, Korea, and other Asian countries. There are also significant celebrations in Chinatowns and other Asian communities around the globe.
Family Reunion: A central theme is family reunion. People travel long distances to be with loved ones, similar to Thanksgiving or Christmas in Western cultures.
Festivities: The festivities typically last for fifteen days and involve:
Decorations: Homes and streets are decorated with red lanterns, symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
Food: Special dishes are prepared for family feasts, often symbolizing good fortune and wealth.
Fireworks and Noise: Firecrackers are lit to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Lion Dances: Lion dances are performed to bring good luck and blessings.
Gift-Giving: Children receive red envelopes containing money.
Sign-Ups for parent-teacher conferences were shared through Remind. Please reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions.
Eid al-Fitr, which translates to "festival of breaking the fast" in Arabic, is a major holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting from dawn to dusk each day.
Celebration: It's a joyous occasion filled with feasting, prayer, and community gatherings. Muslims typically attend a special Eid prayer in the morning, followed by visits with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying delicious meals.
Charity: Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity, is given to the poor and needy before the Eid prayer. This ensures everyone can participate in the festivities.
Dates: Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Since the Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the exact date on the Gregorian calendar changes every year.
Other Names: Eid al-Fitr is also known by various other names in different languages and regions, though "Eid" is a common term used.
Find out more Eid_al-Fitr Holiday
Eid al-Adha, also called the Feast of Sacrifice, is a major Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Here's a breakdown of some key aspects:
Significance:
Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God.
A ram was sent by God to be sacrificed instead, symbolizing Ibrahim's devotion and God's mercy.
Observances:
Falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date varies based on the moon sighting.
Celebrated for three to four days.
Starts with special prayers held at mosques.
People wear new clothes and exchange gifts.
Families and friends gather for meals.
Central Tradition:
Qurbani (sacrifice): Muslims who can afford to, sacrifice a sheep, goat, camel, or cow.
The meat is divided into three parts:
One-third for the family
One-third for relatives and friends
One-third for the poor and needy
Importance:
Sharing and giving back to the community.
Reflecting on faith and sacrifice.
Spending time with loved ones.
Eid al-Adha is a joyous occasion that celebrates faith, family, and compassion.
Find out more Eid al-Adha Day
no classes for students attending 3K, Pre-K, elementary schools, middle schools, K-12 schools, and standalone D75 programs
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on June 19th. It commemorates the end of slavery in the US.
Here's a deeper look at Juneteenth:
Historical Significance:
Though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, freeing enslaved people in Confederate states, enforcement relied on Union control.
Texas, the furthest Confederate state, remained largely out of reach until June 19, 1865.
On that day, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the enslaved people in the state.
Celebrating Juneteenth:
Juneteenth is known as the "longest-running African American holiday" with traditions dating back to 1865.
Celebrations often focus on themes of commemoration, education, and progress.
Typical festivities include parades, rodeos, barbecues, and music. Red, white, and blue are prominent colors, along with the Juneteenth flag.
Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the struggles for freedom and celebrate African American heritage
Find out more Juneteenth Day
This celebratory event marks a significant milestone for our 5th graders.
Location: New Voices, 330 18th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Arrival Time for Families: 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Event Start Time: 10:00 AM
Entrance: Families must enter from the 19th Street entrance in the middle of the block. There are a few steps that lead to an open foyer where families will be signed in, bring identification. After check-in, proceed down three flights of stairs to the auditorium.
Student Arrival: Students must arrive between 9:30-9:45 AM and will wait in the school cafeteria before the event begins.
Punctuality: The ceremony will start promptly at 10:00 AM. Students arriving late will be held at the back for safety purposes and can join after the procession.
Accessibility: Please note that the entrance area and auditorium are not wheelchair accessible. Families will need to navigate three flights of stairs.
Ticket Information: More information on the horizon
After the event, there will be two designated photo areas where families can take pictures with their child. Get ready to capture lots of smiles! Use of these areas is optional
After the graduation ceremony, families are welcome to take their child for the remaining portion of the school day to continue their special day. There is no need to return to school, as attendance will be noted based on morning sign-in. If childcare is needed after the event, the child may return to school, but we encourage families to continue celebrating this milestone with their child.
Volunteer Sign-Up: We need volunteers to help make this event a success. Please sign up to lend a hand!
5th Grade Graduation Volunteer Sign up
We are thrilled to invite you to our Annual 5th Grade Ballroom Dance Recital on Thursday, June 20th, at 6:15. Students should arrive at 6 p.m. Our talented 5th graders have been practicing their fancy footwork, and they can't wait to show off their new moves!
Families, we need your help to make it extra special:
Students dress to Impress
Families are needed for the cheer squad
Families are needed to volunteer for setup: 5th Grade Ballroom Recital Volunteer Sign up
Ballroom dance has been a cherished tradition at our school for over a decade and is a meaningful program in many NYC DOE schools. Let's continue this tradition with style and flair.
Please join our Equity Team family meeting to share your perspectives and ideas around our equity-centered programming for the year.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Please join us for our final music and media arts share of the school year!
All shares will take place in the MMR.
Please a arrive a few minutes early to sign in (don’t forget your ID!).
We can accommodate 1-2 adults per student.
Hope to see you there!
no classes for students attending 3K, Pre-K, elementary schools, middle schools, K-12 schools, and standalone D75 programs
Chancellor's Conference Day for staff development; students do not attend
Please join our Equity Team family meeting to share your perspectives and ideas around our equity-centered programming for the year.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Take a more active role and join next year’s PTA of PS 154 Board! We are the parent and caregiver lead organization that is behind all fundraising and community activities for PS 154, operates the After School Program, and funds vital enrichment programs for PS 154 students.
You can view all positions, as well as the PTA By Laws and past meeting minutes, on the PS 154 Your PTA page.
We are also electing members to the School Leadership Team (SLT)! You can learn more at the PS 154 SLT page.
Nominations can be taken online, as well as at this meeting.
President: Sarah Gartenberg
President-Elect: no nomination
Co-Treasurers: Alina Hurtado, Stefanie Schiada
Recording Secretary: Chino Okonkwo
Fundraising Co-Chair: Jimmy Schementi
Fundraising Co-Chair: no nomination
Fundraising Events: no nomination
Programs: no nomination
Communications Co-Chair: Cara Zwerling
Communications Co-Chair (Social Media): Tom Sperduto
Technology: Ross Whiting
School Store Manager: no nomination
Food Coordination for Events: Tom Kaufmann
Community Events: Stacy Armand Patterson
Volunteer Coordination: Sheila Fedele
Auctions & Sponsorships: Judd Gartenberg
After School: Angie Saleh
Members at Large (4)
Fifth Grade Chair: Crystal Orraca
Daniel Nachimson
Hannah De Simone
Okechi Ibeabuchi
Grace Ciaccia
1 year role: Kristen Larkin
2 year role: Angie Saleh
2 year role: Christine Tadler
2 year role: no nomination
Join us for the Annual Virtual Town-Hall Meeting!
Earthquake Protocol
New Door Policy
Weather permitting, during each grade’s field day, there will be field day PE activities in the morning, and then a picnic lunch after. A sign-up will be shared for families to volunteer in the morning, and all families are invited to join the classes for the picnic.
Children should wear their gold school shirts.
May 20: Kindergarten
9:00-10:00 Field Day Activities
10:00-10:45 Family Picnic in schoolyard
May 21: Rain Date (all grades)
Weather permitting, during each grade’s field day, there will be field day PE activities in the morning, and then a picnic lunch at the Peninsula in Prospect Park after. A sign-up will be shared for families to volunteer in the morning, and all families are invited to join the classes in the park for the picnic.
Children should wear their gold class of 2024 school shirts.
May 17: 5th Grade
9:15-11:00 Field Day Activities
12:00-1:30 Picnic
May 21: Rain Date (all grades)
Weather permitting, during each grade’s field day, there will be field day PE activities in the morning, and then a picnic lunch at the Peninsula in Prospect Park after. A sign-up will be shared for families to volunteer in the morning, and all families are invited to join the classes in the park for the picnic.
Children should wear their gold school shirts.
May 16: 3rd Grade
9:15-11:00 Field Day Activities
12:00-1:30 Picnic
May 21: Rain Date (all grades)
Weather permitting, during each grade’s field day, there will be field day PE activities in the morning, and then a picnic lunch at the Peninsula in Prospect Park after. A sign-up will be shared for families to volunteer in the morning, and all families are invited to join the classes in the park for the picnic.
Children should wear their gold school shirts.
May 15: 1st Grade
9:15-11:00 Field Day Activities
12:00-1:30 Picnic
May 21: Rain Date (all grades)
Weather permitting, during each grade’s field day, there will be field day PE activities in the morning, and then a picnic lunch at the Peninsula in Prospect Park after. A sign-up will be shared for families to volunteer in the morning, and all families are invited to join the classes in the park for the picnic.
Children should wear their gold school shirts.
May 14: 4th Grade
9:15-11:00 Field Day Activities
12:00-1:30 Picnic
May 21: Rain Date (all grades)
Weather permitting, during each grade’s field day, there will be field day PE activities in the morning, and then a picnic lunch at the Peninsula in Prospect Park after. A sign-up will be shared for families to volunteer in the morning, and all families are invited to join the classes in the park for the picnic.
Children should wear their gold school shirts.
May 13: 2nd Grade
9:00-10:45 Field Day Activities
12:00-1:30 Picnic
May 21: Rain Date (all grades)
Take a more active role and join next year’s PTA of PS 154 Board! We are the parent and caregiver lead organization that is behind all fundraising and community activities for PS 154, operates the After School Program, and funds vital enrichment programs for PS 154 students. Every year the PTA aims to be more impactful that the last, and no doubt this upcoming board led by President Elect Sarah Gartenberg will accomplish that and more.
You can view all positions, as well as the PTA By Laws and past meeting minutes, on the PS 154 Your PTA page.
Nominations will take place in person at the next PTA General Meeting: May 10, 2024, 8:45am, PS 154 MMR.
Anyone can nominate anyone else present the meeting, including themselves! If you can’t make it to the meeting, you can also nominate yourself online:
This will be a regular school day for students, and afterschool programming will take place. Please stay tuned for more info.
On Friday, May 3, let's celebrate with Silly Hair/Silly Hat Day! This is a fantastic opportunity for all students to showcase their creativity. Encourage your child to express themselves with uniquely styled hair or by wearing a delightfully silly hat.
Families, please mark your calendars and join us in making May 3 a day filled with quirky hairstyles, whimsical hats, and an abundance of smiles. Let's welcome the new season with a burst of fun and laughter! We can't wait to see the fantastic, funny, and fabulous looks our students come up with. Thank you for joining in the fun!
Please join our Equity Team family meeting to share your perspectives and ideas around our equity-centered programming for the year.
Looking forward to seeing you there!