In this Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Read-A-Thon - Mon, Jan 13 - Sun, Feb 2
No School, Lunar New Year - Wed, Jan 29
PTA General Meeting - Fri, Jan 31, 8:30 am, MMR
No School, Winter Break - Feb 17-21
PTA General Meeting - Wed, Feb 26, 6:30 pm, Zoom
No School, March 6 - Parent-Teacher Conferences
A Note from Principal Fitzgerald
Read-A-Thon 2025 Updates
A few tickets left: PS 154 Nets Game - Sun, Mar 16, 6 pm
PS 154’s Service Week Project
Fifth Grade News
Spring Auction — Volunteers and Donations Needed!
Support the Annual Fund
A Note from Principal Fitzgerald
Dear Families,
This week, we reflect on two significant occasions—Holocaust Remembrance Day and Lunar New Year—each of which invites us to think deeply about our shared values of care, curiosity, and courage.
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the memory of those lost in one of the darkest chapters of history. As we remember, we also embrace our core value of care—for each other, for the stories that shape us, and for the lessons that teach us to stand against hatred and injustice. It's a moment to reinforce our commitment to fostering an environment of empathy and compassion in our school community.
The Lunar New Year marks a time of celebration and renewal, an opportunity for reflection and the hope of new beginnings. In learning about the rich traditions of this holiday, we nurture our sense of curiosity—about the diverse cultures and customs that make our world so vibrant. It is a reminder of how embracing difference can lead to greater understanding and connection.
Finally, both occasions call us to have courage—whether it’s having the courage to learn from the past, or the courage to embrace the unknowns of a new year with optimism and determination. These values guide us every day, as we encourage our students to approach the world with open hearts and minds.
As we honor these meaningful observances, we celebrate how they align with our core values, inspiring us to act with care, curiosity, and courage in all that we do.
Please remember there is no school tomorrow January 29th, 2025.
Our next round of family mornings starts next week and will focus on Black History Month. We invite one caregiver per child to join us for these joyful and informative activities. Thank you so much to the families who helped to organize these wonderful learning opportunities.
Last but not least, do not forget to log your read-a-thon minutes! If the students read more than 200,000 minutes I will get slimed in front of everyone this Spring!
Read-A-Thon 2025 Updates
Only ONE WEEK LEFT of Read-A-Thon!
If you haven’t already done so, please register your child on RallyUp. We will use this site to track reading and donations.
Hot Chocolate parties have been happening all day and will continue throughout the week. Thank you all so much for registering!
PLEASE START LOGGING — and SPREAD THE WORD to increase donations! We are about half way to our goal.
More info about the Read-A-Thon can be found on our website, here.
A few tickets left: PS 154 Nets Game - Sun, Mar 16, 6 pm
Join your friends from PS 154 to watch the Brooklyn Nets play the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, March 16th, 6pm at the Barclays Center. We have a group of tickets in Sections 213 & 214 that will be distributed before the game. Tickets are $40 each.
We've already sold out twice, and there are just a few more left! Tickets are available here. Each purchase helps support our PTA.
PS 154’s Service Week Project
PS 154 is thrilled to celebrate MLK Day with a Service Week project that empowers our students to give back to the community. This year, we’re partnering with CHiPS (https://chipsonline.org/) to create personal care kits for individuals and families in need.
We will be collecting grade-specific donations between Jan 21 and Jan 31.
More information, including donation lists, can be found here.
Fifth Grade Updates!
Hi 5th-grade parents!
Class Shirt Design Opportunity! Design submissions due TOMORROW:
Every fifth grader gets a graduation t-shirt to wear to all of our special events this Spring!! And we’d love for our kids to design it themselves!
If your child is interested in submitting a design for consideration for this year’s graduation tshirt - please have them work on the design at home and hand it to their classroom teacher no later than 1/29/25
A few things to note -
- Design should include the words “Class of 2025”
- Design should be black and white
- Think school spirit!!
We will have the kids vote on their favorite design in class the week of 2/13 - and I’m hoping to have the shirts ready before our trip to the Aquarium (3/8/25)
While kids work on their designs - please fill out the below Google form with your kid’s T-shirt size so we can start prepping the order: https://forms.gle/eCHaGo9HAmuKVjur6. As a reminder - t-shirts are included in your dues!
Aquarium Overnight:
Tickets are on sale now (5th Grade only!)
5th Grade Dues:
This year, the 5th-grade dues will be $250/child. You can pay using this link or via Zelle: @pta_treasury@ps154.org. Please note dues were due by January 15, 2025.
A note on dues:
We want to ensure that every child can participate in these fantastic events. So, if you're facing financial challenges, don't hesitate to contact our Parent Coordinator, Tanica Gordon. We'll work together to find suitable options for you.
And if circumstances permit, we invite you to consider contributing extra dues to assist a family in need. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference. We're committed to ensuring all children can enjoy all the 5th-grade fun!
If you have any questions - please reach out: crystal.orraca@gmail.com
Spring Auction — Volunteers and Donations Needed!
We are starting to plan the Spring Auction, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year! Can you help?
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 above 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).
New Year, Same Amazing Experiences for Our Kids!
SUPPORT the PS 154 ANNUAL FUND TODAY
Let’s start 2025 on the right note! We’ve raised $39,203, but we still need $80,797 to keep programs like Music, Media Arts, Chess, and recess coaching thriving. The suggested dues are $400 per child, but every contribution—big or small—makes a difference.
Be a Hero: Help Us Match Donations and Hit Our Goal!
Want to make an even bigger difference? We’re seeking matching donors to amplify contributions. If you or someone you know can help, email us at pta_fundraising@ps154.org. Together, we can make PS 154 shine brighter than ever!
Hit "submit" today to support your child’s education by paying your dues.
Don’t forget: employer matching can double your impact! You can schedule monthly recurring donations, and even donate stock!