In this Newsletter
A Note from Ms. Rached
Black History Month: Council Member Visit & Spotlight on Student Learning
Family Workshops: Tech Safety - Tuesday, March 12th, 6PM at PS154
COVID Protocols
NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)
Upcoming Events ποΈ
ποΈ SLT Meeting: Thursday, February 15th, 3:30pm, PS154
π Spirit Day: Pajama Day - Friday, February 16thπ
βοΈ Midwinter Recess: Monday, February 19th - February 23rd
π€ Equity Meeting - Thursday, February 29th, 9am, Zoom
π Spirit Day: Leap to the Past (80βs or 90βs attire) - Thursday, February 29thπ
ποΈ PTA General Meeting: Friday, March 1st 8:30 AM MMR
New York Aquarium Overnight Trip
Spring Auction β Donations Needed!
π£ 2024 Class Shirts - Order by Friday, February 16th β³
Free Music Advancement Program at The Juilliard School πΊ
A Note from Ms. Rached
Black History Month: Visit with City Council Member Shahana Hanif
We were honored to have City Council Member Shahana Hanif join us during our family morning to commemorate Black History Month. Her presence underscored the importance of celebrating diversity and honoring the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Council Member Hanif's engagement with our school community exemplifies her dedication to inclusivity and diversity in our city.
Black History Month: Our Journey in Student Learning
Spotlight on Student Learning: 1st & 2nd Grade -Exploring the Harlem Renaissance
Our first and second graders are exploring the vibrant Harlem Renaissance, a culturally rich period of the 1920s and 1930s in the African American community. Through engaging lessons, they're immersing themselves in legendary music like Louis Armstrong's trumpet tunes and Billie Holiday's soulful vocals, capturing the era's essence. They're also exploring dynamic artwork by Jacob Lawrence, vividly portraying African American life and struggles. Through these lessons, they're not just studying history but uncovering how this cultural movement in nearby Harlem reshaped society, connecting with a legacy of creativity and resilience that still inspires us today. Click here to listen to some songs that accompanied this transformative era. Louis Armstrong - West End Blues Billie Holiday - The Very Thought Of You (Official Audio)
Our second graders are delving into the historical significance of Weeksville, a community not far from our school in Brooklyn. Weeksville holds significance as one of the first free Black communities in the United States, where properties were owned by formerly enslaved people, providing a vital sense of community and connection. Individuals who visit this area can deepen their understanding of its historical importance, immersing themselves in its rich legacy and learning firsthand about the resilience and contributions of the historic community.
You can find out about all of our Black History Month programming at our Black History Month webpage.
π£ Save the Date: In-Person Parent Tech Safety Workshop - March 12th, 6-7:30 PM π£
In response to PS154 family requests, weβre thrilled to announce an upcoming parent/caregiver workshop dedicated to tech safety. Sponsored by the PTA, this event is open to all families and will equip you with essential strategies to ensure our childrenβs online safety and well-being. Stay tuned for further details!
COVID Protocols
Please note that the city has not changed the 5-day quarantine rule for positive Covid cases. If your child tests positive for Covid, they will need to stay home from school for 5 days following the positive test or the start of symptoms (whichever was earlier) and will need to wear a mask in school for days 6-10 past the first positive test or start of symptoms. If your child tests positive for Covid, please let the main office and your childβs teachers know.
NYC SCHOOLS ACCOUNT(NYCSA) - https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc/
Opening a NYC Schools Account is the first step towards becoming more involved in your student's education. Receive updates via text messages or email about school closures, emergencies, and upcoming events. Link your students and start monitoring things like grades and test scores and attendance.
Please feel free to contact PS 154βs Parent Coordinator, Tanica Gordon, to set up an account.
Upcoming Events
π Celebrate February Spirit Days! π
πΈ Capture the Moment!
Your child's Spirit Day outfits have been absolutely fantastic! We wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to feature them in our future newsletters or our schools website. Capture the moment by sharing your photos with us! Email them to pta_info@ps154.org or tag us at PS154Brooklyn on Facebook & Instagram. Your contributions help make this year truly memorable. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant school community!
Let's make February a month of spirited celebrations at PS154!
π Spirit Day: Pajama Day Edition - Friday, February 16th!π
Join the comfort wave on Pajama Day, February 16! It's a student favorite, offering a break from the routine and a chance to showcase unique sleepwear styles. Pajama Day celebrates individuality and togetherness, allowing each child to express themselves in their special way.
Families, mark your calendars! Pajama Day is our easiest, no-arguments spirit event. Let's make it a comfy, enjoyable celebration that highlights the diversity and warmth within our PS154 community.
π Spirit Day: Leap to the Past - 80βs/90βs Attire! - Thursday, Feb 29th!π
π°οΈ Join the Fun - Leap to the Past!
To celebrate leap year, let's rewind to the iconic 80s and 90s on Thursday, Feb 29th! Encourage your child to dress up in 80s or 90s fashion, channeling the pop culture gems from classic movies and music to unforgettable fashion trends. Think neon colors, oversized sweaters, leg warmers, or styles of iconic artists that made the 80s and 90s so unforgettable.
π« Express Your Spirit - School Shirts Available!
If your child isn't feeling the 80's/90's vibe, they can still show school spirit by wearing their school shirt! Can't find it? No worries! Visit our school store for stylish options. Order by Friday, February 16th, to have it before Leap to the Past Day. Purchasing school shirts supports our school!
New York Aquarium Overnight Trip Update
New York Aquarium - Sharks After Dark Overnight Trip - Saturday, March 23rd at 6 pm to Sunday, March 24th at 9 am
Limited Spots: We are truly touched by the overwhelming response to our OPTIONAL Overnight experience at the New York Aquarium. Unfortunately, all available spots for this adventure have been filled. We understand that some families may be disappointed, and we want to express our gratitude for your enthusiasm.
Waitlist Open: If your family is still interested in joining this exciting overnight adventure, we have opened a waitlist. Please visit the school store at https://www.ps154.org/shop to add your name to the waitlist. Although all current slots are filled, joining the waitlist ensures you'll be the first to know if any spots become available.
Cost: $105 per person (all participants, including adult chaperones, must purchase a ticket).
For comprehensive trip details, please visit our PS154 - Aquarium Overnight Web Page:https://www.ps154.org/aquarium-night.
Waitlist Enrollment Window:
Monday, February 12 (10AM) - Enrollment Window Opens for K-4th Grade (and their parents)
Join the wait list via the School Store: https://www.ps154.org/shop
Spring Auction - Donations Needed!
Itβs February and March is right around the corner β and we are busy planning the Spring Auction, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year! Can you help?
We need donations! Are you willing to donate an item or experience for a silent auction? Please fill out this short form to let us know. You might be surprised at all the creative ways you can give. Examples include donating your professional skills (a lesson, consultation, the product of your work, etc.), a gift card to a local business, tickets to a game or show, backstage access, a stay in your vacation home, or a nice holiday gift you got but donβt want, to name a few. Ask a friend, too! Or please pass on a name or idea via the form and we can get in touch.
Contribute to your gradeβs gift basket. This year, weβre also asking each grade to create a gift basket for auction built around a specific theme. Think about what small items you could contribute that go with these themes. Class parents will reach out to coordinate.
K - Itβs Wine O' Clock
1 - Game Night
2 - Pamper Me
3 - Lifeβs A Beach
4 - Feeling Zen
5 - Slumber Party
Which grade will make the best basket that brings in the most at auction? Itβs up to you!
π£ 2024 Class Shirts - Order Window Closes Friday, February 16th β³
Last call β°! Secure your 2024 class shirt before the order window closes this Friday, February 16th. Act fast to grab one of the last four shirts at the special $20 price β after that, they'll move to $30 each. Don't miss out β Order now, and let's make our school community proud!
Order the Class of πΈπ’πΈπΊ T-Shirt ππΈ
Discover the Music Advancement Program (MAP) at The Juilliard School πΊ
MAP is a tuition-free Saturday program designed for intermediate and advanced music students residing in New York City's five boroughs and the tri-state area. This program is tailored for those who exhibit a strong dedication to artistic excellence. Find out more information by visiting the following link https://www.juilliard.edu/school/preparatory-division/music-advancement-program
