In this Newsletter
A Note from Ms. Rached
Read-A-Thon Success
Black History Month
NYC DOE Press Release
Upcoming Events 🗓️
🗓️ PTA General Meeting: Wednesday, January 31st 6:30pm, Zoom
📣 Family Mornings: February 5th - February 12th
🥇 Parent Trivia Night: Thursday, February 8th 7pm, Greenwood Park
🎉 Spirit Day: 100th Day of School - Friday, February 9th🎉
🎉 Spirit Day: Pajama Day - Friday, February 16th🎉
❄️ Midwinter Recess: Monday, February 19th - February 23rd
🤝 Equity Meeting - Thursday, February 29th, 9am, Zoom
New York Aquarium Overnight Trip
Parent Trivia Night - Purchase your tickets!
Spring Auction and Gala — Call for Donations & Volunteers
📚 Book Market - NOW ACCEPTING ALL BOOKS
Lost & Found
A Note From Ms. Rached
Dear PS154 Community,
We are overjoyed to report the phenomenal success of our annual Read-A-Thon! The enthusiasm from our students, the unwavering support of parents & teachers, and the generosity of sponsors have collectively led to an exceptional outcome. With over 13,000 books read and an impressive $37,000 raised, breaking previous fundraising records, we’re making a significant impact on our school’s enrichment programs.
A big shoutout to our fantastic students, encouraging teachers, parents who facilitated donations, and a special mention to fellow parents Sarah & Daniel & cafeteria leaders Jen and Julia for hosting hot chocolate parties each class who achieved registration targets. Terrace Books, your sponsorship made this event possible, and Andrew Weiner, your captivating presence during the author visits enriched the experience for all.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this Read-A-Thon a triumph for PS154
Side Entrance Reminder
Keeping the entrances to the school secure, and being consistent with visitor sign-in procedures is an important part of our school safety plan, and is mandated by the Department of Education. Parents should not be entering the schoolyard through the Sherman side gate.
February Family Mornings - Black History Month
Come celebrate Black History Month with us! For our for February Family mornings, students will doing projects inspired by important African American inventors. These projects were planned in partnership with the Black History Month planning committee - a subcommittee of our Equity Committee. We are asking for donations of empty tissue boxes from all families for family morning.
They can be dropped off in the MMR between now and Feb. 5th.
Please note the CORRECTION in Family Morning dates for 4th & 5th Grade
Kindergarten Feb. 12th, 8:15-8:45
Grade 1 Feb. 5th, 8:15-8:45
Grade 2 Feb. 5th, 8:15-8:45
Grade 3 Feb. 6th, 8:35-9:05
Grade 4 Feb. 8th, 8:35-9:05
Grade 5 Feb. 7th, 8:35-9:05
Equity Team's Interactive Learning Boards for Black History Month
Our dedicated parents in the Black History Month Planning Sub-committee, part of the Equity Team, have been hard at work crafting engaging bulletin boards. These interactive displays are designed to provide our children with valuable learning opportunities about the remarkable contributions of Black Americans. Be sure to explore these educational exhibits during our upcoming family morning.
Black History Month: Spotlights in Student Learning
This Black History Month, our students dive into an educational journey that illuminates the past and nurtures an appreciation for diverse narratives shaping our history. Across grade levels, they explore significant aspects, fostering a deeper understanding of remarkable individuals, places, and events.
Here is a spotlight with examples of learning in kindergarten & 4th grade:
Our kindergartners will delve into the continent of Africa. They will discover the vibrant and diverse markets that characterize Africa, where a plethora of goods, from traditional crafts to fresh produce and spices, contribute to the colorful tapestry of these markets. Our young learners will unravel the rich history of Timbuktu in Mali. Once a thriving center of learning and trade during medieval times, Timbuktu housed universities and libraries, standing as an intellectual hub in the ancient world.
Our fourth graders will be engaged in understanding the excavation of Fort Mose and the significance of the Southern Underground Railroad. Did you know that Fort Mose in Florida is referred to as the "Freedom Colony"? It holds the distinction of being the first legally sanctioned community of free African Americans in what would later become the United States. Our fourth graders will delve into this historical narrative, creating posters and summaries that capture the essence of this pivotal part of history.
NYC DOE Press Release
Please click the link below for the NYCDOE’s comprehensive plan to combat Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate.
Come join us on Zoom for our PTA General Meeting!
Meeting ID: 940 6724 3502
Passcode: 973029
As a parent at PS154, you are automatically a valued member of the PTA. Your voice matters, and we encourage you to actively participate and support us as we continue to shape the future of our school.
Join us for the upcoming PTA meeting, where we will provide important updates about events both within and outside the school, share important budget and fundraising information, and open the floor for any topics you wish to discuss.
Additionally, we are currently seeking a dedicated individual to serve as the Chair for Community Events. If you are interested in volunteering to oversee events such as Movie Night, please reach out to our PTA President, Jimmy Schementi, and consider attending the meeting to learn more.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Grab your tickets for Parent Trivia Night - Thursday, February 8th 7PM; Greenwood Park
Join us for a night of fun, laughter, and friendly competition at our Parent Trivia Night! Trivia not your thing? No problem! The event is designed for everyone. Connect with fellow parents, support our school, and have a blast. Secure your spot now for a night that promises both good times and a great cause! Don't miss out on the fun – purchase your tickets tickets today via our school store.
Evites have been sent out to all parents! If you didn’t receive one, please email pta_info@ps154.org and we’ll get one to you.
🎉 Spirit Day: Celebrate the 100th Day of School! 🎉
Get ready for a day brimming with excitement as we come together to celebrate the 100th day of school! On February 9th our students are encouraged to participate in the spirit by choosing from the following options:
Wear clothing with 100 items: Unleash your creativity by donning outfits adorned with 100 small items. Whether you let your imagination run wild or seek inspiration from Pinterest or Google, let's make this celebration uniquely yours!
Wear your school shirt: Display your school pride proudly by wearing one of your PS154 school shirts. Let's unite as a school community as we mark this memorable day together.
Let's make the 100th day of school a memorable and spirited celebration together!
🏫 School Store - Here to help
Can't locate your child's school shirt? No worries! Check out the stylish t-shirt options available at our school store. Submit your order by Tuesday, January 30th, to have your child's shirt in hand before the 100th Day of School. Remember, purchasing school shirts supports our school.
New York Aquarium Overnight Trip Update
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the New York Aquarium - Sharks After Dark Overnight Trip! Join us from Saturday, March 23rd at 6 pm to Sunday, March 24th at 9 am for an immersive experience.
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.
Enrollment Window:
Monday, February 5 (10AM) - Enrollment Window Opens for 5th Graders ONLY (and their parent/chaperone)
Monday, February 12 (10AM) - Enrollment Window Opens for K-4th Grade (and their parents)
Purchase Tickets Via School Store: https://www.ps154.org/shop
Limited Spots:
Please be aware that spots for this OPTIONAL Overnight experience are limited. Priority enrollment opens for our 5th-grade students on Monday, February 5th at 10AM on the school store site (https://www.ps154.org/shop), along with their parent/chaperone. Subsequently, on Monday, February 12th, at 10AM enrollment opens for K-4th grade students and their parents on the school store site, extending the opportunity to the full school. Join us for an exciting overnight adventure at the New York Aquarium!
Spring Auction and Gala - Donations and Volunteers Needed!
It’s only January, but March is right around the corner — and we are starting to plan the Spring Auction and Gala, 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. Examples include a gift card to a local business, tickets to a game or show, a stay in your vacation home, 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.
We also 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
Plan the gala
Please fill out this short form to let us know you’re willing to volunteer or email Auctions & Sponsorships Chair Alice Lincoln (alicelincoln@gmail.com).
Book Market - Now Accepting ALL Books! 📚 📢 📕
While we continue to be in need of graphic novel and chapter book donations, we are now also accepting picture books and early readers. Please bring your gently used books and drop them into the blue bins labeled “Book Market Donation Bins” on the stage in the MMR. Please do not put them in the clear bins by Ms. Guzzi’s office - those are only for books that have been sorted and stickered.
Lost & Found - Visit the MMR
Have you discovered that your child's jacket or water bottle has embarked on a solo adventure? Visit the lost & found in the MMR during pick-up or drop-off to reunite with these items.
