In this Newsletter
A Note from Ms. Rached
Black History Month - Family Mornings
COVID Protocols
NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)
Youth Equity Team
Lunar New Year - in-class celebrations
Upcoming Events 🗓️
📣 Family Mornings: February 5th - February 12th
🥇 Parent Trivia Night: Thursday, February 8th 7pm, Greenwood Park
🎉 Spirit Day - 100th Day of School: Friday, February 9th
🗓️ SLT Meeting: Thursday, February 15th, 3:30pm, PS154
🎉 Spirit Day - Pajama Day: Friday, February 16th
❄️ Midwinter Recess: Monday, February 19th - February 23rd
🤝 Equity Meeting: Thursday, February 29th, 9am, Zoom
🎉 Spirit Day: Leap to the Past (80’s or 90’s attire) - Thursday, February 29th
🗓️ PTA General Meeting: Friday, March 1st 8:30 AM MMR
New York Aquarium Trip Update
Parent Trivia Night — Purchase your tickets!
Spring Auction and Gala — Call for Donations & Volunteers
Free Music Advancement Program (MAP)@The Juilliard School 🎺
Lost & Found
A Note From Ms. Rached
February Family Mornings
It was so nice to see our first and second grade families at our first Black History Month Family Morning yesterday! Our first graders learned about Garrett Morgan, the inventor of the 3-way traffic signal, and third graders learned about musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Come celebrate Black History Month with us! For our for February Family mornings, students will do 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. You can find out about all of our Black History Month programming at our Black History Month webpage.
Grade 5 Feb. 7th, 8:35-9:05
Grade 4 Feb. 8th, 8:35-9:05
Kindergarten Feb. 12th, 8:15-8:45
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 child’s 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 154’s Parent Coordinator, Tanica Gordon, to set up an account.
YOUTH EQUITY TEAM
We are excited to spotlight the remarkable achievements of our 4th and 5th graders in the Youth Equity Team! These young leaders have made a lasting impact throughout the year by assisting a local community fridge that supports immigrants through the non-profit Mixteca. They also proudly represented PS154 at City Harvest's district-wide MLK Day of Service event.
As we honor Black History Month, our passionate students will lead, delivering morning announcements highlighting Black Americans' impactful contributions. Additionally, they'll engage younger grades with readings from our book of the month, "Invincible." The Youth Equity Team's dedication to positive change is inspiring, and we're thrilled to support them as they continue to flourish. For those interested in joining this dynamic team, contact Mr. Buckley for more information.
Diversity in Celebration: Honoring Lunar New Year
As we joyfully celebrate Lunar New Year, we're excited to delve into the vibrant tapestry of Asian culture with our students. This year marks the auspicious Year of the Dragon, symbolizing power, strength, and good fortune. Our students will have the opportunity to explore the cultural significance of the color red in Chinese tradition, representing good luck and protection against negative forces.
During our celebration, students will actively create and exchange red envelopes, known as 'hongbao.' This thoughtful practice serves as a gesture of goodwill and a wish for prosperity for the recipient. Through these activities, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of cultural traditions, promote unity, and celebrate the richness of diversity within our school community. We look forward to an enriching Lunar New Year celebration with our students.
Upcoming Events
Parent Trivia Night!
Thursday, February 8th 7PM @ Greenwood Park
Join us for an unforgettable evening of delectable food, refreshing drinks, and an abundance of laughter at Parent Trivia Night, taking place this Thursday, February 8th, at 7 PM at Greenwood Park!
Whether you're a trivia enthusiast or just seeking quality time with fellow parents, this event is tailored just for you. It's not just a night of trivia; it's an opportunity to connect with other parents, show your support for our school, and create lasting memories.
To ensure you don't miss out on a night of fun and camaraderie, don't wait any longer – secure your spot now!
Purchase your tickets today through our school store:
TRIVIA NIGHT - PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Still undecided? No worries! While advance tickets are available, you also have the option to purchase them at the event. However, for a seamless entry and to avoid missing out on the excitement, we recommend securing your tickets ahead of time.
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.
🎉 Celebrate February Spirit Days! 🎉
📸 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!
100th Day of School
Friday, February 9th
Get ready for a day filled with excitement as we come together to celebrate the 100th day of school on February 9th! Students are encouraged to choose 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 online, 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!
Pajama Day Edition
Friday, February 16th
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.
Leap to the Past - 80’s/90’s Attire!
Thursday, Feb 29th
🕰️ 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.
🏫 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 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.
For comprehensive trip details, please visit our PS154 - Aquarium Overnight Web Page.
Waitlist 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)
Join the wait list via the School Store: https://www.ps154.org/shop
Spring Auction and afterparty - Donations and Volunteers Needed!
It’s February and March is right around the corner — and we are busy planning the Spring Auction and Afterparty, 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 don’t want, to name a few. Donations of wine $15 or more are also welcome and will be used as part of a wine pull at the afterparty. Ask a friend, too! Or please pass on a name or idea via the form and we can get in touch.
Contribute to your grade’s gift basket. This year, we’re 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 - It’s Wine O' Clock
1 - Game Night
2 - Pamper Me
3 - Life’s A Beach
4 - Feeling Zen
5 - Slumber Party
Which grade will make the best basket that brings in the most at auction? It’s up to you!
* Please fill out this short form to let us know you’re willing to volunteer or email Auctions & Sponsorships Chair Alice Lincoln.
Discover the Music Advancement Program (MAP) at The Juilliard School 🎺
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 https://www.juilliard.edu/school/preparatory-division/music-advancement-program.
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.
