a few good words...

Back-to-school angst and stress is not just proprietary to students and their parents. Teachers face this state of affairs EVERY single year of their career. So we thought we would share a wonderful article on tips from a Master Teacher!

Tips for starting the school year right

Veteran teacher and author Coleen Fitzpatrick has advice for teachers and parents.
By Stacy Teicher Khadaroo | Staff Writer

August 30th, 2007 online edition of the Christian Science Monitor

Coleen Armstrong taught high school for 31 years. In 1999, she traded in her English teaching job for a freelance writing career. Her new book – "The Truth About Teaching: What I Wish the Veterans Had Told Me" – offers advice on classroom creativity, organization, and discipline and tips on how to navigate the politics of education. Here's some of what she had to say about the back-to-school season in a phone interview from her home in Cincinnati, Ohio.

What did back-to-school time feel like for you?

The three-month vacation is a myth. You're spending so much time preparing for the school year and taking additional classes to re-certify yourself; attending workshops; scouting around for fresh ideas; and just sitting, staring at the trees thinking, "What can I do differently this year?"

During the actual last few days that you are free to not get up at 5:30 in the morning, there's a sense of, "Can I really do this again?" And then [there's] that first teachers meeting, the day before the kids arrived, I was always just totally enveloped in this feeling of excitement and enthusiasm.

After a couple of days, [I felt] as though I had been hit with a hammer, because it suddenly hit me just how much work this really was. How I would forget that every summer is still a mystery to me.

How do veteran teachers keep it fresh year after year?

Everything I would learn, I would think, "Is there a way to use this in class?"

The secret to being creative in the classroom is the intertwining: You don't just teach "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne; you teach them about Puritan New England and the morals that were in place and how far we've come in the opposite direction. It's like the whole world is your lesson plan.

What's some advice you give to newer teachers about starting the school year off on a good note?

I had a master teacher once tell me that she'd start the year not with a list of rules, as so many teachers do, but she would just go in and start teaching her subject, which was math, and just assume that everyone would behave properly. And if somebody didn't, she'd take that one person aside. So I tried it. I started the first day getting really excited about what we were going to do that year. The third day I'd hand out a sheet of expectations. My [few] discipline problems just went away.

How can families help kids make the best transition back to school?

Sleep and breakfast. Get those kids to bed by 10 p.m. [during the first week] of the school year. That's going to make a huge impact.

School Registration Information

Registration will be held at PS 161 for new students zoned for the school beginning on Tuesday, September 4th through September 21st. Parents and guardians you must remember the following information when coming to register:

YOU MUST BRING THE CHILD THAT YOU ARE REGISTERING.

Verifiable proof of your home address utility bill (gas, electric, or water), a deed to a house or a document from the City Housing Authority, or the Human Resources Administration. Other proofs of address include a medical or insurance card with home address or a statement that verifies your address from an employer, a social service agency, community-based organization or a religious institution. A telephone bill or driver’s license is not acceptable proof of address. A lease by itself is not acceptable. If a parent is subletting an apartment or home, or if more than one family shares a living space, you must present an affidavit from the leaseholder or homeowner and attach any of the above acceptable proofs of address.

Your child’s birth certificate or passport.

Your child’s immunization history.

Your child’s transcript or most recent report card(if applicable).

Your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) (if applicable).

For more information, please contact the school at 718.756.3100

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!

Yes, it's back to school and I for one couldn't be happier. I love the kiddies, but .... Next Tuesday, September 4th, all NYC Public School students will return to school. For those of us at PS 161, this means uniforms and school supplies if you haven't already purchased your child's items. I am attaching an interesting and informative article about back-to-schools do's and don'ts.

10 Tips for Smart Back-to-School Shopping
The best strategy for back-to-school shopping? Get organized, stock up on the basics and look for sales and promotions. Here's how.

By Linda Strean, Managing Editor

Start your back-to-school shopping with a plan. Even if your child's school hasn't supplied you with a list of supplies, you can start with the basics and More on GreatSchools.net

Choosing Your Child's Back-to-School Clothes

Back-to-School Shopping With Your Tween or Teen

Back to School: Avoid Morning Meltdown

take advantage of back-to-school sales. Here's how:

Make a list and get your child involved. Use the recommended or required supplies from your child's school or teacher as a starting point. If you don't have a list yet, you can check with parents at your school who have older kids. They might have good advice about what teachers require in your child's grade.

Or check our list to get started. Sit down with your child and go over your list together. You'll be teaching her how to get organized, a skill that applies to more than buying school supplies.

Separate "wants" from "needs." Most school supplies don't go out of style, and your child will happily use the unsharpened pencils his older sister didn't use. But as any parent with last year's superhero notebook knows, beware the fashion trends in school supplies.

Rather than getting into an argument with your older child about whether a backpack with headphones is essential because "everybody is getting one," try setting a budget for all of the supplies. It will help your child set priorities, learn how to manage money and start saving his allowance for the items your budget won't allow.

A note from the teacher: You'll be doing your child's teacher a favor if you stick to supplies without gimmicks. Pencil sharpeners that light up are distractions in class, says Jane Ann Robertson, Arizona's 2004 Teacher of the Year and a GreatSchools consultant. "Keep supplies to the necessary and useful versus fancy and fun."
Take inventory. Sort through last year's supplies to see what is left over or can be reused. (Having trouble finding last year's stuff? Resolve to set up a place to keep your school supplies together this year.)

Start early so you can look for bargains throughout the summer. The best bargains are often available at back-to-school sales. Keeping your supply list in your car or purse, or on your PDA will help you shop for supplies as you do your other errands.

Buy basics in bulk. You know you'll need paper, pencils, glue sticks and notebooks. Dollar stores, warehouse stores and even eBay are sources for buying these and other basics in bulk. You and a group of other parents might be able to negotiate a group discount from an office supply store.

Then set up a supply shelf or storage container in your home that you can use all year long. You'll be able to avoid late-night shopping trips to buy notebook paper when you run out. And you'll know where to find unused notebooks and pencils when it comes time to shop for back-to-school supplies next year.

If you set up this storage area near the place your child will do homework, you'll be modeling good organizational skills and he'll have what he needs nearby.

Nikki Salvatico, Pennsylvania's 2005 Teacher of the Year and a GreatSchools consultant, advises parents to send to school only what is needed. If you buy 4 dozen pencils, send in 3 at a time. This will help your child manage her supplies and help the teacher who has scant storage space in the classroom.

The Absolute Best Things to Give Your Child
Your grandparents might have brought an apple to the teacher on the first day of school. Jane Ann Robertson, Arizona's 2004 Teacher of the Year, has an alternative, more timely suggestion:

"If you really want to make a good impression on the first day of school, add a packet of stickers or a ream of colored copy paper for your child's new teacher."

Nikki Salvatico, Pennsylvania's 2005 Teacher of the Year, adds that the key to helping your child succeed is not something you can buy at your local office supplies store. It's time — time spent reading stories, rhymes, poems and plays with your children. And it's being a role model for the behavior you want to see in your child.

"Many parents stop reading to their child once their child begins to read," she said. "Children learn through modeling and reading fluency must be modeled. A child must hear the reader's voice in order to understand fluency. Reading should sound like speaking.

"Parents spending time with their children — modeling reading, writing daily — is priceless. When children see a parent reading the newspaper, a magazine, a good book or writing a letter, a paper, a report for work, they then can connect why they are learning the things they are in school," she said.

Get your kids into the recycling habit. Now that environmentally friendly living is a hot topic, it's easier than it used to be to convince trend-savvy kids that reusing an item is cooler than buying a new one. Help them add pizzazz to last year's plain notebook with stickers or photos. Set up a scrap paper bin so that paper with writing on just one side can be reused. Check out garage sales, which can be a source of good-quality used items.

Watch for promotions. Some discount office supply stores offer free shipping on online orders. Local health departments in some areas offer free basic school supplies to parents who bring their children in for immunizations. Hang on to flyers and ads that advertise supplies at a particular price. If the store where you're shopping charges more, ask the sales clerks to match its competitor. Some stores that don't offer price matching will still do it.

Figure out when quality counts. Leaky pens will cost you more in ruined clothes than some more expensive varieties. In the event that a strap or zipper breaks, a backpack with a warranty might be a good investment, even if it costs more.

"When buying crayons, colored pencils, markers and water color paints, I would definitely stick to a name brand," says Robertson. "Name brands seem to last longer."

Not every costly item will last as long as you'd like. Take calculators, for example. Math teachers advise that you not purchase one with more functions than your child will use so that she learns and uses those functions. But as she advances in math, your middle school or high school student will likely need to replace her scientific calculator with a graphing one, and these are costly.

Some schools have graphing calculators that students can check out, like library books. And some parent organizations raise funds to help defray the cost of calculators for needy students. Check with your parent group to find out more about similar programs at your school.

Help your school while you shop. If your school participates in a program like eScrip and Schoolpop, you can shop for supplies from a participating merchant who gives a percentage to your school.

Plan now for next year. Some schools send a back-to-school list home with kids on the last day of school so that parents can shop for the best bargains. If your school doesn't do this, get together with other parents or your parent organization and talk to administrators about how you can help your school put together a list earlier next year.

At some schools, parent organizations negotiate with a supplier and buy supplies for the whole school at a discount. They often add a small extra charge that goes to support the parent group.

Susan Furr, a parent at the University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, says her school parent group has purchased supplies this way for a number of years and virtually all of the families participate.

Here's how it works: The teachers deliver their lists to the school office, which delivers it to the parent group. The group negotiates a price for each grade with the vendor and adds $5, which goes back to the parent organization. The supplies are delivered directly to individual teachers, so there's no shopping hassle for parents.

"People are always saying, 'Don't you need help?' "I feel guilty. It's really easy," notes Furr.

Article from http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/CA/657
June 2007

Attack of the whiny children!

"All my friends have cell phones", "all my friends are getting ipods" - does this sound familiar! Do you ever feel that children nowadays have so much, yet appreciate so little. The following article by Jean Chatzky was in today's NY Daily News - it's very enlightening on how to deal with the "canyougetmethis" (I'll give you a hint - it starts with the letter n and ends with o.)

No: A great lesson for kids
Jean Chatzky
Monday, August 6th 2007, 4:00 AM

Are we raising a generation of spoiled children? As a mother, it's a question I ask myself often and a topic I've debated more than a few times with friends.I've seen teenagers with cell phones so high tech I can't begin to understand them, and cars twice as nice as mine. The new iPhone has become the ultimate status symbol for not just the 20-something crowd, but for tweens and teens as well.

"Parenting has become a competitive sport," said Dr. Gail Saltz, a Manhattan psychiatrist and best-selling author who's one of those friends with whom I've had those debates. "Parents are traveling over each other in an attempt to do what they think is better parenting, but in some instances, it's backfiring," Saltz said.

If your children have everything handed to them at an early age, they may struggle to care for themselves one day. And they won't know the satisfaction of owning something they worked hard to get.

I know we don't set out to spoil our kids. Many of us simply want to give them the things we didn't have growing up, and that's understandable. But problems arise when we take it to the next level. I'm all for kids having cell phones in case of an emergency. I'm against an automatic upgrade every time a new model hits the shelves. Children need to know that their belongings are valuable, not disposable.

Here are some tips for teaching kids these important lessons:

Walk the walk
If you don't have control of your money, you're well on your way to a child who behaves exactly the same way. Children pick up on our bad habits, whether that means too many shopping sprees or a bounced check here and there. "Children look to you, because you're the model, and they'll emulate you, whether that's good or bad. If you're always struggling for the next big thing and outliving your means, they're not going to buy it when you try to teach them to do otherwise," Saltz said.


Making choices
One of the most important lessons when it comes to managing your money is that you can't have everything you want. Stop bailing them out. If they blow their weekly allowance immediately, keep your wallet closed. If you automatically hand over more money, the only thing you'll teach them is to turn to you every time they're short on cash.


Disappoint them
Sounds harsh, I know. But no matter how hard you work to shelter your kids, eventually they're going to hit a bump or two. Teach them at an early age how to cope with a small disappointment here and there, and they'll have an easier time when the bumps turn into hills and mountains later in life. Saying no once in a while might help him out when a job interview doesn't go well, or she doesn't get accepted to the right school. "If [their] life is just on a big puffy cloud, they'll never build that skill, and will really struggle as adults," Saltz said.


Communicate
As far as conversation topics go, money is right up there with sex. It can be taboo, and a lot of families just don't talk about it. But if your child wants something you aren't ready to pay for, it's fine to say that. Then express your concerns - it costs too much, or you've decided that spending on something else will bring more value to the family. You don't have to burden them with your financial problems to make the point.


Stress family values
You might tell your daughter she can't have the new outfit she wants, but you're happy to pay the same amount for music lessons each month, or tutoring. Understandably, this can seem contradictory to a kid, so use it as a lesson in what's important in your house. Sit them down and explain why you spend money on some things and not others.

Whether the topic is education, clothes, sports or toys, explaining your family's values will help children understand your spending habits and your values. It can also help bail you out when the next-door neighbor gets the newest video game and your child doesn't.

With Arielle McGowen

So much to do so little time!

End of summer blues getting you down? There is a lot to do in New York City, especially in Brooklyn we don't know where to begin. Here is a list of the best of the best:

At the Brooklyn Museum's Target First Saturdays, thousands of visitors enjoy free programs of art and entertainment each month from 5–11 p.m. All evening long, the Museum Café serves a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and beverages, and a cash bar offers wine and beer. Parking is a flat rate of $4 starting at 5 p.m. All other Saturdays, the Museum closes at 6 p.m.

August 4, 2007
Schedule of FREE Programs
3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Performance Public Plaza, Outside Museum The West Indian–American Day Carnival Association kicks things off with steel pan music, stilt walkers, Carnival costumes, and more.

6:00 p.m. Performance Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium, 3rd Floor Charles Moore Dance Theatre presents traditional Caribbean dance. Free tickets are available at the Visitor Center at 5 p.m.

6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Hands-On Art Education Division, 1st Floor Decorate your own fabric inspired by the Museum's African galleries. Free timed tickets are available at the Visitor Center at 5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Performance Steinberg Family Sculpture Garden, 1st Floor Listen to the pulsating roots reggae beats of Brooklyn-based reggae band Reggaelution.

Celebrate Brooklyn presents Kassav' / Bonga this Saturday, August 4, 7:30pm at the Prospect Park Bandshell. This 'WaMu Concert Series' is featuring "the Paris-based French Antillian founding fathers of zouk—a driving mix of Caribbean rhythms, Franco-pop, and American funk—storm into Brooklyn en masse, blowing horns, banging drums, and whipping the crowd into a frenzied, hip-shaking mob with music that "sounds like the makings of a glorious carnival." (NY Times) Brooklynite Gaston Jean-Baptiste, aka BONGA, is a master traditional Haitian drummer and a high priest of voodoo."
This concert is free.

Earn a penny while surfing!

Help support the PTA every time you do an Internet search. Search the web with www.goodsearch.com, just as you would through Google, Yahoo or MSN, and money from Yahoo advertisers will go to the PS 161 PTA without you spending a dime.

Happy Friday the 13th!

now now - it's just a word, no need to be afraid!

Independence Day

According to Wikipedia "Independence Day (commonly known as "the Fourth of July", or "July the Fourth") is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States."

No matter the definition, please enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July with your family and friends. And please keep the all the men and women in the armed forces in your hearts and prayers.

Summer in the city!

Dear Brooklynites,

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Prospect Park. For you fellow residents of Crown Heights, I am right in your backyard! Please stop by for a visit, a stroll, bird-wathching, jogging, playing or good ol' fashion frolicking.

It's been a long time....

(if you are completing the rest of that line with "I shouldn't have left you", then you are really old like me!!!).

Today is the last day of school for all New York City public school children!!!! Summer vacation is here. Seriously though, a lot has happened this past month, and here is a short recap:

Saturday, June 16th - First Annual International Festival. Over 200 people attended this fun-filled family day, where we celebrated the various cultures the children learned about during the school year. It was a truly beautiful event and the start of an annual tradition.

Thursday, June 21st - PTA Honor Roll and Thank You Dinner. The auditorium was filled to capacity on a warm evening, as parents, teachers and students came out to celebrate the achievement of all the students who have worked hard all year. Additionally, several groups performed for that evening, from steppers to choirs, the entertainment provided just the right kick-off to wonderful dinner that was awaiting everyone downstairs.

Monday, June 25th - District 17 PTA Year-End Dinner Celebration. Ms. Shannon, the PTA coordinator of District 17 held her annual thank you dinner to parent volunteers at I.S. 390. There were also several awards for our students - particularly the students that were accepted to attend specialized high schools received certificates and trophies!!!

Wednesday, June 27th - Last day of school. Today is the last day of school. Children will be picking their report cards today - they MUST be in full uniform. As another year has come and gone, we watch our "babies" mature before our eyes. As you pick up your children today, remember to thank the teacher who spent so much time with your child this year and was hopefully instrumental in your child's development.

HAPPY LAST DAY OF SCHOOL EVERYONE!!!



Finally, we would like to thank all of the hardworking and resourceful parent and teacher volunteers who have dedicated so much of themselves, their vision, passion, energy, patience, understanding to enriching our children's lives this year!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!! You came and supported the meetings and events all year long. A special THANK YOU to Ms. Suzette Billy - you truly go beyond expectations! Next year as we embrace the new Empowerment model, we will need to continue working together in this spirit of community. Thank you!

These are some highlights of the PTAs accomplishments for the 2006-2007 school year:

1) Initiated and coordinated a discussion of family finances with the invitation of a representative from Carver Bank and Jackson Hewitt at our January PTA meeting. Both guests, Marc Davis from Carver and Raymond Wiggins from Hewitt gave general presentations on the value of saving, budgeting and general tax tips. (This is an ongoing event – next year we will have a monthly event tailored to the needs of our community)

2) Save the Crown School drive: initiated and wrote petitions, email campaign with various entities of the District, the Chancellor and local politicians. Spearheaded emergency session for Dr. Peek-Davis to join us for Q&A; main contact with Assemblymen Karim Camara and Hakeem Jeffries to take on our fight

3) Black History Family Movie Festival featuring films starring or produced/directed by African-Americans (four Saturday viewings): I, Robot; Marvel Ultimate Avengers: Rise of the Black Panther; Akeelah & the Bee; Jump In!; Cheetah Girls 2 (on-going)

4) Crown Gems Book Club: The Pursuit of Happyness, by Chris Gardner and The Lemon Tree, by Andrea Levy (on-going)

5) Illustration and Cartoon workshop by acclaimed artist, Chan Harley (This was the first, but definitely not the last; we are working to reach out to more artists, writers etc. to hold more workshops and seminars)

6) Teacher Appreciation Day – special breakfast for Teachers and Staff, catered by Culpepper’s Restaurant.

7) First Annual International Festival – coordinated along with Ms. Arthur a successful family day while celebrating the various cultures that were studied in school

8) Uniform Exchange Program (on-going)

9) Launch of an active PTA website. Includes: links to education organizations, news groups; Timely School information, updated daily

10) School photos fundraiser (Irvin Simon Studio; $3,200); SchoolPop fundraiser (ongoing); GoodSearch.com fundraiser (ongoing)

ps. There will be posts during the summer.

Reminder

Thursday, June 7: Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHS. School staff report to work if required by their collective bargaining agreement. Students IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHS will NOT be in attendance.

Tuesday, June 12: There will be a 12 pm dismissal due to Clerical Shortened Days. Please arrange to pick up your child accordingly.

C'est tres bon!

P.S. 161 is proud to present The First Annual International Bazaar!

When: Saturday, June 16, 2007
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: P.S. 161 - backyard, cafeteria and gymnasium

Join us as our students provide an array of entertainment ranging from steel pan, steppers, violinists, dancers, choirs, science demonstrations and more!

There will be hot dogs, refreshments, desserts and more! Tickets are $3.00 per person and must be purchase prior to the event.

Come celebrate a great year and a job well done!

NYC Department of Education

The NYC Department of Education has posted the calendar for the 2007-2008 school year. The biggest highlight being the first day of school: Tuesday, September 4th - ALL STUDENTS REPORT TO SCHOOL.

Please click here to access the calendar.

The ballots are in....

Last Thursday, May 31st, a group of parents and teachers gathered in the hot auditorium to concentrate on a serious task at hand, electing the new parent representatives on the various boards! Seriously, Ms. Shannon from District 17 was on hand again this year to coordinate the election for us in adherence to the Chancellor's Guidelines. The results are in and I am proud to present the new board members:

PTA
President: Tricia Mecklembourg
Vice President: Traci Tucker
Treasurer: Wenda Delpesche
Corresponding Secretary: Kenneth Llewellyn
Recording Secretary: Ian James

SLT
Carol Wilson
Tanya Tuff
Kenneth Llewellyn
Traci Tucker
Angela Stutts
Tricia Mecklembourg

PAC
Wenda Delpesche
Jeneba Bangura
Ian James

Please take the time to congratulate the new board members. The term for the new board is from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Please come out in September with ideas and enthusiasm to help make our school #1 for parent and teacher involvement.

calendar of events this week

Monday, June 4: Half-Day/Early Dismissal at 12 pm. Lunch will be served in school. PLEASE PICK UP YOUR CHILD ON TIME!

Tuesday & Wednesday, June 5 & 6: 8th Graders will be taking the New York Social Studies Test. Please make sure your child gets a good night's rest on the evening before each test and reports to school on time. Students should bring two #2 sharpened pencils.

Thursday, June 7: SCHOOL CLOSED FOR BROOKLYN DAY

FUHGEDDABOUDIT!

Come Celebrate all things Brooklyn at The BrooklynBest Festival at Grand Army Plaza on June 2nd and 3rd.

June 2 - Evening - Free family movie and fireworks in Prospect Park's Long Meadow
June 3 - All Day - Brooklyn Book Festival Author Readings, Brooklyn Mini Golf, Brooklyn Designer Fashion Shows, Tour de Brooklyn Family Bike Ride, Live Music & Entertainment.

For more information, call the Brooklyn Tourism and Visitor's Center, 718-802-3846

Ago! Amée!!

Now in its 29th year, BAM’s DanceAfrica festival is a Brooklyn tradition that happens every Memorial Day weekend. This year, the DanceAfrica spirit flows with a diverse blend of dance, live music, film, art, dance classes for all ages, and the one-and-only DanceAfrica outdoor bazaar.

Over 250 vendors from around the world converge on the streets surrounding BAM, transforming the neighborhood into a global marketplace offering African, Caribbean, and African American food, crafts, and fashion. Rain or shine!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Sat, May 27, 12noon—10pm
Sun, May 28, 12noon—8pm
Mon, May 29, 12noon—7pm

Parent School Board Elections

Elections for Officers of the PS 161 Parent School Boards are open - please run, vote and get involved.

Nominations
Will take place from the floor on election night on Thursday May 31 at 6:00 pm

Election/Voting
Will take place on Thursday, May 31 6:00 PM. You must be present to run or to vote.

Results
Will be announced at the May 31 meeting

Term of office
July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008

Please click here to see this flyer in its entirety.

Crown School Talent Showcase

Please come and support the students as they present a Crown School Talent Showcase this Friday, May 18 starting at 6 pm. The children have prepared a very exciting program, so please make this a must for your weekend social calendar!

REMINDER

Please attend the May PTA meeting - Thursday May 17 at 6 pm. The agenda for the evening will include a visit from Assemblyman Karim Camara. Additionally we will have a special performance by Ms. Coleman's Crown Steppers. Mrs. Barrett will also hand out certificates to the Students of the Month as well as the Scholars Program.

Do not miss this important meeting!

who makes the world go round?

MOMS!!!!! In case you didn't know, this Sunday, May 13 is Mothers Day. Don't just wish the moms in your life a Happy Mother's Day - but extend kindness and love to ALL the moms out there.

walk a mile for your momma!

This Saturday, May 12 (RAIN OR SHINE), Jonah Village Inc., is proud to present the Third Annual Mother's Day Walk to Raise Awareness about Domestic Violence.

Registration and assemly will be at 9:00 am at the Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza -Harriet Tubman Way (formerly Fulton Street) a New York Avenue. The Walk will commence at 10:00 am and will end at Fulton Park. There will also be a rally at Fulton Park-Harriet Tubman Way at Stuyvesant Avenue.

Take the A or C train to Nostrand Avenue; walk one block east. B44 or B25 to Harriet Tubman and New York Avenue.

For more information, contact 347.249.7429

Thank you for being you!

Friday, May 11, is National Teacher Appreciation Day! Please take the time to say thank you and show gratitude to all the teachers who are such positive role models to our children.

There will be a breakfast in the auditorium to honor the teachers and staff on Friday morning. If you have the time, before you head off to work, please stop by and say thank you. And if you don't have the time, don't forget say thank you to your child's teacher with some kinds words or even a card.

May Calendar

The school calendar for the month of May was distributed yesterday and below are some upcoming events:

May 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th - The Crown School will be having a Bake Sale
May 7, 8 and 9 - Fourth Graders wil be taking the Science Performance Exam
May 9 - Book Making Project Parent Letters are due
May 10 - Parents AIS Workshop; 9:30 am for Grades 3 & 5
May 11 - Teachers and Staff Appreciation Day
May 17 - PTA Meeting at 6 pm
May 18 - Crown School Talent Showcase; 6 pm to 8 pm
May 22 & 23 - E-PAL Grades 2 & 3; May 24 E-PAL Make Up Day
May 25 - Career Day; 9 am to 11 am
May 31 - Parent School Board Elections (PTA/PAC/SLT) - 6 pm

Parent Empowerment Rally at City Hall

From the President of the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council (issued this notice):

By popular demand, we have decided to proceed with plans to have an
event for ELECTED PARENT LEADERS (& their supporters) on Wednesday, May 9
at 5:00 p.m. on the steps of City Hall. The theme of the event will
be RESPECT for Parents & PARENT EMPOWERMENT. More details will
follow shortly. We will be reaching out to CEC members to join with
Parent Council leaders & PA/PTA leaders on the 9th.

Life is a bowl of.....

The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival is back. The 200 trees in bloom have been perfuming Washington and Flatbush avenues for the past two weeks and this weekend the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is letting the flowering cherries 's take center stage. During this phenomenal weekend celebrating Japanese culture there will be over 60 events and performances - The Okinawan pop sounds of happyfunsmile, a J-pop concert by Tokyo sensation ZAN, hip-hop artist Akim Funk Buddha's "Urban Tea Ceremony," a taiko drum concert by the kids from the Genki Daiko team, and a presentation on the history of geisha by documentary filmmaker Miyuki Sohara.

So come on out and get an insight on a different culture while celebrating nature with the entire family.

Saturday, April 28 & Sunday, April 29
Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Place: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
Price: Free with garden admission of $8, seniors and students $4, children under 12 free

It came from Planet Earth!

UPDATE: THIS TRIP WAS CANCELLED - WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE


The second graders will be returning to the American Museum of Natural History on Wednesday, April 25 to visit the Earth Exhibit. The buses will be leaving at approximately 9:15 a.m and will return at 1 p.m.

A few requests: please have your child eat a nutritious breakfast; do not send your child to school with walkmans,ipods, electronic games, or healys; please dress your child in the proper uniform (no jeans and t-shirt); please bring a nutritious bag lunch or indicate that you will need one from the cafeteria.

Have fun Second Graders!

Saturday Morning Cartoons are back!

This Saturday, April 28, acclaimed illustrator and storyboard artist Chan Harley, will hold a workshop on the basics of cartooning and animation. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw your favorite cartoon character such as Spider-man or the Hulk, come to this exciting first and learn the basic how-to's. Below are some samples of Mr. Harley's work. Workshop begins at 12 pm.





Also, this Saturday, is the final installment of the Family Movie Festival, featuring teen sensations, Corbin Bleu and Keke Palmer in Disney's Jump In!. Showtime is at 12 pm.

Many Thanks!

A big thanks to all who came out to the PTA meeting last night. Assemblyman Kareem Jeffries gave us an update on his meeting and conversations with various entities at the Chancellor's office. He and his colleagues - Assemblyman Camara, State Senator Adams, and City Councilwoman James - have all pledged support to fight this to the end... stay tuned.

Also last night, Ms. Arthur presented numerous award certificates, one to Assemblyman Jeffries for his involvement in our cause, awards also went to the men who participated in the Father and Children's Sports and Art day. Participants of the CPR Training also received certificates. Good job everyone!

Some housekeeping items that were brought up last: a vote was again put out regarding the elections for the various offices (PTA, PAC, SLT) and the overwhelming vote was for 'nominations from the floor' which means that nominations will be offered on election night. Logistically this has been a preferred choice for parents who do not want to serve on committees stretching for over a month. The other decision made was the date for the election: Thursday, May 24 at 6 pm was chosen by all the parents. There will be more correspondence sent home in the days ahead.

Reminder of upcoming events:
Saturday, April 21 Health and Fitness Day, 10 am at PS 161
Saturday, April 28 Family Movie Festival, 12 pm screening of Jump In! Also, there will be a concurrent Fundamentals of Cartooning and Animation Workshop by Chan Harley. (Stay tuned for more information on the movie and workshop)

PTA MEETING - Thursday, April 19

Just a polite reminder to join us this Thursday, April 19, for our PTA meeting beginning at 6 pm. The agenda for the evening includes special guest, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries ; award presentations for participants of Father and Children's Sports and Arts day, and participants of the CPR Training.

Refreshments will be served.

Community Education Council District 17: Public Meeting

Location: PS 138, 760 Prospect Place (Entrance on Nostrand & Rogers Ave)

On Tuesday, April 24, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm there will be a Community Education Council District 17 public meeting. All District 17 parents, principals, assistant principals, teachers, parent coordinators, PA/PTA's, PAC, SLT and community leaders are invited. The special guest speaker will be Jean-Claude Brizard, Region 6 Superintendent. As this is a public meeting, if you wish to speak, please call 718.221.4372 to be added to the agenda.

As a special source of pride for us, PS 161 is one of the schools whose students will be honored that evening with student certificates. Please attend and show support for our students.

And a one two three four....

Does running for the bus or train in the morning leave you a little winded? Does a morning coffee and toast turn into a liter of soda and half a dozen doughnuts? Well stress, obesity, diabetes, dental care, asthma and high blood pressure are factors that lead to a diminishing quality of life.

This Saturday, April 21st, Ms. Arthur is proud to present HEALTH and FITNESS DAY! From 10 am to 3 pm, there will be games, activities and special guests Delores Dickerson of the Women's Health Bridges and Betty Hardy of Symmetry Health Products who will make special presentations on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Refreshments will be served.

rain rain go away, come again another day!

I see the sun trying to peak out of the clouds, but what is that saying again about April showers?

REMINDER: Upcoming General PTA Meeting, Thursday, April 19

Please join us for the next PTA meeting on Thursday, April 19th at 6 pm. On the agenda that evening, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries will be joining us to give us an update on his meeting with Dr. Peek-Davis last week. As most of you are aware, District 17 is trying to close the Crown School for Law and Journalism. They want to take away the essence of PS 161. Well for the past two months we have showed a strong voice by signing petitions and engaged in a strong email campaign with the district, the region, the DOE and finally our local representatives. We have met with Assemblymen Karim Camara and Hakeem Jeffries and State Senator, Eric Adams. All have pledged support for PS 161 and are opposed to the closing of the program. Please join us for this important meeting.

Additionally, the fathers/grand-fathers/uncles/cousins, basically all the men who participated in the Father and Children's Sports and Arts Day in March will be awarded with certificates. There was such a wonderful turnout for the program and many of the men expressed the desire to participate in more events. We need to honor these men!

Please be there promptly at 6 pm.

Save a Life: STAT

Would you know what to do if someone was having a cardiac arrest? Well come learn how to be a real live hero - attend a CPR class staffed by the New York City Fire Department personnel. These instructors are American Heart Association Certified.

On Monday, April 16, 2007 beginning at 6 pm sharp, there will be a class at PS 161 designed to provide parents with a working knowledge of CPR. The workshop includes active hands-on participation - each registered participant will receive a CPR take home kit. After your training, the kit will enable you to train other members in your household or you will be able to practice CPR at your leisure.

Registration slips were sent home on Wednesday, April 11. Please fill out the form and return to your child's teacher.

--Workshop, Ms. Arthur sponsored, Ms. Barrett approved!

Inaugural!

Welcome to the new P.S. 161 PTA website! We hope that you find this forum informative and dynamic. We have always been a school united in its mission, and we hope with this site that we can provide a voice for you.