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April at P.S. 59: Building Community and Exploring Nature

April was a month of connection and discovery at P.S. 59, as families, staff, and students came together for meaningful engagement both inside and outside the classroom. From our Community Forum to a vibrant outdoor learning experience, the month reflected our commitment to academic progress, family partnership, and joyful learning.

 

Community Forum: Listening, Learning, and Looking Ahead

On April 9th, P.S. 59 hosted its Community School Forum, bringing together parents, teachers, and local partners for a collaborative discussion on the school’s current progress and future direction. The assistant principal led the forum, highlighting recent academic gains, particularly strong improvements in student i-Ready performance.

 

The event also offered valuable opportunities for families to connect with community resources. Representatives from the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), BRAVE (anti-bullying support), and Woodhull Hospital were present to provide information and services to families. Parents even had the chance to engage in hands-on enrichment activities, offering them a glimpse into the learning experiences their children enjoy during the school day.

 

 

To ensure voices were heard, families completed a community forum survey. Topics included curriculum improvements, student well-being, future programming, and ideas for deeper community involvement. The forum proved to be a powerful space for dialogue, with many families expressing that they left feeling heard, empowered, and motivated to continue supporting the school’s growth.

 

Field Trip to Brooklyn Greenway: Science in the City

On April 26th, students stepped into the role of city scientists during an exciting field trip to the Brooklyn Greenway Landscape. Surrounded by nature, students explored the urban green space with curiosity and enthusiasm. They observed various plant species, identified signs of animal life, and learned how city ecosystems support biodiversity. The trip culminated in a relaxed picnic, where students shared their observations with friends and reflected on the experience. It was a day of connection with nature, with each other, and with the joy of learning outside the classroom.

 

 

These April events at P.S. 59 highlight the power of community engagement and experiential learning. Whether through meaningful family dialogue or hands-on science in the field, our programs and events continue to give our students and families a voice and every student is inspired to explore!

 - 05/07/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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Exploring Careers in Financial Law: Students Visit Barclays for an Enlightening Legal Experience!

On Thursday, April 24, a group of high school students from The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology stepped into the professional world of financial law with a visit to Barclays—a leading global financial services provider. The visit, held at the company’s New York office, offered a unique opportunity for students to learn directly from experienced legal professionals about the dynamic intersections of law, finance, and global policy. The experience highlighted Arete’s commitment to career connected learning and offering students exposure to diverse career pathways. 

 

The visit kicked off with a warm welcome and pizza, giving students a chance to settle in before diving into an exciting lineup of presentations. Sheri Levine-Shea and Virginia “Ginny” Hildreth, two Financial Crime Lawyers at Barclays presented real-world case studies involving money laundering and fraud, walking students through the intricacies of compliance, due diligence, and cross-border investigations. Their discussion emphasized the global nature of financial crime and how international regulations shape the legal work they do.

 

Next, Felix Dubosse, a Litigation Attorney at Barclays, gave an insightful presentation on managing complex legal disputes in the financial sector. He highlighted the litigation process, emphasizing legal research, negotiation skills, and risk mitigation. Students learned how legal teams prepare for cases that span multiple jurisdictions and how firms like Barclays navigate the challenges of a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. To wrap up the visit, Barclays team member and Areté Board Treasurer Jared Steller chatted with the students and led a brief tour of the building. This offered a glimpse into daily life at a major financial institution.

 

Throughout the visit, students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and diving into lively discussions sparked by the case examples presented. It was an eye-opening experience for the students as they gain a deeper understanding of how legal professionals must not only understand the law but also navigate financial systems, international regulations, digital currencies, and cybersecurity. The visit also emphasized how success in this field depends on critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to adapt within the industry.

 

 - 05/07/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

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