This May at P.S. 59: The Dawn Best School was filled with meaningful events and joyful moments that brought our community together to celebrate teachers, families, learning, and the importance of school spirit. Here’s a look back at the highlights that made this month so special.

P.S. 59 kicked off May with a Cinco de Mayo Teacher Appreciation Event, hosted in partnership with the PTA. The goal was to show gratitude to the incredible teachers for their dedication and hard work. The celebration featured a festive taco bar with hard and soft tacos filled with shrimp, chicken, or steak, along with a wide variety of toppings and condiments. Adding to the fun, one of the PTA members crafted delicious mocktails for everyone to enjoy. As teachers arrived, they chose creative taco-themed names to write on their name tags, setting a playful tone for the event. The afternoon ended on a high note with every teacher leaving with a goodie bag, feeling appreciated and celebrated!

Next, the amazing mothers of the P.S. 59 community were honored with a heartfelt Mother’s Day Celebration. Mothers were invited to wear purple, and the event followed a butterfly theme to symbolize spring’s renewal and transformation. Before students joined their mothers, they shared an Akoma, a symbol of love and patience. Each mom held a meaningful conversation about giving and receiving love, practicing self-care, and setting healthy boundaries. Once students arrived, they participated with their mothers in an arts and crafts activity. The celebration concluded with raffles for gift boxes and gift cards. 

Students also embarked on two exciting field trips this May. The first was to the National Museum of Mathematics, where they explored the fascinating world of math through interactive exhibits. Students put their puzzle-solving skills to the test during the Gridlock Games and took on hands-on challenges exploring concepts like symmetry, probability, and logic. The trip wrapped up with a relaxing lunch at a nearby park, giving everyone a chance to reflect on what they learned and enjoy the beautiful day. The second field trip was a culminating event for the butterfly metamorphosis study, which engaged students throughout May. After carefully observing caterpillars transform into cocoons in the classroom, students eagerly awaited the moment the butterflies emerged. Once the butterflies were ready, they took a trip to Herbert Von King Park, where students released them. This trip brought their science lesson to life in a fun way!

To close out the month, students embraced school spirit with a vibrant Spirit Week. Each day highlighted a positive habit or attitude:

• Tuesday: “Attendance is so bright, you have to wear shades!”—students wore sunglasses to celebrate the importance of being present.
• Wednesday: “Head for success by arriving on time!”—students showed off their creativity with crazy hair or hats.
• Thursday: “Put disrespect to rest and be comfortable.”—students enjoyed Pajama Day, emphasizing respect and community.
• Friday: “Dress for Success”—students learned that intentionally choosing attire can boost confidence and project a positive, professional image.

May was a month full of learning, joy, and connection! We’re grateful to our students, families, teachers, and staff for making it a success.

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!