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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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Career Day at the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology: Inspiring Future Leaders!

On February 7, The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology hosted a Career Day, welcoming 26 professionals from diverse industries to share their expertise and life experiences with students. This event ignited curiosity and provided invaluable insights that will help shape the future paths of many students.

 

Professionals from industries including science, finance, entertainment, law, technology and education dedicated their time to engage with students. Each speaker shared their unique career journey, offering students a glimpse into the possibilities ahead. Some of the notable professions represented included:

  • Sciences & Environmental Stewardship: Employees from the NY Aquarium, NYC DEP, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the New York Botanical Garden highlighted careers in environmental conservation and scientific research.
  • Technology & AI: Experts from Morgan Stanley and Obzerv.ai provided insight into the rapidly evolving fields of AI, user experience design, and finance technology.
  • Legal & Advocacy: Professionals from Bronx Defenders and Immigrant Justice Corps spoke about the importance of community engagement, advocacy, and legal services.
  • Entertainment & Arts: An actor from Back to the Future on Broadway, a visual artist from Leo Lopez Art & Design, and the CEO of Billionaire Comedy LLC shared their experiences in creative industries.
  • Healthcare & Mental Health: Representatives from Columbia University and the Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling discussed careers in medical research, global health, and behavioral therapy.
  • Finance & Business: Executives from JP Morgan, CohnReznick, and Red Talisman LLC (American Express) provided insight into finance and corporate leadership.
  • Military & Law Enforcement: A Major from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, who also serves as a police officer, educated students on balancing a military career with civilian employment.

 

 

More than just a series of presentations, this event fostered meaningful dialogue between students and professionals. Students were encouraged to actively engage, ask questions, and explore potential career paths. Many of the professionals expressed a willingness to continue mentoring students, strengthening the school’s network of support and opportunity.

 

 

Among the dedicated volunteers was Major Deivy Martinez, who serves in the Marine Corps Reserves while working full-time as a police officer with the New Rochelle Police Department. Reflecting on the event, Major Martinez shared:

Highlight of the Event: "Being able to educate children on opportunities within the military reserve component."

Why Volunteer? "To help children understand they can serve in the military (in the reserves) at the same time as having a ‘normal’ day-to-day job."

 

The success of this year’s Career Day underscores the importance of industry partnerships in education. We look forward to expanding these connections through internships, mentorship programs, and additional networking opportunities that will continue to empower students as they prepare for their futures. Thank you to all our guest speakers who took the time to inspire and guide the next generation of professionals!

 - 03/14/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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P.S. 59 Celebrates World Read Aloud Day with Special Guest Author!

On February 5, 2025, P.S. 59: The Dawn Best School, celebrated World Read Aloud Day with a special visit from children's book author Alicia Brown, LMSW. Ms. Brown read her story, The Boy Named Ed, to students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, sharing an engaging read-aloud experience that fosters a love for literacy.

 

 

World Read Aloud Day is a global event that promotes the joy of reading and the power of storytelling, encouraging children to experience the joy of books. P.S. 59 embraced this mission by welcoming Ms. Brown, whose work focuses on trauma-informed care. The Boy Named Ed follows the journey of a young boy grappling with fear and emotions after an unexpected hurricane. With the guidance of his grandmother, Ed learns resilience and the importance of speaking up about his feelings—an empowering message for young readers. In addition to the read-aloud session, students had the opportunity to interact with Ms. Brown, ask questions, and explore the book’s deeper themes. The event not only celebrated literacy but also encouraged open discussions about emotions, resilience, and self-expression. 

 

 

Through events like these, P.S. 59 continues to nurture a strong reading culture while providing students with meaningful experiences that support both academic and emotional growth!

 

 - 02/10/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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Honoring Dr. King's Legacy: A Day of Unity and Warmth at P.S. 59

Last week, P.S. 59 The Dawn Best School brought the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. to life with a vibrant community celebration. We welcomed families and neighbors to honor Dr. King's legacy through acts of kindness, unity, and creativity!

 

The celebration embodied the principles of compassion and togetherness. A key highlight was the distribution of duffel bags filled with warm clothing duffel bags, including hats, gloves, and scarves to help those in need during the winter months. Attendees were also treated to a hot meal, fostering a sense of community over delicious food shared in a welcoming environment.

 

 

Families participated in engaging activities that showcased the talents and creativity of students and attendees alike. We hosted artwork and writing exhibits on top of encouraging group discussions that cultivated reflection. The cozy atmosphere was further complimented by a hot chocolate station, bringing warmth and comfort to all.

 

 

This event was an inspiring reminder that, through shared efforts, we can continue to build a brighter future for all. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this celebration a success!

 - 01/21/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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Exciting Program Launch at P.S. 057 Crescent!

We are thrilled to announce the successful launch of our new program at P.S. 057 Crescent on Monday, January 13, 2025! This initiative is serving 125 students in grades 1-5, providing a dynamic mix of enrichment and academic offerings designed to inspire and empower young learners.

 

 

P.S. 057 Crescent is a public school located in the Crotona neighborhood of the Bronx. The area is predominantly Black and Hispanic, with a significant portion of families facing economic challenges. The median household income falls below the city average, and many families are impacted by a notable poverty rate. Within the school community, 64% of students are Hispanic/Latinx, 29% of students are Black, 2% White, and 1% Asian, and 19% are English Language Learners. Additionally, 94% of students face economic hardship and in 2023, 28% of students performing at a level 3 or 4 in ELA and math in 2023. Despite these challenges, the school community has shown its commitment to growth and education. 

 

In partnership with Omnilearn, a leading Community-Based Organization (CBO) dedicated to transforming classrooms into immersive and stimulating learning environments, students will engage in STEM-specific education designed to spark curiosity and foster innovation. Omnilearn brings science to life through initiatives like in-person labs, professional development workshops for teachers, and a wide range of enrichment programs from robotics to dance. Omnilearn's mission is to bring the magic of science to classrooms across New York, working directly with students and teachers to create a fun and insightful environment. 

 

This marks Arete's fourth school partnership, joining our collaborations with The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, P.S. 59: The Dawn Best School, and the High School for Media and Communications. We are excited to expand our reach and continue our commitment to educational excellence throughout New York City!

 - 01/15/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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F&T Holiday Kickoff Brings Warmth and Cheer to Families!

On Saturday, December 14, our community came together for a heartwarming and festive Holiday Kickoff at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology! With the season of giving in mind, we distributed 250 sets of hats, gloves, and scarves to ensure our families stay warm this winter. Additionally, toys brought joy to the students, and toiletries and cosmetics provided support to our families.

 

 

The event featured a delightful buffet-style brunch followed by exciting raffles, with prizes ranging from gift cards to items like speakers, sneakers, and AirPods Max.

 

 

Throughout the day, families had the opportunity to connect with one another, capture special moments in family photos, and immerse themselves in creative arts activities. The Band Club also put on an incredible performance, adding a touch of musical magic to the celebration.

 

 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success!

 - 12/23/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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Grateful Gatherings: Thanksgiving Grab-and-Go Success!

On Saturday, November 23rd, Areté, in partnership with The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, hosted a heartwarming Thanksgiving Grab-and-Go Family Event for our students and their families. The event aimed to ensure every family in our school community could enjoy a fulfilling and memorable holiday!

 

We distributed bags filled with essential Thanksgiving groceries, along with take-home hot meals to help ease the financial strain of holiday preparations. Families left equipped to host their celebrations with gratitude and joy.

 

 

A special thank-you goes out to our dedicated volunteers who helped pack groceries on Friday, November 22nd, in the MS/HS 223 basement, and to those who helped distribute the hot meals and bags the day of the event. Your efforts made this event a resounding success and exemplified the spirit of community and giving that Thanksgiving is all about.

 

 

We look forward to continuing to support our school community through events like these!

 - 12/19/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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Family Thanksgiving Dinner at P.S. 59

P.S. 59: The Dawn Best School recently hosted a heartwarming Family Thanksgiving Dinner, bringing together students, families, and staff for an evening of food, fun, and gratitude. Upon arrival, families were warmly greeted by staff members and ushered to family-style tables, setting the tone for a communal and festive gathering.

 

 

The dinner menu featured a delicious array of dishes, including rice with peas, stew chicken, pepper steak, chicharrón de pollo, and fresh salad. For dessert, attendees had the opportunity to savor two vegan cake options: a zesty lemon cake and a rich cinnamon-spiced cake. As part of the evening’s activities, families were invited to reflect on their blessings by writing down what they were thankful for on paper leaves. These heartfelt messages were then added to the “Thankful Tree,” a beautiful and collaborative symbol of gratitude. Additionally, students got creative with a hands-on craft activity, decorating pumpkin-shaped picture frames with an assortment of fall-themed stickers.

 

 

The celebration concluded with a generous gift. Each family left with a bag filled with fresh produce and the option to take home either a turkey or a whole chicken, ensuring they had the means to continue the Thanksgiving spirit at home. 

 

This event at PS 59 exemplified the true essence of Thanksgiving: community, gratitude, and sharing. It provided families with not only a memorable evening but also tangible support for their holiday celebrations.

 - 12/19/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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Exploring Culinary Creativity: Cooking Club at the High School for Media and Communications

At the High School for Media and Communications, students are cooking up more than just great food—they’re building confidence, learning new skills, and sharing delicious creations together. The Cooking Club offers a space to learn to make their favorite foods, improve their culinary skills, and of course, enjoy the results of their hard work!

 

Since the club kicked off, students have tried their hands at making a variety of tasty treats, from refreshing smoothies and parfaits to sweet brownies and warm cinnamon rolls. Each session brings new flavors and techniques. In one meeting, students learned to create guacamole, perfecting the balance of avocado, lime, and other condiments to make this crowd-favorite dip. Another time, they prepared quesadillas, learning how to melt the cheese to perfection in a crisp, golden tortilla.

 

 

More than just a place to cook, the club is about connection and growth. Students support each other in learning new skills and gain confidence in the kitchen. They’re discovering that cooking isn’t just about following recipes – it’s a creative outlet and a way to share their efforts with friends.

 

 

As the semester continues, there’s plenty more on the menu for the Cooking Club. Whether it’s a complex dish or a simple snack, students are excited to keep exploring the world of food together!

 - 12/04/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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P.S. 59 Celebrates October with Pink, Blue, and Spooky Fun!

October was a month of vibrant community spirit, important causes, and festive celebrations at P.S. 59: The Dawn Best School! From raising awareness for breast cancer and promoting kindness to enjoying Halloween treats, students, staff, and families came together for memorable moments.

 

Going Pink for a Cause

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, P.S. 59 proudly “Went Pink for a Cure!” Students, staff, and parents wore pink attire and joined in a spirited walk around the school block. The walk symbolized solidarity and raised awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection. Families also had the opportunity to contribute $1.00 to support breast cancer research, emphasizing the school’s commitment to making a difference.

Red Ribbon Week: Life Is a Movie, Film Drug-Free!

Red Ribbon Week, spearheaded by the SAPIS Department (Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Services), encouraged students to make healthy, drug-free choices. This year’s theme, Life Is a Movie, Film Drug-Free!, inspired a variety of engaging activities surrounding the idea of staying drug-free. On October 25, there was a specific focus on bullying. 

Stomping Out Bullying in Blue

On Anti-Bullying Day, we saw the school "Go Blue" to support the fight against bullying. Each grade participated in meaningful activities:

  • Kindergarten: Colored "Kindness Matters" sheets.
  • 1st & 2nd Grades: Designed "Stomp Out Bullying" sheets.
  • 3rd-5th Grades: Engaged in discussions on bullying and the importance of kindness, followed by creative activities.

These moments fostered understanding, empathy, and the importance of a positive school culture.

Halloween Fun for Everyone!

The month wrapped up with a spooky yet joyful Halloween celebration. Students kicked off the day in the gym with games like Mummy Wrap and Bobbing for Apples, plus arts and crafts where they created bats from handprints. A pizza party in the cafeteria followed, accompanied with chips, candy, and juice. The day concluded with laughter-filled photos in front of a themed backdrop, using silly props to capture the Halloween spirit.

October was full of education, awareness, and fun! By uniting for causes like breast cancer awareness and anti-bullying efforts, while also celebrating with creative holidays, we continue to foster a sense of community and belonging. 

 - 12/02/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

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