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May Highlights: Celebrating Teachers, Families, Learning, and School Spirit!

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.

English - 07/19/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

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!

English - 05/07/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Black History Month Wax Museum: Celebrating the Harlem Renaissance in Style!

On February 26, students and staff at P.S. 59: The Dawn Best School experienced the magic of the Harlem Renaissance at this year’s Black History Month Wax Museum! This special event brought history to life as students and families celebrate the cultural variety of Black artistry, music, and literature that defined the 1920s.

Students didn’t just learn about Black history—they embodied it! They transformed into some of the most influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance, honoring their impact in a unique and interactive way.

3rd Grade: Focused on legendary musicians of the Harlem Renaissance, bringing the sounds of jazz and blues to life.
4th Grade: Showcased iconic poets and writers, sharing the words and wisdom that shaped a generation.
5th Grade: Highlighted the comedians and actors who brought joy and entertainment to the era.

Adding to the excitement, families were invited to dress in 1920s fashion, making the event even more immersive. From flapper dresses and pearls to fedoras and suspenders, the crowd was a stunning reflection of the Harlem Renaissance era. The event also featured an incredible lineup of performances that captured the energy and creativity of the 1920s, including live singing and dynamic dance performances.

The Black History Month Wax Museum was an insightful session demonstrating the enduring influence of the Harlem Renaissance. The event left students and families inspired, engaged, and proud to celebrate the rich legacy of Black artistry and culture. Thank you to all the students, families, and staff who participated and helped make this event a memorable success!

English - 03/10/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

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!

English - 12/19/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

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.

English - 12/19/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

First Job Fair @ P.S. 59 The Dawn Best School: A Success!

Last week, P.S. 59 The Dawn Best School hosted a Job Fair, marking a significant moment in their commitment of empowering the Bed-Stuy community. In efforts of fostering career opportunities for Brooklyn families, P.S. 59 opened their doors to a variety of Career Vendors, offering on-the-spot interviews and potential employment prospects.

P.S. 59 welcomed excited families with the anticipation of meeting with representatives of different sectors and career backgrounds. Attendees of this job fair were eager to explore new job possibilities and learn about diverse professional aspirations. Among the highlights of the event were the success stories of two parents of Areté students who secured employment with State Security during the Job Fair!

This first job fair was an amazing opportunity to bring the community together and foster an environment for networking. This event was the first of the series of monthly Job Fairs, each offering fresh opportunities for Brooklyn families to engage with potential employers. P.S. 59 plans on continuing their dedication to creating meaningful connections between families and employers in order to promote economic stability and social mobility.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the success of the first Job Fair!

English - 02/19/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

BioQuest Program Launch

Arete Education has officially partnered with RTW Charitable Foundation to launch the BioQuest program!

RTW Investments invests in biomedical research and products in order to add value to people’s lives. RTW Charitable Foundation extends the RTW Investments mission to include building a sense of community through establishing different health-based initiatives in underserved communities. All of this is done to advance science and research while also addressing urgent public health needs.

RTW Charitable Foundation first began to work with Arete during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, RTW provided Arete with a grant because they wanted to fund grassroots work focused on removing barriers that prevent children in temporary housing from receiving educational support during the pandemic. Arete was identified as a grassroots organization working in the South Bronx during this difficult time. In the end, $75,000 was allocated towards developing a high-touch and wrap-around support program, The Arete Hope Network, for 30 families in the South Bronx and Harlem, mostly F&T families.

After the peak of the pandemic, RTW Charitable Foundation shifted back towards its main work in funding biomedical research and projects alike. This year, they launched the BioQuest program - an initiative in STEM education for middle and high school students - in collaboration with Arete Education, Hunts Point Alliance for Children, Weill Cornell, and BioBus. RTW Charitable Foundation reached out to Arete over the summer to invite students from the Bronx to enroll in a year-long program receiving STEM educational and mentoring experiences. This was an amazing opportunity for Arete and the students we serve as 1) we have never partnered with Weill Cornell or BioBus and 2) F&T students would be gaining an expansive exposure to the STEM field: engaging in enrichment activities to encourage and inspire an interest in science, biotech, and medicine while also building relationships with mentors and other students with expertise and interest in these fields.

The first event to this program was held on September 9th, 2023 where students participating in the BioQuest program were invited, along with their families, to attend a Kick-off Breakfast. This first meeting was a nice way to launch the year-long program as students and families got the opportunity to get to know about the program and get to know each other. The ice breaker and scavenger hunt activities allowed the students and families to go around and network with one another, and it was a nice way to make parents and families feel included as they got to know who their children will be surrounded by in the program. Volunteers also set up backpacks for the participants containing STEM and back-to-school materials. They were distributed towards the end of the breakfast and sent off for the Back-to-School Fair and BioBus event, in collaboration with Hunts Point Alliance for Children.

What’s next for these students? The BioQuest program has scheduled 6 events in total: 3 in the fall and 3 in the spring. The next event was a Career Day held on October 5 at RTW Investments in Chelsea. Future events include visiting JLABS with Johnson & Johnson, a BioBus event (mobile lab with interactive + scientific activities), exploring lab spaces at Weill Cornell, and a Science Museum Field Trip.

Arete is proud to be deepening its relationship with RTW Charitable Foundation and its respective partnerships in order to broaden in terms of science in research and biomedicine. This amazing collaboration will give new pathways to young students for STEM-specific career opportunities and push the boundaries on what is possible for students beyond high school. This program also supports Arete’s mission with its partner school, The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, of shifting to more career-connected learning as a way to address the experience gap our students face. This is a major step towards inaugurating an afterschool curriculum that prepares students to enter the workforce and provides opportunities for career exposure in a new area: medicine, biomedical research, and biotech investments.

English - 11/03/2023 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Arete Alumni Feature - Amairany (Amy) Arizmendi

Meet Amairany (Amy) Arizmendi - middle school alum of The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, Class of 2012.

She has become extremely involved with Arete taking on various roles and responsibilities, an indispensable team member and leader. She has had the roles of family advocate, registering people for the census, helping families register their children to Arete programming, coordinating events at different sites involved with Arete, ordering supplies, managing budgets, and more. Additionally, during the peak of the pandemic, Amy was involved with Arete’s mission of assisting different families during this difficult time. She helped with the distribution of groceries and provided families with access to laptops and gift cards to buy different necessities like toiletries, clothes, and household items.

One main takeaway from her various roles throughout her time with Arete has been her mindfulness skills! She has learned to take things one day at a time and use breathing techniques when things get stressful and difficult to manage. This is especially important when dealing with important responsibilities and following through with the mission of serving underserved and vulnerable populations. Amy affirms that Arete has fostered an environment where she is constantly able to learn and grow. She has grown the ability to effectively communicate not only with her peers and coworkers but also with parents. She enjoys interacting with families and credits this growth and enthusiasm to Arete’s commitment to providing support to their employees. Amy continues to benefit from Arete as she is continuously being challenged and improving. She takes on more tasks and fulfills more deadlines which allows her to learn more and become more prepared for future events and jobs.

English - 07/31/2023 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Juneteenth Freedom Fest 2022 Impact

Arete Education and The Collective (CF BERG) partnered over the Juneteenth 2022 Holiday weekend to support the 2022 Juneteenth Freedom Fest NYC in Harlem.

We donated $5,000 in meal vouchers to residents of Harlem in partnership with NYC NYCHA offices and JFF Event staff to feed over 450 people at the event and support a local business partner, Casa Birria NYC! We are so proud to have expanded our Feed Our Needs Initiative to include this Juneteenth Freedom Fest Community Event.

Arete Education volunteers also hosted a youth Creative EQ Table, featuring local business-owner Nicoise Waring's Coisescape Black Arts experiences.

Closing, we extend a large appreciation to Arete Board members McEvans Francois and Kholofelo Mothibi for organizing the event alongside Barclays ERG leader Erica Fray and the 15 volunteers and financial support from Barclays, S&P Global, Mizuho, Nomura, Deutsche, USB, and Factset.