2021-2022 Family Handbook
William A. Butler Elementary School

Welcome to our school Bienvenue à notre école Bienvenido a nuestra escuela

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

We are pleased that you have chosen to entrust your child’s education to us. Our motto is “One Vision, One Voice:  Empowering the Leaders of Today for Tomorrow!” and we aim to do this in part, by ensuring that we are in close communication with you. At PS 133, it is our mission to create an environment that is nurturing and supportive to all individuals and a place where families all over Brooklyn would love to send their children.

 This brief guide will help you learn about our school community and policies, and will help you get the new school year off right! Please review it and refer to it throughout the year. Please feel free to reach any of us with your ideas, questions or concerns. Here’s hoping this will be a banner year!

Sincerely,

DOE Holidays and School Closings

(Note all half days dismiss at 11:30am)

Full NYCDOE Calendar can be found here

 Who’s Who

Administrative Team

PRINCIPAL  |  Heather Foster-Mann 
hfoster@schools.nyc.gov, main office 718-398-5320

In Ms. Foster-Mann’s over twenty years as an educator, she has served in the role of Classroom Teacher, Staff Developer, Assistant Principal and Principal. These experiences have
solidified her belief that forging relationships, establishing learning communities, and building trust are the hallmarks of good leadership. As an instructional leader, she is committed to developing a school community where she would proudly enroll her own child.  

As the Principal of PS 133, Ms. Foster-Mann’s primary goal is to ensure the safety and education of all children in her care. In this community, an attitude of respect prevails and every individual is nurtured. Ensuring that a high level of instruction is taking place in the classroom is her unwavering mission and she strives to promote all that is in the best interest of the children.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, Grades 3-5   Deanne McGhie 
DMcGhie2@schools.nyc.gov, main office 718-398-5320

Ms. McGhie couldn’t be more delighted to be the Assistant Principal at PS 133! In her twenty-five years as an educator in the NYC DOE she has been given the opportunity to successfully assume various roles: First Grade & Grades Three through Six Teacher, Mentor Teacher, Mathematics Coach, Administrative Assistant, Test Coordinator, and Assistant Principal.

Her belief is that all children can learn and achieve at high levels and her love for children, their families, and their diverse culture have contributed to her success as an educator. It is her pleasure to serve our learning community and contribute to a successful school year!

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, Grades PreK- 2  |  Sha-Wonda Williams-Credle
Room 314, SWilliams@schools.nyc.gov, main office 718-398-5320

Ms. Williams-Credle  enjoys her role as the Early Childhood Assistant Principal!  In her over twenty years as an educator, she has served in a variety of capacities including classroom teacher, Staff Developer/Literacy Coach, and Early Childhood Test Coordinator.  Ms. Williams-Credle believes in the power of building relationships and working collaboratively with families to ensure that PS 133 is a place where all students can thrive.  It is her goal to support students both academically and emotionally, so that they truly feel that 133 is their “home away from home”.

PARENT COORDINATOR  |  Ahmed Dickerson
cell 347-563-5321, adickerson@schools.nyc.gov

Mr. Dickerson works closely with the principal, school staff, school leadership teams, PTA, community groups, and parent advisory councils to serve families. School related issues may be discussed with him, and he can direct you to other personnel within the school or the Department of Education if necessary. He keeps parents informed about school issues, writes email blasts, and coordinates the monthly school calendar. He can also help locate community services, such as tutoring or low cost health care. Mr. Dickerson organizes parent workshops on a variety of subjects related to your child’s development and academic success. He also coordinates language translation for parent conferences. You may visit Mr. Dickerson in room #114, and call or email him at the number and email address indicated above.

School Procedures

Morning Arrival

Pre-K
Drop off begins at 7:50 am – Parents escort students to the classroom throughout the year. Please use Baltic Street Entrance only.

Kindergarten
Drop off begins at 7:50 am – Parents escort students to the auditorium. Teachers will pick up students from the auditorium. Please say “farewell” in the auditorium.  If you are late (after 8:05 am), please escort your child to the security desk. Please use Baltic Street Entrance only.

*Sept. 13-30th  only, caregivers may accompany teachers bringing students up to their classrooms from the auditorium. Beginning Wednesday, October. 4th, caregivers will be asked to say their goodbyes in the auditorium. If you arrive after 8:00am, students will be escorted to their classroom by PS 133 staff.  

Grades 1-5
Drop off begins at 7:50 am – Please drop your child inside the schoolyard at his/her class designated area. Students will walk to their classrooms with their teachers. Caregivers will not be allowed to accompany their child to the classroom. Please use the Butler Street entrance to enter and exit the schoolyard.

Please refrain from having conversations with your child’s teacher at this time. If you need to speak with your child’s teacher, please make an appointment.

Afternoon Dismissal

Pre-K
Pick up at 2:10 pm – Students are picked up by parents/guardians from classrooms.  Use the main Baltic Street main entrance to enter and exit. Please sign out your child in the classroom.

Kindergarten
Pick up at 2:10 pm – K120, K127, & K129 are dismissed in their classrooms. All other K students are picked up by parents/guardians from the auditorium. Use Baltic Street main entrance. Parents/guardians are asked to sign their children out from their teacher every day.  Teachers will have a sign out sheet available daily.

Grades 1-5
Pick up at 2:20 pm – Please meet your child inside of the school yard at their line spots. You may use Butler Street gate. Do not call your child off their line; this is a security precaution. Students must alert their teacher before leaving.

Note: Grades 1 & 2 students may not walk home alone. Children are not supervised in the schoolyard until 7:50 am. Please do not leave your child unattended before this time.

Early arrival for BOKS:
Build Our Kids Success (Free Exercise class) – For BOKS, meet at the security desk at 7:30 am sharp. Students will be escorted to the gym by a teacher. Sessions run in the fall, winter and spring. A few weeks before each session starts, the PE teacher, Mr. Blatt, will send information home on how to sign up.

Absences
Consistent attendance is extremely important.  If your child is ill, and unable to come to school, please send a note explaining the child’s absence.  All absences must be documented. Any student missing three (3) or more consecutive days of school will receive a phone call by our Parent Coordinator and/or any member of the Attendance Committee. Please be advised that ninety percent (90%) attendance is the standard for promotion. Also note that students are expected to complete any missed class work and homework when they miss class.

Lateness
Students arriving after 8:15 am are considered LATE, except those who depend on the school bus for transportation.

Early Pick-up
Sign-in at the security desk and proceed to the main office to sign your child out. The office staff will also be able to tell you where your child is if they are seeing a cluster teacher and are not in their regular classroom. Please let teachers know ahead of time if possible.

Busing
PS 133 does not determine ridership eligibility for students. This is done through the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT). If your child qualifies to ride the school bus, you will be notified by OPT. Any questions regarding riding the yellow school bus should be addressed to OPT at (718) 392-8855.  You can speak to Ms. Quintero, our transportation liaison at 718-398-5320.  

To ensure the safety of our students, once a student is “enrolled” in busing, he/she will be expected to be on the bus every day.  If you do not want your child to take the bus, you must send a WRITTEN NOTE addressed to the child’s teacher on the morning of the change. Verbal requests/phone calls will NOT be accepted.  We understand that emergency situations do arise.  However, we will ask that you fax a signed request to the school at 718-398-5325 or send an email before 12 noon to Mr. Dickerson at ADickerson@schools.nyc.gov. This should then be followed up with a phone call to ensure that your emergency request was received.  Please note, emails and faxes in conjunction with a phone call will be accepted during emergency situations.  

MetroCard 
Students in K-2 are eligible for a MetroCard if they live more than a mile from school.  To find out if your child is eligible for a MetroCard, you may call the main office —(718) 398-5320 —and speak to Ms. Quintero.  

Nurse
If a child is ill or injured during school hours, he/she will be seen by the school nurse. The nurse is available Mondays through Fridays, 8am-4pm. She is located in Room C14. Her direct phone number is (718) 398-5340. Should your child require medication to be administered, or have inhalers or Epi-pens for emergency use, a parent must fill out a 504 form, available from the nurse.  School faculty are prohibited from administering medication.

Student Meals

On the first day of school, students will visit the cafeteria with their teachers prior to lunchtime where they will learn how to: get hot lunch, collect their lunch box, use the bathroom and water fountain, recycle, line up for recess, eat and enjoy safely!

Breakfast
PS 133 qualifies as a Universal Free Meal School (USM). That means all students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch. PS 133 participates in the Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) program. All children may have free breakfast in their classroom each day beginning at 8:20AM.

Lunch
All students at PS 133 are eligible to receive a free lunch. If you elect to send your child home-packed lunch instead of participating in the free lunch program, he/she should bring a healthy lunch in a reusable lunch box with the child’s name labeled clearly. (No glass containers please). Monthly SchoolFood menus are posted inside the cafeteria as well as online at: www.schoolfoodnyc.org/MenusAndRecipes/menus.htm.

*For Grades K-5, their own class teachers are not present during lunch hour. There will be some school staff present at lunch and we welcome parent volunteer participation during lunch, especially for Kindergarten students.

Here are some tips to help your child(ren) enjoy — and eat! — their lunches calmly and safely:

IF YOU PACK:

• PS 133 is a nut- and nut butter-free school. Even if your child does not have a nut allergy, we ask that you respect this policy for the safety of the many children who do.
• If you bring lunch from home, bring a drink too! Children are not permitted to go on the SchoolFood lunch line for only milk or fruit. If a child only wants milk, he/she is required to take a full lunch anyway and will then be instructed to throw the unwanted food away.
• Refrigeration and microwaves are not available for student use.
• Slow eater? Encourage him/her to finish! Children are encouraged to finish their lunch, even if the rest of their class is leaving the cafeteria for recess. When possible, an adult will stay with all of those still eating and bring them to recess together. Nonetheless, some kids elect not to finish lunch, worried they will miss the recess fun. If this is a concern for you, please speak with your child about the importance of finishing.
• PS 133 is proud to recycle. Please help us by discussing and reinforcing the merits of recycling with your kids from time to time.
• LABEL EVERYTHING! Many lunch boxes are being carried to and from the classroom and cafeteria in a large container (for Kindergarten students). Kids get excited and many forget to pack up their lunchbox, or may leave behind an item of clothing. Please be sure to label thermoses and containers, in addition to lunch boxes and extra layers of clothing. Should an item go missing, please check the Lost + Found located in the cafeteria.

Lunch Periods are as follows:

Snack Policy: Teachers work with class parents to decide what the best system is for their particular age group. Typically, snacks are part of the lower grades only (Pre-K-1st). Some classes assign a family per week to provide healthy, non-perishable items (graham crackers, pretzels, etc.) to last throughout the week. Other classes have a daily sign-up sheet for families to volunteer to provide snacks to the whole class. Check with your individual teacher or class parent to find out what system the teacher has put in place.

Recess
PS 133 is partnering with Kids Orbit for recess to create an opportunity for children to explore their imaginations, to connect with other kids and to stretch and grow physically, emotionally and socially.

Cellphones
The Department of Education prohibits cell phone use in school.  If your child must have a cell phone, it should be turned off and kept in their book bag.  Please realize cell phones can be confiscated if used in school.  If you have an emergency, contact the main office to reach your child at (718) 398-5320.

Photo Release Forms
From time to time, we may use a photo of your child(ren) on our website or Facebook page. Consent forms will be sent home in your child’s homework folder and need to be signed and returned. 

School Safety and Visitors
Our Safety Agents, Ms. Green and Ms. Odwin, are here to ensure that the PS 133 learning community is safe.  To ensure that our community is safe, all visitors are required to sign in and show identification. Visitors must then go to the Main Office and obtain a Visitor’s Pass.  When exiting the building use the main entrance on Baltic Street only.

Uniform Policy
PS 133 is a uniform school. Uniforms help to set the tone of our learning community. Students are expected to wear their uniform Mondays through Thursdays. Fridays are optional or “casual” Fridays. Another exception is “Spirit Week” where kids get to dress up with different themes every day during a given week (dates and themes to be announced later). The uniform is navy blue pants, skirt, dress or shorts and light blue shirt or T-shirt. If your child is in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, or First Grade please label their sweaters, boots and hats so that they can be easily identified.

Lost and Found
Lost and Found bins are located at the rear of the cafeteria. We ask that you label every item sent to school. When bins are full, we donate unclaimed items to charity. PS 133 PTA is partnering with Mabel’s Labels – they offer fun and affordable labels for a variety of items.

Evacuation Drills
We are required to conduct twelve (12) evacuation drills per school year, 4 of which are oft lockdown drills. Eight (8) evacuation drills must be conducted prior to December 1st. Evacuation drill instructions are posted near doors throughout the school and children are instructed in routines early in the year to prepare for these unannounced drills.

Discipline
At the beginning of the school year, parents will receive a copy of the Citywide Standards of Discipline and Intervention Measure (a light blue book), which outlines the discipline policies as set forth by the Department of Education for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. This document includes the DOE’s citywide “Discipline Code” as well as “Student Bill of Rights.” After discussing these policies with your child, both you and your child should sign one copy of the Behavioral Contract, and have your child return the signed copy by the designated date indicated to his/her teacher.

Emergency Closings and Delayed Openings
The Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education makes decisions as it relates to school closures and delayed openings by 6am on a given day.  Parents can find updated information by checking the DOE website (www.schools.nyc.gov), calling 311, listening to local news radio, local TV stations, or cable channel NY1. School closures also cancel all field trips, after school programs and school transportation for that day.

Emergency Evacuation Plan
In case of an emergency evacuation during the school day, students and staff will relocate to PS/MS 282 (180 6th Ave), which is our designated Safe Zone. In the extreme case, our secondary evacuation site is PS 38 (450 Pacific Street). In the event of such an emergency, school personnel will be positioned at PS 133 to assist parents. School personnel will notify parents of where to meet their child.

Lice
If your child has live head lice, per DOE policy, they will be excluded from school and not allowed to return until they are lice-free. Students will be reexamined in 14 days to confirm that they have remained lice-free.  Students with nits and no evidence of live head lice will not be excluded from school. Please let the PS 133 Nurse and your child’s teacher know so that we can limit exposure. The PS 133 Nurse is extremely knowledgeable and helpful if you have further questions.

Information Regarding Shared Space
PS 369 is located on the 2nd floor of PS 133. Shared spaces include: the play areas,
cafeteria, gym and auditorium. We are one school, not a separate entity. PS 369 has access to all the shared spaces. In our planning of the use of the play areas, we are mindful to do what works best for all students. The early childhood playground is off limits to PS 133 students during recess. Students have access at the end of the day, when supervised by a caregiver. On some occasions, when deemed appropriate, teachers may use the playground with their classes during the school day.

Communications

Home-School Communication
Consistent communication between school and home contributes to student success in school. During the first days of school, teachers will send a letter of introduction home that will include routines, plans and required supplies. Monthly grade newsletters are posted on ParentSquare to inform parents on curricular themes and instructional practices. Additionally, information may be included in homework packets. Each teacher has a different way of communicating with parents.  During Curriculum Conferences, teachers will share their method of communication used throughout the school year. In addition, monthly school calendars are listed on ParentSquare and the school website to highlight school events/activities. Please ensure that we have the most up to date/current information in ParentSquare.  In an effort to save paper, copies can be sent home by request.

PS 133 Website + Social Media
Our website (www.ps 133 brooklyn.org) is a teacher-run site. Teachers and Parents try their best to keep it current and filled with useful and timely information. PS 133 also has a parent-run Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter accounts at @ps133brooklyn, all of which feature school events and announcements to further communicate with our PS 133 community.

NYC Schools Account – mystudent.nyc
A NYC Schools Account is an online tool that gives you access to up-to-date academic information about your child including attendance, scores on state tests. Mystudent.nyc  is available in 10 languages. To log on, you need a computer, phone or tablet with internet access, an email address, your child’s ID number and a temporary pass code. Please send a written note to Ahmed Dickerson, Parent Coordinator, to request your login information, or visit Mr. Dickerson in person in Room 114.

Backpack + E-Mail Correspondence
Please check your child’s backpack every day. Important information about school events, PTA information and city/district wide announcements will be sent home and translated into Spanish. Mr. Dickerson will also pass along important DOE information or send out important announcements and last minute schedule changes to our parent body. Please make sure you sign up for his mailing list (adickerson@schools.nyc.gov). School-wide information will also be sent via the ParentSquare app, which can be downloaded onto your mobile device in an effort to save paper in the community.

Blue Emergency Card
This card lists emergency contact information.  Please be certain that cards are filled out completely and returned to the Main Office as soon as possible.  In the event the school needs to contact you regarding your child, it is important to list all telephone numbers where you or your designated caregiver(s) can be reached during the school day.  Please provide at least two emergency numbers.  Children are not released to anyone whose name is not on the Blue Card.  If information changes at any time during the year, it is important that you come into the Main Office and update the Blue Card.

Face-to-Face Letter Requests
Requests for Face-to-Face letters (to prove attendance at PS 133) must be made three days in advance to our secretary, Ms. Robinson. This letter must be picked up by the parent making the request.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is comprised of PS 133 teachers, staff, parent volunteers who serve on the PTA Executive Board, Class Parents, Committee chairpersons and members, and every parent/guardian of a child who attend PS 133. The PTA works hard to build relationships (among parents, teachers and school) and communicate information.

Translations
PS 133 attempts to translate all material going home in backpacks into Spanish.
If you have more questions about translations, please read more here:
http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/Translation/default.htm

Parent Involvement

Parents as Learning Partners 
The first Friday of each month is dedicated to Parents as Learning Partners from 8:20 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate with their child as they engage in reading, math, social studies or science activities led by classroom teachers. Each month there is a different theme. For example, one month you may come in and read to your child’s class, and next month you may play math games. It’s great bonding time and gives you an opportunity to see your child at work.  

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The primary aim of the PTA is to serve the children, teachers and parents of the PS 133 community. Our end-goal is to encourage and support the academic learning of all children who attend PS 133. We do this through a variety of ways including:

• Providing community based events that all members of the community can feel welcomed and can participate in;
• Fundraising for programs that otherwise cannot be paid for through DOE funding such as art, theater, lunchroom and recess support, enhancing classroom libraries;
• Providing support and information for parents;
• Supporting teachers and administration in their relations with the parent community as well as through a teacher grant program aimed at enhancing the classroom experience.

The PTA is also responsible for organizing volunteer opportunities at the school, running ps133brooklyn.org web site as well as running the self-sustaining after school enrichment program, playlab133.

We welcome all members of our community to participate and get involved. A comprehensive list of committees and volunteer opportunities can be found under the PTA and Support PS 133 sections of the web site.

The PTA holds monthly general membership meetings typically on the third Wednesday of every month, but for the most accurate calendar of meetings, the calendar page of the website for exact dates and time.

PTA Committees
For ongoing volunteer opportunities, you can volunteer to help with one of many PTA committees. If you can’t commit to something long-term, you can also volunteer to help with a one-time opportunity like a bake sale or the spring auction. Read more about PTA committees here: www.ps133brooklyn.org/committees

How Can Parents Help Their Child Become a Successful Life Long Learner?

1. Send your child to school on time every day.
2. Check your child’s book bag on a daily basis for homework and school information.
3. Sign all notes and return them to school as soon as possible
4. Review class work with your child.
5. Help your child study for tests.
6. Keep in touch with your child’s teacher (notes, telephone calls, visits).
7. Write a note to your child’s teacher for:        
   a.  Absences
   b.  Early pick-up        
   c.  New person picking up your child
   d.  Problems/Concerns
8. Plan educational activities and trips for your child.

Coffee Chats with the Principal
The First Friday of each month, parents and caregivers have the opportunity to share
constructive feedback, questions or concerns with Ms. Foster-Mann. Depending on demand, this is also when some teachers volunteer to help parents understand core standards and methods. Coffee chats are held in the cafeteria starting at 8:50am.

Class Parents
Class Parents assist the teacher with a number of tasks, which include creating a directory for parents of children in the class to contact each other, and can also include organizing trip chaperones, coordinating celebrations, completing Scholastic book order forms, and more. Class Parents are expected to attend PTA meetings.

• Grade-wide Class Parents act as a liaison between class parents across the
  entire grade.
• Individual Class Parents act as a liaison between the teacher and the parents in a particular class.

Student Led Conference Conferences
Student Led Conferences are scheduled in November and March.  At these individual conferences parents discuss their child’s academic progress with the teachers and their child. If there are special circumstances or situations that require discussion or if you have any questions or concerns, you do not need to wait until the scheduled conferences. Please feel free to make an appointment with your child’s teacher throughout the year, as needed. You can do this by sending a note to the teacher with your name and telephone number or by calling the school and leaving a message for the teacher.        

The Principal, Assistant Principal, Guidance Counselor and Parent Coordinator are also available to meet with parents.  Call the office at (718) 398-5320 to arrange an appointment.

Report Cards
Report Cards are issued three times a year - November, March and June - for students in Pre-K through 5th grade.  Kindergarten through 5th grade students will also receive Progress Reports in October and January.  We encourage you to respond to and sign the area provided for parent input and return them promptly.        

Students with Individualized Educational Plans will receive a copy of the Progress Report (page 6 of the IEP) in addition to the standard report card.

School Leadership Team (SLT)
All New York State public schools are mandated to have a School Leadership Team (SLT). It is the primary school-based vehicle for parents to work with teachers and the Principal to establish school priorities, ensure that the budget is aligned with those priorities, and evaluate our school’s progress.

The group meets once a month, and the meeting is open to everyone.  Meeting dates for the 2019-20 school year will be listed on the school calendar.

Curriculum

Curriculum Night
This is an opportunity for parents/caregivers to learn about your child’s curriculum. Please make every effort to attend. Your child’s teacher will detail the plans and a schedule for the year, as well as the procedures for many important class routines. This meeting will provide an overview of the grade’s curriculum and activities and offer an opportunity to answer your questions. Specific questions pertaining to your child will be discussed during Student Led Conferences in November and March.

Literacy Program
Every PS 133 student takes ownership of their own learning by setting goals and creating an action plan towards mastering reading and writing skills. We use a balanced literacy/workshop approach to teaching reading and writing. This entails shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, word study and a writing workshop. The literacy block consists of a minimum of 90 minutes.  Teachers begin with a whole group mini lesson i.e. strategy lesson that the entire class benefits from. Students are either reading just right books independently, or with a partner, or engaged in a small group guided reading lesson. During small group instruction, teachers provide personalized and precise instruction so that children are matched to their individual levels—this allows teachers to monitor every child. All students will also have the opportunity to engage in close reading of texts, with ample opportunities to write about reading.  Teachers will be provided with the Teachers College Curriculum to support the planning of lessons.  

Choice is also a major theme in the writing process; students write about what is
important to them rather than a prompted topic. The teacher facilitates a lesson around a main idea in order to teach a writing strategy but students ultimately write about what is interesting to them and follow a structured process that includes brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing and celebrating. Parents are invited to come to school for reading and writing celebrations as part of the culmination of units of study.  Student work is displayed throughout the building so that children and parents can walk around the school and take in all of the different writing pieces and art exhibits. Parents can also come and read with their children at that time.

Our library, which houses over 9,000 books, also plays a role in fostering students’ independent reading habits and love of books. Classes are able to visit the library as part of technology class, as well as with their classroom teachers, to borrow books and engage in computer based research.
Mathematics
enVision Math and Math Exemplars serves as our primary mathematics curriculum.  We approach math with a hands-on, realistic perspective that encourages students to look at how mathematics--numbers, measurements, data, algebra, problem-solving and geometry--are all around us, every day. Students look around within their environment exploring everyday situations at home, in stores, on a basketball court, at a newsstand or on the subway in order to study when and where numbers are used. We use that to capitalize their interest in math.

Our math program builds skills on a continuum by introducing new concepts, studying and using new skills, and then re-visiting the concepts for reinforcement of key ideas.  Every Friday students play math games as a way to reinforce new skills and learn that playing with numbers can be fun!

Science
Students at PS 133 receive science both in their regular classrooms and from our science teachers in the school science lab. We encourage students to experience science by exploring the world around them, introducing concepts through experiments, and sometimes even just taking walks around the schoolyard and neighborhood. We make science a hands-on learning experience by teaching and encouraging students to approach science by asking questions, making thoughtful observations, testing hypotheses, and defending their research with evidence. Classes taking trips to parks and museums are also scheduled to allow students to study specific science concepts in more depth.

Social Studies
Our students begin studying social studies by first studying themselves and their neighborhood, and then year by year expand their studies to other cultures, parts of the country and the countries of the world.  We use the immediate surroundings of New York City as a classroom where students learn about people and cultures directly around them.  Upper grade students learn to use primary sources such as photographs, maps, narratives, and personal accounts in order to make specific historical events come to life. All of our social studies lessons and projects integrate reading and writing themes from the English Language Arts curriculum.

Physical Education
Regular physical activity is important for the healthy growth, development and        well-being of kids. Students focus on 6-week units in a variety of sports.

1.        Students must wear sneakers in order to participate in physical education class.
2.         Students are encouraged to wear school color athletic wear on days they have                         physical education class.
3.        Students that come to class unprepared will be given an alternative assignment.
4.         Parents will be notified if your child has been unprepared twice in a row.

Art Education  |  STUDIO in a SCHOOL
PS 133 has been accepted into The STUDIO in a SCHOOL’s Long Term Art Program. Now art is an integral part of every child’s education. The STUDIO classroom is a dedicated art studio where the students are encouraged to experiment and classroom teachers learn how to extend art into their classroom. Drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, 2-D applied design, and media tech are linked to other classroom subjects. STUDIO will consist of the following offerings for students, teachers and parents:

• For Students: a full-time STUDIO artist in residence, Noel Copeland, will be on-site 4 days a week (Room 401) servicing 16 classes per semester.
• For Teachers: teachers will learn about the artist’s materials, tools and techniques. Teachers will also develop art literacy and knowledge, extending art into the 
  regular classroom. They will be present in the art room working alongside Mr. Copeland.
• For Parents: parents will be invited to participate in one workshop as well as attend the year-end show of student work.

Other Core Curriculum Online Resources
NYS Learning Standards (for Math, Science and Technology, English Language Arts, the Arts, and Physical Education) www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/standards.html

Academic Intervention Services (AIS)
Meeting the needs of all learners is top priority for our school.  By measuring student progress according to city and state education standards, we can identify students who are not meeting grade level standards and put strategies into place in order to get them on track.

We provide Academic Intervention Services (AIS) for students who score below the State designated performance level on State Assessments and/or who are at risk of not achieving standards. AIS provides additional instruction and support that supplement the general curriculum.

Enrichment Programs

Based on the Schoolwide Enrichment Model, research shows that learning is more meaningful and enjoyable when content is real. Hence, our students at PS 133 are engaged in self-selected project based activities during Enrichment Clusters and Clubs. These activities take place each Friday. Students take a student interest survey, which will identify their personal interests, learning styles and preferred expression styles. At the end of each Cycle, students showcase their learning.

Field Trips

Curriculum is enriched throughout the year with field trips.  The DOE requires consent forms from parents for trips.  Children cannot leave the building without parental consent.  For neighborhood walking trips, one note supplied by the parent will cover the year.  The DOE also requires one adult chaperone for each 10 children; therefore, parents are strongly encouraged to participate in class trips. Please indicate your interest in participating on your child’s permission form. Some trips are free; other trips require a modest fee.  Children will receive a school lunch for field trips, unless they are provided with a packed lunch from home.

School-Based Support Team (SBST) Room C27
Latoya Hankins, School Psychologist
Jonathan Torres, School Social Worker

The School Based Support Team works together with parents and teachers to ensure that the special needs of individual students are met. Child study meetings are held regularly with the other members of the Pupil Personnel Team to confidentially review, evaluate, and develop interventions to meet the needs of specific students who are not demonstrating success in their current educational program.

If you feel your child should be evaluated to receive special services such as occupational, speech, or physical therapy, speak to the classroom teacher.  Response to Intervention services can be provided.  If necessary, the classroom teacher will instruct you to write a request letter and submit it to the SBST. They can also help obtain special classroom accommodations for testing accommodations. The team meets with parents and teachers to create Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to support students with special needs.

Homework Policy

The purpose of homework is to extend and reinforce learning and to develop self-
discipline, personal responsibility and independent thinking.  To this end, our teachers make all assignments purposeful and related to class activities, as well as to individual children’s interests, needs and abilities.  

Grade-by-Grade Homework Guidelines:

Parents can offer assistance in the following ways:

1. Check homework daily for completeness, accuracy and neatness.
2. Confer with the teacher if your child is unclear about assignments.
3. Listen to your child and answer questions.
4. Praise efforts and hard work.
5. Encourage children to spend time each evening by reading or looking at books.

If it is taking your child significantly longer to do homework, please consult with your child’s teacher. Children who require additional homework can be encouraged to read or write more.  

Need help before you can reach the teacher? 
Call Dial-A-Teacher at (212) 777-3380. This United Federation of Teacher sponsored helpline, staffed by highly skilled teachers, offers help in all subjects in eight (8) languages.  They don’t give answers – just enough coaching to let children complete assignments on their own, or help parents understand what’s going on in math.  The helpline is open Monday through Friday 4pm – 7pm.  

For help with research projects, call the Brooklyn Public Library Telephone Reference Line at (718) 230-2100, option 3 on Monday and Friday 9am – 6pm, Tuesday – Thursday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm.  Additionally, the Brooklyn Public Library offers Live Homework Help, which is a new service that allows students to connect via the internet to live tutors in 20 minute one-on-one sessions in the areas of Math, Science, Social Studies, and English.

BrainPOP
BrainPOP is now part of PS 133’s daily curriculum and your family has FREE
unlimited home use. Our school has purchased a complete subscription to this award-winning online resource, providing content-rich videos in every subject! Please contact your class parent for login info.

Middle School Process
In the fall of your child’s 5th grade year, families undergo the process of applying to middle school. This is the time when all middle school fairs, tours and informational meetings are scheduled. Typically, tours begin in October and applications are due in December.  Our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Nicole McLeod will assist with the process.  

Assessments Running Records (Grades K-2)
These reading assessments help teachers identify which level of reading material
students can read independently.  Teachers then complete an analysis of the record
to determine the specific comprehension and phonics needs of students.  Developmentally appropriate teacher created assessments are also given in all subject areas.

Standardized Tests (Grades 3-5)
Standardized testing is a part of school life, but more importantly they are a tool for
assessing both learning and teaching. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are required to take standardized state tests in English Language Arts, mathematics and science.

Students’ performance on these standardized tests, as well as a collection of school-work and teacher observations, is used to determine if students have met the criteria for promotion. The standardized test results are reported as a scale score and performance levels.  The performance levels are:
•        Level 1 – performing far below the learning standards
•        Level 2 – approaching the learning standards
•        Level 3 – meeting the learning standards
•        Level 4 – exceeding the learning standards

After School at PS 133

PS 133 after-school is structured around three programs: playlab, University Settlement and Kids Orbit. The staff believes in delivering a quality program where children have fun in creative and positive ways, build skills, gain self-esteem, and develop healthy relationships.

playlab133 Extended Day

Run by the PTA, playlab133 offers PS133 families high-quality, after-school enrichment programming and extended-day care. playlab133, activates students’ sense of wonder and self-discovery while inspiring a love for learning. It’s a place to contribute to students’ academic and social success while exploring their passions and interests.

Enrichment class offerings range from athletics, academic, arts, STEM and much more! Also offered is playlab Care, which includes an opportunity to work on homework, play games and visit with school friends. Read more at http://ps133brooklyn.org/playlab133/

University Settlement 
University Settlement provides a relaxed, child-centered atmosphere that encourages children to be their best. The curriculum includes art, music, science, literacy development, cooperative play and personal and social responsibility. Each day of the week has its own theme in addition to the arts, sports and homework help that are offered regularly. Our site director, Nikki Perez, can be contacted at (917) 337-3211.

Registration will take place on the first day of school, September 5, 2019 at 8:45am in the school’s auditorium. The program is free, and students are selected based on a lottery system. Slots per grade are limited.

After-school runs from 2:40–5:30pm Monday through Friday.

Kids Orbit 
Kids Orbit offers a flexible program to meet the needs of children and parents. The program counselors supervise homework and offer a variety of enrichment activities ranging from yoga and sports to art, music and drama. Counselors may also sit quietly, reading and drawing with the children. Counselors might play board games - they laugh and have a lot of fun with the children. Visit the Kids Orbit website or contact the office at (877) 209-2327.

PS 133 After School
More information about PS 133 After School options will be sent home in backpacks early September.

Off-site After School Options
Many after school programs in the area offer pick up at PS 133, please ask your enrichment provider if they offer this service. Make sure they are listed on your child’s blue card.