news@6 summer 2015

NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE LILLIE DEVEREAUX BLAKE SCHOOL PUBLIC SCHOOL SIX WWW.PS6NYC.ORG

SUMMER2015

WILLIAM WEBER, K-105

SUMMER2015

is the only news magazine for PS 6. It is published jointly by the PTA and

School quarterly during the school year.45 East 81st Street, New York, NY 10028

LAUREN FONTANA PRINCIPAL JANE GALASSO ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AMY SANTUCCI ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

EDITORIAL STAFF JAYA NAHMIYAS PTA SECOND VP MAUREEN ATINSKY AND PTA CO-PRESIDENTS CATHERINE DUNNING

Parents and Kids: Would you like to contribute

to News@6? This is the last issue by editor Jaya Nahmiyas. If you would

like to submit articles, artwork, photos, kids’ or parents’ quotes, brain-teasers, puzzles or even silly jokes please

email the PTA’s 2015-2016 Second VP Renu Samarasinhe at [email protected].

Would you like to advertise in News@6?News@6 is distributed to over 600 PS 6 families and other

members of the PS 6 community, reaching over 2,000 readers. If you would like to advertise in News@6, please

email us at [email protected].

© 2015 PS 6 PTA

Cover artwork by William Weber, K-105

2nd Grade Tibetan Prayer Flags

2nd Grade Collage Art

www.ps6nyc.org NEWS@6 | 1

Principal’s Message

TIME FOR A FINE, FINE SUMMER!

Sharon Creech, in a wonderful book A Fine, Fine School, writes about Mr. Keene, a proud princi-pal. One day, Mr. Keene gathers

all his students and teachers together, and shares, “This is a fine, fine school!” He sug-gests holding school on Saturdays. The teach-ers and the children were not excited about the idea, but no one knew how to tell Mr. Keene, so they attended classes on Saturdays. Because the school was such a wonderful place to be, Mr. Keene also started instituting school on holidays and summers.

Just like Mr. Keene, I can’t help but think of what a fine, fine school PS 6 is. Looking back on the year, it has truly been a “fine, fine” experience from the day we opened the red doors to our students cautiously walking to their new classes to the day we close the doors with hugs and tearful good-byes. I hope each of you takes a moment to reflect on the tremendous growth your child has made academically and socially. I hope both you and your child beam with pride acknowledging how each and every one of you have contributed to making our school community the fine, fine place that it is.

Mr. Keene quickly learned by having school year round, day after day, the children were missing out other “fine, fine” learning opportunities … such as learning to swing, climb a tree, or how to jump over a creek, going to the museum, visiting a special friend or relative – the list goes on!

So, although we do have a fine, fine school, it’s now time to go off and fill your summer days with experiences outside our red doors. I wish you a summer filled with adventure, exploring the woods, scouting for shells along the beach, making mud pies after it rains and simply enjoying some well-deserved rest and play!

By LAUREN FONTANA, PRINCIPAL

2 | NEWS@6 www.ps6nyc.org

JUNE IS A FUNNY MONTH

June has always been a bitter-sweet month for me. There is the joyful anticipation of lazy summer days and not having to wake up

at 6 every morning to pack lunches and make sure the homework actually made it into the backpack. But it is also a reminder that our kids are another year older, wiser, more resil-ient and more independent. Caps and gowns are everywhere you look, and I always get a bit teary eyed when I see graduates. And if I happen to pass by the auditorium as the 5th

graders are rehearsing for their Moving On Ceremony, well forget it. I become a blub-bering fool. June is a month of moving on, and while we watch our kids move forward with pride and happiness for their accom-plishments, there is a nostalgia for what has passed and the poignant realization that they are growing up too fast!

As I sat watching my daughter’s Ultimate game a few weeks ago, I was amazed by how many of the fans in attendance were PS 6 alumni. Some were there to cheer on a

By MAUREEN ATINSKY and CATHERINE DUNNING, PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD CO-PRESIDENTS

PTA Message


sibling, but just as many were there simply to support their former coaches, teams and to enjoy the game. I chatted that morning with a former player who is now a 6th grader (and by chat, I mean relied desperately on her to explain just what exactly was happening and which team was in the lead). I told her how wonderful I thought it was that she came to these early morning games. (My own 6th grader was still fast asleep at home despite his nagging mother who told him he really ought to get up early and come cheer on his sister). The alumni player/game translator told me that it makes her happy to come out and cheer for everyone on these early Friday mornings because she remembers what a meaningful experience it was for her to be on an Ultimate team when she was at PS 6.

Later that day my 6th grader came home from school wearing a PS 6 tie-dye shirt. I hadn’t seen him sporting any PS 6 gear since becoming a middle-schooler and asked him why he was wearing it. “Mom,” he replied, looking at me like I had clearly missed the memo, “it’s Dutt Day.” I was very touched by this gesture, just as I am moved by the Ultimate alumni who return to cheer on our current players, because it proves just how

big a place PS 6 has in their hearts. Naturally, they will move on and make new friends, have new teach-ers and experi-ences that influ-ence them, but PS 6 is still their home. The older kids love coming back to visit. Admittedly, part of it is because there is a bit of a celebrity experi-

ence to be had when you return, but they are also drawn back because it puts them in touch with their former selves and with a time and place that holds great significance in their young lives.

Whether our kids will be walking out the red doors this month to return again next fall or to move on as PS 6 alumni, this year at PS 6 has had an impact on them in ways big and small. They have grown and been shaped by teachers, friends, administrators, by history lessons, books read and perfor-mances they took part in. They are one step further into the great big world out there than they were in September. So June is a funny month, and while I wish at times that my kids could just return to the world of Wiggles and Lego Duplo, where math facts didn’t matter and Worldly Wise didn’t exist, I know that they are better, stronger and brighter versions of their September selves thanks to this school year, and that wher-ever life takes them, these years at PS 6 will stay with them.

As we end this school year, we wish all of you a happy, peaceful, fun-filled and relaxing summer! Thanks to all of you for making this another wonderful year at PS 6.


In the Classroom

IN THE CLASSROOMK-102 is using technology to learn about shapes! We used computers and iPads!


In the Classroom

First grade studied community helpers

A nurse helps people live. Did you know how nurses save people like sometimes you have to take this important medicine just like my grandma.Pilots are important because they get people to places quicker than boats and speed boards and taxis and walking. And take big and huge boxes and lots of stuff.Doctors help people when they are sick. They work in a doctor office. They can go to people’s house if people are sick or people go to them.Firefighters help put out fires. Firefighters help save people. Firefighters use masks that give them air.Police officers are important because if there is a bank robber robbing a bank the police will put them in jail.Teachers are important because they help you learn how to read and write and do math. Teachers are very helpful.


In the Classroom

What I really liked in 2nd grade:I really like morning meeting. We get to record the tens and ones for the number of days we have been in school, read the schedule, and write the date strip. My favorite job is writing the date strip because it gets to stay up on the board for the whole day. –MADELINE JENNINGS

I like the rou-tines we do at morning meeting. My favorite is the tens and ones where you get to put a dot up on a ten frame to represent each day we have been in school. Then you have to show the number of days with money- you have to put up either a penny, a nickel, a dime, or a quarter depending on the number of days. –CARTER MEDVED

I really liked all the awesome field trips we went on because we got to learn new things. –OWEN MURPHY

My favorite field trip was the Top of the Rock because we got to see a really big city view. –VICKY CAI

My favorite field trip was the Top of the Rock. My favorite part was the elevator be-cause when you walk in the elevator, it looks like a regular elevator, but when you start going up… the lights turn to a movie and the

elevator goes super-fast. –ELIZA KELLER

One of my favorite things about 2nd grade was the field trips. My favorite field trip was when we got to see the giant panorama of the five boroughs of NYC at the Queens Museum. –CARTER MEDVED

In second grade, you get to do a really big performance with NDI and all the parents get to come! –RIADH BOWLER

The best part of second grade is the pan-orama. –MADELINE JENNINGS

I really liked picking blocks of wood, painting them, gluing windows on, and then placing them in the gym for the panorama. I also liked decorating the courtyards and making up names for the buildings on my block. I enjoyed doing rooftops and using real sand and ivy. I also liked making environmentally friendly buildings. –AANYA SAMARASINHE

Second grade – These are a few of our favorite things


In the Classroom

From Class 2-225

Zebrasby Bailee and BeatriceTheir hooves are as strong as a heavy bowling ball.Their mane is as roughas a rock.They are as fastas lightning.POW!They’re as tallas a skyscraper.UP UP UPTheir fur is assoft as a reallyfluffy dog.They eat as much asan elephant.

The poets of 3-202 are becoming experts on African Animals! First, we researched specific animals and took notes about their physical features, habitats, life cycles, diets and predators. Then, we used that research to inspire these poems!


I AM… Gorillaby Judah & NikitaGorillaScary, weird and angry.Son of Gorilla and Gorilla.Who loves swinging, eating and pound-ing my chest.Who feels good about stuffing bananas in my mouth.Who gives good, kind ooh ooh aah aahs, and gorilla back rides.Who fears forest fires, woodcutters and banana shortage.Who’d like to see a giant tree.Who dreams of world of bananas.A student of the university of gorili-oligy.Gorilla.

I’m a Giraffeby EllieBeing me is not easy.Lions hunt me.At sleep I keep one eye open for danger but sometimes there’s some good things about me.I have fast and strong legs.I’m the tallest animal in the world!


Class 4-321 recently read the book, “Loser” by Jerry Spinelli. We used what we knew about character development and making larger interpretations to create visual representa-tions of the character, Donald Zinkoff. We used symbols, text evidence, and creative writ-ing to show all that we learned about this interesting character!

In the Classroom


5-301 participated in a write-around using paintings representing Westward Expansion and then we shared our opinions about Manifest Destiny visually or through writing.

Don’t Go West by Ivy C.Go West, Go West, Be brace, Be bold!The land is free, the hills are gold!This was wrong as we seeJames K. Polk is history!

Indians come, Indians go.They left because of us you know.Americans in, Indians out.Surprise attack, no screaming, no shout.

Fight, Fight, Fight through the night.Buildings up, TeePees down.Americans up, Indians down.

After that, our nation grewWith problems that were never through.The Mexicans were next in line, But Americans always win in time!

In the Classroom


Beyond the Classroom

A FOND FAREWELLOur beloved custodian, Adam, is leaving to join his family in Florida. Adam has been an invaluable member of the PS 6

family, wearing many hats…Adam is not only one of our custodians

who takes such great care of our building, but he is also a true artist and has assisted with many auction projects throughout the years. In addition, Adam is an avid gardener – maintaining the rooftop during the summer as well as tending to the wildlife that comes

to visit- the birdhouse in front of the school was built by Adam. Most importantly throughout the years, Adam has developed a positive relationship with the students and is always available to help out.

We wish you all the best Adam!


2nd Grade NDI Performance

4th Grade Ashokan Trip


Beyond the Classroom

4th Grade Ashokan Trip


Kids’ Artwork


Community Counts

Third graders stop at nothing to show their commitment to nature conservation; from raising money for endangered elephants

to connecting with Dr. Jane Goodall, re-nowned primatologist, philanthropist and UN Messenger of Peace, in Stockholm to thank her for her lifelong work.

As you all know, service-learning projects have been implemented in all grades at PS 6 in the last few years. After learning that elephants are endangered during their Social Studies class, 3rd graders chose to create positive change by supporting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that helps vulnerable orphaned baby elephants survive and return to savanna. They sold elephant shaped magnets they made in their art class in the schoolyard to create awareness and raise funds.

Dr. Goodall and I were both invited to speak at the Stockholm Philanthropy Symposium on June 4. She has been a person of inspiration globally for decades now and I still recall how much I admired her unwavering courage and innovative work growing up

as a young girl in Turkey. Her biography never ceases to amaze people of all ages. In fact, it is almost impossible to believe that one person could do so much in a lifetime. When third grade teachers informed me that one of the most popular biographies in 3rd grade is Who is Jane Goodall, I knew I had to convey this message to her from the students. Therefore, it was a true pleasure for me to pack the full size, breath-taking poster, signed by all the 3rd grade students and teachers, thanking Dr. Goodall and her organization, Roots and Shoots.

3RD GRADERS CONNECT WITH DR. JANE GOODALL IN STOCKHOLM CITYBy BURCU MIRZA and the 3RD GRADE STUDENTS

and TEACHERS

3RD GRADERS CONNECT WITH DR. JANE GOODALL IN STOCKHOLM CITY

In her speech, Dr. Goodall, emphasized the importance of following one’s passion for happiness and success and especially credited her mother for instilling critical thinking, resilience and unconditional love towards people and nature since her child-hood. When the floor for questions opened, another speaker of the symposium, Barbara Newhouse who is the CEO and President of ALS Association, encouraged me to give the poster to Dr. Goodall in front of the audi-ence instead of after her speech in private. Not only would it tie in with her inspiring message, but the poster would also show how much next generation of Americans cared to the international audience in the room. When I asked permission to come up and present the “giant thank-you card” to her, everyone noticed Dr. Goodall truly beam with happiness. She looked closely at the poster and then we took pictures while the place was shaking with applause. Before I left the stage, she asked me to pat her dear toy monkey Mr. H, who always travels with her, as a representative of the 3rd graders, to thank back. Her friend Gary Haun who became a very good magician and led a full life despite losing his eyesight had given Mr. H to her as a birthday gift in 1996. Since then Mr. H traveled with her everywhere and helped Dr. Goodall raise awareness and spread inspiration.

During her presentation and afterwards at the reception, all of us were in awe of how energetic yet peaceful Dr. Goodall is. One just gets drawn to her. Therefore it was no surprise to me when many people approached her in private to have a word and you guessed it... To take a peak at the 3rd graders’ poster she was carrying under her arm!

It was also thrilling when I returned from my trip to see that a photo of Dr. Goodall holding the poster made by our 3rd Graders is featured on the website of the Stockholm Philanthropy Symposium - check it out at http://filantropi.eu/#



Did You Know?

Here are some fun facts about school food at PS 6…

• Oatmeal is the most popular breakfast. The recipe includes milk, cin-namon, sugar and believe it or not, a pinch of salt!• Roasted chicken is by far the favorite for lunch – whether it’s sweet and sour, barbeque or with poultry season – the kids love it.• When we asked chef Osvaldo Abreu which item he would change, he said the Jamaican Beef Patty because not many kids at PS 6 like it. • The cafeteria always has an alternative like grilled cheese or PB&J as well as a salad bar and fresh fruit.• The RESPECT mural was made by kids using milk cartons in 2010. They washed, painted and mounted hundreds of milk cartons to create the mural.• The composting program was started this year and the kids have adopted it quickly and learned how to dispose of their trash in the different bins.• The PTA purchased and installed a new

water fountain this year which provide fil-tered and COLD water that easily fills reus-able water bottles and calculates how many disposable water bottles are saved every time it is used. In one month, we saved over 2,000 bottles! There is also one in the gym and one in the eco-center!

SCHOOL FOOD AT PS 6


Kids Pix

news@6 summer 2015

Documents