Letter from The PS 39 PTA to the Community

Dear Parents/Guardians:

PS 39 stands for Public (or primary) School 39; yet with all that it offers it might just be called Private School 39. And that makes it one of the best kept secrets in NYC. Like a private school, we provide small classes, individualized attention, a caring, family-like atmosphere and lots of enrichment, yet we’re an extremely diverse public school where everyone is welcome.

Much of a school's reputation is based on the perception of the person at the top -- the principal. We are extremely fortunate to have Anita de Paz, a dynamic leader with boundless energy and a clear and progressive vision for the school. The community and the city look at what she is doing and see the school's future in her hands. But we know that an organized, effective parent body is just as important. Working as a team with the administration, we can take PS 39 to new heights of excellence.

We want to see PS 39 continue to be a place where children and their families grow and thrive. We want to build on what we’ve done so that the school can be a model for the best a public school can be. We want to add even more to the incredible value that families receive when their children enroll here. We can do it. How? By each of us giving all we can. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve done and some of our ideas for the future.

Last year the PTA produced the Fall Pot Luck, the Book Fair, the Winterful Craft Fair, the Holiday Party, Skate Night at Wolman Rink, the International Dinner and Auction, and the Flower & Plant Sale. For the past four years we have provided funds for the Chess Team to participate in a national chess tournament, given students and their families exposure to the arts through "Making Books Sing" and helped to fund a year-end dance, and autograph books for the 5th grade graduating class. We've funded author visits and provided extra classroom materials. These programs add dimension and depth to the PS39 experience, and build our community. Some are a source of funds as well.

One of our biggest achievements (and expenditures) was bringing the Renzulli Learning System (RLS) to PS 39. RLS is a new on-line program that matches students' learning styles to many different activities designed to provide enriched, challenging learning opportunities. RLS is based on the Enrichment Triad Model which is the most widely used plan for enrichment and talent development in the world. This on-line program provides resources for teachers as well as students to pursue their interests. The PTA was thrilled to be able to pay for this remarkable resource.

But, the PTA wishlist doesn't stop there. Some ideas for improvements in the coming year(s) include:

• Adding more books to classroom libraries
• Hiring Assistant Teachers, Literacy Coaches and Math Coaches
• Finding a Mediation Consultant for a Peer Mediation Program
• Enhancing Music / Drama / Dance Programs
• Facilitating more professional development for teachers

As our community changes, other changes have come, too. The federal government is no longer providing funds for our school through the Title I program, yet we believe we can stand on our own because of people like you who have discovered and support this hidden gem of a public school. In the past, when we asked you to make a contribution, we could only give you a hearty “Thank You” for your generosity. Now, as a fully-recognized Non-Profit Corporation (with official 501(c) (3) status), we can also tell you that your gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. With this designation, your check can now be matched by employers with matching gifts programs.

However you read our name, PS 39 is truly a special place, a special school that is leading the way to make public education the very best it can be. Isn’t it right to support the place that is shaping the way your son or daughter views, understands and interacts with the world? We’re always being asked to invest in our future. Well, PS 39 is your future. Please return the attached reply form with your contribution. Thank you for your support.

The PS 39 Parent Association