Our academic enrichment programs here at PS 217 allow students to gain advanced knowledge within their discipline, which in turn raises their confidence. These programs are known to increase critical-thinking skills and problem-solving skills, which can reduce anxiety during exams.
Clusters
Greetings friends, families, and members of the PS 217 community! Allow us to introduce ourselves to you. We are your child’s Physical Education teachers. The children at PS 217 all experience a vigorous physical education program which focuses on exercises (Warm-up calisthenics), sports (soccer, football, basketball, tennis, floor hockey, and volleyball), floor games (Castle & Warriors, Plank Challenge, and Switch), nutrition (healthy eating habits), and social and emotional learning.
This year we are very excited to have the library open! For Kindergarten, students who visit the library will be learning how the library is organized, looking at various story elements and will be doing an author study! First grade students will also be learning about library organization and story elements but in addition will be doing a research project and will be studying nonfiction text features! Second graders will be doing a cultures and traditions project, looking at biographies, a research project, and an author study. For third grade, students will be studying series of books, doing a genre study and project, and will be looking at biographies and research. Fourth grade students have made wordless picture books, will be doing a genre study with a project and will be studying book awards. Overall the goals for the library is to encourage a love of reading and to get students interacting with all of the various books we have!
Kindergarten
The Needs of Plants and Animals
In this unit we discuss the needs of plants and animals as well as how we as humans can help the animals live a safe and healthy life through research and hands on opportunities.
Pushes and Pulls
In this unit, students take on the roll of engineers as they explore the focus of motion. Students are given the opportunity to explore the scientific method using a hands on approach.
Weather and Seasons
As we wrap up the school year, students become meteorologists studying weather and the instruments they use. We discuss why it can be hot in some places while it is cold in other areas.
First Grade
Plant and Animal Defenses
In this unit we discuss the needs of plants and animals as well as how we as humans can help the animals live a safe and healthy life through research and hands on opportunities.
Light and Sound
In this unit light and sound through shadow puppetry. Students explore various light sources. With a solid understand of light we move into sound. Students hunt for sounds and explore how they are made.
Spinning Earth
In this unit students explore the why the sky looks different around the world and deepen their understanding of day and night. They research and learn about the seasons and how that impacts the length of the day.
Second Grade
Plant and Animal Relationships
In this unit students build on their knowledge from k/1 and take an in depth look at habitats to understand how plants and animals live and work together. They will also explore seed structure
Properties of Matter
In this unit students explore how various properties of matter interact with each other. During this unit students are involved in many hands on investigations using the scientific method.
Changing Landforms
In this unit students become geologists studying the Earth’s surface. They will participate in an in depth study of the 3 types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary as well as explore weathering and erosion.
The music curriculum for PS 217 is aligned with the benchmarks in the blueprint for Teaching and Learning in performing arts. The Blueprint is grounded in the New York State Learning Standards for performing arts and are addressed in every facet of the Blueprint. The benchmarks provide a pathway for excellence and engagement in the arts for all students beginning in early childhood and continuing to fifth grade.
Theatre class at P.S. 217 gives students a look at all aspects of theatre-making. From improvisation to technical theatre, playwriting to character creation, students have the opportunity to express themselves fully and are encouraged to bring their own interests, cultures, and ideas into the space. Together as a classroom ensemble, students develop critical teamwork, confidence, and artistic skills.
