Student Enrichment

PS 971 has established a Student Council, where they promote student voice, enhance leadership skills, and promote positive citizenship which will better the school environment, the local community and greater community.   Grade 3, Grade 4 and Grade 5 will be represented in the student council however they are to represent the entire school community.  The student government will also participate in “Participatory Budgeting” as part of the Civics for All initiative. We are excited to see and hear about the initiatives that the School Council brings forward. 

A teaching artist from Studio in a School will collaborate for 10 weeks, in teaching students how to develop art making knowledge and skills so they can express themselves through the language of art.  Students will explore different materials and tools used by artists to create sketches, wooden sculptures, collages, and paintings. As a final project, we will have an art exhibition and 2 student artists will be selected to be displayed at Christie’s Young Visions art exhibition in Manhattan. 

National Elementary Honors Society (NEHS) is open to  our 4th and 5th-grade students who are eager to become change agents. The goal of the NEHS is for students to use their skills in leadership and civic responsibility to enhance and participate in school and community projects. Students who are interested in becoming a member of the NEHS must have an overall average of 90 in ELA and Math and must complete an application and submit it to the NEHS advisors.

Project Soapbox is an empowering initiative at PS 971 that encourages students in grades 3-5 (next year it will be for grades K-5) to find and raise their voices on the issues that matter most to them. Through this program, students identify topics they are passionate about, research their chosen issues, and deliver compelling speeches to advocate for change. Our finalist will be participating in the district’s Project Soapbox.

PS 971 is a member of the Rising NY Road Runners.  Our goal is to encourage kids to move and inspire them to build skills, confidence, and the desire to be physically active for life. As a healthy living school, we will inspire our students to join the after school running club and participate in the 1 mile races offered by the New York Road Runners. 

PS 971’s Green Team improves sustainability through projects, awareness, and actions. The Green Team will  meet weekly, during their lunch and recess,  to help facilitate and implement projects that support the sustainability initiative. The Green Team will consist of 4th and 5th graders who are dedicated to helping improve and foster environmental stewardship in our school. 

Students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through hands-on activities, exciting challenges, and creative projects. From building bridges to coding games, the STEAM Team inspires curiosity, teamwork, and a love for learning.

All classes in grades K-5 will be enriching their curriculum through scheduled trips that enhance students’ experience with the curriculum being studied. Stay tuned as the year progresses to receive news of the exciting places that your child will be visiting, with your permission. Please be reminded that The Department of Education protocol will be followed for all trips. This protocol requires that a written consent  (PS 971 and DOE permission slip) must be on file prior to the trip.