Curriculum

The core curriculum of PS11 mirrors the New York State Education Department frame­work, which includes a well planned out and enriched instructional program.  Our curricu­lum incorporates a hands-on, discovery approach to learning.  Creative problem solving, divergent thinking, research, independent study and self-evaluation are all enforced in each classroom. Curriculum orientations begin in late September.  During the orientation, your child’s teachers will introduce themselves and share the year’s activities with you.  This is not a Parent-Teacher conference and you will not be given private time to talk with the teacher about your child.  You will, however, have an opportunity to ask general questions about the curriculum.

Math

enVison MATH Program is the primary vehicle for math instruction in the school.  This curriculum is implemented during a 75-minute math block for 1st – 5th grades.  A full-time math coach supports the effective implementation of the curriculum through focused, on-site math professional development.

Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum at PS11 is based on the New York State Education Department’s core curriculum that focuses on the history of the United States and New York State, world history, geography and economics.

Literacy

English Language Arts (ELA) instruction implements a Balanced Literacy approach which consists of: interactive read aloud, independent/paired, guided reading, literacy centers, literature circles, genre study, author study, word study, the writing process and teacher/student reading and writing conferences.

Arts

PS11’s art program offers instrumental music, chorus, marching band and visual arts. All teachers follow the Blueprint Curriculum for Teaching and Learning in the Arts.  Additionally, partnerships with Mark Morris Dance Group, the New York Philharmonic and Arts Horizons among other programs have been forged.

Field Trips

Curriculum is enriched throughout the year with many field trips.  Children cannot leave the building without the parent’s or guardian’s written consent.  You will be asked to sign a blanket permission slip for neighborhood walking trips for the whole year.  For other trips, you will be asked to sign a permission slip specific to that trip.  Parents are welcome to help chaperon.  The teacher or class parent will contact you about accompanying the class.  Some trips are free; other trips require a modest fee.  No child is excluded for lack of ability to pay.  Please inform your child’s teacher, the parent coordinator or the principal if you cannot pay for the cost of a field trip.  Children receiving free or reduced cost lunch will receive a school lunch for field trips when necessary.

Report Cards and Grading

Report cards are issued three times a year, in November, March and June, for students in the 1st through 5th grades. Kindergarten students receive two progress reports, one in November and again in June.  We encourage you to respond and sign in the area provided for parent input and return them promptly.  Pre-K students do not receive report cards but will learn about their child’s progress during parent-teacher conferences.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in November and March.  At these individual conferences parents discuss their child’s academic progress with the teachers.  In addition, parents are invited to observe their child’s class and school during Open School Week in November.  If there are special problems or situations that require discussion or if you simply have questions or concerns, you do not need to wait until the scheduled conferences; feel free to make an appointment with your child’s teacher.  You can do this by sending a note to the teacher with your name, telephone number and available times via the red folder.

The Principal, Assistant Principal, Guidance Counselors and Parent Coordinator are also available to meet with parents.  Call the office at 718-638-2661 to arrange an appointment.

Homework and Homework Help

The purpose of homework is to meaningfully reinforce learning, responsibility and critical thinking.  To this end, our teachers try to make all assignments purposeful and related to class activities, as well as to individual interest, needs and abilities.  As a parent, your role is to ensure that homework is being completed on time, thoroughly and neatly so that teachers can focus on helping students master the content.

Parents can offer assistance in the following ways:

• Schedule a specific time and place daily for homework assignments
• Provide a quiet space without distractions for your child
• Confer with the teacher if your child is unclear about assignments
• Make sure your child has necessary supplies, books and other materials required for their assignments
• Discuss your child’s homework regularly with their teacher
• Provide guidance on how to arrive at answers for their assignments
• Check your child’s assignments daily for neatness and completion
• Encourage your child to read and write for enjoyment daily, and parents are also encouraged to read with their child
• Use local resources to enhance and enrich your child’s assignments such as trips to the library, museum or historical society

The following resources offer free homework help to students and parents:

HomeworkNYC: An online collection of resources on every school subject, powered by New York City’s Public Libraries: New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library. Participants must sign up for a free account.

Dial-A-Teacher: 212-777-3380, Free help with Math, Reading, Writing, and Science homework from a NYC teacher over the phone.
Dial-A-Teacher online

Live Homework Help

Standardized Tests

Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are required to take standardized city and state tests in several subject areas yearly.

Students’ performance on these standardized tests, as well as a collection of school work and teacher observation, is used to determine if students have met the criteria for promo­tion to the next grade. The standardized test results are reported as scale scores and performance levels. The performance levels are:

• Level 1 - performing far below the learning standards
• Level 2 - performing below the learning standards
• Level 3 - meeting the learning standards
• Level 4 - exceeding the learning standards

Please note: Students who perform at a Level 1 are mandated to attend summer school, where they will have another opportunity to meet the standards for their particular grade.