PS 17 students at the Apple store

PS 17 Henry D. Woodworth

Address: 208 North 5th Street
Website: www.ps17k.org

In addition to the core curriculum, each year, PS 17 students study the U.S. Constitution and the election process. Principal Robert Marchi noted, “This year is particularly exciting as it is a Presidential election year. The first trimester will feature a school-wide interdisciplinary (social studies through literacy and math) examination of the duties of the office of President […] and the Vice President.” Grades one through five will also be able to vote for the next U.S. president in a school-wide election, where they will learn the electoral process first-hand. PS 17 also boasts the comprehensive Red Robin Library, where a number of educational events are held throughout the year. Students can take part in the school’s literacy-based enrichment program entitled, “Learning in the Library.” There, they develop reading and writing skills as they study in small groups. Finally, the school boasts a strong music program spanning all grades. Entitled “The Brain and Music,” the children become engaged by learning basic music theory, how to read music, and how to play the piano.

PS 17 hosts several field trips each year. This past school year, the “Learning in the Library” students took a trip to the Apple Store on 57th Street, where the Apple staff helped them edit videos they had made at school. This helped the kids develop their computer literacy skills as they became mini filmmakers. For parents interested in getting involved at the school, the PTA holds a number of events throughout the year, including Fun Fundraising Fridays and Rafflemania.

Principal Marchi feels that the school’s concentration on politics (such as the mock student elections of the U.S. president) exemplifies just why parents should choose the Northside school for their children. “We believe that this emphasis on citizenship and leadership is a program unique to PS 17,” Marchi said. “With the strong commitment by our talented and dedicated teaching staff and access to a superb Robin Hood library, we think that this initiative is only one of many reasons why a parent should enthusiastically send their child to PS 17.”

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