At PS 39, we are committed to a culture of inclusion, respect, social justice, and equity. We encourage all members of the community to explore topics and issues relating to diversity and inclusion. By doing so, we develop a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges we face as we are raising the next generation of socially responsible citizens.
PS 39's Diversity & Inclusion Committee was created to engage the entire school community - parents, caregivers, children, teachers and administrators - in promoting a culture of respect, social justice, equity and openness. We are committed to engaging in this work with respect, curiosity, authenticity and vulnerability. We seek to build community and partnerships and maintain accountability to ourselves, our families and school in the process. We welcome parents, teachers and administrators to join us!
Download our latest Newsletter!
Rock Painting Event
Please join us on Thursday, October 22nd from 2pm - 3:30pm on 8th Street (closer to 6th Ave) to create signs, paint rocks, and display these messages on our school fence.
We will have some supplies for families to create and hang posters, along with paint pens and markers. We also encourage families to be creative with recycled materials and bring supplies and artwork created at home to display on the fence.
Volunteers are needed to help with monitoring moving cars as well as event activity. If you are available to help/provide supplies (rocks, poster board, markers, etc.), please let us know in our Volunteer Form.
We will have some supplies for families to create and hang posters, along with paint pens and markers. We also encourage families to be creative with recycled materials and bring supplies and artwork created at home to display on the fence.
Volunteers are needed to help with monitoring moving cars as well as event activity. If you are available to help/provide supplies (rocks, poster board, markers, etc.), please let us know in our Volunteer Form.
Planning for the 2020-2021 School Year
D&I has started collecting stakeholder feedback, and compiling it into a community support document of activities and resources for the time students are not in school. This document contains information on the needs and capacities of our community members (parents, caregivers, siblings) to assist with after school activities for kids, ideas for socialization outside of school, ways to volunteer your time with our kids, etc. It is a living document, so we need your feedback. We are looking for the concerns and needs of all families in the remote learning space, as well as feedback from parents and caregivers on ways they might be able to support each other outside of school.
PS39 COMMUNITY SUPPORT DOCUMENT
Masks for All
The Coronavirus has created a school year unlike any other. For the ‘20-’21 school year, the PS 39 mask initiative aims to provide a reusable fabric facemask to any student or staff member. We are starting with PS 39, but are looking to build partnerships with other schools to make sure everyone is protected. We believe that every person who wants a reusable mask should have access to one.
We are seeking to build an army of sewers and crafters to construct masks and ear savers. There are also many other ways to participate in the initiative without having to craft a thing.
If you are interested in participating, please click fill out our Interest Form.
You can also email Lesa Rozmarek at masks@ps39.org
The Coronavirus has created a school year unlike any other. For the ‘20-’21 school year, the PS 39 mask initiative aims to provide a reusable fabric facemask to any student or staff member. We are starting with PS 39, but are looking to build partnerships with other schools to make sure everyone is protected. We believe that every person who wants a reusable mask should have access to one.
We are seeking to build an army of sewers and crafters to construct masks and ear savers. There are also many other ways to participate in the initiative without having to craft a thing.
If you are interested in participating, please click fill out our Interest Form.
You can also email Lesa Rozmarek at masks@ps39.org
Go Vote! Or Mail it in!
Did you know… You can vote by mail or in person BEFORE November 3rd! Brooklyn Voting Guide.
There are 3 options for voting in the upcoming election:
Did you know… You can vote by mail or in person BEFORE November 3rd! Brooklyn Voting Guide.
There are 3 options for voting in the upcoming election:
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Vote by Mail Early
Absentee Voting Apply for an absentee ballot. Everyone is eligible to vote by mail. Check the temporary illness (covid-19) box when applying. Then Track your Ballot. *October 9th: last day to register to vote or postmark your voter registration form. |
Vote in Person Early
Early Voting Information Saturday October 24 - Sunday November 1 To find your early voting and/or election day polling place and times of operation, enter your address into Find My Pollsite. *Note: Your regular polling place and early voting site may not be the same locations. Please confirm through the voter lookup. |
Vote On Election Day
November 3rd, 6 am - 9 pm Voters are assigned to one poll site only. Enter your NYC address HERE to find your Election Day poll site. *October 9th: last day to register to vote or postmark your voter registration form. |
The Book of the Month Program
October's theme is Being an Upstander/Anti-Bullying. The books can be purchased from local, independent bookstore, Books are Magic. If you own any of these books or would like to purchase them to be donated to the classrooms, please contact Karen Herskowitz.
October's theme is Being an Upstander/Anti-Bullying. The books can be purchased from local, independent bookstore, Books are Magic. If you own any of these books or would like to purchase them to be donated to the classrooms, please contact Karen Herskowitz.
K/1st: Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
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Dialogue & Drinks
This month we have chosen a different medium. We will be discussing the Nice White Parents podcast.
Monday, October 26th at 8:30pm, please join us on Zoom, and enjoy some real adult conversation about this month's selection.
RSVP to diversity@ps39.org for more details.
From Serial and The New York Times: “Nice White Parents” looks at the
60-year relationship between white parents and the public school down the
block.
This month we have chosen a different medium. We will be discussing the Nice White Parents podcast.
Monday, October 26th at 8:30pm, please join us on Zoom, and enjoy some real adult conversation about this month's selection.
RSVP to diversity@ps39.org for more details.
From Serial and The New York Times: “Nice White Parents” looks at the
60-year relationship between white parents and the public school down the
block.
Guidance on donating DOE food stipends
(P-EBT)
Every family with children in the NYC public schools will be receiving a $420 food stipend per child -- this is a program to help buy food, especially for families for whom school breakfasts and lunches were essential. You might see or hear it called the P-EBT.
If you are in the fortunate position to have food security and wish to donate your $420 food stipend to families that are food insecure, there are a few ways to do it.
Wearing a Mask is Anti-Racist
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A Note from D&I
It is important that we address the atrocities that have been in the forefront of the news. The D&I committee is dedicated to creating an inclusive community of respect and equity and it is vital that we, both individually and as a school, address the racism that has permeated this country for far too long. It is not enough for us to express outrage at the murder of George Floyd or the ingrained racism shown in Amy Cooper’s privilege, we must offer families in our community ways to take action, to show up for racial justice. We have work to do. We need families to stand up as anti-racist--with actions, not just words. Here are some resources focused on talking about the current injustices, and ways in which families can actively combat racism.
It is important that we address the atrocities that have been in the forefront of the news. The D&I committee is dedicated to creating an inclusive community of respect and equity and it is vital that we, both individually and as a school, address the racism that has permeated this country for far too long. It is not enough for us to express outrage at the murder of George Floyd or the ingrained racism shown in Amy Cooper’s privilege, we must offer families in our community ways to take action, to show up for racial justice. We have work to do. We need families to stand up as anti-racist--with actions, not just words. Here are some resources focused on talking about the current injustices, and ways in which families can actively combat racism.
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Events, Protests and Talks
Protests: Centralized updates on where Protests are Happening in NYC Talks: Raising Antiracist Kids: Ibram X. Kendi with Derecka Purnell TED Talks: Ibram X. Kendi: The Difference Between Being Not Racist and Anti-Racist The Brown Bookshelf Rally Tough Talks: Unpacking White Privilege & Raising Anti-Racist Children Solidarity Convos: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Black Lives PBS Special Event: Talking to Children Authentically About Race and Racism CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall on Racism Read or Listen to The 1619 Project Author Jason Reynolds Talks About Racism and Protests: Audio Workshops/Seminars: Race Forward’s Building Racial Equity Virtual Training Series DoNYC's Virtual Workshops and Events on Racial Equity and Solidarity The Ally Nudge Embrace Race Seminar: How to Make Sure I'm Not Raising the Next Amy Cooper. Original Article Here Videos: Why the Statement "All Lives Matter" is So Problematic Please Watch: Author Kimberly Jones "How Can You Win?" Video John Oliver on Defunding the Police Act.tv's Video Explanation of Systemic Racism A Conversation on Race: A series of Short Films About Identity in America |
Resources
Talking to Kids About Social Justice: Sesame Street Special: Standing Up to Racism Embrace.org : 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids about Race The Center for Racial Justice's Guide to Talking to Kids About Race Let us Also Talk to our Kids About Microagressions Pepperdine University's Confronting Prejudice : How to Protect Yourself and Help Others Tolerance.org: Teaching Kindness Isn't the Same as Teaching Justice Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk about Race: Resource Roundup New Victory Theater's New Website - free performance art based resources The New York Times' Interactive Stories and Projects on Race Adult Resources: Conscious Kids How to think about the books in your Child's Library 100 Race-Conscious Things To Say to your Child to Advance Racial Justice 13 Ways to Show up as Anti-Racist 75 things White People Can do for Racial Justice List of Resources on How to Dismantle Systemic Racism The Center for Racial Justice’s Resource Guide Get to Know Activist Jane Elliot Non-Black Folks: Self Educate and Practice Direct Action: A Working List Black Lives Matter: Now What? Act To Change: Solidarity Resources A Friend Shared Their Journey Regarding Racism and Whiteness: And Lots and Lots of Resources |
Book Lists
Anti-Racist Book List for All Ages
Read to learn and Read These Anti-Bias Children's Books With Your Kids
Corretta Scott King Book Award Winners
Here Wee Read's 2020 Book List
We Need Diverse Books Book List
NYC Black Owned Bookstores
Lee and Low Checklist: 8 Steps to Creating a Diverse Book Collection
Anti-Racist Book List for All Ages
Read to learn and Read These Anti-Bias Children's Books With Your Kids
Corretta Scott King Book Award Winners
Here Wee Read's 2020 Book List
We Need Diverse Books Book List
NYC Black Owned Bookstores
Lee and Low Checklist: 8 Steps to Creating a Diverse Book Collection
Organizations you can Support
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Support the Black Lives Movement and Protesters in NYC
Black Lives Matter: Direct Ways to Take Action Communities United for Police Reform Sign the BLM Petition to Defund the Police 135 Ways to Donate in Support of Black Lives and Communities of Color Support The Movement for Black Lives Support any number of Bail Funds Join Campaign Zero Black Theatre United Equal Justice Initiative Teaching Tolerance NAACP |
The Innocence Project exonerates those wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reforms the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.
Exodus Transitional Community (NYC) is committed to helping those formerly incarcerated from Rikers Open Hands Legal Services brings free legal services directly to community members at host non-profit organizations throughout the city. Color of Change helps to do something real about Injustice The Conscious Kid Embrace Race SURJ NYC Black Women’s Blueprint |
Shop Local, Black Owned Stores and Check Out Black Owned Brooklyn
Check out the Black Vision Collective
Check out the Black Vision Collective
Covid-19 Family Supports:
Here are some resources for the current state of our community. We have ways to help others in our community, ways to support our children, and ways to support yourselves. Choose what works for you and your family, and stay healthy, safe and engaged in our community.
Outdoor Inclusive Activites
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Supporting Our Children
Tips for Coping at Home
Childcare Assistance
Crisis Text Line
Mental Health Supports
Support for Immigrants
Live Family Supports
Webinars from NYU Langone
Child & Family Institute
Pro Bono/Donation Based Support Groups: Email childfamilyinstitute@gmail.com for more details.
Here are some resources for the current state of our community. We have ways to help others in our community, ways to support our children, and ways to support yourselves. Choose what works for you and your family, and stay healthy, safe and engaged in our community.
Outdoor Inclusive Activites
Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus
Supporting Our Children
Tips for Coping at Home
Childcare Assistance
Crisis Text Line
Mental Health Supports
Support for Immigrants
Live Family Supports
Webinars from NYU Langone
Child & Family Institute
Pro Bono/Donation Based Support Groups: Email childfamilyinstitute@gmail.com for more details.
2020 Summer Engagement Kit
Our Kit includes:
★ Free events within NYC ★ Opportunities to get involved in community outreach ★ Booklists ★ Book of the Month selections for children and adult selections for Dialogue & Drinks ★ Museum exhibits and safe social distancing activities around the city ★ A weekly Challenge to engage in learning and community ★ A Guide to Digital Citizenship ★ Mindfulness and Wellness Resources ★ Safe Social Distancing Activities ★ Resources on how to volunteer and get involved in community action ★ Black Lives Matter Resources, Events, Organizations and book Lists ★ Social Emotional Learning Resources ★ Last Looks from our Fifth Graders
★ Free events within NYC ★ Opportunities to get involved in community outreach ★ Booklists ★ Book of the Month selections for children and adult selections for Dialogue & Drinks ★ Museum exhibits and safe social distancing activities around the city ★ A weekly Challenge to engage in learning and community ★ A Guide to Digital Citizenship ★ Mindfulness and Wellness Resources ★ Safe Social Distancing Activities ★ Resources on how to volunteer and get involved in community action ★ Black Lives Matter Resources, Events, Organizations and book Lists ★ Social Emotional Learning Resources ★ Last Looks from our Fifth Graders
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Community Supports
Local Food Pantries: SCO Food Pantry CHIPS Brooklyn Museum Roots Cafe Camp Friendship Supporting the Elderly and Immunocompromised Help with Sewing Masks for donation. There are online DIY instructions. Or PS39 Parent Kim Postma at knpostma@gmail.com can help! Some other Ways to Volunteer As always, Ms. Reyes' AOK Missions are fabulous! And, here are some other great way our Kids Can Contribute |
Diversity Resources
District 15 Diversity Plan Read about efforts to diversity middle schools in our district here. From the DOE / City Council Equity & Diversity in Schools for ALL Desegregating NYC: 12 steps toward a more Inclusive city Integrate NYC A youth run organization that stands for integration and equity in NYC schools. Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework The CR-S framework helps educators create student-centered learning environments that affirm racial, linguistic and cultural identities and empower students as agents of social change. Center for Racial Justice Webinars from the Child Study Center at NYU Topics ranging from teaching kids about the internet to overcoming anxiety How to talk to your children about Disabilities and Differences Check out this website for a variety of resources: Doing Good Together |
Join us at D&I PS 39 Committee Meetings
Thursdays at 7:30pm Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 833 559 486 Password: 615849 Center for Racial Justice Parent Workshop
Here are the materials from our last workshop. Children are Not Colorblind Lens of Systemic Oppression Parents Resource Guide White Fragility - Robin DiAngelo |
Archives:
1/23/2020: Nurses, Fathers, Mothers, Teachers, Mothers. Why do We Devalue Someone the Minute They Care for Others?
12/3/19: Eight Brilliant Student Essays on Immigration and Unjust Assumptions
5/17/19: Black Girls Detail Harsh Consequences of Being Seen as Older Than Male White Peers
5/17/19: Why We Can't Afford to Leave Race Out of School Funding Conversations
2/27/19: Why Include Pronouns in Your Email Signature
2/26/19: Fashion Retailer Boden Sparks Fury with New Sexism Row
2/25/19: Interview: Robin D' Angelo
2/13/19: I'm Not here to Answer Your Black History month Questions
2/11/19: The Women Who Contributed to Science but Were Buried in the Footnotes
1/16/19: White People Assume Niceness is the Answer to Racial Inequality: It's not
1/9/19: When White People are Uncomfortable, Black People Are Silenced
11/29/18: America is Racist: So What Do We Do Now?
10/30: Every Vote Should Count: North Dakota ID Law Threatens Native
Americans' Vote in Key Senate Race
10/25: I Was a Racist Teacher and I Didn't Even Know it
10/24: Boy Talk: Breaking Masculine Stereotypes
10/15: The Rise and Fall of Affirmative Action
09/30: White Progressive Parents and the Conundrum of Privilege
09/20: De Blasio Acts on School Integration but Others Lead Charge
09/16: White People are Still Raised to be Racially Illiterate
0912: What Happened to Serena Williams at the U.S. Open Happens to Black Girls in School Every Day
09/10: Does Teacher Diversity Matter in Student Learning?
09/06: To The Non-Racist White People, Please Just Be The First
09/04: Caranza Is Ready To Approve An Integration Plan For Brooklyn Middle Schools
09/04: How Well-Intentioned White Families Can Perpetuate Racism
09/03: NYC's School Chancellor Is Talking About Integration. Can He Make It Happen?
8/29: What is Privilege?
08/27: How to use Gender-Neutral Words
08/27: Why I Came Out As Being Poor
08/24: Review: "America To Me"
08/23: De Blasio Is Stalled on School Integration, but Brooklyn Parents Have a Plan
08/02: Why White Liberals Are So Unwilling To Recognize Their Own Racism
07/01: When Children Say They Are Transgender
06/06: In a Twist, Low Score Would Earn Admission to Select Schools
Article Archive
Follow Race/Related from the NY Times
Follow Scary Mommy on Race
Follow EmbraceRace
Follow Raising Race Conscious Children
1/23/2020: Nurses, Fathers, Mothers, Teachers, Mothers. Why do We Devalue Someone the Minute They Care for Others?
12/3/19: Eight Brilliant Student Essays on Immigration and Unjust Assumptions
5/17/19: Black Girls Detail Harsh Consequences of Being Seen as Older Than Male White Peers
5/17/19: Why We Can't Afford to Leave Race Out of School Funding Conversations
2/27/19: Why Include Pronouns in Your Email Signature
2/26/19: Fashion Retailer Boden Sparks Fury with New Sexism Row
2/25/19: Interview: Robin D' Angelo
2/13/19: I'm Not here to Answer Your Black History month Questions
2/11/19: The Women Who Contributed to Science but Were Buried in the Footnotes
1/16/19: White People Assume Niceness is the Answer to Racial Inequality: It's not
1/9/19: When White People are Uncomfortable, Black People Are Silenced
11/29/18: America is Racist: So What Do We Do Now?
10/30: Every Vote Should Count: North Dakota ID Law Threatens Native
Americans' Vote in Key Senate Race
10/25: I Was a Racist Teacher and I Didn't Even Know it
10/24: Boy Talk: Breaking Masculine Stereotypes
10/15: The Rise and Fall of Affirmative Action
09/30: White Progressive Parents and the Conundrum of Privilege
09/20: De Blasio Acts on School Integration but Others Lead Charge
09/16: White People are Still Raised to be Racially Illiterate
0912: What Happened to Serena Williams at the U.S. Open Happens to Black Girls in School Every Day
09/10: Does Teacher Diversity Matter in Student Learning?
09/06: To The Non-Racist White People, Please Just Be The First
09/04: Caranza Is Ready To Approve An Integration Plan For Brooklyn Middle Schools
09/04: How Well-Intentioned White Families Can Perpetuate Racism
09/03: NYC's School Chancellor Is Talking About Integration. Can He Make It Happen?
8/29: What is Privilege?
08/27: How to use Gender-Neutral Words
08/27: Why I Came Out As Being Poor
08/24: Review: "America To Me"
08/23: De Blasio Is Stalled on School Integration, but Brooklyn Parents Have a Plan
08/02: Why White Liberals Are So Unwilling To Recognize Their Own Racism
07/01: When Children Say They Are Transgender
06/06: In a Twist, Low Score Would Earn Admission to Select Schools
Article Archive
Follow Race/Related from the NY Times
Follow Scary Mommy on Race
Follow EmbraceRace
Follow Raising Race Conscious Children
We want to hear from you! Let us know if you want to join the committee, what your interests are or what role you'd like to see the committee have with parents, children and/or teachers across a range of diversity and inclusion issues. Thank you! Please share your voice in our feedback form below.