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, children, teachers and administrators - in promoting a culture of respect, social justice, equity and openness in our school community. 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!
2020 Summer Engagement Kit is Here!
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
Treats for Change raised over $1000 for various social justice causes!
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.
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.
The Book of the Month Program
June's theme is LGBTQIA. The books can be purchased from our Amazon Wish list. Remember to use the P.S. 39 Amazon Smile link for all your amazon purchases! If you own any of these books or would like to purchase them to be donated to the classroom, please contact Karen Herskowitz.
June's theme is LGBTQIA. The books can be purchased from our Amazon Wish list. Remember to use the P.S. 39 Amazon Smile link for all your amazon purchases! If you own any of these books or would like to purchase them to be donated to the classroom, please contact Karen Herskowitz.
K/1st: Introducing Teddy: A Story About Being Yourself by Jessica Walton
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Dialogue & Drinks
Dialogue & Drinks will meet via zoom (RSVP to diversity@ps39.org for zoom link) on September 15th at 8:30pm. This month's book is A Burning by Megha Majumdar
For readers of Tommy Orange, Yaa Gyasi, and Jhumpa Lahiri, an electrifying debut novel about three unforgettable characters who seek to rise—to the middle class, to political power, to fame in the movies—and find their lives entangled in the wake of a catastrophe in contemporary India.
Jivan is a Muslim girl from the slums, determined to move up in life, who is accused of executing a terrorist attack on a train because of a careless comment on Facebook. PT Sir is an opportunistic gym teacher who hitches his aspirations to a right-wing political party, and finds that his own ascent becomes linked to Jivan's fall. Lovely--an irresistible outcast whose exuberant voice and dreams of glory fill the novel with warmth and hope and humor--has the alibi that can set Jivan free, but it will cost her everything she holds dear.
For readers of Tommy Orange, Yaa Gyasi, and Jhumpa Lahiri, an electrifying debut novel about three unforgettable characters who seek to rise—to the middle class, to political power, to fame in the movies—and find their lives entangled in the wake of a catastrophe in contemporary India.
Jivan is a Muslim girl from the slums, determined to move up in life, who is accused of executing a terrorist attack on a train because of a careless comment on Facebook. PT Sir is an opportunistic gym teacher who hitches his aspirations to a right-wing political party, and finds that his own ascent becomes linked to Jivan's fall. Lovely--an irresistible outcast whose exuberant voice and dreams of glory fill the novel with warmth and hope and humor--has the alibi that can set Jivan free, but it will cost her everything she holds dear.
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 More Info on Where, When and How on Protests 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: Do the Work: 30 Day Racial Justice Challenge (August 15-September 30) Race Forward’s Building Racial Equity Virtual Training Series DoNYC's Virtual Workshops and Events on Racial Equity and Solidarity 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 Frederick Douglass' Decendants Deliver his Fourth of July Speech 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 This Paradigm Shift Could Stop Racism: Robin D’Angelo |
Resources
Talking to Kids About Social Justice: Let us Also Talk to our Kids About Microagressions The Problem With Kindness: SEL & the Death of George Floyd Embrace.org : 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids about Race Tolerance.org: Teaching Kindness Isn't the Same as Teaching Justice Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk about Race: Resource Roundup The Center for Racial Justice's Guide to Talking to Kids About Race New Victory Theater's New Website - free performance art based resources The New York Times' Interactive Stories and Projects on Race Adult Resources: Conscious Kid's great resource on 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? National Museum of African American History & Culture Talking about Race Act To Change: Solidarity Resources A Friend Shared Their Journey Regarding Racism and Whiteness: And Lots and Lots of Resources When Kids March: A View From a Local Teacher Park Slope Parents Understanding Race in Today’s Times |
Book Lists
Schomburg Center Black Liberation Reading List
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
Schomburg Center Black Liberation Reading List
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
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
Check out the Black Vision Collective
Color of Change helps to do something real about Injustice
Black Theatre United
Equal Justice Initiative
Teaching Tolerance
NAACP
The Conscious Kid
Embrace Race
SURJ NYC
Black Women’s Blueprint
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.
Shop Local, Black Owned Stores and Check Out Black Owned Brooklyn
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
Check out the Black Vision Collective
Color of Change helps to do something real about Injustice
Black Theatre United
Equal Justice Initiative
Teaching Tolerance
NAACP
The Conscious Kid
Embrace Race
SURJ NYC
Black Women’s Blueprint
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.
Shop Local, Black Owned Stores and Check Out Black Owned Brooklyn
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.
You are not your Child’s Teacher
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.
You are not your Child’s Teacher
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.
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Community Supports
What's New
Download our latest newsletter! Join us at D&I PS 39 Committee Meetings - Continuing Through the Summer! Upcoming D&I Meeting Schedule Outreach Committee Meetings: Thursdays at 7pm Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 833 559 486 Password: 615849 |
PS 15 Partnership
Please join us in our partnership with PS15 in Red Hook. About 30% of families at our local elementary school PS15 are without wifi, devices and/or educational supports. Students need our resources. The school is asking for:
PS 39 Welcome Dinner a Success!
Over 350 members of the PS 39 community came together on Saturday, September 15th to welcome our children back to school and celebrate our families and our cultural diversity with favorite foods. Read more... District 15 Diversity Plan Passes! Read about efforts to diversity middle schools in our district here. From the DOE / City Council Equity & Diversity in Schools for ALL (NYC DOE plan) 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; prepare students for rigor and independent learning, develop students’ abilities to connect across lines of difference; elevate historically marginalized voices; and empower students as agents of social change. |
In the News:
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.