In Our Schools Today

Students across City watch inauguration of Barack Obama

Students at PS 205 in Brooklyn watch the inauguration of Barack Obama with
Schools Chancellor Joel Klein

Chancellor Klein went back to his childhood elementary school, PS 205 in Brooklyn, to watch the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States with current students and teachers.

Before President Obama and Vice President Biden took their oaths of office, the Chancellor talked to more than 300 students about the historical significance of electing the nation's first African-American president.

"The election showed us that no dream is out of reach," he said. "Background, race, gender, and age are no longer roadblocks to our

students aiming for and achieving any goal. Inauguration Day is an invaluable demonstration of this new reality.”

He also asked students what they would like to see President Obama accomplish as America's new leader.

“I would like President Obama to give money and houses to those that are poor and hurt,” third-grader Luka Arsenishvili said.

Classmate Christian Pokrzywa said he would like Obama to focus on helping immigrants.

“There are a lot of people moving to America from outside of the country and President Obama should make sure that all of these people have places to live,” he said.

At PS 205, students in grades three through five gathered in the auditorium to watch the inauguration on television. Nearly 1,200 New York City schools watched the inauguration live and the DOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning created a special Inauguration Day curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students.

PS 205 math teacher, Marybeth Hyland, said, "In their little lives, this is a major experience for our students that will stay with them the rest of their lives. Having Chancellor Klein here makes this day that much more special for the kids.”

If you have a story about a NYC school or student, e-mail us at MyStory@schools.nyc.gov .
Please include a photo with your story. Photos of students require a signed media consent form , which you can fax to (212) 374-5584.

About Us Academics Choices & Enrollment Schools in the Community Offices & Programs Rules & Policies Student Support, Safety & Activities Performance & Accountability	In Our Schools Today Students across City watch inauguration of Barack Obama Students at PS 205 in Brooklyn watch the inauguration of Barack Obama with Schools Chancellor Joel Klein Chancellor Klein went back to his childhood elementary school, PS 205 in Brooklyn, to watch the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States with current students and teachers. Before President Obama and Vice President Biden took their oaths of office, the Chancellor talked to more than 300 students about the historical significance of electing the nation's first African-American president. "The election showed us that no dream is out of reach," he said. "Background, race, gender, and age are no longer roadblocks to our students aiming for and achieving any goal. Inauguration Day is an invaluable demonstration of this new reality.” He also asked students what they would like to see President Obama accomplish as America's new leader. “I would like President Obama to give money and houses to those that are poor and hurt,” third-grader Luka Arsenishvili said. Classmate Christian Pokrzywa said he would like Obama to focus on helping immigrants. “There are a lot of people moving to America from outside of the country and President Obama should make sure that all of these people have places to live,” he said. At PS 205, students in grades three through five gathered in the auditorium to watch the inauguration on television. Nearly 1,200 New York City schools watched the inauguration live and the DOE’s Office of Teaching and Learning created a special Inauguration Day curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students. PS 205 math teacher, Marybeth Hyland, said, "In their little lives, this is a major experience for our students that will stay with them the rest of their lives. Having Chancellor Klein here makes this day that much more special for the kids.” If you have a story about a NYC school or student, e-mail us at MyStory@schools.nyc.gov . Please include a photo with your story. Photos of students require a signed media consent form , which you can fax to (212) 374-5584.