A Community of Learners Working Together for Outstanding Student Achievement

PS 199 is a community of learners working together for outstanding student achievement.  Our school is driven by a desire to maximize the potential of all its students.  We do this by carefully monitoring and analyzing a wide range of data so that we may understand where our students are in their learning and development.  We then set rigorous challenging learning goals for each student and support them to achieve those goals.

As a Pre-K to 5 School in the Midwood section of  Brooklyn , PS 199 is proud of its rich cultural diversity.  In recent years, Midwood has seen an influx of immigrants, weaving a beautiful tapestry of culture and ethnic backgrounds from which our school draws strength and inspiration.

Curriculum

Literacy  — PS 199 believes that a balanced literacy approach builds strong, life-long literacy in all students.  Beginning in September 2009, our school will participate in the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project of Columbia University.  Through the  Reading  and Writing Workshop students become independent readers, writers and thinkers — necessary skills to become life-long learners.  In grades K to 1, Fundations is the basis for phonics and word study.

Math  — The MacMillan/McGraw Hill Math Program in Grades K to 2 and the Houghton-Mifflin Program in Grades 3 to 5 provide students with a strong foundation in basic math skills.  The Everyday Math Program is used to supplement these programs.  Students use manipulatives and math games to learn to solve complex problems and apply math concepts to situations they face in their daily lives.

Science  —  PS 199 students receive science instruction from two full-time science teachers.  Teachers use the Full Option System (FOSS) along with textbooks from McGraw Hill and trade book libraries from Scholastic to provide instruction aligned with  New York  State standards and New York City’s Scope and Sequence.

Social Studies  — Our school follows New York State Standards and the New York City Core Curriculum to provide all students with an academically rigorous program.  Students explore the essential questions of communities, geography, economics, government and history and how they affect our world and our lives.  PS 199 also has an active Fifth Grade Debate Team which explores current events issues such as gun control.

Technology  — All classes in Grades K through 5 receive weekly instruction by a trained technology teacher.  The aim of the program is to provide students with a broad range of computer skills that can be used to enhance life-long learning.  More and more, technology is being used to support student achievement and is integrated into classroom lessons and activities.  Teachers and students frequently and actively use SmartBoards, the Internet, interactive games and presentation software such as PowerPoint to enhance learning and student engagement.