Additional Enrichment
Chess at PS11 and Chess in the Schools
Chess-in-the-Schools is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to improving academic performance and building self-esteem among school children through chess. A visiting chess teacher comes to 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms once a week, teaching students the rules and strategies of the game. Students then play against an opponent to practice their newly learned skills. Students are taught to be analytic thinkers, motivated learners, critical problem solvers, to think before they move, to take pride in their accomplishments and to be graceful winners AND losers.
When students get to a higher level of chess play they are invited to join the PS11 Chess Team. The team meets on Tuesdays and Fridays and goes to team competitions throughout the city on Saturdays and holidays. We are proud that the PS11 Chess Team has placed in National chess tournaments and has now won the City Council Cup, twice.
The program is curently coordinated by Mr. Fier. There is also a chess committee of parents, this year headed by Lisa Gaye. And on Wednesday as part of the PS11Programs After School there is Chess Wizards, offering specially designed classes that cater to all levels of chess ability. Each child is challenged by fun games and lessons from real Wizard teachers. Go directly to PS11 Programs.
For experienced chess players you can:
CLICK HERE to download the 2011 - 2012 Friday Chess Team Permission Slip,
Or Click here to download the Tuesday Chess Club Permission Slip.
Lego Robotics
Check out the PS11 Lego Leaders!
PS11 students compete in the citywide Jr. First Lego League. In school, participating students meet a dozen times after school in sessions to research a topic (this year it's Snack Attack) and build a presentation board and Lego creation with moving parts that shows their learning and their ideas for the future. Check out the You-Tube video done for last year's celebration / competition. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqSV8hoWrTU If this link doesn't work just Google: PS11 Lego Leaders.
CookShop Classroom
In our kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms CookShop Classroom uses hands-on exploration and cooking activities to foster children’s enjoyment and consumption of healthy food, and their appreciation for good nutrition. CookShop for Families offers workshops for parents and guardians of students in schools participating in CookShop Classroom. Through simple, healthy recipes using fresh, affordable ingredients, the workshops offer the skills and knowledge needed to make CookShop part of their families’ daily lives.
Fourth Grade Camping Trip
Students travel by bus to participate in an overnight camping trip at the beautiful camping facility at the Fairview Lake YMCA in Stillwater, NJ. Students and chaperones stay overnight in one of four duplex winterized buildings. Experienced staff teach Stream Ecology, Pond Ecology, Native American History, Apple Cidering, and Maple Sugaring and more. During mealtimes, under the direction of the Food Service Manager, students take turns waiting tables, learning to take on the responsibility of serving their classmates.
Fifth Grade Overnight Trip
This tour to our Nation’s capital includes visits to Washington DC’s famous monuments, the National Archives and the Museum of History. This trip is a culminating activity and part of the Social Studies curriculum designed by the fifth grade teachers, reinforcing students’ understanding of the function of the U. S. Government and History of the country. Students travel to by bus, arriving in time for lunch on day one. Overnight accommodations are provided by Hostelling International.
Lunch Leaders
Fourth and fifth grade students participate in our community by volunteering once a week to assist with either the kindergarten or first grade lunch. The upper grade students serve as table monitors and role models for the primary classes by promoting the PS11 Community Standards during their regularly assigned lunch and recess.
Farm Market
The PS11 Farm Market has been in operation since June 2008. As members of the Chelsea CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), PS11 receives fruits and vegetables from Stoneledge Farm, a 90 acre, certified organic farm located in the foothills of the Northern Catskills. The market is run by 3rd grade students. The students learn about healthy eating, good nutrition, agriculture and local foods, as well as learn how to make change, weigh & sort produce and interact with the community. The market operates Wednesday mornings from 8am to 11am in front of PS11 from mid-June through late November.
Gardening
The mission of the PS11 Garden is to provide students with a learning environment where they can connect with the natural world. The PS11 Garden is a beautiful and healthy addition to our school. Its physical presence provides quiet and refreshing environment just outside of the cafeteria and adjacent to the students’ play space.