Special Events

Circle Time

A time-honored tradition at PS#1, Circle Time is a vehicle for passing on the culture of the school, as well as exposing our students to other dimensions of culture outside the school. Students not only enjoy and learn from performances by professional artists, they also have the opportunity to create and present for a large audience something they have learned in their classrooms. For PS#1, Circle Time has been one of the most important ways that we build community and demonstrate the philosophy of our school.

Common Ground

Through many different kinds of events throughout the year (Pot Luck Dinners, Sing-a-longs, Parent Education evenings, Dialogue groups on issues of equity and justice, Family dinners, etc.), Common Ground evenings offer ways to share and celebrate the variety of life experiences that our families bring to PS#1. By beginning with our similarities we can move to celebrate our differences.

Community Service

Throughout the year, our Community Service Committee organizes wonderful opportunities for our students and their families to reach out to those in need. Students pack healthy lunches for people receiving services from Ocean Park Community Center, families donate coats, toys and other needed items to local children’s help centers and the school community provides dinner to residents of Turning Point Transitional Housing.

Book Breakfast and PJ Storytime

The first Tuesday of every month, students and their families start the day off right – with eye-opening books and yummy breakfast. Kids bring their own breakfasts and find a comfy spot in the library before being treated to a scrumptious story while they eat. Every month, a new VIR (Very Important Reader) is featured.

One Friday evening each month, PS#1 students, friends and neighbors gather together in our library for cozy stories, poetry and song. Perfect for young families, cuddly moments abound. Jammies are preferred; stuffies of all sorts are welcome.

Back to School Picnic

Our families reconnect with friends after the summer break and introduce themselves to those new to PS#1. School Faculty and Staff are there to enjoy the fun, too. There’s lots of food, of course, and students have a great time playing games.

Make New Friends Day

This is a very special morning when we welcome new students to campus to help ease them into their surroundings before the first day of school. Our second-year Youngers are on hand, practicing their mentoring skills while showing their new classmates around. They work together on arts and crafts projects, play together, and spend some time with their teachers. Fast friends are made in no time.

First Day Coffee

Ice-blendeds, cappuccinos and lattes give parents an extra bounce in their step as they spend the morning chatting with each other about the exciting year ahead. Members of the Parents Guild welcome everyone back and provide opportunities to sign up for a wealth of volunteer positions.

State of the School and Curriculum Night

Two events in one, the night begins on the Field of Dreams with a message from Head of School Joel Pelcyger and key Board and Parents Guild members regarding the focus of the current school year. Afterward, Teachers welcome parents into the classroom for an introduction to the year’s curriculum and classroom policies.

Father’s Breakfast

Fathers do the bulk of the work, but our entire community attends. One Saturday morning each Fall, our 12th Street yard is overrun by families out to have some fun. Putt putt golf, soccer and basketball games are hotly pursued and there are enough pancakes, waffles, sausages and bacon to feed a small village. The highlight of the morning? The Animal Guys bring their informative show up close and personal with an exotic, slippery, creepy-crawly “petting zoo.”

Dishversity – A Global Feast

A celebration of the diverse cultures that are represented within our school community, Dishversity is a sweet and savory PS#1 tradition. Families prepare dishes from their own family cookbooks and come together on campus to share traditions and learn more about each other. We gather together at one figurative table to celebrate our individual identities within our united school family. Multi-cultural costumes, music and dancing round out the day’s festivities.

Book Fair and Festival

This is a literature-based, week-long event that is open to the entire PS#1 community, including children and neighbors. Poetry and Prose readings, special appearances by local authors, carnival games, music, food and books galore (available for purchase and/or donation) make this Fall affair fun for the whole family.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Each year, more than 200 Grandparents and Special Friends spend time with us creating special projects, applauding student performances and sharing stories of childhood memories. This cherished PS#1 tradition is one we all look forward to, year after year.

Annual Auction

During our major fundraising event of the year, Parents, Alumni, Faculty, Staff and guests all gather together for an exciting evening each Spring. Attendees may take part in the silent or live auction and get in on the paddle-raising action of Fund-A-Need. This is one night you won’t want to miss!

Open House

Students and teachers invite PS#1 families to celebrate and appreciate some of the special work our children have done this year. We invite each family to spend ten or fifteen minutes in every classroom to get a sense of what has been achieved school-wide. Each student acts as classroom host for a portion of the evening, providing a great opportunity to shine. You are certain to be impressed.

All-School Camping Trip

A special and worthwhile experience for children, we have found that kids learn many valuable lessons in the areas of responsibility and mutual interdependence when they plan and prepare their own meals and live together with their school friends and teachers. Lots of nature study, hiking, and exploring happen during this All-School trip. It is a time when children grow toward independence while sleeping in tents under the stars.

Graduation and Moving Up Day

Viewed as a collection of mini-graduation ceremonies, each graduate takes center stage for her individual moment of glory. Teachers read words of appreciation, the Head of School says something about the graduate and his family, and parents deliver personal speeches to their child. Finally, graduates give touching, funny, and uplifting speeches before receiving their diplomas and moving on to the next part of their educational journey.

The next day, all remaining children at PS#1 are singled out for recognition by their peers in our closing day ceremony, Moving Up Day. Students enjoy listening to words of admiration, encouragement, and friendship from other children. It’s the perfect ending to an incredible year.