On Saturday, March 11th, P.S./I.S. 109 hosted an amazing event for the school and surrounding community. It may have started as a rainy Saturday, but it wasn’t long before golden rays of sunshine beamed down on this community educational beacon, both literally and figuratively. The event, co-hosted by State Senator Kevin Parker, Councilwoman Farah Louis and the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., made sure that fun learning experiences were had by all.
Staff, students’ families and community representatives were present and engaged in a day full of excitement. After an inspirational welcome message was delivered by State Senator Parker and Councilwoman Louis, guests participated in sessions that included discussion panels and workshops on a variety of relevant topics.
The theme of the event was “Supporting, Serving and Empowering Youth educationally, civically, socially, physically and emotionally.” There were workshops for youngsters that ran the gamut from College/Career Planning, Social Media Branding and Youth Development to Mindful Thinking/Decision Making and Hair Care 101, as well as many others.
Workshops for adults included Job Search Techniques, Cardio Health, Physical Health and Investing, to name a few. There were representatives from organizations such as The Brooklyn Public Library, Summer Youth Employment Program, Project Reach Youth (NYU), the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Wells Fargo, as well as many others. These representatives educated attendees and provided information to contribute to the well-being of the community. P.S. 109 staff hosted a workshop for families new to the country on how to navigate DOE systems such as NYCSA, GAM and Google classroom, as an initiative of the school’s newly minted Dream Squad. Dream Squads across NYC commit to work together to design, implement and sustain a welcoming school environment for immigrant students and families, where students can thrive regardless of race, language, country of birth and/or immigration status.
The P.S./I.S. 109 Parent-Teacher Association hosted a fun activity for younger children. Led by PTA President Leslie-Ann Torres, the youngest of attendees participated in a painting activity where they created a beautiful sunset. Not one to let the kiddos have all the fun, Principal Bertrand could be spotted taking his turn at a creation that could rival that of Basquiat. Laughs and joy were had by those both young and old. Guests were entertained as they enjoyed a nutritious lunch with a rousing performance by the “22 Degrees Step Team” of Eta Nu Sigma Brooklyn Alumnae chapter, and the event concluded with prizes and giveaways.
Overall, the event was well-received by those in attendance and those volunteering to serve the community. Attendees left with knowledge and resources to help support families academically, financially, socially, emotionally and physically. We look forward to more amazing events that welcome the community in the future.
P.S./I.S. 109 is located at 1001 East 45th Street.
