PS 121 Nelson A Rockefeller Home

Principal’s Message

Hello 121 Families!
 
Happy October! I don’t know how everyone else is feeling, but it seems like September just flew by! Thank you all for your support in what has been a smooth start to the 2024-25 school year. We have a big October for students and families at PS/IS 121. Make sure to check your calendars – there are several October holidays on which students do not have school. Also don’t forget that there is no school on Friday, November 1 in celebration of Diwali. We have a few of my favorite 121 events coming up this month, starting with Science Saturday on 10/19! Bring your family and friends out for what should be a very fun morning at the school. The following week (10/21), we have cultural unity night! We hold this event in October every year as a way for families to come in, meet each other, and share a meal that includes foods from all over the world. We hope to see you at both events as we continue to build our 121 community. The other very important thing coming up that it’s never too early to start thinking about is November 7 parent-teacher conferences. 11/7 will be a half-day for students, and all parents will have the chance to schedule a conference with their child’s teachers in either the afternoon (12:30- 2:30) or evening (4:30-7:30). These conferences are a great way to get to know your child’s teacher and hear about how things are going in the classroom!
 
Science Saturday!
Mark your calendars – Science Saturday will take place on Saturday, October 19 from 10:00am to 1:00pm, rain or shine (we move activities indoors if it is raining) We have a great line up of things planned between teacher stations, the PTA, the NYPD (bringing back the climbing tower!) and some outside guests (live animal learning sessions!). Ms. Stangarone is also organizing a costume exchange, so if you have any old costumes you have outgrown, please bring them out! This is one of my favorite events of the year! Please mark your calendars and come on out – we hope to see you and your families there.
 
Cultural Unity Night
Cultural Unity Night will take place on 10/21 from 4:30-6:30pm. Cultural Unity Night is a “Potluck” event we hold every year where many families bring in food that represents their culture. Everyone has the chance to bring out their families to eat, talk, and hopefully try something new!
 
November Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, November 7. There are 2 sessions – afternoon (12:30-2:30) and evening (4:30-7:30). These conferences are important times to hear about your child’s progress and to talk about what is happening in class. You will get more information about scheduling a conference in the coming weeks, but please make sure to save the date!
 
NYCSA Accounts
The DOE is moving away from paper and more toward “online” communication.  Lots of communication from both the DOE Central Offices and from PS/IS 121 will take place through the NYCSA account this year.  PLEASE make sure to check in with Ms. Ottombrino ([email protected]), our Parent Coordinator, if you have any issues accessing account.  ___________________________________________________________________________________________
BLUE Card Reminder
 
Please add anyone who will be picking up your child to the child’s blue card at the start of the year!  
We hate to have to bother you about it, but making sure every child gets home safely at the end of each day is our #1 priority.

Recent News

Amira Learning logo with an outline of a book

Amira Summer Learning!

This year, our school has partnered with Amira Learning in support of our K-5 readers. Amira is a digital reading tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to listen to students read and coach them through new reading skills!
Rainbow swirls with multicolored text: Celebrating Pride Month

Celebrating Pride Month

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! Since it was first recognized on a federal level in 1999, Pride Month has served as a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ pioneers who fought for equality through art, culture, civic action, community service, and more.
Summer Rising 2024

Summer Rising Applications

Summer Rising 2024 is a partnership between New York City Public Schools and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). Summer Rising is free and available to all NYC students in grades K-8, pending seat availability.
Respect for All Week

Respect for All Week

The NYCDOE is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from harassment, intimidation and/or bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination on account of actual or perceived race, color, age, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship/immigration status, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, or weight.
FREE Meals for ALL!

School Meals - Family Inquiry Form

You do not need to apply for your child to receive meals. However, we do ask families to complete Family Income Inquiry Form, which helps schools receive money for their programs.

Vision and Mission Statement

The Nelson A. Rockefeller Magnet School of Applied Life Sciences provides an experiential learning environment that encourages students to think critically and work collaboratively in order to solve problems.