WELCOME!
What is the PS17 Wellness Council?
A School Wellness Council is a group of parents, students, school staff, and community members who work together and with the school administration to promote a healthy school community. Your Council is a subcommittee of the school's PTA and has been in existence since 2018.
To learn more about the goals and recommendations of our school's Wellness Policy, which closely mirror DOE policy, and were adopted by the school in 2022, check out the slides below.
We meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7pm via Zoom. We post the links on the PTA Facebook page and in Class Dojo. You can also reach out to us at ps17wellness at gmail.com for a calendar invite.
CURRENT INITIATIVES
Food Scrap Drop Off
UPDATE - This program is sadly, no longer running. We are however, trying to boost awareness and participation ion the city wide curbside compost program. Find out more HERE:
Food scraps account for approximately 17% of all materials disposed of in NYC. Together with neighborhood organics collection, these efforts turn a sizable chunk of waste into a valuable and useful product.
As a zero waste school we feel this partnership highlights for students the connection between our actions at home, the garden and climate change.
For more information on the city wide curbside compost program, click through here.
Flamenco Vivo Residency
For the second year, we're bringing the power of Flamenco to PS17 students! Residencies begin with an interactive performance by the professional company for the entire school to enjoy, followed by a series of in-depth classes that culminate with a student performance!
Be sure to see a performance of our 1st grade students at our Earth Day celebration in April.
This program aligns with BluePrint and Common Core Standards in Dance, Language Arts, History, and Social Science. Our programs are tailored to your students, with targeted services for Multilingual Learners and Students with Disabilities.
Connected Chef -Lifeline Grocery
Please consider signing up for Connected Chef, a weekly (or bi-weekly) high-quality and local grocery service that can either be picked up at PS17 or delivered to your home (for a small additional fee).
When we have 20 subscribers, 5 members of our school community will receive a no-cost box.
The nutrient-dense groceries that The Connected Chef distributes comes 80% from local farms and distributors in the NY, NJ, PA area. We believe that reconnecting with where our food comes from is the first step towards food sovereignty for all communities.
If you have any questions please contact our Connected Chef school coordinator Liz Alvarez, [email protected]
To sign up for the waiting list for a no cost box, visit this link.
Want to stay in touch? Sign up for our newsletter and get updates from our meetings, opportunities to volunteer, ways to get involved and more! Sign up here!
IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS
IN THE CLASSROOM
Donate a book to the classroom or school library with the child's name and date. Younger kids can ask the teacher to read the book or maybe get a special visit from a parent to read to the classroom.
Donate a game for your child's classroom.
Parents can also join the class for a sharing activity, like a birthday timeline, birthday book or make a craft using a theme from the story.
Other ideas:
Birthday Word Search or Printable Games
Playdoh or Silly Putty
Notepad and Pencil or Crayons
Stickers
Bubbles
Jump ropes
Our neighbors at Jewels of Buddha have donated Tibetan singing bowls for our PreK and Kindergarten classes and are helping us source 45 more bowls to outfit every classroom at PS17!
Please check out this unique boutique for beautiful gifts from the Himalayas and South Asia!
Check out our current opportunities and
Awards, Events, and Funded Projects
Since 2018:
- Water Bottle Refill Station
- Rock Climber in Courtyard
- After School Garden Club
- Professional Development for Teachers
- Garden Shed
- Indoor Plant Stand
- Plant Workshops with QBG
- Garden Irrigation System
- Environmental Science Materials
- Basketball Backboard and Hoop
- Sports Equipment
- Flamenco Internship
- Earth Day Festivals 2022-23
- Health and Nutrition Books
- Curriculum for Classes and Library
- Classes for students in Capoeira, Hip Hop Dance, Plant Based Cooking, Yoga and Mindfulness
- Tibetan Singing Bowls for Classrooms
Nutrition
100 Days of Real Food - Recipes and Strategies for Reducing Processed Foods
Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen - Guides for Reducing Pesticide Exposure on Produce
Coming SOON
Help For Picky Eaters
Lunch and Snack Ideas
Meditation and Mindfulness Resources
More...
Can you help?
Do you work for a company that might be able to donate materials, funds, or services?
*GOODS:
Healthy snacks
Playground Equipment - jump ropes, balls, hula hoops, therabands
*SERVICES:
Parents who can post to social media tips 1x weekly.
Assistance applying for and fulfilling grant requirements (It's easier than it sounds!)
BEFORE YOU GO!
If you haven't already, won't you sign up for our newsletter and get updates from our meetings, opportunities to volunteer, ways to get involved and more? We only message a few times a month at most and promise not to clog up your inbox!
