Enrichment Programs

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The Piano School of New York City

PSNYC teachers are highly qualified music degree professionals who instruct students in small, age-appropriate groups. Class maximum is 6 students (3 for PK). Lessons are 45 minutes (30 minutes for PK), are given on two or three days per week and are offered in 10-week cycles throughout the school year. The Spring Recitals take place at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The goal of the program is to instill curiosity and love for music, and set a strong foundation for future individual music lessons. Children are encouraged to learn basic Music & Piano Skills: introduction to piano, listening, singing, clapping, note reading & writing, music theory and appreciation, history, piano/keyboard skills, and much more. Visit their website.

Movement and Dance

Generous grants obtained by the Parents’ Association allow us to have Movement Classes for all our students in grades K-6. The P.S./I.S. 187 Dance and Movement Program provides students with a stimulating and creative program, with classes at each grade tailored to specific concepts and tasks. The internationally-acclaimed, Washington Heights based Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company is in residence at the school two full days per week to teach the classes. The 5th grade is working with the American Ballet Theater to provide cultural experience and ballet education to students.

Family Activity Night

Family Yoga Night is a gentle exercise class available to all families in the school and family members of all ages. It is offered once a month and no yoga experience is necessary. Led by a volunteer yoga teacher, who is also a parent in the school, together we explore yoga through breathing, relaxation techniques, story telling and movement games. We increase strength, flexibility, coordination, and posture. Family Yoga Night is a successful enrichment program that has been in our school since 2005, made possible by the PTA’s Fitness and Nutrition Committee.

Kindergarten Garden Program

The Bennett Park Children’s Garden program is a partnership between P.S./I.S. 187, Kindergarten parents, the Friends of Bennett Park, NYC Parks Dept., NYC Partnership for Parks, and the Washington Heights Neighborhood Association. In the Spring, for ten weeks, Kindergarten children visit the park weekly to plant flowers, watch and observe how plants grow and discover why plants, worms, and bugs are important. They also learn to appreciate our local park and develop a sense of ownership of the park.

New York Junior Tennis League

This outdoor program offers free tennis instruction, practice and play three times a week to all NYC boys and girls 6-18 years old. Trained coaches provide a comprehensive schedule of instruction, practice and play for all levels. Players develop their skills, make new friends, and learn the rules and sportsmanship of the game of tennis. Loaner racquets and balls are provided for use. The program has been offered in the spring since 2006 and has been utilizing P.S. 187’s blacktop tennis courts. Funded by the Arthur Ashe Foundation. Visit their website.

Bent On Learning Yoga Program

Since the fall of 2007, yoga classes have been offered to the school through Bent On Learning’s Adopt-a-School Program. A continuation of these classes has been made possible through fundraising and donations. In a supportive, non-competitive environment, the children will improve their physical fitness, cognitive, social and emotional skills through instruction in yoga and relaxation. Bent on Learning is a not-for-profit organization in NYC that brings yoga to NYC Public Schools. Visit their website.