School Information

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School Facilities

PS/IS 187 is comprised of one large building and a schoolyard. The building boasts a large gymnasium, a 550-seat auditorium, and a large cafeteria that serves as the hub for school activities. Elementary students visit the library once a week to borrow books and do research. Other rooms for specialized use include the Jackson/Martinez Technology Center.

Teachers

Our highly trained teaching staff gives the school a superb academic profile. 100% of our teachers are licensed by New York State and have master’s level degrees. The professional staff uses creative and innovative techniques to meet the needs of the individual child. Our teachers regularly participate in district and citywide professional development programs that allow them to test new methods and strategies in their classrooms. Coaches support teachers and facilitate the training of teachers in our curriculum.

Class Sizes

PS/IS 187’s classes in all grades are full to capacity, with a maximum of 25 students in Kindergarten, 28 in grades 1-2, and 30 students per class in grades 3-8. The administration has worked hard to keep class sizes as small as possible. The Elementary School currently has three classes per grade. The Intermediate School has three or four classes per grade and three special education classes.

Extended Day Activities

Students in need of remedial help in reading and/or mathematics, in grades 3-8, are targeted for extended day and power hour programs. They receive small group instruction in their subjects and extensive preparation for city and state tests. The PA helps finance these programs.

Early Intervention

This program assists children who are experiencing difficulty reading in the beginning of first grade. Trained reading teachers meet daily with individual students to help them become independent readers.

Resource Room

The resource room staff provides instruction to support students who need academic intervention. Additional instructional services are available after the child is evaluated and screened by a team consisting of an educational evaluator, a social worker, and a psychologist. The team recommends a course of action to the child�s parents. Resource room teachers work closely with classroom teachers to help address students’ academic needs and to reinforce their academic strengths. Ongoing evaluations help teachers monitor each child�s progress.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

ESL instruction is available to those students whose first language is other than English and who fall within the mandated guidelines for this service.

Special Education

Special services are provided to support students with learning disabilities. In addition, we provide speech, hearing impaired, and adaptive education for children with special needs. Some children receive the services of an occupational and physical therapist. In accordance with the Department of Education policies, a number of Special Education students are mainstreamed in several academic subjects.

Health and Guidance

PS/IS 187 employs a full-time nurse in the school who provides first aid, administers medication, and speaks to parents about their children’s health. One full-time guidance counselor serves both the Elementary and Intermediate Schools.

Libraries

There is one library in the building. There are abundant classroom libraries. The computer lab is also a resource for I.S. research.

Breakfast and Lunch

PS/IS 187’s breakfast and lunch programs are government subsidized, with fees for lunch based on need. Children are eligible for these meals throughout the school year beginning at 7:40 a.m., Monday through Friday.

Safety

Two full-time school safety officers and the school aides oversee the school. A Safety Plan and Crisis Intervention Readiness Plan have been established for PS/IS 187.

Tours and Registration

PS/IS 187 is located in Upper Manhattan in Community School District 6. For information on tours or registration procedures parents can call the school at 212.927.8218. School tours are generally scheduled in November and March.

Everything you need to know to enroll, whatever your grade level or location can be found at: http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/NewStudents/default.htm If you’re new to the system, go here first.