PS 11 (Manhattan)

P.S. 11 is a Public School in Chelsea, Manhattan. The school offers classes ranging from preschool to the fifth grade.

Building

The school has five floors, with a basement swimming pool, one of the few local public schools with such a pool. The roof is used for physical education classes, a playground is located outside on the second floor (dubbed the "little yard" for the younger children [Pre-K and Kindergarten]), and a playground on the ground floor (dubbed the "big yard") outside.

Pop culture

P.S. 11 is featured in a scene of "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous" and "No Reservations" (both films).

Special Events

 The Chelsea school PS:11 has hosted many events. One of those hosted by comedian Gilbert Gottfried.  The event was a online auction to raise money for his daughter’s school PS:11.The event was held at the Gotham Comedy Club, The year prior the event raised over $70,000 for the school, and Announced comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld made a surprise appearance at the event. The event sold out in five days; according to Gilbert's wife Dana. The event acts included Gottfried himself, Artie Lange, Jim Norton, Michael Che, Rachel Feinstein, Tom Cotter and Harrison Greenbaum. The prizes for donated included meeting singer Robin Thicke, Magicians Penn and Teller and Mogul Barbara Corcoran. There was also a prize, which was Gottfried recording an outgoing voice mail messages with his well known voice.[1]

Special Programs

   One program that was successful at PS:11 was Rosie's Broadway Kids. The program involved  fifth graders to perform with song and dance. The principal Robert Bender says “the fifth graders of PS:11 really changed because of the program”. The programs works in over 22 different public city schools. The program is 15 weeks long, consisting of different lessons in musical theater. When the program ends the fifth graders are taken to a free Broadway show. The students also are able to audition to have a full scholarship after fifth grade. Rosie O’Donnell has won Tony Awards the programs success.[2]

After School Program

The after school program offers 2 sessions of classes each day from 3:15-4:30 and from 4:30-6:00 according to PS:11 website. There are a variety of activities designed to give the children a well-rounded experience in the program. The supervisors claim that the children will develop physically, academically and socially. The activities offered include art, music, theater, sports, dance, computers and homework. Children are grouped by age (K-2nd, 3rd-5th), and sometimes by level and ability. Dismissal from the program is at 4:30 and 6:00.  The school also provides an “extended” dismissal at 5:00 p.m. to accommodate families’ work schedules.  Children who are signed up for the 5:00 dismissal will not attend a class but will be supervised in the cafeteria and will be able to play games, do their homework or read.  A limited number of seats are available for this and the dismissal time will be strictly enforced. The fee is 17.50 per class in each session of the program with snack accommodations included.[3]

References

1. Katz, Matthew. “Celebrity Auction and Comedy Gala to raise Money for Chelsea’s P.S.11,”New York Times.org, January 22nd 2014, April 18th 2015
2. Winter, Linda. “rosie O'donnell earns special Tony Award for teaching Kids about theater”, ebscohost.com, May 13th 2014, April 18th 2015.
3. Clarke, Henry. “Ps:11 programs inc”,PS:11chelsea.org, 2000, april 21st 2015.

External links

• Clinton School's official website

Coordinates: 40°44′39.28″N 74°0′2.57″W / 40.7442444°N 74.0007139°W