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PS 166 Administration
P.S. 166 is a K-5 elementary school located in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side on 89th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. Across the street is one of New York's loveliest community gardens and within walking distance are the Museum of Natural History, the Children's Museum of Manhattan, the New York Historical Society, as well as both Central Park and Riverside Park. The School offers many unique programs and features. It is commited to providing a safe, caring, and stimulating environment for its children. The School places great value on creating a friendly, warm community in which respect for individuals is fostered and encouraged and where the principal and staff know each child by name. In the Fall of 1996 a Gifted & Talented Program -- administered by District 3 -- was established at the school, broadening the range of educational programs offered. Built in 1897-98 in Collegiate Gothic style with columns, cathedral windows and old-world plaster detail, P.S. 166 is one of the most impressive public school buildings in the city. Designed by the award-winning architect C.B.J. Snyder, the charm of a by-gone era is still evident in the sculptured facade, the sweeping entrance staircase, and the sunny, high-ceilinged classrooms. In 1995 a complete renovation was undertaken and the entire building was modernized, becoming a barrier-free institution. P.S. 166 has a long tradition of success. Graduates include Dr. Jonas Salk, J.D. Salinger, Richard Rodgers, Lewis Rudin, and Ronnie Eldridge. P.S. 166 has achieved (after 102 years) Landmark status. See these issues of 2000-2001 PTA Grapevine and the PS 166 flyer for details of the plaque dedication ceremonies. P.S. 166's core curriculum is based on the New York State and New York
City Learning Standards for grades K through 5. The School utilizes a blend
of traditional and progressive educational techniques within its classrooms
in order to best meet the varied needs of the different ages and learning
styles found within the school community. Emphasis is placed on balancing
the academic, social, and emotional development of the School's children.
Arts-based curriculum enriches the overall academic experience, making
hands-on exploration of rhythm and music integral to the ongoing learning
process.
P.S. 166 is fortunate to have a staff of over 40 full-time teachers. The full-time staff includes a registered nurse, a librarian, a guidance counselor, a physical education teacher, a music teacher, a dance teacher, and an art teacher. Our staff of dedicated and caring teachers provides the support, both academic and social, that encourages our students to grow and thrive. the staff reflects the rich diversity of our community and many staff members live in the neighborhood. All are deeply committed to their work at P.S. 166; a cooperative spirit characterizes their work as well as their interactions with each other. Teachers and staff members at P.S. 166 participate in on-going staff
development programs that are designed to provide support, to encourage
innovation, and to help improve teaching techniques.
There are currently 577 students enrolled in K through 5th grades, and another 28 in the 2 half day PreK classes Class size:
Facilities & Programs [Next] [Top] The renovated facilities include a 415-seat auditorium and, perhaps
most notable of all, sunny and spacious classrooms throughout the building.
In addition, the school cafeteria includes a cooking kitchen, which is supervised by a dietician and a head cook. Daily offerings include a fruit and salad bar. Advising the dietician and cook is a Nutrition Committee, which is comprised of parents, staff members, and students. In addition to the recently renovated Millennium outdoor playground adjacent
to the school, there is an early childhood yard for the exclusive use of
the kindergarten classes behind the school. Each classroom through grade
2 has its own sink and bathroom facilities.
Gifted & Talented Program [Next] [Top] We are proud to host one of District 3's most successful new Gifted
& Talented Programs, where innovative learning procedures are applied
to the education of children of exceptional ability.
After-School Program [Next] [Top] P.S. 166 offers one of the most exciting after-school programs in the district. Both our 'Friends Of PS166' sponsored After School Enrichment Club and the one Administered by the West Side YMCA, are on-site and run five days a week until 6:00 p.m. Programs are available to all students, The enrichment club is fee based but does offer limited scholarships. The 'Y' run p[rogram is free, if you meet government guidelines, but enrollment is linited Cultural Programs, Partnerships & Neighborhood Resources [Next] [Top] P.S. 166 Benefits from a variety of cultural partnerships:
P.S. 166's impressive 8000+-volume Library was funded originally by
Library
Power, a private group dedicated to upgrading libraries for children
in New York City. The Library is fully computerized and computers
are available for research and internet access.
Parent Involvement & Communication [Next] [Top] Parent involvement is a vital part of the educational process. Children
whose parents participate in school see by example that school is both
valued and valuable. P.S. 166 parents are encouraged to become
involved in many aspects of the school, from Parent Teacher Association
(PTA) activities to helping out in other parts of the school. Currently
parents are involved , funding
classroom assistants through the fifth grade as well as with traditional fundraising and organizing activities. The administration is extremely
responsive to its parent body. A weekly school newsletter,
issued every Friday, informs parents about upcoming events and also reports
on notable events in each classroom. In addition, every class is represented
by a Class Parent and a Class Representative, the latter of whom is automatically
a member of the PTA's Executive Board, which meets monthly.
Schoolwide Events [Next] [Top] P.S. 166 students and parents can look forward to a number of events
throughout the school year, including the Saturday FallFest for children
and parents; theSpring Dance Festivas in the outdoor ampitheatre;
the silent auction in April, an Annual Spring Musical Gala; and the Spring
International Dinner with entertainment, door prizes, and a feast of multi-ethnic
dishes. Annual fundraising activities include the Candy and gifties Sale held in the fall,The Silent Auction and School
Photo Day.
Offerings by Grade [Next] [Top] P.S. 166 tries to tailor its programs to meet the particular needs of
children at different stages of development and will be happy to address
individual questions about programs and schedules for specific ages and
grades.
Admissions Information [Next] [Top] ADMISSION INFORMATION FOR THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR General Education Program Our zoned catchment area is the north side of West 85th Street upto, but not including, West 90th Street, from Central Park West to Riverside Drive. If you live within those boundaries, PS 166 is your zoned school and you may register in the spring for the General Education program. Please see the Dept of Ed map for clarification. Pre-Kindergarten Tours are open to parents of children who will be eligible for kindergarten - grade 5 in the 2008-2009 school year. We do not have a tour for Pre K applicants. Because we would like to accommodate as many families as possible, we must ask that only ONE PARENT from each family attend the tour. We regret the need to do this but the high number of applicants makes it necessary. How the (SCA)School Construction Authority's 2005-2010 Plan affects PS166 (M166)
Disclaimer: The information here was added on March 25, 2005. At any later time it may be out of date. Please check the SCA website for updates. |
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