Become a volunteer

Friends of 187 is pleased to announce the release of its Request for Proposals for enrichment programming for the 2012-2013 academic year. Educational program providers are encouraged to submit proposals following the attached RFP instructions by June 1, 2012.

Download Request for Proposals Here

We are in desperate need of additional committed volunteers and Board members.

If you are interested in making a difference –whether it is handing out flyers, joining a committee or becoming member or officer of the Board, please contact us at friendsof187@gmail.com.

We are actively seeking new Board members for Fall 2012.

Our school has lost over $1 million in funding over the past 4 years; we have gone down from 58 teachers five years ago, to 51 teachers this year; we need your help.

Please browse our website and see the critical work Friend’s have accomplished in response to these funding cuts; and, the innovation shown in continuing to provide the education our children need.

Last spring, a group of parents partnered with Friends of 187 and held a S.O.S. – Save our School – campaign in reaction to budget cuts. The campaign was motivated to stem the devastation of budget cuts and raise money to fund teaching and instruction.

Thanks to you – our donors & supporters – we succeeded in raising $70,000 between May and July 2011! It was an amazing feat. We were able to fund science, art and foreign language programs. Check out the full list at http://friendsof187.org/what-has-friends-funded/

While the budget isn’t in yet, the sad reality of cuts are not going to go away. Our school has lost over $1 million in funding over the past 4 years. This does not account any cost increases. We have gone down from 58 teachers five years ago, to 51 teachers this year, without any significant decrease in students.

Now it’s time to do it again. This year, the S.O.S. in our name stands for Support Our School. While we wish we had abundant art, science, music and more programming, the reality is that without private fundraising – our kids will go without.

We have an ambitious goal this year. But building on the momentum of last year and the amazing teaching and programs we were able to provide this school year, we aiming high. Our goal for May – July 2012 is to raise $225,000 for:

• Teaching and instructional programs that reach whole grades
• Funding the equivalent of three full-time teaching positions in
  • Art
  • Science
  • Foreign Language

Please help us! Here are some ways you can:

Make a tax-deductible donation to Friends of PS/IS 187. We welcome donations of ANY amount!!

Recurring monthly donation: In many NYC public schools, parents are contributing $1,200 per year (or more) towards their children’s education. Last year we had sixteen PS/IS 187 families sign up for recurring donations. The average was $78/month. Join us!! Our goal is to get 50 families to sign up for recurring donations. If we do, we could raise close to $50,000!!

Click here to sign up: http://friendsof187.org/sos-donations/

By check: Write a check payable to “Friends of PS/IS 187″ and send it with the attached donor slip at the end of this email to: Friends of PS/IS 187, 809 West 181st Street #130 NYNY, 10033

Please give by June 30th. ANY AMOUNT WILL HELP!

We are excited to announce the creation of the Friends Founders Circle Award that was dedicated at this year’s Gala. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions local parents, businesses and community leaders make to PS/IS 187.

The 2012 Founders Award recognizes the vision and significant contributions of the Founding Executive Board of Friends of 187

Friends of 187 Founders’ Awards

HONOREE: LEONISA ARDIZZONE

Leonisa Ardizzone has worked tirelessly on behalf 187, its families and children. Not only did she co-found and launch and shape Friends of 187 and serve as Co-President but also found time to serve on the SLT and as Co-President of the school Parent’s Association.

Leonisa was also instrumental in pulling this event together year after year. And smart enough to recruit her parents — the amazing Marie and Ron – to help. We thank Leonisa and her parents for their efforts, advocacy and boundless energy!

HONOREE: ARYN CHAPMAN

Aryn Chapman was a founder of Friends of 187 and helped to shape the organization’s mission early on. As well, Aryn serves as producer extraordinaire of the highly successful School-A-Palooza. School-a-Palooza, as you all know, is a Parent and Teacher Variety show that raises funds for classroom libraries and supports the annual 187 County Fair. Thank you, Aryn, for your commitment and your time and your ability to bring the school, families and community together.
HONOREE: JIM CORONA

Jim Corona lent his talent as a musician and producer to this event for many years. Jim is also a founder Friends of 187 and producer – along with Aryn – of School-A-Palooza. Although he tends to shy away from the spotlight, everyone knows that the nearly flawless production of these events has much to do with Jim!

Jim could not be with us tonight but his lovely wife, Kate, will accept the award on his behalf.

HONOREE: TORY FRYE

Tory Frye — as you certainly all know — is an educator and an outspoken advocate for public education. Tory helped to shape the vision for Friends of 187 and served as Co-President for two years. Tory is also a member of the SLT and the District 6 Community Education Council (CEC).

We thank Tory for her unwavering commitment to the school and her efforts to bring together parents in this District — and citywide — in support of our mutual goal of providing an excellent education New York’s 1.1 million public school children.

HONOREE: BEVERLY MILLER

Beverly Miller has spent the past five years making things happen. She was instrumental in establishing a universal pre-K at 187. Helped ensure that the schools afterschool program, Roads to Success, was truly a road to success for our children. Beverly was a founding Board member of Friends of 187 and helped put together the highly successful silent and live auctions. We thank Beverly for her un-wavering belief in our children, teachers and the power of a strong neighborhood school.

The School Leadership Team (SLT) is comprised of four parents elected by the PTA, the PTA President, Ms. Chory and five teachers, one of whom is the UFT (United Federation of Teachers) representative. The teachers are made up or both lower and uppers school teachers. For a complete list go to www.hudsoncliffs.org.

On that website, under the School Leadership Team tab, you will also find our schools’ Comprehensive Education Plan (CEP). The CEP lays out our goals for the year – mostly focused on curriculum and learning.

The primary charge of the SLT is to write the CEP and align the school’s budget so that the school can meet the goals. Every public school in NYC must have a CEP and SLT. One thing I found interesting as I got involved is that SLTs are charged with making decisions by consensus. Some schools struggle with that, and I must say, we are doing well! If you are interested to learn more about SLTs in general, go to http://schools.nyc.gov/Apps/Forms/factfinder/ServiceDetails.aspx?id=71.

But let me tell you more about our SLT. I love serving on the SLT because I get to hear how the money we raise through Friends is impacting our school – and I can report that it is being used well! The Marquis Studio program happening in grades 4, 5 & 6 has been a great hit. Not only have the kids gotten to make awesome architectural models (check out Oskar’s work in this video: http://friendsof187.org/friends-ps-187/marquis-studios-architecture-program-inspires/) but the teachers love it as well.

Jan Hirsch who teaches 5th grade and sits on the SLT was thrilled with how Marquis Studio staff came to meet with her ahead of implementing their program in her class – to learn about her academic goals for the year, and how they could collaborate to help meet them.

Plus, Friends Board member Jane LeCroy (parent of 5th grader, 3rd grader and pre-K student) did classroom visits and kept in communication with providers and teachers to facilitate successful program implementation, laying the groundwork for sustained relationships with these programs to become a regular part of our school. This is a great way to make sure the money Friends has donated to the school is working well for everyone – the school, the teacher and of course, our kids.

If you have questions about the SLT, please feel free to email at: elenaatwork@yahoo.com.
Elena Deutsch, SLT Chair, Friends Board Member and parent of Elias Stein – 2nd grade, and Laszlo Stein – 1st grade

1) Raise $10,000 at the Simone Song Benefit “Celebrating Hudson Heights” – COMPLETED!

2) Raise $50,000 at the 2012 Gala – COMPLETED

3) Raise $90,000 during our S.O.S. Campaign this spring

Become a volunteer

Below is our growing list of Friends whose professional skills and/or business has helped Friend’s of PS 187 fulfill its mission. Click on their logo to visit their website.

New York City photographer, Chris Leary, specializes in children, family, event and wedding photography. He is available for photographic assignments in New York, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and throughout the United States. Chris Leary is available for photography consultations by appointment only.

Bleu Evolution is under the ownership of Alfonso Hernandez. The cuisine is Italian trattoria style restaurant and full-service bar that presents a wine offering of Italian varietals and local favorites.

Cabrini Wines is located at 831 West 181St Street, Manhattan, NY, 10033. They offer a wide selection of wine in their store, and option to shop online with discount prices available. Their website also offers specials, staff picks and announcement of new arrivals.

A graphic design and web development partnership providing a full array of marketing needs. Websites, logos, e-Newsletters, e-commerce, and traditional print work services are offered. Portfolio of clients include retail, professional services, non-profits and news journals.

Nicole Nelson
NYFF Events
516.822.6400 ext. 12 (office)
516.984.7817 (cell)
917.591.5803 (efax)
www.nyffevents.com