Enrichment

Afterschool

Recess Coaches

Recess is more than just playtime — it’s where kids build friendships, practice teamwork, and recharge for learning. At PS 165, the PTA proudly funds our Recess Program, ensuring that every student enjoys a safe, engaging, and inclusive recess experience every single day.

This program provides:

  • 3 dedicated recess coaches every day to cover all recess periods for every grade

  • Coordinated games and activities that encourage teamwork, fair play, and fun

  • Support for Field Day and Spring Fair, two of our most beloved community events

  • Time for our teachers to reset for afternoon lessons

About Amazing Athletes

When the recess bell rings, it’s time to play! Amazing Athletes brings the energy with a recess experience designed to get kids moving, playing, creating, and connecting. From soccer and other sports to group games, playground time, drawing, dancing, and more, there’s something for every student to enjoy.

Our coaches lead dedicated activity areas that combine structured sports, organized games, and supervised free play, giving kids the freedom to choose how they spend their recess. With a focus on safety, positive play, and plenty of fun, we create an environment where students can try something new and spend time with friends before heading back to class refreshed and ready to learn!

Afterschool

Aftercare is offered Monday through Friday, from dismissal until 5pm through two free onsite programs: YANY and Counseling in Schools (CIS). These programs are available for students in Kindergarten-5th grade.

YANY and CIS follow the public school calendar and are available on all full school days. YANY is closed on days when school is not in session and on remote learning days. CIS begins on about the 2nd week of school and YANY begins in October. Both programs end and end a few weeks before the end of the school year. Exact calendars will be provided to interested and/or enrolled parents. Funding for CIS comes from the NYC Department for Youth & Community Development (DYCD). Students can be enrolled in both CIS and YANY programs individually or simultaneously.

Students enrolled in YANY or CIS afterschool are transitioned into afterschool by their teacher. Students will be provided a snack after dismissal from the choices in the cafeteria or can eat a snack brought from home. 

Counseling in Schools (CIS) 

Grounded in the belief that academic success is linked to a child’s emotional and social well-being, the CIS framework ensures that learning, care, and community continue long after the final school bell rings. Led by a passionate team of experienced youth development specialists, educators, and creative arts therapists, this program focuses on building confident, compassionate student leaders.

  • Who is Eligible: Open and free of charge to all enrolled P.S. 165 students in Grades K–5.

  • Program Schedule: Monday through Friday, from dismissal until 5:00 PM, aligning with the NYC public school calendar.

  • What Families Can Expect:

    • Enrichment & STEM Innovation: Hands-on creative clubs, robotics, game design, and strategic problem-solving modules designed to inspire curiosity and critical thinking.

    • Social-Emotional Literacy: Dedicated intervals focusing on empathy, team building, mindfulness, and healthy communication.

    • Creative Expression & Recreation: Dynamic avenues in the visual/performing arts and active recreational play to relieve digital fatigue and develop gross motor skills.

    • Dedicated Academic Support: Structured, quiet intervals for homework execution with supportive mentor guidance.

How to Enroll: Space in our CIS afterschool program is coordinated with CIS at the start of each school year. It is rolling admission, first come, first served. Enrollment information will be shared at the Back-to-School Virtual Town Hall by School Administrators, at Meet the Teachers, and during the first few days of school. 

Young Audiences New York (YANY)

The YANY after school program provides free arts-focused programming for our children. Its mission is to use art, in all of its forms, as a catalyst for exploring creativity and advancing equity among youth, families, and communities in New York City. More information about YANY can be found on their web site.

YANY is offered from October-May in two cohorts: Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday. Enrollment occurs at the beginning of the school year.

ACT Afterschool

An Independent Afterschool Program Serving P.S. 165 Families

The ACT after-school program, located at St. John the Divine's campus, offers a play-based experience for children starting in kindergarten. The program provides social-emotional learning, arts, and physical activities, and fosters character and community through service projects and youth-led activities. ACT offers pickup services from P.S. 165 for enrolled students. This fee-based program is operated independently of P.S. 165. For more information, please visit their website.