Upcoming Events
Picture Day
We love picture day! All children will be photographed. Families are welcome to purchase school photos directly through the irvin simon portal. Irvin Simon Photographers will send home information about purchasing photos.
Please note that picture purchases are entirely optional and do not serve as a fundraiser for the school or PTA.
Center School Relocation Proposal Community Meeting
Join our School Administration for a community meeting on the proposal to relocate the Center School to co-locate with P.S.165 at 234 W. 109th Street for SY27-28.
4:00PM - 5:00PM in the P.S. 165 Auditorium
Questions? Email: parentcoordinator@robertesimon.org
October PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our October PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration before the meeting.
Movie Afternoon
Lights, popcorn, action! Join us for Movie Afternoon — a cozy school community event supported by our afterschool programming. Kids will enjoy watching a movie together in the auditorium from 2:45–5:00 PM, with time before and after for getting settled and wrapping up.
All students are welcome! Children attending YANY or CIS will be attending with their afterschool program. Children not in YANY or CIS, including those in Pre-K and younger siblings, are welcome and need to be accompanied by an adult.
The PTA will provide every child with an afterschool snack to enjoy during the movie.
Movie: Monsters Inc.
Volunteer for Movie Afternoon
Join your child to watch the movie and help out with snacks and minimal clean up. Your support will help make this a smooth, safe, and enjoyable afternoon for all our young movie-goers.
Remote Learning on Election Day
The school building is closed to students on November 3rd. School is in session as a virtual school day.
Details will be provided by your teacher.
Preparing for Remote Learning on Election Day
Students will participate in remote learning on Tuesday, November 3. Ensure your child has a working, internet-enabled device at home and that they know how to access their NYCPS Student Account (schools.nyc.gov/StudentAccounts).
Visit selfservice.schools.nyc or ask your school for help. If you need a NYCPS-loaned device, contact your school directly now. Learn how to start using your loaned device at schools.nyc.gov/NYCPSDevices. Learn more at schools.nyc.gov/DigitalLearning.
Election Day Bake Sale
P.S. 165 is a local election-day voting site!
With so many neighbors coming through our doors, this is a good time to raise funds for our PTA through a bake sale.
Get Involved
Donate homemade or purchased baked goods
Volunteer at the sale
Donations can be dropped off to Ms. Minaya’s office on Monday, November 2nd, or brought directly to the sale on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Please note:
We can only accept nut-free desserts
Homemade baked goods should be labeled with ingredients for allergens
Items should be individually packed for sale
Kids are encouraged to volunteer with their parents!
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Virtual conferences. Details to be shared from individual teachers with parents.
Half day of school for students. Dismissal at 11:20am.
Lion's Head Tavern Meet Up
Join us for a parents night out!
Where: Lion’s Head Tavern, 995 Amsterdam Avenue at 109th (near school!)
When: November 10th, 8:00-9:30 PM
Why: A fun night out with fellow P.S. 165 parents, plus Lion’s Head is donating $2 from every drink purchase back to our PTA!
This is the perfect chance to connect with other families, relax, and support our school - all while enjoying a night out. Bring friends or partners, the more, the merrier!
👉 When you order at the bar, be sure to mention you’re with the P.S. 165 PTA so all your drinks count toward their donation.
November PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our November PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration before the meeting.
Thanksgiving Break
School closed November 26th and November 27th in honor of Thanksgiving
Giving Tuesday
Support our School on Giving Tuesday!
In a city as massive as ours, P.S. 165 offers a warm, inclusive community where every child is known by name, understood, and supported. Together as a community, we can protect the programs that make our school special.
Historically, the extraordinary programs that set P.S. 165 apart were funded by $230,000 in Federal Title I grants and the PTA.
Today, Title I funding has dropped to $0.
Our families are ready. This year we are expanding our support so our school continues to grow in the way that we love and our children's educational experience remains uninterrupted. Donations to P.S. 165 PTA directly support the programs we love at our school.
Our School goes Beyond the Basics
We’re lucky that P.S.165 offers enrichment opportunities beyond standard DOE funding so our kids can thrive:
Leadership & Rigor: Leader in Me Lighthouse School & IB Accreditation candidate.
Academic Support: Dedicated math consultants, instructional coaches, and paper-first priority learning.
Mental Health & Inclusion: Onsite Mental Health Clinic and targeted Special Education support.
Creative Outlets & Play: Structured recess coaching (Soccer Super Stars), Art Residencies, ceramics kiln, guitar, and STEM robotics.
and more!
Employer Matching Makes a Difference
If you work for a company with a matching program, your employer could double your donation to the P.S. 165 PTA. All tickets purchased or donations made through the PTA givebutter platform are eligible to be matched.
Employer matching gifts are a crucial part of how our parent community supports our school.
Check your employer’s portal searching for "charitable matching" on your company's intranet or ask your HR department. Many companies use platforms like Benevity, CyberGrants, or YourCause.
P.S. 165 PTA Info You’ll Need:
Official Name: Friends of P.S. 165 PTA
Tax ID EIN: 47-2664982
School Address: 234 W. 109 St., New York, NY 10025
December PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our December PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration before the meeting.
WinterFest
All community members and families are welcome to join us for our annual WinterFest.
Holiday Concerts
Join your child in the auditorium for a special holiday concert!
Exact times and grade performances to be sent from the school.
Scholastic Book Fair
2027 Scholastic Book Fair
January 21 - January 29
Our favorite book fair is back! Students will attend the fair with their teacher and class. Additionally, the book fair will be open during our afternoon Literacy event on January 28th for students to shop with their parents.
Please note that book purchases are entirely optional and voluntary and this event is not a fundraiser for the school or the PTA.
Book Fair eWallet: The easy way to pay
Set up a NEW one for each Fair:
Students shop cash-free
Teachers build class libraries
How does eWallet work?
Book Fair eWallet is the easy way for students to shop the Fair cash-free, worry-free, and independently. It’s also easy for families to set up from your school’s Book Fair homepage, available three weeks before the Fair begins.
Family members can add funds with a credit card, use their Scholastic eGift balance, or simply invite others to contribute. Funds are available immediately and additional funds can be added at any time.
Help Kids Shop for Books
We’re looking for volunteers to help make the Spring Scholastic Book Fair fun for the kids! Opportunities include assisting with setup and decorations, helping students browse and purchase books, managing checkout as a cashier, restocking and organizing books, and helping with cleanup after the fair. Sign up today to join the fun!
January PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our January PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration before the meeting.
Literacy Afternoon
Literacy Afternoon at P.S. 165 is an exciting event designed to foster a love of reading and writing among students and families.
Students who attend CIS or YANY will be escorted to the event by staff members. Students who do not attend afterschool on Thursdays are welcome to join the event with a parent. Pre-K students are also welcome to attend with a parent.
Special author guests to be announced!
PTA Library Afternoon
Join the PTA for an afternoon of games and activities supporting literacy.
February PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our February PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration before the meeting.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Meet with your teacher!
Details and exact timing to be shared by your child’s teacher.
March PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our March PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration before the meeting.
April PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our April PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration before the meeting.
May PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our May PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration before the meeting.
Leadership Day
Parents are invited into their child’s classroom for June’s open classroom!
June PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our June PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration before the meeting.
Family Photo Fundraiser
Your Beautiful Fall Family Photos, Done in 15 Minutes
Stop stressing about holiday card photos! Book a quick, professional 15-minute mini-session and get gorgeous photos you'll be proud to share with friends and family.
Plus, you'll be supporting a great cause: 50% of all proceeds are donated to our PTA.
Details:
$200 per 15 minute session, 50% donated to our PTA
Location is in Central Park near W 100th street, exact spot to be sent to registered families
Families signed up are responsible for payment prior to the 17th.
Photos will be delivered via email by November 15th
Ordering holiday cards? We have a special discount code to offer the 165 community from minted.com:
FUNDRAISEFRIENDSPS165
20% off for our community with 10% donated back to our school
PTA Virtual Evening Meeting
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Virtual (Meeting Link to Follow)
We’ve heard your feedback! We know that our typical Friday morning meetings don't work for everyone's schedule, so we are excited to offer this virtual evening option to make it easier for more parents to connect. We welcome all current parents to join us for an update on upcoming PTA initiatives and events. Please RSVP for the meeting link.
Please note: This is a standalone presentation hosted by the PTA and will not include Principal Scanlon or members of the school administration.
We hope you can join us!
Lion's Head Tavern Meet Up
Join us for a parents night out!
Where: Lion’s Head Tavern, 995 Amsterdam Avenue at 109th (near school!)
When: October 13th, 8:00-10:00 PM
Why: A fun night out with fellow P.S. 165 parents, plus Lion’s Head is donating $2 from every drink purchase back to our PTA!
This is the perfect chance to connect with other families, relax, and support our school - all while enjoying a night out. Bring friends or partners, the more, the merrier!
👉 When you order at the bar, be sure to mention you’re with the P.S. 165 PTA so all your drinks count toward their donation.
Curriculum Night (Virtual)
Virtual Curriculum Night
Learn more about your child’s curriculum on the virtual meeting with P.S. 165 administrators and your child’s teacher. There are two opportunities to hear from your teacher and the specials teachers: either 4:40-5:30 or 6-7:20. The sessions are the same and parents only need to attend one session.
Zoom links will be emailed to parents in advance.
Agenda:
4:30 PM - 4:40 PM: Whole School Welcome
Session 1:
4:40 PM - 5:30 PM: Classroom Curriculum Night Session 1
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Specials Curriculum Session 1
Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, STEM, Library
Session 2:
6:00 PM - 6:50 PM: Classroom Curriculum Night Session 2
6:50 PM - 7:20 PM: Specials Curriculum Session 2
Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, STEM, Library
6:50 PM - 7:20 PM: 5th Grade Families: Middle School Application Process Presentation
Lion's Head Tavern Meet Up
Join us for a parents night out!
Where: Lion’s Head Tavern, 995 Amsterdam Avenue at 109th (near school!)
When: September 29th, 8:00-10:00 PM
Why: A fun night out with fellow P.S. 165 parents, plus Lion’s Head is donating $2 from every drink purchase back to our PTA!
This is the perfect chance to connect with other families, relax, and support our school - all while enjoying a night out. Bring friends or partners, the more, the merrier!
👉 When you order at the bar, be sure to mention you’re with the P.S. 165 PTA so all your drinks count toward their donation.
September PTA Meeting & Town Hall
Join us after drop off for our September PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration several days before the meeting.
P.S. 165 Under the Stars
Take a night off and head to Riverside Park to support our school!
Under the Stars is a parents-only ticketed fundraiser directly supporting the essential programs we love at our school.
When you walk through the doors of P.S. 165, you immediately feel it—this school turns our big city into a tight-knit neighborhood community. Under the Stars, we gather to celebrate and support our students, funding vital initiatives that go far beyond standard DOE support. Programs like Leader in Me Lighthouse school, artist-in-residencies, our unique specials, and so much more.
Historically, the extraordinary programs that set P.S. 165 apart were funded by $230,000 in Federal Title I grants and the PTA. Today, Title I funding has dropped to 0%.
Our families are ready. This year we are expanding our support so our school continues to grow in the way that we love and our children's educational experience remains uninterrupted. Together as a community, we can protect the programs that make our school special.
Our school relies on parent support for the programs we love, including:
Academics & Leadership: IB accreditation process, Leader in Me Lighthouse school, math consultants, STEM/Robotics kits, and state test prep
Whole-Child Support: Onsite Mental Health Clinic services and Special Education support so every child thrives
Arts & Culture: artist-in-residencies, and Cool Culture passes
Active Play & Traditions: Soccer Stars recess coaching, Field Day, holiday concerts, culturally diverse assemblies, and graduation milestones
And so much more!
Let’s gather, celebrate, and invest in our children’s future!
Fall Family Welcome Picnic
All families are welcome to join the PTA at Morningside Park for a welcome and welcome-back picnic!
WHEN: Saturday, September 19th, 1-4pm
WHAT: Casual Park Day with P.S. 165 Families
WHO: All Students & Families Welcome!
WHERE: Morningside Park, W 110th Street BBQ Area
Meet Your Teacher
Meet your teacher! This is a casual opportunity for students to meet their teacher and to bring their school supplies prior to the first day of school.
Pre-K & K 9:00AM - 9:30AM
1st, 2nd & 129 9:30AM - 10:00AM
3rd, 4th, 5th & 439 10:00AM - 10:30AM
Meetings will take place outside in the school yard. Families are welcome to bring their school supplies in a clearly labelled bag with the child’s name and class.
Back to School Virtual Town Hall
Virtual town hall!
All parents are encouraged to join this virtual introduction to our school year. Hear from the Administration, PTA, and afterschool providers with important information. There will be a chance to ask questions.
June PTA Meeting and Town Hall
Join us at the school after drop off for our June PTA meeting and Town Hall to hear from your PTA and school administration.
This hybrid meeting will be held virtually and in-person. The meeting link will be emailed from the school administration several days before the 18th.
Central Park Zoo Family Trip
Family Outing: Central Park Zoo
We are excited to announce the 2026 Title I family engagement trip to the Central Park Zoo!
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Arrive between 10-11am
Meeting Point: The bottom of the steps leading down from Fifth Avenue at 64th St into the Park/Zoo entrance.
Details:
Our tickets are all-inclusive.
A limited number of tickets are available, each family is limited to four tickets.
If we run out before you register, you will be placed on the waiting list for no-show tickets.
If you do not register in advance, we will not be able to release tickets to you on June 13th.
Leadership Day
Leadership Day is our June open classroom. More details will be shared from your child’s teacher.
Amity Hall Dinner
Celebrate the end of the school year with your classmates at Amity Hall!
Join us on June 8th for a special community dinner before summer break begins.
Amity Hall is welcoming P.S. 165 families and will be donating 10% of the evening's proceeds back to our PTA.
Reach out in your class chats now to coordinate a class meet up!
Location: 982 Amsterdam Ave between 108th and 109th
Field Day
Students participate in an annual Field Day with their class!
Get ready for one of the most exciting days of the year! P.S. 165 is looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to help make our Field Day a huge success. Whether you can assist with games, supervise activities, hand out snacks, or cheer on our students, your support makes all the difference. Sign up today and be part of a day full of fun, laughter, and school spirit! Rain Date: 6/3/26
**NOTE: If you have signed up to be a chaperone for a specific class you cannot also volunteer for a station, as you would need to stay at your station for your shift.
YANY Last Day
The final day of the spring semester of YANY is 05/28/2026.
What is Young Audiences New York (YANY)?
YANY is a free onsite after school program for students K-5 which provides 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.
Questions? Email our P.S.165 Community School Director: tlewis@yany.org
YANY Events
Junior Chefs Challenge #2: 3-4 pm
Ballet Hispanico Student Performance: 4-5 pm