P.S. 165 Manhattan

Language Arts: P.S. 165 works with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project to create a strong, balanced literacy approach dedicating time each day to phonics, word study, reading, and writing.​  Our approach includes shared reading, guided reading in a small group, and independent work.  During the day, the teacher conducts a reading workshop, a writing workshop, the Fundations phonics program, and a second literacy workshop that includes vocabulary and phonics.  All students are exposed to a rich variety of non-fiction and fiction texts.

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Fundations: Our phonics program is multi-sensory and provides research-based materials and strategies essential to a comprehensive reading, spelling, and handwriting program.  Our students learn phonemic awareness, word study, high frequency words, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension strategies as well as handwriting and spelling.

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Math: ​Our math curriculum is Bridges for mathematics.  The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.

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CGI: To supplement our math curriculum, P.S. 165 uses Cognitively Guided Instruction to help students dig more deeply into everyday mathematical problems.  CGI helps our students to develop a more thorough understanding of math and apply that knowledge to everyday word problems.

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Exemplars: In addition to CGI word problems, Exemplars also supplement our math curriculum.  Exemplars are tasks that include differentiated versions and provide teachers and administrators with a way of assessing students' problem-solving and communication skills. Real-world material engages students and helps them develop critical thinking and reasoning skills.

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Number Talks: A highlight of our K-5 math curriculum, number talks has helped our students become fluent mathematical thinkers who can problem solve using a variety of mental strategies.  Students analyze their own mathematical problem-solving and provide their classmates with feedback.

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Science: Students at P.S. 165 are true scientists.  Our science curriculum follows the common core standards and is inquiry-based.  Students work with hands-on experiments to explore their world.  The Urban Advantage Science program gives students opportunities to conduct hands-on, engaging investigations. We are cultivating partnerships with the NY Botanical Gardens and museums to bring their learning to life.

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Social Emotional Learning: Social and emotional learning is paramount in the success of each child and is highly valued at P.S. 165.  At P.S. 165 we honor the greatness in each and every student that walks through our doors.  As a Leader in Me School, our holistic approach to educate the whole child and cultivate each student’s leadership potential prepares our students for real life.  Our students are so much more than just a test score number.   We also offer choice time to allow our students to encourage cooperative play, self-awareness, and time management.

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Learning Through Movement: In addition to physical education, students have time built into their day for stretching and movement.  Classroom teachers off a brain-break where students are encouraged to do a special dance, movement, or stretch.  Additionally, many of our academic programs incorporate movement into learning such as Flocabulary, Guided Math, Science, and Fundations.

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Physical Education and Health: We have two certified physical education teachers at P.S. | M.S. 165.  These teachers provide classes for all students. In addition, the E3 Sports program assists students at daily recess. 

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Arts:  The arts are highly valued at P.S. 165.  Students receive art once weekly in a special classroom.  Our new ceramics program has helped to transform this program for students.  Students also experience the arts hands on through our partnership with the New York Philharmonic.  Teaching artists from the New York Philharmonic teach students all about classical music and instruments, culminating in a final project and a field trip to the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center.

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Technology: Technology is incorporated into everything the students do at P.S. 165.  All classrooms are equipped with a Promethean Smart Board.  Additionally, iPad carts are available to the classrooms daily that include up to 25 iPads.  Each classroom has a special technology period once or twice weekly to focus on typing and research skills.