PS261
Family Handbook

We're excited to have you here! This handbook serves as your primary resource for navigating our school community. It's packed with information to help you and your family have a fantastic year at PS 261.

The left side features a handy table of contents, making it easy to locate the information you need. Since this is a Google Doc, you can use the search feature to find specific topics quickly.

Remember, this handbook is constantly evolving, just like our school. We welcome your feedback and suggestions to keep it up-to-date and helpful for everyone. Enjoy exploring, and here's to a great year ahead!

Arrival (Dropoff)

3K and PreK students should use the Dean Street small yard entrance. Kindergarten through 5th-grade students should use the Pacific Street main building entrance.

Accidents + Injuries

You will be promptly notified by the nurse, administration, or the office staff if your child experiences a significant injury at school. If your child visits the nurse and receives any treatment, like an ice pack or band-aid, the school nurse will send a letter home in their backpack. If you suspect an injury has not been reported, please contact the office or your child's teacher for further details.

After School

What to Know

The PS 261 PTA Afterschool is a PTA-led, professionally directed program offering affordable, high-quality childcare with enrichment classes to our school community, Pre-K through 5th grade.

If you are new to the Afterschool program, please start by registering your family for a Jackrabbit Parent Portal account and reading the Frequently Asked Questions. 

How it Works

Led by Afterschool Director Ms. Sandra Bodden, the program offers 70+ different arts and athletic classes in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions, serving more than 250 children each weekday. We also produce a spectacular Spring Musical.  

The program runs from 2:40 pm (when the school day ends) to 6 pm. The Afterschool office is open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Phone: (718) 330-9275 x5016

Email: ps261afterschool@gmail.com.

2024-2025 Sessions:

What is it like

Afterschool tuition includes care from dismissal until 6 pm, a healthy snack, outdoor recess in the Big Yard (construction and weather permitting), and an enrichment class.

The cost is $32 per child per day, or approximately $600 per month, for full-time care, depending on the school's schedule. You are billed monthly through the Jackrabbit Parent Portal through credit, debit, or ACH. 

PS261 Afterschool is a program of the PS 261 PTA, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization. More than 15% of our operating budget supports our community financial aid program, which offers need-based, sliding-scale tuition ranging from $1.50 per child per day. Your support for after-school childcare also funds the Afterschool Spring Musical and the PTA's recess counselor program.

Attendance & Absences

If your child will be absent, please notify the teacher and Osdilia Caban, the pupil secretary, in the main office. Automated text messages and emails are sent at 11:00 AM when a student is marked absent. If there is an error with your child's attendance, please follow up with the school's main office or your child's teacher.

Families of students with 5-9 absences will receive automatically generated warning letters via Operoo, sent by the NYCPS system. Additional letters will be sent via Operoo once there are ten or more absences. Please note that these letters serve as notifications of accumulated absences up to that point. All phone calls, emails, or notes can serve as documentation to excuse an absence. Truancy cases will be prompted if there is no communication from a parent to excuse an absence.

While every absence results in missed instructional time, we categorize absences as excused or unexcused. It is important to provide information regarding the reason for your child's absence. Here's what you need to know about each type of absence:

Excused Absence:

An excused absence is recorded when a parent submits documentation justifying the absence. Acceptable reasons include illness, injury, extended vacations, issues accessing technology during a snow emergency, family emergencies, religious observances, or pre-arranged appointments.

Unexcused Absence: 

An unexcused absence occurs when insufficient information is provided or when a student is marked absent for the day.

Travel:

Travel lasting more than 10 days may be recorded as an excused absence if the correct documentation is provided. Please note that this is a personal choice, and Teachers are not required to provide work for students during this time. For travel to be an excused absence, you must give the school office a copy of your travel documents.

If your child is absent for more than ten days for reasons other than vacations, illness, religious holidays, or family emergencies. In that case, it may lead to the risk of discharge from the school.

Before School Care

Please be aware that there is no supervision in the schoolyard in the mornings. However,

families can sign up for the 261 PTA Early Drop-off program, organized by Afterschool. A $40 monthly tuition fee per family covers Before School Care, available daily or as needed. However, registration is required to participate.

Before-school care starts at 7:30 a.m. each school day. It is a warm, welcoming space for quiet activities for children from Pre-K through 5th grade. There is no need to schedule care in advance—just drop it off at the Pacific Street school entrance. Children are supervised in the Auditorium until the school day begins at 8:17 a.m. Then, students can pick up a school breakfast to take to their classrooms.  

How to register:

  1. Register your family on the Jackrabbit Parent Portal if you are new to after-school.
  2. Complete the Before School Application and Release 2024-25 (one form per family).  You can email the Before School application to ps261afterschool@gmail.com or drop it off in the Afterschool office in September.
  3. Monthly tuition is billed through the Parent Portal. If the $40 fee is a hardship, email ps261afterschool@gmail.com to request a fee waiver. We'll take care of it!

Contact

Address:         314 Pacific Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Phone:        718-330-9275

Door Buzzer - Safe Access

Safer Access is a system that keeps all doors locked outside of morning entry and afternoon dismissal periods for enhanced security. Visitors can ring the intercom at the primary or ADA-accessible entrance, identify themselves, and request access to the building. Our dedicated staff at the main desk will be able to see and speak with visitors before allowing them into the building. Rest assured that all visitors will be treated with courtesy, professionalism, and respect. This system not only enhances safety but also allows for easy access for first responders during emergencies.

Late-arriving students, visitors, and staff re-entering the building will use the Safer Access door. The system will not be used during dismissal, but will be in place during after-school activities when a staff member is present.

Emergency Drills

The New York City Public School system requires twelve evacuation and lockdown drills each school year. Teachers are familiar with the drill protocols and teach the children the procedures. Before a drill, a letter is sent home to inform families about the scheduled drill.

Field Trips

There's one main rule: You must fill out all permission slips, as your child cannot join if we don't have a completed permission slip.

Need to send in money?

Place money and checks for trips or other requests in an envelope marked with your child's name, classroom, and a note explaining the purpose.

Health & Wellness

What is a 504 form? 

Suppose you and your child's doctor do not complete this form. In that case, no medications (prescription or over-the-counter) can be administered, including vital treatments like EPI-PENS and asthma meds. Download one at schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/504-accommodations

Allergies 

New York City Public Schools are not nut-free. Daily menu options accommodate students with allergy restrictions, vegetarian and vegan preferences, as well as specific dietary requirements. While "PBJ" is served at PS 261, we use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. Nuts are allowed in the cafeteria; however, a nut-free table can be provided upon request from parents. Please inform Nurse Dostaly and your child's teacher about any allergies. If your child has severe allergies, we encourage you to connect with the teacher and the classroom community to ensure everyone's safety.

Immunizations: Annual checkups are essential.

Updated immunization records and medical forms are required at the beginning of the school year. We will contact you if we do not have your child’s current documents on file. If you have concerns or questions about immunizations, please visit Immunizations

for the official New York City Public Schools policy.

Lice 

If your child has lice, they will be sent home. If your child only has lice eggs (nits), they may stay in school, but you will be notified by phone and are expected to treat your child at home. Please inform your child's teacher to prevent the spread of lice. For more details, see our 261 Lice Deck

Unwell 

Any child with a fever of 100°F or higher or two or more flu-like symptoms must remain out of school for 24 hours after their temperature has returned to normal or their symptoms have subsided. Children with pink eye must provide a doctor’s note to return to school. Any child with vomiting or diarrhea should be kept home for 24 hours after the last episode.

Vision

Did you know that the DOE conducts vision checks? Parents will be asked to follow up with a doctor if any issues are detected. DOH vision testing is performed with students in PK, K, and 1st grade. School-based vision testing is conducted with students in the 3rd and 4th grades. Incoming students new to NYCPS will also be tested.

Splints + Casts

Before your child can attend school in a splint or cast, you must provide a doctor's note to Nurse Dostaly. If injuries restrict or limit physical movement during recess, dance, or gym, you must also provide a note.

Lateness

If your child is late to school, they should report to the office upon arrival to correct their attendance.

Each morning, from 8:20 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., students have a 10-minute grace period to enter the classroom before being marked as late.

Lateness and absence records cannot be changed after the last day of school. If you disagree with what is on record, please notify your child's teacher as soon as possible.

NYC Schools Account (NYCSA)

NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) is an NYCPS application that allows you to access important information about your child. The NYSCA will enable you to view your child's grades, report cards, attendance, test scores, transportation information, IEP information, track your child's progress to graduation, and more. Please make sure your account is set up and accessible.

Operoo - Online Portal

Operoo is an online database we use for registration paperwork and communications. You can select your preferred translation language when creating an account.

OSIS (aka Student ID)

The NYCPS OSIS number is a nine-digit identifier issued to all students attending a New York City Public School. It can be found in your child's NYCSA and all official NYCPS paperwork.

Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC)

Meetings with your child's teacher(s) are currently virtual and occur in the fall (November) and spring (March). Teachers will contact you to schedule these appointments. If you would like to meet with your child's teacher in person, you must schedule an appointment on an alternate day. Dismissal on PTC days is at 11:40 a.m. All children still have a lunch period.

THINGS TO ASK

Pick up

School ends at 2:40 p.m. If you arrive after dismissal, please head to the main lobby to pick up your child and sign them out.

Our after-school program begins using the yard directly after school. It is crucial, for safety purposes, that you exit the yard promptly after pickup. (Hey, at least you don't risk getting hit by a soccer ball.)

Report Cards

Report cards are issued three times a year. You must access your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) to view your child's report card. See here for the Grading Policy.

Schools Closed (& half days) Calendar (2025-2026)

NYCPS Calendar

Sept 4                Students Back, 1st Day of School!

Sep 23-24                Schools Closed (Rosh Hashanah)

Oct 2                        Schools Closed (Yom Kippur)

Oct 13                Schools Closed (Indigenous Peoples Day)

Oct 20                Schools Closed (Diwali)

Nov 4                        Schools Closed (Election Day)

Nov 6                        Half Day (Parent Teacher Conferences)

Nov 11                Schools Closed (Veterans Day)

Nov 27-28                Schools Closed (Thanksgiving)

Dec 24-Jan 2        Schools Closed (Winter Recess)

Jan 19                Schools Closed (MLK)

Feb 16-20                Schools Closed (Mid-Winter Recess)

Mar 5                        Half Day (Parent Teacher Conferences)

Mar 20                Schools Closed (Eid al-Fitr)

Apr 2-10                Schools Closed (Spring Recess)

May 25                 Schools Closed (Memorial Day)

May 27                Schools Closed (Eid al-Adha)

Jun 4                        Schools Closed (Chancellor’s Day)

Jun 5                        Schools Closed (Clerical Day)

Jun 19                 Schools Closed (Juneteenth)

Jun 25                Last Day of Afterschool

Jun 26                Last Day of School! (Full Day)

School Hours

Full days 8:20 am - 2:40 pm

1/2 days 8:20 am - 11:40 am - All students are served lunch on half-days

1st PERIOD 8:20 am - 9:10 am

2nd PERIOD 9:14 am - 10:04 am

3rd PERIOD 10:08 am - 10:58 am

4th PERIOD 10:58 am - 11:48 am  (3K and PK)

5th PERIOD 11:52 pm - 12:42 pm (lunch grades K, 1, 2)

6th PERIOD 12:46 pm - 1:36 pm (lunch grades 3,4,5)

7th PERIOD 1:40 pm - 2:40 pm

There is no supervision in the schoolyard before the start of the school day.

School Leadership Team (SLT)

The PS 261 SLT plays a vital role in shaping the educational direction of our school. It is composed equally of parents and school staff, with representation from the PTA President and Principal. The SLT fosters collaboration among these key stakeholders to address real-world educational and community objectives.

This dedicated crew works together for two years, brainstorming and building the school's Consolidated Educational Plan (CEP). Think of it as the school's roadmap to success, with clear goals and a strategic plan to achieve them. They regularly check progress, ensuring everyone's on the right track to a fantastic education.

So, if you're a parent who wants to be part of the solution, not just cheering from the sidelines, consider running for the SLT! It's your chance to make a real difference. Meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

Self-Dismissal (FORM) (25-26)

Some students dismiss themselves at the end of the school day. You must complete the self-dismissal form and ensure that your teacher is aware.

Snow Days

If there's a snow day due to emergencies or storms, school closures will be announced on the 311 info line, local radio and TV stations, the DOE Twitter account, and schools.nyc.gov. Additionally, Heather will send an email to make it even easier for you to stay informed.

Staff

After School Director - Sandra Bodden ps261afterschool@gmail.com

Custodians - Elias Peguero, Brian Maritnez, Reinaldo Hernandez, David Perez, Henry Acevedo

Family Assistant - Ketia Mezar

Guidance Counselors - Kelly Regan

Nurse - Jude Dostaly jdostaly@health.nyc.gov

School-Based Support Team:

Psychologist + Related Services Provider - Renee Sherman rsherman4@schools.nyc.gov

Social Worker - Alisa Gambardella, agambardella2@schools.nyc.gov

Parent Coordinator - Heather Weston  hweston@schools.nyc.gov

Pupil Secretary - Osdilia Caban ocaban@schools.nyc.gov

Recess Supervisor - Doug Adams

Safety Officers -

School Aides - Lisa Lee, Nancy Sinatra

School Secretary - Fannie Marzouka

State Assessments

The New York State Testing Program begins in the 3rd grade for NYCPS students.

Questions

The parent coordinator should be your primary point of contact for general questions about public schools and any matters related to PS261. The teacher is the best person to ask about your child and the classroom. If you need clarification, you can ask the parent coordinator, as they will be able to guide you in the right direction.