Schools That Work

Music, chess moves and more

by Dorothy Callaci

May 21, 2009 5:05 PM

[For more photos, go to the “Music, chess moves and more” gallery]

There’s a quiet hum of activity in the air and a lot happening at PS 68, the Bronx.

The day begins at the District 11 pre-K to grade 5 school with a simple breakfast and a welcoming “Good morning, staff; good morning, boys and girls,” on the intercom.

In a 1st-grade classroom, voices ring out in unison as they read “The Royal Drum.” Seated together on the floor, they follow teacher Stephanie Walczak’s pointer as she leads them through the story-poem, very eager to share their views of the lazy monkeys in the follow-up discussion.

Despite a few overenthusiastic classmates, most remember to raise their hands and not call out.

In cluster teacher Sheryl Lerner’s 5th-grade English class, students are discussing friendship, helping others and what it means to be a hero based on a story they have read. They focus on the values the characters exemplify.

The emphasis on reading and books is everywhere. Classrooms are filled with colorful displays celebrating books, authors and the work of budding literary talent at all grade levels.

In the hallway outside 3rd-grade classrooms, the poetic skills of very young authors are displayed with vivid examples of personification: clouds playing in the sky, flowers falling asleep and leaves dancing in mid-air.

And there’s plenty of help for any students who are having trouble keeping up. Virginia Kelly, with 35 years experience in a wide range of academic areas, is working one-on-one with a 1st-grader struggling to get his reading skills up to par so he can be promoted. When he finishes reading, she begins building words with him using magnetic letters.

“I love working here,” she said. “It’s a family-oriented school.”

And she knows what she’s talking about — since she taught the parents of many of today’s students.

She’s passed that love of teaching on to her daughter, also a New York City public school teacher.

Jeff Povalitis, described by colleagues as “a great advocate,” has been a gym teacher at the school for 12 years, the last six as chapter leader. He proudly points out his school’s A rating — up from a C — in the latest Department of Education School Progress Report, an improvement that earned staff a schoolwide performance bonus.

As members of the bonus committee noted, “We have Mr. Jeff to thank for that.”

Among the school’s many plusses, the report lauded the high level of collaboration among committed and dedicated teachers, the strong emphasis on the celebration of learning at the school and the solid support for new teachers mentored by “buddy coaches.”

It’s probably on its way to another A because English test scores are up again this year with math scores still to come.

Just to add to the impressive accomplishments, the school’s chapter won a UFT Trachtenberg Award in 2007 for being a great union chapter.

Understanding the importance of class size, Principal Cheryl Coles, who was once a chapter leader, created extra 4th- and 5th-grade classes last year to provide a better learning environment. She also created a strong music program, for which the school is well known, by bringing the Education Through Music Organization into the school.

Fifth-grade honors orchestra students are feeling famous right now and bursting with pride after having played with world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell, who has visited the school because of its outstanding music program. They joined Bell with their violins, cellos and a drum at a recent fund-raising gala.

Everyone at PS 68 gets a chance to prove musical talent in the two music studios in the basement. The youngest begin with keyboards and by 3rd grade everyone moves on to strings.

Teacher Jennifer Byers credits the program for molding staff, students and administrators into a “nice family.” And it brings extended families into the school for concerts to marvel at their children’s skills.

“Music pulls students out of their shells,” Byers said, “and forces them to be engaged, especially if there’s a language barrier.”

Besides music, as the DOE report pointed out, chess also engages and motivates students.

The humming of activity continues until 6 p.m., with lots of afternoon musical activity, concentrated chess players, a Korean language and culture program to broaden students’ world horizons and a Virtual Y program that schedules group activity, homework and snacks.

Chalk up the pleasant hum at 68 to a welcoming, hospitable environment, high expectations and a high degree of respect and collaboration among all the working parts at the school.