Eyes twinkled behind colorful bejeweled masks as PS 297 students danced the night away on March 11 at the Star Ball. It was a special night touched with magic. The mundane school cafeteria became a ballroom where music played and ladies and gentlemen danced. Dressed to impress, the revelers gave little thought to state exams looming just weeks ahead.

That is exactly what educators and parents at the Bedford-Stuyvesant school had in mind when they initiated the annual event three years ago.

“The Star Ball gives students a chance to release stress and anxiety leading up to the state exams,” explained guidance counselor Jessica Cashman.

The anxiety antidote seems to be working: the students’ grades on the math and English language arts exams have shown improvement in recent years. The once-struggling pre-K–5 school serves students from the neighboring Marcy Towers and Tompkins projects as well as a nearby homeless shelter.

Chapter Leader Charles Rabbach says the ball, besides being a great stress reliever, strengthens the school’s bond with parents, some of whom attended the school themselves when they were kids. This special evening, he said, “builds collaboration. It’s another pathway to reach parents.”

More than 150 students, parents and community members participated in this year’s event.

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Maria Bastone

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Maria Bastone

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Maria Bastone

Cashman described the ball as an opportunity for families, students and staff to come together as a community. “It allows everyone to interact in a less stressful setting than the normal school environment,” she said. “We dance, eat, relax and enjoy each other’s company.”

And after exams, there is always the annual PS 297 carnival to look forward to. As Betty Zohar, the UFT’s Brooklyn parent liaison, pointed out, “I’ve never met a more cohesive school community.”