P.S. 144 Col Jeromus Remsen

I can't say enough good things about this school. The PA is awesome! They are the engine for all of the extracurricular activities that make this school stand out above the rest! There are residencies in every grade; the kids participate in enrichment programs/cultural activities that are otherwise not provided by the DOE. The philosophy if the school is to educate kids be well rounded individuals rather than just focusing on testing on standardized testing. The school community is very nurturing and collective. Anything that I don't like about the school has to do with the current education mentality in this country rather than with the school itself. A happy and progressive parent
—Submitted by a parent

Previous reviewer: while I agree with you wholeheartedly about the quality of faculty and programming at 144, I hope you will take the time to develop a greater understanding of the role of the PA board. Among other valuable programs, our fundraising supports the art and science residencies that mitigate the lack of full DOE support in the visual and performing arts. The PA also supports the school's Penny Harvest and other community-oriented fundraisers, which certainly promote greater social consciousness. I agree that plastic or sugary treats are far from ideal, but these only make up a small portion of the fundraising efforts, and these incentives, unfortunately, seem to be the only means to entice some to donate. Those who have the financial wherewithal donate without premium, and I hope we may count you among them. As for the co-managed seats, note that these positions are time-intensive and with so many initiatives to manage, it is only fair that the unpaid responsibilities of these positions be shared. I hope you find the time to work with the PA and perhaps take on some of these responsibilities, attend meetings, and even suggest approaches you find less compromising.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school and the faculty. The only drawback is the PA. I've never seen a bumbling bunch of people in my life. They may have the best of intentions, but they are terrible at promoting civic-mindedness or health and well-being. Every event is inundated with Oriental-Trading-plastic-garbage toys. It's nauseating. The fund raisers use things like candy baskets and other unhealthy fare. I'll happily support this school, but I've taught my kids what quality and a healthy lifestyle are and I can't support what the PA does. Don't even get me started on the fact that they have and had a "co-president" and "co-vice-president". If you can't make the simplest of decisions (picking a leader), how can I trust you to make a decision regarding the development of hundreds of children? I'd love to give it 5 stars, but I honestly can't until a change of staff in the PA. Everything else about the school is awesome... I'd also get rid of the Ice-cream-Fridays (another PA thing, I believe).
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in a special needs program here and has really made great leaps forward. The school has a warm and inviting feel, and the staff is consistently friendly and helpful. I have another son in PS101 nearby, and this is definitely the better of the two schools in my book.
—Submitted by a parent

We transferred my son from PS 196 , Because of their teachers quality . I can not tell you how happy i am with my son's improvement . My son hated going to class when he was in P.S. 196. I had to fight with him to convince to go and it broke my heart when he screamed for me not to leave him there when I turn away. His school teacher had no patience for the kids . When my son started his Kindergarten in P.S. 144 , I could say he has improved & he is a lot more happier with his new teacher . The whole staff there is wonderful & the principal is really sweet and caring .
—Submitted by a parent

The rating for PS 144 needs to be updated. The principal, Ms. Gluck-Schneider, is a wonderful, intelligent, and caring leader, who shows up at the morning line-up to greet the kids n parents with a warm smile. I pick up my 1st-grader at the after-school program at 6 pm, and she is sometimes there too. PS144 has inclusive and fun events for families. She interacts with the kids and parents openly and with a sense of humor. She personally answers emails from parents and I am very grateful to have a strong and fair role model for my child. My child has a PDD-NOS diagnosis. l called the school prior to the first day of school to get some information, and the principal answered the phone herself saying that the only people there were the janitors and herself. She asked who my child was and I explained that my child with an IEP will start the next day. Then, the principal asked, "What are her gifts and interests?" I felt ecstatic to have my child welcomed into a new school with open arms. Did I mention how great the teachers are? The CTT teachers and paras are attentive, detail-oriented, and caring! The PTA is also hard working and puts the children first no matter what.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 2nd grade. He loves school and comes home happy every day. The difference between his desire to learn here at PS144 and at the Catholic school he was attending is astonishing. His teacher is caring, communicates with me should she have concerns or to share the good stuff too. The field trips and residencies are great. I admire the teachers and staff there (and principal) for striking the right balance between being focused on test scores and allowing students to engage in real learning. Well done.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in 1st grade and thus far, her and us as parents cannot say enough of the warm and caring atmosphere this school offers. The curriculum is also pretty demanding, but this is a good thing and have seen significant strides in our daughter's academic and social growth while attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am glad this term is almost over. I never saw a principal so obsessed with her self interest instead of caring about the children. She must have come from "The Academy" since any exhibit of professional experience is sorely lacking.
—Submitted by a parent

PS 144 is a wonderful school a very good stuff. All my 3 kids went to this school their teachers were and still fantastic....because my grandson is now in PK (room 117) and the teachers are excellent and very nice with all the kids, my grand son is learning a lot for his age as a grandmother I am very happy ....

I can not tell you how happy my son has been since his first day of school (kindergarten). My son hated going to pre-k when he was in P.S. 174. I had to fight with him to get him to go and it broke my heart when he screamed for me not to leave him there when I turn away. His Pre-K teacher had no patience for the little ones and always had on a poker face. When my son started his Kindergarten in P.S. 144, I was suprised the very first day I picked him up at school and he told me he like his new school and said his teachers were nice. I will never forget the look on his face, he was so happy! He's in 1st grade now and continue to be happy and has improved soooo much!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are committed to each and every student - they go the extra mile for the students and the school. The level of participation of the teachers in the school and after school activities is amazing. A great team!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic, caring, supportive teachers...who could ask for anything more!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The Parent Coordinator is excellent, she goes well beyond of job scope to help parents. The school nurse as well. I have never had any problems, and when there is a issue with my child it is dealt with right away with the teacher and myself, as far how they are achieving academically.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has a lot of unique programs.
—Submitted by a parent

PS 144 is a great school and has a good faculty and staff. My children have yet to say 'I do not want to go to school'. The residencies add alot to the curriculum. This school definitely has a strong PA and wonderful parent involvement. The support and structure offered in the CTT class works well.They tend to put both gen. and spec. ed. children who are well behaved in the class. This is because since the two teachers have the challenge of having kids with some academic issues, there really is no room for behavioral issues. Like a lot of other parents say, you could have behavioral issues in any class. What better benefit than to have two teachers for students who have minor academic issues. There is nothing more important than getting my children a good education. They are receiving the support and motivation needed for their academic sucess.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers and administration with a focus on a well-rounded education.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrific school with a very involved PA!
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school with a great PA! The parents are what makes this school rock!
—Submitted by a parent

My children received the most well rounded education at PS 144. Its an amazing school with so much to offer.
—Submitted by a parent