What I really like about PS 232 is that academics come first, but there is always time for other events that make it a well-rounded experience. The state tests are important to anyone who wants there child to be successful, but 232 has a huge heart and finds the time to fund raise for others in need. Hurricane Sandy devastated our community they raised so much money and food and clothing for others. They have adopted another school that needed gifts at Christmas. They are having a cancer walk in the spring. My child might not be on the honor roll every marking period but he is getting more of an education at PS 232 than anywhere else. They are even adopting the manatee since it is becoming extinct and have purchased t-shirts for the students for Earth Day. There are strict rules and not all parents like them like having to have there child in school on time and wearing a uniform. This school is preparing my child to be successful in the real world. All of my sons teachers have been awesome and they are always willing to answer my questions. One improvement would be more afterschool programs but I know that that depends on the budget.
—Submitted by a parent
My kids are new to this school, so far they have had ok experiences. Its only the third day, So time will tell, I hope teacher meet day will go ok. I pray my experience with the school will be a good one. Again its still early. Just wish they made us more aware of kids progress.
—Submitted by a parent
As many other public schools, they have way too many children per class, which affects the quality of the education they receive. In addition, they lack after school programs in the lower grades. They have too many field trips that contribute nothing to the curriculum and waste the children's time that could be used for formal instruction. This is a nice school, but don't expect outstanding education.
—Submitted by a parent
I think that the school is good for kids who are smart but if your kid s are behind then it is not a good school. They have no compassion for kids with learning disabilities or any disability in that matter. I feel that the staff is afraid to say what they really want to say because of the principal. This school is not special Ed friendly at all. I thought that if you worked in the school that your kids could not go there like their kids don t get everything that they need or special treatment.
—Submitted by a parent
My wife setup an appointment with the principal, because one of my son's teacher asked if we were notified that both our sons are not going to be promoted. She also stated, " if it were up to me I would have promoted him, but I had no decision in this matter". I met with the principal who showed me a sample writing of my children with the word June affixed on top. This was clearly one of his writing from the beginning of the school the year. My sons write well for first grader and I have samples from the father's day cards I've received in June. My children are tutored by a third grade teacher who also believed that they should have been promoted. After I was shown these writing I told them that I was not going to sign anything that agreed with their decision. How can children who were not truant, did all their homework, scored 90's or better on every spelling test, read and login every books and received awards from the school for reading, one of my children even got student of the month. Something is wrong here... I went to plead my case to the superintendent but unfortunately she is on vacation till thursday
—Submitted by a parent
What a shame that the last parent post is experiencing this! I have had the complete opposite experience. I know that the extracurricular activities are for the upper grades and that there is a Saturday Academy for the 3rd thru 5th grades. The administration is very parent-friendly and hopefully parents with concerns should be more pro-active and seek their help. This is about the only school I've ever experienced to really put children first. There are both academic and social activities and events throughout the year. My child's teacher actually volunteers his time to coach the wrestling team. I am keeping my child here throughout the years until he graduated from 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent
Re: Nov 5th post that the school have 'school oriented clubs and activities' ...Where are they?? I haven't heard about any. Perhaps they are for higher grades. My son is in the 5th grade, we moved here from Princeton, NJ and I have to say I am not singing praises as everyone else here is. I will not go into specific details here, but I will say one of the things that bother me is the staff/teachers are not listening to him. It's very demotivating when a child is feeling like he is not being heard. I want to change his class but I don't think that's a good idea this late in the school year. I'm glad it's working out for other parents but so far, this is one of the worst experiences we have had with a school.
—Submitted by a parent
PS 232 is a wonderful school my children are doing terrific..I give all the credit to the staff and teachers they are always on top of them and they keep the parents informed all the time....This school has also helped with our peace of mind knowing our 2 children are getting a great education .....
—Submitted by a parent
P.S. 232 is a wonderful devoted school, they truly have the kids best interest at heart, and they have the latest technology, and they have school oriented clubs and activities, they also do fundraisers for the community and they have a wonderful staff.
—Submitted by a parent
My son is now in 1st Grade and am very happy to report, the school has won the accolades from NYC for being an 'A' grade school. Which means their students have been excelling and their curriculum is working! Not every school can achieve this! Most either are happy to stay status-quo or fall behind and become complacent. This is the new P.S. in Howard Beach to keep your eye on. It's a small and nurturing community that no one is aware of it seems! As well, they were #1 in fundraising for the Penny Harvest last year. Their students cared enough to raise over 6k to give back to their community. They are really involved and the Principal, Assistant Principals, down to the teachers - all do more than their part to keep it a fantastic learning facility. The security guards as well, treat the kids like family! Very caring!
—Submitted by a parent
I am very happy with PS 232. My daughter graduated in June 09 and was well prepared for her transition into high school. I credit her teachers for this, she thrived academically under their guidance. My son who is at the other end of the spectrum requires some additional help and he is receiving it. His teachers are supportive and nurturing and go above and beyond what is required of them. I as a parent have the utmost respect for their opinions and advice where my children are concerned. The school has guided both my children and myself through their formative years, the important high school decisions, academics and countless trials and tribulations. I cannot convey in words just how grateful I am.
—Submitted by a parent
My daughter is about to complete her Kindergarten at PS 232. I am so proud of her accomplishments and all the credit goes to a wonderful and dedicated teacher, MRS. DECLEMENTE. Since PS 232 is celebrating Teacher Appreciation week, I could not find a better time and place to convey my thanks to all her efforts in bringing the best in every child. Thank you Mrs. DeClemente and thank you PS 232.
—Submitted by a parent
This school has a strong principal and very caring assistant principal who seems to know every child by name as well as most of the parents. They are extremely well organized and have annual traditions such as the Halloween Parade/Carnival as well as the Spring Carnival that the children look forward to and the parents/PTA are largely responsible and involved with. Their is an overall environment of mutual respect and cooperation between students and teachers. I wish they were able to obtain more enrichment programs, but they have top notch teachers. My older daughter went through their Astre Program and now attends Brooklyn Tech. Fellow classmates have been accepted into Townsend Harris, Bronx Science, and Styvesant, to name a few. I have never heard of any worrisome incidents inside the school. School security guard knows the kids by name and is well liked and respected making it a safe place.
—Submitted by a parent
excellent school, teachers are great. Very warm and caring environment. Uniforms are a plus. Love it. Very well structured and feel very safe to have my child in the hands of all the teachers and staff there
—Submitted by a parent
I am a parent of a fourth grader who did extremely well this year. He needed help with his reading in the beginning of the year and his score on the state test was a level 3. His teacher Mrs. Morley was a major force in his achievement. Now he is looking forward to 5th grade. PS 232 is the kind of school that schools used to be when I was a kid. It is warm and welcoming and there's lots of great activities going on all the time. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent
My daughter recently graduated kindergarden. Her teacher Mrs. Bowrosen was one of the most caring teachers I have ever met. Her consistancy and influence has overflowed into her students. I have watched my daughter blossom into an avid reader because of her. The school and all of the staff are always available. I am so glad that she attends and will be able to for many years.
—Submitted by a parent
My son is going into the 6th grade ARP program. He has been in this school since k and I think he is getting a great education. This past school year he participated in Thinkquest. He is getting a great education.
—Submitted by a parent
My child just had his kindergarten stepping up and I just want to say that he has thrived this year. Ms DeClemente was his teacher and she was warm and caring.
—Submitted by a parent
PS 232 has provided my child with a wonderful education. Next year we might be moving, but I am concerned about the next school he will attend. I have to move before he attends high school. Teachers are caring and committed.
—Submitted by a parent
This is an excellent school. This is the first year that this school has offered an afterschool with fun activities for the kids. My son attends for math and reading two days a week and then plays for the new basketball team two days. The basketball is run by a retired teacher and a new teacher to the school. Both men are wonderful with the boys and girls and they really teach them the skills of the game. My son is looking forward to the upcoming games.
—Submitted by a parent
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