PS 20 Clinton Hill in Brooklyn is contending with deep Department of Education budget cuts and the loss of a small class size grant, resulting in fewer classes and larger class sizes in grades 1, 2, 3 and 5, according to the school. Principal Ms. Blyden shared the budget news at September’s PTA General Membership Meeting.
PS 20 Clinton Hill reported the information in a summary of the meeting and recent school activities. The school is responding to the cuts with a Strategic Instructional Period that groups students by need, and PTA members voted to direct reserve funds toward substitute teachers so classes remain covered throughout the year.
Teachers welcomed families to Curriculum Night on Zoom, outlining what students will study this year, upcoming trips and grade-level expectations. Sessions were recorded for families unable to attend. Blyden also reported progress on a three-year accessibility project bringing accessible elevators, chairlifts, bathrooms, security cameras and a rooftop garden. Third-floor bathrooms have reopened, with second-floor facilities expected in mid-October.
PROSE planning half days allow teachers to focus on IB inquiry and instruction shaped around student needs. The school’s Octoberfest fall festival on Oct. 17 will feature music, pumpkin painting and activities with proceeds returning to the school.
For more information, visit ps20.org.