Brooklyn Education: Koala is the new mascot at P.S. 212

During Superintendent Isabel DiMola’s visit to P.S. 212 on March 8, students presented her with some of the school’s new Koala School Spirit apparel. The koala is the new school mascot at P.S. 212.

Since Principal Horne was appointed in July 2015, the students at P.S. 212 have been given a voice regarding how they see themselves and their role as leaders in the school community.

A steering committee of teachers and paraprofessionals developed a lesson plan and surveyed students to choose a school mascot and logo that best described their school. Yahya Abdur-Rashid, a third-grade student, came up with the catchy phrase, “P.S. 212 HAS THE BEST K-O-A-L-A-T-I-E-S!” The koala was overwhelmingly elected to be the new mascot.

The Positive Behavior Intervention and Support team created a school system allowing students to earn “koala cash” and are looking forward to the grand opening of the Koala Corner store where students will be able to purchase a variety of novelties. Upper-grade students will be able to fill out job applications and interview for positions in the store.

The PTA gave every student a koala t-shirt for the holidays. The shirts are worn on the first Wednesday of every month by students and staff to help promote school spirit. The PTA is now selling school spirit sweatshirts, t-shirts and sweatpants to staff, students and parents to help fund a new STEM and Robotics program for the school and increase classroom libraries.
P.S. 212 is excited about this endeavor and looks forward to building a stronger school culture around positive behaviors, mutual respect and school pride.

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Congratulations to all the students who represented Genesis at the New York City National History Day competition. These students presented their projects at the Museum of the City of New York on March 6. This year’s National History Day theme is Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History. Eight Genesis projects placed in the top three in their categories. First and second places will represent New York City at the New York State competition, held in Cooperstown, New York on April 18.

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Recently, 20 alumni, parents and friends of St. Edmund Prep High School visited with students to share their professional experiences during career day. Speakers covered topics such as educational requirements, job opportunities and potential for advancement and growth. Students were able to ask questions and give more thought to the fields that interest them.