P.S. 243, Brooklyn
School Snapshot
Principal: Karen Hambright
Student Population: 369
% Receiving Free or Reduced Lunch: 96%
2011 CFK Program Hours: 9,019
School Story
When Laura Steensland became a kindergarten teacher at P.S. 243, also known as the Weeksville School, in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, she knew there would be many challenges. What she didn't predict, however, was the severity of the budgeting shortfalls she would face. Laura's budget for the entire 1993-1994 school year was $171, or about $12.43 per student. From this, she was expected to buy classroom supplies, teaching materials, books and visual aids.
To help fill the funding gap, CFK began sponsoring P.S. 243 in May 1997, providing the entire kindergarten class the resources they needed. Available supplies were those that students in other schools might take for granted -- drawing paper, paint, books, learning games, science kits, audio tapes, and more -- but for P.S. 243's 120 kindergarten students, the materials represented real change.
CFK has continued to provide essential school supplies, while expanding programming to include a thriving volunteer tutoring effort as well as a fitness and nutrition program that completely altered the habits of P.S. 243's students, teachers, and staff.
CFK Programs
Literacy
Story Pirates: serves more than 120 students
One-on-One Literacy Tutoring: weekly tutoring with the neediest 2nd-3rd grade students
Pearson ABC Book Program: 30 students and families receive books
Healthy Living
Fan4Kids: increased programming by 170% for all K-3rd grade students
Classroom Support
School Supplies and Book Donations: hundreds of dollars of donations each year
School Beautification Days: literacy murals and classroom organization
Greatest Needs
Music and Visual Arts Program: there is currently no Music or Art teacher on staff
Expanded Tutoring: with additional volunteers we can increase the number of students we serve
Did You Know?
P.S. 243 is located in one of the oldest free black communities in the country, and Weeksville has been home to many well-known artists, actors, writers, and musicians, such as June Jordan, Jay-Z, Chris Rock, and Mos Def.