exemplary program

Exemplary Programs:

P. 4 K Paradise Garden is located on Glenmore Avenue between Ashford and Cleveland Street.

The Paradise Garden was created to help meet the emotional needs of our students. Over the past 15 years, with the help of nearby community residents and many dedicated staff and diligent students, we were able to change a vacant and infested lot, into a beautiful garden oasis.
Throughout the years the garden has been a recipient of many awards and grants. Such past awards include: The Citizen Committee, National Garden Association, City Parks Council and Beautify Brooklyn Award.
The students at P. 4 K have a unique opportunity to experience and outdoor hands - on curriculum, from planting a seed to weeding, watering and harvesting. It is through their hard work in the garden that the students find a place in which they can improve and create the world in which they live.
There are approximately 20 teachers and 40 educational assistants involved in the P.4 K garden on a weekly basis. Each teacher and educational assistants transport their class by school bus, to the garden once a week for 1 and 1/2 hours. While in the garden, the classes perform garden chores, read books and sign and dance under the gazebo. They perform science experiments, clean the pond, feed the birds, celebrate holidays and learn about the wonders of nature in our urban garden. The garden is completely integrated into all aspects of the student's daily curriculum.
Primary Goals: to link literacy and gardening in the students curriculum to motivate students and staff to grow and experiment with different varieties of vegetables to increase community awareness to develop pride within the students, staff and community volunteers

The swim program at P.S. 4K was established to provide students with exposure to a lifetime leisure activity that will increase their level of physical fitness. At the same time, the swim program will focus on safety in and around the water.

The students success in this unique program allows for the increase mobility for the 12:1:4 students, fosters a sense of independence for the 12:1:2 student, gives the 6:1:1 students the opportunity to focus on skills in a new environment and is linked to the positive behavior support system for the 12:1:1 and 8:1:1 student.

This connection has led to a positive home - school support system which has increased parental involvement. Our swim program has opened up a new avenue of learning where our students achieve success in a nurturing environment.