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Together, we are the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)

As parents and guardians of students enrolled at PS/IS 187, you are automatically a member of the Parent Teacher Organization, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

OUR MISSION

We strive to promote an effective learning environment for studentsand to provide an opportunity for parents to participate in school and educational decision-making. Our goal is to support an interactive relationship between parents, school administration, and teachers. 

What does the PTO do?

The 187 Parent Teacher Organization brings together parents, teachers, and staff to strengthen community engagement at the school and build a thriving learning and social environment for all students.

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Together, we advocate for adequate funding from the Department of Education and New York State, organize community-building events, and initiate fundraising campaigns to support various education and enrichment activities at the school (including funding for the school garden, art and music, field-trips, books, and Professional Development for teachers).

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As members of the PS/IS 187 PTO, we acknowledge that inequality in education is a real and urgent problem in New York City that needs to be addressed. We appreciate those who raise this issue, and agree that solutions are necessary. No matter what school they attend, regardless of race, income, or background, all students deserve a quality, enriching education, with access to arts, music, and extracurricular activities. 

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We strongly affirm that the responsibility to close the gaps that exist between schools falls squarely on the State of New York and the Department of Education. Every school should be funded at a level adequate to ensure every student has access to necessary resources and support.

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However, in the absence of equitable funding from the state, and the Title 1 funds that the majority of schools in district 6 receive from the Federal Government, PS/IS 187 PTO fundraising is a necessary but imperfect solution to a problem that we did not create. The money we raise comes largely from individual donors, the vast majority of whom are parents, grandparents, or relatives of students with the expectation that their donations will be used to further the education of children enrolled at PS 187. The rest of the money is raised through the hard work and dedication of the parents, teachers and volunteers who run our community fundraisers.

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As a PTO, we are committed to working with the community to find ways to address the larger issue of inequality. We call on the Governor, Mayor, Chancellor, and all state and local lawmakers to address these issues and fully fund our schools to ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

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Lo Que Hacemos​

La Organización de Padres y Maestros 187 reúne a padres, maestros y personal para fortalecer la participación comunitaria en la escuela y crear un entorno social y de aprendizaje próspero para todos los estudiantes.

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Juntos, abogamos por la financiación adecuada del Departamento de Educación y el estado de Nueva York, organizamos eventos de desarrollo comunitario e iniciamos campañas de recaudación de fondos para apoyar diversas actividades educativas y de enriquecimiento en la escuela (incluida la financiación para el jardín escolar, arte y música, campo -viajes, libros y desarrollo profesional para maestros).

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Como miembros de la PS/IS 187 PTO, reconocemos que la desigualdad en la educación es un problema real y urgente en la ciudad de Nueva York que debe abordarse. Agradecemos a quienes plantean este problema y estamos de acuerdo en que las soluciones son necesarias. No importa a qué escuela asistan, independientemente de su raza, ingresos o antecedentes, todos los estudiantes merecen una educación enriquecedora y de calidad, con acceso a las artes, la música y las actividades extracurriculares.

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Afirmamos firmemente que la responsabilidad de cerrar las brechas que existen entre las escuelas recae directamente en el Estado de Nueva York y el Departamento de Educación. Cada escuela debe recibir fondos a un nivel adecuado para garantizar que cada estudiante tenga acceso a los recursos y el apoyo necesarios.

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Sin embargo, en ausencia de fondos equitativos del estado y de los fondos del Título 1 que la mayoría de las escuelas en el distrito 6 reciben del Gobierno Federal, la recaudación de fondos de PS/IS 187 PTO es una solución necesaria pero imperfecta a un problema que no creamos nosotros. El dinero que recaudamos proviene en gran parte de donantes individuales, la gran mayoría de los cuales son padres, abuelos o familiares de estudiantes con la expectativa de que sus donaciones se utilicen para promover la educación de los niños inscritos en PS 187. El resto del dinero se recauda a través del arduo trabajo y la dedicación de los padres, maestros y voluntarios que organizan las recaudaciones de fondos de nuestra comunidad.

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Como PTO, estamos comprometidos a trabajar con la comunidad para encontrar formas de abordar el problema más amplio de la desigualdad. Hacemos un llamado al gobernador, al alcalde, al canciller y a todos los legisladores estatales y locales para que aborden estos problemas y financien por completo nuestras escuelas para garantizar que todos los estudiantes tengan acceso a los recursos y el apoyo que necesitan para tener éxito.

How Does the PTO Work?

PTO GENERAL MEETINGS

We hold monthly meetings that bring together parents/guardians, teachers, and the school administration representative to share updates, discuss and vote on new initiatives, and to contribute thoughts, ideas, or concerns. Items on the PTO Meeting Agenda generally include: Administration Report, PTO report and updates, Funds Allocations Vote (as needed), Fundraising Updates, and Open Forum.

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All members of the PS/IS 187 parent/guardian community are invited to attend and take an active part in the PTO. General Meetings are held on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of every month. 

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PTO MEETING DATES & MINUTES
PTO BYLAWS (2025)

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EVENTS AND INITIATIVES

The PTO supports and organizes multiple events and initiatives - both established and brand new - with the goal of bringing together the PS/IS 187 community, providing a better learning environment for the students, and raising funds to support various in-school and after-school programs.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT EVENTS AND PROGRAMS 

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CLASSROOM REPRESENTATIVE PROGRAMS

The PTO helps coordinate and supervise the Class Parent Representative(s) program. For the ES grades, one or two designated parents in each classroom volunteer to be a link between the homeroom teacher and the parent/guardian community. These wonderful volunteers keep parents/guardians informed about class and school-related items and work with the teacher to coordinate parental involvement in the classroom. A slightly different broader structure is established for the IS to accommodate the multi-classroom structure. 

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CPR PROGRAMS 

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ORGANIZING COMMITEES 

The PTO boasts a robust roster of events and programs that take place throughout the year. People who make it possible are the amazingly wonderful parents and volunteers just like you! It takes a PS/IS 187 village and we invite you to join the community. 

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LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMITTEES 

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PTO EXECUTIVE BOARD

Members of the PTO Executive Board – parent/guardian volunteers elected annually by fellow parents/guardians at the end of each school year – lead the organization during the school year. The board members organize and run the General Meetings, oversee PTO programming, and serves as liaisons between the parents body and administration throughout the year. All parents/guardians are encouraged to run for office and join the Executive Board!  

 

The Executive Board members meet at the start of every month to discuss new and ongoing initiative to bring before the general body at the General Meetings, and the the PTO President(s) also meet regularly with the administration. Parents, guardians, and teacher are invited to make a presentation before the e-board. Please contact us if you are interested in presenting to the Executive Board. 

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THIS YEAR'S EXECUTIVE BOARD 

© 2025 PS/IS 187 PTO

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