February 26 was an exciting day at P.S. 217, as the school hosted some very special guests: US government-funded online news organization Voice of America and New York City School Chancellor Carmen Farina accompanied by District 22 Superintendent Julia Bove! Their objective was to see our amazing school and its students in action, particularly during the Magnet Master Clubs and they truly did.
As the guests toured our establishment, decorated with projects and achievements from our students, everyone was quick to recognize the passion of our school. The Chancellor, the Superintendent along with the school administration, visited students in their classes and experienced the wide array of extracurricular activities available through our Magnet Master Clubs program. Voice of America, the official external broadcast institution of the US federal government, interviewed many students, school staff and parents association members on what the school meant to all. As VOA broadcasts on radio, TV and internet outside of the US, we are confident that the name of P.S. 217 will soon make it around the world. Keep tuned to find out when the interviews will become available on Internet.
At the end of the day, the visitors enjoyed a small multi-cultural feast reflective of our diverse student body. From hot flavorful Yemeni tea, to artisan baked Russian cookies, from savory Pakistani samosas and epicurean Mediterranean flat breads to decadent Bengali flan, every bite was an exquisite delight for the taste buds.
There were many accolades given by the special visitors, and more than once we heard “P.S. 217 is a model school.” The beautiful diversity of our student body and faculty did not escape the eyes of the Chancellor Farina, Superintendent Bove and the media. Everyone departed with high hopes for continuous success and with wishes to return soon!
Congratulation to the students for your hard work and enthusiasm; and thank you all school staff and parents association for making it possible! What a special experience for the school!
Go P.S. 217!!!!