Read Ahead's 2025 Authorship Award: P.S. 33 Chelsea Prep - Select Image to Play Video
Read Ahead
Since 1995, P.S. 33 has proudly partnered with Read Ahead, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential through one-on-one mentoring centered on a love of reading. Mentors from leading corporate partners are matched with students for weekly 45-minute virtual sessions held during lunch/recess via a secure video platform. Each session includes one-on-one reading with Epic!, discussions, games, and guided literacy lessons using Lexia Core5, a research-based, engaging program grounded in the science of reading. Trained and vetted mentors offer individualized support, encouragement, and role modeling throughout the school year. All sessions are facilitated by our onsite Program Manager, Nyanda Cammock. Learn more at https://readahead.org/ or email [email protected]
Since 1995, P.S. 33 has proudly partnered with Read Ahead, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential through one-on-one mentoring centered on a love of reading. Mentors from leading corporate partners are matched with students for weekly 45-minute virtual sessions held during lunch/recess via a secure video platform. Each session includes one-on-one reading with Epic!, discussions, games, and guided literacy lessons using Lexia Core5, a research-based, engaging program grounded in the science of reading. Trained and vetted mentors offer individualized support, encouragement, and role modeling throughout the school year. All sessions are facilitated by our onsite Program Manager, Nyanda Cammock. Learn more at https://readahead.org/ or email [email protected]
National Dance Institute (NDI)
A long-time partner of PS 33, the National Dance Institute (NDI) provides a yearlong dance residency for 4th graders. Each year, NDI selects a unique curriculum theme that guides students’ learning and culminates in a high-energy final performance. This year’s theme is “The Evolution of Rock Music” and our show is titled: “Rock This Way! A Journey Through Time and Music.” NDI is a nonprofit arts education organization committed to bringing children together through inclusive dance and music programs that promote creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Learn more about NDI.
A long-time partner of PS 33, the National Dance Institute (NDI) provides a yearlong dance residency for 4th graders. Each year, NDI selects a unique curriculum theme that guides students’ learning and culminates in a high-energy final performance. This year’s theme is “The Evolution of Rock Music” and our show is titled: “Rock This Way! A Journey Through Time and Music.” NDI is a nonprofit arts education organization committed to bringing children together through inclusive dance and music programs that promote creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Learn more about NDI.
The below enrichment activities are supported by PS 33 families through the PTA Annual Fund.
ArtsConnection
In Spring 2025, a teaching artist from ArtsConnection led a 10-week creative movement and dance residency for Pre-K students. The program introduced foundational dance skills while nurturing imagination, strength, balance, flexibility, and spatial awareness. Through shapes, imagery, tempo, and direction, students gained body control, self-confidence, and a solid base for future physical activity. ArtsConnection’s mission is to amplify the diverse voices of NYC’s youth and foster socially just, creatively engaging learning environments. Learn more about ArtsConnection.
In Spring 2025, a teaching artist from ArtsConnection led a 10-week creative movement and dance residency for Pre-K students. The program introduced foundational dance skills while nurturing imagination, strength, balance, flexibility, and spatial awareness. Through shapes, imagery, tempo, and direction, students gained body control, self-confidence, and a solid base for future physical activity. ArtsConnection’s mission is to amplify the diverse voices of NYC’s youth and foster socially just, creatively engaging learning environments. Learn more about ArtsConnection.
TADA!
Youth Theater Students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade participated in a dynamic 10-week musical theater class led by professionals from TADA! Youth Theater. Students honed their singing, acting, and dancing skills while performing popular Broadway tunes and original TADA! songs. With a focus on theater games, character development, and choreographed performances, students built confidence, collaboration, and a love for performing arts.
TADA!
Youth Theater Students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade participated in a dynamic 10-week musical theater class led by professionals from TADA! Youth Theater. Students honed their singing, acting, and dancing skills while performing popular Broadway tunes and original TADA! songs. With a focus on theater games, character development, and choreographed performances, students built confidence, collaboration, and a love for performing arts.
ICN Chess
Students in Pre-K, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades participated in in-class chess enrichment led by ICN Chess coaches. These sessions provide an engaging introduction to chess fundamentals and often serve as a pathway to joining the school’s competitive chess team. PS 33’s award-winning chess program is led by Coach Angel and his team of expert coaches.
ICN Chess
Students in Pre-K, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades participated in in-class chess enrichment led by ICN Chess coaches. These sessions provide an engaging introduction to chess fundamentals and often serve as a pathway to joining the school’s competitive chess team. PS 33’s award-winning chess program is led by Coach Angel and his team of expert coaches.
Third Street Music School
Third Street Music School led a 12-week music residency for Pre-K through 1st Grade students. Teaching artists collaborated with classroom teachers to tailor music instruction that meets the unique developmental needs of each class, offering students a high-quality introduction to rhythm, melody, and musical expression.
Third Street Music School
Third Street Music School led a 12-week music residency for Pre-K through 1st Grade students. Teaching artists collaborated with classroom teachers to tailor music instruction that meets the unique developmental needs of each class, offering students a high-quality introduction to rhythm, melody, and musical expression.
Center for Architecture
In Spring 2025, 2nd graders engaged in the Learning By Design: NY residency, an interdisciplinary, hands-on architecture program. This multi-session, in-school experience links architecture to Social Studies, Science, Math, and Visual Arts. The residency culminates in a final student project and exhibition at the Center for Architecture, showcasing students’ creativity and understanding of design and the built environment. Learn more at Center for Architecture.
Center for Architecture
In Spring 2025, 2nd graders engaged in the Learning By Design: NY residency, an interdisciplinary, hands-on architecture program. This multi-session, in-school experience links architecture to Social Studies, Science, Math, and Visual Arts. The residency culminates in a final student project and exhibition at the Center for Architecture, showcasing students’ creativity and understanding of design and the built environment. Learn more at Center for Architecture.
Dancing Classrooms
Fifth graders took part in Dancing Classrooms, a ballroom dance residency made famous in the film Mad Hot Ballroom. Through dances like the merengue, foxtrot, swing, salsa, waltz, and tango, students developed self-confidence, social awareness, and collaboration skills in a joyful, structured setting that celebrates growth and teamwork.
Fifth graders took part in Dancing Classrooms, a ballroom dance residency made famous in the film Mad Hot Ballroom. Through dances like the merengue, foxtrot, swing, salsa, waltz, and tango, students developed self-confidence, social awareness, and collaboration skills in a joyful, structured setting that celebrates growth and teamwork.
