P.S. 216, the Arturo Toscanini School, is located in Gravesend, Brooklyn, in Community District 15. The school currently houses a diverse population of 471 students from solidly lower and middle class communities, in grades pre-K through 5. All P.S. 216 students qualify for free lunch under Title I funding. 72% of the students speak a language other than English at home and 19% take English Language Learner classes.P.S. 216 is also a Partnership School with Teacher’s College at Columbia University.
The school, whose principal is Ms. Celia Kaplinsky, has achieved a grade “A” in the most recent Department of Education Progress Report. Ms. Kaplinsky’s tireless advocacy for her students has resulted in several initiatives, including teaming with NYC DOE School Food to ensure that students have healthy choices: a salad bar and fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal. The school has a Robin Hood library, music and dance programs and has raised funds for computer and science labs and to make laptops available for every child.
Community District 15 has the lowest percentage of green, open space in Brooklyn, and only two community gardens, located far from P.S. 216. P.S. 216’s administration, staff and parent community are tremendously supportive of the Edible Schoolyard New York project and have demonstrated an early level of involvement that is indicative of the project’s long term success.