We hope you can join us for Annual Holiday Party! Please RSVP at your earliest convenience by clicking HERE. This party is for adults only and for the first time, childcare will be offered for GHS children so everyone can come and enjoy the party. This childcare needs to be arranged in advance so we are sure to have the correct number of GHS middle school sitters. To request and secure childcare, please email Rachael at rburton@greenehillschool.org.
Saturday, November 16, 2019, 11am - 3pm
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Wyckoff House Museum with Protest Garden artist-in-residence Kelsey Pyro for our November Family Day.
Kelsey will lead us in an exploration of heritage and history through collage-making, storytelling, and poetry at 1:00 p.m.. Take a closer look at Brooklyn’s Native and Colonial history with a tour of our house and grounds, and as always enjoy a scavenger hunt, art activities, and toys and games.
Family Day runs from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is always free and open to all ages. Reservations are not required, but recommended. Reserve your spot by clicking HERE. For additional excellent Native American Heritage Month events, click HERE.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October, and is an official city and state holiday in various localities. Below are a list of celebrations curated by the GHS Diversity Committee:
October 13th & 14th, 2019: 5th Annual Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on Randall’s Island. For more info, click HERE
October 12 & 13th, 11am-5pm: art exhibit at American Indian Community House on Governor’s Island.
October 13th, 11am-2pm: Native American Heritage Celebration at The Museum of the City of New York.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to the country's history, heritage and culture. The GHS Diversity Committee has put together a guide of family friendly events, performances and celebrations, available for download HERE.
Welcome to the 2019/2020 school year! This week at GHS:
Monday, Sept 16: afterschool begins (quiet zone and open play only)
Wednesday, Sept 18: PATHS Diversity Committee meeting, 8:30am
Thursday, Sept 19: First Soccer game, 3-6pm
Friday, Sept 20: 8th graders will be attending the Climate Change Rally as part of their Activism class. Families of younger students who decide to attend the rally isntead of school are asked to notify their child’s teacher and arrival/dismissal in advance. They will be offered an excused absence. Children will not be allowed to dismiss early or on their own from school for this event.
PATHS wants to wish the GHS Community a fun and healthy 2019 summer break. Below are some important 2019/2020 begining of school dates and schedules. To view the full 2019/2020 school calendar, click HERE. See you in September!
September 3rd & 4th, 2019: Welcome conferences for 5’s through 8’s, home visits for 4’s (teachers will be in touch with families about scheduling).
Thursday, September 5, 2019: First day of school for 8’s, 9’s, 10’s and Middle School students.
Friday, September 6, 2019: First day of school for 4’s, 5’s, 6’s and 7’s. School day starts at 8:50am for 4’s through 9’s. 10’s and middle school students start at 8:30am. Phase in begins for 4’s and 5’s, 8:50 - 11am. 4’s and 5’s Parent Orientation & Coffee from 9 - 11am. A representative from each family is expected to attend.
Monday, September 9, 2019: Phase in continues for 4’s and 5’s, 8:50 - 11am.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019: Phase in continues for 4’s and 5’s, 8:50 - 11am.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019: Full days begin for 5’s, 8:50am - 3pm, phase in continues for 4’s, 8:50am-11am.
Thursday, September 12, 2019: Full days begin for 4’s, 8:50am - 3pm
Saturday, September 14, 2019: GHS Family Picnic at Fort Greene Park, 4-6pm
The month of June was chosen for LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred in 1969. As a result, many of the pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact that LGBT people have had in the world. Below is a children’s and YA book list, featuring stories that celebrate Pride. For more book suggestions, check out Brooklyn Public Library’s “Genderful Picture Books” and titles from “Drag Queen Story Hour”. Happy Pride Month!
And Tango Makes Three: the bestselling, heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family. At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo get the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own. Ages 3-8.
Goblin Heart: Using "fairy" and "goblin" in lieu of female and male, the author has created a timely allegorical fairy tale. A youngster named Julep, who lives in a forest tribe, insists on growing up to be a goblin rather than a fairy. Ages 3-8.
Julián Is A Mermaid: While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. Ages 4-8.
Introducing Teddy/A Gentle Story About Gender & Friendship: One sunny day, Errol finds that Thomas the Teddy is sad, and Errol can't figure out why. Then Thomas the Teddy finally tells Errol what Teddy has been afraid to say: 'In my heart, I've always known that I'm a girl Teddy, not a boy Teddy. I wish my name was Tilly.' And Errol says, 'I don't care if you're a girl teddy or a boy teddy! What matters is that you are my friend.'
Large Fears: Jeremiah Nebula is not a bullfrog. He is a black boy that loves pink things, and he desperately wants to travel to Mars. His voyage leads him to land on stars that have little Jeremiah confronting all of his fears, and not just the smalls ones, the really, really large ones. Will Jeremiah Nebula conquer his large fears? Will he ever make it to Mars? Ages 4-8.
The Boy & The Bindi: A beautiful children’s picture book that showcases a young Indian boy’s fascination with his mother’s bindi, the red dot commonly worn by Hindu women. Rather than chastise her son, she teaches him about its cultural significance and doesn’t flinch when he asks for one himself. Wearing it allows him to joyfully explore and express his difference. Ages 4-8.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk & The Rainbow Flag: In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. Ages 4-8.
My Princess Boy: A heartwarming book about unconditional love and one remarkable family.
Dyson loves pink, sparkly things. Sometimes he wears dresses. Sometimes he wears jeans. He likes to wear his princess tiara, even when climbing trees. He’s a Princess Boy. Inspired by the author’s son, and by her own initial struggles to understand, this heartwarming book is a call for tolerance and an end to bullying and judgments. The world is a brighter place when we accept everyone for who they are. Ages 3-8.
The Boy In The Dress: The sparkling debut children's novel from David Walliams, co-creator and co-star of the multi-award-winning Little Britain. Dennis was different. Why was he different, you ask? Well, a small clue might be in the title of this book! Ages 6-12.
The Misadventures of Family Fletch: The start of the school year is not going as the Fletcher brothers hoped. Each boy finds his plans for success veering off in unexpected and sometimes diastrous directions. And at home, their miserable new neighbor complains about everything. As the year continues, the boys learn the hard and often hilarious lesson that sometimes what you least expect is what you come to care about the most. Ages 9-12.
The Misfits: Published in 2001, inspired the antibullying initiative No Name-Calling Week, as well as three sequels, Totally Joe, Addie on the Inside, and Also Known as Elvis. A common theme in James Howe’s books from preschool through teens is the acceptance of difference and being true to oneself. Ages 9-14.
Beyond Magenta/Transgender Teens Speak Out: Author and photographer Susan Kuklin met and interviewed six transgender or gender-neutral young adults and used her considerable skills to represent them thoughtfully and respectfully before, during, and after their personal acknowledgment of gender preference. YA.
The month of June was chosen for LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred in 1969. As a result, many of the pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact that LGBT people have had in the world. This list features a selection of youth and family geared events in NYC, that all celebrate Pride. Happy Pride Month!
May 31 & June 1, Gender Conference NYC: Gender Conference NYC provides a supportive space for transgender and gender expansive youths, their families, allies and the professionals in their lives.The Professional Day and Family Day Conference bring together connection, education and empowerment
for community members of all ages.
June 1-30th: The World Mural Project A landmark art initiative launched by NYC Pride for WorldPride/Stonewall 50.
Sunday, June 2: Queens Pride Parade & Festival Queens Pride, the organizer of the 2019 Pride Parade and Festival held in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY, welcomes you to celebrate the 27th parade and festival. First held in 1993, the fight for social justice and the celebration of community continues with this wonderful display of visibility and pride.
Saturday, June 8, 10AM: Brooklyn Pride 5K run: What better way to start off your Brooklyn Pride Saturday than with a morning 5K (3.1 mile) LGBTQIA+ fun run? You'll be joined by hundreds of runners from across NYC and beyond as you race through scenic and historic Prospect Park, and a portion of your registration fee will go toward Brooklyn Pride's newly developed Volunteer Grant, designed to celebrate local non-profit organizations that provide direct support services to the LGBTQIA+ community. All participants must register online!
Saturday, June 8, Brooklyn Multi-Cultural Festival: Join a cross section of the borough’s business, community, and LGBTQIA+ organizations along Fifth Avenue in Park Slope. Come spend the day enjoying the sights, snacks, and great entertainment that borders the festival!
Saturday, June 8, Brooklyn Pride Twilight Parade: Come and be part of the ONLY New York City night time parade. The parade starts around Lincoln Place and ends at 9th St. & 5th Avenue and steps off promptly at 7:30pm.
Thursday, June 13, Stonewall 50 at the Whitney Museum: In collaboration with 2019 Whitney Biennial artist Tiona Nekkia McClodden and inspired by the Meatpacking District’s queer club culture, the Whitney celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots with a free after-hours event featuring DJ SHYBOI, performances, and viewing of the 2019 Whitney Biennial.
Saturday, June 15, Ascend With Pride/Roosevelt Island: Join us for a free Pride celebration for all ages at a NYC monument dedicated to human rights: FDR Four Freedoms State Park!
Monday, June 7, Point Source Youth Conference/NYU: Providing 700 attendees tools to launch solutions that work, so the homeless youth get the housing, services, and care they need.
Friday, June 21, 7:30pm, Family Movie Night/Hudson River Park Pier 45: Family Movie Night, in partnership with HRPT, is back with family-filled fun! Films are appropriate for all ages. Join us as we lounge under the stars.
Saturday, June 29, LGBTQIA & Ally/Teen Celebration at Summer Stage/Central Park: We’re excited to bring back this electrifying experience for LGBTQIA+ and ally teens! A place for young people to celebrate NYC Pride with their friends. Fun interactive experiences, games, and entertainment for all that attend.
Saturday, June 29, Harlem Pride Celebration: Our Harlem Pride 2019 10th Anniversary Celebration Day, is going to be bigger and better this year. We’ve got two stages and more live entertainment! Come on out, bring your family and enjoy the festivities. FREE ADMISSION.
Sunday, June 30, 12pm, Pride March NYC: Out in the streets for the biggest Pride celebration in the world! The first March was held in 1970 and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years, its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence and neglect.
Ongoing through December, 2019, “Nobody Promised Tomorrow” at Brooklyn Museum: The exhibition presents twenty-eight LGBTQ+ artists born after 1969 whose works grapple with the unique conditions of our political time, and question how moments become monuments. Through painting, sculpture, installation, performance, and video, these artists engage interconnected themes of revolt, commemoration, care, and desire.
Join the GHS PATHS Diversity Committee in reading the YA novel “Harbor Me”, by award winning author Jacqueline Woodson:
It all starts when six kids have to meet for a weekly chat–by themselves, with no adults to listen in. There, in the room they soon dub the ARTT Room (short for “A Room to Talk”), they discover it’s safe to talk about what’s bothering them–everything from Esteban’s father’s deportation and Haley’s father’s incarceration to Amari’s fears of racial profiling and Ashton’s adjustment to his changing family fortunes. When the six are together, they can express the feelings and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world. And together, they can grow braver and more ready for the rest of their lives.
Parents, students (ages 10 and up), caregivers, teachers and local families are invited to a fun and insightful discussion about “Harbor Me” on Wednesday, May 15, from 4-5pm in the GHS Library.
The Greene Affair Gala and Auction, held every March, is going to be amazing this year - GHS's 10 Year Anniversary! Eat, drink, dance, celebrate and support GHS on Friday, March 15, 2019, 8PM - 11:30PM, in the transformed community room.
The online auction is now live! Click HERE to bid on weekend getaways, vacation homes, unique experiences, theater tickets and original works of art by local designers and GHS parents.
Greene Affair tickets are available in the front office, or by clicking HERE.
Tuesday February 26, 5:30 - 7:30pm, at GHS
Talking About Race: Raising Children for Racial Justice
Hosted by GHS and the Center For Racial Justice in Education. This version of Talking about Race is customized for parents, guardians and caregivers to explore strategies for addressing race and racism with their children. Participants learn how children see race, gain skills for approaching age-appropriate conversations with a racial equity lens, and practice strategies to promote positive racial identity development in children.
This workshop is for parents only, onsite childcare available depending on response.
Please RSVP to paths@greenehillschool.org
Monday, February 11, 4:30pm in the GHS Library
The Diversity Committee is hosting a talk on the book Pride, by Ibi Zoboi in the GHS library. This book is a quick read, and a timely version of Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice. The story takes place in Bushwick, Brooklyn and the main character is both Dominican and Haitian. GHS parents, students (this is a Young Adult book) and staff are invited to attend. Participants are encouraged to select 1-2 passages of interest, or that act as a mirror to their own experience. Please join us for fun and insightful conversation!
RSVP to paths@greenehillschool.org
Monday, January 21, 10am - 12pm, at Greene Hill School.
Join GHS parents and students for a day of service in honor and celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Activities will include reading social justice themed stories with GHS alums, assembling winter care kits for kids and adults (kits will be delivered to a local shelter), knitting baby hats, making signs for the school (themes to follow). Suggestions for winter kit donations below.
8th Grade: adult gloves or mittens
7th: adult socks
6th: adult hats
10’s: adult scarves
9’s: granola bars
8’s: body wipes
7’s: kids gloves or mittens
6’s: kids socks
5’s: kids hats
4’s: kid’s scarves
A GHS Family Meet Up at the Brooklyn Museum.
Sunday, January 13, at 3PM (meet by the coat check)
All GHS families are invited to a free guided tour of “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power”, beginning at 3:30pm, at the entrance to the exhibit. The exhibit shines light on a broad spectrum of Black artistic practice from 1963 to 1983-- one of the most politically, socially, and aesthetically revolutionary periods in American history. Over 150 works of art will be on view.
There is also a free arts making lab in the education department, starting at 4PM. Suitable for all ages.
Organized by the GHS Diversity Committee.
Thursday, January 10, 8:30am - Diversity Committee Meeting
Friday, January 11, approx. 9:15am - All School Sing
Sunday, January 13, 3:00pm - GHS Family meet up at the Brooklyn Museum to view “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power. There is also an art making lab at 4:30pm in the education department, suitable for all ages. Meet by the coat check at 3:00pm! Organized by the Diversity Committee.
Wednesday, January 16, 4:30pm - Family sign making for Women’s March and tips for speaking with young children about difficult issues.
Thursday, January 17, 8:30am - PATHS Building committee meeting
Thursday, January 17, 7pm, - Diversity Committee Book Club discussion on “Pride” by Ibi Zoboi
Monday, January 21, 10:00am - 12pm, MLK Family Day of Service at GHS.
Blood (Donald Formey) by Barkley Hendricks, currently on view in “Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power” at the Brooklyn Museum
The Diversity Committee and GHS Learning Specialist Melanie Okadigwe have curated a winter break book list for young readers. These picture books are suitable for K-3, and full of thoughtful stories and wonderful illustrations. You can find them at your local library, bookstore, or purchase online. Enjoy!
ALL ARE WELCOME, written by Alexandra Penfold & illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
WHO ARE YOU?: THE KID’S GUIDE TO GENDER IDENTITY, written by Brook Pessin-Whedbee & illustrated by Naomi Bardoff
JULIÁN IS A MERMAID, written and illustrated by Jessica Love
LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET, written by Matt de la Pena & illustrated by Christian Robinson
THIS IS A ROPE: A STORY FROM THE GREAT MIGRATION, written by Jacqueline Woodson & illustrated by James Robinson
THUNDER BOY JUNIOR, written by Sherman Alexie & illustrated by Yuyi Morales
TILLY’S STACATION, written & illustrated by Gillian Hibbs
Recommended by the GHS Diversity Committee:
What: Lecture on water rights, with Vishwa Adluri, John Lipscomb & Ben Price
When: Sunday, December 16, 2018, 3-4:30pm
Where: The Rubin Museum of Art
*Please note that this is a ticketed event
If a river had the same legal rights as a person, would we do a better job of protecting its ecosystem? And how might this legalistic approach intersect with traditional customs and rituals for sacred places?
Hindus believe life is incomplete without bathing in the Ganges at least once. While the river’s spiritual purity has remained unchallenged for millennia, its water is now physically impure with the pollution of human and industrial waste.
A court in Uttarakhand ruled that the Ganges and Yamuna rivers and their related ecosystems have “the status of a legal person, with all corresponding rights, duties, and liabilities…in order to preserve and conserve them.” Can the same claim be made for the Hudson or any ecosystem? And if so, what mechanisms can enforce these declarations?
Philosopher Vishwa Adluri meets with Riverkeeper’s John Lipscomb and environmental lawyer Ben Price to enlighten us on the issues at stake.
Please join the GHS Diversity Committee on Thursday, December 6, at 8:30am in Diana’s office. We will be discussing upcoming event planning, new ideas and checking in about book club. All GHS parents are welcome to participate!
The GHS Diversity Committee organizes activities and special events on topics that increase diversity awareness among all members of the school community. We also aim to provide ample information to students and families regarding citywide and local cultural events, in order to foster community participation and cognizance. Additionally, our committee seeks to create a warm, inclusive environment and culture of equity so that students and families feel they belong regardless of race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation or difference. We meet on the Thursday mornings during the week of scheduled “All School Sings”, at 8:30am in the library. All are welcome to join!
Image by Torey Thornton
When: Wednesday, December 5, 6-8pm
Where: GHS Community Room
We look forward to seeing everyone at the GHS Winter Holiday party this Wednesday evening. This is a potluck event—you can sign up to bring a food or drink item by clicking HERE. All GHS parents are welcome to join!
Also, please note that we will be having our final PATHS meeting of 2018 this Friday, December 7, at 8:30am in the GHS Library.
