For Parents
There are many ways to get involved with the MS 51 community!

Stay up to Date: Set up an NYC Schools Account to receive official school announcements and events and sign up for the MS 51 Newsletter.
MS 51 Parent Association
The MS 51 Parent Association (PA) is your voice in the school—a venue for asking questions and connecting to the school administration and the larger school community. We also raise funds to enhance your child’s school experience.
The PA, through the generous support from MS 51 families and other fundraising events provides critical support for the Arts Talents, Technology, Staff Development, Social-Emotional Programs, and Scholarships so all students can participate in the rich offering of activities. These dollars and in-kind support ensure MS 51 remains a rigorous and enriching educational experience for all students.
Contact us at middleschool51pa@gmail.com MS 51 PA ByLaws
MS51 PA Minutes & Financial Reports
How Can I Participate?
- Attend PA meetings (check our calendar for dates)
- Stay Informed – Register for a NYC School Account to receive monthly PA newsletter and weekly announcements.
- Volunteer – We have a monthly volunteer session on Saturday mornings and are always seeking support in translation services, bake sales, and staffing at PA events
- Serve on the PA board or a committee!
- President:
- Co-Vice Presidents: Inna Kalin & Joshua Marks
- Co-Treasurers: Vidiya Tr & Selina Strong
- Co-Recording Secretary: Inna Jackson &
- Corresponding Secretary: Katrina Kort
- 6th Grade Representative: Michele MacRoy Higgins & Sakeva Purvis
- 7th Grade Representative: Toni Ann Serratelli & Denell Downum
- Fundraising Committee: Coordinator Sherlock Springer
- Event Committee Coordinator: Keisha Holder
- Supplies & Merchandise Committee Coordinator: Patrick Muntu
- Technology Coordinator: Warren Chang
Student Issues Committee: Within this parent group, we plan to address initial topics of homework and discipline through joint discussion; e.g., concern over lunchtime detentions. We will jointly determine how to frame suggestions and policy reviews to the administration and determine the best forum to address the administration.
Fundraising: Interested in playing an active role in raising funds for the school? Have great ideas for events and campaigns? Email middleschool51PA@gmail.com. Use subject line: Fundraising
DUET: The MS 51 DUET (Diversity Unity & Equity Team) seeks to play a vital role in shaping a school culture that promotes an inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning environment. All MS 51 students should feel that they belong and that their experiences and perspectives matter. All MS 51 families are welcome and their voices count.
Bylaws: According to Chancellor’s regulations, all bylaws must be reviewed and updated every three years. If interested in assisting this committee’s work, email middleschool51PA@gmail.com. Use subject line: Bylaws
School Leadership Team
SLT’s play a significant role in creating a structure for school-based decision making, and shaping the path to a collaborative school culture.
New York State Education Law Section 2590-h requires every new York City Public school to have a School Leadership Team. In addition, Chancellor’s Regulation A – 655 (CR A-655) establishes guidelines to ensure the formation of effective SLT’s in every New York City public School.
Members
TBA , UFT Representative
Joanna Santarpia, UFT Representative
Danielle Isaacs, UFT Representative
Parents:
TBA, Parent Representative
TBA, Parent Representative
Sharron Evans-Muller, Parent Representative
Sanjay Soni, Co- Chair Parent Representative
Diversity, Unity & Equity Team (DUET)
The ABCs of MS51
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Achievement
because all students are up to the task and can grow -
Belonging
because we affirm every child, their family and their community -
Commitment
because it takes all of us working together to build an equitable community
DUET plays a vital role in shaping a school culture that promotes an inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning environment. All are welcome to join DUET’s monthly meetings and engage in planning events and initiatives to facilitate DUET’s mission—supporting an academic program that will allow all students to excel, celebrating the diversity of our community, and giving our students an opportunity to learn from each other.
Our monthly meetings Include:
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Family and faulty discussions of diversity, equity, and inclusion
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Planning for the One Book, One School Program
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Developing ideas for inclusive academic programing (e.g., Black Lives Matter week)
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planning monthly cultural celebrations e.g., Hispanic Heritage Month, Diwali, Lunar New Year)
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And we welcome your ideas!
We hold meetings monthly and all MS 51 community members are welcome to join at any time! If you need interpretation in Spanish and Mandarin, please let us know before the meeting by emailing us at Jcastro10@schools.nyc.gov
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Talking about Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids
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Raising Antiracist Kids: Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi video discussion
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The Trayvon Generation by Elizabeth Alexander, The New Yorker
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Racial Equity Resources from the NYC DOE’s Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher Preparation Pgm NYU Metro Center’s Culturally Responsive Curriculum Scorecard
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From The Brooklyn North Leadership Team: NYC DOE has curated an initial list of resources for educators (Striving for Justice) and for parents and families (Together for Justice). The list of resources will continue to expand, please check back for updates.
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KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives: Anti-Racist Resources for Children, Families, and Educators (See especially Jerry Craft, award-winning author of New Kid, MS 51’s One Book, One School pick this year: 1:44:30-1:47:10)
Donate
Help support MS 51! Donations fund everything from lab equipment, learning software, sport team fees, studio materials and more.
You can contribute by:
PAYPAL
- Visit PayPal and use your preferred credit card
- Please add note: “Friends of MS 51”
CHECK:
- Mail a check to the school c/o: MS 51 Parent Association, 350 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215.
- Please make the check out to “Friends of MS51”
CASH:
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Drop off the money with Ms. Julia Castro
Consider a company match
Another way you can increase your donation to our PA is through your company’s Matching Gift Program. Please contact your Human Resources Department to see if your company offers matching gifts.
Shopify:
- Interested in purchasing MS51 merchandise click here for our shopify account.
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