Academics | PS 161 Juan Ponce De Leon School<\/title>\n <script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tailwindcss.com\"><\/script>\n <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdnjs.cloudflare.com\/ajax\/libs\/font-awesome\/6.4.0\/css\/all.min.css\">\n <link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Montserrat:wght@400;600;700;800&family=Open+Sans:wght@400;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n <style>\n :root {\n --primary: #122449;\n --secondary: #F0F0F0;\n --accent: #F4A261;\n }\n \n body {\n font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;\n background-color: var(--secondary);\n color: #333;\n }\n\n h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6, .font-heading {\n font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;\n }\n\n \/* Fade In Animation *\/\n .fade-in {\n opacity: 0;\n transform: translateY(20px);\n animation: fadeIn 0.8s ease-out forwards;\n }\n\n @keyframes fadeIn {\n to {\n opacity: 1;\n transform: translateY(0);\n }\n }\n \n \/* Card Hover Effect *\/\n .academic-card:hover {\n transform: translateY(-5px);\n box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n }\n\n .enrichment-card {\n transition: all 0.3s ease;\n }\n .enrichment-card:hover {\n transform: translateY(-5px);\n background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);\n border-color: rgba(244, 162, 97, 0.3);\n }\n <\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body class=\"bg-[#F0F0F0]\">\n\n \n <header class=\"relative h-[40vh] min-h-[300px] flex items-center justify-center overflow-hidden bg-[#122449]\">\n <div class=\"absolute inset-0 z-0\">\n \n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-8.24.13-PM-Large.jpeg\" alt=\"PS 161 Students Learning\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover opacity-40\">\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"relative z-10 text-center px-4\">\n <h1 class=\"text-5xl font-extrabold text-white tracking-tight drop-shadow-lg font-heading uppercase\">\n Academic <span class=\"text-[#F4A261]\">Excellence<\/span>\n <\/h1>\n <div class=\"w-24 h-1 bg-[#F4A261] mx-auto mt-4 rounded-full\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/header>\n\n \n <section class=\"py-20 bg-white\">\n <div class=\"max-w-6xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8\">\n <div class=\"text-center mb-16 fade-in\">\n <span class=\"text-[#F4A261] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-sm\">Core Subjects<\/span>\n <h2 class=\"text-4xl font-bold text-[#122449] mt-2 font-heading\">Our Curriculum<\/h2>\n <p class=\"mt-4 text-gray-600 max-w-2xl mx-auto\">\n We provide rigorous instruction in Literacy and Math, supported by evidence-based curricula designed to foster critical thinking and academic growth.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-3 gap-8\">\n \n \n <div class=\"bg-gray-50 rounded-xl p-8 border-b-4 border-blue-500 academic-card transition duration-300 fade-in flex flex-col h-full\" style=\"animation-delay: 0.2s;\">\n <div class=\"w-16 h-16 bg-blue-100 rounded-full flex items-center justify-center text-blue-600 mb-6\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-shapes text-3xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h3 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-[#122449] mb-3 font-heading\">Foundational Skills<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm leading-relaxed flex-grow\">\n For our early learners (K-2), we utilize the <strong>UFLI Foundational Skills Curriculum<\/strong>. This program focuses on the science of reading, building strong phonemic awareness and decoding skills essential for early literacy success.\n <\/p>\n <ul class=\"text-sm text-gray-500 space-y-2 mb-6\">\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Explicit Phonics Instruction<\/li>\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Heggerty (3K\/PK)<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/ufli.education.ufl.edu\/resources\/parent\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-center w-full px-4 py-2 bg-blue-600 text-white text-sm font-semibold rounded hover:bg-blue-700 transition\">\n Parent Resources <i class=\"fas fa-external-link-alt ml-2\"><\/i>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-gray-50 rounded-xl p-8 border-b-4 border-orange-500 academic-card transition duration-300 fade-in flex flex-col h-full\" style=\"animation-delay: 0.4s;\">\n <div class=\"w-16 h-16 bg-orange-100 rounded-full flex items-center justify-center text-orange-600 mb-6\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-book-open text-3xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h3 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-[#122449] mb-3 font-heading\">English Language Arts<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm leading-relaxed flex-grow\">\n In grades K-5, we implement the <strong>Expeditionary Learning (EL)<\/strong> curriculum. This comprehensive approach combines rigorous academic content with real-world literacy skills, fostering a love for reading and writing through engaging topics.\n <\/p>\n <ul class=\"text-sm text-gray-500 space-y-2 mb-6\">\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Complex Text Analysis<\/li>\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Vocabulary Development<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/15TCE5AklK0yRA2NbvQBsbbD2QKRfH9yHGP9nU-_sPmk\/edit?tab=t.0\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-center w-full px-4 py-2 bg-orange-500 text-white text-sm font-semibold rounded hover:bg-orange-600 transition\">\n View Curriculum <i class=\"fas fa-external-link-alt ml-2\"><\/i>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-gray-50 rounded-xl p-8 border-b-4 border-green-500 academic-card transition duration-300 fade-in flex flex-col h-full\" style=\"animation-delay: 0.6s;\">\n <div class=\"w-16 h-16 bg-green-100 rounded-full flex items-center justify-center text-green-600 mb-6\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-calculator text-3xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h3 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-[#122449] mb-3 font-heading\">Mathematics<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm leading-relaxed flex-grow\">\n We use <strong>Illustrative Math<\/strong> to deepen conceptual understanding. Our approach encourages students to solve problems, discuss their thinking, and apply math to real-world situations. We supplement this with fluency practice.\n <\/p>\n <ul class=\"text-sm text-gray-500 space-y-2 mb-6\">\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Problem Solving<\/li>\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Mathematical Fluency<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/design\/DAGRNpqC3Ow\/dU-BFLa1RtQAFGNDd_o-lw\/edit\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-center w-full px-4 py-2 bg-green-600 text-white text-sm font-semibold rounded hover:bg-green-700 transition\">\n Math Resources <i class=\"fas fa-external-link-alt ml-2\"><\/i>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n \n <section class=\"py-24 bg-[#122449] text-white relative overflow-hidden\">\n \n <div class=\"absolute inset-0 opacity-10\" style=\"background-image: radial-gradient(#F4A261 1px, transparent 1px); background-size: 24px 24px;\"><\/div>\n \n <div class=\"max-w-7xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 relative z-10\">\n \n <div class=\"text-center mb-16 fade-in max-w-3xl mx-auto\">\n <span class=\"text-[#F4A261] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-sm\">Beyond the Classroom<\/span>\n <h2 class=\"text-4xl md:text-5xl font-bold mb-6 font-heading\">Enrichment & Specials<\/h2>\n <p class=\"text-gray-300 text-lg leading-relaxed\">\n At PS 161, we believe in educating the whole child. Our robust arts and STEAM programs ensure students have opportunities to explore their creativity, stay active, and engage with modern technology.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"flex flex-col lg:flex-row gap-12\">\n \n \n <div class=\"lg:w-2\/3 fade-in\">\n <div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-6\">\n \n \n <div class=\"md:col-span-2 bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-8 rounded-2xl enrichment-card relative overflow-hidden group\">\n <div class=\"absolute top-0 right-0 p-4 opacity-10 group-hover:opacity-20 transition\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-lightbulb text-9xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"relative z-10\">\n <div class=\"w-12 h-12 bg-[#F4A261] rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center text-[#122449] mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-lightbulb text-2xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-2xl mb-3\">Start Lighthouse<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-gray-300 text-base leading-relaxed\">Our Literacy Hub brings students, teachers, families, and authors together to raise reading levels, increase comprehension, and close the literacy gap through daily programming. Resident authors and illustrators lead interactive workshops, encouraging and enabling students to build their own home libraries.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-blue-500\/20 text-blue-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-robot text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">STEAM<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-purple-500\/20 text-purple-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-palette text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Visual Arts<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Fostering creativity and self-expression through painting, drawing, and diverse artistic techniques.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-pink-500\/20 text-pink-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-music text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Music<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Music instruction is integrated into our regular school programming.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-green-500\/20 text-green-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-running text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Phys Ed<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Promoting physical health, teamwork, and wellness.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-yellow-500\/20 text-yellow-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-person-jumping text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Capoeira<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Students in grades 3-5 learn this Afro-Brazilian art form blending dance, music, and acrobatics.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-red-500\/20 text-red-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-heart-pulse text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Fan4Kids<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Students in grades K-2 receive school-based fitness and nutrition lessons that teach life-long healthy habits.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"lg:w-1\/3 fade-in\" style=\"animation-delay: 0.3s;\">\n <div class=\"sticky top-8 space-y-6\">\n <div class=\"relative group\">\n <div class=\"absolute -inset-2 bg-gradient-to-r from-[#F4A261] to-blue-600 rounded-2xl opacity-75 blur opacity-20 group-hover:opacity-40 transition duration-1000 group-hover:duration-200\"><\/div>\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/download-2.jpg\" alt=\"Art Class\" class=\"relative rounded-xl shadow-2xl w-full h-64 object-cover transform transition duration-500 hover:scale-[1.02]\">\n <\/div>\n \n <div class=\"relative group mt-8 lg:mt-0 lg:translate-x-4\">\n <div class=\"absolute -inset-2 bg-gradient-to-r from-blue-600 to-[#F4A261] rounded-2xl opacity-75 blur opacity-20 group-hover:opacity-40 transition duration-1000 group-hover:duration-200\"><\/div>\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/download-3.jpg\" alt=\"Music or Activity\" class=\"relative rounded-xl shadow-2xl w-full h-64 object-cover transform transition duration-500 hover:scale-[1.02]\">\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-blue-600\/20 border border-blue-400\/30 backdrop-blur-sm rounded-xl p-6 mt-6\">\n <div class=\"flex items-center gap-3 mb-2\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-calendar-check text-[#F4A261]\"><\/i>\n <h5 class=\"font-bold text-white\">Daily Engagement<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-blue-100\">Every student participates in enrichment activities throughout the week to ensure a balanced education.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n \n <section class=\"py-20 bg-white\">\n <div class=\"max-w-4xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 text-center\">\n <h2 class=\"text-3xl font-bold text-[#122449] mb-12 font-heading\">How We Measure Success<\/h2>\n \n <div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-3 gap-8\">\n \n <div class=\"p-6 bg-white border border-gray-200 rounded-xl shadow-sm hover:shadow-md transition\">\n <div class=\"text-blue-500 text-4xl mb-4\"><i class=\"fas fa-chart-line\"><\/i><\/div>\n <h3 class=\"font-bold text-lg text-[#122449] mb-2\">i-Ready<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-600\">Diagnostic assessments in Reading and Math to track individual student growth and tailor instruction.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"p-6 bg-white border border-gray-200 rounded-xl shadow-sm hover:shadow-md transition\">\n <div class=\"text-green-500 text-4xl mb-4\"><i class=\"fas fa-book-reader\"><\/i><\/div>\n <h3 class=\"font-bold text-lg text-[#122449] mb-2\">Acadience Reading<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-600\">Universal screener for K-2 to monitor early literacy skills and ensure students are on track.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"p-6 bg-white border border-gray-200 rounded-xl shadow-sm hover:shadow-md transition\">\n <div class=\"text-orange-500 text-4xl mb-4\"><i class=\"fas fa-university\"><\/i><\/div>\n <h3 class=\"font-bold text-lg text-[#122449] mb-2\">NYS Exams<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-600\">Annual New York State assessments in ELA and Math for students in grades 3-5.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Academics | PS 161 Juan Ponce De Leon School Academic Excellence Core Subjects Our Curriculum We provide rigorous instruction in Literacy and Math, supported by evidence-based curricula designed to foster critical thinking and academic growth. Foundational Skills For our early learners (K-2), we utilize the UFLI Foundational Skills Curriculum. This program focuses on the science […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-286","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=286"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":385,"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286\/revisions\/385"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n \n \n Academics | PS 161 Juan Ponce De Leon School<\/title>\n <script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tailwindcss.com\"><\/script>\n <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdnjs.cloudflare.com\/ajax\/libs\/font-awesome\/6.4.0\/css\/all.min.css\">\n <link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Montserrat:wght@400;600;700;800&family=Open+Sans:wght@400;600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n <style>\n :root {\n --primary: #122449;\n --secondary: #F0F0F0;\n --accent: #F4A261;\n }\n \n body {\n font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;\n background-color: var(--secondary);\n color: #333;\n }\n\n h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6, .font-heading {\n font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;\n }\n\n \/* Fade In Animation *\/\n .fade-in {\n opacity: 0;\n transform: translateY(20px);\n animation: fadeIn 0.8s ease-out forwards;\n }\n\n @keyframes fadeIn {\n to {\n opacity: 1;\n transform: translateY(0);\n }\n }\n \n \/* Card Hover Effect *\/\n .academic-card:hover {\n transform: translateY(-5px);\n box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n }\n\n .enrichment-card {\n transition: all 0.3s ease;\n }\n .enrichment-card:hover {\n transform: translateY(-5px);\n background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);\n border-color: rgba(244, 162, 97, 0.3);\n }\n <\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body class=\"bg-[#F0F0F0]\">\n\n \n <header class=\"relative h-[40vh] min-h-[300px] flex items-center justify-center overflow-hidden bg-[#122449]\">\n <div class=\"absolute inset-0 z-0\">\n \n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-8.24.13-PM-Large.jpeg\" alt=\"PS 161 Students Learning\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover opacity-40\">\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"relative z-10 text-center px-4\">\n <h1 class=\"text-5xl font-extrabold text-white tracking-tight drop-shadow-lg font-heading uppercase\">\n Academic <span class=\"text-[#F4A261]\">Excellence<\/span>\n <\/h1>\n <div class=\"w-24 h-1 bg-[#F4A261] mx-auto mt-4 rounded-full\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/header>\n\n \n <section class=\"py-20 bg-white\">\n <div class=\"max-w-6xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8\">\n <div class=\"text-center mb-16 fade-in\">\n <span class=\"text-[#F4A261] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-sm\">Core Subjects<\/span>\n <h2 class=\"text-4xl font-bold text-[#122449] mt-2 font-heading\">Our Curriculum<\/h2>\n <p class=\"mt-4 text-gray-600 max-w-2xl mx-auto\">\n We provide rigorous instruction in Literacy and Math, supported by evidence-based curricula designed to foster critical thinking and academic growth.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-3 gap-8\">\n \n \n <div class=\"bg-gray-50 rounded-xl p-8 border-b-4 border-blue-500 academic-card transition duration-300 fade-in flex flex-col h-full\" style=\"animation-delay: 0.2s;\">\n <div class=\"w-16 h-16 bg-blue-100 rounded-full flex items-center justify-center text-blue-600 mb-6\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-shapes text-3xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h3 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-[#122449] mb-3 font-heading\">Foundational Skills<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm leading-relaxed flex-grow\">\n For our early learners (K-2), we utilize the <strong>UFLI Foundational Skills Curriculum<\/strong>. This program focuses on the science of reading, building strong phonemic awareness and decoding skills essential for early literacy success.\n <\/p>\n <ul class=\"text-sm text-gray-500 space-y-2 mb-6\">\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Explicit Phonics Instruction<\/li>\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Heggerty (3K\/PK)<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/ufli.education.ufl.edu\/resources\/parent\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-center w-full px-4 py-2 bg-blue-600 text-white text-sm font-semibold rounded hover:bg-blue-700 transition\">\n Parent Resources <i class=\"fas fa-external-link-alt ml-2\"><\/i>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-gray-50 rounded-xl p-8 border-b-4 border-orange-500 academic-card transition duration-300 fade-in flex flex-col h-full\" style=\"animation-delay: 0.4s;\">\n <div class=\"w-16 h-16 bg-orange-100 rounded-full flex items-center justify-center text-orange-600 mb-6\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-book-open text-3xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h3 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-[#122449] mb-3 font-heading\">English Language Arts<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm leading-relaxed flex-grow\">\n In grades K-5, we implement the <strong>Expeditionary Learning (EL)<\/strong> curriculum. This comprehensive approach combines rigorous academic content with real-world literacy skills, fostering a love for reading and writing through engaging topics.\n <\/p>\n <ul class=\"text-sm text-gray-500 space-y-2 mb-6\">\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Complex Text Analysis<\/li>\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Vocabulary Development<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/15TCE5AklK0yRA2NbvQBsbbD2QKRfH9yHGP9nU-_sPmk\/edit?tab=t.0\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-center w-full px-4 py-2 bg-orange-500 text-white text-sm font-semibold rounded hover:bg-orange-600 transition\">\n View Curriculum <i class=\"fas fa-external-link-alt ml-2\"><\/i>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-gray-50 rounded-xl p-8 border-b-4 border-green-500 academic-card transition duration-300 fade-in flex flex-col h-full\" style=\"animation-delay: 0.6s;\">\n <div class=\"w-16 h-16 bg-green-100 rounded-full flex items-center justify-center text-green-600 mb-6\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-calculator text-3xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h3 class=\"text-xl font-bold text-[#122449] mb-3 font-heading\">Mathematics<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm leading-relaxed flex-grow\">\n We use <strong>Illustrative Math<\/strong> to deepen conceptual understanding. Our approach encourages students to solve problems, discuss their thinking, and apply math to real-world situations. We supplement this with fluency practice.\n <\/p>\n <ul class=\"text-sm text-gray-500 space-y-2 mb-6\">\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Problem Solving<\/li>\n <li><i class=\"fas fa-check text-green-500 mr-2\"><\/i>Mathematical Fluency<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/design\/DAGRNpqC3Ow\/dU-BFLa1RtQAFGNDd_o-lw\/edit\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"inline-flex items-center justify-center w-full px-4 py-2 bg-green-600 text-white text-sm font-semibold rounded hover:bg-green-700 transition\">\n Math Resources <i class=\"fas fa-external-link-alt ml-2\"><\/i>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n \n <section class=\"py-24 bg-[#122449] text-white relative overflow-hidden\">\n \n <div class=\"absolute inset-0 opacity-10\" style=\"background-image: radial-gradient(#F4A261 1px, transparent 1px); background-size: 24px 24px;\"><\/div>\n \n <div class=\"max-w-7xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 relative z-10\">\n \n <div class=\"text-center mb-16 fade-in max-w-3xl mx-auto\">\n <span class=\"text-[#F4A261] font-bold uppercase tracking-wider text-sm\">Beyond the Classroom<\/span>\n <h2 class=\"text-4xl md:text-5xl font-bold mb-6 font-heading\">Enrichment & Specials<\/h2>\n <p class=\"text-gray-300 text-lg leading-relaxed\">\n At PS 161, we believe in educating the whole child. Our robust arts and STEAM programs ensure students have opportunities to explore their creativity, stay active, and engage with modern technology.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"flex flex-col lg:flex-row gap-12\">\n \n \n <div class=\"lg:w-2\/3 fade-in\">\n <div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-6\">\n \n \n <div class=\"md:col-span-2 bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-8 rounded-2xl enrichment-card relative overflow-hidden group\">\n <div class=\"absolute top-0 right-0 p-4 opacity-10 group-hover:opacity-20 transition\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-lightbulb text-9xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"relative z-10\">\n <div class=\"w-12 h-12 bg-[#F4A261] rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center text-[#122449] mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-lightbulb text-2xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-2xl mb-3\">Start Lighthouse<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-gray-300 text-base leading-relaxed\">Our Literacy Hub brings students, teachers, families, and authors together to raise reading levels, increase comprehension, and close the literacy gap through daily programming. Resident authors and illustrators lead interactive workshops, encouraging and enabling students to build their own home libraries.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-blue-500\/20 text-blue-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-robot text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">STEAM<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-purple-500\/20 text-purple-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-palette text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Visual Arts<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Fostering creativity and self-expression through painting, drawing, and diverse artistic techniques.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-pink-500\/20 text-pink-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-music text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Music<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Music instruction is integrated into our regular school programming.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-green-500\/20 text-green-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-running text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Phys Ed<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Promoting physical health, teamwork, and wellness.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-yellow-500\/20 text-yellow-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-person-jumping text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Capoeira<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Students in grades 3-5 learn this Afro-Brazilian art form blending dance, music, and acrobatics.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-white\/5 border border-white\/10 p-6 rounded-2xl enrichment-card\">\n <div class=\"w-10 h-10 bg-red-500\/20 text-red-300 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center mb-4\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-heart-pulse text-xl\"><\/i>\n <\/div>\n <h4 class=\"font-bold text-lg mb-2\">Fan4Kids<\/h4>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-400\">Students in grades K-2 receive school-based fitness and nutrition lessons that teach life-long healthy habits.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"lg:w-1\/3 fade-in\" style=\"animation-delay: 0.3s;\">\n <div class=\"sticky top-8 space-y-6\">\n <div class=\"relative group\">\n <div class=\"absolute -inset-2 bg-gradient-to-r from-[#F4A261] to-blue-600 rounded-2xl opacity-75 blur opacity-20 group-hover:opacity-40 transition duration-1000 group-hover:duration-200\"><\/div>\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/download-2.jpg\" alt=\"Art Class\" class=\"relative rounded-xl shadow-2xl w-full h-64 object-cover transform transition duration-500 hover:scale-[1.02]\">\n <\/div>\n \n <div class=\"relative group mt-8 lg:mt-0 lg:translate-x-4\">\n <div class=\"absolute -inset-2 bg-gradient-to-r from-blue-600 to-[#F4A261] rounded-2xl opacity-75 blur opacity-20 group-hover:opacity-40 transition duration-1000 group-hover:duration-200\"><\/div>\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/download-3.jpg\" alt=\"Music or Activity\" class=\"relative rounded-xl shadow-2xl w-full h-64 object-cover transform transition duration-500 hover:scale-[1.02]\">\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"bg-blue-600\/20 border border-blue-400\/30 backdrop-blur-sm rounded-xl p-6 mt-6\">\n <div class=\"flex items-center gap-3 mb-2\">\n <i class=\"fas fa-calendar-check text-[#F4A261]\"><\/i>\n <h5 class=\"font-bold text-white\">Daily Engagement<\/h5>\n <\/div>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-blue-100\">Every student participates in enrichment activities throughout the week to ensure a balanced education.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n \n <section class=\"py-20 bg-white\">\n <div class=\"max-w-4xl mx-auto px-4 sm:px-6 lg:px-8 text-center\">\n <h2 class=\"text-3xl font-bold text-[#122449] mb-12 font-heading\">How We Measure Success<\/h2>\n \n <div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-3 gap-8\">\n \n <div class=\"p-6 bg-white border border-gray-200 rounded-xl shadow-sm hover:shadow-md transition\">\n <div class=\"text-blue-500 text-4xl mb-4\"><i class=\"fas fa-chart-line\"><\/i><\/div>\n <h3 class=\"font-bold text-lg text-[#122449] mb-2\">i-Ready<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-600\">Diagnostic assessments in Reading and Math to track individual student growth and tailor instruction.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"p-6 bg-white border border-gray-200 rounded-xl shadow-sm hover:shadow-md transition\">\n <div class=\"text-green-500 text-4xl mb-4\"><i class=\"fas fa-book-reader\"><\/i><\/div>\n <h3 class=\"font-bold text-lg text-[#122449] mb-2\">Acadience Reading<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-600\">Universal screener for K-2 to monitor early literacy skills and ensure students are on track.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <div class=\"p-6 bg-white border border-gray-200 rounded-xl shadow-sm hover:shadow-md transition\">\n <div class=\"text-orange-500 text-4xl mb-4\"><i class=\"fas fa-university\"><\/i><\/div>\n <h3 class=\"font-bold text-lg text-[#122449] mb-2\">NYS Exams<\/h3>\n <p class=\"text-sm text-gray-600\">Annual New York State assessments in ELA and Math for students in grades 3-5.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Academics | PS 161 Juan Ponce De Leon School Academic Excellence Core Subjects Our Curriculum We provide rigorous instruction in Literacy and Math, supported by evidence-based curricula designed to foster critical thinking and academic growth. Foundational Skills For our early learners (K-2), we utilize the UFLI Foundational Skills Curriculum. This program focuses on the science […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-286","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=286"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":385,"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/286\/revisions\/385"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ps161x.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=286"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}