Parent - Teacher Association

Book Committee:‍ ‍This crew makes reading fun and accessible for all kids, hosting author visits, Comic-Con, book sales, and the annual Read-a-Thon. They also advocate for literacy access across the DOE, including more librarians in schools. The Book Committee usually meets the second Thursday of every month in the office of the Parent Coordinator Heather Weston. Click here for more information.

For questions or if interested, please contact books@ps261brooklyn.org.

Afterschool Committee:‍ ‍The PS 261 Afterschool Program is run by our community, for our community — and we need your help to keep it strong. By volunteering with the Afterschool Committee, you help ensure our programming stays affordable, creative, and accessible to all families. From art and science to sports and movement, our offerings reflect the energy of PS 261 — and it only works because families like yours step up.

For questions or if interested, please contact afterschool@ps261brooklyn.org.

Social Action Committee: Support PS 261’s mission of equity and social justice! Guided by PS 261’s mission, the Social Action Committee connects kids and parents to meaningful civic engagement. From service days to activist celebrations, we build programs that lift justice, equity, and action in our school and beyond. Click here for more information.

For questions or if interested, please contact social@ps261brooklyn.org.

Garden Committee: ‍Connect students and families with nature right in our schoolyard. From planting bulbs and composting to hosting garden classes, this committee brings seasonal hands-on learning to life. Meetings are the second Friday of the month at 8:30am in the garden (weather permitting).‍‍

For questions or if interested, please contact garden@ps261brooklyn.org.

Wellness Council: We’re a group of parents, teachers, and staff working together to help our school community feel great — inside and out! The Wellness Council supports student well-being through good food, hands on cooking, mindfulness, and more. You can find us handing out tastings in the cafeteria, launching our new PS 261 CSA on Wednesdays this fall, and sharing bites of food & information at community events. This year we'll also be working with teachers to weave hands-on food education into their classrooms. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to make a big impact — come lend your voice. Click here for more information. ‍‍

For questions or if interested, please contact wellness@ps261brooklyn.org.

True Colors Club (Gay Straight Alliance): At PS 261, we are proud to have an active LGBTQ+ club called True Colors Club (“TCC”). TCC creates a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students and their allies, and promotes understanding, empathy, and acceptance among all students. TCC is committed to fostering a school environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of gender identity. We believe in celebrating diversity and teaching our students the importance of kindness and inclusion. We welcome all LGBTQ+ students, families, staff, and allies. Students may come without their families, but families are always welcome to join.

For questions or if interested, please contact volunteer@ps261brooklyn.org.

261 CARES: This volunteer initiative makes sure our community shows up for each other and works to build a stronger community! PS 261 Cares offers support to families and students during tough times, including meal trains, help with logistics, holiday gifts, clothing students, and offering compassionate connection. A reminder that no one in our school community is alone. Click here for more information.

For questions or if interested, please contact volunteer@ps261brooklyn.org.

Merch Committee: The Merch Committee brings the school spirit and helps promote PS 261’s artistic, creative, and joyful community out in the wild! This volunteer group creates and manages school-branded merchandise by overseeing design, pricing, vendor coordination, and the ordering and selling of items. Merch items range from sweatshirts to hats to tote bags, and everything in between. If you like graphic design, fashion, and/or selling fun gear at events, we would love to have you join us! We meet every other month the 2nd Wednesday, after drop-off in the office of Parent Coordinator Heather Weston.

For questions or if interested, please contact merch@ps261brooklyn.org.

Culture Clubs and Identity Groups: Start one TODAY!!‍ ‍Celebrate cultural identity, share traditions, and build community! Start or join a club to share your culture with the school through holidays, music, food, and curriculum connections. A joyful way to build community and reflect our diverse school family.

For questions or if interested, please contact volunteer@ps261brooklyn.org.

Arts Committee: IN NEED OF LEADERSHIP!‍ ‍Bring More Art Into Our School! Support our studio and graphic arts programs by working with teachers and helping bring more creativity and visual culture into classrooms and school events.

For questions or if interested, please contact volunteer@ps261brooklyn.orout