
Parent Teacher Association
The PS 261 Parent Teacher Association (PTA) aims to support children's education and development by raising funds for school materials and activities, and creating opportunities for families to participate actively in the school community. All PTA events and projects strive to enrich our children's education. Every parent automatically becomes a member of the PTA by being a part of the school community.
2025 / 2026 PTA Executive Board
Presidents: Robert Patrick: pta@ps261brooklyn.org
Vice Presidents: Anna Kadyshevich: pta.vice.president@ps261brooklyn.org
Secretary: Whitney Dangerfield: pta.secretary@ps261brooklyn.org
Treasurer: David Gonzalez: pta_treasurer@ps261brooklyn.org
Fundraising Chair: Christine Egan: fundraising@ps261brooklyn.org
Members-at-Large: Jessica Patrick & Charlene Caronan Mercier: member_at_large@ps261brooklyn.org
Afterschool Committee Co-Chairs: Christine Chang & Jen Song: afterschool.pta@ps261brooklyn.org
5th Grade Committee Co-Chairs: Alissa Crouse, Roberta Groom, & Sam Rose:: 5thgradecommittee@ps261brooklyn.org
Afterschool Co-Treasurers: Joseph Anzalone & Nick Costa
Volunteer Coordinator: Madeleine Milan
Committees
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.
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 261 — and it only works because families like yours step up.
afterschool@ps261brooklyn.org
Social Action Committee
Support PS 261’s Mission of Equity and Social Justice! Guided by PS 261’s mission, this group connects kids and parents to meaningful civic engagement. From service days to activist celebrations, they build programs that lift justice, equity, and action in our school and beyond.
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)
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.
True Colors Club- Gay Straight Alliance
At PS 261, we are proud to have an active LGBTQ+ club called True Colors. The club creates a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students and their allies. TCC promotes understanding, empathy, and acceptance among all students. True Colors 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.
Questions, contact Jessica Patrick, ps261truecolors@gmail.com
261 CARES
Show Up for Each Other, Build a Stronger Community! Offers support during tough times—meal trains, help with logistics, and compassionate connection. A reminder that no one in our school community is alone.
Merch Committee
Bring the Spirit, Wear the Spirit! Promotes school spirit and PS 261 values in our building and beyond. Continues to raise the public profile of PS 261 as an artistic, creative and joyful community, and raises funds for the PTA. This volunteer group of parents creates and manages school-branded merchandise by overseeing design, pricing, vendor coordination, ordering, and selling of items ranging from sweatshirts to hats to sticker packs 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! Meets every other month the 2nd Wednesday, after dropoff in PC’s office.
Culture Clubs and Identity Groups
Start one TODAY!! - pta@ps261brooklyn.org
Celebrate Identity, Share Traditions, 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.
Arts Committee
IN NEED OF LEADERSHIP!
Bring More Art Into Our School! Supports our studio and graphic arts programs by working with teachers and helping bring more creativity and visual culture into classrooms and school events.
Find out more - pta@ps261brooklyn.org