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 with Brooklyn Seeds, this committee brings seasonal hands-on learning to life, plus plant swaps and a native plant sale! AND come to Mulch Fest on 5/3.
Wellness Council
Helping our classrooms, students and families connect with healthy food and lifestyles. We will be actively working with teachers to weave hands-on learning into curriculum for all ages and find us at community events.
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! Supports our studio and graphic arts programs by working with teachers and helping bring more creativity and visual culture into classrooms and school event.
Culture Clubs and Identity Groups
Start one TODAY!!
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.