 LEAP
Learning
through an Expanded Arts Program is a non-profit organization committed
to improving the quality of public school education in inner-city
schools through an arts-based approach to learning. LEAP was founded in
1977 and now works annually with 8,500 teachers and 200,000 students in
over 400 schools through classroom residencies, staff development
workshops, and parent involvement programs. In addition, LEAP works
with museums and cultural institutions in the greater metropolitan
area, presents at local, regional and national conferences, and
develops and produces educational curricula. At PS 163 our mission is
to provide a safe and enriching place for 165 students in Kindergarten
through Fifth Grade during the after-school hours of 3-6 p.m. There is
no charge to the families who participate in the program.
At PS 163, in addition to providing a 1:10 staff to student ratio, a
nutritious hot supper, and supervised recess, LEAP After School is
committed to supporting PS 163’s Education Plan through our
comprehensive utilization of academic curriculum and literacy-based
programming. Students in the younger grades receive extensive early
reading exposure through kinesthetic instruction. Our program fosters
student tolerance and understanding of cultural diversity through the
use of percussion and world music, and dual language courses. All
students receive daily homework assistance and have the opportunity to
enjoy reading at our Leap reading nook. Our staff includes several
professional artists instructing daily in performing arts, visual arts,
dance, yoga and music. Other activities include cooking, and athletics
as well as an environmental science program funded by the Department of
Environmental Conservation. For the 2007-2008 school year our
afterschool theme is Cities. We already completed our New York City
Unit and are currently studying Beijing. Our spring unit will be New
Delhi.
LEAP at PS 163: When Elephants Had Wings
As part of the TASC Masters of Literacy program at PS 163, run by LEAP,
elementary kids created an animation as they examined cities from
around the world. After learning about New Delhi, the students picked
an old Indian folktale to recreate with claymation, video and audio
editing.
Chess
Afterschool and In-School Chess is provided by NY Chess Kids and is offered to every child in grades K-5. 
The Afterschool Program is a fee based program with a portion going to
scholarships. The In-School Chess Program @ PS 163 is solely funded by
parent fundraisers; Chess Night & Wine Tasting, along with parent
contributions to the Annual Appeal earmarked for Chess. The Chess
Committee continues to need supporters and volunteers to assure that
chess remains in our school for all the children to enjoy. Contact chess@ps163pta.org for volunteer opportunities or how to participate.
Other After School
PS
163 offers specialized classes in science, remedial tutoring in reading
for Grades 1 and 2, and reading and math in grades 3, 4, and 5. There
are several private organizations that provide fee-based after-school
care including the Claremont School, the 92nd St Y, the Westside Y, the
Oasis program at Alexander Robertson School on 96th Street, the Beacon
Program at Goddard-Riverside, and ACT at St. John the Divine. For a
complete listing of programs and information, contact the Partnership
for After School Education (PASE) at 212-571-2664, or on the web at
www.pasesetter.com
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