PS 20 DOLPHIN TALES
DR. MAYA ANGELOU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
CORE VALUES: Safety, Responsibility, Empathy, Respect, Encouragement, Community
MOTTO: "Be Safe, Live Responsibly, Understand, Respect, and Encourage Each Other!"
Assistant Principal: Dr. Courtney Campbell
*****FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER*****
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Contest
February 4, 2026 Drum Assembly
The drum is the heartbeat! Percussionist Senfu Stoney and other world-class musicians teach students about varied instruments and diverse cultures around the world. Students learn the proper technique and coordination for numerous drums, explore the drum’s role as a revered healing instrument, and learn of its history as one of the first means of communication for humans. Utilizing games, digital media, and peer interaction, students learn about building confidence, coordination, tonality, musicality, and most of all, rhythm. Our students and teachers enjoyed this interactive assembly filled with dancing and beats!
February 4, 2026 First Grade Author Visit
The first graders were excited for author Dashawn Simms to read his book "Kindness Looks Like Love" to them! His books highlight kindness and empathy, and helps students show how they can display kindness in their everyday lives!
February 7, 2026 Hudson County Spelling Bee
February 5, 2026 PS 20 Winter Band and Choir Concert
Congratulations to a job well done on an evening filled with choir singing and instrument playing! A big thanks to our music teacher Mr. Tutshcek for conducting this wonderful event!
February 10, 2026 Fifth Grade Trip to Montclair Museum of Art
Fifth grade classes enjoyed abstract art at the Montclair Museum, while participating in a hands-on activity in which they were able to create their own mobile piece of art as well!
February 10, 2026 Science Fair Awards Ceremony
Congratulations to fifth graders Kailey Boyce, Amora Sessoms, and Aaliyah Ashley for representing PS 20 at the Science Fair Awards Ceremony at Dickinson High School!
100th Day of School Celebration
PS 20 Celebrates Black History Month
This February, our school proudly celebrated Black History Month with meaningful activities across every grade level. In classrooms, students explored the achievements and impact of influential leaders and people who provided lasting contributions to history and society.
Room 255
Ms. Lagunas- World Language
Ms. Lagunas- World Language
The students also participated in a vibrant school-wide showcase featuring powerful student performances in singing, energetic dance routines, and moving oratory presentations. Through music, spoken word, and storytelling, our students honored the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and achievements in Black History. It was a joyful and inspiring event that reflected our commitment to learning, unity, and celebrating diversity all year long.
***********Classroom Activities Corner*************
Second Floor Aquarium
Our second grade scientists learned about the new fish tank on the second floor and added some new fish to the aquarium!
Room 164: Ms. Marquez and Ms. Gingles' Kindergarten Class
The kindergarten students from Room 164 celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing up as if they were 100 yrs old!
Room 355: Ms. Moore and Ms Richardson's Third Grade Class
Room 355 Mrs. Moore’s and Ms. Richardson’s 3rd grade class honored Black History Month by creating Kimmy Cantrell masks, displaying their uniqueness and creativity!
Room 351: Ms. Thompson's Third Grade Class
Room 351 third graders loved the visit from the Jersey City Free Public Library Bookmobile!
Students explored new books and were excited to choose stories that spark a love of reading.
This visit helped reinforce our love of reading and showed students that books and learning are always within reach—both in school and throughout our community.
Room 361: Ms. Sciarretta's Fourth Grade Class
Room 361 students were very proud of their accomplishments, as seen with their marking period award certificates! Congratulations for a job well done!
Room 255: Mr. Kroeger, Ms. Vidal, Ms. Wright, and Ms. Uppal's Fifth Grade Class
Room 255 acknowledged February as 'African American History Month'
by displaying over 75 names and photos of accomplished Black Americans in science, the arts, government, business,education and sports.
They created a wreath of their joined hands which honors Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" message of hope for peaceful unity among all men...including the world's children!
Upcoming Events and Reminders
March 2-6:
Scholastic Book Fair
Read Across America Week
March 5:
National Elementary Honor Society Induction Ceremony
March 9-13:
Pre-K and Kindergarten Sneak-a-Peek Week
March 13:
Pi Day Observance
March 19:
Staff Professional Development; Half Day Schedule (12:45 dismissal) for students
March 20:
Eid-al-Fitr: Schools Closed; Central Office Open
MATH CORNER: K-5 Math Savvas Parent Homework Help:
Please use the following link to help your child with homework via grade level and topic!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QC9R9-3iTvynGz4L7ZZoo1QwUUiYtcVg/view
About Us:
Dr. Maya Angelou Elementary School
239 Ocean Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07305
201-369-2630
Facebook/Instagram: @Dr.MayaAngelouPS20JC
Website: www.ps20.jcboe.org