P.S. 938
District 19 S.T.E.M. Academy
P.S. 938 Telephone Number: (929) 480-2100
Vision
At P.S. 938, we nurture a love of learning by engaging all students in innovative, relevant, and STEM-aligned experiences in order for them to become productive community members.
Mission
At P.S. 938, we work together to support the social and academic development of our students so that they tap into their true potential as engaged and productive members of the community.
Core Values
Our core values are Curiosity, Joy, and Voice. They are at the center of all that we do and are woven into the fabric of our school life. All members of our school community embrace our core values, which guides our decision-making and helps make our school’s vision and mission a reality.
Thank you to Groundswell and the Brooklyn Nets for our school's mural!
OUR TEAM
Dr. Teneika Benn, Principal
It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce myself to you as the Principal of P.S. 938. I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than 20 years. My most recent experience was as an Educational Administrator within the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Learning. I am excited and eager to bring my skills as an educational leader to P.S. 938 and work with you as a partner to ensure your child’s success.
Ms. Aisha Roldan, School Secretary
Hello everyone! I am delighted and committed to supporting our students, teachers, and families with anything they may need. I have worked with the Department of Education for almost 9 years, 5 of those years as a paraprofessional. I am passionate about education and do everything I can to support the success of our students. I'm grateful to be part of the PS 938 team.
Ms. Erika Kerney, School Aide
Greetings and Salutations, Ms. Erika is my name and school aide is my game. I am a second-generation school aide and I absolutely love being one. I greet every day and everyone with a smile and positive vibes. One of my greatest pride is to help the children and staff with anything they could possibly need. You need it done and I'll get it done.
Ms. Jessica Ramos, School Aide
Hello! I am the school aide, Ms. Jessica and I'm excited to be part of the PS938 team. I am fluent in English and Spanish. I have a background in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. I am excited in supporting the school and the kids in what is needed. My goal is to make sure students feel comfortable and excited to come to school every day as I greet them in the mornings.
Ms. Amber Camacho, Parent Coordinator
My name is Amber Camacho. I took on the role of the Parent Coordinator here at P.S. 938, VERY EXCITING! I am here to provide support to all families and connect the bridge from home to school. I will be here to answer and support any concerns or questions you may have about your child’s academic and/or social life here at P.S. 938. My plan is to bring workshops to the school that can help you all with any concerns or questions you may have. I also plan to have more parent engagement that can allow you all to be apart of your child’s education. I understand that there are circumstances that prevent families from coming into the school as much as parent may like which is why I encourage all families to stay connected via CLASS DOJO. I will send reminders, workshops, community engagement and school engagement on class dojo. I encourage parent engagement as much as possible as it is very important for a child’s education. You can always reach me on Class Dojo, the main office and/or email (acamacho16@schools.nyc.gov). I look forward to working with you ALL, and having more parent engagement at our school.
Ms. Ana Ladino, School Social Worker
Hello everyone! I am very excited to introduce myself as Ms. Ana, the school’s founding social worker. I will be working with the students, families and school team to support social emotional needs. I have a background in mental health counseling, crisis intervention, positive behavioral supports and special education. My goal is to provide the students with a safe learning environment, practice social skills and explore their emotions and thoughts. I look forward to connecting with the school community and watching all of our students succeed.
I will be working with the students 3 days a week and can be contacted via email at ALadino5@schools.nyc.gov.
Ms. Danielle Zeldin, Music Teacher
I am overjoyed to be the founding music teacher at P.S. 938. I have been a lifelong musician who has always had a passion for working with children. My goal as a music teacher is to give students the opportunity to be active participants in the musical experience by singing, dancing, exploring music instruments, and learning the foundations of music theory. I utilize a variety of musical pedagogies into my teaching so our students can grow into well rounded musicians and lifetime music lovers.
Coach Brett, Physical Education Teacher
Hello everyone!!! I am Coach Brett. I am very excited to be joining the team at PS 938 as a Physical Education Teacher. I love seeing my students grow in all areas and be the best they can be in fitness and health. I love teaching them sports and being a positive role model in shaping them to be winners on and off the field. Through physical education and sports, students can grow in so many areas and apply it to their everyday life. I am excited to instill a winning attitude in the students this school year and watch them be the best they can be. I believe in this saying "if you believe you can achieve." Look forward to working with everyone.
Michael-John Pidsosny, English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher
Hey Everyone! My name is Mr. Pidsosny or Mr. P for short. I am so grateful to be the first ENL teacher at PS 938. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, but now live in nearby Queens. I have been working in the NYCDOE for nearly 7 years. After school you will find me golfing, at a NY Islanders game or at the dog run with my dog Butterball. The best thing about teaching ENL is seeing the progress that students make over the entire school year. Hearing them speak and read to each other in a new language is what pushes me forward everyday in this profession. Feel free to email me at mpidsosny@schools.nyc.gov.
Mrs. Christine Smirk, 3K Teacher
Hi Everyone! The scholars in my class call me Ms. Christine, and I am so grateful to be one of the founding teachers at PS 938. This year is my 23rd year teaching! I love teaching early childhood because I love seeing my students learn through the purposeful play. Another reason I enjoy teaching 3K is the amazing books I get to read with my students. It is so exciting to work in PS 938 because I have the opportunity to watch your children thrive and grow along with our school.
Ms. Erikka Lopez, Paraprofessional
Hello! I'm Ms. Erikka and I am so excited to join the PS 938 team and working in the community I grew up in. I've worked at the elementary level for 10 years. I look forward to working and helping your little ones grow in a safe and nurturing classroom environment.
Mrs. Judy Fenelon, Pre-K Teacher
Greetings All! My name is Ms. Judy, one of the founding teachers of P.S. 938!! Just a little more about myself. I have been a teacher for over twenty years working with children from 2 months old to 2nd Grade. Teaching is not only my passion but commitment to the idea that “every child can learn, but not the same way”.
Mr. Richard Perez, Paraprofessional
Howdy y'all! As a former summer camp employee, along with my experience with the Department of Education, I always prioritize having a safe learning environment for the children under my care. I believe that as long as we make learning fun and interesting, the children will begin to invest in their own education.
Ms. Carol Rusek, Kindergarten Teacher
Hello Everyone! I’m so excited to be one of the founding teachers at PS 938. Teaching has always been a passion of mine and I'm thankful for the opportunity. I have been teaching for 17 years, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of those years. I am looking forward to seeing the growth of our students and our school community, as we continue to flourish.
Mrs. Sherika Newsome, Kindergarten Teacher
Hello! My students call me Mrs. Newsome. I am so excited to be joining the team at PS 938 as a Special Education Teacher. Helping students progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor—is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I am passionate about teaching and am grateful for the opportunity to support students' growth and nurture their love of learning.
Ms. Melissa Bosch, Kindergarten Teacher
Hi, P.S. 938 Community! I am Ms. Bosch and I am so excited to share my love of education with you all. I have my BA in Early Childhood Education and English Literature and my MS in Early Childhood and Special Education. My goal is to continue educating myself to provide equitable and enjoyable experiences for all students and families! Growing up in the NYC public school system has given me the opportunity to teach and relate to students in their academic and social lives. My students will become valuable members of today's society.
Ms. Yahaira Feliciano, Special Education Teacher
My name is Ms. Feliciano and I am new to the PS 938 family this year. I look forward to working with students and families to help them grow new academic and social emotional skills this year. I believe every student can reach their potential with support, care, and most of all, lots of love.
Ms. Krystle Roldan, Paraprofessional
Hello everyone! The kids know me as Ms.Krystle and I am one of the lucky members on the PS 938 family! I am currently one of the paraprofessionals that get the opportunity to work/engage with your children every day. I have been with the DOE for the last three years but have worked with children for nine. I pride myself in teaching children how to be confident while also helping them progress academically.
Ms. Taisha Rodriguez, Paraprofessional
Hello! The students know me as Ms. R or Ms. Taisha. I am proud to be a paraprofessional working alongside the staff and students of P.S. 938. I have always had a passion for working with children, so I am super excited to be able to contribute to the growth and success of each student. As a paraprofessional, I am committed to creating a positive learning environment where each student can feel comfortable, accepted, and ready to learn! Together with the P.S.938 staff, I strive to make a meaningful impact on the educational journey of those I have the privilege to work with.
Mr. Glenn Smith, First Grade Teacher
Hi! My students call me Mr. Smith and that’s pretty cool, so you can call me that as well. This is my 16th year in the field of education. I am super excited to be PS 938 founding first grade teacher. I anticipate doing lots of incredibly important work with the students in reading, writing, science and mathematics but most importantly I want us to have fun. It’s been a hard year and as we journey back into some sense of normality I want us to live, laugh and learn. It’s going to be loud and messy but we are growing and we are learning.
Ms. Claire Abelson, First Grade Teacher
Hi, Everyone! My name is Claire Abelson, and I am so excited to join the P.S. 938 first grade team. I have my masters in the art of teaching, and am duel certified in childhood and special education. I spent the last two years teaching first grade special education in Louisville, Kentucky, but am glad to be back in the northeast, and specifically NYC! I believe in nurturing creativity and curiosity, in order to build that life long learner. Learning is hard work, but it also should be joyful! I cannot wait to see what this year brings for each and everyone one of our students!
Ms. Laura Geathers, Second Grade Teacher
Hello, the students know me as Ms. Geathers! I am in my sixth year teaching with a bachelors in elementary special education and a masters in early childhood. I am excited to work in Cypress Hills, the neighborhood I grew up in. I am honored to give back to my community by supporting your child on their educational journey.
Mr. Rory O'Connor, Third Grade Teacher
Hello families. My name is Mr. O'Connor, and I am so excited to be part of P.S. 938 and its growing academic community. This year will be my 10th year teaching overall, and my 6th year teaching 3rd Grade. My top priority in the classroom is to create a safe and nurturing learning environment where scholars feel comfortable in taking chances and support each other through mutual respect and teamwork. 3rd Grade ROCKS!
Ms. Emily Braverman, Third Grade Teacher
Hi everyone! My students call me Ms. Braverman and I am beyond excited to be joining the PS 938 team as the third-grade special education teacher. I have a BS degree in Elementary/Special Education and am currently in the process of getting my MS degree in literacy. I am very passionate about teaching and can't wait to watch my students grow during the school year.
Ms. Inasia Stanley, Paraprofessional
Hello all, it's a pleasure to meet such wonderful families and children. I come from a background in Psychology with a Bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University. I've been working in the school system for the past 7 years at the elementary level and I look forward to working with you all!