February 2025 Newsletter
Although it was a short month, we made the most out of our February at NIA! We kicked off our annual Read Out Loud Initiative, celebrated Valentine’s Day, enjoyed fun trips and experiences during Mid-Winter Break, and celebrated Black History Month. NIA also hosted our annual Art Show themed ‘Expressing Yourself’ with the added element of fashion designs and pieces, and program participants had a night out at a Brooklyn Nets basketball game. Read on for more details about what we have been up to!
read out loud
NIA’s Annual Read Out Loud campaign sparks a love of reading by distributing over 10,000 new books, expanding after-school libraries, and strengthening literacy programs in 20 schools. This month, author Tanisha Murray visited multiple sites, reading I Matter and Believe in Yourself to students from kindergarten to eighth grade. Each child received a free book to add to their home library and participated in a themed arts and crafts activity. More author visits are on the way, including Doug Salati, Matthew Burgess, and Lowey Bundy Sichol. NIA will also continue book giveaways and family literacy events—stay tuned for more!
valentine’s day
Our NIA programs felt the love this Valentine’s Day, with celebrations and creative activities across multiple sites. NIA/PS 52R hosted a book giveaway, while PS 229 kindergarteners crafted heartfelt creations. At PS 295, students made their own soaps and enjoyed a pink hot chocolate bar, while PS 134 families decorated cupcakes together. PS 176 showcased their after-school projects with a special Valentine’s Day Show, and PS 185 students had a blast at a Bear Magic Workshop, where they built their own stuffed animals to take home. During Valentine's Week, PS 199 got creative with heart-eye emoji crafts, allowing students to express their feelings through personalized messages. They also explored a fun STEM activity, using a fluffy paint technique to decorate hearts with a whimsical touch. From arts and crafts to hands-on projects, our students truly spread the love this Valentine’s Day!
NIA cornerstone celebrates black history month
NIA Carey Gardens Cornerstone hosted a Black History Month event on February 28th. Their participants spent the month of February researching Black excellence throughout American history; the performance was their culminating event celebration. They created their own props and costumes and learned dances and monologues highlighting significant people and events in each decade from 1950 to the present day. We also gave away over 200 Scholastic books featuring Black authors and characters so that the celebration could continue at home! Those in attendance included NIA President Michael A. Bové, Community Liaison Thomas Hoefel, Director of Education Corinne Colosimo, and Assistant Director of Program Operations Bianca Naco.
Nia art and fashion show
Our annual NIA Art Show has become a cherished tradition, and this year we took it to the next level—expanding to more sites and adding a fashion component! A huge thank you to IS 281 for hosting this special event, and to DYCD Program Manager Jennifer Pazmino and DYCD Deputy Director Iftikhar Mahmud for attending. With artwork from over 40 sites, including contributions from our CASA partnerships, the gymnasium transformed into a vibrant gallery. This year’s theme, Express Yourself, showcased everything from paintings, drawings, and sculptures to tie-dye shirts and fashion designs. Families, students, and teachers enjoyed a night of creativity, music, and refreshments, celebrating the hard work and talent of our young artists! NIA President Michael A. Bove was in attendance and loved seeing everyone’s work and getting to hear from the artists themselves about the meaning behind their art. We want to extend a special shout out to NIA Director of Education, Corinne Colosimo and NIA Director of Operations, Vera Ekht for the work they put in to make this event so special.
NIA attends the Brooklyn nets basketball game
NIA participants enjoyed an unforgettable night at a Brooklyn Nets basketball game, with over 650 students and staff in attendance including NIA President Michael A. Bové. Some even had the chance to stand on the court and high-five the players before warm-ups. NIA was honored as the Non-Profit of the Night, making the experience even more special. To top it off, the Nets secured a thrilling last-minute win. Thank you to the Barclays Center for hosting us—we look forward to the next game!
Mid-winter break
During mid-winter break, our schools engaged in a variety of exciting activities that fostered learning and creativity. IS 30 explored the Luna Luna museum and enjoyed pottery making the following day. PS 247 attended a performance of The Lion King, where students had the opportunity to meet dancers and actors. They also had a visit from the Harlem Magic Masters. They were absolutely thrilled as they watched incredible tricks, participated in games, and even had the chance to win prizes. Their laughter and excitement filled the room, making it a truly great afternoon. Meanwhile, IS 281's Drama Club experienced a behind-the-scenes workshop with the costume designer of &Juliet and met cast members after the show. PS 247 also offered hands-on activities, including STEM bridge building, pancake flipping in cooking class, and bonding over video games. PS 179 featured SEL group games focused on responsible decision-making, a cozy PJ day with hot chocolate and movie screenings, and their middle school basketball team's first scrimmage against NIA’s cornerstone program. The week culminated in a Mario-themed treasure hunt that combined various challenges like relays and riddles, making for a fun-filled and enriching break for all students!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
NIA/MS 443 Gastronauts
Eighth-grade students at MS 443 Gastronauts recently had an exciting opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure at Bogota Latin Bistro. The students were treated to an array of dishes from the restaurant's menu, allowing them to explore new tastes and textures that they may have never encountered before. Following the meal, the students took on the role of food critics, sharing their impressions and critiques of each dish. They engaged in thoughtful discussions about the flavors, presentation, and overall dining experience. To conclude the activity, each student assigned scores to the meals they had tasted mirroring the real-life experience of culinary reviewers.
NIA/IS 30 Explore and Connect Event
IS 30 hosted a community vendor fair with the theme of “Explore and Connect” that hosted a variety of local businesses and organizations so those in attendance could learn more. Our students and the community were invited to engage, encourage, empower & expose participants to an array of holistic services. There were raffle prizes handed out and representation from NIA Family Services, National Student Leadership Council, FDNY, Nile Care Pharmacy, NY Med Pharmacy, Brightbite Dental Spa, Brooklyn City Football Club and more!
NIA Basketball League
We're excited to report that the NIA Basketball League is in full swing this season! One of the standout matchups recently took place between PS 179 and IS 239, where PS 179 showcased their skills and determination with a convincing victory, ending the game at 43-29. The energy on the court was palpable, as both teams displayed impressive teamwork and sportsmanship. Keep an eye out for more thrilling games as the league progresses.
NIA SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE
NIA social services assistance is free of charge and many issues can be handled via phone or by virtual appointment.
Child Support Services
Counseling Services
Fair Fares
SNAP
HPD
DIRE
CITYHEPS Renewal
Health Insurance
Health Proxy Assistance
Heap
Medicare Savings Plan
SCHE
SCRIE
Referral Assistance
Access-A-Ride
IDNYC
NYCHA Housing Authority
Passport Appointments
WIC
FAMILY SERVICES
For more information, please contact our Manager of Family Services, Isabel Paz:
isabel@niabklyn.org or call (929) 545-4172
PARENTING JOURNEY
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This FREE course is designed to help parents and caregivers understand how past experiences and present realities shape their attitudes and beliefs as parents and influence how they engage with their children. Through a process of self-reflection and guided conversation, Parenting Journey participants learn more about themselves not just as parents but also as individuals, resulting in a more confident parenting style.
Virtual meetings to allow for a flexible schedule!
Zoom link will be sent upon registration
Upon graduation, participants will receive a certificate and a $100 gift card.
PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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Parent Advisory Duties:
Suggest ideas and agenda items for NIA's Family Services parent education, family events, and other community projects.
Work collaboratively with other committee members.
Participate in a minimum of two out of four meetings (Meeting quarterly, every 3 months).
Help promote NIA's activities and events in the community.
PRIVATE FAMILY SUPPORT SESSION
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Behavioral changes in children, family conflicts, new stressors within the family, clothing, food, transportation, personal items
All sessions are voluntary and based on each family’s needs, and include the option for referral for things outside of our scope such as domestic violence, mental health, and more.
NEW MOMS GROUP
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Our new mom group discusses topics such as:
Baby development
what to anticipate as a new mom
journey from month to month for your baby’s first year
tips and tricks on navigating motherhood
and much more!
