The Teunis G. Bergen Elementary School (Public School 9), along with the entire NYC Public school system has been hit with severe budget cuts this school year. The school's loss of an estimated $125,000 has resulted in the non-renewal of all student art residency programs. P.S. 9 was cited as one of New York City’s top improved educational sites for the 2007 school year due to a record 3-year gain in math and reading scores. With the untimely budget cuts, P.S. 9 have had to let go of the very programs that we used to create an excelled learning environment.

P.S. 9 has planned a benefit fund raising event, "A Silent Auction to Save Our Arts Programs." This event will be held on Friday, October 24, 2008 from 6:00-10:00 pm at the Picnic House at Prospect Park. Funds from this event will be used to pay for partnerships with various cultural and arts institutions (i.e. Studio in A School, the Guggenheim Museum, Alvin Ailey Dance Co., LAVA Acrobatics Studio, The Prospect Park Zoo and The Brooklyn Historical Society).

Please support the school by attending the auction, donating a gift item or service to auction, or donating supplies for use at the event. Tickets for this event are priced at $20 per person; the admission price includes refreshments and an open bar.

To purchase tickets, donate an item, or to participate in any other way, please contact Ms. Charmaine Derrell-Jacob, (718) 638-3260 X 1121, (347) 563-5324, or cderrell@schools.nyc.gov.