Testimonials

We have been part of the P.S./I.S. 208 community continuously since 2012. Our oldest child graduated in 2021, and our second child is graduating this year. We still have four children who will continue attending P.S./I.S. 208. The reason we remain at 208 is simple: our children thrive here. This school provides countless opportunities for students to stay engaged, challenged, and excited about learning. The teachers and staff are truly amazing. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to the students are evident every day. From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel welcomed. The school community has always made us feel supported, valued, and included. Over the years, P.S./I.S. 208 has become more than just a school to our family—it has become a second home. It truly feels like we are all one big family here. We are grateful for the positive impact P.S./I.S. 208 has had on our children and look forward to many more wonderful years as part of this incredible community.

I extend heartfelt gratitude for the services and support that PS/IS 208Q has provided to our family. I am grateful to the PTA for advocating to secure free bussing for the students. This huge initiative was a sweet relief that saved us both valuable time and money. I have witnessed academic & personal growth in my daughter. She excelled in math—a subject she never previously thought she could master—which has given her a newfound confidence that will always stay with her. Above everything, it is a comfort to know my daughter felt safe attending school. I extend a special thank you to Ms. Mandell, who opened the door of opportunity for us to take our very first trip to Spain. She and the staff helped create unforgettable memories and broadened our horizons in ways we never imagined. Getting to know the staff and connecting with select parents on the trip made us feel like part of a community. These past three years were safe, impactful, and memorable.

As both a former student and now a teacher, it is truly a full-circle moment to be part of this school community. Having attended this school from 3rd through 8th grade, it holds a special place in my heart. What I love most is the sense of family. Students, staff, and families genuinely support one another. It is a privilege to give back to the same community that helped shape me, and I am grateful to be part of it every day.

As a former student of PS/IS 208, this school has had a lasting impact on both my personal and professional life. When I was in fifth grade, two teachers, Ms. Joslin and Ms. Murray, made a tremendous difference in my educational experience. Their dedication and encouragement made me decide to follow in their footsteps and study education. As I continued through school and into college, I chose to major in Childhood Education and Special Education because I wanted to have the same positive impact on students that my teachers had on me. One of the most meaningful experiences of my journey was having the opportunity to complete part of my student teaching placement with Ms. Murray. Being able to learn from a teacher who had once taught me was both rewarding and inspiring. During this time, Ms. Joslin had become the assistant principal, and it was incredible to reconnect with educators who had influenced my life years earlier. Later, I was given the opportunity to work at PS/IS 208 as a paraprofessional. Returning to the same school where I had once been a student was a full-circle moment. Working alongside dedicated educators allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience supporting students and learning more about the day-to-day responsibilities of teaching. The experience strengthened my passion for education and helped me grow professionally. PS/IS 208 helped shape the person and future educator I am today. From being a student in its classrooms to completing my student teaching and eventually working there as a paraprofessional, the school has been an important part of my journey. I am grateful for the support, mentorship, and opportunities I received, and I carry the lessons I learned at PS/IS 208 with me as I continue my career in education.

Our experience at P.S./I.S. 208 has been such a gift. From the moment you arrive, the beautiful green campus creates a feeling of peace, safety and grounding, which means so much as a parent raising children in New York City. What makes the school truly special is the people. The principal is an amazing leader who sets a warm, welcoming and steady tone. The assistant principals, parent coordinator, administrative team, front office staff, safety officer and teachers all contribute to a school community where children are known, protected and supported. My daughter and I have built strong relationships with her teachers, and I have always felt that she is seen and cared for as a whole child. P.S./I.S. 208 has a strong focus on academics, but it does not feel like a pressure cooker. The school supports students in reaching their goals while helping them feel confident, capable and emotionally supported. As someone with a background in education and whose work centers on supporting the whole child, I recognize how meaningful it is when a school gets this right. P.S./I.S. 208 is the true essence of community, care and connection.