PS 11 (Manhattan)

P.S. 11 is a public elementary school in Chelsea, Manhattan. The school offers classes ranging from preschool to the fifth grade.
Building
The building was designed by urban school architect C.B.J. Snyder. The school has five floors, with a basement swimming pool, one of the few local public schools with such a pool. The roof is used for physical education classes, a playground is located outside on the second floor (dubbed the "little yard" for the younger children ), and a playground on the ground floor (dubbed the "big yard") outside.
Pop culture
P.S. 11 is featured in scenes of "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous" and "No Reservations" (both films).
Special Events
The Chelsea school P.S. 11 has hosted many auction-entertainment events, including one at the Gotham Comedy Club hosted by comedian Gilbert Gottfried whose daughter attended the school. According to Gilbert's wife Dana, the event sold out in five days. The event acts included Gottfried himself, Artie Lange, Jim Norton, Michael Che, Rachel Feinstein, Tom Cotter and Harrison Greenbaum. The prizes for donated included meeting singer Robin Thicke, Magicians Penn and Teller and Mogul Barbara Corcoran. There was also a prize, which was Gottfried recording an outgoing voice mail messages with his well-known voice. The year prior the event raised over $70,000 for the school, where comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld made a surprise appearance.
Special Programs
One of many successful programs at P.S. 11 is Rosie's Broadway Kids, founded by Rosie O'Donnell. The program involved fifth graders to perform with song and dance. The principal Robert Bender says “the fifth graders of P.S.11 really changed because of the program" The 15-week program works in over 22 different public city schools, consisting of different lessons in musical theater. When the program ends the fifth graders are taken to a free Broadway show. The students also are able to audition to have a full scholarship after fifth grade. O’Donnell has won Tony Awards for the programs success.
After School Program
The after school program offers 2 sessions of classes each day from 3:15-4:30 and from 4:30-6:00 according to P.S. 11 website. There are a variety of activities designed to give the children a well-rounded experience in the program. The activities offered include art, music, theater, sports, dance, computers and homework. Children are grouped by age (K-2nd, 3rd-5th), and sometimes by level and ability. Dismissal from the program is at 4:30 and 6:00. The school also provides an “extended” dismissal at 5:00 p.m. to accommodate families’ work schedules. Children who are signed up for the 5:00 dismissal will not attend a class but will be supervised in the cafeteria and will be able to play games, do their homework or read. A limited number of seats are available for this and the dismissal time will be strictly enforced. The fee is 17.50 per class in each session of the program with snack accommodations included.

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