By Chalkbeat + The Bell
This is the sound of the New York City school system. P.S. Weekly explores pressing issues facing students and teachers in the Big Apple. The Bell's team of high school audio producers work alongsi
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The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.
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While budget cuts threaten arts and swimming programs in NYC high schools, we talk to students and teachers who are advocating for their importance.
In the first segment, hear from P.S. Weekly reporter Sanaa Stokes, as she gives us the inside scoop on her school, Professional Performing Arts High School, and how the community fought to save a beloved drama program.
In the second segment, hear from P.S Weekly reporter Marcellino Melika as he explores the critical gaps in swim safety education in New York City — and the impact on underserved communities.
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While protests over the Israel-Hamas war have gripped New York City college campuses, we look at how high schoolers have reacted — and the student freedom of speech issues being raised.
P.S. Weekly reporter Dorothy Ha speaks to Orlena Fella, whose high school was uniquely impacted by recent protests at City College. Then, Dorothy heads over to the New York Civil Liberties Union for an in-depth conversation about student rights with Racial Justice Counsel Camara Stokes Hudson.
Finally, Dorothy talks to host Jose Santana about how free speech concerns have shown up at her high school.
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What happens when a teen wants therapy but their parents are unsure? Is NYC’s bold initiative to offer free virtual therapy to teens working? Tune in to find out.
News Bulletin — Chalkbeat's Amy Zimmer breaks down top education stories from the past week. (2 min)
Segment A — Salma Baksh interviews a mother-daughter duo as they discuss conflicting views on therapy. (11 min)
Segment B — Shoaa Khan explores Teenspace, the city's new virtual therapy initiative that provides free services for teens. Hear about the ambitious new program from Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan and therapist Dr. Jill Daino . (8 min)
Learn more about Teenspace: talkspace.com/nyc
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In P.S. Weekly’s food episode, fourth graders visit NYC schools’ test kitchen, high schoolers rate grilled cheese sandwiches, and students dish on having microwave access.
News Bulletin — Chalkbeat reporter Julian Shen-Berro breaks down top education stories from the past week. (2 min)
Segment A — Student reporter Ava Stryker-Robbins and Chalkbeat reporter Alex Zimmerman visit the NYC Public Schools' test kitchen to learn about the process food items go through before they end up in school cafeterias. Spoiler alert: they have to win the approval of some tough critics. (12 min)
Segment B — Student reporter Jose Santana makes a surprising discovery when he visits the Bronx Latin school cafeteria on a recent Plant-Powered Friday. (6 min)
Segment C — Student reporter Santana Roach speaks with his principal and students at his school, Frederick Douglass Academy II, about access to microwaves. (7 min)
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Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
In this special episode, hear P.S. Weekly and Chalkbeat reporters — and their parents — share stories about the teachers who have inspired, encouraged, and shaped them. Get ready to laugh, or maybe even shed a tear, as you join our reporters on a journey of gratitude for educators throughout their lives. Teachers anywhere and everywhere, we see you, and we appreciate you.
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In this special episode, student reporters Shoaa Khan and Jose Santana speak to Chancellor David Banks about a range of important issues that affect students. Hear what the leader of the NYC public school system had to say about a new "Hidden Voices" history curriculum, school start times, the persistence of school segregation, cell phone policies, and more.
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With college admissions in flux and the NYC school system shifting its emphasis toward "career pathways," two students prepare for life after high school.
In the first segment, student producer Christian Rojas Linares explores a new apprenticeship program through the eyes of Heidy Torres, a high school junior who works 16 hours a week for Bloomberg, the finance giant and media company.
The second segment, produced by Marcellino Melika and Tanvir Kaur, focuses on a student who has devoted enormous energy to getting into a top college — submitting 23 applications requiring 50 supplemental essays.
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More than 200,000 New York City students have a disability classification that entitles them to specific learning accommodations — but do they always get them? Students share their experiences.
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The national wave of book bans has been coming ashore in surprising ways in New York City.
News Bulletin – Chalkbeat reporter Alex Zimmerman breaks down top education stories from the past week. (1 min)
Segment A – Student reporter Salma Baksh interviews her former librarian Lindsay Klemas, who received online backlash for promoting an LGBTQ+ book during Pride month. (8 min)
Segment B – Shoaa Khan and Tanvir Kaur take us to an English class at the Academy of American Studies, where students read banned books — exclusively. (6 min)
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Officials estimate that more than 36,000 migrant students have enrolled in New York City public schools over the past two years. What challenges are these new students facing? And what are schools doing to support them?
Segment A – Chalkbeat Reporter Michael Elsen-Rooney breaks down the issue and how the broader media narratives don't necessarily reflect experiences on the ground. (6 min)
Segment B – Student reporter Jose Santana interviews a Claremont International High School student about her transition to the school system and how one program has made a big difference. (9 min)
Segment C – Student reporter Bernie Carmona talks to Sunisa Nuonsy, a former international high school teacher about the joys and challenges of educating immigrant students. (7 min)
Additional reading:
• Read this story about students from NYC’s largest school for newcomer immigrants as they push for a change in the school name
• Read this first-person story from an educator advocating for more school social workers to support NYC migrant students
To stay up to date on New York City schools coverage throughout the week, sign up for Chalkbeat New York's daily newsletter at chalkbeat.org/newsletters. Learn more about The Bell's student programs and podcasts at bellvoices.org.
The podcast currently has 11 episodes available.