User:MarkZusab/drafts/19

P.S. 197 is a public elementary school in Midwood of Brooklyn, New York City, New York. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school is part of the New York City Department of Education.

P.S. 197 is sometimes referred to as P.S. 197 - (The) Kings Highway Academy. There are three other schools named P.S. 197 in New York City (List of public elementary schools in New York City).

Three U.S. Senators have graduated from P.S. 197: Norm Coleman, Bernie Sanders, and Chuck Schumer.

Demographics
During the 2018-2019 school year, the school had a total of 765 students. This was made up of 398 female students and 367 male students. P.S. 197 is a Title I school.

During the 2018-2019 school year, the school had a classroom teacher full-time equivalent of 57.02 and a student–teacher ratio of 13.42.

History
P.S. 197 was established in 1925. The Parents' Association made plans for the event, including presenting a velour curtain for the auditorium's stage. Charles G. Bond gave a speech on cooperation of parents and teachers. The principal of the school at the time was Catherine V. Evers.

In 1927, residents of Kings Highway planned a tribute to aviator Charles Lindbergh in front of P.S. 197.

In 1957, the school received recognition from the Freedoms Foundation. P.S. 197 was "named as one of 52 schools throughout the country to receive the Foundation's 'principal' or top award for outstanding program of activities." The school had programs including a Student Government Organization, Brotherhood, and Negro History Week. Additionally, the school donated 46 sacks of clothing to the World Federation during the holiday season. Two students were awarded George Washington Honor Medal. The principal of the school at the time was Sidney Brown.

In 1959, the school was recognized by the Freedoms Foundation for a second time. P.S. 197 was "awarded a National Top Award for its year round program of Brotherhood, Americanism, hospital charity projects, prize winning essays and photographs, and student activities." The school received the George Washington Honor Medal and a Freedom Foundation Library.

In 1962, students from P.S. 236 in the fifth and sixth grades were transferred to P.S. 197 while P.S. 236's facilities were being expanded. The same year, advocacy organizations fought for increased facilities at P.S. 197. Schools in the area were experiencing overcrowding and split sessions.

In 2010, the school experienced bed bug issues. In 2014, the school hosted a field day.

In 2018, P.S. 197 had a total funding per student of $22,951 and an enrollment of 676.

In 2020, P.S. 197 won an environmental grant from the Citizens Committee for New York City for the school's Green Team, an environmental club.

During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New York, the school was turned into site for people to pick up "grab and go" meals. This included the addition of kosher meals.

Notable alumni

 * Bernie Sanders
 * Chuck Schumer
 * Norm Coleman
 * Howie Klein
 * Martin Shkreli

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/magazine/21Sanders.t.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/20/nyregion/at-new-york-schools-finding-time-for-exercise.html

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48926759/ps-197-parents-hod-first-meeting-of/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48928932/ps-197-gets-freedom-award/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48927046/low-in-ps-197-tells-of-high-school/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48929772/two-from-ps-197-get-awards/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/48926617/parade-games-music-for-kings-hway/