At The Parkside School’s Graduation and Achievement Ceremony on June 17, 2025, we were honored to welcome back Rebecca Sidi, a proud member of the Class of 2017, as this year’s alumni speaker. Now a chemistry major at Barnard College of Columbia University, Rebecca delivered a powerful and heartfelt speech that reflected on her Parkside journey and reminded our graduating students of the incredible possibilities ahead.
Read MoreUnderstanding the past helps shape a more just and inclusive future. At Parkside, we believe even our youngest students can begin to make those connections. In the days leading up to the end of the school year and Juneteenth, classes have been engaging in meaningful, developmentally appropriate lessons about the history and significance of this important holiday.
Read MoreThis month, classrooms have been exploring age-appropriate lessons that celebrate identity, family diversity, and the importance of treating all people with kindness and respect. From our youngest students to our oldest, classroom discussions are thoughtfully designed to highlight the core message that it is okay to be different—and that everyone deserves to feel safe, accepted, and proud of who they are.
Read MoreOnce a month, parents gather in The Parkside School’s gym-turned-performance space for a student assembly. Sunlight filters through the original stained-glass windows of the Upper West Side brownstone. The red velvet curtain is adorned with paintings created in art class. As families mingle and take their seats, there’s a sense of ease and connection—it’s a small, supportive school where everyone feels part of the community.
Read MoreIn recent years, our Occupational Therapy (OT) department has piloted the Interoception Curriculum, developed by Kelly Mahler, OTR/L, in several classrooms. This framework explores one of the lesser-known—but critically important—senses: interoception.
Read MoreOn Wednesday, March 12, more than 130 members of The Parkside School community gathered at Han Dynasty for The Benefit of Laughter, an evening dedicated to comedy, camaraderie, and philanthropy. Parents, teachers, therapists, staff, and friends came together to celebrate and support Parkside’s vibrant Arts and Movement Programs.
Read MoreAs February comes to a close, we are proud to highlight the many ways Black History Month was celebrated at Parkside. While our commitment to recognizing and respecting all cultures is woven into our curriculum year-round, Black History Month provides a dedicated opportunity to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans—many of whom made a lasting impact despite systemic racism and oppression.
Read MoreAt The Parkside School, we embraced the spirit of Lunar New Year with a special celebration hosted by the Parents Association, coordinated by Chris Horger and Sarah Carpenter. On January 29, students gathered to learn about the rich traditions and cultural significance of the holiday. Ms. Mejia, our DEIB Coordinator, shared the many ways families prepare for the New Year.
Read MoreIn yoga, some of the new routines children love include On the Train and Big Brown Bear. In the older classrooms, we are expanding students' anatomical understanding of how yoga and deep breathing affect our physiology. We explored images of the brain to see how using skills such as breathing, yoga, cold water, and relaxation activate our "upstairs brain" (the prefrontal cortex), helping to calm "downstairs brain" feelings when the amygdala is activated.
Read MoreThis month, our yoga and dance classes embraced the celebration of diverse cultures, honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, the festival of Diwali, and Halloween. Dance, as a universal language, served as a bridge connecting traditions, fostering understanding, and promoting inclusivity in a joyous way. Through music and movement, children had the opportunity to bring stories and teachings to life, embodying the narratives and movements associated with each celebration.
Read MoreAt Parkside, we are committed to fostering awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. By recognizing the historical and present-day experiences of Native American communities, we help students understand the importance of honoring and respecting diverse histories.
Read MoreWednesday evening's parent presentation on Woodin Math, hosted by Leslie Thorne and Audrey Eisenberg, provided an in-depth look at an innovative approach designed to develop strong number sense and numeracy skills in children, particularly those with language-based learning differences or dyscalculia.
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