Parents Association
The PS 87 Parents Association supports and assists the administration and faculty in the development and implementation of the school’s philosophy, policies and practices, including the school’s mission: to build a stimulating environment in which every student can experience success and enjoy learning; to advocate for a quality public education; to provide a forum for the expression and advocacy of parents’ concerns.
As a PS 87 parent, you are automatically a member of the Parents Association.
As a PS 87 parent, you are automatically a member of the Parents Association. No dues are required. We are a not-for-profit organization that supports virtually every facet of our children’s lives at our school by funding key programs and coordinating communications, volunteer, and supplemental enrichment efforts. The PA hosts regular meetings for the general community. At these meetings, parents can hear the latest school news, discuss what’s on their minds, and listen to invited speakers.
PA General Meetings are held once a month during the school year. In addition to the general meetings, PA officers and committee chairs meet once a month at an Executive Board meeting. All parents are welcome to attend the Exec Board meetings, whether or not they are involved with any of the committees. Meetings are held in the early evening in the school library. For meeting schedules, consult the school calendar, available online on our ps87 home page. All parents are also welcome to run for Officer and Committee Chair roles. Officers and Committee Chairs are elected each spring.
The PA is responsible for the school’s fundraising, and relies on your donations to fund things that the Department of Education budget does not. We’re often in conversation with the school administration to figure out what is needed. Financial contributions from parents have helped build and maintain the Kindergarten playground, pay for professional development and assistant classroom teachers, and purchase the furniture in our new science lab, to mention just a few items. There are many opportunities throughout the year to donate, including during specific fund-raising drives and at special events such as our fall Harvest Festival and spring Auction. You’ll receive a Pledge Drive letter shortly after school begins; receipts from the drive account for a nearly one half of the PA’s annual budget, and we make sure your donations go a long way. Even if you can only give a few dollars, remember that a high rate of community participation increases our school’s chances of receiving grants, so please support the PA at whatever level is comfortable for your family.
Please click here for the Bylaws of PS 87 Parents Association, Inc. – Updated April 20, 2017.
Meet Your PA Executive Board
Welcome to our page! See below for a snapshot of who we are and how to get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you, so feel free to reach out! If you are unsure of who to contact, you may email PA-Board@ps87.info
Warmly,
Your PS87 PA Executive Board
Meredith Thompson
Co-PA President
My name is Meredith Thompson and last year I was on the PA board as the Afterschool Liaison. I was also a member of the 87Afterschool Board. I have one son, Oliver, who is in 3rd grade. I have served as a class parent for my son’s kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classes and joined the Afterschool Committee in the 2020-2021 school year. Being on the Board has been a great way to meet other parents and learn how the school operates. You can find my husband or me at morning drop-offs in the Big Yard or at 87Afterschool pick-up. Outside of my PS87 volunteering, I work fulltime in Media Sales for a division of iheartmedia specializing in political advertising.
Pamela Unger
Co-PA President
My name is Pamela Unger and I have been at PS 87 for the last decade. I am the mom of three-my oldest a PS 87 alumni, now in high school and my youngest currently in fifth grade at PS 87. I have served on the PA in various roles. On the board, I was a co-secretary. I have also chaired many PA committees such as photo day, have been a class parent for many years, and a constant volunteer at events from auction to garden party.
Melissa Donovan
VP of Administration
Hi, I'm Melissa Donovan, mom to Sofia, a rising 5th grader, and her two younger brothers, Asher and Joshie, who are in 2nd and K across the street at PS334. I've formerly served on the 87 PA Exec Board as chair of Welcoming/Membership and been a Class Parent several times over. Professionally, I serve on the Leadership team at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan where my responsibilities included Covid response operations and building reopening. I'm passionate about positive, inclusive, community-building, sound operations and I have a knack for administration and governance!
Jill Rackmill
VP of Community Affairs
Hi, I am Jill Rackmill and I have served as the VP of Community Affairs for two years now. I am responsible for keeping informed about CEC, District 3 and DOE news and for the Middle School Committee. I am the parent of a fifth grader and formerly worked as a television news producer.
Megan Hoffman
VP of Enrichment and Programming
I am Megan Hoffman. I have two children, my son, Nick, who just graduated from PS87 and my daughter, Emily who is in 4th grade. I have worked on the PA Board for the past six years on the Enrichment Committee and served as Class Parent for the past six years. I have also served at the West Side YMCA – Early Childhood as Auction Chair and as PA Co-President. When I'm not volunteering for my kid's school, I can be found reading a good book, walking in Central Park with friends or reorganizing a closet that no longer fits all of our stuff.
Jami DeAngelis
Co-VP of Communications
pa-communications@ps87.info
My name is Jami DeAngelis, I am currently a co-chair for the VP of PA Communications. In this role I assist with community emails, the school directory, the school’s social media groups and Backpack News. I have one son, Luca, he is in 3rd Grade. I have been an active PS 87 parent assisting with our school directory and being part of the PA Communications team for the last two years. I have also been a parent member of the School Leadership Team (SLT). When not helping out at PS 87, I work as the Controller for the ASPCA. My love of animals began with my Oklahoma childhood and continues today as we share our home with a special-needs cat, Ozzie. When I find a spare minute for myself, I am either eating out with my husband Chris or trying to improve my poorly practiced Italian language skills!
Shoshana Jaffess
Co-VP of Communications
My name is Shoshana Jaffess and my family and I have been part of the UWS since the 1940s. My father attended PS 87 and is thrilled his grandchildren will be educated there as well!! Leia, a second grader, is currently in the Dual Language Bilingual program. Her younger brother, Jacob (Coby) is in the Pre-K class. Professionally I have held roles in marketing, event planning and project management in both profit and non-profit sectors. In addition to my professional work I have served on the Young Professionals Committee at Dorot, the Ithaca College Hillel board of directors and the 212 NY Interactive Advertising Club professional development committee.
Elizabeth Battin
Co-VP of Membership and Events
My name is Elizabeth Battin and I am the co-chair for the VP of Membership for the past two years. I have a 3rd grader, Graham, a Kindergartener, Crosby and a toddler, James. I am an interior designer by trade and a beauty counter consultant for fun. I am looking forward to rebuilding and connecting the PS87 community going forward. A true midwesterner at heart, I love to cook and bake, and attempt various crafts but otherwise you can find us outside as much as possible, no matter the temperature.
Marguerite Boonzaier
Co-VP of Membership and Events
My name is Marguerite Boonzaier and I have also been the co-chair for the VP of Membership for the past two years.. I have a 3rd Grader, Sophia, and a 1st grader, Isabel. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, we’ve also lived in Melbourne, Australia before moving to NYC almost 3 years ago. We know what it’s like to move to a new continent/country/city/school and with this role I am hoping to play a part in making families feel welcome and engaged in our PS87 community. I work part time as a Kitchenware Buyer & Account Manager; I try to run when I can (not enough); I aim to spend as much time as possible outdoors; I love to travel and to explore new places.
Sarah Emley
Secretary
I am Sarah Emley and I am one of the two Secretaries for the PS87 Parents’ Association, which is the same role I held last year. In this role I assist with keeping all minutes of the Board meeting and related correspondence. I have three children, two of whom are students at William Sherman in 5th and 2nd grade. In my spare time, I run Manhattan Moms Meetup, I am a Co-Leader of a Multi-Level Troop of Girl Scouts of Greater New York, a published photographer and journalist, the Social Media Coordinator for Rutgers’ Community Programs, and I sing at Saint Patrick’s Basilica on Sunday evenings. I earned a degree from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin and love watching college football with my husband.
Andrea Bryson
Secretary
Hi, my name is Andrea Bryson and my husband Elijah and I have three kids. My oldest, Eliza, is a current PS87 second grader, my second, Eve, is a 1st grader, and my youngest, Hugh, who is two years old, longs for the day when he can join his sister’s at PS 87! Previously I worked in accounting at PricewaterhouseCoopers. We love the UWS and are so happy at PS 87. I feel the PA is such an important part of a school and I am eager to join the board.
Peter Battin
Co-Treasurer
pa-treasurer@ps87.info
My name is Peter Battin and I am returning for a second time as the PS 87 Co-Treasurer. I have worked in the treasury department at various banks over the last 15 years spanning a variety of roles and responsibilities. I have three boys, Graham (3rd Grade), Crosby (K) and James (toddler). I am looking forward to helping ensure the continued success of the PA and it's support of PS87. When I find a moment of free time I enjoy spending time outside with my family. My quarantine hobby was improving my grilling/bbq game.
Anirban Dasgupta
Co-Treasurer
My name is Anirban Dasgupta and I live with my wife and 3 kids on west 79th street. My eldest son, a current first grader, LOVES PS87. My middle son is in the pre-K program at PS87. My youngest son, is a toddler. We love the UWS and the PS87 community and are looking for ways to contribute and give back. Professionally, I have been an investment banker for a majority of my career. Last year I decided to leave banking and join a technology company where I lead the Mergers & Acquisitions effort.
Sarah Hansen
Auction Chair
Hi, My name is Sarah Hansen and I am returning for a second year as the auction chair at PS 87. Previously, I worked in development at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, raising crucial funds for the Division of Pediatric Cardiology. My daughter Sloane is in first grade at PS 87, and my 2-year-old Will looks forward to joining her when he is of age. I served as a co-class parent last year; and am currently an active member of the Brownstone School Board of Directors. I previously served as PA co-chair at the Brownstone School, as well as co-chair of the annual Brownstone School Auction and Gala. I look forward to putting my fundraising skills to good use this year raising money for PS 87.
Shira Hudson
Family Giving Officer
My name is Shira Hudson and I am returning for another year as your PS 87 Family Giving Co-Chair this year. I have two kids, Levi in 3rd grade and Ezra who is in kindergarten. When I’m not hanging out at metal yard, I work as director of planned giving at a non-profit (UJA-Federation). Our family loves to explore different playgrounds and we are on a constant quest for ice cream and Mexican food! I look forward to continuing this work and serving the PS 87 community.
Lauren Sachs
Wellness Officer
My name is Lauren Sachs and I am very excited to continue as your Wellness officer for another year! As a wife, mother of two (5th & 8th), and an avid participant in women’s strength training, I understand how challenging it is to juggle life, work, and wellness. After my own journey and self-exploration in which I transformed my life by adhering to the Four Pillars of Wellness, I decided it was time to follow my passion as a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach and help others to find that same balance. I am a graduate of Syracuse University, where I received a degree in Communications. After spending most of my career in the Music and Entertainment industry, I went back to school and completed the Integrative Nutrition's Health Coach Training Program.
Sabrina Blum
K-Rep
Hi, I’m Sabrina Blum. I have two kids at PS 87 - Noah in Kindergarten and Calla in 3rd grade - and my oldest daughter Dalia just graduated and is starting 6th grade at Booker T. After being part of this wonderful school for the past 6 years, and having children go through every grade here from Pre-K to 5th, I’m excited to begin the journey anew. In my role as Kindergarten Rep, I look forward to serving as a resource for new families and to helping build community for the incoming Kindergarten class. I’m a native Californian, but my husband Eli and I have lived in NYC for almost 20 years. I work part-time for the NYU Admissions Office, reviewing undergraduate applications, and in my free time, I enjoy taking dance classes and “New Yorking” around with friends and family.
Gina Cirrito
Fundraising Officer
Hi all, I’m Gina Cirrito. I’m a Boy Mom (4th, 6th, & 11th) and married to Vinny who is a Commissioner for the Parks Dept. I have run many school fundraisers in my Mom life and was a television producer in my past life. I look forward to continuing the annual and amazing FUNdraisers Harvest Fest and Spring Fair!
Lora Martinez & Beatrice Yang
5th Grade Reps
As longtime PS 87 parents and volunteers, we are thrilled to serve as 5th Grade Reps in our last and final year! Lora is a parent of three, with a sophomore in high school, an 8th grader at West End Secondary School and her daughter is in 5th grade. Bea's oldest just graduated from The Computer School and is a freshman in high school, and her younger son is in 5th grade. Having gone through the process with our older kids, we'll provide support for families as they learn about middle schools and navigate the application process. We'll also manage the fun parts of 5th grade, including the end-of-year celebrations. We look forward to a great year!
Calendar
- Friday, March 24
- Saturday, March 25
- Monday, March 27
- Thursday, March 30
- Friday, March 31
Blue - DOE
Red- School Wide (Events and Happenings for students, adults, teachers etc)
Orange - Parents Association (Events and Happenings for adults)
Green - 87Afterschool
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