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 the PA Co-President. Prior to that 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
Katie Baker
Co-PA President
My name is Katie Baker and. I have been a PS 87 parent for two years. My oldest son, Owen, is a rising 2nd grader and Evan, is an incoming Kindergartener. I have been a class parent for two years at PS 87 and served on the School Leadership Team (SLT). I have been the Co-Chair of the PA at Columbia Greenhouse Nursery School for the past four years. I am passionate about cultivating inclusive school communities! Professionally I work as Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D). I founded an educational and behavioral consulting agency a decade ago and in that time I have been lucky enough to collaborated with over 25 public school districts in the tri-state area. In our free time you’ll find our family “adventuring” all over the city or playing soccer!
Amy Lin
VP of Administration
My name is Amy Lin and I have two kids at PS87 in kindergarten and 2nd grade. I have been a class parent for the past two years, and was co-chair of the Book Fair this past year. I previously worked as a high school science teacher before becoming a clinical dietitian. My husband and I have been on the UWS for the past 15 years and we love raising our kids here. I look forward to working with the board next year and meeting more families in the PS87 community!
Corinne Roller
VP of Community Affairs
Corinne’s background in government relations, issue advocacy, political campaigns, and public affairs have driven impact for organizations on a national scale. Before joining GSG, Corinne was the Legislative and Political Director for Paid Leave for the US, architecting a campaign to win a national paid family and medical leave program. Prior to PL+US, she was the inaugural Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Girls Who Code, developing their national public policy program to close the gender gap in technology. She was the Director of Outreach and External Affairs at Educators 4 Excellence, focusing on incorporating teacher voice into education policy. Before she discovered weekends, she worked on electoral campaigns across the country, from New Hampshire to Mississippi. She lives in New York with her husband and two children, but the occasional y’all betrays her Virginia roots. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Randolph-Macon College.
Sabrina Blum
VP of Enrichment
Hi, I’m Sabrina Blum. I have two kids at PS 87 - Noah in 1st grade and Calla in 4th - and my oldest daughter Dalia is a proud PS 87 graduate. I’ve been part of this wonderful school for the past 7 years, and after having children go through every grade here from Pre-K to 5th, I loved the opportunity to usher in new families and build community last year through my role as Kindergarten Rep. I’ve also served as class parent numerous times, and last spring, I helped revive the Broadway Night fundraiser for the first time since covid. I’m passionate about the arts and arts education, and that is why, in addition to chairing Broadway Night, I’m very excited to take over as VP of Enrichment. I am originally from Southern California, but my husband Eli and I have lived in NYC for 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.
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 the 4th 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 four years. I am also a former parent member of the School Leadership Team (SLT). When not helping out at PS 87, I work at the ASPCA where I have been for 15 years. 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!
Linda Ng
Co-VP of Communications
My name is Linda Ng. I have two children at PS87 - Willa, who will start first grade, and Emery, fifth grade. I’ve served as a class parent and co-lead for our younger child’s soccer division this past year. This will be my first year joining the PS87 PA and I look forward to supporting the school and the community! I work as a veterinarian and research data analyst in public health. In my free time, I enjoy being outside with the family and our dog and exploring new places in the city.
Lauren Vien
VP of Membership
I’m Lauren Vien and this is my family’s first year at PS 87. I’ve found that the warmth and vibrant energy of our school community certainly lives up to its reputation! My son is wrapping up an awesome year of first grade and my daughter is preparing to head to PS 87 as a kindergartener in the fall. As VP of Membership and Events, I would lean on my prior experience as a classroom teacher to plan meaningful events for children and families. I believe that shared moments -big and small- have an enormous impact on school morale and the connections we share with one another. I was proud to serve as Scholastic Book Fair Co-Chair this fall and bring the in-person book fair experience back to PS 87. In addition to volunteering here, I am the Education Director at Rose & Rex, a destination for play-based parenting resources. On weekends, you can find my family exploring “nature spots” in Central Park and riding our bikes all over the city; we love a good outdoor adventure!
Sarah Emley
Co-Secretary
I am Sarah Emley and I am one of the two Secretaries for the PS87 Parents’ Association, which is a role I have held since 2021. In this role I assist with recording the minutes of the Executive and General Meetings for the PA. If you are looking for a way to get your feet wet with the Parents Association, I highly recommend becoming a secretary. You learn so much about PS87, why the PA is essential to programs offered in our school, and even about laws that govern the DOE in NYC. I have three children, all of whom are/have been/will be students at William Sherman. In my spare time, I direct the Talent Show in the Spring for our school, I recruit volunteers for the Talent Show (hint-hint), I am a Co-Leader of a Multi-Level Troop of Girl Scouts of Greater New York with over 40 girls (Troop 3209!), I run Manhattan Moms Facebook Page, am a published photographer, journalist, and social media coordinator, and I sing. I earned a degree from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, am the former President for the UT Concert Chorale, and I love watching college football with my husband. Hook ‘Em.
Andrea Bryson
Co-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 third 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 (4th Grade), Crosby (1st) and James (toddler). I am looking forward to helping ensure the continued success of the PA and it's support of PS87 community. When I find a moment of free time I enjoy spending time outside with my family and watching sports.
Anirban Dasgupta
Co-Treasurer
My name is Anirban Dasgupta and this will be my second year as a PS87 co-treasurer. My eldest son, Dylan, is a second grader in the dual language program, and my middle son, Giles, is in Kindergarten. Our youngest son, Julian, will be 3 this year and aspires to join his elder brothers at PS87. My wife Amy and I love the PS87 family and have deep respect for what brings to the entire community. I look forward to continuing to contribute alongside this phenomenal group of volunteers. Professionally, I work in M&A/corporate development at an e-commerce / technology company and have been an investment banker for 10+ years prior to that.
Sarah Hansen
Auction Co-Chair
My name is Sarah Hansen and I am returning for a third 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 second grade at PS 87, and my 3-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.
Karen Garka-Prince
Auction Co-Chair
I have been an active part of the art world in both London and New York for 20 years. Initially working in major galleries in London and now at Phillips Auction House here in New York. I have worked with some of today’s best-known artists and have relationships with some of the world’s top art collectors, museums and galleries. Originally from England, I moved here in 2014 with my husband Alex. We have two sons, Hugo and Charlie, one of whom is just finishing his first year of Kindergarten at PS87. We have loved our time at the school so far and I am looking forward to becoming a more active member of the PS87 community.
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.
Erin Gilbert
Wellness Officer
Erin Gilbert has a son, Calvin Andrews, who has been at PS87 since kindergarten and will start fourth grade in the Fall. Erin is an enthusiastic leader of wellness in the community, teaching group fitness classes at Crunch, overseeing the obstacle course for Fall Harvest and Spring Fair, and sneaking spinach into Calvin’s morning pancakes. She would like to broaden her involvement at PS87, a school that has provided so much for Erin and her family in the last four years. She would be honored to serve as Wellness Chair, bringing her creativity, energy, and passion for wellness to the role.
Swati Vauthrin
K-Rep
Hi there! My name is Swati Vauthrin and I’ll be your incoming K representative. I’m a mother of 3, an active PS 87 community member, an Engineering leader in Tech most recently at Instagram, and the founder of Lacubvie, a digital family brand empowering families through shared experiences and tried-and-true recommendations. My oldest will be entering 3rd grade, my middle will be entering Kindergarten, and our youngest just turned one! I've been a class parent as well as former PA secretary at PS87 since 2020. A little about me is that I’m a cook and lover of food, a fashion enthusiast, a sports fan, a fitness practitioner, and an avid traveler. I’m also a mentor for rising Women in STEM. Really looking forward to partnering with you all and this community!
Mei van der Schans
Fundraising Officer
Mei van der Schans is a stay-at-home parent to 2 young boys and she is excited at the opportunity to contribute to the future of P.S. 87 by joining its Parents’ Association Board. Before raising her family, she managed a multi-billion-dollar investment portfolio at National Australia Bank, developed default models for corporate bonds and mortgages, and served as an assistant economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York after graduating from Wellesley College. She also (volunteer) fundraised for the NYC chapter of Summer Search and cultivated certain corporate sponsorships for the educational non-profit. In her free time, Mei enjoys meeting new people, walking her dog, and scuba diving.
Gina Cirrito
5th Grade Rep
As longtime PS 87 parents and board members, we are thrilled to serve as 5th Grade Reps in our last and final year! Megan has a 7th grader at Booker T, and her daughter is in 5th grade. Gina has a senior in high school, a 7th grader at Computer School, and her youngest 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.
Megan Hoffman
5th Grade Rep
I have two children, Emily, who will be in 5th grade at PS 87 and Nick, a rising 7th grader at MS 54. I have worked on the PA Board for the past seven years on the Enrichment Committee and served as Class Parent for the past seven years as well. I am also currently serving as Class Parent at MS 54. I have previously served at the West Side YMCA – Early Childhood as Auction Chair and as PA Co-President. I look forward to working with the teachers and administration to provide a wonderful last year to the 5th grade class.
Calendar
- Monday, September 25
- Tuesday, September 26
- Thursday, September 28
- Friday, September 29
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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