PS 121
An Outstanding School
Where Learning Takes Place
About Our School
An OUTSTANDING School Where Learning Takes Place
Here at PS121, we offer our students an eclectic learning environment, filled with a variety of support and services. The transformative learning experiences at PS121 are designed to help our students grow, both in and out of the classroom.  PS121 is located in the heart of Ozone Park and serves students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.  With nearly 1,000 students and a staff of 100, we are here to help our students make an impact on the world.  Do you want your child to succeed?  This is the place to be!
Mission Statement
P.S. 121 is committed in ensuring that every student is provided with the skill sets to achieve grade level expectations in a safe, diverse, nurturing, and supportive environment, that takes into account each child's unique learning needs and fosters creativity, accountability, and a sense of community in order for them to become successful lifelong learners.
A Message from our Principal
Mr. Nicholas J. Patrello
September 2023
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Dear P.S. 121Q Families,
Welcome Back! I hope you were able to enjoy a fun-filled summer where you had an opportunity to not only rest, relax and recharge!
This year, we have a lot of exciting things planned for the P.S. 121Q community. We are continuing our school-wide focus on vocabulary as a vehicle to improve our overall literacy skills and language modalities. We will also dig deeper into building student agency, text complexity, math conceptual understanding, discussion protocols and much more! We will continue to educate the whole child – tapping into their Social Emotional needs and well-being and working collaboratively to develop student support plans to ensure that all voices are validated and feelings/emotions are considered.
I am very happy to announce and welcome the following staff changes to P.S. 121Q:
Inez Sierra has transitioned into our Pupil Accounting Secretary (PAS) position. Ms. Sierra has served the PS 121Q school community as our fabulous Family Worker.
Yarleny Moronta has transitioned into our Family Worker Position. Ms. Moronta has served the PS 121Q school community has our wonderful School Aide.
Vanessa Grossweiler has returned to PS 121Q and is teaching second grade!
I’d also like to welcome the following new staff members to P.S. 121Q:
Tejashwi (Jessie) Josse is our new Parent Coordinator, Amina Antoury is our new 2/3 self-contained teacher, Omawattie Dookie is a new paraprofessional, Mayra Orellana is a new school aide, Kelly Luttenberger is teaching with Ms. Lizza grade 5 ICT, and Anjuli Dyal is teaching with Ms. Ruffino grade 2 ICT.
Let’s work together to welcome them to their new roles at P.S. 121Q!
We wish those not returning to PS 121Q (Ms. Hughes-Rose, Ms. Boyle, Ms. Repaul, Paraprofessional Ms. Banos, Ms. Williams, Ms. Bernesby, Ms. McCarthy and Ms. Chavez) the best in their future endeavors. Each of them has contributed tremendously to the PS 121Q community and they will be missed.
The first day of school is THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7. Students in Grades Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1 will enter the building at 7:45AM through EXIT 2. Grades 2 – 5 will enter the building at 7:45AM through EXIT 6. Maps for Arrival and Dismissal can be found on our website, www.ps121q.com.
Looking forward to a WONDERFUL year together!
In Partnership,
Nicholas J. Patrello,
Principal, P.S. 121Q
Our Vision
Our vision is to equip children for the demands and opportunities of the 21st century by offering a differentiated, effective and rigorous curriculum to be committed learners for life. Â We believe that through hard work, determination and discipline our students will succeed!
Philosophy
We believe that students learn best when they are provided access points to support learning. To support this belief, we have chosen an instructional focus that ensures teachers' use of discussion protocols, depth of knowledge (DOK) wheel, and conversational prompts. We believe students need to be actively engaged in lessons and tasks that are differentiated and meet the demands of being a 21st Century Learner.