🚀 Wortman Is Ready to Wow this School Year! 🚀
P.S. 273 Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower all students to become critical thinkers, to continuously develop our staff, and to engage and partner with our parents to create a high-achieving, safe, caring, and culturally diverse environment for ALL.
Our School
P.S. 273 is proudly rooted in the heart of East New York City—a neighborhood full of history, culture, and extraordinary talent. As our community continues to grow with new investments and opportunities, we stand as a beacon of learning, creativity, and hope for the future.
We are a Title I school family of 310 incredible scholars, each bringing energy, curiosity, and brilliance to our halls every day. Our vibrant student body reflects the beautiful diversity of New York City: 70% Black, 26% Hispanic, and 4% from other rich cultural backgrounds.
We are especially proud of our inclusive learning environment. With 26% of our students identified as having disabilities, we celebrate the unique strengths, voices, and perspectives each child contributes to our school community. At P.S. 273, every student belongs, every student is valued, and every student is empowered to shine.
Visitors
📍 Location
923 Jerome Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207
(Between Wortman Ave. & Cozine Ave.)
Phone(718) 649-5739
- Breakfast : 7:30 to 7:55 AM
- Class Start Time: 8:00 AM
- Class Dismissal Time: 2:20 PM
🛡️ Visitor Policy
All visitors must present a valid ID and sign in at the security desk upon arrival. For the safety of our students, visitors are not permitted to loiter or chat in the hallways.
For safety reasons, visitors and guardians are only permitted in the Main Office and may not walk through the building unless escorted by a staff member.Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and focused learning environment for all students.
New Cell Phone Policy
Governor Hochul Highlights Distraction-Free Schools With Frankie Focus
Governor Hochul: “Well, one thing that's going to be a little different for you, too, is that this is the first time that you'll not have cell phones in your possession during the school day. Now we're doing this because we want to make sure that you can keep learning and in a distraction-free environment … You are going to be smarter because you'll be paying attention more in school. Your teachers will have a better experience teaching you and making connections with you.”
Hochul: “I've got a friend here, one of my best friends who I want you to get to know. Frankie Focus, he's introduced here today for the very first time. He doesn't say a lot, he's kind of quiet … But he is very focused on learning in school, focused on the teachers, focused on making friends.”
September 4, 2025 - Brooklyn, NY - Governor Kathy Hochul highlights distraction-free schools.
(Photo Credit: Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
Success Starts at Wortman
Our scholars deserve the best
At P.S. 273, student success is our top priority. From engaging classrooms to supportive programs and family partnerships, we provide every child with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Wortman: What, When, WHY
Daily
At P.S. 273, our days are structured for learning, growth, and community spirit.
Daily Flow:
- Eight (8) class periods with a dedicated lunch break.
- We begin each morning with the Pledge of Allegiance, birthday shout-outs for students and faculty, announcements for special events, and sometimes poetry or uplifting affirmations — especially during testing season — to remind our kids to believe in themselves.
- Every grade and class follows a daily routine aligned with Chancellor’s Regulations, District 19 methods, and school-wide goals.
- Each grade is assigned a specific arrival and dismissal door for safety and efficiency.
Lunchtime:
- 3K and Pre-K enjoy lunch in their classrooms.
- Kindergarten–5th Grade have lunch in the cafeteria and, weather permitting, can play outside during lunch recess.
Weekly
PARENT-TEACHER TUESDAYS
Take advantage of our schools weekly parent-teacher appointments to connect, discuss progress, and support student success. 2:30-3:00 PM by phone or in-person according to teacher's availability.
Monthly
STUDENT OF THE MONTH ASSEMBLY
Our Student of the Month Assembly is a high-energy celebration that shines a spotlight on excellence and growth! We recognize students with 100% attendance, those showing the most improvement, and entire classes that show up every day ready for success. The assembly is filled with upbeat music, dancing, and interactive games, with awards that light up and respond to movement — making the moment even more magical.
Parents are warmly invited to join in, cheer from the stands, and feel the joy of watching their children celebrated.
Bi-Monthly
Twice a month, our Parent Workshop Series turns learning into a family adventure!
From creating inspiring vision boards, to whipping up delicious meals, to gathering in empowering women’s circles — we explore it all. We’ll dive into professional development for parents, share creative ways to make learning at home more fun, and connect families with services that help students thrive. Think of it as a mix of life skills, academic boosts, and community building — all designed to help our kids (and the grown-ups who love them) shine
Seasonally
✨ Seasonal Happenings at Wortman
At Wortman, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, students take part in seasonal field trips, in-school and off-site programs with partners like GEMS, MBK, and other community-based organizations. Our faculty knows that learning is boundless—not limited to the traditional bell schedule. We also invite workshop facilitators to introduce students to a wide range of topics, from arts, culture, dance, and fitness to academic enrichment and exploration.
Annually
LEARNING, EXPRESSION, ARTS, CULTURE, MEMORY
Each year, P.S. 273 bursts with school spirit, hosting a variety of events that bring students and families together. From our celebrated Spring Sustainable Fashion Show and Art Show, to our vibrant Juneteenth celebration in June, plus literacy nights, bingo fun, and so much more — there’s always something exciting happening to inspire, connect, and celebrate our community.
Principals on Purpose
Leaders by Design fit for the future of East New York
The fabric of our P.S. 273 leadership is by design. Our Principal, Melessa Avery, a Southern-born creative and dedicated child advocate, and seasoned New York City educator, is supported by two incredible leaders: Dr. Katia Jean-Jacques, a Haitian-born veteran NYC public school leader, and Assistant Principal Sekou Smith, a son of East New York who was born and raised in the very community where Wortman is located. Together, this trio brings warmth, vision, and a wealth of experience to every decision, inspiring students, teachers, and families alike to imagine, create, and thrive.
The most incredible testament to our story is teachers like Mr. Ellis, who retired in June 2025 after 30 years of dedicated service. He was once an elementary school student here, and his mother was an educator with us. Many other students have returned as teachers, and countless families continue enrolling their children to uphold our tradition of success. We are truly a community school, demonstrating that the power of the village still thrives—right here in East New York, in the great borough of Brooklyn, in the greatest city in the world
New Student Registration
We’re saving your child a seat at P.S. 273
Registration begins after we determine the student is zoned to our school and that our faculty can meet your child’s academic needs,
🔑 Opportunity Gateways
imagination & Expression
Special Education Services
Special Education Services
Imagination and self-expression are central to our school’s approach. Whether through the arts, dance, acting, robotics, STEM, or even cooking, we create programs that allow students to explore, dream, and build skills. Our goal is to help them imagine the future, embrace the possibilities ahead, and enjoy the joyful present they deserve.
Special Education Services
Special Education Services
Special Education Services
- Focus: Supporting students with disabilities or special needs.
- Services: SETSS (Special Education Teacher Support Services), resource room support, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.
- Topics: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), learning strategies, social skills development, and progress monitoring.
Academic Support
Special Education Services
Counseling and Social-Emotional Support
- Focus: Helping students succeed in core subjects like reading, writing, math, and science.
- Services: Tutoring, small group instruction, homework help, Academic Intervention Services (AIS), and learning accommodations for students with IEPs.
- Topics: Study skills, test preparation, literacy support, math intervention, and classroom strategies.
Counseling and Social-Emotional Support
Counseling and Social-Emotional Support
Counseling and Social-Emotional Support
- Focus: Supporting students’ mental health, social skills, and emotional well-being.
- Services: Individual or group counseling, crisis intervention, mentoring, and behavioral support.
- Topics: Stress management, conflict resolution, self-esteem, bullying prevention, and coping strategies.
Health and Wellness Support
Counseling and Social-Emotional Support
English Language Learner (ELL) Support
- Focus: Ensuring students are healthy and ready to learn.
- Services: School nurse, FREE vision/dental screenings, health education, and nutrition programs.
- Topics: Vaccinations, Physical health, hygiene, nutrition, safety, and fitness activities.
English Language Learner (ELL) Support
Counseling and Social-Emotional Support
English Language Learner (ELL) Support
- Focus: Helping students whose first language is not English.
- Services: English as a New Language (ENL) classes, bilingual support, and language acquisition programs.
- Topics: Reading, writing, listening, speaking skills, and integration into academic classes.
English
ELL means your child is learning English in addition to the subjects taught in school. They get extra help and support so they can succeed in class while becoming more confident in English
Spanish
ELL significa que su hijo(a) está aprendiendo inglés además de las materias que se enseñan en la escuela. Reciben ayuda y apoyo adicional para que puedan tener éxito en la clase mientras se vuelven más seguros con el inglés.
Haitian Creole
ELL vle di pitit ou ap aprann angle anplis de lòt matyè yo aprann lekòl la. Yo jwenn èd ak sipò anplis pou yo ka reyisi nan klas la pandan y ap vin pi konfyans nan pale ak itilize lang angle a.
District 19 Back-2-School Block Party Sep. 6, 2025
Stay informed
New York City Dept. Of Ed.
School District 19
Dr. Tamra S. Collins, Superintendent
Irene K. Spence, Deputy Superintendent
P.S. 273
P.S. 273
Melessa Avery, Principal
Dr. Katia Jean-Jacques, Assistant Principal
Sekou Smith, Assistant Principal
Janice Perez, Parent Coordinator