Hello,
My mother Fannie S. Levy was the Assistant Principal and then acting Principal at PS 160 from about 1963 to 1973. She grew up a few blocks from the school in the 1920s and 30s. She died in December 2012 at 91. When my mother was working at PS 160, the children were mostly from Puerto Rican immigrant families. The Head Start program which many of the PS 160 school children participated in started while my mother was working at PS 160 and it made a big difference to the welfare of the children. Once my mother invited the Poet Carl Sandberg to visit the school. He came and read poems to the children.
Sincerely,
Ron Levy
I WENT TO THAT SCHOOL IN 1967TO1975 FROM PREKINDERGARDEN TO 6TH GRADE I REMEMEBER MISS PORCORCHAK WOW LONG TIME I WOULD LIKE TO FIND FRIENDSFROM THAT TIME I FOUND ODETTE AND HER SISTERS
Donna Sellitti (Zacharia)December 28, 2020 - 10:13 pm
I went to PS 160 I believe in 1957. Mr Levy was Principal and Mrs. berman was the Assistant Principal. Wonderful days. Miss Grace Reilly
skipped me from the 3rd to 5th grade.
Donna Sellitti (Zacharia)December 28, 2020 - 10:12 pm
I went to PS 160 I believe in 1957. Mr Levy was Principal and Mrs. berman was the Assistant Principal. Wonderful days. Miss Grace Reilly
skipped me from the 3rd to 5th grade.
Oh My God,
Mss, Porcorchak was also, if I remember correctly, she was My 4th grade teacher, I think 1967-8, Geez, it’s been so long ago.i also remember Mrs Sussman ( she was So nice, All the kids liked her)I think she was My 2nd grade teacher, Music teacher, Mr. Glaser, he sucked lol (I never liked him.
I remember, a Girl I always liked,
Petra Lopez, My old buddy, Richie Gomez,
Wow, this is so strange, after all these years, I never thought I read about anyone who
remembered Ps 160.
I remember a prinpal name Mr.Roberts, I went there 1967 thru maybe 1972i do remember a my teacher MS.Brazil and Ms.Baldwin, MS.Kelley the library teacher, they were great, I would love to know how they are now.
Oh my goodness…don’t know how I came across this
Site but grateful I did. My 5 siblings an I attended
P.S. 160 from 1958-1972. I remember Wednesday’s
Assembly wearing a white shirt. I also remember the
following teachers: Your mom Mrs. Levy, I have a picture of her & Mr. Katz on my last day of 6th grade.
Ms. Shapiro the librarian, Ms. Paridis (probably misspelled) who I think Mr. Glaser liked. Mr. Kremon my 5th grade teacher.Ms. Searcy in 3rd grade wo moved to California and we all cried. Mrs. Hart the lunch room supervisor had very jet black hair and so nice. Mrs. Masa (again probably misspelled) she had a limp and was the outdoor lunch supervisor.
Does anyone remember the luncheonette across the street from P.S. 160?
Great memories of P. S. 160M! Thank you Ronald for your post. Sorry to hear about your mom! Great lady!
Migdalia Berrios Lewis
San Diego, CA
Was your mother a first or second grade teacher as well? I was in her class 1961-62. My mother Rachel was a school aide during most of the 6 yrs I was there. She became friendly with Mrs. Levy and both yr parents came to my Bar Mitzvah party at Juniors restaurant in downtown Brooklyn! I have a photo somewhere of yr parents taken at the party. What a small world!
Paul Mazur
Hey Paul Mazur! I think I remember your Mom as a good looking woman with very blonde perfectly coifed just above the shoulders hair, and nice fashion sense. The woman I remember resembled the other beautiful school aide Ms. Mango. Thoughts, clarification?
Hey Paul,
You probably don’t remember me. We were in Mrs. Nemiroff’s class. Let’s see, who else do I remember..
Martin Nurudin (sp?) Fred Harris, Michele McKenzie, Vlady, Akim, Jaqueline, Stan…Mitchell Cohen… Anyway, if you read this look me up on FB and write me a message, let me know how you’re doing!
Joe Ciolino
Hi Paul. I was in a few classes with you. Think we were classmates in the 3rd grade. We had a pretty red headed teacher, Mrs. Espersen. I think we were classmates in the 4th grade as well with Ms. Lipow. Other classmates that I can recall were Martin Nurrudin, Linda Hart, Albert Garcia and Jamahl Askor.
Hey Ronald M. Levy! I remember your mother. A woman of about average height for that era. Well groomed and stylishly dressed. Stearn but kind. I attended in the years starting with first grade, from 1963-1969.
My bothers and i attended ps 160 myself from kindergarden in 1961 through 6th grade in 1967/8 a time when the school and the neighborhood was still 50% european imergrants. i remember Mrs levy and our Principle mr Benjamin Katz. Carl Sandberg was friends with one of the teachers mrs micheal ann Neimeroff she used her maiden in previous years but i do not remember what it was. She was a 6th grade teacher when i got to 6 th grade there was a chair in our classroom signed by Carl Sandburg. Mrs Neimeroff was also friends with Charity bailey a famous folks artist educator her son JohnWhite was in my class. Your mom was a lovely lady she and Mr Kat were wonderful role models. I am sorry to hear of her passing. I have recently visited the halls of the old PS 160 which is now. Cultural center.
Regards
Blanche Kruk Garbarini
Hello I went to Ps160 I have good memories it was a good school I remember Mr Katz our family live on Suffolk street I can remember as far back as 1964 –
The teacher associated with Carl Sandburg was Mildred Parsons, my 5th and 6th grade IGC teacher at PS 160. I would love to know what happened to her, to Mr Dubrowsky, and so many of my classmates. I still have my copy of “Rootabaga Stories” autographed by Mr. Sandburg, and remember the fresh pickle stand on Clinton & Rivington – fresh pickles or saurkraut for a nickle!
Mrs. Parsons Nemiroff was my 6th grade teacher in the IGC class. We kids heard rumors she had Parkinson’s disease. She was quite nuts and seemed to enjoy embarrassing students. Did u have a bad experience in 6th grade as well?
I went to PS 160 in the 1960s. Miss Mango, Mrs. Mazur and Mrs. Hart were the main PTA moms. I was in Ms Nemiroff’s 6th grade class. Miss Newman did 3rd grade and Mrs. Sally Sussman was also 3rd grade teacher. Blanche you were in my class
Nope, not at all. She was one of THE best teachers I ever had and that includes professors I had right through grad school . Always introducing us to new ideas (she had us subscribe to the New York Herald Tribune which we read in class and discussed current events from the front pages), new places (we visited probably every museum in NYC). new people (her 5th grade class saw “The Miracle Worker” on Broadway and got to meet its stars, Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke after the show). She put on an original play dealing with South America and all South American delegations to the UN were invited for a special showing and most did come. And she put the school on the map when she got Carl Sandburg to visit our class. She cared a lot about her students and went way beyond the call of duty. IMHO she was extraordinary.
I was in Mildred Parsons Nemiroff’s 6th grade IGC class with my best friend. I hated her. She was a bully and seemed to enjoy embarrassing kids to tears (including me) All the kids hated her. She would bring her stepson into school when his private school was closed. A group of us would be given babysitting duty during lunch break. The rumor was she had Parkinson’s. Do you remember the orthopedic shoes she would wear? Also I remember a pickle stand on Essex St. right off Rivington. Don’t remember one on Clinton and Rivington but could have been. Regards, Paul Mazur
Hi Paul the Internet is an amazing place. You probably don’t remember me but I was in you are six grade class with Mrs. number off and yes, I remember it as a living Hell. I don’t thinkMrs. number off had Parkinson’s but I’m pretty sure she had some kind of nervous condition that caused her to twitch and flinch and spasm she was just impossible, although quite a beautiful woman
Hi Paul Mazur. I think I might know you. I remenber all the things you are talking about. I would have been in Ms. Nemiroff’s class around 1964-5. When were you there?
I am not good with last names but I remember Paul, Eddie, David, Robert, and Kathiy Schoonover (?). Anybody remember our 6th grade class with Ms Nemiroff?
Hi Blanche,
I was in your Sixth grade class with Ms. Nemiroff.She was an amazing teacher.I have thought of her often over the years.
She made a huge impact on me.She was no nonsense,and always pushed you to excel.I remember her sayings over 5he chalk board.”Nearsies don’t count, and almost is not good enough”.I also remember John White, Freddy Kennedy, who was a riot, andmy best friend at the time.Her name was Frances.I don’t recall her last name.I have great memories of P.S.160.I remember Ms. Shapiro, the librarian,MsTunick,amazing fifth grade teacher,Ms.Esperson, yes she was beautiful!
I could go on and on.My 3 siblings had also been in Ms. Nemiroff’s class.My mother thought Ms.Nemiroff walked on water
Hi Carmen
You and I hung out when we went to PS 160 and were both in Mrs Nemiroffs class (maybe even 4th 5th and 6th grade – Your Oldest brother was in my brothers class. I know you had another brother and I remember your sister
Josepha. You I and Frances hung out and then we had a silly girl fight and I started hanging out with Paulita who was not in our class. I do remember that you moved to Brooklyn and when we left/ Graduated from Mrs Nemiroffs class she had us all create a list of our addresses so the entire class could keep in touch and you had sent me a few letters. Its funny the different memories some have of her – yes she was a tough teacher but your right in saying she had the biggest impact on our lives – mine as well. Actually as i sit here at my desk I can reach out to the Book she gave me and signed to My Darling Blanche. she was tough on me for sure but she just wanted us to do our best. you can look me up on FB
Hope all is well
Hi Blanche,
So many memories! You put a smile on my face. My email: finquin2354@yahoo. com
You have a great memory
Carmen Quintas
Randi Feingold-RamosJanuary 15, 2014 - 4:14 pm
Hi…I went to P.S. 160 from Kindergarten (1964) to 6th grade (1970). You have opened up my memories. I remember Mr. Katz & Mrs. Levy. I lived directly across the street from the school on Suffolk Street. Our living room window looked into the assembly. My mother worked in the school. SHe started in 1964 as a school aide. Her name is Rhoda Feingold. She still lives at the same address. Do you remember other school aides, Evelyn “Mimi” Nuruddin, Shirley Steinberg & Lillian Hart?
I’m not sure we,ve ever met, but, I was also a student at Ps 160, btw I believe it was 1964-70, and I certainly remember Mrs Hart I believe she had Jet Black Hair, I think she was a School Aid, I remember Ray, she always had some kind of Ace bandage on one of her Legs, (for some reason) she was very nice. Wow, I really don’t know what made me start inquiring about My old Grade school but, I quess, this is just one of those strange things in life, but I’m glad I did. Hay, by any chance, do you remember the Bakery on the Corner of Rivington st. Or Straits The Matzo factory also on Rivington st. But on the Corner of Soulfolk st. Or this is a good one, The Loews Delancy Movie Theater, near Ratners,
Roberts Shoe Repair, lol ?
And the Girls I fooled around with, Petra Lopez (R.I.P.) Vanessa, Nilda. Geez, seems like it was just yesterday.
My mother was a school aide as well (Rachel Mazur). She knew all the aides you mention. She was close friends with Evelyn Nurrurdin and I was friends with her son Marty. They stayed close until we moved to Brooklyn years later and Marty went to different schools after P.S. 160. I also knew Lillian Hart’s 2 daughters.
I went to PS 160 from 1956 to 1961. I remember Mrs Bard my 3rd Grade Teacher, and
Mrs Parsons my IGC 6-1 Teacher. We used to play Kickball in the schoolyard during recess. I lived on Delancey Street and used to walk to and from school with my mom. Sure wish I had some Class Pictures from back then. I remember buying sour pickles from a barrel across the street from the school. There was also a Matzoh bakery across the street that used to give the kids broken pieces for free. A great big “HI” to all of my PS 160 schoolmates!!!
They built a new school that I think opened in either 1976 or 77. It was a round building about 4 blocks away. I can’t remember the name of it. I moved out of the neighborhood before having a chance to attend that school.
I believe PS160 was the oldest public school building in New York City. It was woefully past it’s prime. The upkeep of that building must have been a real drain of resources for the city.
I went to PS160 from 1971 to 1975 when I moved to New Jersey. I lived on Norfolk Street the block over from the school. I remember Mrs Levy and I think Mr. Katz was a tall guy. My memories are a little different. My second grade teacher was Mrs Grant. She was amazing! Back in the days when there was no breakfast in schools she would bring in cereal, fruit milk and juice. She charged 2 or 3 cents for it but if you didn’t have it she would give you some anyway. She had what you call an opened classroom where we had free time to roam around the room and find thing to learn about. She built this cardboard house we could play in and I remember doing puppet shows in class. The sad thing is that the year after I was in her class, she was killed in a car accident. I was so upset. I couldn’t sleep for days. I also had Mr. Swizen, (not sure of spelling) I also remember Mrs Susman and Mr Berman who became the guidance counselor the following year. Also, we had a fire in the hallway closet when I was in 2nd grade. We had to evacuate and walk through smoke and stand out in the cold for an hour. There was also a rumor that the 5th floor That was closed off had a fire and a student was killed. Not sure how true that was but it was pretty scary for me passing the gated stairwell. Kids would say it was haunted and you could hear the kid crying up there. Boy that terrified me!! LOL!! Also, there was a shooting in the school yard. The crazy thing was that it happened at 3pm when the kids were suppose to get out of school. Only it was a half a day and the school yard was empty when it happened. I remember running to the school yard when I saw all the police cars and seeing two people laying covered with blankets. That was one of the things that made my mother want to move out of the neighborhood. I missed it when I left. I want to mention my friends Glenda, Yvette and Luz from Norfolk Street. Lunch times we were free to roam around. We would Go to the pickle stand on Essex and get 3 pickles for 5 cents. Also, We would go to those two candy stores on Norfolk Street or the cheap pizza shop on the corner of Essex and Delancy. I had another friend Grisella who lived on Suffolk and her building had a fire and they were living in a burned out building. I would love to contact them again.
Hi all,
I would love to know more about the fire story CHERYL BROWN FALCONE mentioned. Did the rest of you hear it when you were kids there too?
I have a studio on the fourth floor in a classroom. The building is now an arts center.. Artists on the fifth floor still tell that story, ghost of a little girl and all. But I haven’t heard anyone saying she could be heard crying.
I actually can’t find any evidence about a fire either. It’s a commonly held belief and it’s on the art center’s website (minus the ghost girl). The architect of the building, C. B. Snyder, was an innovator of fire safety measures for schools so I’d hate for his name to be besmirched by fictitious fire.
So, for it to be a true story, the timeline is off. One website says the fire was in the 1970s. But kids were telling the story before 1970.
Another website says the city closed PS 160 in 1973, but there’s another ps 160 in Queens so maybe there’s some confusion?
I went to ps160 too,live in suffolk st.Spoky school.It was a castle to me those days,so big!And yes there were lots of P.R. People from P.R.nice place.yes this cookie fabric.IWent to school in 1965until 1971.Nice thoose está!
I remember PS. 160. I attended from 1948 to 1952, then went to Sumner JR HS 65 on Forsyth Street. I lived at 142 Suffolk Street. I remember how much fun school was and all the wonderful teachers. Mostly, I remember, Mrs Meehan, Ms McLaughlin amd Mrs Ratkowski, My very favorite was Mrs Charlotte Walsh. She was my fourth grade teacher who used to tell us… “Put your Thinking Caps on.” She said this when she was giving us an oral test. I passed this saying on to my grandchildren. Mrs Dawley was the Principle and everyone was scared of her as she was very strict! I remember Flag Day as we did the Maypole Dance and everyone dressed in red, white and blue.My best friends were Rose DiGaetano (wish I could locate her), Arline Silverman, and Maria Flores. I have soooo many memories of PS 160!!
I loved growing up in the lower east side. The people there were like family and we were mostly Immigrants, who loved America and the opportunity it gave us.
I was excited to read your comments on PS160. I lived across the street on Rivington where I was born. I also attended the school from 1948 to 1952. You brought to mind Mrs. Ratkowski. She was a heavyset women who always wore a pretty watch or pin on her blouse or dress. I remember the fire drills in the basement. Scared me to death! Remember the lunch area too and after lunch playing dodgeball in the schoolyard. Do you remember leaving every Wednesday afternoon to go to religious instructions at Our Lady of sorrows church? Wish you were here to sit and talk to. ☺️☺️
Hi,
I went to PS 160 from, I think 1945 until I went to a Junior High located in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge several years later.
I lived at 55 Suffolk Street. A few doors down from my building was a poultry shop where two identical heavyset women worked, often plucking feathers from chickens. They always wore wide flowing dresses with colored flowers printed on them. The women looked just like my teacher at PS 160, Mrs. Ratkowski. One day while walking by the poultry shop I noticed that the two women had been joined by a third heavy set identical woman in yet another colored flower print dress. Mrs Ratkowski was part of a team of triplets! In fact I wonder if the sisters didn’t alternate teaching us at PS 160. If not they shared the flower print dresses.
Excuse me but if you were in her class when the weather was hot you must remember Mrs. Ratkowski’s overwhelming body odor…. I sat in the front row!
I remember the schoolyard of PS 160 where stick ball games were organized by kids and the sidewalk where only boys played marbles and I remember the corner candy store where I would buy a chocolate drink we called an egg-cream… I don’t remember too much abut the school classes but I was taught to read and write and I only remember Mrs. Ratkowski doing that.
And I remember the wonderful odor of the freshly baked bagels from a basement shop next to the school…
And my best friends… Andrew, Sheldon, Carlos. Black, White, brown… In those days at P.S. 160 it didn’t what color or religion you were, and in my life it hasn’t mattered since to me, my kids or grand kids.
Hi, I attended 160 then too! I had Mrs. Ratkowski, 6th grade, my first grade teacher was Mrs Scalese..I loved her then and I love her now… Mrs. Edelstein for 4th, Mrs. Altman and then Mrs. Walsh I think subbed for her in 3rd grade..I guess Mrs. Edlestein allowed me to think about other civilizations…we were into Mayan and Aztec culture in her class and drawing with pastel chalks the scenes on the back black boards… Mrs. Ratkowski taught me more then anyone else…all the Rs and poetry music..opera..she would close her eyes and listen..english, reading…etc…and pushed us tow write and think Anyway, I don’t remember your surname..there was Melvin Kirsch… I am Carol Baron born 1940..so timeline… did you know Butch Schirtzer or Chester Wallach or Florence and Judy or the Adwars or Eshkinowzi ..so many people…
wow I remember Mrs Charlotle Walsh I remember that line I say that all the time when I want to remember something Let me Put my thinking caps on one of my friends was name vilma and petra – vilma live in the same building on Suffolk street
I attended the same years also, lived at 107 Clinton Street. I remember the same Principal you mentioned. Also remember Mrs Reilly, Mrs Feldmeser. I clearly remember during a fire drill i accidently stepped on her foot in the stairway. She kicked me in anger.., and my leg was bruised. When my mother was told by me she went to my school the next morning and proceeded to choke her until Mrs Dawley and other teachers stopped her. After that Mrs Feldmesser gave me straight A’s
I also attended PS 65
Attended 160 from 1951 to 1957. Remember Ratkowski and Walsh, had her in 4th grade, winning 3rd grade class spelling bees against the twins Lance and Vance, working on projects with Ellen and Martin and ending up at PS 188 for the SP program, not to mention the social fun I had after school with names I won’t mention. Great memories! Hot dogs at the deli on Rivington st. yum.!.
Hello Elba do you have a brother named Edwin Natal, if so we all attended 160 together I also knew Digna Sánchez , my name is Angel Justiniano I lived on Rivington bet Norfolk and Suffolk, not sure why but reading all the comments no one has mentioned Mrs Gold she was one of my teachers along with my favorite Mr. Taylor. I’m extátic to see so many of my old classmates…..
Manuel Medinauguración Jaca.February 26, 2019 - 11:55 pm
My brother and I lived in Norfolk St and attended PS 160 from kinder Garden to first grade between 1959 to 1961.My brother keeps a 1959 group photo.It a beautiful school,where jewish , chinese,Puerto ricano. Children learned to live togetter.
It was such a pleasure to find this site. I attended from 1963- 1969. Starting from first grade to sixth, my teachers were Ms. Walsh. Ms. Probouce. Ms. Sufferin. Ms. Diamond. Ms. Esperson. Mr. Dubrosky. Music teacher Mr. Genero. Princpals Ms. Levy and Mr. Katz. I also remember the Custodian Charlie. In my fifth grade class he had a fight with my best friend Vandela Power’s father. Charlie hit him over the head with a hammer and Mr. Power never regained conscious. The cops deem it self defense and Charlie was back at work within days. Yes. I should be in therapy!
Would love to know if anyone remembers. Ms. Harts daughters, Linda and Dawn, the twins Betty and Terry, and their cousin Cherie. Dinorah and her sister Lillian. Sahyllis Diaz and her cousin Fransisco Diaz. Herman Figaroa and Hector Ayuso. Spresha and Shepye.
Wow, I had been looking for the school my mother went to as a young girl (she is now 92 years old) and today I found it. She lived directly across the street and I remember her apartment building had the school across from their home which I would see when I would visit my grandparents. Nice to see your memories and finally find the block-Suffolk. My grandparents had a dress store on Clinton Street and that was so much fun to visit as a young child too. My job was to close the belts on the dresses. Memories are great…
Hi my name is Gregory Ramirez and i lived just across the school ,back in fith grade 1965 Norfolk St. Wonderful school were kids lived together . I remember Mt. Katz ,Mrs Ratkoswski and and i think her last name is or was Mrs . Pokorshop best teacher. Nice nemories back there .My friends , that i remember , Paul Troyano , Stanley Davis. I live now in Puerto Rico and work in a Youth Detaine Center as Director of the Correctional facility. Hope some one sees my comments.
I attended PS 160 from 1956-1961 and then went to JHS 22. I was in the 6th grade IGC class with Mrs. parsons. And yes i was incredibly scared of her. She had to be pulled off of me by other teachers as she was choking me with both of her hands because I spilled a bottle of brown paint on a project we were working on. And yet, she truly was the best teacher I ever had.
She was my favorite teacher. I was her pet. She took me to Metropolitan Museum of Art, just the both of us. She even invited me to her home. I wish I had stayed in contact with her. I will never forget her.
I went to P.S.160 from 1956-1962…great memories and great teacher and awesome classmates! 2 girls remain on my mind and I wish I could communicate with them…Maria Morales and Magda Matias!… hope they are well.Favorite teachers… Mr.Dubrowsky, Ms. COHEN, Ms.Esperson, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Siederman…my Principle was Mr.Katz .
I attended PS 160 3rd to 5th grade from 1955 – 1958. I remember Mrs. Walsh and her having us put on our “thinking caps,” she was easily my favorite teacher there too! I have wondered what happened to her.
I lived on Clinton and worshipped at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. My best friends were Roberto Santiago and Andrew (forgot his last name). I would love to connect with old acquaintances.
YES, I attended from 1965 to 1972, my brothers and sister also attended, I remember Ms. Levy and Mr. Katz and teachers Mr. Benjamin Mr.kremin and Mr . Arguia,
Hello everybody how much is 160 and used to live by Norfolk Street I remember miss Sussman Mrs parade is Mr. Berman Mr. Swinson Mrs. washer is my first grade teacherI played basketball for the team that I was number two when Danny Aguilar moved to 142
I went to PS160 from 1960-1966. I lived at 142 Ludlow. I loved going to school there. I remember Mrs Levy. She taught me how to read. When I left to go to JHS 22. My most
Significant memory was in Nov 22, 1963. We were in the auditorium when a teacher came and whispered to the teacher our President JFK was murdered in Dallas. They
Dismissed us early and went home. My mother and father were watching the TV and crying. Other than that I loved living in the LES.
Allen Stevens, Ph.D.
I lived at 186 Norfolk Street (between Stanton and East Houston Streets), and attended P.S. 160 from 1962 – 1967, when Mr. Benjamin Katz was principal and Ms. Levy was assistant principal.
My favorite teachers were my first and second grade teachers, respectively, Mrs. Shapiro and Ms. Piazza (who later married and became Mrs. Adala). They were very good at what they did.
The academic curricula
of the school was second
to none on the lower east side
of manhattan.
It ensured that its kids received a very good education; children were routinely given both class work and homework and was expected to do it; afterwards, the work was carefully reviewed in class. If you followed instruction, you did well; if not, well you know…
Moreover, P.S. 160 in conjunction with the 7th precinct, put on very dramatic demonstrations of what happens when a life-sized doll gets struck by a car. As a child, in the first grade, seeing a vehicle traveling 30 M.P.H., striking the life-sized doll, hearing the impact, watching it fly and then crash to the ground and slide to a stop, attempted to convince children to cautiously cross streets. The demonstration worked for me.
Hi Allen Stevens
You were in my class in 1st and 2nd grade i Lived on stanton street before moving around the corner to essex st. their was a boy in our class named Steven Allen and one of you had the nick name Moonie.
Hope all is well
Blanche
HERMINIO MIELES: My brother Sam and I had to transfer from P.S.2 to P.S.160 in the winter of 1962. I was in the 2nd grade and brother Sam in the 3rd grade. My 3rd grade teacher was a beautiful red headed lady named Mrs. Espersen. I had a crush on her. I remember a few classmates like Paul Mazur, Linda Hart,Harris Khan and Albert Garcia. I was given an award in 1966. Upon graduation from the 6th grade a student from the 5th grade and I was given a 1 week trip to Puerto Rico, sponsored by Banco Popular. If I recall it had something to do with the 4H club. Some other teachers I had were Mrs. Lipow (4th grade), Mr. Steir (5th grade) and Ms. Pakorchak (6th grade).
HERMINIO MIELES: My brother Sam and I had to transfer from P.S.2 to P.S.160 in the winter of 1962. I was in the 2nd grade and brother Sam in the 3rd grade. My 3rd grade teacher was a beautiful red headed lady named Mrs . Espersen. I had a crush on her. I remember a few classmates like Paul Mazur, Linda Hart,Harris Khan and Albert Garcia. I was given an award in 1966. Upon graduation from the 6th grade a student from the 5th grade and I was given a 1 week trip to Puerto Rico, sponsored by Banco Popular. If I recall it had something to do with the 4H club. Some other teachers I had were Mrs. Lipow (4th grade), Mr. Steir (5th grade) and Ms. Pakorchak (6th grade).
My brother and I transferred to P.S.160 in the winter of 1962 (from P.S.2). Great memories of the old school. My 1st teacher, was a nice lady (somewhat elderly) that gave me all A’s on my report card. Don’t recall her name. It was the 2nd grade (1962-’63). My 1st crush was a beautiful red headed teacher named Mrs. Espersen. Other teachers I recall were Mrs. Lipow (4th grade), Mr. Steir (5th grade), and Mrs. Pakorchak(6th grade). In 1966 I was awarded a trip to Puerto Rico, along with 5th grader (don’t recall his name). Sponsored by Banco Popular. Had something to do with 4H club. I remember an elderly Superintendent named Mr. Schweitzer (did I spell it right?). A janitor named Charlie, Mrs. Mazur, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Nurrudin. All P.T.A. moms. Mrs. Mazur’s son Paul was a classmate for a few years as was Linda Hart, 1 of Mrs. Hart’s daughters. I was also a classmate of Marty Nurrudin, the son of Mrs. Nurrudin. Wonderful memories.
I went to PS160 for Kindergarten to Sixth Grade. Kindergargten – Mrs. Harrington, First Grade – Mrs. Scalese – Second Grade – Can’t remember , Mrs. Reily – Third Grade (She was also the Banking Teacher, Mrs. Herrling – Fourth Grade, Mr. Solomon Seitelman – Fifth Grade and Mrs. Ratkowski – Sixth Grade. Yes, Mrs. Dawley was the principal and she was strict.
They were the greatest group of teachers a child could have had from 1941 to 1947 and I am forever grateful. I wish that kind of
teaching were available to the children today. Can’t remember my second grade teacher???? Too bad…… I do still remember all the
songs we learned in Assembly and the white middy blouses with the red tie things we had to wear with blue skirts…… Oh well……
I went to PS160 from kindergarten to 6th grade. From 1954-to around 1960. I had Ms. Master in Kinder
Mr. Sidelman. Mr. Fisherwitz, Mr. Taylor, I can’t remember the other teachers right now. I was told that there was a fire on the fifth floor and it was not used. I walked up the steps and there were burnt books on the steps. I just walked back down. The fire had to be before 1954. I had lots of great memories and so many friends I loved it there. The fire department should have records or the library Archives if there was a fire there.
Hi Roy! i came across this accidentally. i attended PS 160 from 1st to 6th grade (1950-1956) and then went on to OLS for 7th-8th grade (1956-1958) and then onto to Brooklyn Technical High School and CCNY. in my time Mr. Fishlowitz was principal for a while. i remember Mrs Probaus for the 2nd grade, also Mrs. Reilly, Walsh, Herling. i wish we could form an alumni association, maybe put together a site, or book of photo memories of the school and how we lived. something to pass on to our grandchildren. sounds ok? any ideas? PS 160 gave me a great start in life and i feel that we owe something to it and the alumni.
Hi George! Would love to see old pictures of the students and/or teachers from P.S. 160. Maybe we could form a FaceBook group. There is one for historical NYC! They post lots of great photos of the city many around the school, especially on Delancy!
Tyrone Allen – by chance going through some of the items on my favorites list I clicked on this site and could not believe to see a posted comment from you.
Tyrone –
yes I was in your class from kindergarten through 6th grade – you were my first best friend (at least I thought so) and use to come to my house when we were in 1st maybe even 2nd grade to study. I remember you were selling custom Christmas cards – basically you could have your family name printed on the Christmas cards – a novelty at the time (what an entrepreneur). After we graduated from 6th onto JHS you went to the south for the summer sent me a few post cards and
i never heard from you. I hope all is well
I do not know know how I stumbled on this site. I taught at P.S. 160 for a year and a half , January 1964 through June 1965.
I taught fifth and fourth grade. Mrs. Levy was Vice Principal and Mr. Katz was principal. I remember being hired and interviewed by both of them. I have the warmest memories of your mother. I taught in the initial Head Start Reading program.
My students were a joy. I would love to hear from you or anyone who may remember me. There were some names
that were familiar.
I was looking online for Mrs. Nemiroff, my IGC 6th grade teacher from 1966-67. I came upon this site and enjoyed the comments from former students. I scrolled through the comments and didn’t not see anyone from my class. I remember Freddy Santiago and a classmate named Jorge. Mrs N was an amazing teacher. She had an impact on my life and I remember exactly what she looked like. She took me to the Met Museum of Art. She once brought in a bunch of silver bracelets and the girls were allowed to pick one. For graduation, she took some of us the Chinatown for a luncheon. For one Valentines project, she had the girls decorate lunch boxes and put lunch in it. She then told the girls to tell her which boy they liked and she had that girl sit w/that boy and eat lunch w/him. I picked Jorge;) I remember these instances distinctly. I could go on and on. Mrs Nemiroff was an outstanding teacher. This site was started in 2013 and it’s 2021. People are still commenting and writing their memories. I find that amazing. I lived at 49 Essex St. which is near Grand St. I went onto JHS 22. I was transferred from PS 42 in 5th grade and had Mrs.Turner.
Hi everybody,
I actually went to visit the former P. S. 160
Today along with my brother Alfredo. We were
Allowed to go in and wall around, after we told
The person at the desk that we had gone to school
There. We were still able to find our way around
And identity our former classrooms, what once was
The cafeteria, main office. What incredible memories!
I’m sitting here smiling! Those were great times,great
Neighborhood. I have incredible memories of
The Lower East Side. It’s still a pretty terrific area
Does anyone have information about the 5th floor fire which had been a 60 years mystery to me and I guess to others. The date, the results, the legend of the fire? Please post anything you know about it. Thanks.
92 comments
Hello,
My mother Fannie S. Levy was the Assistant Principal and then acting Principal at PS 160 from about 1963 to 1973. She grew up a few blocks from the school in the 1920s and 30s. She died in December 2012 at 91. When my mother was working at PS 160, the children were mostly from Puerto Rican immigrant families. The Head Start program which many of the PS 160 school children participated in started while my mother was working at PS 160 and it made a big difference to the welfare of the children. Once my mother invited the Poet Carl Sandberg to visit the school. He came and read poems to the children.
Sincerely,
Ron Levy
I WENT TO THAT SCHOOL IN 1967TO1975 FROM PREKINDERGARDEN TO 6TH GRADE I REMEMEBER MISS PORCORCHAK WOW LONG TIME I WOULD LIKE TO FIND FRIENDSFROM THAT TIME I FOUND ODETTE AND HER SISTERS
Oh my god so did I remember oddette
I went to PS 160 I believe in 1957. Mr Levy was Principal and Mrs. berman was the Assistant Principal. Wonderful days. Miss Grace Reilly
skipped me from the 3rd to 5th grade.
I attended P.S.160 1969-1975 there where only 2 maybe 3 Dominican kids including myself .I remember the name Odette she was sort of bully.
I went to PS 160 I believe in 1957. Mr Levy was Principal and Mrs. berman was the Assistant Principal. Wonderful days. Miss Grace Reilly
skipped me from the 3rd to 5th grade.
Oh My God,
Mss, Porcorchak was also, if I remember correctly, she was My 4th grade teacher, I think 1967-8, Geez, it’s been so long ago.i also remember Mrs Sussman ( she was So nice, All the kids liked her)I think she was My 2nd grade teacher, Music teacher, Mr. Glaser, he sucked lol (I never liked him.
I remember, a Girl I always liked,
Petra Lopez, My old buddy, Richie Gomez,
Wow, this is so strange, after all these years, I never thought I read about anyone who
remembered Ps 160.
Hi Haydee! I remember Ms. Pakorchak. A petite woman with light brown short hair and glasses. The most evil tempered woman I’ve ever met.
I remember a prinpal name Mr.Roberts, I went there 1967 thru maybe 1972i do remember a my teacher MS.Brazil and Ms.Baldwin, MS.Kelley the library teacher, they were great, I would love to know how they are now.
Oh my goodness…don’t know how I came across this
Site but grateful I did. My 5 siblings an I attended
P.S. 160 from 1958-1972. I remember Wednesday’s
Assembly wearing a white shirt. I also remember the
following teachers: Your mom Mrs. Levy, I have a picture of her & Mr. Katz on my last day of 6th grade.
Ms. Shapiro the librarian, Ms. Paridis (probably misspelled) who I think Mr. Glaser liked. Mr. Kremon my 5th grade teacher.Ms. Searcy in 3rd grade wo moved to California and we all cried. Mrs. Hart the lunch room supervisor had very jet black hair and so nice. Mrs. Masa (again probably misspelled) she had a limp and was the outdoor lunch supervisor.
Does anyone remember the luncheonette across the street from P.S. 160?
Great memories of P. S. 160M! Thank you Ronald for your post. Sorry to hear about your mom! Great lady!
Migdalia Berrios Lewis
San Diego, CA
Was your mother a first or second grade teacher as well? I was in her class 1961-62. My mother Rachel was a school aide during most of the 6 yrs I was there. She became friendly with Mrs. Levy and both yr parents came to my Bar Mitzvah party at Juniors restaurant in downtown Brooklyn! I have a photo somewhere of yr parents taken at the party. What a small world!
Paul Mazur
Hey Paul Mazur! I think I remember your Mom as a good looking woman with very blonde perfectly coifed just above the shoulders hair, and nice fashion sense. The woman I remember resembled the other beautiful school aide Ms. Mango. Thoughts, clarification?
Hey Paul,
You probably don’t remember me. We were in Mrs. Nemiroff’s class. Let’s see, who else do I remember..
Martin Nurudin (sp?) Fred Harris, Michele McKenzie, Vlady, Akim, Jaqueline, Stan…Mitchell Cohen… Anyway, if you read this look me up on FB and write me a message, let me know how you’re doing!
Joe Ciolino
Hi Paul. I was in a few classes with you. Think we were classmates in the 3rd grade. We had a pretty red headed teacher, Mrs. Espersen. I think we were classmates in the 4th grade as well with Ms. Lipow. Other classmates that I can recall were Martin Nurrudin, Linda Hart, Albert Garcia and Jamahl Askor.
Hey Ronald M. Levy! I remember your mother. A woman of about average height for that era. Well groomed and stylishly dressed. Stearn but kind. I attended in the years starting with first grade, from 1963-1969.
My bothers and i attended ps 160 myself from kindergarden in 1961 through 6th grade in 1967/8 a time when the school and the neighborhood was still 50% european imergrants. i remember Mrs levy and our Principle mr Benjamin Katz. Carl Sandberg was friends with one of the teachers mrs micheal ann Neimeroff she used her maiden in previous years but i do not remember what it was. She was a 6th grade teacher when i got to 6 th grade there was a chair in our classroom signed by Carl Sandburg. Mrs Neimeroff was also friends with Charity bailey a famous folks artist educator her son JohnWhite was in my class. Your mom was a lovely lady she and Mr Kat were wonderful role models. I am sorry to hear of her passing. I have recently visited the halls of the old PS 160 which is now. Cultural center.
Regards
Blanche Kruk Garbarini
Hello I went to Ps160 I have good memories it was a good school I remember Mr Katz our family live on Suffolk street I can remember as far back as 1964 –
The teacher associated with Carl Sandburg was Mildred Parsons, my 5th and 6th grade IGC teacher at PS 160. I would love to know what happened to her, to Mr Dubrowsky, and so many of my classmates. I still have my copy of “Rootabaga Stories” autographed by Mr. Sandburg, and remember the fresh pickle stand on Clinton & Rivington – fresh pickles or saurkraut for a nickle!
Mrs. Parsons Nemiroff was my 6th grade teacher in the IGC class. We kids heard rumors she had Parkinson’s disease. She was quite nuts and seemed to enjoy embarrassing students. Did u have a bad experience in 6th grade as well?
I went to PS 160 in the 1960s. Miss Mango, Mrs. Mazur and Mrs. Hart were the main PTA moms. I was in Ms Nemiroff’s 6th grade class. Miss Newman did 3rd grade and Mrs. Sally Sussman was also 3rd grade teacher. Blanche you were in my class
Nope, not at all. She was one of THE best teachers I ever had and that includes professors I had right through grad school . Always introducing us to new ideas (she had us subscribe to the New York Herald Tribune which we read in class and discussed current events from the front pages), new places (we visited probably every museum in NYC). new people (her 5th grade class saw “The Miracle Worker” on Broadway and got to meet its stars, Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke after the show). She put on an original play dealing with South America and all South American delegations to the UN were invited for a special showing and most did come. And she put the school on the map when she got Carl Sandburg to visit our class. She cared a lot about her students and went way beyond the call of duty. IMHO she was extraordinary.
I was in Mildred Parsons Nemiroff’s 6th grade IGC class with my best friend. I hated her. She was a bully and seemed to enjoy embarrassing kids to tears (including me) All the kids hated her. She would bring her stepson into school when his private school was closed. A group of us would be given babysitting duty during lunch break. The rumor was she had Parkinson’s. Do you remember the orthopedic shoes she would wear? Also I remember a pickle stand on Essex St. right off Rivington. Don’t remember one on Clinton and Rivington but could have been. Regards, Paul Mazur
Hi Paul the Internet is an amazing place. You probably don’t remember me but I was in you are six grade class with Mrs. number off and yes, I remember it as a living Hell. I don’t thinkMrs. number off had Parkinson’s but I’m pretty sure she had some kind of nervous condition that caused her to twitch and flinch and spasm she was just impossible, although quite a beautiful woman
Hi Paul Mazur. I think I might know you. I remenber all the things you are talking about. I would have been in Ms. Nemiroff’s class around 1964-5. When were you there?
I am not good with last names but I remember Paul, Eddie, David, Robert, and Kathiy Schoonover (?). Anybody remember our 6th grade class with Ms Nemiroff?
I think I was in your class; there was Sixto Santiago? Freddy chun, Naomi Velasquez and a few others
Hey Blanche Kruk! I attended school there and I remember you were in my sister’s class (her name was Elizabeth Osorio).
Hi Milan
I knew an Elizabeth but don’t recall the last name. Where did you live
Hi Mika
I remember someone down Elizabeth last name I don’t recall where did you live
Hi Blanche,
I was in your Sixth grade class with Ms. Nemiroff.She was an amazing teacher.I have thought of her often over the years.
She made a huge impact on me.She was no nonsense,and always pushed you to excel.I remember her sayings over 5he chalk board.”Nearsies don’t count, and almost is not good enough”.I also remember John White, Freddy Kennedy, who was a riot, andmy best friend at the time.Her name was Frances.I don’t recall her last name.I have great memories of P.S.160.I remember Ms. Shapiro, the librarian,MsTunick,amazing fifth grade teacher,Ms.Esperson, yes she was beautiful!
I could go on and on.My 3 siblings had also been in Ms. Nemiroff’s class.My mother thought Ms.Nemiroff walked on water
Hi Carmen
You and I hung out when we went to PS 160 and were both in Mrs Nemiroffs class (maybe even 4th 5th and 6th grade – Your Oldest brother was in my brothers class. I know you had another brother and I remember your sister
Josepha. You I and Frances hung out and then we had a silly girl fight and I started hanging out with Paulita who was not in our class. I do remember that you moved to Brooklyn and when we left/ Graduated from Mrs Nemiroffs class she had us all create a list of our addresses so the entire class could keep in touch and you had sent me a few letters. Its funny the different memories some have of her – yes she was a tough teacher but your right in saying she had the biggest impact on our lives – mine as well. Actually as i sit here at my desk I can reach out to the Book she gave me and signed to My Darling Blanche. she was tough on me for sure but she just wanted us to do our best. you can look me up on FB
Hope all is well
dont know why the above was posted as Anonymous
Blanche Kruk
Hi Blanche,
So many memories! You put a smile on my face. My email: finquin2354@yahoo. com
You have a great memory
Carmen Quintas
Hi…I went to P.S. 160 from Kindergarten (1964) to 6th grade (1970). You have opened up my memories. I remember Mr. Katz & Mrs. Levy. I lived directly across the street from the school on Suffolk Street. Our living room window looked into the assembly. My mother worked in the school. SHe started in 1964 as a school aide. Her name is Rhoda Feingold. She still lives at the same address. Do you remember other school aides, Evelyn “Mimi” Nuruddin, Shirley Steinberg & Lillian Hart?
I USE TO LIVE ON SULFFOLK STREET FROM 1964 TO 1975
WISH I CAN FIND MORE PEOPLES OR PICTURES GOOD MEMORIES
I’m not sure we,ve ever met, but, I was also a student at Ps 160, btw I believe it was 1964-70, and I certainly remember Mrs Hart I believe she had Jet Black Hair, I think she was a School Aid, I remember Ray, she always had some kind of Ace bandage on one of her Legs, (for some reason) she was very nice. Wow, I really don’t know what made me start inquiring about My old Grade school but, I quess, this is just one of those strange things in life, but I’m glad I did. Hay, by any chance, do you remember the Bakery on the Corner of Rivington st. Or Straits The Matzo factory also on Rivington st. But on the Corner of Soulfolk st. Or this is a good one, The Loews Delancy Movie Theater, near Ratners,
Roberts Shoe Repair, lol ?
And the Girls I fooled around with, Petra Lopez (R.I.P.) Vanessa, Nilda. Geez, seems like it was just yesterday.
I believe Ms. Hart and Ms. Nuruddin went on to P.S. 142 on Attorney Street.
My mother was a school aide as well (Rachel Mazur). She knew all the aides you mention. She was close friends with Evelyn Nurrurdin and I was friends with her son Marty. They stayed close until we moved to Brooklyn years later and Marty went to different schools after P.S. 160. I also knew Lillian Hart’s 2 daughters.
Hi randy.
Were you Joann and Debbie’s friend. Soccoros daughters.
I went to PS 160 from 1956 to 1961. I remember Mrs Bard my 3rd Grade Teacher, and
Mrs Parsons my IGC 6-1 Teacher. We used to play Kickball in the schoolyard during recess. I lived on Delancey Street and used to walk to and from school with my mom. Sure wish I had some Class Pictures from back then. I remember buying sour pickles from a barrel across the street from the school. There was also a Matzoh bakery across the street that used to give the kids broken pieces for free. A great big “HI” to all of my PS 160 schoolmates!!!
why did ps160 close in the 1970s?
They built a new school that I think opened in either 1976 or 77. It was a round building about 4 blocks away. I can’t remember the name of it. I moved out of the neighborhood before having a chance to attend that school.
I believe PS160 was the oldest public school building in New York City. It was woefully past it’s prime. The upkeep of that building must have been a real drain of resources for the city.
I went to PS160 from 1971 to 1975 when I moved to New Jersey. I lived on Norfolk Street the block over from the school. I remember Mrs Levy and I think Mr. Katz was a tall guy. My memories are a little different. My second grade teacher was Mrs Grant. She was amazing! Back in the days when there was no breakfast in schools she would bring in cereal, fruit milk and juice. She charged 2 or 3 cents for it but if you didn’t have it she would give you some anyway. She had what you call an opened classroom where we had free time to roam around the room and find thing to learn about. She built this cardboard house we could play in and I remember doing puppet shows in class. The sad thing is that the year after I was in her class, she was killed in a car accident. I was so upset. I couldn’t sleep for days. I also had Mr. Swizen, (not sure of spelling) I also remember Mrs Susman and Mr Berman who became the guidance counselor the following year. Also, we had a fire in the hallway closet when I was in 2nd grade. We had to evacuate and walk through smoke and stand out in the cold for an hour. There was also a rumor that the 5th floor That was closed off had a fire and a student was killed. Not sure how true that was but it was pretty scary for me passing the gated stairwell. Kids would say it was haunted and you could hear the kid crying up there. Boy that terrified me!! LOL!! Also, there was a shooting in the school yard. The crazy thing was that it happened at 3pm when the kids were suppose to get out of school. Only it was a half a day and the school yard was empty when it happened. I remember running to the school yard when I saw all the police cars and seeing two people laying covered with blankets. That was one of the things that made my mother want to move out of the neighborhood. I missed it when I left. I want to mention my friends Glenda, Yvette and Luz from Norfolk Street. Lunch times we were free to roam around. We would Go to the pickle stand on Essex and get 3 pickles for 5 cents. Also, We would go to those two candy stores on Norfolk Street or the cheap pizza shop on the corner of Essex and Delancy. I had another friend Grisella who lived on Suffolk and her building had a fire and they were living in a burned out building. I would love to contact them again.
Hi all,
I would love to know more about the fire story CHERYL BROWN FALCONE mentioned. Did the rest of you hear it when you were kids there too?
I have a studio on the fourth floor in a classroom. The building is now an arts center.. Artists on the fifth floor still tell that story, ghost of a little girl and all. But I haven’t heard anyone saying she could be heard crying.
I actually can’t find any evidence about a fire either. It’s a commonly held belief and it’s on the art center’s website (minus the ghost girl). The architect of the building, C. B. Snyder, was an innovator of fire safety measures for schools so I’d hate for his name to be besmirched by fictitious fire.
So, for it to be a true story, the timeline is off. One website says the fire was in the 1970s. But kids were telling the story before 1970.
Another website says the city closed PS 160 in 1973, but there’s another ps 160 in Queens so maybe there’s some confusion?
I went to ps160 too,live in suffolk st.Spoky school.It was a castle to me those days,so big!And yes there were lots of P.R. People from P.R.nice place.yes this cookie fabric.IWent to school in 1965until 1971.Nice thoose está!
I remember PS. 160. I attended from 1948 to 1952, then went to Sumner JR HS 65 on Forsyth Street. I lived at 142 Suffolk Street. I remember how much fun school was and all the wonderful teachers. Mostly, I remember, Mrs Meehan, Ms McLaughlin amd Mrs Ratkowski, My very favorite was Mrs Charlotte Walsh. She was my fourth grade teacher who used to tell us… “Put your Thinking Caps on.” She said this when she was giving us an oral test. I passed this saying on to my grandchildren. Mrs Dawley was the Principle and everyone was scared of her as she was very strict! I remember Flag Day as we did the Maypole Dance and everyone dressed in red, white and blue.My best friends were Rose DiGaetano (wish I could locate her), Arline Silverman, and Maria Flores. I have soooo many memories of PS 160!!
I loved growing up in the lower east side. The people there were like family and we were mostly Immigrants, who loved America and the opportunity it gave us.
I was excited to read your comments on PS160. I lived across the street on Rivington where I was born. I also attended the school from 1948 to 1952. You brought to mind Mrs. Ratkowski. She was a heavyset women who always wore a pretty watch or pin on her blouse or dress. I remember the fire drills in the basement. Scared me to death! Remember the lunch area too and after lunch playing dodgeball in the schoolyard. Do you remember leaving every Wednesday afternoon to go to religious instructions at Our Lady of sorrows church? Wish you were here to sit and talk to. ☺️☺️
Hi,
I went to PS 160 from, I think 1945 until I went to a Junior High located in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge several years later.
I lived at 55 Suffolk Street. A few doors down from my building was a poultry shop where two identical heavyset women worked, often plucking feathers from chickens. They always wore wide flowing dresses with colored flowers printed on them. The women looked just like my teacher at PS 160, Mrs. Ratkowski. One day while walking by the poultry shop I noticed that the two women had been joined by a third heavy set identical woman in yet another colored flower print dress. Mrs Ratkowski was part of a team of triplets! In fact I wonder if the sisters didn’t alternate teaching us at PS 160. If not they shared the flower print dresses.
Excuse me but if you were in her class when the weather was hot you must remember Mrs. Ratkowski’s overwhelming body odor…. I sat in the front row!
I remember the schoolyard of PS 160 where stick ball games were organized by kids and the sidewalk where only boys played marbles and I remember the corner candy store where I would buy a chocolate drink we called an egg-cream… I don’t remember too much abut the school classes but I was taught to read and write and I only remember Mrs. Ratkowski doing that.
And I remember the wonderful odor of the freshly baked bagels from a basement shop next to the school…
And my best friends… Andrew, Sheldon, Carlos. Black, White, brown… In those days at P.S. 160 it didn’t what color or religion you were, and in my life it hasn’t mattered since to me, my kids or grand kids.
Hi, I attended 160 then too! I had Mrs. Ratkowski, 6th grade, my first grade teacher was Mrs Scalese..I loved her then and I love her now… Mrs. Edelstein for 4th, Mrs. Altman and then Mrs. Walsh I think subbed for her in 3rd grade..I guess Mrs. Edlestein allowed me to think about other civilizations…we were into Mayan and Aztec culture in her class and drawing with pastel chalks the scenes on the back black boards… Mrs. Ratkowski taught me more then anyone else…all the Rs and poetry music..opera..she would close her eyes and listen..english, reading…etc…and pushed us tow write and think Anyway, I don’t remember your surname..there was Melvin Kirsch… I am Carol Baron born 1940..so timeline… did you know Butch Schirtzer or Chester Wallach or Florence and Judy or the Adwars or Eshkinowzi ..so many people…
wow I remember Mrs Charlotle Walsh I remember that line I say that all the time when I want to remember something Let me Put my thinking caps on one of my friends was name vilma and petra – vilma live in the same building on Suffolk street
I attended the same years also, lived at 107 Clinton Street. I remember the same Principal you mentioned. Also remember Mrs Reilly, Mrs Feldmeser. I clearly remember during a fire drill i accidently stepped on her foot in the stairway. She kicked me in anger.., and my leg was bruised. When my mother was told by me she went to my school the next morning and proceeded to choke her until Mrs Dawley and other teachers stopped her. After that Mrs Feldmesser gave me straight A’s
I also attended PS 65
Does anyone remember the name of the student burned/killed in the school. Was she Puerto Rican?
Attended 160 from 1951 to 1957. Remember Ratkowski and Walsh, had her in 4th grade, winning 3rd grade class spelling bees against the twins Lance and Vance, working on projects with Ellen and Martin and ending up at PS 188 for the SP program, not to mention the social fun I had after school with names I won’t mention. Great memories! Hot dogs at the deli on Rivington st. yum.!.
I attended ps 160 from 2-6 grade 1951- 1956-1957 my Name is Elba Natal my bff back then was Digna Sanchez
Hello Elba do you have a brother named Edwin Natal, if so we all attended 160 together I also knew Digna Sánchez , my name is Angel Justiniano I lived on Rivington bet Norfolk and Suffolk, not sure why but reading all the comments no one has mentioned Mrs Gold she was one of my teachers along with my favorite Mr. Taylor. I’m extátic to see so many of my old classmates…..
My brother and I lived in Norfolk St and attended PS 160 from kinder Garden to first grade between 1959 to 1961.My brother keeps a 1959 group photo.It a beautiful school,where jewish , chinese,Puerto ricano. Children learned to live togetter.
It was such a pleasure to find this site. I attended from 1963- 1969. Starting from first grade to sixth, my teachers were Ms. Walsh. Ms. Probouce. Ms. Sufferin. Ms. Diamond. Ms. Esperson. Mr. Dubrosky. Music teacher Mr. Genero. Princpals Ms. Levy and Mr. Katz. I also remember the Custodian Charlie. In my fifth grade class he had a fight with my best friend Vandela Power’s father. Charlie hit him over the head with a hammer and Mr. Power never regained conscious. The cops deem it self defense and Charlie was back at work within days. Yes. I should be in therapy!
Wow great memories to my mind . Looking to visit the place were we I studied.Please be free to reply.
Would love to know if anyone remembers. Ms. Harts daughters, Linda and Dawn, the twins Betty and Terry, and their cousin Cherie. Dinorah and her sister Lillian. Sahyllis Diaz and her cousin Fransisco Diaz. Herman Figaroa and Hector Ayuso. Spresha and Shepye.
Wow, I had been looking for the school my mother went to as a young girl (she is now 92 years old) and today I found it. She lived directly across the street and I remember her apartment building had the school across from their home which I would see when I would visit my grandparents. Nice to see your memories and finally find the block-Suffolk. My grandparents had a dress store on Clinton Street and that was so much fun to visit as a young child too. My job was to close the belts on the dresses. Memories are great…
Hi my name is Gregory Ramirez and i lived just across the school ,back in fith grade 1965 Norfolk St. Wonderful school were kids lived together . I remember Mt. Katz ,Mrs Ratkoswski and and i think her last name is or was Mrs . Pokorshop best teacher. Nice nemories back there .My friends , that i remember , Paul Troyano , Stanley Davis. I live now in Puerto Rico and work in a Youth Detaine Center as Director of the Correctional facility. Hope some one sees my comments.
1948 Mostly Jewish back then. Better times.
Hi Peri! Was her dress shop called Miller’s?
I attended PS 160 from 1956-1961 and then went to JHS 22. I was in the 6th grade IGC class with Mrs. parsons. And yes i was incredibly scared of her. She had to be pulled off of me by other teachers as she was choking me with both of her hands because I spilled a bottle of brown paint on a project we were working on. And yet, she truly was the best teacher I ever had.
She was my favorite teacher. I was her pet. She took me to Metropolitan Museum of Art, just the both of us. She even invited me to her home. I wish I had stayed in contact with her. I will never forget her.
I went to P.S.160 from 1956-1962…great memories and great teacher and awesome classmates! 2 girls remain on my mind and I wish I could communicate with them…Maria Morales and Magda Matias!… hope they are well.Favorite teachers… Mr.Dubrowsky, Ms. COHEN, Ms.Esperson, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Siederman…my Principle was Mr.Katz .
Wish we could meet to reminisce
I attended PS 160 3rd to 5th grade from 1955 – 1958. I remember Mrs. Walsh and her having us put on our “thinking caps,” she was easily my favorite teacher there too! I have wondered what happened to her.
I lived on Clinton and worshipped at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. My best friends were Roberto Santiago and Andrew (forgot his last name). I would love to connect with old acquaintances.
YES, I attended from 1965 to 1972, my brothers and sister also attended, I remember Ms. Levy and Mr. Katz and teachers Mr. Benjamin Mr.kremin and Mr . Arguia,
Hello everybody how much is 160 and used to live by Norfolk Street I remember miss Sussman Mrs parade is Mr. Berman Mr. Swinson Mrs. washer is my first grade teacherI played basketball for the team that I was number two when Danny Aguilar moved to 142
I went to PS160 from 1960-1966. I lived at 142 Ludlow. I loved going to school there. I remember Mrs Levy. She taught me how to read. When I left to go to JHS 22. My most
Significant memory was in Nov 22, 1963. We were in the auditorium when a teacher came and whispered to the teacher our President JFK was murdered in Dallas. They
Dismissed us early and went home. My mother and father were watching the TV and crying. Other than that I loved living in the LES.
Allen Stevens, Ph.D.
I lived at 186 Norfolk Street (between Stanton and East Houston Streets), and attended P.S. 160 from 1962 – 1967, when Mr. Benjamin Katz was principal and Ms. Levy was assistant principal.
My favorite teachers were my first and second grade teachers, respectively, Mrs. Shapiro and Ms. Piazza (who later married and became Mrs. Adala). They were very good at what they did.
The academic curricula
of the school was second
to none on the lower east side
of manhattan.
It ensured that its kids received a very good education; children were routinely given both class work and homework and was expected to do it; afterwards, the work was carefully reviewed in class. If you followed instruction, you did well; if not, well you know…
Moreover, P.S. 160 in conjunction with the 7th precinct, put on very dramatic demonstrations of what happens when a life-sized doll gets struck by a car. As a child, in the first grade, seeing a vehicle traveling 30 M.P.H., striking the life-sized doll, hearing the impact, watching it fly and then crash to the ground and slide to a stop, attempted to convince children to cautiously cross streets. The demonstration worked for me.
Hi Allen Stevens
You were in my class in 1st and 2nd grade i Lived on stanton street before moving around the corner to essex st. their was a boy in our class named Steven Allen and one of you had the nick name Moonie.
Hope all is well
Blanche
I was in Mrsl Ratkowskis th grade class 1952… dies anyone remember Betty Williams, she was in Mr Fischers classroom….
in 6th grade class… with Esther Adwar, Esther Eskinozi Melvin Kirsch… 1952
HERMINIO MIELES: My brother Sam and I had to transfer from P.S.2 to P.S.160 in the winter of 1962. I was in the 2nd grade and brother Sam in the 3rd grade. My 3rd grade teacher was a beautiful red headed lady named Mrs. Espersen. I had a crush on her. I remember a few classmates like Paul Mazur, Linda Hart,Harris Khan and Albert Garcia. I was given an award in 1966. Upon graduation from the 6th grade a student from the 5th grade and I was given a 1 week trip to Puerto Rico, sponsored by Banco Popular. If I recall it had something to do with the 4H club. Some other teachers I had were Mrs. Lipow (4th grade), Mr. Steir (5th grade) and Ms. Pakorchak (6th grade).
HERMINIO MIELES: My brother Sam and I had to transfer from P.S.2 to P.S.160 in the winter of 1962. I was in the 2nd grade and brother Sam in the 3rd grade. My 3rd grade teacher was a beautiful red headed lady named Mrs . Espersen. I had a crush on her. I remember a few classmates like Paul Mazur, Linda Hart,Harris Khan and Albert Garcia. I was given an award in 1966. Upon graduation from the 6th grade a student from the 5th grade and I was given a 1 week trip to Puerto Rico, sponsored by Banco Popular. If I recall it had something to do with the 4H club. Some other teachers I had were Mrs. Lipow (4th grade), Mr. Steir (5th grade) and Ms. Pakorchak (6th grade).
My brother and I transferred to P.S.160 in the winter of 1962 (from P.S.2). Great memories of the old school. My 1st teacher, was a nice lady (somewhat elderly) that gave me all A’s on my report card. Don’t recall her name. It was the 2nd grade (1962-’63). My 1st crush was a beautiful red headed teacher named Mrs. Espersen. Other teachers I recall were Mrs. Lipow (4th grade), Mr. Steir (5th grade), and Mrs. Pakorchak(6th grade). In 1966 I was awarded a trip to Puerto Rico, along with 5th grader (don’t recall his name). Sponsored by Banco Popular. Had something to do with 4H club. I remember an elderly Superintendent named Mr. Schweitzer (did I spell it right?). A janitor named Charlie, Mrs. Mazur, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. Nurrudin. All P.T.A. moms. Mrs. Mazur’s son Paul was a classmate for a few years as was Linda Hart, 1 of Mrs. Hart’s daughters. I was also a classmate of Marty Nurrudin, the son of Mrs. Nurrudin. Wonderful memories.
Wow! Great memories!
I went to PS160 for Kindergarten to Sixth Grade. Kindergargten – Mrs. Harrington, First Grade – Mrs. Scalese – Second Grade – Can’t remember , Mrs. Reily – Third Grade (She was also the Banking Teacher, Mrs. Herrling – Fourth Grade, Mr. Solomon Seitelman – Fifth Grade and Mrs. Ratkowski – Sixth Grade. Yes, Mrs. Dawley was the principal and she was strict.
They were the greatest group of teachers a child could have had from 1941 to 1947 and I am forever grateful. I wish that kind of
teaching were available to the children today. Can’t remember my second grade teacher???? Too bad…… I do still remember all the
songs we learned in Assembly and the white middy blouses with the red tie things we had to wear with blue skirts…… Oh well……
I went to PS160 from kindergarten to 6th grade. From 1954-to around 1960. I had Ms. Master in Kinder
Mr. Sidelman. Mr. Fisherwitz, Mr. Taylor, I can’t remember the other teachers right now. I was told that there was a fire on the fifth floor and it was not used. I walked up the steps and there were burnt books on the steps. I just walked back down. The fire had to be before 1954. I had lots of great memories and so many friends I loved it there. The fire department should have records or the library Archives if there was a fire there.
Hi Roy! i came across this accidentally. i attended PS 160 from 1st to 6th grade (1950-1956) and then went on to OLS for 7th-8th grade (1956-1958) and then onto to Brooklyn Technical High School and CCNY. in my time Mr. Fishlowitz was principal for a while. i remember Mrs Probaus for the 2nd grade, also Mrs. Reilly, Walsh, Herling. i wish we could form an alumni association, maybe put together a site, or book of photo memories of the school and how we lived. something to pass on to our grandchildren. sounds ok? any ideas? PS 160 gave me a great start in life and i feel that we owe something to it and the alumni.
Hi George! Would love to see old pictures of the students and/or teachers from P.S. 160. Maybe we could form a FaceBook group. There is one for historical NYC! They post lots of great photos of the city many around the school, especially on Delancy!
Tyrone Allen – by chance going through some of the items on my favorites list I clicked on this site and could not believe to see a posted comment from you.
Tyrone –
yes I was in your class from kindergarten through 6th grade – you were my first best friend (at least I thought so) and use to come to my house when we were in 1st maybe even 2nd grade to study. I remember you were selling custom Christmas cards – basically you could have your family name printed on the Christmas cards – a novelty at the time (what an entrepreneur). After we graduated from 6th onto JHS you went to the south for the summer sent me a few post cards and
i never heard from you. I hope all is well
Sorry,Puerto Rico are U.S.A. Citizens.No inmigrante!
anyone in IGC 6th grade in 195
63
I do not know know how I stumbled on this site. I taught at P.S. 160 for a year and a half , January 1964 through June 1965.
I taught fifth and fourth grade. Mrs. Levy was Vice Principal and Mr. Katz was principal. I remember being hired and interviewed by both of them. I have the warmest memories of your mother. I taught in the initial Head Start Reading program.
My students were a joy. I would love to hear from you or anyone who may remember me. There were some names
that were familiar.
I was looking online for Mrs. Nemiroff, my IGC 6th grade teacher from 1966-67. I came upon this site and enjoyed the comments from former students. I scrolled through the comments and didn’t not see anyone from my class. I remember Freddy Santiago and a classmate named Jorge. Mrs N was an amazing teacher. She had an impact on my life and I remember exactly what she looked like. She took me to the Met Museum of Art. She once brought in a bunch of silver bracelets and the girls were allowed to pick one. For graduation, she took some of us the Chinatown for a luncheon. For one Valentines project, she had the girls decorate lunch boxes and put lunch in it. She then told the girls to tell her which boy they liked and she had that girl sit w/that boy and eat lunch w/him. I picked Jorge;) I remember these instances distinctly. I could go on and on. Mrs Nemiroff was an outstanding teacher. This site was started in 2013 and it’s 2021. People are still commenting and writing their memories. I find that amazing. I lived at 49 Essex St. which is near Grand St. I went onto JHS 22. I was transferred from PS 42 in 5th grade and had Mrs.Turner.
Hi everybody,
I actually went to visit the former P. S. 160
Today along with my brother Alfredo. We were
Allowed to go in and wall around, after we told
The person at the desk that we had gone to school
There. We were still able to find our way around
And identity our former classrooms, what once was
The cafeteria, main office. What incredible memories!
I’m sitting here smiling! Those were great times,great
Neighborhood. I have incredible memories of
The Lower East Side. It’s still a pretty terrific area
How are used to go to this school back in the day I Don’t remember anyone from those special day
Does anyone have information about the 5th floor fire which had been a 60 years mystery to me and I guess to others. The date, the results, the legend of the fire? Please post anything you know about it. Thanks.