PS/IS 48 - William G. Wilcox

  

It is our vision to raise both the personal and educational aspirations of our students. We will utilize our collective strength to: explore options offered by public and private organizations through grants, City Council and private funding; expose our students to an expanded fine arts program; offer our students an opportunity to integrate technology with academics; support the diverse resources of our rapidly expanding multicultural community.

  

Principal: Ms. O'Donnell

Middle School AP: Ms. Corson

Elementary School AP: Ms. Iacoviello

Guidance Councilor: Ms. Reese

Parent Coordinator: Ms. Hionas

 

PS/IS 48 is a PreK-8^th Grade Public School located in the Concord section of Staten Island. Our current enrollment is approximately 1000 students.   We offer a wide variety of art enrichment programs (i.e. Guggenheim Museum Program, Dancing Classroom, and Band).  Our school's special academic programs include: S.E.T.S.S., ELL, O.T., Speech and counseling.  Literacy and Math Block are stressed in our school.  During the course of the year, the students can participate in after school programs (cooking, chess, drama, and music, just to name a few).

  

In 1931 P.S. 48 opened at 1055 Targee Street (across the street from our current location).  The school was originally named the William G. Willcox School, after a Staten Islander who was a strong advocate for public education, the President of the NYC Board of Education, and believed that our public schools are "...a great community enterprise which is expected to pay large dividends in intelligent and efficient citizenship."

Our school began as a grade 1-8 school.  Sometime through the years the 6^th – 8^th grades were dropped; much later Kindergarten and PreK were added.  A handicapped accessible addition was added to the existing building in the 1960’s to service students with cerebral palsy; over 30 years later that space was incorporated as part of P.S. 48.  P.S. 48 occupied this site until June 2013.

 In 1963 Doctor’s Hospital was built on the site across the street of the old P.S. 48.  There were several buildings on the property, one with the address of 1050 Targee Street which was the emergency room in main hospital’s site.  Doctor’s Hospital closed its doors in 2003.

 On December 10^th, 2008 The PTA of P.S. 48 met with their City Councilman, James Oddo.  They discussed the severe overcrowding of their schools and expressed the community wishes for an expansion.

On July 30^th The Department of Education announced their intention to acquire the Doctor’s Hospital site for an expansion of P.S. 48. The demolition process began the following year in June 2010.  The finally victory was won on April 4^th, 2012; The Department of Education announced they would honor the continued requests from James Oddo and The P.S. 48 Community by making P.S. 48 a PreK – 8^th Grade school.  In an effort to tie in the history of the site & commemorate P.S 48 and the Doctor's Hospital in this new, state of the arts facility, PS/IS created The Atlas Academy to distinguish our Middle School.  One of the founding doctors of Doctor's Hospital was Dr. Theodore A. Atlas; known to the community for his generosity in caring for people in their time of need and in providing free medical care for those who could not afford it. His ever-present awareness of his patients’ very human needs and their need for dignity and respect was the basis of The Atlas Academy.

The NEW PS/IS 48 opened at 1050 Targee Street on September 9^th, 2013; joined by District 75's school P373!

1st Principal: Jacqueline Mammolito - September 2013

2nd Principal: Allison O'Donnell - July 2016

  

Arts and Enrichment Programs are vital parts of the learning experience and school day. 

Your child will be receiving art instruction as part of the regular curriculum.  Each classroom teacher will be including "the arts" within the classroom environment.   Students will also have visual art instruction as a cluster.

During the course of the year, PS/IS 48 plans to partner with some of the following organizations.  We  have been fortunate to have partnered with many organizations in the past. 

These programs may be available either through classroom instruction, Family Nights or through after school programs.

 

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Since 1970, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum's Learning Through Art program (LTA) has inspired New York City public school students to explore and learn through the arts. Based on the notion that art is a powerful means to deepen student learning, LTA sends practicing artists into the classroom to create process-oriented art projects that examine ideas and themes related to the school curriculum. Learning Through Art residencies introduce art techniques, promote critical thinking and creativity, and encourage students to view, analyze, and discuss works of art.

Please visit their website

Students in 3rd grade have participated in a 20 week classroom residency program

 

American Ballroom Theater

The Dancing Classrooms was launched in 1994 as a not-for-profit project of the American Ballroom Theater Company. It is an arts-in-education program teaching ballroom dance to the upper elementary, junior high and high school students of participating schools. As seen in the documentary film Mad Hot Ballroom, Dancing Classrooms is an in-school residency for every child, regardless of background or experience.

While Dancing Classrooms has been hailed as an effective program for teaching social dance, the program provides many other benefits. Dancing Classrooms is about creating an atmosphere which allows students who are typically introverted and reserved, to step out and shine. It focuses physical energies and increases health through the joy of movement. It builds self-esteem and interactive social skills as it improves confidence and children’s ability to relate to others.

Their mission is to build social awareness, confidence and self-esteem in children through the practice of social dance.

Through standards based, in-school residencies, the use of vocabulary of ballroom dance to cultivate the positive feelings that are inherent in every child. The maturity necessary to dance together fosters respect, team work, confidence and a sense of joy and accomplishment, that will be brought to every child. Ballroom dance is the medium use to nurture these qualities.

Please visit their website

Students in 5th grade have participated in a classroom residency program

 

Basketball

 

PS/IS 48 has partnered with CHAMPS and Atlas Basketball to bring after school athletic clubs to our school.  Students will practice with their coaches and team mates to learn the rules of the game & will compete against other NYC Public Schools enrolled in the program.

The Atlas Foundation funds and supports a 5th Grade Basketball League on Staten Island. The league is comprised of boys’ and girls’ divisions. Each team has a cheerleading squad comprised of fellow students from the same school. Several area schools participate and enter one team in each division to represent their school. This league is designed as a behavior modification tool in that eligibility to participate in the league depends on the student’s academic and behavioral performance in school.

Games are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from December through March, and the season ends with a championship game and league party.

Please visit their website

The CHAMPS Middle School Sport and Fitness League is an initiative of the New York City Department of Education that promotes physical activity among children going through the critical years of middle school. The name CHAMPS derives from the initials of the five values that define our participants: Cooperative, Healthy, Active, Motivated, and Positive Students.

Please visit their website

Students in grades 5-8 have participated in these programs

 

National Junior Honors Society (Arista)

The National Junior Honor Society is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1929.

Students in grades 6–8 who meet the requirements for membership outlined by our school are eligible to be invited for membership. 

Students must be in their second semester of sixth grade for consideration.

Scholarship: Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence. (Each school chapter is allowed to require a higher cumulative GPA.)

Service: This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation.

Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character: The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record.

Citizenship: The student who demonstrates citizenship understands the importance of civic engagement; has a high regard for freedom and justice; respects the U.S. form of government; respects the law for all citizens at the local, state, and federal levels; and demonstrates mature participation and responsibility in activities such as scouting, community organizations, or school clubs.

Please visit their website

Students in grades 6-8 have participated in these programs

 

Staten Island Zoo Club

Students partner with the Staten Island Zoo to learn about animals and their habitats.  Students will have the opportunity to handle live animals in our classrooms and visit the Zoo.

Please visit their website

Students in grade 3 have participated in these programs

 

Too Good for Drugs Program

Members of the NYPD and students participated in the "Too Good For Drugs". The curriculum is co-taught in the classroom by an NYPD police officer and a school teacher. The program took place in 5th grade classes in every public school on Staten Island, as well as in several parochial schools. Over 5,000 students on Staten Island participated in the program this year.

Please visit their website

Students in grade 5 have participated in these programs

 

After School Enrichment Clubs

PS/IS 48 offers wonderful after school clubs. The After School Enrichment Clubs are scheduled each year.  The clubs possibly being offered: ELL, ELA, Fashion, Klee, Jr. Detectives, Sports, Text Talk, Puppetry, Math Problem Solving, Chorus, Sewing Geometry & Measurements, Robotics and Violins.

Students in K - 8th grades have participated in these programs

 

Theater Productions

Students participate in all aspects of a theater production: Acting, Dancing, Singing, Stage Design and Crew, Producing and Directing, Sounds and Lights, Costume Design and Marketing (Posters, Flyers, Programs Design)

Students in all grades have participated in these programs

 

Band

Students enrolled in our band program will learn how to read music and play an instrument. Students will have band practice during the day & will be given practice assignments at home to help learn to play the instrument fluently.  Students will have night time performances to show case their abilities.

Students in grades 5-8 have participated in these programs

  

 

Welcome to Middle School!

Please view the presentation from our

"Welcome to Middle School Transition- Family Workshop".

 

 

    

 

PS/IS 48 is happy to offer Aftercare Programs to enrich the students week.  The following are the programs available:

 

NYCID

NYCID collaborates with interested schools and develops, customizes and implements self-sustaining After School Care, After School Programs and Summer Programs.

These programs can be operated in any Elementary, Middle or High School.

What Makes Us Different:

We work collaboratively with schools to customize our programs to meet the needs of the school and its community.

We approach our work with a youth development framework.

Our programs can include opportunities for youth to learn conflict resolution, anger management and new decision-making techniques.

Our undivided attention and commitment to our students and their families.

After School Child-Care: Supervised by highly qualified staff (usually the host school’s DOE teachers, paras, & aides), this program offers students engaging and fun-filled activities, both academic and recreational, in a safe and structured environment; provided in the elementary schools during after school hours from end of school day to 6:00pm.

After School Clubs: Fully customized to each school’s wants and needs, activities can include Academic Prep Classes, Sports Clubs, Social and Arts Enrichment; can be provided in Elementary, Middle, and High School.  Activities usually take place once a week for 10 weeks and repeat for 2 more 10 week sessions.

Summer Programs: Supervised by highly qualified staff this program offers students engaging and fun-filled activities, both academic and recreational, in a safe and structured environment throughout the summer; can be provided in Elementary, Middle, or High School.  Times and rates vary by school.

Senior Director of NYCID After-School Programs:  Ivy Bilotti: 646-457-5438 

Assistant Director of NYCID: Emily Phelps

On-Site After-Care/Clubs Director: Diane Ziel 

Click here for login to Parent Portal

 

SONYC

COMPASS NYC’s middle school model, renamed SONYC (School’s Out New York City), serves as a pathway to success for youth in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Structured like clubs, the model offers young people a choice in how they spend their time; provides rigorous instruction in sports and arts; and requires youth leadership through service. The City itself becomes a classroom through trips and opportunities for instruction beyond a traditional learning setting. Programs are offered three hours each day, five days per week.

Free middle school after-school program funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development.  Our SONYC programs are structured like clubs to offer young people choice in how they spend their time.  There is a strong focus on STEM and Leadership activities led by professional/DOE staff.

Senior Director of NYCID After-School Programs: Ivy Bilotti: 646-457-5438 

Assistant Director of SONYC: Emily Phelps

SONYC Program Director: Mariam Salem

Click here for login to Parent Portal

 

COMPASS

The Comprehensive After School System of NYC (COMPASS NYC) comprises more than 900 programs serving young people enrolled in grades K-12. Through its network of providers, COMPASS NYC offers high quality programs with a strong balance of academics, recreation, enrichment and cultural activities to support and strengthen the overall development of young people.

COMPASS NYC began as Out-of-School Time (OST) in 2005 with an initial investment of $46 million. Today, with increased funding and steadfast commitment by Mayor Bill de Blasio and his administration, the COMPASS NYC system is projected to serve 97,000 youth with a budget of $247.3 million. New York City’s trailblazing efforts at ensuring access to quality afterschool for all its young people have been recognized nationally in publications like “Hours of Opportunity” by the Wallace Foundation, among others.

COMPASS NYC integrates the best OST practices with the unprecedented expansion of afterschool programs serving the City’s middle school students. Programs are offered at no cost to young people and are strategically located in public and private schools, community centers, religious institutions, public housing, and recreational facilities throughout the City. COMPASS NYC aims to help youth build skills to support their academic achievement, raise their confidence, and cultivate their leadership skills through service learning and other civic engagement opportunities.

Key elements of all COMPASS NYC programs are:

Robust opportunities for youth to explore their interests and creativity.

Intentional integration of literacy and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematic (STEM) into traditional programming for all elementary and middle school participants to expose them to content and professions of the future.

Age-appropriate programming that is hands-on, project-based and aligned with educational standards.

Environments that support social and emotional learning.

High quality arts and sports instruction.

Strategies that support youth and families during critical educational transitions.

Emphasis on youth engagement and making learning fun.

Senior Director of NYCID After-School Programs: Ivy Bilotti: (646) 457-5438 email: 

Assistant Director of NYCID: Emily Phelps

COMPASS After-School Programs Manager: Avery Rasmussen

Click here for login to Parent Portal

   

Official School Hours:

Please remember that school hours are 8:00 a.m. – 2:20 p.m. Monday - Friday.

The breakfast program begins from 7:30 a.m.

NYCID, SONYC and COMPASS after school programs runs until 6:00 p.m.

It is of the utmost importance that your child arrives to school on time & is picked up on time.

 

Safety Tips:

Please utilize the Stop & Drop (Entrance on Richmond Road – first driveway) for morning drop off.  Gates will close promptly at 8:00 am.

Students should only cross the street at the corners of Venice Ave and Targee Street, and Richmond Road and Spring Street.

Never cross in the middle of the street.

Always exit the car on the curb side of the street.

Please do not double or triple park.

Please do not block driveways.

Please do not park in the staff parking lot.

Drive slowly and cautiously, you never know when a child decides to run into the street.

If children are waiting at the corner please allow them to cross the street safely.

Move your car promptly if you are asked to move your car by a school staff member, remember their primary concern is the safety of all children.

 

Late Arrivals:

Students who arrive late to school lose vital instructional time.  Please make every effort to get your child to school before 8:00 a.m.  Students who arrive after the bell has rang will be required to report to the main office for a late pass.

In order to ensure the safety of our students as they travel to class, our main entrance and office will not be open to parents/guardians/guests until 8:15AM each day.

Early Dismissals:

If you need to sign your child out for an appointment please send in a note informing the teacher.  Students will only be released to people who are listed on the Blue Emergency Cards & who have photo ID. All families are reminded to update the Emergency Contact Cards that are on file in our main office.

Please be advised that students will not be allowed to be signed out after 1:30pm.  In the event that you signed your child out and plan on bringing him/her back to school, please be sure to walk your child back into the office so that your child is recorded back in the building.

Absences:

Children who are excessively absent may be at risk for meeting promotional criteria.  Please be sure your child attends school regularly.  In the event of sickness or an unavoidable scheduling  conflict, please call the main office or send in a note explaining the absence.  Please also submit any doctor's notes or documentation for the absence.  Parents will receive an automated phone call from the school whenever a student is absent.

  

An important safety issue is the “Stop & Drop” policy in front of the school.  There is no parking during school hours and no one should be parking & exiting the car. The front of the school is designated ONLY for cars that are dropping off students. If you need to walk your child in, please park legally. Please utilize the Stop & Drop (Entrance on Richmond Road – first driveway) for morning drop off.  Gates will close promptly at 8:00 am.

Students should only cross the street at the corners of Venice Ave and Targee Street, and Richmond Road and Spring Street.

Never cross in the middle of the street.

Always exit the car on the curb side of the street.

Please do not double or triple park.

Please do not block driveways.

Please do not park in the staff parking lot.

Drive slowly and cautiously, you never know when a child decides to run into the street.

If children are waiting at the corner please allow them to cross the street safely.

Move your car promptly if you are asked to move your car by a school staff member, remember their primary concern is the safety of all children.

  

Visitors Entering the building must use the main doors and first stop at the security desk and sign in with a valid photo ID.  

Please ring the bell on the right side of the building (facing the school) & pull the handle of the door when the buzzer is activated.

In order to ensure the safety of our students as they travel to class, our main entrance and office will not be open to parents/guardians/guests until 8:15AM each day.

When exiting the school, everyone must use the main doors.  All other doors are alarmed throughout the day and opening any other door will result in setting off the alarms.  Please be sure to inform the security agents of your departure.

  

Anyone entering into the building is required to ring the bell & wait to be buzzed in, stop at the security desk, show identification & sign-in.  The school must know who is in the building at all times!  No parent will be allowed to walk his/her child into the cafeteria or into the classroom.  Even if the school personnel know who you are, you are still required to sign in the book.  This policy will be strictly enforced for the safety of your child & all of the children. 

  

The School Leadership Team is happy to announce the school spirit/uniform policy for the upcoming school year.  While our school does not have a mandatory uniform policy, we encourage our students to wear spirit wear as often as possible. We would like all students to wear PS/IS 48 gear each Friday that is not designated a special school spirit day.  

Please remember to dress your child in appropriate school clothing.  Shorts and skirts should not be too short (the length must be no shorter than where their fingertips fall at their sides), tank tops should be worn with a covering and no open shoes or flip-flops should be worn. 

  

 Dear PS/IS 48 Families, 

 

As part of a statewide mandate to support safe, focused, and healthy learning environments, our school will implement a bell-to-bell cell phone and personal electronic device policy beginning September 2025. This policy is in alignment with New York Education Law Section 2803 and Chancellor's Regulation A-413. For more information on this policy, visit the NYCDOE Family-Facing Page.

 

Legal Background New York Education Law Section 2803, enacted in May 2025, requires all public schools to prohibit the use of personal internet-enabled devices (such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets) by students during the school day, with exceptions only for educational use, medical needs, emergencies, or legal requirements. Chancellor's Regulation A-413, revised in June 2025, mandates secure storage of student devices, clear communication procedures for families, and written policies shared with all stakeholders.

 

PS/IS 48 is committed to fostering a safe, distraction-free, and respectful learning environment. To that end, personal electronic devices (cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods, etc.) are not to be used, seen, or heard during the instructional school day.

Effective the first day of school, September 4, 2025: 

School hours: 8:00am-2:20pm

• Students will place their devices in a school-issued pouch and secure it in front of school staff during morning arrival.   Pouches will be issued on the first day of school.  

• Students will store their tight velcro locked pouches in their school bags for the entire school day.  

• At the end of the school day, students will open their pouches at the end of period 8 in front of school staff.

• Students will remove their device(s) and place their pouches in their schoolbag before leaving the building. 

• Students with approved early dismissal will be able to open their pouch in the main office or at the Dean’s/Assistant Principal’s Office.

• In the event that the pouch is lost or damaged, the school will collect a $5 replacement fee.  

Student Contact with Families:

If a student needs to contact their parent or guardian during the school day, they may request to use the designated phone in the Main Office or Assistant Principal's office with the permission of their classroom teacher. 

Elementary Assistant Principal - Danielle Iacoviello - Office 221  DIacoviello2@schools.nyc.gov

Middle School Assistant Principal - Marilyn Corson - Office 321  MCorson@schools.nyc.gov 

In the event of an emergency or extenuating circumstances, parents or guardians can call the main office at (718) 447-8323 extension 0 to reach their child.   

Emergency Communication:

In the event of a school emergency (such as an evacuation, lockdown, or shelter-in-place), we will notify all parents and guardians via Parent Square, Operoo and NYCPS Schools Account with updates and instructions. 

 

      Please ensure your contact information is up to date in Parent Square, Operoo and https://www.schoolsaccount.nyc/  

• If you have issues with any of our communication platforms, please contact Parent Coordinator Maria Hionas at MHionas2@schools.nyc.gov 

 

Progressive Discipline Policy: 

Students who use electronic devices in violation of the NYCPS Discipline Code, the school's policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413 , and/or the NYCPS Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy ("IAUSP") will be subject to progressive discipline. This means that the disciplinary responses will escalate based on the nature and frequency of the violation. 

 

Progressive Response to Policy Violations

1st Offense:

• Verbal reminder and redirection

• Parent contact

2nd Offense:

• Dean notified; written documentation

• Parent contact

• Progressive discipline and behavioral intervention

3rd Offense:

• Device turned in at the Dean’s Office upon arrival

• Parent conference

• Progressive discipline and behavioral intervention

4th Offense:

• Mandatory guardian pickup of the device

• Student may be restricted from extracurriculars and school privileges

• Student placed on an individual compliance plan

• Progressive discipline and behavioral intervention

Pouch Request:  
* Please complete this survey https://forms.gle/miMyz7M2NLZA8RYh6 by Tuesday, September 2, 2025, if your child plans to bring a device to school and will require a pouch.   (Translated copies of the form to follow) 
* Please complete one form per child who will bring a device to school.

Other- Lost or Stolen:

In the unlikely event that an electronic device is stolen or damaged at school, parents can submit a claim to the Comptroller’s Office. More information on submitting a claim is available on the Comptroller's Web Page

We appreciate your partnership in creating a focused, respectful, and emotionally healthy school environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Sincerely,

 

Allison O’Donnell

Principal 

  

The NYC DOE launched the citywide Respect For All program in 2007 to build the capacity of staff and students to actively promote a community of inclusion in each of our schools.

The NYC DOE is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from harassment, intimidation and/or bullying and from discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, citizen-ship/immigration status, religion, creed, national origin, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or weight.

Our Respect for All Liaison is:

Christine Reese, Guidance Councilor

  

Guidance Counselor: Ms. Reese

Social Worker: Ms. Hearn

To help our students with their social/emotional learning during this time; we have put together some helpful resources.  Please reach out to Ms. Reese,  Ms. Hearn or Ms. Maltzman via email, should need any additional support.

 

All students who receive counseling with Ms.Reese should complete a lesson each week associated with their grade.

 

Guidance Counseling & SAPIS Resources SOCIAL EMOTIONAL RESOURCE LIST

Emotional ABCs - (Ages 4-8) videos & interactive activities (emotions, sensations, empathy, and coping strategies). 

Worksheet Place.com – (All Different Ages) Behavior Worksheets: anger management, behavior contracts, bullying worksheets, character traits, conflict resolution, feelings, kindness worksheets, setting goals, social emotional learning, social skills.

BrainPop – (K-12) click on Health and Social Emotional Learning User name: berlin Passcode: berlin 

PBS Kids -  (ages 2-4) Daniel Tiger’s: Little Life Lessons: separation, new experiences, mad feelings, friendships, disappointment, sharing, pretend play, alike & different, persistence, and use of words. 

PBS Kids - (Ages 2-8) Emotions and Self-Awareness – videos and games. 

YouTube: WonderGrove Kids – (ages 3-7) Social Emotional Learning and Life Skills videos 

PBS Learning Media (Preschool) – Social Emotional Learning: Social Awareness, Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision Making, Relationship skills, Moral Functioning. 

Centervention (Elementary) – Social Emotional Learning Activities: communication, cooperation, emotional regulation, empathy, impulse control, social initiation 

Cosmic Kids Yoga – (K-5) Kids yoga, mindfulness 

Hello Kids (all ages) – Coloring and Drawing as coping tools. 

8 Videos to Teach and Practice Mindfulness with Kids 

Go Noodle – (all ages) Kids Zumba, yoga, mindfulness videos and games 

The Tool Box – (elementary) mindfulness videos 

NYC WELL – (all ages) Coping & Wellness Tips PARENT TOOL KIT

Supporting Social & Emotional Development in Kids Ages 8-11 

Elementary School Books: several books to help learn about empathy, self-esteem, diversity, and other social and emotional qualities. 

NYC WELL - Crisis Services Call 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355), Text: 65173  or Chat with a Counselor Now