This Month @ 53x

  • Principal, Sharda Flores

Principal's Message (English)

Dear PS 53 Community,

My name is Sharda Flores, and it is with great excitement that I write this letter of introduction to the PS 53 community as the principal of the Basheer Quisim Elementary School. I am honored to lead a school with enthusiastic students, an exceptional staff, and extraordinary family and community ties. I am incredibly excited and fortunate to continue my journey as part of the PS 53 community.

My dedication to this field comes with 25 years of educational experience. Nine of those years I’ve spent as a student, myself, in District 9. I have served as a teacher, instructional specialist, mentor, and most recently, an assistant principal. Similar to the Basheer Quisim Elementary School, my previous school welcomed nearly 900 students, allowed me to collaborate with over 100 staff members, and forge relationships with all of our families.

My greatest achievement comes not professionally but personally, as I am a wife, a mother to two amazing little boys, Connor (6) and Riley (4), a daughter to two of my biggest supporters, and a sister to three incredible individuals. As a parent, I advocate for what is best for my children. As a school leader, I will continue that work, ensuring our students have the best academic and social-emotional experiences at PS 53.

I bring with me the belief and the understanding that when children are provided and empowered with the expectation that they will learn and succeed, they rise to that occasion. I look forward to the endless collaborations with staff, families, and various organizations to ensure that the wellbeing of our school community is at the forefront of our work.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "the future depends on what we do in the present," so let's create that future because there is no greater gift than the present!

Respectfully,

Sharda Flores
Principal

Principal

 

Mensaje Del Director (Espanol)

Estimada comunidad de PS 53,

Mi nombre es Sharda Flores, y con gran emoción escribo esta carta de presentación a la comunidad de PS 53 como la directora de la Escuela Primaria Basheer Quisim. Me siento honrada de liderar una escuela con estudiantes entusiastas, un personal excepcional y extraordinarios lazos familiares y comunitarios. Estoy increíblemente emocionada y afortunada de continuar mi viaje como parte de la comunidad de PS 53.

Mi dedicación a este campo viene con 25 años de experiencia educativa. Nueve de esos años los pasé como estudiante en el Distrito 9. Me he desempeñado como maestra, especialista en instrucción, mentora y, más recientemente, como subdirectora. Al igual que la Escuela Primaria Basheer Quisim, mi escuela anterior acogía a casi 900 estudiantes, lo que me permitió colaborar con más de 100 miembros del personal y forjar relaciones con todas nuestras familias.

Mi mayor logro no proviene de lo profesional sino de lo personal, ya que soy esposa, madre de dos niños increíbles, Connor (6) y Riley (4), hija de dos de mis mayores seguidores y hermana de tres personas increíbles. Como madre, abogo por lo que es mejor para mis hijos. Como líder escolar, continuaré ese trabajo, asegurándome de que nuestros estudiantes tengan las mejores experiencias académicas y socioemocionales en PS 53.

Traigo conmigo la creencia y la comprensión de que cuando a los niños se les proporciona y se les da poder con la expectativa de que aprenderán y tendrán éxito, estarán a la altura de las circunstancias. Espero las interminables colaboraciones con el personal, las familias y varias organizaciones para garantizar que el bienestar de nuestra comunidad escolar esté al frente de nuestro trabajo.

En palabras de Mahatma Gandhi, "el futuro depende de lo que hagamos en el presente", ¡así que vamos a crear ese futuro porque no hay mayor regalo que el presente!

Respetuosamente,

Sharda Flores
Directora

School Hours of Operation

Our school operates from 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM. During these hours, students engage in a variety of educational activities designed to foster learning and growth. Please ensure your child arrives on time and is picked up promptly at the end of the school day.

On the map you can find us here

Important Sites

DISTRICT 9 BELONG EXCEL THRIVE

District 9 Vision

Community School District 9 will foster a safe, supportive, and culturally responsive community where every student thrives civically and academically and is college and career ready.

District 9 Mission

Community School District 9 will collaborate with all stakeholders to create supportive, accelerated, and diverse learning experiences and build strong school-community ties for every student and family.

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 9

Harry Sherman, Superintendent Dr. Jasmin Varela, Deputy Superintendent • Anthony Rivera, Deputy Superintendent 1245 Washington Avenue Bronx, NY 10456 • PHONE: (718) 579-7143 • FAX: (718) 410-7017

 

  

#COMEHOMETODISTRICT9

This Just In...

  • Dismissal Policy 2025-2026 School Year

    January 12, 2026

    Dear Parent/Guardian,

    We hope this message finds you well. As part of our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, we are writing to inform you of the outdoor dismissal policy for students in grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 at Public School 53 for the 2025–2026 school year.

    In accordance with the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Wellness Policy, students in grades 2 through 5 will be dismissed outdoors in the schoolyard unless weather conditions are unsafe (such as heavy rain, snow, or strong winds) or the wind chill factor falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18°C). Families may access the schoolyard through the side gates on Findlay Avenue. PS 53 will continue to honor the NYCPS Wellness Policy for dismissal as it applies to recess/outdoor play.

    We kindly ask that you ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather, including warm clothing, hats, gloves, and boots when necessary, to help them remain comfortable during outdoor dismissal, particularly on colder days.

    If weather or temperature conditions change unexpectedly and dismissal must take place indoors, families will be notified via ClassDojo. Please be sure you are connected to your child’s class on ClassDojo to receive timely updates.

    We appreciate your cooperation and support in helping us provide a safe and positive experience for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office at (718) 681-7276.

    Thank you for your continued partnership.

    Sincerely,
    PS 53 Administration

     


    12 de enero de 2026

    Estimados padres y tutores:

    Esperamos que este mensaje les encuentre bien. Como parte de nuestro compromiso continuo con la seguridad y el bienestar de nuestros estudiantes, les escribimos para informarles sobre la política de salida al aire libre para los estudiantes de los grados 2, 3, 4 y 5 de la Escuela Pública 53 para el año escolar 2025–2026.

    De acuerdo con la Política de Bienestar de las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Nueva York (NYCPS), los estudiantes de los grados 2 al 5 serán despedidos al aire libre en el patio de la escuela, a menos que las condiciones climáticas sean inseguras (como lluvia intensa, nieve o vientos fuertes) o que la sensación térmica descienda por debajo de cero grados Fahrenheit (-18 °C). Las familias pueden acceder al patio escolar a través de las puertas laterales en Findlay Avenue. PS 53 continuará cumpliendo con la Política de Bienestar de NYCPS para la salida, según se aplica al recreo y a las actividades al aire libre.

    Les pedimos amablemente que se aseguren de que su hijo(a) esté vestido(a) adecuadamente para el clima, incluyendo ropa abrigada, gorros, guantes y botas cuando sea necesario, para ayudarles a mantenerse cómodos durante la salida al aire libre, especialmente en los días más fríos.

    Si las condiciones climáticas o de temperatura cambian inesperadamente y la salida debe realizarse dentro del edificio, las familias serán notificadas a través de ClassDojo. Por favor, asegúrense de estar conectados a la clase de su hijo(a) en ClassDojo para recibir actualizaciones oportunas.

    Agradecemos su cooperación y apoyo para ayudarnos a brindar una experiencia segura y positiva para todos los estudiantes. Si tienen alguna pregunta o inquietud, no duden en comunicarse con la oficina de la escuela al (718) 681-7276.

    Gracias por su continua colaboración.

    Atentamente,
    Administración de PS 53

    P.S. 53X - The Basheer Quisim School

  • Tonight’s Community Education Council (CEC) Meeting.

    NYC logo

     

    Dear District 9 Family,

    I hope you are doing well. We would like to warmly invite you to tonight’s Community Education Council (CEC) meeting.

    📍 In‑Person Location: The 229/274 Campus – 275 Harlem River Drive - BRONX, NY 
    🕔 Meeting Time: 5:30 PM

    You may also join this meeting via Zoom.
    Please refer to the flyer attached for the Zoom link and additional information on how to join virtually.

    We look forward to your participation and engagement as we continue working together to support our District 9 community.

    Warm regards,

    District 9

    P.S. 53X - The Basheer Quisim School
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Safer Access Doors

Grades 3k-5: School starts at 8:00 am

Please ensure students arrive on time and avoid early pickups.

Front Door Lock Schedule:

Locked from 8:00am to 2:20 pm

Visitor Protocol:

1. Ring the bell

2. Face the camera

3. State your name and purpose of visit

4. Show valid Photo ID to school safety agent, and sign in at the desk

Principal's Message: The safety of our school community is our top priority. We appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures to ensure a secure environment for all students and staff.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Statement on Accessibility

We are working to make this website easier to access for people with disabilities and will follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0.AA If you need assistance with a particular page or document on our current site, please contact Mr. Land at 718-681-7276 to request assistance. To assist non-English speakers, you can translate the site by clicking the link in the top of the website.