P.S. Weekly

We recorded this bonus episode live at the annual SXSW EDU conference, hosted earlier this month in Austin, Texas. P.S. Weekly’s student reporters spoke on a panel at the event, diving into the pressing inequities of New York City’s school system. Listen to what it’s really like to navigate the largest school system in the country, from the admission process to stark resource disparities within sc...

While budget cuts threaten arts and swimming programs in NYC high schools, we talk to students and teachers who are advocating for their importance.  In the first segment, hear from P.S. Weekly reporter Sanaa Stokes, as she gives us the inside scoop on her school, Professional Performing Arts High School, and how the community fought to save a beloved drama program. In the second segment, hear fro...

While protests over the Israel-Hamas war have gripped New York City college campuses, we look at how high schoolers have reacted — and the student freedom of speech issues being raised. P.S. Weekly reporter Dorothy Ha speaks to Orlena Fella, whose high school was uniquely impacted by recent protests at City College. Then, Dorothy heads over to the New York Civil Liberties Union for an in-depth con...

What happens when a teen wants therapy but their parents are unsure? Is NYC’s bold initiative to offer free virtual therapy to teens working? Tune in to find out. News Bulletin — Chalkbeat's Amy Zimmer breaks down top education stories from the past week. (2 min) Segment A — Salma Baksh interviews a mother-daughter duo as they discuss conflicting views on therapy. (11 min) Segment B — Shoaa K...

In P.S. Weekly’s food episode, fourth graders visit NYC schools’ test kitchen, high schoolers rate grilled cheese sandwiches, and students dish on having microwave access. News Bulletin — Chalkbeat reporter Julian Shen-Berro breaks down top education stories from the past week. (2 min) Segment A — Student reporter Ava Stryker-Robbins and Chalkbeat reporter Alex Zimmerman visit the NYC Public Schoo...

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!  In this special episode, hear P.S. Weekly and Chalkbeat reporters — and their parents — share stories about the teachers who have inspired, encouraged, and shaped them. Get ready to laugh, or maybe even shed a tear, as you join our reporters on a journey of gratitude for educators throughout their lives. Teachers anywhere and everywhere, we see you, and we appreci...

In this special episode, student reporters Shoaa Khan and Jose Santana speak to Chancellor David Banks about a range of important issues that affect students. Hear what the leader of the NYC public school system had to say about a new "Hidden Voices" history curriculum, school start times, the persistence of school segregation, cell phone policies, and more. Send us Fan Mail P.S. Weekly...

With college admissions in flux and the NYC school system shifting its emphasis toward "career pathways," two students prepare for life after high school. In the first segment, student producer Christian Rojas Linares explores a new apprenticeship program through the eyes of Heidy Torres, a high school junior who works 16 hours a week for Bloomberg, the finance giant and media company. T...

More than 200,000 New York City students have a disability classification that entitles them to specific learning accommodations — but do they always get them? Students share their experiences. Send us Fan Mail P.S. Weekly is available on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify . Reach us at PSWeekly@chalkbeat.org. P.S. Weekly is a collaboration between Chalkbeat and The Bell...

The national wave of book bans has been coming ashore in surprising ways in New York City. News Bulletin – Chalkbeat reporter Alex Zimmerman breaks down top education stories from the past week. (1 min) Segment A  – Student reporter Salma Baksh interviews her former librarian Lindsay Klemas, who received online backlash for promoting an LGBTQ+ book during Pride month. (8 min) Segment B – Shoaa Kha...

Officials estimate that more than 36,000 migrant students have enrolled in New York City public schools over the past two years. What challenges are these new students facing? And what are schools doing to support them? Segment A – Chalkbeat Reporter Michael Elsen-Rooney breaks down the issue and how the broader media narratives don't necessarily reflect experiences on the ground. (6 min) Seg...

Get ready to hear the sounds of the New York City school system like never before. P.S. Weekly is a student-produced podcast that casts light on important issues in the nation's largest school system. The Bell's team of 11 student producers who come from different public high schools work alongside Chalkbeat NY's reporters to bring you stories, perspectives, and commentary you won&a...