Jan. 21, 2016 By Michael Florio
A Corona school that is stuffed to double its capacity is under consideration for a new addition.
The Department of Education is reviewing proposals for an annex to PS 143, the Louis Armstrong Elementary School, according to agency officials. The addition would replace six trailers that are currently in use.
PS 143, located at 34-74 113th St., was built to accommodate 900 students, and currently has 1,800 enrolled, according to State Sen. Jose Peralta. He called plans for a new annex “a huge victory.”
“Right now, students in trailers have to face frigid temperatures, and snow or rain when they go to their lunch period, or just to use the bathroom. This is unacceptable,” he added.
Peralta proposed a new addition for PS 143 more than two years ago. Under his proposal, the new building would replace the trailers as well as a mini building and an annex located on 98th Street.
A DOE spokesperson was unable to answer questions about the timeline for this project.
However, Peralta said, “it appears construction is slated to start after the end of next school year, 2016-17.”
Parents are also looking forward to this addition to the school.
“We, as parents, are very happy about the news that a permanent addition will be constructed,” said Angélica Salgado, president of the Parent-Teacher Association at PS 143. “The new building will also improve the quality of education our children receive.”
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Congratulations on finally getting an addition. Be sure the DOE obtains a big enough annex during construction. Because DOE will do extreme overcrowding knowing the school is getting an addition. PS11q is still under construction. For the last 3 years, DOE had 2 classes in one classroom which didn’t meet NYC building codes for occupancy. This occurred in several classrooms. K students are to get 35sf/person. 1st Grade to 12th is to have 20sf per person. For example : In one classroom contained 36 kindergarteners plus 4 teachers and almost no recess. the room was to have only 22 people in total. In another classroom had 46 2nd graders plus 2 teachers but should have only had 38 students. The kids are flexible and strong. Now that a new school PS361 is open, PS11 has annex there and PS11 has “normal” city size classes.