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5 Surprising Facts About P.S. 31 Staten Island: The William T. Davis School’s $425K Future And Academic Reboot

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P.S. 31 William T. Davis, a cornerstone of the Staten Island community, is currently undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond past academic challenges to focus intensely on core instruction, social-emotional health, and a massive infusion of capital funding. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, the elementary school is fully engaged in the New York City Department of Education's (NYCPS) ambitious District 31 pillars, signaling a fresh start for its students and faculty.

The school, located at 55 Layton Avenue, serves grades Pre-K through 5 (PK-5) and is recognized as a zoned neighborhood school within Geographic District 31. With a student enrollment of approximately 336 and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 10:1, the focus is squarely on leveraging these intimate class sizes to drive significant educational equity and improve outcomes, a central theme highlighted in the latest 2025 NYSED Report Card data.

P.S. 31 William T. Davis School Profile and Leadership

P.S. 31, officially known as the William T. Davis School, honors a distinguished local figure, anchoring it deeply within Staten Island's history. The school’s administration and staff are the driving force behind its current improvement initiatives, working closely with the Community Education Council (CEC 31) to align local needs with city-wide educational mandates.

  • Official Name: P.S. 31 William T. Davis
  • Location: 55 Layton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301
  • Grades Served: 3-K, Pre-K, K-5 (PK-5)
  • Student Enrollment: Approximately 336 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
  • Geographic District: 31
  • Official Principal: Daniel Singleton
  • Key Administrative Staff: Assistant Principal Gallo, Parent Coordinator Natvel Pritchard, and Restorative Practices Coordinator Miss Kara
  • NYC BEDS Code: 353100010031

Principal Daniel Singleton, as the official school leader reported by both NYC Public Schools and the NYSED Data Site, is spearheading the school’s efforts to strengthen core instruction. The administrative team, including Assistant Principal Gallo, is focused on creating a supportive learning environment, with a strong emphasis on family engagement facilitated by Parent Coordinator Natvel Pritchard.

The $425,000 Capital Plan: A Major Investment in the Future

One of the most compelling and recent updates for P.S. 31 is the substantial financial commitment from the city. The school is a direct beneficiary of the proposed Five-Year Capital Plan (FY 2025-2029), which earmarks significant funds for building improvements and essential upgrades.

The proposed plan includes an allocation of $425,000 specifically designated for P.S. 31 (listed as OLD 126 in some documents). This major capital infusion is critical for a long-standing public school building and suggests a long-term commitment to the William T. Davis School community. Such funding is typically used for large-scale projects like structural repairs, accessibility improvements, or technology infrastructure upgrades, all of which directly enhance the physical learning environment for students in the 3-K and K-5 programs.

This investment is viewed as a foundational element of the school's reboot, ensuring that the physical plant can support the advanced educational and social-emotional programs being implemented for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Academic Reboot: Core Instruction and Literacy Mandates

The William T. Davis School is actively addressing the need for academic improvement, particularly in light of past reports that indicated challenges in mathematics and reading scores compared to some other Staten Island elementary schools. The current strategy is not just about incremental change; it is a systemic overhaul driven by District 31’s three core pillars: Strengthening Core Instruction, Fostering Social-Emotional Wellness, and Advancing Career and College readiness.

1. Strengthening Core Instruction

A key focus is the implementation of the NYC's literacy mandate. This city-wide initiative involves adopting new, research-backed curricula to ensure all students achieve reading proficiency. P.S. 31 is integrating these new instructional methods into its daily lessons, aiming to move beyond older, less effective teaching models. The goal is to create a robust academic foundation for every student, from Pre-K to the graduating 5th-grade class.

Furthermore, the school is involved in the Support for Arts Instruction Initiative. Integrating arts into the curriculum is a proven method for enhancing cognitive development, improving critical thinking, and boosting engagement, which indirectly supports core subject performance. This commitment to a holistic education is crucial for a well-rounded student experience.

2. Fostering Social-Emotional Wellness

Recognizing that academic success is inextricably linked to mental health, P.S. 31 has placed a high priority on social-emotional learning (SEL). The presence of a dedicated Restorative Practices Coordinator, Miss Kara, highlights this commitment. Restorative Practices are a methodology focused on building community and repairing harm, reducing conflict, and promoting a positive school culture.

In a fresh development for the 2024-2025 academic year, P.S. 31 is collaborating with the Counselor Education Department at St. John’s University. This partnership provides additional resources and expertise to support student mental health and wellness, ensuring that every child has the emotional support necessary to thrive in the classroom. This is a vital component of the school's effort to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

The Community and Parent Engagement

The success of P.S. 31 hinges on strong community and parental involvement. The school operates as a vital hub for the neighborhood, providing essential services and fostering a collaborative spirit.

The P.S. 31 PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) is an active, non-profit organization that works to support the welfare and education of all children. They play a critical role in fundraising, organizing school events, and providing a voice for parents in school governance. The collaborative relationship between the Parent Coordinator, Natvel Pritchard, and the PTA ensures that family resources and updates are consistently communicated.

The school’s commitment to the Class Size Reduction Plan for District 31 also demonstrates an effort to improve the quality of instruction by ensuring teachers can provide more individualized attention. This is a key concern for parents and a major area of focus for the NYC Public Schools system moving forward.

In summary, P.S. 31 William T. Davis is a school in transition, defined by a renewed focus on academic rigor through the new literacy mandates, a deep commitment to student well-being via Social-Emotional Wellness programs and St. John's University partnerships, and a significant financial boost from the $425,000 capital plan. The leadership team, including Principal Daniel Singleton, is steering the school toward a future of educational equity and improved student outcomes for the Staten Island community.

5 Surprising Facts About P.S. 31 Staten Island: The William T. Davis School’s $425K Future and Academic Reboot
ps 31 staten island
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