ATTENTION: NY Association of Black Journalists Hosts "First Take" Journalism Program for HS Students

The New York Association of Black Journalists is now accepting applications for its high school journalism program, FIRST TAKE. Students accepted into the program will learn how to report and produce local stories in multiple media formats from New York City’s top journalists.

The eight-week program meets every Saturday from October 1 through November 12, with an additional eighth session that meets on Sunday, November 20. Students will learn how to write news, how to produce a blog, how to shoot and edit video, and how to produce a televised newscast. Students will also have the opportunity to visit a live newsroom in Manhattan.

The program’s instructors include professionals from ABC News, The Associated Press, The New York Times, the New York Post, the Huffington Post and more. The workshop is hosted by the Journalism & Media Arts Department of Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus.

Applicants should be current high school students from the New York City area who have a strong interest in pursuing journalism careers.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive digital and printed copies of their work to begin building their own work portfolios. Also, each student will be awarded a certificate during a brunch ceremony attended by their parents and the workshop mentors.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Students who are interested in participating must complete the online application at firsttakenyc.com/apply.

For additional information, students and parents are encouraged to contact: info@firsttakenyc.com

CM James Welcomes the New School Year

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
September 8, 2011

Contact: Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Welcomes the Start of a New School Year

“Although school year 2011-2012 began one day later than projected, it is still right on time for many parents and too soon for the thousands of students entering their respective schools today.
The New York City Department of Education in conjunction with the United Federation of Teachers has created new curriculum resources for teachers to use this school year, which will profoundly influence student learning. I ask that principals, teachers, and parents continue to partner to ensure their students are align with this new curriculum and on the right track towards post-secondary education and a career they love.

I welcome new principals and teachers to the district and applaud the returning ones. Your efforts to educate our children never go unappreciated and I thank you all for your commitment to the betterment of our youth. Please continue to build parent engagement and student support. Every bit counts.

Get involved, stay focused, and achieve success. I wish all students, families, school faculty and administrators a very happy and successful school year.”

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NYC-DOE OPEN REGISTRATION CENTERS FOR NEW STUDENTS

The New York City Department of Education today announced that it will open 12 Student Registration Centers on Wednesday, August 31, to enroll new students for the opening of school. Procedures vary across the following categories of students:



• All new high school students or those re-entering the system after an absence—both general education and special education— should register at a Student Registration Center in their borough of residence.

• New or re-entering general education elementary and middle school students without a zoned school should also register at a Student Registration Center in their borough of residence.

• New elementary and middle school students who have zoned schools should register at their zoned schools starting Thursday, September 8.

• New elementary or middle school students who require special education placements should register at Special Education Enrollment Sites assigned to their districts of residence.



Parents can find their children’s zoned schools, the nearest Student Registration Centers, or Special Education Enrollment Sites by calling 311 or visiting the Department’s Web site at schools.nyc.gov. Enrollment staff at Student Registration Centers will meet with students and their parents to facilitate registration. Interpretation services will be available at each center. All forms and parent materials will be available in English and translated into nine languages (Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu).



Beginning Wednesday, August 31, through Friday, September 16, the Student Registration Centers will be open five days a week from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, for Labor Day.



Parents must bring their children with them to register. In addition, the following documents are required:



• Proof of residence;

• Child’s birth certificate or passport;

• Child’s immunization records;

• Child's latest report card/transcript (if available);

• Child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or 504 Accommodation Plan (if applicable and available).



Brooklyn Student Registration Centers:

The Montauk - 4200 16th Avenue

Brooklyn Technical High School - 29 Fort Greene Place (Basement)

Brooklyn High School of the Arts - 345 Dean Street

Clara Barton High School - 901 Classon Avenue



Brooklyn Special Education Enrollment Sites:

Districts 17, 18, 22 - 5619 Flatlands Avenue

Districts 20, 21 - 415 89th Street, 5th floor

Districts 13, 14, 15, 16 - 131 Livingston Street

Districts 19, 23, 32 - 1665 St. Marks Avenue

NYC DOE: High School Admissions Summer Workshops

The NYC Department of Education (DOE) would like to invite middle school students and their families to attend a workshop series to learn about high school options and the admissions process. Students entering 8th grade in September 2011 are encouraged to attend with their families so they can make more informed decisions when they apply to high school in the fall.

There will be three sessions covering the following topics:

Session 1: High School Admissions: Where Do I Start?
An introduction to the process and the many types of schools available

Session 2: Specialized High Schools
Learn about the nine Specialized High Schools and the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT)

Session 3: Make Informed Decisions
An overview of admissions methods with an emphasis on screened and audition programs

These workshops will take place in all five boroughs; translation and interpretation services will be available. View this flyer for a complete schedule of the workshops.

NYC DOE: High School Admissions Information Sessions

The NYC Department of Education (DOE) designed information sessions for parents to learn about the high school admissions process. For your convenience, below is a schedule of the upcoming meetings in Brooklyn. You can also download flyers for distribution or your use from the High School Admissions web page.

Brooklyn:
Tuesday, May 10: Boys & Girls High School, 1700 Fulton Street
Thursday, May 26: Brooklyn High School of the Arts, 345 Dean Street
All sessions will take place from 6:00 – 8:00pm

If students or families have any specific questions, they can also talk to their school guidance counselors, call the Office of Student Enrollment at 718-935-2399, or visit the DOE website at http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/High/default.htm.

ATTENTION: American Federation of Teachers Black Caucus Scholarship Available

The American Federation of Teachers Black Caucus Scholarship is available for high school seniors who are currently applying for admission to an accredited college or university in the United States for Fall 2011. Scholarship recipients will receive a certificate of merit and a financial award of $1,500.

To be eligible for the American Federation of Teachers Black Caucus Scholarship:
- You must be a resident of New York City;
- You must be a high school senior of a New York State public school with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent);
- You must be in pursuit of a career in education/public service;
- You must be able to demonstrate improvement in your academic performance and personal achievement.

The applicant must submit a completed application packet (including attached essay response) postmarked no later than April 29, 2011 to:

AFT Black Caucus Scholarship Trust
P.O. Box 636
Westchester Square Station
BRONX, NY 10461

Those interested may email a request to The Office of Council Member Letitia James at teamtish@gmail.com.

ATTENTION: Manhattan DA Sponsors HS Legal Summer Internship Program

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. announces a 2011 Summer Internship Program called "The Legal Bound Program". The program is designed for rising high school juniors and seniors who reside in Manhattan.

Eligible students should send a resume, and an essay explaining their interest in law to:

The New York County District Attorney's Office

Community Affairs Unit

Attention: Ms. Carol Ragsdale

One Hogan Place, Room 824
New York, New York 10013

OR they may email it to:
legalbound@dany.nyc.gov

Applications must be sent by April 29, 2011. Those students asked to interview must bring 2 recommendations.

For more information, contact The Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081 or teamtish@gmail.com

NYC Mayor's Cup Basketball All-Star Games; 4/3; City College

You are invited to attend the NYC Mayor's Cup Basketball All-Star Games this Sunday, April 3, 2011 at City College.

This fantastic sporting event will showcase the City's best male and female high school basketball players from the Public School Athletic League (PSAL). You can check to see if students from your local schools are competing by checking the Boys and Girls team rosters.

Please find the details of the event below:
What: NYC Mayors Cup 2011– PSAL Basketball All Star Games

When: Sunday, April 3- 1PM (girls); 3PM (boys)
Where: City College of New York, Nat Holman Gymnasium
160 Convent Avenue (at 136th Street)
New York, NY
Admission: Free, limited tickets at the door

If you have any questions, please visit nycmayorscup.com.

ATTENTION: 2011 NYC National College Fair

2011 New York City National College Fair

WHEN: Sunday, April 10, 2011
11AM- 4PM

WHERE: Jacob Javits Convention Center of New York
Hall 1A
655 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

For more information, contact (212) 216-2000

DOE New High Schools Fair; 2/12-13

The Department of Education announces their annual New High Schools Fair. This event provides a great opportunity for parents and students to speak with representatives from the new small high schools opening in September 2011. Translated materials and interpretation services will be available at the fair.

New High Schools Fair
Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Campus
122 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10023

If students or families have any questions, they can call (718) 935-2399.

ATTENTION: Millennium Brooklyn High School Open House; 2/1-3; Park Slope

Parents of guardians of current 8th grade middle school students are invited to learn more about the new Millennium Brooklyn High School that will be co-located at the John Jay Educational Campus beginning September 2011.

==========================
Millennium Brooklyn High School
Open House- current eighth grade students & families are invited.

Dates: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 from 6PM- 7PM
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 from 6PM- 7PM
Thursday, February 3, 2011 from 6PM- 7PM

Location: First Floor Auditorium
345 Dean Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Come meet with Founding Principal Lisa Gioe, and members of the Millennium Brooklyn planning team for a presentation and question and answer session.

Shooting In Front of BK High School On MLK Holiday

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 19, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

RANDOM SHOOTING IN FRONT OF BROOKLYN HIGH SCHOOL ON EVE OF MLK HOLIDAY

Five Teenagers Shot Friday Following Basketball Game

(Brooklyn, NY) Five teenagers were shot last Friday night around 10pm after a basketball game in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn between Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School and Christ the King High School. The victims and locations of wounds include: an 18 year old female in the left foot; an 18 year old male in the left foot; a 19 year old male in the hip, calf, and buttock; a 17 year old male in the right ankle; and a19 year old male in the left arm. The shooting occurred in front of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, between Greene and Vanderbilt Avenues.

In a letter from Bishop Loughlin's President, Brother Dennis Cronin, regarding last Friday evening’s shooting he said: “We at Loughlin are deeply grieved by the random street violence that occurred in front of the school on Friday night. I am relieved to report that no Loughlin student was involved in this incident. We extend our sympathy to the families and young people who were injured by this senseless and random violence. It is a violation of our school community, the safety we seek to secure, and the values we work to instill in those entrusted to our care.”

4 victims were transported to Kings County Hospital, and 1 male victim walked into Brooklyn hospital. According to reports, none of the injuries were life threatening, and immediately following the shooting all were in stable condition. The 88th Police Precinct responded quickly with a strong presence and secured the area surrounding the school.

“I know from experience that most basketball games at Bishop Loughlin High School are peaceful. And, there was a police officer on the premises that evening. I’d like to assure the community this incident did not involve Bishop Loughlin or Christ the King High School students. Apparently, the fight may have broken out over a teenage girl, or a possible robbery motive,” said Council Member James. “I would like to hold a meeting with the leaders and basketball teams of both schools to discuss methods for security and protecting the students, as well as protecting the community and all visitors during and after basketball game nights.”

Cops are asking anyone with information to call the NYPD's confidential Crime Stoppers tipline at (800) 577-TIPS.

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"READ" Alliance is Recruiting!

"READ" Alliance is recruiting New York City High School Students for Paid After-School Jobs -

READ recruits, trains and closely supervises high school student to tutor at-risk Kindergarten and first grade students in basic reading skills. READ is growing in Brooklyn, and they need even more tutors. They will have a program at PS9K in your district, but they can place teens at other schools that may be nearer to their schools and their homes.

READ Alliance after-school programs run 1.5 hours a day, three or four days a week, for 15-20 weeks (50 sessions in all). Tutors earn $7.25 per hour. Complete information is on the READ Alliance website where teens can apply online at http://www.readalliance.org/. Interested teens should apply at their earliest convinience.

Please contact Jaselis Mejia at jmejia@readalliance.org or 646-867-6122 if you have any questions!

Medgar Evers College Preparatory School Marching Band Seeks Donations for Competition

The Medgar Evers College Preparatory School marching band is among the bands that have been invited to the 2010 National High School Stepping Marching Band Championship in Atlanta, Georgia taking place November 12th-13th. The school unfortunately has not been able to raise the $35,000 needed to transport and board the 126-member band.



If you'd like to help the band compete in Atlanta, please call Dr. Jean Adilifu, Assistant Principal of Medgar Evers College Preparatory School, at 718-703-5400 at extension 1226.

Read more from WPIX (video borrowed from their coverage), here, and here.

Central BK Town Hall Meeting for Discussion on NYS Education Reform; 11/9; Medgar Evers College; 5PM

CENTRAL BROOKLYN TOWN HALL MEETING
The New York State Education Reform Agenda Topics:
-High School Graduation Requirements
-N.Y.S. Assessments in grades K – 8 & high school
-Common Core Curriculum and N.Y.S. Curriculum Frameworks
-Race To The Top initiatives

DATE: Tuesday November 9, 2010
Time: 5:00pm– 7:00pm
Location: Founders Auditorium
Medgar Evers College, CUNY
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225-2017

Presenters:
-Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr. Regent At Large, University of the State of New York
-Dr. John B. King, Jr., Senior Deputy Commissioner, New York State Education Department

Facilitator:
-Dean Richard Jones, Jr., Medgar Evers College, CUNY; Adelaide Sanford Institute Board Member

Sponsored by:
NYS Senator Eric Adams
NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery

NYS Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries
NYS Assembly Member Karim Camara
NYS Assembly Member Annette Robinson

Adelaide L. Sanford Institute

Please RSVP by Friday, October 29th; you can email messages@sanfordinstitute.org

ATTENTION: NYC College Bridge Program

For recent High School and GED grads who are interested in going to college but think you may need some extra help before you start, you should consider applying for the College Bridge Program!

The NYC College Bridge Program is a 13 week course designed by District 79 to help recent high school and GED graduates build skills in reading, writing, and math in order to pass the CUNY and other college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT.

• Complete applications forms can be mailed to Jennifer Charlot at 4360 Broadway, Suite 402, New York, New York 10033 or emailed to jcharlot@schools.nyc.gov
• The deadline to submit applications is October 1st, 2010. You will be notified of your acceptance in late October.

Space is limited, so please apply immediately!

High School Admissions

Middle school students and their families are invited to attend the NYC Department of Education's annual Citywide High School Fair! The fair is a great opportunity for you survey the city's public high schools, speak with their representatives and learn about their programs.

Citywide High School Fair
October 2 & 3, 2010
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Technical High School
29 Fort Greene Place
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Brooklyn Borough High School Fair
October 16 & 17, 2010
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Edward R. Murrow High School
1600 Avenue L
Brooklyn, NY 11230

ATTENTION: LIU Liberty Partnership Program

Long Island University- Brooklyn Campus presents their Liberty Partnership Summer Enrichment Program for high school juniors and seniors.

The program spans August 3rd- August 31st from 10AM- 3PM. The program takes place at LIU- Brooklyn at 1 University Plaza.

Students will receive academic tutoring, training in computer literacy, and college prep instruction. The program also consists of various cultural enrichment components including health and lifestyle management, career development, and recreational and educational trips.

Please contact (718) 488-1000 x3056 for more information.

ATTENTION: Free IT Training For High School Students

Free IT Training

Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides urban young adults 18-24, with a unique combination of technical and professional skills, college credits, an educational stipend and corporate internship. The program is providing free IT training for anyone in that category with a high school diploma or a GED that has an interest in IT. The program is free.

This program asks for a 1-year commitment between the hours of 8:30am and 5:00pm. Each participant will be provided with a stipend, and after six months, internships at competitive companies could be available.

Year Up has achieved excellent results to date:

100% placement of qualified students into apprenticeships

83% student retention

90% of apprentices meet or exceed apprenticeship partner expectations

87% of graduates placed in full or part-time positions within 4 months of graduation

$15/hr average wage at placement

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention: The Missions

Prostate Cancer Screening

According to a recent article the NY Daily News, "African-American men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men. And Caribbean-born men in Brooklyn are three times as likely to die from the disease as U.S.-born men." What could be a better gift to a man in your life than the constant nagging to get a prostate screenning? More info here.

Save The Double D Pool

On June 20th, Council Members James and Levin joined Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (who apparently donned his swimming trunks) and State Senator Velmanette Montgomery at a demonstration protesting the City's decision to close of one Brooklyn's most popular outdoor swimming pools- The Double D Pool. It is located at the Thomas Greene Park in Brooklyn, and provides free services (lunches, training, etc.) for residents of Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens. There's a petition here.

Applebees Dining to Donate

On Thursday June 24, 2010, you can make a difference in the life of graduating high school senior by dining at the Applebee's Restaurant, located at Fulton Street & Marcy Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant's Restoration Plaza. Ten percent of your bill will be donated to the scholarship fund for the Restoration Dance Theatre Company. Present this flyer to your server, and become an individual donor of Restoration's youth scholarship program.

The Art, Soul, Future of Brooklyn

I See Promotions, LLC, in association with the Ajile L. Turner Scholarship Fund, present a Fort Greene Festival featuring Common and other performing artists and vendors. For more information you may call (718) 902-9641 or visit http://www.fortgreenefest.com/.

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fort Greene Park
12noon- 10pm

ATTENTION: NYU Hosts BEST/Career Exploration Program for High School Students.

The Building Excellence in Science and Technology Program (BEST)is an innovative pre-college enrichment program based at New York University for talented high school students that encourages the presence of historically under-represented groups in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM careers).

NYU's summer Career Exploration Program will operate Monday through Thursday, July 6– July 29, from 9:30am to 3:00pm. During this time, students will not only have the unique opportunity to investigate careers that appeal to their interest, but they will also be able to develop the skills necessary to excel in these professions as well.

The summer program is designed to deliver instruction through the scope of four focused career cohorts: Pre-Law, Business and Accounting, Pre-Medicine & Health, and Engineering. All coursework is designed to teach students the practical applications of the skills and concepts in mathematics and critical thinking (writing and reading) as they relate to a student’s desired career field. In addition, students will be able to participate in trips, career panels, and independent study to showcase what they have learned about their respectivecareer cohorts.

This is a unique opportunity for your child to take the preliminary steps in bringing his or her future career goals into fruition. There is no cost to participate in the program, trips, and activities; however, there is an optional lunch fee of $175 for the duration of the program, which is payable by check or money order to New York University. If you are interested in the Career Exploration Program, please complete and fax the application to (212) 995-4193. All applications and supporting documents are due no later than orientation on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 5:30pm– 7pm. Feel free to contact (212) 992-9463 with any questions that you may have.