BK Independent TV: Brooklyn's Crumbling Churches

BK Independent Television reports on churches in Brooklyn currently in disrepair and in need of work, including Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Clinton Hill (although the clip incorrectly places the church in Bed-Stuy).

Council Member James has joined her colleagues in fighting for religious organizations to retain the right to rent public school space from the Department of Education, and recently joined NY1's Inside City Hall to discuss the issue.

CM James Statement On Proposal to Co-locate Community Roots Charter in PS 287

The NYT-Local has reported that the proposal to co-locate with PS 287 was approved.
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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 17, 2012

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES’ STATEMENT REGARDING DOE PROPOSAL TO CO-LOCATE COMMUNITY ROOTS CHARTER SCHOOL IN P.S. 287 BUILDING

(Brooklyn, NY)- “In December 2010, Community Roots Charter School (CRCS) was approved for a grade expansion, which will now serve middle school grade levels (grades 6-8). Shortly after, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) proposed to expand CRCS in its existing location in 13K067, which houses a community school, P.S. 67-Charles A. Dorsey and P.S. 369, a District 75 school. After much community push back, the DOE concluded that 13K067 does not offer the capacity to accommodate the expansion of CRCS. In December 2011, the DOE proposed to co-locate Community Roots’ middle school grades in the 13K287 building beginning in the 2012-2013 school year.

13K287 presently houses P.S. 287-Bailey K. Ashford, an existing community school serving kindergarten through fifth grade, and Khalil Gibran International Academy, an existing DOE school serving students in seventh and eighth grade. Khalil Gibran will be re-sited to Community School District 15 next Fall. With the potential available space due to the exodus of Khalil Gibran and the additional underutilized space in P.S. 287, the DOE has found sufficient space within the building to house Community Roots without impeding on the success and growth of P.S. 287 and CRCS. At capacity in 2014 with P.S. 287 and Community Roots Middle School co-located, the building utilization rate will be between 54-71%.

Much like the previous proposal, this plan is causing community unrest and conflict. It is no surprise to anyone that I do not waiver when I’m faced with a bureaucratic challenge or an issue that is undoubtedly wrong, However, I believe that there is sufficient room in the P.S. 287 facility for both schools to fit comfortably and continue to grow for the betterment of District 13 youth.

I stand with all the schools in my Council District and the families who fight for increased educational options for their children. I stand on the side of fairness and transparency. For that I urge parental and community involvement in the DOE significant changes in school utilization process. We need to stand together to grow high-achieving schools in our district like CRCS and P.S. 287. We are the answer to ensure the growth and sustainment of a progressive working environment for our children.”

Council Member Letitia James
35th CD, Brooklyn

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ATTENTION: FREE Pre-K Seats Still Available At BK Locations

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 13, 2011

Contact: Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

HUNDREDS OF FREE PRE-K SEATS STILL AVAILABLE AT BROOKLYN LOCATIONS
Council Member Letitia James Urges Parents to Enroll Four-Year-Olds Before October 31st Deadline

Brooklyn– Council Member James urges Brooklyn parents to enroll their four-year-olds in free Universal pre-Kindergarten (UPK) classes as full-day and half-day seats remain available at 58 locations around the borough.

All New York City children who turn four years of age by December 31, 2011 are eligible for free UPK seats. Available half-day and full day UPK seats are located at public schools and community-based childcare centers contracted by the Department of Education. UPK offers flexibility in that families can enroll their children in available seats located where they live, where they work, where they go to school or wherever it is convenient for them.

“It is imperative that New York City parents utilize the UPK programs within their communities. With the many cuts to child care services, we must work together to preserve this necessary resource for families. Parents and guardians who rely on this essential service should make sure to contact 311 or the New York City Department of Education to find a center near you before the October 31st deadline. Let us continue to cultivate our communities and children one day at a time.”

Since 2002, the number of four-year-olds enrolled in UPK has increased by over 18,000, with more than 60,000 available seats this year. The City Council and the Bloomberg administration have worked collaboratively with childcare advocates to increase access to pre-kindergarten programs and to ensure their quality over the past six years. However, the majority of funding for UPK comes from state funds, and every year the City is forced to return millions of dollars to the state because UPK seats went unused.

For a full list of programs in your neighborhood that still have seats available, parents can go to City Map on www.nyc.gov, http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK or call 311.

ATTENTION: NYC DOE Middle School Fairs

During the month of October, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) Office of Student Enrollment will be hosting Middle School Fairs for students and families in districts that offer Middle School Choice (Districts 1 - 22, 25, 28, 30, 31, 32).

These fairs will provide an opportunity for families to meet representatives from middle schools in their district, learn about the Middle School Choice process and the options students have for middle school.

All fairs will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and interpretation services will be available. Copies of the individual district fair flyers are available on the Middle School Admissions website.

In October, Middle School Directories will be delivered to elementary schools in choice districts as an additional resource for families. The directories also will be available at the Middle School Fairs and on the Middle School Publications page. Families can also sign up for Middle School Admissions and other relevant updates at http://schools.nyc.gov/Subscribe/default.htm

Please note the information for the Middle School Fairs for Districts 13, 14, and 17 – all located within Council Member Letitia James’ Council District.

* District 13: October 6 at M.S. 113-Ronald Edmonds Learning Center, 300 Adelphi Street, Brooklyn, NY 11205 (flyer)

* District 14: October 4 at I.S. 318-Eugenio Maria De Hostos, 101 Walton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206 (flyer)

* District 17: October 13 at Middle School for the Arts, 790 East New York Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203 (flyer)

If families have any questions, they can always email MS_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov or call 718-935-2398.

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

ATTENTION: NYC Imagination Library

The NYC Imagination Library is an initiative of the NYC Department of Education and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The goal is to promote the development of emergent literacy and language skills that are important for every child's success in school by encouraging all NYC parents to read aloud to their children from birth until age five.

Just enroll your preschool-aged child (age 0- 5 yrs) in the NYC Imagination Library- through filling out the application on the link below- and a new, age-appropriate book will be mailed each month in your child's name directly to your home. Books will begin arriving at your home six to eight weeks after your registration form has been received, and will continue every month until your child turns five.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/downloads/pdf/NYC_Imagination_Library_application.pdf

Your child will be eligible for this program as long as you live within the five boroughs of NYC. To reach the NYC Imagination Library program, please call (718) 642-5791 or email imaginationlibrary@schools.nyc.gov.

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: School Starts on Thursday, September 8

In an effort to prepare students for the level of rigor they will encounter in college and careers, the DOE is focused on aligning instruction with the new Common Core State Standards.

The Common Core State Standards were developed to instill a common understanding for students, parents and educators about what students should know and be able to do by the time they graduate high school and are aligned to college and career expectations. The Common Core State Standards include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills and are internationally benchmarked so that all students are prepared to succeed in the global economy.

Over the past few months, the DOE heard from principals about the need for more time to plan for next year, particularly to prepare to roll out the important set of instructional work related to these higher standards and improving teacher practice. To this end, in partnership with the UFT and CSA, they have added an additional day for professional development and planning before the school year begins to give principals and teachers the time necessary to do this work well. This means that students will begin school on Thursday, September 8, 2011, one day later than previously announced.

You can also learn more about the Common Core Standards on our website at the following link: http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/CommonCoreLibrary/default.htm

ATTENTION: DOE Alternative Pathways Fair- It's Not Too Late to Graduate!

The NYC Department of Education (DOE) is hosting their Second Annual Alternative Pathways to Graduation Fair, which provides information about Transfer Schools, Young Adult Borough Centers (YABCs) and GED programs. For additional information, please visit their website.

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.

CM James Opposes DOE Revised Proposal to Co-Locate BEC in PS9

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 8, 2011

Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Opposes the NYC Department of Education’s Revised Proposal to Co-locate BEC in P.S. 9

“While New York City settles to the idea of a new schools chancellor, the Department of Education (DOE) continues on its wrath of mass co-locations. In December of 2010, the DOE released the Educational Impact Statement (EIS) proposing the phase-out of M.S. 571 - The Bergen Upper School and a re-siting and co-location of Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School (BEC) in the 13K009 building in Prospect Heights. However, on March 31, 2011 New York Education Commissioner David Steiner annulled the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) February vote to place Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School inside the PS 9 building.

The Commissioner’s decision sides with seven parents who filed a lawsuit charging many oversights in the DOE’s proposal, including that it had not provided required details about the effect of the co-location on the use of common spaces. Although the Commissioner approved the parents’ petition, the decision still allows for the DOE to re-propose the co-location of BEC in the P.S. 9 building as long as they release a new plan that includes the missing information.

Without any delay, the DOE has released a revised EIS and revised BUP requesting for the co-location of BEC in the 13K009 building. This revised notice, which will be subject to a new vote by the PEP, provides information about a new unscheduled joint public hearing. The PEP is scheduled to vote on this Proposal May 18th, which will still allow for the re-siting/co-location this Fall.

P.S. 9 has achieved magnificent things and should be given an opportunity to expand. It is evident that the DOE will continue to advance their agenda and resultantly impede the possible growth and expansion of P.S. 9. As mentioned previously, I believe all co-locations and school closures should be suspended until a complete assessment of this impact on the school system has been made considering the absence of a fully appointed Chancellor. I will continue to stand with the families of P.S. 9 in opposition to this proposal.”

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CM James Comments On Departure of Cathie Black as NYC DOE Chancellor

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 7, 2011

Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Comments On Departure of Cathleen Black as NYC Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor

“As coverage develops surrounding the sudden exit of Cathie Black, it demonstrates the Mayor’s senseless appointment of Ms. Black as schools chancellor. According to reports, the decision comes just a day after Santiago Taveras, Deputy Chancellor for Community Engagement, quit the department to join the private sector. This is a total exit four high-level deputies since Black’s short tenure.

Cathleen Black has no educational experience in relation to the nation’s largest public school system, which demonstrates that she was ill-suited for this position. It is my opinion that as a result of the changing faces at the DOE, all co-locations and school closures should be suspended until a full assessment of the impact of these shifts on the school system has been made. Additionally, the DOE Preliminary Budget Hearing scheduled for tomorrow in front of the NYC Council should be postponed, particularly in light of the proposed budget cuts.

The city has been plagued with incompetent administrators, which weighed heaviest on the children of this city. I am confident that Deputy Mayor Dennis M. Walcott will work closely with all elected officials and communities to adequately assist our schools as Ms. Black’s replacement.

The Blizzard of 2011, CityTime, the Atlantic Yards project, and now this; many would consider this the third term curse.”


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ATTENTION: No Co-Location BK East Collegiate Charter School In PH Building

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 1, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

CONGRATULATIONS TO PS 9 STUDENTS, PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY ON THEIR VICTORY

NY State Education Commissioner David Steiner overturned the decision by the DOE to co-locate Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School in the Prospect Heights Building

This week, Commissioner of Education David Steiner annulled the Feb. 3 vote by the Panel for Educational Policy, which oversees New York City public schools, to co-locate a charter school in PS 9’s building at 80 Underhill Avenue. His response stated that the City’s plan for sharing the space was unfair.

“I am grateful for this decision, and I know that if the DOE had listened to parents, the community and elected officials regarding the building sharing of PS 9, the Bloomberg Administration would not have had to suffer this defeat. Proposed actions such as this one explain why the Mayor’s poll numbers remain low, despite his efforts to promote himself. This is the second time within a year the State Education Commissioner vetoed co-locating a City charter school,” said Council Member James.

Seven parents filed an appeal of the decision on March 7. The appeal was made under a new law that took effect last year authorizing an expedited process for co-location appeals in particular. The law set out strict rules for co-locations, including one that requires thorough details about their impact that Steiner concluded the City violated at PS 9.

Commissioner Steiner wrote: “I am unable to conclude that DOE’s failure to comply with the statute’s requirements in this respect was harmless error.”

“The fact that State continues to scrutinize the City’s adherence to the charter school law passed last year instills faith in government - the community’s voices were heard, and our children’s education does matter. Closing schools is bad public policy and excluding opinions of parents and teachers is also bad decision making. I am ecstatic, as are advocates of PS 9 that we prevailed,” said Council Member James.

Besides rescinding the decision, the commissioner also prohibited the DOE from moving forward with any phase of the co-location of Brooklyn East into 80 Underhill until it offers a more reasonable division of building resources.

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ATTENTION: Rally To Stop School Budget Cuts; 3/17; BK Boro Hall

On Thursday, March 17, 2011, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will join New York Communities for Change, Alliance for Quality Education, and New York Charter Parents Association at "A Rally To Organize: No Budget Cuts to Our Schools" at Brooklyn Borough Hall. All Brooklyn parents (and advocates) are invited.

Brooklyn Borough Hall is located at 209 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn, NY.

Please call (347) 410-6919 x240 for more information.

NYCDOE: Brooklyn UPK Enrollment Info Session

Starting Monday, March 7, pre-kindergarten directories and applications will be available at elementary schools with pre-k programs, borough enrollment offices, information sessions and online at http://www.nyc.gov/schools/prek. The deadline for families to submit an application is Friday, April 8.

Families are invited to attend a pre-kindergarten information session during the week of March 7. These sessions will provide families with a great opportunity to learn more about pre-k programs and the admissions process. Staff members from the Offices of Early Childhood Education and Student Enrollment will be there to answer questions. Translation and interpretation services will be provided. See below for more details about the Brooklyn session.

Tuesday, March 8 - Brooklyn
Sunset Park High School
153 35th Street
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

If you have any specific questions regarding the Pre-K admissions process, visit http://www.nyc.gov/schools/prek or call the Office of Student Enrollment at 718-935-2009.

NYC DOE School Survey 2011

The NYC School Survey helps school leaders understand what key members of the school community say about the learning environment at each school. The information captured by the survey is designed to support a dialogue among all members of the school community about how to make the school a better place to learn.

Every year, all parents, all teachers, and students in grades 6 - 12 take the NYC School Survey. The survey ranks among the largest surveys of any kind ever conducted nationally. In 2010, 922,694 surveys out of a possible 1,480,276 were submitted.

The survey results provide insight into a school’s learning environment and a measure of diversification that goes beyond test scores on the Progress Report. NYC School Survey results contribute 10% - 15% of a school's Progress Report grade (the exact contribution to the Progress Report is dependant on school type). Survey questions assess the community’s opinions on academic expectations, communication, engagement, and safety and respect. School leaders can use survey results to better understand their own school’s strengths and target areas for improvement.

For the results of the 2010 School Survey, please access the links below:

• 2010 Survey Report for an individual school
• Citywide analysis of 2010 survey results
• Citywide report of survey results for general education schools
• Citywide report of survey results for District 75 special education schools
• Download the 2010 School Survey data
• 2010 Scoring Guide for general education schools
• View the 2010 surveys

CM James Comments On Mayor Bloomberg's Budget Cuts To Childcare

**For Immediate Release**
February 17, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

Statement by NYC Council Member Letitia James about Mayor Bloomberg’s Budget Cuts to Child Care

“The Administration of Children’s Services plans to eliminate 16, 624 child care slots, apparently due to a loss of federal funds, which will hurt low and moderate income families. Children may be put in unregulated care, and/or parents may have to stay at home to care for them. Also, thousands of child care workers will lose their jobs, and the majority of these employees are women.

The hypocrisy of this administration is baffling; Mayor Bloomberg talks about importance of early education, yet eliminates these crucial childcare slots for children. The New York City Council was able to restore $6,682,247 in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, which gave a 3-month reprieve for six child care centers, and 12 months for seven other centers. At this time, additional funding is needed in FY12 to save these centers from closing.

My office has also become aware that District Council 1707, the union representing public center-based employees, was not officially informed of the possibility of New York City’s day care centers being hit with these deep cuts. And, at this time, still only 27% of eligible children are able to attend public center-based day care. Thousands more of the city’s youngest residents, toddlers, and infants will lose funding for learning opportunities within daycare centers, if the Mayor has his way. Again, these budget cuts specifically hurt the developmental progress of the least among us- working and poor families.

On the back of these cuts is the recent elimination of Priority 7 vouchers that serviced 2,200 children, (and most of these families heavily relied on the subsidy for their after-school care). Due to this cut, hundreds of eligible children may be added to Priority 5, which may be cut in the near future as well. Why does it seem that when it’s not an election year, the Administration takes funds away from those New Yorkers who depend the most on the services provided by the City?

Public and children’s advocates are adamant: the Bloomberg Administration’s plan to eliminate child care slots is illogical, and the money saved (ironically) will be at a huge expense for our children, and the future of New York City. The impact of eliminations of public center child care slots and day care centers will devastate our communities. Every Parent deserves quality day care that’s affordable. Let’s remember that these New Yorkers contribute greatly to the City’s overall economy as well.”

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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.

Rally Against DOE Phase-Outs and Co-Locations

“The community knows each of these schools was never given the chance to succeed and grow. We demand that chance!” said Council Member Letitia James.

WHAT: Rally against proposed DOE phase-outs and co-locations of charter schools in Brooklyn
WHEN: Thursday, February 3 at 4:30 PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Technical High School, located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn

Also, the proposals for significant changes in school utilization will be considered today, February 3 at 6pm - at the Panel for Educational Policy meeting held at Brooklyn Technical High School, located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn. We ask that all stakeholders attend this hearing, and the press conference / rally held prior to the hearing. Please read more below.
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Good Day,
We wanted to remind you that UFT will be hosting a rally against school closings, it will be outside Brooklyn Tech on Thursday, Feb 3, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. Please join us. Thank you for your dedication to our community school children.
Briget Anne Rein
Special Representative
Legislation and Political Action
United Federation of Teachers
212-598-6846 (W)
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Dear colleagues,

On Feb. 1 and 3, the mayor’s Panel on Educational Policy will vote on the DOE’s proposal to close 25 of our schools.  The Support Our Schools rally is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 4:30 p.m. outside Brooklyn Tech.
Parents, teachers, community members will be at the Feb. 3 united with the message: Closing struggling schools rather than working with them and offering them the support they need to serve ALL their students is not educational “reform” – it’s educational neglect.
I hope to see you there.

Sincerely,

Michael Mulgrew
UFT President

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