ATTENTION: NY For Better Neighborhoods Grants Available!

Citizens Committee for New York City has released the application for their New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods Awards. Volunteer-led community groups, as well as public school-based student groups, are encouraged to apply for grant funding up to $3,000 to support neighborhood improvement projects in their communities. The grants are an important resource for community groups, particularly in low income areas. Recent awards have enabled neighbors to come together to make healthy food available in their communities, transform empty lots and school lawns into community gardens, organize tenants to advocate for better housing conditions, and start school recycling programs. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2012.

Applications are also available on the Citizen's Committee website at www.citizensnyc.org/grants.

The Citizens Committee is offering 6 information sessions to assist groups who may be applying for a grant. The dates for these sessions are listed below. RSVP is required for each workshop, as space is limited.

Manhattan Info Sessions
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 11, 2011
6:00-7:30pm
Citizens Committee for New York City
32 Old Slip, 33rd Floor

If you have any questions about the application, please contact 212-822-9580/9568 or grants@citizensnyc.org.

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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Job Opportunity- NYPD Hiring School Crossing Guards

The NYPD is presently hiring school crossing guards. Pay for these positions starts at $9.88 an hour and rises to $12.90 after three years. Health insurance is available with 20 hours of work per week. These positions give people an opportunity to work in their communities.

Applicants must be able to speak and be understood in English. No formal education or experience is required for the job. All potential guards go through a training program.

Crossing guards provide a crucial service to our communities by helping our kids get to school safely. Applications are available at all precincts. You can find more information on the NYPD website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/careers/school_crossing_guard.shtml

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

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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ATTENTION: CM James Joins Advocates and Officials To Rally Against Proposed DOE Phase-Out of MS 571; Co-Locations of Charter Schools

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 27, 2011


Contact: Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081, and Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, ALONG WITH PARENTS, STUDENTS, PUBLIC OFFICIALS, AND ADVOCATES RALLY AGAINST DOE PROPOSED PHASE-OUT OF M.S. 571, AND CO-LOCATIONS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS AT P.S. 9/M.S. 571 & P.S. 316/M.S.353 -- PROTEST THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 29TH, AT 1:00 PM IN THE BASEMENT OF DURYEA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - 362 STERLING PLACE

Last Month, the DOE released the Educational Impact Statement 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 in the 13K009 building. The DOE claims M.S. 571 “lacks the capacity to turn around” and there’s a need of high-quality options in school district 13. Much like P.S. 316 and M.S. 353, the DOE is not allowing the possible expansion and growth of P.S. 9.

The community knows each of these schools was never given the chance to succeed and grow. We demand that chance!

WHAT: Rally against proposed DOE phase-out of M.S. 571 and co-locations of charter schools
WHEN: Saturday, January 29, at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Duryea Presbyterian Church - 362 Sterling Place (corner of Underhill Avenue), Prospect Heights, Brooklyn - (718)783-2451

Also, the proposals for significant changes in school utilization will be considered at the February 3, 2011 Panel for Educational Policy meeting - at Brooklyn Technical High School located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn, NY, 11217. We ask that all stakeholders attend this hearing and the press conference held prior to the hearing.

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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.

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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.

ATTENTION: Public School Info Session; 1/26; CH

Parents and Guardians are Invited to Attend a Public School Information Session!

This will be a great way to find out about your school options, and to get your questions answered.

Who:
• Joyce Szuflita from insideschools.org
• P.S. 11
• P.S. 9
• P.S. 46
• P.S. 20
• Arts & Letters
• Leadership Prep
• Community Partnership Charter School
• Ethical Community Charter School

When:
Wed, January 26th at 6:30 p.m.

Where:
The Co-Op School
87 Irving Place

Brooklyn NY 11238

CM James Comments On Replacement/ Co-Location of Traditional Public Schools With Charter Schools

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 24, 2011

Contact Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

Statement from Council Member Letitia James regarding the Perpetual Replacement and Co-location of Traditional Public Schools with Charter Schools

“The recently leaked document from the Department of Education is causing reasonable uproar from parents and schools throughout New York City. The DOE’s outline to replace twenty-six schools this year - with mainly charter schools - proves that no neighborhood is safe from the unilateral decision making of Mayor Bloomberg and now, Chancellor Cathie Black.

The 26 schools recommended for closure due to poor performance has received little to no support from the DOE for restructuring or developmental purposes. P.S. 9 – Teunis G. Bergen/M.S. 571 and P.S. 316 – Elijah Stroud/M.S. 353 – Elijah Stroud Middle School – all in my district – are being threatened with a co-location of charter schools, in addition, to a proposed phase-out of M.S. 571. Also, P.S. 11 – Purvis J. Behan seems to be targeted by the DOE as a possible place for co-location due to their outdated underutilized space report. Although these decisions are subject to public hearings and a vote by the Panel for Educational Policy, these students and their families are losing confidence in the NYC public education system.

I propose that the DOE allow restructuring of the M.S. 571 administration as it is necessary to maintain middle school options in school district 13. P.S. 316 has grown tremendously over these years under the great leadership of Principal Elif Gure-Perez and M.S. 353 is now a part of the Middle School Choice process of which will attract at least 100 additional students for the 2011-2012 school year. Both schools maintain levels of proficiency and received an “A” grade on their DOE 2009-2010 progress reports. Allow these schools to blossom in a time when they are both exceeding expectations and gaining community support.

The charter revision and expansion for Community Roots Charter School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, for example, is one well deserved. However, the placement of the school in a separate building with another traditional school will only invite further public scrutiny. It is undoubtedly irresponsible for the DOE to take it upon themselves to create such documents without the input of the adjoining communities.

Once a phase-out is fully implemented, the DOE will cease to allocate funds to the closing school and repurpose all remaining funds to the incoming school. The Fair Student Funding (FSF) covers basic instructional expenses and may be used to hire staff, purchase supplies and materials, or implement instructional programs. As a result of the phase-out, the total number of students enrolled at the closing school will naturally decline each year resulting in fewer teachers and supplies to meet the needs of the remaining student population. The DOE needs to understand that many of these existing schools are community staples. It is without argument that many need support to maintain desirable proficiency and retention rates. Nevertheless, replacing them and reallocating resources to new charter schools is NOT the solution.”

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ATTENTION: NYC-SAFH Excellence In School Wellness Award Application Available

2011 Excellence in School Wellness Award Applications Available!

NYC Strategic Alliance for Health (SAfH) partners have developed the Excellence In School Wellness Award to publicly acknowledge and applaud schools that are champions in nutrition, physical activity and wellness. This award recognizes elementary schools for their efforts in creating healthy school environments as a means to prevent childhood obesity and improve academic achievement.

Elementary schools located in the Bronx, Northern Manhattan and North and Central Brooklyn are eligible to apply. Elementary schools that are interested in applying, download the application and guidelines here. Applications are due, Friday, April 22, 2010. If you have any questions, contact SAfH here.