JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS UNION IN DISPUTE WITH OWNERS

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 27, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

JUDGE RULES IN FAVOR OF SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS UNION IN DISPUTE WITH OWNERS
Administration Misrepresented Legal Positions; Judge Rules Companies Must Repay Lost Wages

(New York, NY)— Recently, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that New York City’s busing companies will be required to repay school bus drivers and matrons lost wages and benefits following an illegally declared impasse last spring.

Earlier this year, I called on the City Council to launch a full investigation of the administration’s previous negotiations regarding the school bus driver’s strike, following misrepresentations surrounding their legal ability to bargain with Local 1181. Mayor Bloomberg, Department of Education Chancellor Dennis Walcott, and representatives of Corporation Counsel previously presented to the City Council information regarding the solicitation of contracts for school bus transportation services— specifically the decision not to include traditional Employee Protection Provisions (“EPPs”) for school bus drivers, matrons, and mechanics. They claimed that including the EPPs in the solicitation for bids was something “we are not legally permitted to do”, a claim that was false.

As predicted, through the administration’s removal of EPPs, bus drivers lost job security. Bus contractors no longer had an incentive to keep existing bus drivers who were likely to request fair wages and benefits for their labor. The actions of the administration, and their enabling of bus companies, effectively dismantled union power and hurt workers. The wage cuts implemented following the illegal impasse resulted in a 7.5 percent loss for drivers and 3.5 percent for matrons. The companies also reduced overtime, and made major cuts in health insurance contributions.

The NLRB’s ruling found that the employers violated the law by declaring impasse on March 19, 2013, and unlawfully walked away from the bargaining table to impose drastic wage cuts. The ruling comes on the heels of a Federal Court ruling earlier this month which also agreed the companies had improperly issued an impasse, and ordered all wage reductions overturned moving forward.

“The administration failed to act in good faith in these negotiations from the beginning, and it was the workers who were hurt. I hope that as we move forward the bus companies and the City can work together to finalize a fair agreement,” said Council Member Letitia James.

###

CM James Urges NYS To Reject DOE Request to Waive Minimum Requirements

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
AUGUST 19, 2013

Contact: Barbara Sherman (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Urges New York State To Reject DOE Request to Waive Minimum Requirements
Renews Call for DOE to Meet New York State Standards Requiring Librarians In Public Schools

(New York, NY)— In May 2013, following a City Council Committee on Education hearing, Council Member Letitia James called on the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to reach compliance with New York State regarding the number of librarians in public schools. According to data provided by the DOE, there were only 306 librarians employed by the agency citywide at the time. The breakdown included 33 librarians placed in elementary schools, 95 in middle schools, and 178 librarians in public high schools.

Last week, the DOE asked for New York State to grant them a waiver so schools are no longer required to have librarians. Already, more than half of the City’s high schools are in violation of State regulations that requires a specific number of librarians in schools, and the quantity of librarians in our schools have been in a steady decline.

“We cannot lose our school librarians, who are so instrumental to our children’s education and their future success,” said Council Member Letitia James. “College-preparation and career-readiness will be more difficult for students who do not have access to school libraries that teach them invaluable research skills. In light of the DOE’s recent standardized test scores, it would seem the department would work harder to meet this basic standard for student achievement.”

For the Department of Education to be in compliance with State regulations, the DOE would have to hire approximately 280 librarians for placement in middle and high schools at a cost of $24 million. According to the administration’s FY14 Budget, library services for public schools remain flat, while charter school funding will increase by approximately $70 million for the fiscal year.

###

CM Letitia James Joins UFT At Press Conference Announcing Lawsuit Re: DOE Plans for School Co-locations in Next Mayor’s Term

Council Member Letitia James Joins UFT At Press Conference Announcing Lawsuit to Block Administration Plans for School Co-locations in Next Mayor’s Term

Today (July 18th) New York City parents and teachers joined United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew and elected officials to protest Mayor Bloomberg's efforts to saddle New York City's next mayor with his failed school policies.

During his final months in City Hall, Mayor Bloomberg is trying to cement plans for a dozen or more co-locations that would not open until long after he leaves office.

The UFT will file a lawsuit Thursday in New York State Supreme Court to stop the Department of Education from starting these co-locations- projects that attempt to bind the next mayoral administration to the same failed education agenda.

"Eight years was enough, and twelve years has been too long-- the  DOE is asking us to vote for charter schools housed in public schools years in advance," said Council Member Letitia James. "This is a desperate attempt by DOE to beat the clock-- but we must stop the clock!"

ATTENTION: NYC Summer Meals Program Begins TODAY

Dear Resident,

New York City's Summer Meals Program starts today (June 27th), and we wanted to help get the word about this great opportunity for kids 18 years or younger to receive free breakfast and lunch every weekday during the summer.

The Summer Meals program is completely free and doesn't require any paperwork. All kids need to do is show up at one of the 1,000 of schools, parks, pools, community centers and other sites around the five boroughs where this program is being offered and they can receive a free healthy lunch and breakfast. The only requirement is that they be 18 years old or younger.

Families are encouraged to take advantage of this important program, which will be operating throughout the summer until August 30th. To find a site near you, call 311, text the word NYCMeals to 877-877, or visit http://newyorkcity.nokidhungry.org/free-summer-meals.

ATTENTION: Education Town Hall; 4/24; Bed-Stuy

WHAT:  a public town hall to discuss the City's education system, including co-location, special education reform, testing, and early-childhood education.

WHEN:  April 24, 2013
5:30PM- 7:30PM

WHERE:  Antioch Baptist Church (Bed-Stuy)
826-828 Greene Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11221

CM James Speaks Out On Student Privacy

Councilmember Letitia James stands up for student privacy from Class Size Matters on Vimeo.

Read more about the Department of Education's data-sharing initiative here: http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2013/03/data-sharing.php

CM James Calls On SUNY Charter Schools Institute to Immediately Investigate Student Suspensions at Success Academy Schools

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
MARCH 12, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Calls On SUNY Charter Schools Institute to Immediately Investigate Student Suspensions at Success Academy Schools
6-Year-Old Charter School Student with IEP Received 20 Suspensions In Single School Year

(New York, NY)— On Thursday, March 14, 2013, Council Member Letitia James will be joining education advocates to request an immediate investigation on the suspension policy for children with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) at the Charter School Success Academy in Cobble Hill Brooklyn, after corresponding with a constituent whose 6-year-old son with an IEP was suspended over twenty times during the school year.

Research shows that chronic absentees in kindergarten have the lowest academic performance in first grade. Because each suspension lasted 2-3 days, the child missed over 50 school days. This child’s IEP required that he have a para-professional (“para”) to shadow him during the school day, however his parent states that the para was removed by the school. Other services he was entitled to were given by teachers who were not certified in special education.

“This is an outrageous mistreatment of this child and his family,” said Council Member James. “Children with special needs are entitled to services whether they attend traditional public schools or charter schools. To punish a child and keep him from the classroom because the resources are not available to help him demonstrates a shocking degree of indifference to his education.”

WHAT: Press Conference calling on SUNY Charter Schools Institute, as well as the Success Academy Board of Trustees and DOE to Investigate Student Suspensions at Success Academy

WHO: Council Member Letitia James, and Education Advocates

WHEN: Thursday, March 14, 2013 1:00 PM

WHERE: Steps of City Hall

###

CM James Joins Parents, School Advocates In Rally Against DOE Co-location of Success-Academy Charter School Brooklyn 5

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

October 10, 2012

CONTACT: Barbara Sherman (718) 260-9191 /bsherman@council.nyc.gov

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNCIL 13, PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND ADVOCATES RALLY AGAINST DOE’S PROPOSAL TO CO-LOCATE SUCCESS ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL BROOKLYN 5 AT SUSAN MCKINNEY SCHOOL K265 

(Brooklyn, NY)-- Please join Council Member Letitia James Thursday, October 11th at 4:00pm at a press conference opposing Eva Moskowitz’s Success-Academy Charter School Brooklyn 5 that will serve K through fifth grade to be co-located with Susan McKinney K265 and P369@265, a secondary school, sixth through twelfth grades in school District 13. The District 13 School Field Office (KN13) and a community based organization Partnership with Children is also located in K265. 

The co -location of Success Academy School Brooklyn 5 will compromise and or eliminate the mandated services for District 75 students and students with an Individualized Education Plan (“IEP”). In addition, the co-location will diminish the educational mandate of Susan McKinney Secondary School of the Arts ability to offer classes in drama, chorus, dance, and visual arts to students in grades 6 to 12. 

DOE’s Educational Impact Study purports that the school will operate at 102%. Operating at above capacity will endanger students, compromise education, and eliminate state mandated resource rooms for children who attend P369@k265 and students with IEP’s. 

DOE’s expansion of charter schools has led to greater inequities, and a higher concentration of need in our district public schools at the same time they have taken up increased amounts of critical space from the district schools that educate the neediest students, including in many cases libraries, classrooms, and intervention spaces leading to unacceptable conditions. 

WHO: NYC Council Member Letitia James 

WHAT: The New York Department of Education Office of Portfolio proposal to co-locate Success Academy Charter School Brooklyn 5 at Susan McKinney K265 and P369@265 

WHEN: Thursday October 11, 2012 4:00PM EST 

WHERE: 101 PARK AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11205

CM James Comments on NYC Board of Health Passage of 'Soda Ban'

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
September 13, 2012

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

COUNCIL MEMBERS LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON NYC BOARD OF HEALTH PASSAGE OF ‘SODA BAN’ 

(New York, NY)— Today, New York City’s Board of Health voted 8-1 to ban the sale of sugary drinks over 16 ounces, amid strong criticism from elected officials and others that the ban would be both ineffective and selectively-applied. Council Member Letitia James has been a vocal criticizer of the plan, and put forth alternative proposals to the administration.

"Unfortunately— but unsurprisingly—the Mayor's proposal to ban sugary drinks over 16 ounces has been approved by the Board of Health despite the fact that 60% of NYC residents don't agree with it. Instead of limiting choices, this administration should be working with our community groups and education officials to expand physical fitness activities and teach our kids the benefits of a healthy lifestyle at an early age," said Council Member Letitia James.

###

CMs James & Viverito Call on DOE to Combat Youth Obesity Through Expanded PE in Public Schools

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 6, 2012

Contact: Joe Taranto (CM Mark-Viverito): (917) 535-5531 | jtaranto@council.nyc.gov
Aja Worthy-Davis (CM James): (212) 788-7081 | aworthy-davis@council.nyc.gov

COUNCIL MEMBERS MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO AND LETITIA JAMES CALL ON DOE TO COMBAT YOUTH OBESITY THROUGH EXPANDED PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
LETTER SIGNED BY 34 COUNCIL MEMBERS CALLS ON CHANCELLOR WALCOTT TO BRING PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM UP TO STANDARDS, REDUCE DISPARITIES IN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES

(New York, NY)— As the Bloomberg administration promotes its proposed ban on the sale of large sugary drinks, Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito and Letitia James have spearheaded a letter to New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor Dennis Walcott highlighting deficiencies in the City’s physical education (PE) program. The letter, which was signed by 32 other Council Members, points to several studies indicating that the city’s children, particularly in low-income communities of color, are not receiving the minimum required gym classes, despite the important role that regular physical activity plays in reducing obesity.

“With all the attention being placed on the Bloomberg administration’s proposed soda ban, we felt that there was a larger story to tell about how other policy choices by this administration are contributing to the obesity epidemic in this City,” said Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito. “The disparities between our city’s neighborhoods when it comes to physical education are unacceptable. We look forward to working with the DOE to achieve a marked improvement in the City’s physical education program, particularly in low-income communities of color.”

“Unlike the administration’s ‘soda ban’, the expansion of physical fitness activities and education in schools will go far to teach the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle from an early age.” said Council Member Letitia James, who has been working with “Let’s Move Brooklyn” (part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s national youth fitness campaign) this summer, speaking at their educational panel as well as hosting the “Brooklyn Olympic Fun Day Events” in Bedford-Stuyvesant last month.

According to a recent New York Times article, one in five city high school students reported not having gym class in an average week. Additionally, none of the 31 elementary schools visited by the NYC Comptroller’s Office last year met New York State standards on PE. And a 2012 study conducted by the NYC Strategic Alliance for Health found only 6 out of 74 elementary schools studied were meeting state requirements.

The New York State Education Department requires that PE classes be held every day for students in grades K to 3, and three times a week for grades 4 to 6, for a minimum of 120 minutes a week; and at least 90 minutes a week for grades 7 and 8. Three gym classes a week are required for grades 7 through 12 in one semester, and twice a week in another.

The communication to the Chancellor requested that his office provide the Council with data on the City’s PE program; clarification on the DOE’s policy on PE in co-located schools; and information regarding the DOE’s strategy to improve PE in schools and reduce PE disparities across neighborhoods.

###

ATTENTION: UPK Deadline Extended to April 10, 2012

The Department of Education's Pre-K application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, April 10, 2012.

Parents can apply to public school pre-k programs online or in person.

Online: If parents would like to apply online, they must submit their application by 11:59 pm on April 10.
In Person: Parents can visit their local enrollment office to fill out a paper application or work with a counselor to complete the online application. The deadline to apply in person at an enrollment office is April 10 at 3:00 pm.

Community-based organization (CBO) pre-kindergarten programs have no specific application deadline. If parents would like to apply to CBO programs, deliver the CBO application directly to each CBO site to which you would like to apply.

For more information about pre-kindergarten admissions—and to see a list of public school and CBO pre-kindergarten programs—visit www.nyc.gov/schools/prek.

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.
--

**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

###

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.”

##

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