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

ATTENTION: SYEP Application Now Available!

The application for the Summer Youth Employment Program is now available. Youth between the ages of 14 and 24 are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is May 10, 2013.

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

ATTENTION: CLACC-C Cultural Summer Camp

The Carlos Lezama Archives and Caribbean Cultural Center Inc. (CLACC-C) is pleased to announce their 2013 full-time Cultural Summer Camp for boys and girls, ages 7-15 years old.

CLACC-C is offering the art of steel pan, costume design, stilt walking, poetry, nutrition, Caribbean folk dancing, and more.

The site of the camp will be based at Medgar Evers College Preparatory School at 1186 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225. More information is available at (718) 773-4052.

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

###

ATTENTION: YMCA Teen Internship Opportunity

The YMCA Teen Internship Opportunity applications are now available for the YMCA Teen Career Connection, a paid summer internship program which provides opportunities for high school students to gain invaluable experience the professional world.

The chosen participants get an 8-week internship where they are placed in fields related to their career interests. In addition to their experience, the participants are provided with a $1,250 stipend, $300 for professional clothing, and 2 monthly unlimited Metrocards.

In order to qualify for the program, the teen must be available for the entirety of the program (June 28th- August 23rd and September 9th), be a sophomore, junior, or senior in high school, and live within the 5 boroughs.

The YMCA will be hosting an information sessions on the program on March 21th, 6-8 p.m. at the West Side YMCA– 5 West 63rd Street New York, NY 10023. The application closes on April 5. Go to www.ymcanyc.org for more information.

CM JAMES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN YOUNG ROCK SOCCER ACADEMY TO PROMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS

**Media Advisory**

It’s Parents vs. Kids at Annual Soccer Challenge!
CM JAMES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN YOUNG ROCK SOCCER ACADEMY & LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TEAM UP TO PROMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS

(Brooklyn, NY) December 13, 2012 – Young Rock Soccer Academy and several Brooklyn organizations will announce a boost to their active, healthy living programming on Saturday, December 15th at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus in conjunction with the Coca-Cola Foundation’s active, healthy living grant initiative.

Young Rock Soccer parents and youth will challenge each other to a game of soccer on Saturday morning at Schwartz Gym at LIU’s Brooklyn Campus. The event will kick off with brief remarks by Borough President Marty Markowitz and New York City Council Members, Letitia “Tish” James and Diana Reyna.

The grant donation to Young Rock Soccer Academy will provide soccer lessons for kids ages 4 through 16, and continue programming that aims to develop discipline, character and achievement for local area youth.

The following organizations are also grant recipients and will participate in the event: Body Sculpt, Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, El Puente, Seeds in the Middle, and Woodhull Kids Ride Club. 

The Coca-Cola Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. The grant is part of the Company’s initiative to aid local organizations in their quest to promote health and wellness, advance education, and spark environmental stewardship.

WHO: Magnus Mukoro, Co-Director, Young Rock Soccer Academy
Diana Reyna, New York City Council Member (District 34)
Letitia “Tish” James, New York City Council Member (District 35)
Donna Cirolia, VP, Public Affairs, Coca-Cola Refreshments
Representatives from Body Sculpt, Coalition for Hispanic Family Services,
El Puente, Seeds in the Middle, and Woodhull Kids Ride Club.

WHAT: Young Soccer Academy Annual Parent vs. Children Soccer Game

WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2012, 10 am-12 pm Remarks – 10:15 am, Soccer game to follow WHERE: Long Island University – Schwartz Gymnasium
1 University Plaza (corner of DeKalb and Flatbush Avenues)

# # #

ATTENTION: Forum on NYC Juvenile Justice "Close to Home" Program in Bed-Stuy

The NYC Department of Juvenile Justice will host "Close To Home", a community forum on how best to serve young people in the juvenile justice system.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 2, 2012

6PM- 8PM

WHERE: Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza

1360 Fulton Street

Brooklyn, NY

For more information, or to RSVP, please call (347) 860-4818.

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: Back-To-School Supplies Drive

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH HELP FROM THE COMMUNITY!!! 

Council Member Letitia James is requesting assistance in securing school supplies for in-need students in the 35th Council District for the 2012-2013 school year.

"It is our duty to invest in our children’s future and what better way to invest than to make sure our young people are equipped and prepared with the tools they need to learn!"- Council Member Letitia James

Donations of pens, pencils, paper, backpacks, notebooks, calculators, protractors, crayons, paint, construction paper, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Collection of these items will be distributed at an event in September in time for the 2012-2013 school year.

If you require any further information, please feel free to contact (718) 260-9191. Thanking you in advance for your consideration and your cooperation.

ATTENTION: SchoolFood Summer Meals Program

The SchoolFood Summer Meals Program is designed to provide children and young adults with a healthy alternative to junk food. Lunch is available for all children under 19 years, and all handicapped persons (regardless of age) who participate in special education programs.

FREE Breakfast and lunch will be served during the Learn to Swim Program at pools in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.

Nearest Location: Commodore Barry Pool
North Elliott between Flushing Avenue & Park Avenue
[Please contact (718) 965-6578 for more information]

Meals are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through SchoolFood, a part of the New York City Department of Education.

ATTENTION: Free Summer Food Program

July 9- Aug. 31: City-wide Free Summer Food Program
Youth up to age 18 now have access to breakfast and lunch at locations citywide. Summer school enrollment is not required to participate in the program; no application is required; and meals are available at any of the open sites, regardless of where a child lives.

Nearest Location: Lafayette Gardens
415 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11205

Times: Mon. - Fri.— Breakfast: 9AM- 10AM
Lunch: 12PM- 1PM 

For additional information or to inquire about a location please call 311 or (212) 306-3358. http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycha/downloads/pdf/summer-food-service-program-flyer-2012.pdf

ATTENTION: 88th Precinct Night Out Against Crime 2012; 8/7; FG Park

Please join the 88th Precinct and the 88th Precinct Community and Youth Council for their National Night Out Against Crime 2012.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 7, 2012
1:00pm to 8:00pm

WHERE: Fort Greene Park
(corner of DeKalb Avenue and Washington Park)

Free rides, food and information. Meet and greet your neighbors, police officers, precinct council board, local elected officials and more…

Captain Scott Henderson Commanding Officer – 88th Precinct
Delia Hunley-Adossa President – 88th Precinct Community & Youth Council

For more information: 88th Community Affairs at 718-636-6526.

ATTENTION: FBI, Fed. Agencies Host FREE Educational Day For Families

WHAT: An exciting, hands on, FREE program for children and families that will feature live displays and lectures from the FBI, Secret Service, Homeland Security and others.

WHEN: June 10, 2012
12 noon- 5PM

WHERE: Jewish Children's Museum
792 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY

For more information, please contact 718-907-8805.

Groundswell and BK Navy Yard Present "Here Goes Something"

Groundswell and the Brooklyn Navy Yard invite the community to celebrate the unveiling of "Here Goes Something", created in part by students from PS 307.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 30
3PM

WHERE: Sands Street at Navy Street

To RSVP, contact (718) 907-5965.

ATTENTION: NYPD Summer Youth Police Academy

The NYPD Youth Services Section will be accepting applications for the NYPD Summer Youth Police Academy 2012 now through June 22, 2012. The Summer Youth Academy provides youth with an unique opportunity to interact with law enforcement professionals, learn life skills and more. The
 program is for youths between the ages of 10-16, and takes place five
 days a week for six weeks during the summer, culminating in a 
graduation ceremony at One Police Plaza.

The application is available here: http://historicfortgreene.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2012ypaapplication.pdf

For additional 
information, please contact the NYPD-Youth Services at 
718 834-8855 or 
646 610-5323.

ATTENTION: SUNY BEOC College Fair

The SUNY Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center is hosting their annual College Fair for students and the residents of Brooklyn. The event is free and open to the public—

WHEN: Monday, April 23, 2012

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

WHERE: 111 Livingston Street

(entrance on Boerum Place)

Brooklyn, NY 11201

The following colleges and universities will be represented:

Adelphi-University College

Berkeley College

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)

Bronx Community College

CUNY Central-Welcome Center

Empire State College

Hostos Community College

Kingsborough Community College

Long Island University

Medgar Evers College

Mercy College

New York City College of Technology

New York State Higher Education Services Corp

Queens College

York College

Please see the attached flyer, and feel free to contact 718-802-3338 if you have any questions.

ATTENTION: NFBID Hosts Earth Day Children's Event; 4/22

The North Flatbush BID is hosting a Children's Earth Day event, free and open to the public!

NFBID will close 6th Avenue and St. Marks Avenues for a Brooklyn Boulders Rock Climbing wall, hula-hooping, games, planting, and arts and crafts for youth throughout the Prospect Heights and Crown Heights community!

WHEN: SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2012 12PM- 4PM

WHERE: 6TH AVENUE TRIANGLE AT ST. MARKS PLACE AND FLATBUSH AVENUE!

Please contact NFBID at 718-783-1685 for more information.

ATTENTION: CM James, SBS and FAB Alliance BID Host FAB Fridays 2012 Concerts

FAB Alliance is hosting FREE CONCERTS FOR KIDS beginning this FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012, 10AM-11AM- with live performances for children outdoors at the new Putnam Triangle Plaza, crossing Fulton Street and Grand Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. There's a free concert for kids each month, April-September. (Schedule below)

On April 20th, there will be games, and free arts and crafts activities for kids from 3PM-6PM. Live music will be available that day from 5PM-8PM at the Putnam Triangle Plaza, the Garage at Fulton Street and Vanderbilt Avenue, and Fowler Square.

FAB FRIDAYS 2012 is a program of the FAB Alliance, with support from the Department of Small Business Services/ AvenueNYC and Council Member Letitia James.

2012 SCHEDULE CONCERTS FOR KIDS @PUTNAM TRIANGLE PLAZA 10-11am

Friday, April 20
JON SAMSON
Kids Music Performance by Jon Samson

Friday, May 11
BOBALOO
Stories and Songs with Bob (Bobaloo) Basey

Friday, June 8
MISS NINA
Stories, Songs, and Her Pink Guitar

Friday, July 13
ACOPLADITOS
Music for Cool Kids en español

Friday, August 10
VERED
Warm, upbeat and soothing songs for you and your little one

Friday, September 14
RODERICK JACKSON and Palms Down percussion Ensemble

You can get more information about the FAB Alliance and its programs at faballiance.org.