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 Comments on Gun Control In The Wake of Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
DECEMBER 20, 2012

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

Council Member Letitia James Comments on Gun Control In The Wake of Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy

(New York, NY)— “In the wake of the tragic school shooting that took place at Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary School, claiming the lives of 27 innocents, the time has come to engage in a serious dialogue on gun control both on a local and national level.

I applaud Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other leaders who have called on President Obama to take bold action on gun control. Mayor Bloomberg, founder of “Mayors Against Illegal Guns” recently called on the President to re-introduce the assault-weapons ban bill, and order the Department of Justice to aggressively pursue those who lie on weapons background check forms.

I echo Mayor Bloomberg, and further urge the New York State Legislature to tighten restrictions on assault weapons, and pass legislation requiring gun manufacturers to use bullet microstamping technology. This technology inscribes a gun’s make and model numbers on the firing pin, imprinting those numbers on the shell casings. This would allow shell casings picked up at crime scenes to be tracked to the gun that fired it. The utilization of this technology would offer the NYPD a new tool in fighting gun crime.

I recognize the work that the NYPD has done to seize and remove illegal guns from the streets of New York. For instance, in October 2012, the NYPD seized 100 illegal guns from weapons trafficking rings, including AK-47 assault rifles. The rings were believed to be selling illegal weapons brought into New York from pawn shops in South Carolina. However, it is equally important that the NYPD re-evaluate the sale of weapon’s materials (such as shell casings) to other states and municipalities with far more lax gun laws.

In 2012, New York City sold more than 28,000 pounds of the NYPD’s spent gun shell casings to a Georgia ammunition store. As per the laws in the state of Georgia, no identification or registration is required to purchase these materials. This is a practice that needs to be re-evaluated if New York is to continue to be seen as one of the most regulated gun-control states in the nation.

I again offer my deepest condolences to the families of those who were affected by this national tragedy.”

Council Member Letitia James introduced Int. 955-2012 into the Council, which would require the administration to report on the disposal of ammunition shell casings.

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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

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.

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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.

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: Elected Officials & SCA Host MWBE Informational Session; 6/15; Medgar Evers College

Council Member Letitia James, Elected Officials, and the NYC School Construction Authority will host a MWBE Informational Session. Attendees will get information on--

- How to become Certified MWBE
- Current City and State Contracting Opportunities for Minority-Owned, Women-Owned Business Enterprises
- Build Productive New Business Relationships

WHEN: Friday, June 15th, 2012
10:00am – 2:00pm

WHERE: Medgar Evers College
1650 Bedford Avenue (Between Crown Street and Montgomery Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11225

Please RSVP by June 12th to email: infobizdev@nycsca.org or call (718) 752 – 5049.

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