PTA MEETING, Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 pm

There will be a PTA meeting on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 pm. Please note the time change for this meeting. This is being done because we will also be holding school board elections that evening starting at 6:00 pm sharp.

Below is an election guideline. Please read it carefully, and come out on the 2st to support your fellow parents and ensure that you are represented on the school board.

Elections for Officers of the PS 161 Parent School Boards Are Open!
Please Run, Vote and Get Involved!

Nominations
• Will take place from the floor on election night on Wednesday May 21 at 6:00 pm

Election/Voting
• Will take place on Wednesday May 21 at 6:00 pm. You must be present to run or to vote.

Results
• Will be announced at the May 21 meeting

Term of office
• July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009

Number of positions available
• PTA - 5 positions
• PAC – 3 positions
• SLT - 4 positions

Positions and general duties of PTA positions (see bylaws for specific duties)
1. President - Heads association & presides at ALL meetings
2. Vice President - Assist president & performs duties in absence
3. Corresponding Secretary - Maintains all official records, coordinates all correspondence
4. Recording Secretary - prepares meeting minutes, share duties with Corresponding Secretary
5. Treasurer - Conducts & responsible for all financial affairs

Goals and objectives of other offices: PAC and SLT
1. PAC – Parent Advisory Council: Ensure effective involvement of all parents of Title I participating children and to support the partnership between other school community stakeholders (school administration and staff, PTA and SLT); To involve parents of Title I participating students in an organized and timely manner with the planning, review, and implementation of Title I programs and the joint development of the school parental involvement policy and the school-parent compact.
2. SLT – School Leadership Team: Comprising of administration, teachers and parents, the SLT is responsible for developing an educational plan, matching budget to needs, and building a sense of community. Parents make up half of membership; rest is teachers, school staff, union and Parent Association representation, and possibly students or community members

Eligibility for Parent Members: Per the bylaws, whether or not you pay the “suggested dues”, you are automatically a member of the Parent Teacher Association if you are a parent, guardian or person in parental relation to a child attending PS 161. A member is entitled to vote and to run for any position. The election process and officer’s duties are outlined in the bylaws – copies will be made available during the election. You can also obtain a copy of the Chancellor’s Guidelines on the DOE website.

Eligibility for Teacher Members: Per the Chancellor’s Regulations, as a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), membership must be open to all teachers in the school. Any staff person who is a member of the association is eligible to vote, unless otherwise restricted by conflicts of interest. Persons employed in the school cannot serve on a nominating committee, or run for positions on the executive board.

Chancellor Announces New Web Site for City's Teachers

Press release from the Department of Education:

Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein today announced the launch of a new one-stop-shop on the Department of Education’s Web site for public school teachers. Teacher Page, which is launching during National Teacher Appreciation Week, will give teachers quick and easy access to human resources information and a wide range of teaching resources. It will also allow teachers to access calendars, e-mail, and lists of special opportunities, including grants and other programs for teachers and students. It is located on the Department of Education’s Web site at www.nyc.gov/schools/teachers.

Free Comic Book Day

Midtown Comics celebrates the seventh annual comic book giveaway by offering free comics (while supplies last).

Free Comic Book Day is a single day when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free* to anyone who comes into their stores.

Stop by either Midtown Comics location and get free comics! No purchase required!

Saturday, May 3

MIDTOWN TIMES SQUARE
200 W. 40th St. (Corner of 7th Ave.); 212.302.8192


MIDTOWN GRAND CENTRAL
459 Lexington Ave. (Corner of 45th St); 212.302.8192

Lights, Camera....

As the Tribeca Film Festival comes to a close this year, don't miss out on the fun-filled Tribeca Family Fest Street Fair. Get out of Brooklyn this weekend and head over to Tribeca for the all-day Festival Street Fair featuring performances, activities, local merchants, and much more!

When: Saturday, May 3
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Runs along Greenwich Street, from Hubert to Duane

East meets West

This Saturday, May 3, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is proud to present the 27th annual 'Rite of Spring' with the presentation of Sakura Matsuri Cherri Blossom Festival. There will be over 60 events and performances celebrating Japanese culture and the blossoming of BBG's 220 cherry trees.

Visitors to the weekend-long Cherry Blossom Festival can enjoy J-pop concerts, traditional Japanese music and dance, taiko drumming, martial arts, bonsai pruning workshops, Japanese Manga art, tea ceremonies, and workshops for all ages. New this year is the Sakura J-Lounge, featuring some of the country's hippest DJ's spinning Japanese pop sounds.

May 3–May 4, 2008
10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Rain or Shine
Click here for more Brooklyn Botanic Garden info

Oh, by the way if you suffer from seasonal allergies, don't forget your medicine and your tissues!

May 2008 Calendar

The May Calendar is out and these are some of the highlights:

Thursday, May 1: 4th grade science performance exam
Friday, May 2: C.S.L.J. (7th and 8th grade) and 4th grade science performance exam
Monday, May 5: 4th grade science performance exam
Tuesday, May 6: National Teacher Appreciation Day
Thursday, May 8: Grades K - 1, Vision and Hearing Testing
Friday, May 9: Grades K - 1, Vision and Hearing Testing
Monday, May 12: Grades K - 1, Vision and Hearing Testing
Tuesday, May 13: Crown School 6th Grade Lottery Drawing; 6 pm
Wednesday, May 14: School Leadership Team meeting; 5:45 pm
Friday, May 16: School wide spelling bee
Wednesday, May 21: PTA Meeting/Elections; Student of the Month/Most Improved Student
Thursday, May 22: Science Projects due
Friday, May 23: Career Day; 9 to 11
Monday, May 26: Memorial Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
Wednesday, May 28: Science Fair

Construction

By now, the construction crews at PS 161 this past year have become old news. Our school is undergoing a vast capital plan to basically bring a building built in the 1930's into the 21st century. With that being said, a handout was sent home this week from the NYC Department of Education that states that PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) have been found in the caulking material in a number of schools in the city. PS 161 is one such school.

Per the handout from the DOE, "PCBs in intact building materials do not result in significant exposure and are unlikely to result in health effects. The Department of Education has recently rested air samples in the schools in question, and those tests find no evidence of significant exposure for children or teachers."

With that being said, children are children and often touch materials they are not supposed to, or put things in their mouths that they are not supposed to. Please continue to advise your children to refrain from doing this. And now as the weather becomes warmer and the children are sent to the backyard to play, please have them wash their hands and face with soap and water when they come back inside.

Please read the handout that was sent home for more information about PCBs and precautions that you can take with your child.

HIV/AIDS Curriculum

This past week, a form was sent home for parents' consent to have their children participate in a HIV/AIDS curriculum designed by the New York State Education Department and the New York City Department of Education. Both of these departments have mandated the curriculum and that it be age-appropriate and address the nature of the disease, the methods of transmission and methods of prevention.

Lessons focus on developing an understanding of communicable diseases, ways to live a healthy life and how to identify community resources that can help enhance the quality of life. State regulations require that all students attend lessons on the nature of the disease and methods of transmissions. However, parents or legal guardians have the right to ask that their children not participate in the lessons dealing with methods of prevention. Parents who do make such a request must file with the principal of their child's school a written request that the child not receive such instruction and assure the principal that the pupil will receive such instruction at home.

Please sign the consent form and have your child return to his/her teacher.

In the Community

Last night at MS 61, District 17 Presidents Council held a meeting open to the community. The Presidents Council is made up of PTA presidents in a district as well as PTA/PAC and SLT board members. There were many guests present notably Assemblyman Karim Camara, Assemblyman Hakim Jeffries, representative for NY State Senator Eric Adams, and Ms. Martine Guerrier. Ms. Guerrier answered many questions from the crowd.

The following is some of the information that was garnered. You can visit these local elected officials offices (which are in the neighborhood) to get much more info - click on their names above to be taken directly to their website.


Friday, April 18 6:30 - 7:30 pm; Brooklyn Public Library (Grand Army Plaza) - Partner with NYS Senator Eric Adams to Develop a Contract with Our Children. Senator Adams is inviting Parent and Community organizations to join him in continuing to develop 10 critical items that elected officials must agree to in support of the educational needs of our children.

Saturday, April 26 12:00 - 4:00 pm; MS 61; 2008 Summer Solutions - Featuring Community Resources, Career Workshops and Job Fair. Sponsored by Assemblyman Karim Camara, The Crown Heights Unites Coalition and District Attorney Charles J. Hynes. The day will feature two programs. One for teens and young adults - find a job, attend job readiness workshops (YOU MUST DRESS IN BUSINESS ATTIRE); the second program is for families with children - find summer camps and other activities. Contact Lauren Baranco at 718.756.1776 for more information.


Various Dates: May 13, May 20, May 27 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm; Marcus Garvey Nursing Home; Maximize Your Job Search - a free seminar for people who are looking for immediate employment. Sponsored by Assemblyman Karim Camara, presented by SUNY-BEOC Bridge Program. Topics will include creating a marketable resume and cover letter; enhancing your interviewing skills. For more information or to register call 718.756.1776

Saturday, May 10 at 9:00 am; Walk a Mile for Your Momma - 4th Annual Mother's Day walk to raise awareness about domestic violence. Presented by Jonah Village, the Grand Marshall will be NYS Senator Eric Adams. Assemble at Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza-Harriet Tubman Way (formerly Fulton Street) at 9:00 am; walk commences at 10 am.

Odds and Ends

First a THANK YOU to all who attended the PTA meeting this past Monday. It was a pretty special night as we honoroed the Students of the Month, Most Improved Students and Read-a-Thon winners. The auditorium was packed as parents came out to support their children's hardwork.

The evening also featured as special guest, Ms. Dona Collins of DC Collins Worldwide who did a presentation on ‘Simple Nutritious Snacks for Kids’. Ms. Collins brought a sample of the snacks from the line. Contact information for Ms. Collins is as follows, 866.766.9290 and dccollins@optonline.net. The website is dccollinsworldwide.com

Finally, one of the best features of the night was the PS 161 School Band led by Mr. Aird. This band was formed by Mr. Aird in January - most of the students have never played an instrument before. Well in a few short months, this band is rocking the house and performing at PS 161 events by special request. Anyone interested should contact Mr. Aird - practice is held after school on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Upcoming PTA and School Activities

Monday, April 14th at 6:30 pm – PTA Meeting (Auditorium). Please join us for general updates regarding PTA activities as well as reports from PAC and SLT. Additionally, certificates will be presented for Students of the Month as well as Most Improved Student of the Month.

Wednesday, April 16 at 5:45 pm – SLT Meeting (Cafeteria). This special meeting will be an open session – all are welcome, but only SLT board members will be able to speak. If you ever wanted to know what goes on in an SLT meeting, then please join us.

Week of April 21 to 25 – Spring Break – School will be closed for the entire week.

Changes to the Gifted & Talented Programs, again

From a press release today from the DOE, 'Revised Standard Would Give Nearly Twice as Many Students an Opportunity to Participate in a Gifted Program than Originally Approved Standard'. Chancellor Klein has revised the admission policy for G&T programs as ' to accommodate the overwhelming increase in the number of students testing for admission.'

Please click here to read the entire press release.

Pre-K applications are on line NOW!

Click here for the link for 2008-9 Pre-K applications and directory.

The Pre-Kindergarten Directory provides information about the New York City Pre-Kindergarten programs that are available for the 2008-2009 school year. These programs are in selected public schools and contracted Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). You will find two lists of schools (public school programs and CBO programs), their locations and other important information regarding the application process included in the directory.

The 2008-2009 New York City Public School Pre-Kindergarten Application is included in the directory. The application must be mailed to the following address by Friday, April 18.

New York City Department of Education
Pre-Kindergarten Admissions
PO Box 679
Willow Grove, PA 19090

To apply to pre-Kindergarten programs offered by CBOs, parents should submit applications directly to the appropriate CBOs. A CBO is a Community Based Organization that provides early childhood services such as a day care center, a Head Start or child care center. These sites located in neighborhoods across the city contract with the New York City Department of Education to provide Universal Pre-Kindergarten services.

Let no man pull you low enough to hate him

Today, April 4th, 2008, is the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Over the years Dr. King has been placed into two groups; those who considered him too meek, not adamant enough or outraged about the atrocities committed by those during the Jim Crow era. How could a man who was arrested 29 times for his civil rights activities say the title quote above? Then there are those who are trying to vilify Dr. King - he smoked! And there are rumors of the extra-marital affairs. What does this all prove? That Dr. King was a mortal, a human being, not able to fit in a one-dimensional box created for him.

Truly think about Dr. King and his life's work. Did you know towards the end of his life, his platform changed from overall civil rights for black people to one of equal rights for all poor people? He was having success organizing the labor unions and other activists working for poor people (black and white) - that is why some believe that he was assassinated. His work was touching a chord in the mainstream society as he was starting to achieve one of the most illusive goals in this society – unity among the working classes.

Inspiration in Frozen Territory

A New York Times article published on March 28, 2008 by Sara Rimer “Harlem to Antarctica for Science, and Pupils” features Ms. Shakira Brown, a 29-year-old Harlem middle school science teacher and her eight weeks research expedition in Antarctica.

Could you spend a day, much less 56 in the following conditions: camping on the sea ice in unheated tents, in 20-below-zero temperatures; blinding whiteouts;. the bathroom - a toilet seat over a hole in the ice. Well Ms. Brown decided that this would be a great teaching tool for her students and provide some much needed role models in the field of science, research and the like.

Click here to read the entire story. Ms. Brown is definitely a trail-blazer that we will be reading more about in the future!

April 2008 Calendar

The April calendar was sent home yesterday, and below are some hightlights:

Friday, April 4th - Honor Roll Recognition; 9:30 am
Friday, April 11th - Schoolwide Poetry Contest
Monday, April 14th - PTA Meeting; 6:30 pm
Wednedsday, April 16th - SLT Meeting (Open Session); 5:45 pm
Thursday, April 17th - Poem in your Pocket Day
April 21 through 25 - SCHOOL CLOSED FOR SPRING RECESS
Monday, April 28th - New York State 8th Grade Science Test
Wednesday, April 30th - New York State Science Written Test; Grades 4 and 8

Crown Gems Book Club

This Saturday, March 15th, the Crown Gems book club will gather to discuss Bill Cosby's, Come on People. Several copies of this book were raffled at the December PTA meeting - that is plenty of time to have read the book.

The Crown Gems book club was started two years as an outlet for adults, teachers and parents to get together over some great literature and social commentary. Come out this Saturday for refreshments and lively chat, at 12 pm.

Uh Oh!

It's report card time, folks!!! This Thursday, March 13 there will be Parent/Teacher Conferences at PS 161. There will be a Half Day for students - NO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS. The sessions will be from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Please make every effort to attend. Refreshments will be served and parking will be available in the backyard.

March Calendar

The March calendar was sent home yesterday and the following are some highlights:

Monday, March 3 - M.E.C. "Read Across America" for grades K to 3

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, March 4, 5 & 6 - New York State Math Exam for grades 3, 4 and 5

Friday, March 7 - 100 Days Perfect Attendance Celebration

Saturday March 8 - Family Movie Day

Monday and Tuesday, March 10 and 11 - New York State Math Exam for grades 6, 7 and 8

Wednesday, March 12 - School Leadership Team Meeting

Thursday, March 13 - 1/2 Day for students - Parent/Teacher Conference 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:30 pm

Saturday, March 15 - Family Movie Day

Monday, March 17 - PTA Meeting; 6:30 pm

Wednesday, March 19 - Grandparents Workshop

Friday, March 21 - Good Friday, school closed

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Across the city, hundreds of thousands of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are taking the New York State Math Exam today and tomorrow. We wish them all good luck!

The specific schedule is as follows:

Grades 3 & 5: Tuesday, March 4 - Part I
Wednesday, March 5 - Part II

Grades 4: Tuesday, March 4 - Part I
Wednesday, March 5 - Part II
Thursday, March 6 - Part III

As always, please make sure that your child gets a good night's rest before each test day. Give them a nutritious breakfast and get them to school on time with two #2 sharpened pencils.

Update

PTA Vice President, Traci Tucker, has resigned her post on the board due to personal conflicts. We thank her for her service to our school, its students, parents and adminstration.

Upcoming activities

March 3 - Read Across America

March 3 - PTA Executive Board meeting, 6:30 pm

Math Exam:
March 4 & 5 - Grade 3 and 5
March 4 & 6 - Grade 4
March 10 & 11 - Grade 6, 7, and 8

March 5 - Parent Nutrition Workshop, 9 am

March 7 - 100 Day Celebration

March 8 and 15 - Family Movie Festival

March 17 - General PTA Meeting 6:30 pm

Time for sleep...

The importance of a good night's sleep cannot be overstated. Research upon research has proven that children and adolescents who have a good night's sleep, are healthier physically and emotionally. Sleep helps the body repair itself and for little ones who are growing this is a major factor in their development. But don't take my word for it, there is a great article in today's New York Daily News - click here to read.

It's been a while!

We're back after a week-long break. Hope everyone is well rested and rejuvenated and ready to get back to work!!!!

Sweet Valentine

"Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14 in which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished."

We say, Valentine's is for everyone that you love, so Moms and Dads, shower your precious babies with some cards and sweets. Call your family and remind them again how much you love them! Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

February PTA Meeting

Please join us Thursday, February 14 at 6:30 pm as we celebrate Black History Month at our PTA meeting. The evening will feature a choral group, a one-woman spoken word performance, an African dance troupe and more. In the spirit of honoring our best, there will also be a presentation of the Student of the Month awards.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with your family while enjoying wonderful entertainment - come out and support your school!

Events Around Town

The following is a list of activities and events sponsored by the UFT:

What:BROOKLYN CHILDREN'S SPORTS & FITNESS EXPO

The Children’s Sports & Fitness Expo introduces children to over 25 sports activities, nutrition classes and health screenings which encourage children and parents to choose healthier lifestyles. Through this free event, families can gain exposure to activities, programs and services that will help them to become more physically fit, thereby reducing the risk of obesity in their lives.

When: April 5, 2008, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: St. Francis College
Contact:Vincent Ferguson at (718) 346-5852 vince@sixweeks.com;www.bodysculpt.org


What: NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historical Preservation Riverbank State Park Presents The 11th Annual COLLEGE Fair

When: Saturday March 8, 2008; 12 Noon - 4 PM
Where: Riverbank State Park; 145th Street & Riverside Drive Manhattan

Free Admission; Open to Junior High School and High School students seeking to pursue a degree from a Junior or Senior College, including Masters’ programs and trade schools. 70-plus national colleges and universities represented. Free workshops in Admissions Prep, SAT, essay writing, scholarship resources, and more.

Contact: Pat Vitucci, College Fair Coordinator, 212-694-3656

Liar Liar

Has this ever happened to you Dearest Mom and Dad? You’re preoccupied with something, cooking dinner, cleaning or just plopped in front of the TV, you look up only to see your darling daughter smack her brother in the face. Then she says “I didn’t hit him”!!! Or you go to your son’s room and discover that he’s created a masterpiece on your walls. Now, he’s an only child and you’re a single parent so there is no one else in the house but the two of you, and he still says “It wasn’t me”!!?!?!!

Have you ever wondered why children lie, most times about the silliest stuff. Well writer Po Bronson shares his investigation in an article in this week’s New York Magazine. Click here to read the story.

Oh, one more thing Mom and Dad, these perfect little liars learn it by watching…. you guessed it. Mom, every time you say to Jr., ‘answer the phone and if it’s so and so, tell them I’m not here.’ Or when Dad says, ‘Don’t tattle’ you are teaching the kiddies that lying is okay. I guess next time, I will pick up the phone myself!

Did you VOTE today?????

Voting: a method for a group such as a meeting or an electorate to make a decision or express an opinion — often following discussions, debates or election campaigns.

In many other countries, people die for the right to vote, the right to be heard. As a matter of fact, while we are celebrating Black History month, just one or two generations ago, many black people in this country did not have the right to vote - and paid dearly for trying to exercise this basic right of all Americans.


While the owner of this blog supports Barack Obama, we urge you to go out there and VOTE, no matter who your candidate is.

February School Calendar

The following is a list of activities and events included in the February calendar sent home last week:

February 1 – After School Boy Scouts meeting

February 2 –PTA Movie Festival, 12 pm

February 5 – Parents Math Workshop Part II Grade 4

February 8 – After School Boy Scouts meeting

February 9 - PTA Movie Festival, 12 pm; CSLJ Step Team Show, 10 am

February 12 - Parents Math Workshop Part II Grades 3 & 5

February 13 - School Leadership Team meeting

February 14 – PTA Meeting – Black History Celebration

February 15 – Grandparents Read Aloud Day; After School Boy Scouts meeting

February 18 - 22 – Mid-Winter Recess - school closed

February 19 – AIS Mid-Winter Recess Classes: Grades 3 to 8

February 20 - AIS Mid-Winter Recess Classes: Grades 3 to 8

February 21 - AIS Mid-Winter Recess Classes: Grades 3 to 8

February 25 – School re-opens

February 26 – Parent Lobby Day in Albany
February 27 – Grandparents Workshop; Black Inventors contest

February 28 – Parent Workshop; School Quality Review

February 29 – After School Boy Scouts meeting
Please be sure to check your child's bookbag for the following calendar.

In honor of Black History Month, the following is a listing of some upcoming PTA activities:

•Showtime Saturdays! A Family Movies Festival - Join us for the first in our four-part series this Saturday, February 2 at 12 pm. The movies are:

Transformers – Starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, & Anthony Anderson
Ultimate Avengers 2 – Rise of the Panther (Marvel Comics)


•Black History Celebration – The PTA meeting this month will feature a celebration of the proud culture of the African Diaspora. The meeting will be on February 14 at 6:30 pm. The program will include performances by the following: Drum Song African Dance Troupe, the PS 161 chorus – the Crown Diamonds, a spoken word artist. In addition to the entertainment, we have several special guests who will be in attendance. Refreshments will be served and parking will be available in the backyard.

Artists in the Midst!

Did you know that PS 161 is home to celebrated authors! Mutiya and David Vision are a husband-and-wife team that epitomize the word inspiration. They have developed tools - books, music, art, poetry - to help children thrive above and beyond their capabilities. Check out their website for more information on book titles.

Negro History Week

Did you know that Black History Month began as "Negro History Week". And we have Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the son of former slaves, to thank for the annual time of reflection on our achievements. The following is bio on Dr. Woodson from Infoplease.com.

Dr. Woodson spent his childhood working in the Kentucky coal mines and enrolled in high school at age twenty. He graduated within two years and later went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. The scholar was disturbed to find in his studies that history books largely ignored the black American population - and when blacks did figure into the picture, it was generally in ways that reflected the inferior social position they were assigned at the time.

Woodson, always one to act on his ambitions, decided to take on the challenge of writing black Americans into the nation's history. He established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915, and a year later founded the widely respected Journal of Negro History. In 1926, he launched Negro History Week as an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout American history.

Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. However, February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in black American history. For example:

February 23, 1868:
W. E. B. DuBois, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born.
February 3, 1870:
The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.
February 25, 1870:
The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.
February 12, 1909:
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.
February 1, 1960:
In what would become a civil-rights movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro, N.C., college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter.
February 21, 1965:
Malcolm X, the militant leader who promoted Black Nationalism, was shot to death by three Black Muslims.

For a King Celebrate!

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963


On this day, January 21, many people across this country are home because of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Are you catching up on extra ZZZs - please don't just use this as a day off. Make Dr. King's life and work mean something - there are many ways big and small to contribute to your community. If we all do something, we can make a change.

NEW 8TH GRADE PROMOTION POLICY

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT - Per the NYC Department of Education:

Starting in the 2008-09 school year, eighth-graders will be promoted to high school by

• Scoring at Level 2 (basic) or above on both the Math and ELA assessments
• AND passing all core academic subjects (ELA, math, social studies, science)

If a student does not meet the requirements during the school year, the student may
• Appeal a promotion decision based on a standardized rubric
• Attend summer school and retake tests or failed courses

Yes, you read correctly. The DOE will hold town hall meetings in all five boroughs on its proposed 8th grade promotion policy. Members of the public can also submit comments via e-mail to promotion@schools.nyc.gov. The schedule for each hearing is as follows:

6:00 p.m. - Doors open. Speaker signup begins.
6:30 p.m. - Hearing begins with presentation of the proposal.
6:45 p.m. - Public comment. Speakers will be called in the order in which they signed up. Each speaker will have three minutes to make a comment or ask a question. Questions should be short enough to allow for an answer within the three minute allotment. The time limit will be strictly enforced so that as many people as possible have a chance to speak.
8:30 p.m. - Hearing concludes.

If you are concerned about this, then please attend one of the meetings below and let your voice be heard. The dates and locations of the town hall meetings are below:

Brooklyn
When: Tuesday, March 4
Where: Brooklyn Technical High School (29 Fort Greene Pl.)

Manhattan
When: Tuesday, February 26
Where: High School of Fashion Industries (225 W. 24th St.)

Queens
When: Thursday, March 6
Where: Hillcrest High School (160-05 Highland Ave.)


Staten Island
When: Thursday, February 28
Where: Michael J. Petrides High School (715 Ocean Terrace)
Bronx
When: Tuesday, March 11
Where: Evander Childs HS (800 E. Gun Hill Rd.)

Chancellor Klein Announces Middle School Fairs

Press Release from the New York City Department of Education:

Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein today announced the schedule for middle school fairs that will be held in the 22 school districts Citywide that offer middle school choice to students. The fairs begin on January 15, 2008, and are part of the first Citywide middle school admissions calendar, which replaces the various calendars used by individual districts in previous years. Middle school applications will be available at elementary schools beginning the week of January 21 and are due February 6. Families will be notified of placements in May. Although this new calendar applies Citywide, admissions criteria and placement decisions will continue as they have in previous years. Specific information about middle school options in each district, including selection criteria and eligibility rules, are available in the middle school directories that elementary school students will receive before the fairs.

Click here for the full schedule.

Daring to be different

We've heard it a million times - children in a certain demographic only aspire to be rappers or basketball players (not that there is anything wrong with that).

But some folks are proving themselves to be trailblazers and are showing that a black man does not fit in a tidy box.

Barrington Irving - He shunned the drugs and gangs of his Miami neighborhood for his dream of flying – now he helps other kids soar. Read more of the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world and also the first African-American to do so. The Christian Science Monitor has great article on Barrington - read it here.




Reggie Fils-Aime - How many children received gaming systems over the holidays? Well this past year the hottest thing around town has been the Nintendo Wii. The man credited with the revolutionary marketing of the Wii is Reginald "Reggie" Fils-Aime, a first generation American born to Haitian parents (yes I said Haitian). Reggie is President and Chief Operating Officer of Nintendo of America. Reggie endeared himself to his fans and became a cult favorite for his passion of gaming and his antics during press conferences. Read a profile of Reggie here.


Michael Lee-Chin - If numbers are your thing, then look no further than to Michael Lee-Chin who is a self-made billionaire from Canada. Michael was born in Jamaica and finished his education in Canada. According to Canadian Business Magazine, he is one of Canada's richest men and made his fortune in the investment world. Michael is still deeply involved in the Caribbean as he is the Chairman of the National Commercial Bank of Jamaica. Read his profile from an article on Jamaicans.com - click here.



Finally, if you set your sights even higher, then all of your hard work, integrity, humility, intelligence can maybe earn you the title..... President.










Yeah, these seem to far more interesting and rewarding career choices don't you think?

Thanks!

Thank you for attending the PTA meeting last Monday - we had a wonderful turnout. There were prizes, prizes and more prizes. Our special guests for the evening, representatives from Carver Federal Savings Bank spoke about the importance of saving early to obtain financial security. The Carver reps (Anthony Grant, Vice President & Area Manager; Cynthia L. Boyce, Carver Community Development Corp.; Sharon Banks, Crown Heights Branch Manager) also mentioned that the bank would match up to $10 any account opened by one of our PS 161 students. To kick off the savings bonanza, Mrs. Barrett offered $100 out of pocket for 10 children to start their savings account. The PTA offered an additional $100. By the end of the evening, 20 children had received $10 to start funding their accounts! There were prizes for adults as well, 4 gift certificates to Barnes and Noble were raffled off, as well as 10 copies of Bill Cosby’s latest book.

The Crown Gems book club is back. To kick off our return, the first selection is Bill Cosby’s, Come on, People!: On the Path from Victims to Victors. Several copies were raffled at the PTA meeting, but we are asking folks to share with their friends and neighbors. This book is available at the local library and bookstores. Notices will be sent home in the coming weeks announcing the meeting date for the discussion.

In honor of Black History Month, the February PTA meeting will be a celebration rather then a meeting. Dancing, spoken word, singing and more will be featured at this performance. Please save the date, Thursday, February 14, 2008 (yes, Valentines Day!)


Also for Black History month, back by popular demand, the Saturday Family Movie Festival will feature popular wholesome movies, starring, directed or produced by the greats in our community. The dates scheduled are as follows: February 2, February 9, March 1 and March 8. Stay tuned for more details.

Picture Day was a resounding success - for the most part! Some folks have yet to receive their package, or would like to order more. The best and quickest way to resolve these issues is to contact the company Irvin Simon Photographers and speak to our assigned customer service rep. Laura Fisher. The telephone number is 516.437.4700 extension 221. If you do leave your details in the main office or use the customer service rep, you will need the following information: your child’s name and class, the teacher’s name and the package that you ordered.

Finally, on Monday, January 21, our school along with many U.S. institutions will be closed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was a visionary who decided to stand up for those around him. He and those who worked with him understood that the only way to change the destiny of all black folk was to ensure equality for all. Don’t close the doors opened by Dr. King and all the other pioneers. This weekend rather than just using the extra day to shop, hang out or sleep late, take a moment to think of Dr. King and while you’re at it, how about some community service!

Scholarships

Filed under: it's never too early

This past Monday, at the PTA Meeting, Mrs. Barrett mention that the Tom Joyner Foundation is offering "full ride" scholarships for graduating high school seniors. Deadline for applications is January 18, 2008. Click here to get to the website and the application.

And the other side of the spectrum, Harvard University announced the following initiatives in 2006:

Financial aid: Beginning next year, parents in families with incomes of less than $40,000 will no longer be expected to contribute to the cost of attending Harvard for their children. In addition, Harvard will reduce the contributions expected of families with incomes between $40,000 and $60,000.

Recruiting: The College is intensifying its efforts to reach out to talented students across the nation who might not think of Harvard as an option. Harvard College is seeking to make sure students understand that Harvard has a long-standing commitment to enrolling students from a wide range of backgrounds and regardless of financial circumstances.

Admissions: Harvard is re-emphasizing, in the context of its highly personalized admissions process, the policy of taking note of applicants who have remarkable accomplishments despite limited resources at home or in their local schools and communities.

Pipeline: Harvard recently announced the establishment of an intensive summer program - the Crimson Summer Academy - for academically talented high school students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in the Greater Boston area. Each student will participate for three successive summers, beginning after ninth grade, receiving encouragement and preparation to attend a challenging four-year college or university.

Please go to their website for more details about the initiatives listed above.

PTA Meeting Tonight

Please join us for the January PTA meeting this evening. Tonight's agenda includes special guests from Carver Bank offering some priceless tips on the importance of good fiscal health. In addition, Student of the Month certificates will be awarded to the latest recipients.

Refreshments will be served and as always, parking is available in the school yard. The meeting begins at 6:30 pm.

Title I Parents and Representatives

From The Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy (OFEA):

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, January 23, 2008

1st Meeting of the Title I Citywide Committee

St. Francis College
Founders Hall
180 Remsen Street (between Joralemon and Montague Streets)
Brooklyn, New York 11201

9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Subway Travel Directions: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall or M, N and R to Court Street

Please plan to attend this important meeting! Invited guests from the Department of Education and the New York State Education Department will also join us! Please confirm your attendance by contacting the OFEA by Friday, January 18th at (212) 374-0801.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Today is the first of many testing days for NYC Public School children, particularly, our PS 161 family. Remember that you cannot cram for these tests. The best strategy at this point is to:

1) stay calm

2) get a good night sleep

3) eat a solid breakfast

4) don't forget your pencils - at least 3 #2 pencils

4) READ ALL DIRECTIONS TWICE

5) READ THE PASSAGES MORE THAN ONCE

6) MAKE SURE THAT YOU BUBBLING IN THE ANSWER ON THE SCANTRON SHEET THAT corresponds to the question in the booklet

7) And remember, STAY CALM!!!

January Calendar

The school calendar for January was sent home yesterday and the following are some highlights:

January 3 - Gifted/Talented Applications Due

January 8 & 9 - ELA State Assessments Grades 3, 4 & 5

January 9 - CSLJ Parent Meeting: 7:30 am & 6:00 pm

January 10 - ELA State Assessment Grade 4

January 11 - U.F.T. Parent Workshop: Academic Performance 9:00 am

January 14 - PTA Meeting 6:30 pm (Student of the Month recognition)

January 15 & 16 - ELA State Assessment Grades 6, 7 & 8

January 15 - School Leadership Team meeting: 5:45 pm

January 17 - ELA State Assessment Grade 6

January 18 - Parents Math Workshop Grade 4: 9:00 am

January 21 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - school closed

January 23 - Parents Math Workshop Grades 3 & 5: 9:00 am

January 24 - School wide Math Predictive Test Grades 3-8

January 25 - Parents Math Workshop Grade 6: 9:00 am

January 29 - Parents LEAP Literacy Workshop Grades K-2: 9:30 am

January 31 - Parents Math Workshop Grades 7 & 8: 7:30 am

Please be sure to check your child's bookbag for the following calendar.

A New Year and a New You

Happy New Year and welcome back to school. January brings with it along with the resolutions and promises a chance to start over and 'get things right' for the new year. One of the things to get right, is being prepared for the myriad of tests coming up. The first one, next week is the ELA - Monday, January 7 - 11 for grades 3, 4 and 5. Then on Monday, January 14 - 18 for grades 6, 7 and 8. Please click here for the entire exam schedule for the 2007-2008 school year.

While there is no way to 'study' for these exams, consistent hard work and organization is definitely a way to succeed. The New York Times had an interesting article on January 1, 2008 about ways for boys to succeed in school. The article points out that boys even through high school seem to have a harder time focusing and getting organizing themselves - often losing things in their bookbags! Check out this interesting read right here.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wishing you joy, peace and love on this most holy day!

Thank you!

Thank you for attending the PTA meeting last Monday. We had a wonderful turnout of nearly 200 parents, staff and children!!! A great time was had by all - over 30 presents were raffled off to the children, as well as poinsettias and hams to the adults. A special thank you goes to parent volunteer, Suzette Billy, whose efforts made the entire evening a success.

The PTA wishes you a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

– We hope you have a healthy and prosperous 2008!


Happy Holidays!!!

Security, even when you're not there

No one likes to think about the inevitable, but how prepared are you just in case you pass away and your children are still young. Well MassMutual has an answer for those who thought they could never qualify or afford life insurance.

According to their website: "MassMutual pays the premiums for all policies issued under the LifeBridge Free Life Insurance Program. There is no out-of-pocket cost to any covered insured or his/her children. Each term life insurance policy awarded under the LifeBridge program will have a $50,000 death benefit.

Under the LifeBridge program, individuals will be eligible to apply if they are:

•age 19-42;

•the parent or legal guardian of one or more dependent children under the age of 18;

•a permanent, legal resident of the United States;

•currently employed full time or part time with a total annual family income that is not less than $10,000 nor more than $40,000 annually;

•in good health as determined by MassMutual's underwriting guidelines; and

•the only member of the household who has applied for the LifeBridge program.


If an insured dies during the 10-year term of the policy, the death benefit will be paid into a trust* established by MassMutual for the educational benefit of the children named by the insured. Benefits will be applied solely toward the education of the insured's eligible children. They will be used to help cover school expenses, including books and tuition."

Please check their website for more details and the application form, by clicking here.

you'd better watch out! have you been good or bad???

Well, the PTA believes that all of our PS 161 children have been nice, and we want to get a jumpstart on Santa Claus*. Join us on Monday, December 17th at 6:30 pm for our Holiday Shindig!!! There will be toy giveaways, food and entertainment**



The Fine Print:
* We (The PTA) are not actually affiliated with Santa Claus, the North Pole or any of Santa’s Elves. The use of Santa Claus’ likeness and actions are purely coincidental. And, we don’t really know which list the Big Guy has you on, could be the naughty, could be the nice – only you know if you have been a sweet angel or an annoying little bugaboo.
**On December 17th, at 6:30 PM, please join us for the final PTA meeting before Christmas vacation. There will be a raffle for children – up to 30 toys will be raffled off to children. There will also be a raffle for grownups – turkeys, hams, poinsettias (wow). If all of that wasn’t enough, there will be a catered Christmas dinner, musical acts, the Young Entrepreneurs table and more. DON’T MISS THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME EVENT (We have been to PTA meetings at other schools, yeah we’re confident that this is the best!)

A Christmas Carol Story Time

Bloomsbury Auctions opens its saleroom to the city's youngest bookworms for a theatrical reading of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, A Christmas Carol - performed by Broadway actor Charles E. Gerber. Free hot chocolate and cookies are served, too. At 6 W 48th Street (between 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center), 2nd floor. [212.719.1000;

Date: Saturday, December 8, 2007
Time: 11am, 12n, 2pm & 3pm
Cost: Free
SUBWAY: B, D, F, Q to Rockefeller Center; R, W to 49th Street; 6 to 51st Street

Letters About Literature

Children in grades four through 12 are invited to participate in a national reading-writing contest. To enter, kids must write a personal letter to an author (living or dead, from any genre) explaining how that author's work changed their way of thinking about the world or themselves. Cash awards are given at national and state levels for winners in three groups: grades four through six, grades seven and eight, and grades nine through 12. Visit the website for official rules, participation guidelines, and an entry form. Click here Letters must be postmarked by 12/14.