tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22631936496514751992024-03-14T02:06:13.229-04:00mysidewalkchalkBrooklyn family and educationJoyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-64899049065862399332009-12-15T18:21:00.002-05:002009-12-15T18:30:00.040-05:00New Charter School in Lefferts Gardens!I just got the exciting news from <a href="http://nycschoolhelp.com/publicprekandkindergarten.aspx">Hawthorne Street</a> that the proposed District 17 Lefferts Gardens Charter School that will be partnering with the Botanic Garden has the go ahead for fall of 2010. They are waiting on a location but the school hopes to be housed close to the park. Whether you are pro charter or not, this is another option for local families and it answers a need in the community.<br /><br />"the school will feature an environmental-science program that spans across disciplines. The over-arching idea is that the learning will be "experiential"—meaning that teachers will try to connect what goes on inside the classroom (and out) to children's daily lives. The school plans on working with the <a href="http://www.bbg.org/">Brooklyn Botanic Gardens</a> and the <a href="http://www.prospectpark.org/visit/places/audubon">Prospect Park Audubon Center</a> as part of its curriculum." - Hawthorne StreetJoyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-25477221857323716642009-12-11T14:19:00.001-05:002009-12-11T14:21:26.958-05:00PS 20 Has a New Website<a href="http://ps20.org/">PS 20 has a new website</a>! but no tours yet. Ms. Colon, the Parent Coordinator says that there may be some dates in a week or so.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-29352037058680708862009-11-02T12:03:00.003-05:002009-11-02T12:25:26.685-05:00The Mid Semester Check UpIt is time for Parent/Teacher conferences again. It is tough to find out or fix everything in the 3 minutes that are scheduled at many schools. It is really just a time to touch base or make an appointment for a longer conversation. It is important to come prepared to use the time wisely and open up lines of communication with your child's teacher.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alexandra Mayzler</span>, Director of <a href="http://www.thinkingcapstutoring.com/">Thinking Caps Tutoring</a> wrote some tips to help parents during the conference season.<br /><br />The first months of school are quickly coming to an end and parent/teacher meetings are upon us. Now is a great time to take a moment to speak to your child about how far he or she has come since the beginning of school, and where he or she hopes to be in the middle of the year and at the end of the year. Rather than wait for the first report card to come and indicate your child's progress, take time to talk about what your child wanted to accomplish and evaluate how the year is going in terms of both strengths and weaknesses. Looking back at the first few months of school will help everyone gain a better perspective of the techniques used and make any necessary adjustments. Here are some ideas about how to start the conversation:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Parent/Student Conference</span> - before you sign up for the parent/teacher conferences, let your child know that you'll be attending the conference. Discuss why you're attending so that your child sees your commitment to his or her education. Ask your child how school is going and what he or she believes will be discussed at the conference. Have your child make a list of comments that he thinks the teacher will address. Together, consider academic highlights and challenges that your child is experiencing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Homework Check In</span> - ask your child how he or she feels about the homework process. Is your child able to complete the assignments? Does he or she have trouble remembering assignments or materials? Does your child feel comfortable about the amount of time spent on the homework? Do you? Pin-point any trouble spots with organization and time management.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Multiple Choice, Bubbles, Essays: Tests</span> - talk to your child about his or her test preparation techniques. How is your child studying for different tests? Does he or she feel prepared when sitting down for a test and is he or she often surprised by the grades? Discuss test anxiety and ways to alleviate test day stress. I f your child feels uncomfortable with the test process, evalutate whether there is trouble understanding teh concepts or if test prep strategies need some tweaking.<br /><br />The conversation should help you and your child establish an understanding of strengths and weaknesses. It is important to highlight the ways that your child is making progress. Don't spend too much time worrying about the errors, but instead focus on the outlook and how to improve the weaknesses. Use the mid-semester to review the origional goals and make any adjustments for the rest of the year.<br /><br />Thanks Alexandra!Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-65456646196371936212009-10-23T15:29:00.002-04:002009-10-23T15:46:36.723-04:00Parents of NY TeensI follow the neighborhood yahoo groups of parents of young children to answer questions about nursery and elementary school, but I occasionally yearn for a group of older parents. I need friends who will talk to me about tutors and teen break ups and how to handle the coed sleepover. I have been an avid member of the yahoo group, parentsofnyteens. It is smallish and chocked full of great parents that I actually know, who are funny and generous and very, very supportive.<br /><br />Just two days ago, Rachel, the moderator, did us all a wonderful service and started the <a href="http://www.parentsofnyteens.blogspot.com/">Parents of NY Teens blog</a> where she is compiling information and resources that the yahoo group members have been supplying.<br /><br />Now a place for us to go! - to find about the emotions and college tours and ...(a couple of months ago there was a lively discussion on the yahoo group about how to inform your son that it was time to take a shower). I recommend that you sign up for the group, and use the information on the blog early and often!Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-83804808675778510962009-10-09T15:18:00.006-04:002009-10-10T08:46:17.562-04:00International School of Brooklyn and Dual Language at PS 84<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Ss-RFdVb52I/AAAAAAAAAOI/7pp7lL5ph0w/s1600-h/large-spain-flag.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Ss-RFdVb52I/AAAAAAAAAOI/7pp7lL5ph0w/s200/large-spain-flag.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390686801945683810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Ss-QXAicBII/AAAAAAAAAOA/E30IXjXmRr0/s1600-h/france.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Ss-QXAicBII/AAAAAAAAAOA/E30IXjXmRr0/s200/france.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390686003941606530" border="0" /></a>It is a big news day for you language immersion and dual language fans!<br /><a href="http://www.isbrooklyn.org/site/index.html">The International School of Brooklyn</a> which is an independent school , (currently nursery through 3rd grade) has a language immersion program in Spanish and French is moving to a big new location. They will be moving their whole school to a former Catholic School building in Carroll Gardens next year. The new location will triple their current space and allow them to launch their middle school in 2012. They anticipate almost doubling their enrollment for the 2010 school year.<br /><br />Are you interested in Dual Language Spanish or Dual Language French in a public school?<br />Check out PS 84 in Williamsburg. Not only do they have a new principal, Jake Hobson, they have just announced that next year they will be rolling out a new dual language French program to join their Spanish program. A large number of local families have been working to organize this program over the last year.<br /><br />They will have a meeting for parents on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6pm</span> at the school (wine and cheese courtesy of the French Embassy).<br /><br />They will also be screening a French cartoon + snacks on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sat. Oct. 24 at 11am</span>. Bring the kids and tell your friends to show local support for this great new neighborhood program. Everyone is welcome. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />RSVP frenchinwillburg@gmail.com</span>Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-58388913813249007032009-09-23T11:45:00.003-04:002009-09-23T12:01:43.460-04:00Sunset Park HS campusI just got back from touring the Sunset Park HS building.<br />It is everything that you would hope it would be, spacious, light, and beautiful. Three schools are housed there right now, Sunset Park HS which will grow at capacity to 1600 students (currently with a 9th grade), Brooklyn Prospect Charter (currently with a 6th grade) which will be housed there for two years before they find their permanent home and The Lillian Rashkis School, a district 75 program. I would recommend that all parents of 5th and 8th graders make time to tour the appropriate program housed in this building. They are worth a look.<br /><br />There is a community barbecue celebrating the opening of Sunset Park HS tonight, Wed. between 5-8pm<br />The school is located at 35th St. between 3rd and 4th Ave.<br />Meet the administrators, teachers and students and tour the building.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-52045990234495133082009-09-18T17:25:00.004-04:002009-09-18T17:48:36.590-04:00Prospect Park West Contest Winners<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SrP_yMGmOYI/AAAAAAAAAN4/ghAgdJdPrZY/s1600-h/ProspectParkWest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SrP_yMGmOYI/AAAAAAAAAN4/ghAgdJdPrZY/s200/ProspectParkWest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382927217345313154" border="0" /></a>Congratulations Amy and Roberta you won! My husband tried to enter.<br />His entry:<br />"Name of your child's current school: Peter Stuyvesant HS<br />Thing you love: Go Peg Legs! (that is really the name of the football team)<br />One challenge that the school faces: The spelling of its name...does it end in 'ant' ,'ent', 'end'?<br />Keep that book in the family!"<br />I have disqualified him and he is not allowed to read the book. He thinks that "Sex in the City" is a documentary and he would never be able to do his coop sift in peace again.<br />I think the new neighborhood parlor game should be who will play "you" in the movie. Heh, Sarah Jessica, I am not in the book, but I would like to be played by Laura Dern and my husband is Colin Firth. Your turn.<br />Thanks for all the entries.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-79272416225955059642009-09-12T17:56:00.008-04:002009-09-12T18:36:53.286-04:00My first impressions of Prospect Park West<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SqwcivUDY2I/AAAAAAAAANw/eO2STecWTEA/s1600-h/ProspectParkWest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SqwcivUDY2I/AAAAAAAAANw/eO2STecWTEA/s200/ProspectParkWest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380707037942604642" border="0" /></a>I had a consult in Manhattan with a lovely family who is moving to the Slope so I finally had a chance to crack open <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/garden/10sohn.html">Prospect Park West</a> by <a href="http://www.amysohn.com/">Amy Sohn</a> for a few quick stops on the F train. I howled through the first chapter, got off the train to talk about nursery programs and when I got back on the F the first thing I read was an abridged list of the schools that I had just recommended. Of course it wasn't accompanied by the well researched data and keen insight that I provide, but if I had been drinking milk at the time, it would have come out my nose. I am going to institute a new rating system. So far Prospect Park West gets 4 out of 4 individual serving organic, antibiotic free milk boxes.<br /><br />The thing is that it has tons of realistic details as well as exaggerated characters. It is like having a famous author in the family. You were at the dysfunctional Christmas reunion. You know the people and what happened. You can gleefully enjoy the embellishments safe in the knowledge that as the boring third cousin, you won't be mentioned. We all know what we love about the neighborhood. We don't need to see that in print. It would be boring. Comedy is cruel and this is comedy set in a very familiar locale.<br /><br />I have one request. I would like Simon & Schuster to come out with an indexed addition, "people and places that Joyce knows". Otherwise I am going to have to go through it with a highlighter.<br /><br />There are still a few days left to submit entries for the "Win the Book Contest". Email me joyce@nycschoolhelp.com with the name of your child's current school, one thing you love and one challenge that the school faces. If your child is not in school yet, tell me what grade level you most fear and why. I will be picking an entry at random on Friday, Sept. 18 at 4pm.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-77293556690130441882009-09-10T13:49:00.004-04:002009-09-10T17:29:11.885-04:00Win a book!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Sqk_FyphUCI/AAAAAAAAANo/PLKkVVpqD08/s1600-h/ProspectParkWest.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Sqk_FyphUCI/AAAAAAAAANo/PLKkVVpqD08/s200/ProspectParkWest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379900598598586402" border="0" /></a><br />I have a copy of Prospect Park West by <a href="http://www.amysohn.com/">Amy Sohn</a> to give away. I am dying to read it. As soon as I finish updating all of my school data sheets with new progress reports (heck, they are all A's anyway!) I am going to take a "guilty pleasure afternoon" and crack it open.<br />Here's how to play:<br />drop me an email with "book" in the subject. joyce@nycschoolhelp.com<br />Tell me one good thing and one challenge that your child's current school is facing and tell me the name of the school. If your child isn't in school yet, let me know what grade level you are most anxious about. The deadline is Friday Oct. 18 at 4pm. I will pick an email at random and send you a book.<br /><br />Thank you <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Prospect-Park-West/Amy-Sohn/9781416577638">Simon & Schuster</a>! I love giving things away. Feel free to send me more books anytime, and I will let you know what I think about the Prospect Park West in upcoming posts.<br /><br />My kids are prepping for the SATs. Heh, Barron's or Princeton Review - they are happy to try out any test prep books that you are giving away!Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-56808110658509719512009-09-09T15:32:00.004-04:002009-09-09T15:55:40.253-04:00Middle School: Part 3So it is the first day of middle school, congratulations! This is what every sixth grade parent wants to hear as their darling comes in the door, "thanks mom and dad, that school is great! It is everything that I dreamed it would be over those long months last year, when we were waiting to hear where I would be placed." This is what you undoubtedly will hear, "It smells funny." That is if they are being kind.<br /><br />This is what parents need to remember for the next two weeks. Your darling has not been in a new school since they were 5 years old. They have been the kings and queens of their elementaries. They knew everyone. They knew exactly what to expect. They knew all the teachers and it smelled familiar. But now they have to change classes in a building that they are afraid to get lost in. Even the sweetest teacher is putting on her mean face to keep the upper hand on the first day of middle school. The kids, whether they are giant and menacing 8th graders or not, are strange. Even kids they have known all their lives are coming back from the summer with breasts and different voices. How weird is that? It can't possibly be a good day.<br /><br />So here is what you need to do:<br />First give them a protein filled snack. They probably had lunch at 10:30. Let them zone out for a while at the mindless activity of their choice.<br /><br />Don't ask them how they liked school. You won't get the answer you want.<br />Just ask about facts. What color was your math teacher's hair? Do you have to climb stairs? How many minutes in between class? What do you want for lunch tomorrow?<br />In a couple of weeks they will start to say things like, "I met a nice kid today." "The science teacher is pretty funny." and you will finally get your rewards for dragging them on a million tours the year before.<br /><br />And children...<br />have pity on your poor parents. They only want what is best for you. When they look at you pleadingly, hungry for any detail and praying that they made the right choice, say, "Mom, Dad, I love you anyway."Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-14223020738050967132009-08-31T08:57:00.004-04:002009-08-31T14:22:58.611-04:00Registering for Public School Sept. 2009This information is from the <a href="http://schools.nyc.gov/default.htm">DOE's website</a>.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elementary or middle school:</span> Register at your zoned school starting on Wednesday, Sept. 9 (the first day of school). Call 311 or try the search at the DOE website to determine your zoned school. <a href="http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/NewStudents/Registration.htm">If you don't have one, visit a Student Registration Center in your borough of residence beginning Monday August, 31.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">High School:</span> Register at a <a href="http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/NewStudents/Registration.htm">Student Registration Center </a>in your borough of residence beginning Monday, August 31.<br />The Centers will be open Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm from August 31 to Sept. 18. Closed Sept. 7 for Labor Day. Translated materials and interpretation services will be available at all Centers. <a href="http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/NewStudents/default.htm">Check out the DOE's new student page for documents that you will be required to bring.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brooklyn High School for the Arts</span><br />345 Dean St. between 3rd and 4th Ave.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clara Barton High School</span><br />901 Classon Ave. east side of the Brooklyn Museum between Union and President<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Montauk</span><br />4200 16th Ave. at 42nd St. Brooklyn<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brooklyn Technical High School</span><br />29 Fort Greene Place (enter on South Elliott) between Dekalb and Fulton<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PS 46 just called with a registration update for their school.</span><br />They are holding early registration Sept. 1-4, 9am to 1pm. The parent or guardian should come to school with the child's Birth Certificate, immunization records, proofs of address and their ID.<br />They will also be holding an evening meeting for parents of enrolled students to meet teachers on the evening of Sept. 10.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-61195200545957531432009-08-26T09:30:00.002-04:002009-08-26T09:33:06.049-04:00High School Shortlist WorkshopsBring the DOE High School Directory and come away with a folder containing a short list of schools so you can face the fall with confidence. I lead you through the directory with a pair of scissors, information, strategies and tips on keeping your wits about you while finding a good fit school for your child. <strong>Reservations Required</strong>.<br /><br /><strong>Saturday, Sept. 12, 10am - noon</strong> at Brooklyn Creative League 540 President St. 3rd Fl. (between Third and Fourth Ave.) near the M/R Train<br /><strong>Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7 - 9pm</strong> at Hootenanny Art House 428 15th St. Brooklyn at 8th Ave. near the Prospect Park stop on the F Train<br /><br />If you would like to host a HS Short List Workshop in your home, gather at least 5 other families. As a thank you for organizing, your admission to the workshop is free. $40. for parents, $10. for students Bring your Directory and I will supply everything else.<br /><strong>for reservations: joyce@nycschoolhelp.com</strong>Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-90642331164485114962009-08-14T12:01:00.003-04:002009-08-14T12:29:10.351-04:00PS 133 at St. Thomas Aquinas School<a href="http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/24/32_24_bm_school.html">The Brooklyn Paper</a> reported back in June that PS 133 would be housed in the St. Thomas Aquinas School building while construction was done further north on 4th Ave. The school building has been underutilized for a few years now and I have watched in anticipation as the porta-potties and cranes moved in. I stopped by this morning and filled in a couple of details.<br />The DOE has the lease for at least 3 years. The building is very well built (as you can imagine considering its vintage) and the construction authority has been making an investment in it. A lot of good work has apparently been done to upgrade it. The work will be finished by Sept. for the first day of school. The building should also have a wireless network. I also inquired about any news on the new construction at the 133 building. I will be sorry to see the graceful old building and beautiful garden go. One new thing that I hadn't heard was that the architects where hoping to include as much of the old detail as possible in the new project. This certainly doesn't address the neighborhood's other many issues with the project.<br /><br />What happens to the St. Thomas Aquinas school building in three or four years after 133 moves on? There has been talk of an art center there, which would be wonderful. I would love to see a public early childhood center that could relieve the PreK and K overcrowding that is happening all along the 4th Ave. corridor.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-76065143691459000952009-08-07T13:15:00.004-04:002009-08-11T23:15:02.434-04:00Preparing for Middle School: 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SnxnAsAUqII/AAAAAAAAANI/GX_iTi3yZOI/s1600-h/teenagers-33.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 140px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SnxnAsAUqII/AAAAAAAAANI/GX_iTi3yZOI/s200/teenagers-33.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367278117428963458" border="0" /></a>Are you worried that your sweet darling is going to turn on you without warning the minute puberty kicks in? I can't help you with that, but I may be able to warn you about a couple of things that may give you a slight edge in the situation.<br /><br />Your 6th grader doesn't have to have instant computer communication with all of their friends. This communication does seem to be necessary when they are a bit older, but in 6th grade they need to figure out how to deal with their new life and time management. Too much unregulated access (and do you want to be the policeman?) is a giant sink hole of problems. If it is difficult for you to self regulate your time on Facebook (you know who you are), it is impossible for your child. You have the power to choose what comes into your home. I just advise that you make conscious choices at each step along the way. Consider whether it is wise to have a computer in their room. This is not necessarily a trust issue. How many times have you looked up from the computer and it was three hours later and you had no idea that time was passing (I am doing it right now!). The time will come when they will go to bed after you are long asleep, but right now they are the ones that really need the shut eye. They are so much nicer when they get it.<br /><br />That brings up the fact that they look old, but in many ways they still have the same needs that they did when they were toddlers. Sleep, eat and read aloud should be your mantra. They grow when they sleep and they are growing inches every day. Studies show that US teenagers are chronically sleep deprived. I am mean when I am tired (really, don't cross me!) and they will be too. Why go there?<br /><br />Feed them right away when they get home from school, something healthy with complex carbs or protein. They probably had lunch at 10:30. They are HUNGRY. Feed them before you ask about their day or they will bite your head off.<br /><br />6th graders have a lot to deal with (more on that in the next "preparing..."). A funny thing happens to many of them. They occasionally take up a little baby language, they climb their giant 5' frames onto your lap, they form a sudden nostalgia for their "childhood". While they are desperately trying to be older, they are also uncomfortable with letting go of the familiar. This is why it is nice to stay friends with kids that are not going to your middle school. They have to be cool with their school friends, but they can be their old selves with their old friends. Don't get rid of all of the Legos or stuffed animals just yet.<br /><br />They may not want to talk about their day when they get home. A parent can look pretty lame in the cold light of day, but at night, when they are cozy in bed and the lights are low, you look like their beloved moms and dads again. Everybody likes to be read aloud to. If you keep doing the bedtime reading (or start back up) you will be amazed at what happens. First the books just get better and better. But you may find that you don't spend much time on the books. You may end up just talking, and the longer you can keep that tradition going the better.<br /><br />Happy reading!Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-23739143108490580872009-08-07T12:16:00.005-04:002009-08-08T10:59:32.896-04:00Preparing for Middle School: 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SnxUybTNXOI/AAAAAAAAANA/Mt-czvIYYAY/s1600-h/empty+shelves"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SnxUybTNXOI/AAAAAAAAANA/Mt-czvIYYAY/s200/empty+shelves" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367258081217305826" border="0" /></a>I always waited for the first day of school to get the teacher's list of supplies. Then I would go to Target or Staples and wait in an endless line for the last of the stray, wrinkled, stepped on notebooks that nobody else wanted. I wanted to go in mid summer when the pretty notebooks were out, but NYC starts school so much later than any other district that when I was on vacation in other states, the shelves were clear by mid July. I just went to Staples yesterday and got my gross of $.19 pocket folders and you can too, before they are all gone.<br /><br />Here is a shopping strategy for the parents of rising 6th graders ready for their first year of Middle School. It is a tough call because your tween will want to wait to see what everyone else has. They may also want the giant binder with pockets and subject dividers for the first time. These will not go to waste even if their teachers don't require them. They will use them all sometime unless they become plastered with Jonas Brothers stickers which will render them "gross" and outdated in 6 months.<br />This is what you should get:<br /><ul><li>the tried and true marble composition books one for each subject (and lots of extras)<br /></li><li>pocket folders for each subject</li><li>spiral notebooks with perforations so that the pages can be torn out without the fringe</li></ul>If you go shopping now you can find colorful (actually attractive) composition notebooks. Get them in different colors for each subject, red for ELA, blue for math, green for science etc. Then get the corresponding colored pocket folders and spiral notebooks for those subjects too. That way when the books are strewn all over the living room at 7am and your child only needs science and ELA that day, he can easily see what needs to go into the backpack. If they are all the same color or random designs imagine the horror (and notes home that he doesn't have his work in class).<br /><ul><li>pads of graph paper for math (some have 4 sq. per in. on one side and 5 on the other so that you have all bases covered)</li><li>lots of #2 pencils, a sharpener, and some mechanical lead pencils for math</li><li>colored construction paper, glue sticks, markers of all kinds (you thought the projects would stop?!)</li><li>extra poster board (white and in color) and a spare tri-fold card board display (thanks Felicity)<br /></li><li>lots of extra printer paper and many extra ink cartridges<br /></li></ul>Middle school is when the computer becomes a part of your child's body. I have a couple things to say about this. ALWAYS HAVE AN EXTRA INK CARTRIDGE IN THE HOUSE. Oh yes, you will use the last one and think, I will reorder that in a couple of weeks like I normally do, but a week later at midnight when the giant social studies project is due, suddenly there will be no ink, because your child spent the last week printing out multiple copies of different size pictures of civil war uniforms that they didn't use. Hear me now or suffer the consequences. Always have at least one extra cartridge and ream of paper in the house. Always.<br /><br />Happy shopping!Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-28162362224763571702009-08-05T08:39:00.007-04:002009-08-05T14:50:35.924-04:00Intro to Nursery School Talk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SnmBic9BOuI/AAAAAAAAAM4/OQIYUhjRkC4/s1600-h/nursery+school.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SnmBic9BOuI/AAAAAAAAAM4/OQIYUhjRkC4/s200/nursery+school.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366462859876317922" border="0" /></a>I will be talking about<br />* nursery school philosophies<br />* what to look for on a tour<br />* what you need to know to keep the search under control and in perspective<br />* Lots of Q&A.<br /><br />I won't be discussing individual schools at this event<br />$20. for an individual /$30. for a family<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">RSVP to joyce@nycschoolhelp.com</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, August 11 at 7pm - 8:30pm</span><br />at <a href="http://www.nycityexplorers.com/">NYC Explorers</a><a href="http://www.nycityexplorers.com/"> </a>388 Atlantic Ave. (between Hoyt and Bond)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 10am - 11:30am</span><br />at <a href="http://www.hootenannyarthouse.com/">Hootenanny Art House</a> 15th St. (@ 8th Ave. Brooklyn)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7pm - 8:30pm</span><br />at <a href="http://stillhipbrooklyn.com/">Still Hip</a> 283 Grand (between Lafayette and Clinton Pl.)Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-79527423921867313322009-08-04T08:24:00.004-04:002009-08-04T09:04:53.658-04:00My Dad; living green<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SngpvpV5WCI/AAAAAAAAAMo/IErbrQkAy9s/s1600-h/p%27s+boat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/SngpvpV5WCI/AAAAAAAAAMo/IErbrQkAy9s/s320/p%27s+boat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366084854540228642" border="0" /></a>I just need to brag on my dad who turned 80 this year. He and my mother moved to a "community for active seniors" a couple of years ago and he joined the model sailboat club.<br /><br />My father was an art teacher, librarian and school audio/visual supervisor, but mostly he has been a lifelong user of recycled materials in an effort to have more fun. He made kites out of the Sunday funnies. He once attended a costume party wrapped in bubble wrap with a hidden tape recorder that played heavy breathing sounds. His office and library were decorated with objects that he found or created and we couldn't wait to visit to just hang out in the environments that he made. Give him an afternoon, some toilet paper tubes and a solar battery and stand back. I joked when they moved to Greenspring that there would be a pile of "hall walkers" who had coronaries in front of their door when his motion sensitive, kinetic sculpture jumped out and said "HELLO!" (My mother, a minimalist, decided on a less stressful option)<br /><br />His sailboat club, located a few miles from the Pentagon, is full of former Navy guys. When my father joined, he began experimenting with different sail materials, and winning races. Imagine the uproar when he showed up with the non-regulation red nylon (which helps him actually see his boat from across the pond). The ultimate triumph occurred the other day when he showed up with a sail made from the wrapper of a Costco bushel of paper towels. Needless to say, he cleaned up in his races that day.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-90918900601635144262009-07-30T09:23:00.004-04:002009-08-11T23:18:37.833-04:00High School Short List WorkshopsBring the big DOE High School Directory and come away with a folder containing a short list of schools so you can face the fall with confidence. Joyce Szuflita leads you through the directory with a pair of scissors, information, strategies and tips on keeping it organized, helping your child engage in the process and keeping your wits about you while finding a good fit school for your child. Reservations required.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, August 1, 10am-noon</span> at Brooklyn Creative League 540 President St. 3rd Floor (between Third and Fourth Ave.) near M,R train<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, Sept. 12, 10am-noon</span> at Brooklyn Creative League 540 President St. 3rd Floor (between Third and Fourth Ave.) near M,R train<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7-9pm</span> at Hootenanny Art House 428 15th St. Brooklyn at (8th Ave.) near the Prospect Park stop on the F train<br /><br />$40. for parents, $10. for students<br />Bring your Directory and I will supply everything else.<br />for reservations: joyce@nycschoolhelp.comJoyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-34335793672447148392009-07-29T12:11:00.007-04:002009-07-30T08:31:52.214-04:00New Interim Acting Principal for PS 20I just got word that a new interim acting principal has been assigned to PS 20 and by all accounts she is AMAZING. <a href="http://www.ps261.org/families/whoswho2008-9.shtml">Lena <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Barbera</span></a> has been an AP at the lovely PS 261. She had been at 261 since 1996 as a teacher and Math Coach. It sounds like the teachers working with her will have a lot of support because she worked at 261 implementing new curriculum and modeling instructional practices for new teachers. She has been an AP for 5 years. She is a graduate of of Hunter College and Brooklyn College.<br />For a little more information and a lovely picture (so you can say hi when you see her on the street) you can check out her bio on the <a href="http://www.ps261.org/families/whoswho2008-9.shtml">PS 261 website</a><br /><br />Update: A few people have written to ask what "interim acting" means. <a href="http://jd2718.wordpress.com/2007/01/14/nycdoe-c30-why-bother/">"Before a principal or assistant principal is permanently appointed, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DoE</span> often appoints an <strong>Interim Acting</strong> (IA) principal or assistant principal."</a> this is from the blog <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">jd</span>2718 which explains the appointment process from a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">UFT</span> teacher's point of view. The interim acting principal goes through the C30 hiring process to be permanently appointed to a school. I was on a C30 committee as a parent a few years ago. A committee is collected of "parent, teacher, school staff, administrator union, and Department of Education (through Region, District etc) personnel." The job is advertised and candidates including the "interim acting principal" are interviewed and their qualifications reviewed. In my situation there was never any doubt that we wanted the interim acting principal to have the job as the best possible candidate. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">jd</span>2718 describes it as merely a rubber stamp process. I can't speak to that. I do hope that a new candidate from a strong and well respected program who has considerable skills and experience can bring the school community together.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-39808021471300281492009-07-27T12:40:00.004-04:002009-07-27T13:01:33.178-04:00Teen Treks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Sm3dFscIrQI/AAAAAAAAAMY/IpGMA77uZvE/s1600-h/TTshirt+logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Sm3dFscIrQI/AAAAAAAAAMY/IpGMA77uZvE/s200/TTshirt+logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363185821166382338" border="0" /></a><br />My teens are all over the map this summer.<br />They got back from a great <a href="http://www.teentreks.com/">Teen Treks</a> bike trip across Mass. from Albany to Provincetown on the Cape. This is the second trip for one of them and it didn't disappoint. The rain and the Berkshires didn't deter them (although now when we are sitting in a car and they see a slight incline they exclaim "oh no, a hill!") It was a fantastic small group this year and they did everything from Tanglewood to Great Adventure, lots of beaches and two days in Boston. I highly recommend this trip for giving them a real sense of accomplishment and adventure.<br /><br />We hardly had time to scrape the bike grease off before we headed to the family reunion in Chicago. Chicago is a great town for kids with amazing free summer concerts and programs all over the city (and a great bike path along the lake and its own beaches). It is a little early, but we decided to tour Northwestern as long as we were in the neighborhood. There is plenty to love there and I highly recommend their tour which was "awesome!" We had a very excited tour guide who also happened to be extremely knowledgeable (good job Northwestern, my kids are now looking further west than they were a week ago).<br /><br />I have to give a shout out to Daniel, junior at Stuy, who I happen to know, follows this blog religiously. He is doing a summer debate program at Northwestern that sounds interesting. It seems that I have a few fans at Stuy, Hi J.! which keeps me from writing anything really interesting about my kids.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-44961706945410218142009-07-06T16:58:00.001-04:002009-07-06T17:00:22.658-04:00Intro to Public School: PreK and Kindergarten Talks<strong style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">I am doing this popular talk again at a couple different venues in July.</strong><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> I will discuss the big picture with the "big map".</span> <ul style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><li>what you need to know </li><li>when you need to know it </li><li>what to do when things go wrong </li><li>strategies and common practices, including "the 5 things to do to keep from turning prematurely grey"<br />If you are confused about the difference between Charter, Magnet and Dual Language or Unzoned programs and what is up with district-wide vs. citywide Gifted and Talented, this may be the talk for you. I don't discuss individual schools, but you will come away armed with lots of information to begin your school search with confidence. Lots of Q&A. </li></ul><strong style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><br />Thursday, July 9, 7pm-8:30pm</strong><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> at </span><a href="http://www.hootenannyarthouse.com/" style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">Hootenanny Art House</a><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> 428 15th St. at 8th Ave.<br />(Park Slope stop on the F train)</span><br /> <strong style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">Wednesday, July 29, 7pm-8:30pm</strong><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> at </span><a href="http://nycityexplorers.com/" style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">New York City Explorers</a><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> 388 Atlantic Ave.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><br />$25. per person/$40. for families</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">for reservations: </span><a href="mailto:joyce@nycschoolhelp.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">joyce@nycschoolhelp.com</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">This talk is always available to Preschool Programs or private groups. Contact me for information.</span>Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-30803635138182766432009-06-24T17:22:00.004-04:002009-06-24T17:26:32.335-04:00Summer is the Season for Organizing!<span><span><span><span id="EC_role_document" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span id="EC_role_document" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span id="EC_role_document" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><img id="EC_BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288563733692080418" style="float: left; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3qAcRAdUagw/SWTAsh664SI/AAAAAAAABBo/rNnCj8W6nXU/s400/creative-times-ad.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="EC_role_document" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span id="EC_role_document" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span id="EC_role_document" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Eleanor Traubman, professional organizer to busy Brooklyn moms, is offering this special:</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">* 3 hours of professional organizing services for the price of 2 hours </span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">* Offer runs from now until July 31</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">* Bonus half hour if you book your appointment by June 30</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">* 9 hour package honored through August<br />15 hour package honored through September</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">This is the perfect service for the mom who wants to.......................</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">* Sit down to a clear desk top </span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">* Fnd any paper document in 30 seconds or less</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">* Clear out the clutter to start a new business or project</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">* Open a closet door to find the clothes you feel good in and love to wear</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">* Experience more serenity and focus in your daily live</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">To chat with Eleanor about your organizing goals, call: 917-499-7395</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;">You can also check out Eleanor at her blog, Creative Times: creativetimes.blogspot.com</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"> </div> <div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><em>Eleanor is a wonderful organizer and has inspired me. She helped me make order out of my very cluttered workspace and gave me great advice on how to move forward with my photography business. I highly recommend her to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by clutter and needs to clear the decks.</em></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><em></em></span> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);font-size:180%;" >- Julie Markes, PS 321 parent/ children's book author / photographer.<br /><br /></span><span id="EC_role_document" style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;" >Here's a <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">creative tip:</span> find some other moms, join forces, and go in on a package deal together!</span><br /></div></div></span></span></span>Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-6639172923700509022009-06-22T17:31:00.004-04:002009-06-22T17:45:40.202-04:00Insideschools.orgYou all must have heard by now, that <a href="http://insideschools.org/blog/?url=http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/06/16/the-end-of-insideschools/">www.insideschools.org</a> is having financial difficulties. If you are the parent of a school aged child you know how much they are worth. If you are the parent of an infant or toddler, trust me, New York City is a much tougher place without them. I like to refer to them as the "consumer reports" of NYC public schools but they are so much more; friendly reminders, an active forum, and accurate almost immediate updates on anything school related.<br /><br />It is very easy to donate.<br />You can go to their <a href="http://insideschools.org/static/home/membership/donate_now.php">"donate" page</a><br />or you can give through <a href="http://insideschools.org//?s=3&a=109">paypal.</a><br />Please send them a little something for all the good they do everyday. Many people have suggested that they charge a fee. A big part of their mission is to provide accurate, easy to use advice for all parents, including the ones that may not have the funds to pay for it. Please do what you can.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-28505010738437561302009-06-17T16:57:00.005-04:002009-06-18T17:24:41.953-04:00No Citywide G & T at PS 20 in Brooklyn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Sjlcn4qmT8I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/wd8kOKUau2o/s1600-h/ps+20"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 126px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SVXEctudZfQ/Sjlcn4qmT8I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/wd8kOKUau2o/s200/ps+20" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348407872774885314" border="0" /></a><br />PS 20 will no doubt weather its troubles, but it is sad news for children who tested into the citywide gifted and talented program. One less option is always a sad story. Many parents saw the placement of a citywide program, which would consist of a single class on a grade, into an existing school as a curious move on the DOE's part. Considering the three citywides in Manhattan are full schools (although petite) it enables the teachers and administrators to build school wide programs especially designed for this end of the special needs spectrum. I would imagine that the school wide staff development geared to G&T would be invaluable and help produce fine and sought after programs.<br /><br />The city has for years placed single G & T classes in general ed schools and although the talented teachers that lead these classes have toiled in solitude (one on a grade) they have done a fine job. It seems to me that the citywide program is serving a different purpose. I believe that was the thinking of the many parents that left their northern Brooklyn neighborhoods in droves to seek out <a href="http://www.brooklynschoolofinquiry.org/home.aspx">Brooklyn School of Inquiry</a>. <a href="http://insideschools.org/blog/?url=http://insideschools.org/blog/2009/06/16/new-citywide-gt-program-at-ps-20-cancelled/">Insideschools</a> has reported that because of the huge popularity of the school that they will be adding a third kindergarten to the school and only opening one first grade class.<br /><br />So, were Principal Keaton's troubles the reason that the program has closed? Was it the fact that it looked like this program, that had been given special development and attention at other schools, a seeming afterthought at PS 20? Was it a lack of focus and expertise in gifted and talented education that put parents off? We won't know. The DOE has a challenge finding the resources, the location and the educators to pull off this kind of program. I think that they have made a great bet in Donna Taylor and Brooklyn School of Inquiry.Joyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2263193649651475199.post-32009829585844996742009-06-16T20:35:00.004-04:002009-06-16T21:22:22.403-04:00DOE Summer HS Info Talks are Here! Hurray!The DOE has just announced their terrific <a href="http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/High/Calendar/default.htm">summer high school informational talks</a>. For those of you that couldn't make my "Navigating Public High School Choice" talks this month the DOE does a great job with this series of Tuesday Night Talks at Brooklyn Tech and Stuyvesant. Check out the June 30 "First Steps: Understanding my HS Options". They have panelists and the information is snappy and targeted, just the kind I like. I wouldn't miss the July 7 "Eight Specialized Exam High Schools" or the July 14 "Performing Arts HS: Preparing your Audition/Arts Portfolio (this one is a must see for families that are planning on looking at any arts high schools.<br /><br />Tuesdays at 6:30pm throughout the summer starting on June 30 at Brooklyn Tech and ending on August 11 at Stuyvesant. The complete list is on the DOE website under "choices and enrollment/high schools/calendar and events.<br /><br />And then you can come to my "Public High School Short List Workshops" on July 13 at 7pm or August 1 at 10am. For more information <a href="http://nycschoolhelp.com/HSworkshop.aspx">http://nycschoolhelp.com/HSworkshop.aspx</a><br />or write to me at joyce@nycschoolhelp.comJoyce Szuflita (chef-leeta)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13423593090499159931noreply@blogger.com0