You Can Petition City Hall, NYC DOE And Win, Roosevelt Island Parents Obtain 15 Additional Early Childhood 3K Seats For Roosevelt Island Day Nursery - What's Next?

Last January, a group of Roosevelt Island parents began organizing and lobbying to increase the number of early childhood 3 K seats allocated to Roosevelt Island. Roosevelt Island parents Sunny & Tanya Singh explained the importance of increasing the number of Pre K seats located on Roosevelt Island. According to the Singh's:

We moved to Roosevelt Island in 2022 in hopes to settle in this beautiful lush green neighborhood and raise our future child here. While researching the best places in New York City to start a family, we strongly leaned towards Roosevelt Island with the abundance of child friendly spaces, activities, playgrounds, a large school, and daycare centers that we saw during our walks.

Unbeknownst to us, 3k facilities on the island could not accommodate more than 30 children in total. There are at least one hundred local little Roosevelt Islanders that need access to the 3k program. Yet, we are being forced to commute with the most vulnerable little toddlers miles away to find appropriate schooling options elsewhere. I wish we had known about the 3k seats shortage prior to settling on the island and becoming permanent residents here.

Most of the children in each age group know each other and it would be great to let our children play together and stay in the safe environment in their own neighborhood instead of dragging them to separate inaccessible 3k facilities off of the island....

Image Of Roosevelt Island 3K Parents And Students Leaving RIDN

Last February 5, I sent the following inquiry to the NYC Department of Education (DOE): 

According to Roosevelt Island parents and the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN), there are dozens, if not more, of Roosevelt Island parents seeking 3 K program seats for their children located on Roosevelt Island and have been put on a waiting list.  I'm told approximately 100 children are on waiting list to attend a 3K program on Roosevelt Island. 

RIDN has been allocated one 3K class of 15 students and three classes for Pre K of 16 seats each. RIDN has requested that one of the Pre K seats be switched to a 3K seat so that there are 2 classes each of 3K and Pre K. Also, I understand that PS/IS 217 on Roosevelt Island is also allocated three Pre K classes and one 3K...

... Is it possible to switch one of the RIDN Pre K classes to 3 K in order to accomodate more Roosevelt Island children in the 3K program?...

A DOE spokesperson replied:

... Seat allocations for 3-K and Pre-K programs are determined based on multiple factors, including utilization trends, demand, and funding. We continue to assess capacity needs and look forward to exploring opportunities to engage with the community on updated needs....

I asked the DOE today:

I’m following up on the request by Roosevelt Island parents for an additional 3K class.

I’m told that the DOE has agreed to an additional 3 k class being allocated to the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery for the upcoming year.

Is that true?

Any statement from DOE on the matter?

DOE Associate Press Secretary Dominique Ellison answered:

We can confirm the additional 3K class allocation to the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery for the upcoming school year (SY25-26). This cost-neutral swap will adjust the current seat allocation from 15 3K seats and 48 pre-K seats to a balanced offering of 30 3K and 30 pre-K seats. Our primary concern is continuing high-quality education services, and this seat swap provides a consistent and uninterrupted learning environment for Roosevelt Island families.

Roosevelt Island parents described their efforts to bring more 3K and Pre K seats to Roosevelt Island during the March 3 Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee meeting.

Great job by these parents demonstrating that people can organize, petition and improve our Roosevelt Island community.

What's next?

UPDATE 9:40 PM - Maybe not a win for everybody. Another Roosevelt Island parent raises this concern:

As a parent of a 2 year old, this is great news but unfortunately the island has lost an entire PreK class. So this is still a bit worrisome for families on the island who may now need to go off island for PreK and a new building opening - it’s too bad that the 3K could not have just been additional and not a swap.

NYC Schools 3k & Pre K Admissions Application Deadline Friday February 28 - Roosevelt Island Parents Say 100 Children On 3K Waiting List, Asking For More Seats Located On Roosevelt Island

According to the NYC Public Schools website:

In New York City, you can apply to 3-K in the calendar year that your child turns three. 3-K brings free, full-day, high-quality education to three-year-old children in New York City— learn more about the benefits of 3-K here. Every school district has 3-K programs, and we make every effort to place students based on seat availability close to their home.

Friday, February 28, 2025: 3-K Application Closes...

 

3-K & Pre-K applications for the 2025-2026 school year are due SOON!

Finalize your choices and apply by February 28, 2025 at: https://t.co/0QkSKz1REo

Get more information at: https://t.co/PyInEGsvsu and https://t.co/uca7K4CQyZ pic.twitter.com/8yBpKpZ4FZ

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) February 24, 2025

A group of Roosevelt Island parents have recently begun organizing to increase the number of 3K seats available on Roosevelt Island. I asked the NYC Department of Education (DOE):

According to Roosevelt Island parents and the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN), there are dozens, if not more, of Roosevelt Island parents seeking 3 K program seats for their children located on Roosevelt Island and have been put on a waiting list. I'm told approximately 100 children are on waiting list to attend a 3K program on Roosevelt Island.

RIDN has been allocated one 3K class of 15 students and three classes for Pre K of 16 seats each. RIDN has requested that one of the Pre K seats be switched to a 3K seat so that there are 2 classes each of 3K and Pre K.

Also, I understand that PS/IS 217 on Roosevelt Island is also allocated three Pre K classes and one 3K

How does NYC DOE determine the 3k and Pre K seat allocation for Roosevelt Island?

Why are there 3 classes for Pre K and 1 for 3K at both Roosevelt Island sites?

Is it possible to switch one of the RIDN Pre K classes to 3 K in order to accomodate more Roosevelt Island children in the 3K program?

I'm told that the NYC DOE reimbursement rate for 3k and Pre K is far below the cost for each child. How does NYC DOE determine the reimbursement rate for Pre K and 3K?

Do you have any comment on adding an additional Roosevelt Island 3K class and the NYC DOE reimbursement rate for the program?

A spokesperson for the NYC DOE replied:

New York City Public Schools is committed to providing high-quality early childhood education to families citywide, including on Roosevelt Island. Seat allocations for 3-K and Pre-K programs are determined based on multiple factors, including utilization trends, demand, and funding. We continue to assess capacity needs and look forward to exploring opportunities to engage with the community on updated needs.

The spokesperson added:

... seat configuration is based on community need and existing seat placements, and we are currently reviewing plans to update seating in future school years. Our cost per child rates are developed based on various factors, including facility costs, staff salaries, materials, and other essential expenses of the provider. New York City Public Schools recognizes the significant resources required to operate an early childhood program and reimburse sites at a rate higher than the funds received from state and federal partners.

I also asked Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Julie Menin for any comment on:

... adding an additional Roosevelt Island 3K class and the NYC DOE reimbursement rate for the program?

Ms Menin replied:

This administration has not prioritized early childhood education as clearly evidenced by the Mayor's Preliminary Budget which failed to include $300M to appropriately fund the early childhood education programs that families rely on. I will continue to work with my Council colleagues, on behalf of children and parents throughout our city, to increase funding for 3K, UPK, Promise NYC, and special education early childhood programs - all of which are vital to the development and education of Roosevelt Islanders.

Roosevelt Island parents Sunny & Tanya Singh explain the importance of increasing the number of Pre K seats located on Roosevelt Island. According to the Singh's:

We moved to Roosevelt Island in 2022 in hopes to settle in this beautiful lush green neighborhood and raise our future child here. While researching the best places in New York City to start a family, we strongly leaned towards Roosevelt Island with the abundance of child friendly spaces, activities, playgrounds, a large school, and daycare centers that we saw during our walks. 

Unbeknownst to us, 3k facilities on the island could not accommodate more than 30 children in total. There are at least one hundred local little Roosevelt Islanders that need access to the 3k program. Yet, we are being forced to commute with the most vulnerable little toddlers miles away to find appropriate schooling options elsewhere. I wish we had known about the 3k seats shortage prior to settling on the island and becoming permanent residents here. 

Most of the children in each age group know each other and it would be great to let our children play together and stay in the safe environment in their own neighborhood instead of dragging them to separate inaccessible 3k facilities off of the island. 

Image Of 3K Parents & Children Leaving RIDN 3K Program

The organizers of a petition seeking an additional 15 seat 3K class for Roosevelt Island this upcoming school year and a long term goal of more 3K and Pre K seats for Roosevelt Island report:

WHAT WE WANT:

Add another 3K class of 15 students to the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery campus

Reevaluate the placement process to prioritize accessibility and convenience for families, taking into account proximity to home.

Long-term goal: Expand our efforts to add more UPK/pre-K spots.

WHY:

The families of Roosevelt Island want more opportunities for their children to attend school on the island to foster community and create accessible learning environments to ease the burden on working families.

Demand for 3K seats on Roosevelt Island far exceeds the supply at a higher rate than in other districts, forcing Roosevelt Island families to commute outside the district for 3K at a higher rate than in other districts.

Given the dynamic state of NYC’s transit and infrastructure development, Roosevelt Island residents are routinely subjected to last-minute transit issues that impede their ability to commute off the island.

WHAT THE DATA SHOWS:

In 2024, 66% of zip codes have better (higher) offer rates than ours in terms of applicants versus offers.

In 2024, 90% of districts had better (higher) offer rates than ours.

The March 3, 2025 Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee 

will have an update by a Roosevelt Island parent with the latest info on 3K issue.

Report From Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright On Roosevelt Island Tram Operations And Local Parents Seek Support For Increased Roosevelt Island 3K Seats Among Subjects Discussed At February 3 Community Board 8 Roosevelt Island Committee Meeting

Community Board 8 (CB8) Roosevelt Island Committee Chair Paul Krikler hosted a February 3 virtual meeting discussing a variety of local issues.

Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright's community liaison Harley Neiditz reported that:

... the Assembly Member is currently busy in Albany with session and preparing for budget hearings as a member of the Ways and Means Committee. Our office is currently in communication with the Governor's office. We were informed of a couple of promising updates. We continue to press for clarity surrounding the request for priority boarding and a waiver. 

First additional swing dampeners will be installed to enable the Tram to increase its speed resulting in more trips per hour. Second, Poma, which is the tram contractor, has agreed to install the radio frequency system by quarter 3 which is the summer as opposed to quarter 4 which would have been December 2025. We're pushing for it to be moved up even further now as well.

We remain we remain supportive of the priority boarding resolution as proposed by CB 8 to include priority for New Yorkers.

Several Roosevelt Island parents spoke seeking support for increasing the number of 3k seats on Roosevelt Island. According to one parent:

... we understand the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery continues to write to whichever planning committee is responsible for allocating funds for 3K. They have the capacity to offer more spots and they have made that known to the Department of Education but they have not received approval to formally expand. Some of the parents have gotten together and we've got a petition and letter writing campaign...

If you wish to help secure more 3K seats for Roosevelt Island, click here for more info.

Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) President Judy Berdy invited residents to an upcoming

February 18 Lecture program, When Manhattan Was Dutch, at the Roosevelt Island Public Library. Ms Berdy adds that the RIHS programs at the Library are:

... a great way to meet your neighbors, to find out stuff about the island, to find out stuff about history and we're always glad to answer some of those innumerable questions that newcomers have to the Island...

Also, resident Joyce Short spoke about her efforts to define consent in regard to sexual assault penal laws 

Here's video of the full meeting.

The next CB 8 Roosevelt Island committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 3.

Sponsored Post - Bright Starts For Bold Futures, Apply Today For NYC Public Schools 3-K And Pre-k 4 Years Old Fall 2023 Programs - Deadline To Apply Is March 13

In New York City, you can apply to 3-K in the calendar year that your child turns three.

Happening Now:

The 3-K application is open and the deadline to apply is March 13, 2023.

Children born in 2020 can participate in admissions to enter 3-K programs in fall 2023. All children of this age who are also NYC residents are welcome to participate, including children currently attending EarlyLearn or other preschool programs, children with disabilities, children with accessibility needs, children learning English, students in temporary housing, LGBTQ and gender nonconforming children, and children who move to NYC during the admissions process. Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend 3-K.

Families citywide can apply to 3-K for All, but seats are limited and residents of school districts offering 3-K for All programs have priority to attend programs in their own districts. Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, 3-K for All programs are offered in all 32 schools districts:

In school districts 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 23, 27, 29, 31, and 32, there is a 3-K seat for every three-year-old.

In school districts 2, 3, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, and 30, we will offer 3-K seats to as many families as possible.

Families across the city can still apply to programs in any district, and your child has priority to attend 3-K for All programs in the district where they live.

   

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON NYC PRE K PROGRAM

In New York City, children begin pre-K in the calendar year they turn four. ... watch our video series to learn more about pre-K admissions.

The pre-K application is open and the deadline to apply is March 13, 2023.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS 3K AND PRE K INFORMATION

Roosevelt Island And Upper East Side NYC District 2 School Parents Urge DOE To Expand French/English Dual Language Pre K Program To K-5 Grades, Sign Up For Information Session - Local NYC Council Member Kallos And Council Member-Elect Menin Support Program Expansion

Nadia Levy and Stéphane Lautner are parents and organizers of an initiative to bring free dual language French-English classes for children in NYC District 2 Community Schools which include PS/IS 217 on Roosevelt Island. 

According to Ms Levy and Mr Lautner:

The Upper East Side Francophone Dual Language Initiative is an organization that successfully created two Pre-K classes on the Upper East Side, and is currently working hard for the implementation of a Francophone dual language program in School District 2 public schools serving the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. 

The organization is planning a discussion session on Roosevelt Island for parents who may be interested in more information in the program. Space may be limited; so please RSVP at this link. Further information — including the date, time and location of the meeting — will be forwarded after registration.

Roosevelt Island resident Bafode Drame adds:

The Dual Language, French-English Initiative that created a free Pre-K public school program in District 2, is trying to extend the program to grades K-5, and also reaching out to the RI community to raise awareness for the free public school program in District 2 that includes Roosevelt Island.

Tap Into Sutton Place/Lenox Hill reported in October 2020:

Council Member Ben Kallos led a ribbon cutting to announce the availability of 40 Pre-K Seats for a French dual language program that will serve members of the Francophone community on the East Side.

According to Council Member Kallos, the New York City Department of Education will operate the classes using a side-by-side instructional model where it will have one Early Childhood-certified teacher who is fluent in French and who has or will work towards a bilingual extension, alongside a second Early Childhood-certified teacher.

Classes started at the Pre-K Center at 355 East 76^th Street on September 21....

But in January 2021 Tap Into Sutton Place/Lenox Hill added:

Parents on the Upper East Side were thrilled when, after their hard work and support from elected officials, the Department of Education opened a pre-K French dual language program last October. The parents, however, had also worked with the DOE to identify a public school on the Upper East Side that would host a K-5 French dual language program so that the pre-K students could continue their second language studies. But on Monday afternoon, the DOE informed the parents that it would not be opening a K-5 program for the new school year in September....

Ms Levy reported last week:

The DOE had promised to help that happen, but did not keep their word last year.  We are trying to change that this year. We are hopeful with the new mayor, things may change. 

Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side NYC Council Member Ben Kallos supports expansion of the dual French/English language program to K-5 grades in District 2. According to Mr Kallos:

Roosevelt Island is an incredibly diverse community, including families from Francophone countries all over the world. The Upper East Side's French Dual Language program has been a success, with some Roosevelt Islanders already participating. 

 

Expanding this program would open more seats to interested families, and would be a great opportunity for the Island's international community. Thank you to the parents who have tirelessly advocated for these programs, not only for their own children, but for the community as a whole.

Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side NYC Council Member-elect Julie Menin adds:

The Department of Education must expand the French dual language program within Community School District 2, which enables students to write, read and speak in both English and their home language. Assisting our bilingual families supports the multiculturalism that is a central component of New York City’s identity. It is essential that the Department of Education reconsider this decision.

I asked the NYC Department of Education for comment earlier today and will update with any response. 

Register here to attend an Information Session on the Dual French/English Dual Language Initiative for District 2.

NYC Mayor Bill deBlasio and Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter Announce Expansion Of 3-K For All With 40 Thousand Early Childhood Education Seats Coming Citywide In September - Council Member Ben Kallos Says He Will Work Hard To Have 3 K Available On Roosevelt Island

Prepare Your Young Learner with 3-K and Pre-K for All

By Meisha Porter, New York City Schools Chancellor

As educators, our job is to prepare our students for a successful, productive life, empowered with the skills they need to chase their dreams—and early childhood programs are where it all begins. That’s why Mayor de Blasio and I are so excited to announce the expansion of 3-K for All to every school district by September, providing 40,000 three-year-olds with free, full-day, high-quality, early childhood education citywide.

These programs are a child’s first step to success throughout the rest of their education and beyond, and I encourage families to explore the 3-K and Pre-K for All options available in their communities and apply. Applications for the 2021–22 school year are open!

As parents and guardians, you know just how quickly our youngest children learn—from birth to age five is a critical period of growth and 90 percent of brain development happens during this time. Our 3-K and Pre-K for All classrooms are full of joy and discovery, and they offer the perfect environment for children to learn to problem-solve, ask questions, and explore the world around them as they grow. In addition, our programs are free or low cost, saving families an average of $10,000 a year on childcare costs.

I remember when the South Bronx’s District 7 was one of the first few districts to offer 3-K for All in 2018 and what it meant for so many families in need to have access to free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for their children.

I want every family to have that kind of support, and we’ve made so much progress expanding early childhood education in every borough over the last three years. Today, all NYC school districts offer pre-K programs, and there is a free, full-day pre-K seat for every four-year-old child citywide. That means any New York City family with a child born in 2017 can apply to pre-K for the upcoming school year by the new April 19 deadline.

In addition, we are excited to now offer 3-K programs in every school district citywide. All New York City families with children born in 2018 can apply to 3-K for the upcoming school year by the May 28 deadline. There is a 3-K seat for every three-year-old in school districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 19, 23, 27, 31, and 32; and we will offer 3-K seats to as many families as possible in the new districts. Families across the city can still apply to programs in any district, and your child has priority to attend 3-K for All programs in your home district. You can find out your school district by calling 311 or visiting schools.nyc.gov/Find-a-School. Programs in the new districts will be added to the application throughout April and May.

In all school districts, in addition to the free 3-K and Pre-K programs in their communities, families who qualify based on their income and needs also have the opportunity to apply to free or low-cost extended school day and year programs, including Head Start.

Families can apply to 3-K or Pre-K for All for the 2021–22 school year online at MySchools.nyc or over the phone at 718-935-2009. The online application is available in ten languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Korean, Haitian Creole, Bengali, Urdu, and French), and families can submit an application over the phone in over 200 languages. Visit nyc.gov/3k and nyc.gov/prek for more information.

If you are seeking care for your child right now, we encourage you to reach out so we can connect you with a program in your community. Families seeking an open 3-K or pre-K seat for this current school year can call 718-935-2009 or email ES_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov to learn more.

Children who attend 3-K and Pre-K for All programs get a strong start in school and life, and as incoming Schools Chancellor these are the kinds of opportunities I want to build on and create for our students so they can dare to dream and learn. No matter the circumstances, we are here to provide children across New York City with a safe, nurturing learning community each and every day.

A spokesperson for Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos adds:

Council Member Kallos will work hard to have 3K on Roosevelt Island available to parents the same way he worked and succeeded in getting Pre-K on the island.

Former Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach Receives Exemplary Community Service Citation From NYC Council Member Ben Kallos Last Night For Helping To Bring More Pre- Kindergarten Seats To Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos presented former Roosevelt Island Parents' Network (RIPN) Coordinator and organization founder Eva Bosbach with a NYC Council Citation for her exemplary community service in helping to bring additional Pre-Kindergarten seats to Roosevelt Island.

Council Member Kallos presented the Citation to Ms. Bosbach

Image From Briana Warsing

during last evening's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council meeting.

The Citation says:

Whereas, a great city is only as great as those persons who give exemplary service to their communities, whether through participation in voluntary programs, through unique personal achievement in their professional or other endeavors or simply through a lifetime of good citizenry;

and

Whereas, such service which is truly the lifeblood of the community and the city so often goes unrecognized and unrewarded; now, therefore be it

Resolved, that as duly elected members of the New York City Council, we recognize that in

Eva Bosbach

we have an outstanding citizen, one whom is worthy of the esteem of both community and the great City of New York.

Council Member Kallos recounts the efforts made by Ms. Bosbach and the RIPN to bring greatly needed additional Pre- Kindergarten seats to Roosevelt Island.



In response to receiving the NYC Council Citation, Ms Bosbach responded:

Thank you to all the active parent volunteers, our partner organizations, and our elected officials who in a team effort made the RI Parents' Network so successful! I wish my successors Cecilia Chen and Sangeeta Joseph our full support in further growing our network so we can continue to enjoy this unique community in New York and make it an even better place to live for families and all residents.

Congrats Ms Bosbach and RIPN - well deserved!!!!

SPONSORED POST - Roosevelt Island Day Nursery NYC Universal Pre Kindergarten Application Deadline March 3

The Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN) reports:

RIDN NYC Universal Pre Kindergarten (UPK) Application deadline March 3.

Still haven’t applied to #preKforAll? You now have until Friday, March 3 to complete your application: https://t.co/uca7K4CQyZ pic.twitter.com/6pxLgLlb9s

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) February 27, 2017

RIDN Offers FREE inspired and exciting progressive approaches to learning for young children in all areas of development – from early literacy and math to the arts.

Supportive and nurturing teaching by teams of experienced educators in our small non-profit setting.

Weekly schedules include project-based learning, outside time, music enrichment classes, free healthy snacks and lunches, and much more!

Last day to apply for FREE full day UPK classes has been extended to Friday, March 3! All children with 2013 birthdays are eligible to apply.

Apply online here.

Visit RIDN to learn more about our programs.

Application Deadline For NYC Free Universal Pre Kindergarten Seats Is February 24 - Still Time To Apply To Roosevelt Island's PS 217 & Roosevelt Island Day Nursery

There's still time to find the right #preKforAll choices before your child's application is due on Friday, Feb 24: https://t.co/uca7K4CQyZ pic.twitter.com/tZCgDGv8kd

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) February 19, 2017

3 DAYS LEFT to apply to #preKforAll → https://t.co/uca7K4CQyZ pic.twitter.com/a1Pi8fQdY4

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) February 22, 2017

Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA representative Erin Olavesen reminds

... parents of children born in 2013 have until February 24th to apply for free Universal Pre Kindergarten (UPK). Click here for more information.

I had a pretty large group of parents tour our Roosevelt Island PS 217 Pre-kindergarten last week, but because of winter break this week we won't have any other tours before the application deadline. We anticipate having 2 UPK classes this fall with 18 seats each. If parents have any questions about the UPK program at 217 they are more than welcome to email me at eolavesen@gmail.com.

PS 217 will host a few more tours in the spring once Gifted & Talented Class (G&T) scores have been released. These tours are geared towards families of prospective Kindergarten G&T students but all are welcome to attend.

We'll host an orientation for new pre-k and kindergarten families in June. Families will get more information when registering. Dates will also be posted to our PTA's website:

I don't want anyone to miss out on FREE prekindergarten right here in our neighborhood. I feel very lucky to have had my son in the UPK program at 217 last year. It was a great introduction to school for him.

Roosevelt Island UPK seats are also available at the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery. More info on Roosevelt Island UPK at this previous post and tips for selecting a kindergarten here.

UPDATE 2/24 The NYC Pre K application deadline has been extended to March 3.

‼️Great news! We are extending the #PreKforAll Application deadline – families have until March 3 to apply to pre-K: https://t.co/uca7K4CQyZ pic.twitter.com/skAMRB6TN9

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) February 24, 2017

Also, the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery adds:

RIDN has three UPK classes and the only on site extended day option (3-6pm coverage).

Roosevelt Island Gets 50 Additional NYC Free Universal Pre Kindergarten Seats For September 2016 - A Fantastic Improvement Says Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator To RIRA Common Council Public Session

Image From NYC Department Of Education

Reported Monday May 2, that the NYC Department of Education approved the addition of at least 50 more free Universal Pre-Kindergarten Seats for Roosevelt Island with full day classes starting in September 2016 at the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN). According to Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos:

... Universal Pre-Kindergarten means having a seat for every four year old in their neighborhood where children can get an education and parents get the help they need in order to afford to live, work and raise a family in the city. Thank you to Eva Bosbach of the Roosevelt Island Parents’ Network as well as Ariel Chesler and Jack Moran of P.S. 183 for working with me, parents, children, providers, and the Department of Education to bring Universal Pre-Kindergarten to the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island....

Roosevelt Island Parents' Network Coordinator Eva Bosbach added:

Roosevelt Island could not be more thankful for at least 50 additional universal Pre-K seats for our families! For more than a year members of the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network including Nisha Nihan, Danielle Goldblatt, Josie Chamla, Susy del Campo Perea and Heart Sugiyama teamed up in an effort to get more local UPK seats for our children. We collected lists of names, called and e-mailed our elected officials and requested more seats from the DOE. The mission of the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network is to serve its over 500 member families, keeping them connected through a discussion forum and various activities, and to advocate for their needs. We thank Council Member Ben Kallos and his team for working with us and bringing more local UPK seats to RI! Having a sufficient number of UPK seats on Roosevelt Island strengthens our commitment to the international, diverse, mixed income island neighborhood, a community that is welcoming to all.

Ms Bosbach announced the additional RIDN free Universal Pre - Kindergarten seats and thanked all those who contributed to making it a reality during the May 4 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Session.



More info at this previous post. To arrange a tour of free RIDN Universal Pre Kindergarten program, contact here.

Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 has a 36 seat free Universal Pre-Kindergarten program that began in 2015.

More NYC Universal Pre Kindergarten Seats Coming To Roosevelt Island For September 2016 Class Says Council Member Ben Kallos - Roosevelt Island Day Nursery Offering At Least 50 New Pre K Seats, Sign Up Now To Take School Tour And Learn More

Image From NYC Department Of Education Pre-K

Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos announced today that the NYC Department Of Education has added 90 new Universal Pre Kindergarten seats for Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side.

Release: 90 New Pre-K Seats Announced for Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island by Council Member Kallos and ... - https://t.co/HTWc6yYqKp

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) May 2, 2016

Approximately 50-51 of those new Universal Pre Kindergarten seats will be at the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN).

 mage From Roosevelt Island Day Nursery

RIDN Executive Director Pamela Stark reports:

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery, Inc. (RIDN) is thrilled to be able to further meet the needs of the community by offering new full day UPK classes starting September 2016. We thank Council Member Kallos's office and the Department of Education for their support during the approval process.

Dear Families:

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN) will be a full day UPK provider next year. Children with a 2012 date of birth would be eligible to attend school at RIDN 8:40 am-3 pm Monday-Friday for free during the 2016-2017 school year!

The next round of UPK choice is open to families from Monday May 2 through Friday May 20. We expect that as of Monday May 2 the Roosevelt Island UPK offerings in the Department of Educations online registration system will include both RIDN and PS 217.

Please note All current RIDN families with age eligible children who choose RIDN as their first choice UPK program in the DOE’s online registration system will be given priority enrollment to RIDN’s Pre-K Program.

For those of you who have a child with a 2012 birth date and have not yet visited RIDN, to learn more about our school we are pleased to offer three morning tours in May:

Friday May 6, 8:30- 9:30 am
Wednesday May 11, 8:30-9:30 am
Tuesday May 17, 8:30-9:30 am.

Please RSVP for a Q + A tour by emailing office@ridn.org

Due to space limitations, tours will be limited to ten adults, and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The NYC Department of Education has more information on the Universal Pre Kindergarten Program.



Below is Press Release announcing the new Roosevelt Island and Upper East Side Universal Pre Kindergarten seats from NYC Council Member Ben Kallos:

Ninety more 4-year-olds will have free pre-kindergarten seats on the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island thanks to the efforts of Council Member Ben Kallos who organized parents and children to identify new providers to which parents pledged to send children.

Of the 90 new seats, 54 will be at the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery and 36 seats will be at the Manhattan Schoolhouse in the Upper East Side. This is an increase over the 425 seats previously offered on the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island for the school year starting in September of 2016 to 515.

Parents can apply for Round 2 of Universal Pre-Kindergarten starting on May 2, 2016, including families who already applied, accepted an offer, or have not yet applied.

“Universal Pre-Kindergarten means having a seat for every four year old in their neighborhood where children can get an education and parents get the help they need in order to afford to live, work and raise a family in the city,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Thank you to Eva Bosbach of the Roosevelt Island Parents’ Network as well as Ariel Chesler and Jack Moran of P.S. 183 for working with me, parents, children, providers, and the Department of Education to bring Universal Pre-Kindergarten to the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.”

Following reporting by WNYC in 2014 that Yorkville, Lenox Hill and Roosevelt Island had 2,118 four-year-olds and only 123 Pre-Kindergarten seats Council Member Ben Kallos has worked to bring new seats to the district. This included identifying parents with four year olds who pledged to send their children to Universal Pre-Kindergarten, working with schools and providers to become UPK locations, and working with the Department of Education through the application process to open more seats in the 5th Council District on the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island.

Since taking office Council Member Kallos and organizers in the community have successfully doubled the number of seats at P.S./I.S. 217 on Roosevelt Island. As of 2016 the number of seats in the Upper East Side and on Roosevelt Island has more than quadrupled from 123, a was originally reported by WNYC in 2014, to more than 425 as of the March deadline and as of today 515.

“Pre-K for All is about serving the children and families of New York, and we are doing that by moving the application process up a month, planning to better match seats and family demand, and making the Round 2 admissions process simpler for families. With the partnership of CM Kallos, we've made real progress in expanding options on Roosevelt Island, and the Upper East Side,” said Deputy Chancellor Josh Wallack. “We encourage families to pre-register for their seat by May 20, and we'll continue to work tirelessly to ensure every family knows about the benefits of pre-K and is able to apply during the next round of admissions.”

“Roosevelt Island Day Nursery, Inc. (RIDN) is thrilled to be able to further meet the needs of the community by offering new full day UPK classes starting September 2016. We thank Council Member Kallos's office and the Department of Education for their support during the approval process.” said Pamela Stark, Executive Director of the Roosevelt Island Day Nursery.

“Roosevelt Island could not be more thankful for 54 additional universal Pre-K seats for our families! For more than a year members of the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network including Nisha Nihan, Danielle Goldblatt, Josie Chamla, Susy del Campo Perea and Heart Sugiyama teamed up in an effort to get more local UPK seats for our children. We collected lists of names, called and e-mailed our elected officials and requested more seats from the DOE. The mission of the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network is to serve its over 500 member families, keeping them connected through a discussion forum and various activities, and to advocate for their needs. We thank Council Member Ben Kallos and his team for working with us and bringing more local UPK seats to RI! Having a sufficient number of UPK seats on Roosevelt Island strengthens our commitment to the international, diverse, mixed income island neighborhood, a community that is welcoming to all.” said Eva Bosbach of the Roosevelt Island Parents' Network

“As an upper east side parent, I am concerned not only about the chances of my own child obtaining a pre-K spot in the neighborhood but also about the children of my friends and neighbors. That is why I have been speaking out about the insufficient number of seats in the area, spreading the word in the PS 183 Times, and working with Council Member Ben Kallos. I am glad to learn that Council Member Kallos has obtained additional seats for our neighborhood and applaud his efforts on this issue.” - said Ariel Chesler an author and parent at P.S. 183

“As parents my wife and I are thrilled to hear about more pre-k seats being announced for this area of the city we have lived for 15 years. It will mean more options for families of the Upper East Side to have their children grow and thrive in our community.”- said Jack Moran a parent at P.S. 183.

The list of locations with available in the Upper East Side and on Roosevelt Island are:

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN) (NEW)
405 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
4 River Road, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
2016-17 Seats: 54 Full day

Manhattan Schoolhouse (NEW)
1608 First Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10028
2016-17 Seats: 36 Full day

P.S. / I.S. 217 Roosevelt Island
645 Main St, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
2016-17 Seats: 36 Full day

Renanim Manhattan
336 East 61st St, Manhattan, NY 10065
2016-17 Seats: 16 Full day

East Side Elementary School, P.S. 267
213 East 63rd St, Manhattan, NY 10065
2016-17 Seats: 18 Full day

Ella Baker School
317 East 67th St, Manhattan, NY 10065
2016-17 Seats: 54 Full day

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
331 East 70th St, Manhattan, NY 10021
2016-17 Seats: 80 Full day

P.S. 158 Bayard Taylor
1458 York Ave, Manhattan, NY 10075
2016-17 Seats: 72 Full day

Cassidy's Place
419 East 86th St, Manhattan, NY 10028
2016-17 Seats: 36 Full day and Half Day

Eisman Day Nursery
1794 First Ave, Manhattan, NY 10128
2016-17 Seats: 39 Full day

P.S. 198 Isador E Ida Straus
1700 Third Ave, Manhattan, NY 10128
2016-17 Seats: 54 Full day

Lexington Children's Center
115 East 98th St, Manhattan, NY 10029
2016-17 Seats: 20 Full day

UPDATE 12:55 PM - RIDN's Pamela Stark reports that the RIDN Pre K seats are at their 4 River Road location, not 405 Main Street as listed in the Press Release above.

Roosevelt Island Parents Apply Now For Universal Pre Kindergarten Seats Says NYC Council Member Ben Kallos - Deadline Wednesday March 9

Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos reports on this week's deadline to apply for Universal Pre Kindergarten seats. According to Mr. Kallos:

Apply Now for Universal Pre-K, the deadline is THIS Wednesday, March 9, 2016.
All New York City children born in 2012 are eligible to attend free, full-day Pre-K this upcoming fall. Sign up now at nyc.gov/prek

Please email me at upk@benkallos.com once you apply so we can add you to our list of families in need of UPK.

More than 425 seats are currently available in my Council District for 2016-17 from the list below (or visit maps.nyc.gov/upk):

P.S. / I.S. 217 Roosevelt Island
645 Main St, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
2016-17 Seats: 36 Full day

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN)
405 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
4 River Road, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
2016-17 Seats: Currently Seeking DOE Approval

Renanim Manhattan
336 East 61st St, Manhattan, NY 10065
2016-17 Seats: 16 Full day

East Side Elementary School, P.S. 267
213 East 63rd St, Manhattan, NY 10065
2016-17 Seats: 18 Full day

Ella Baker School
317 East 67th St, Manhattan, NY 10065
2016-17 Seats: 54 Full day

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
331 East 70th St, Manhattan, NY 10021
2016-17 Seats: 80 Full day

P.S. 158 Bayard Taylor
1458 York Ave, Manhattan, NY 10075
2016-17 Seats: 72 Full day

Wee Care
451 East 83rd Street, Manhattan, NY 10028
2016-17 Seats: Currently Seeking DOE Approval

Cassidy's Place
419 East 86th St, Manhattan, NY 10028
2016-17 Seats: 36 Full day and Half Day

Eisman Day Nursery
1794 First Ave, Manhattan, NY 10128
2016-17 Seats: 39 Full day

P.S. 198 Isador E Ida Straus
1700 Third Ave, Manhattan, NY 10128
2016-17 Seats: 54 Full day

Lexington Children's Center
115 East 98th St, Manhattan, NY 10029
2016-17 Seats: 20 Full day

Following reporting by WNYC in 2014 that Yorkville, Lenox Hill and Roosevelt Island had 2,118 four-year-olds and only 123 pre-K seats, we've been working with parents to pressure the Department of Education to open more seats in my Council District. We successfully doubled the number of seats at P.S./I.S. 217 on Roosevelt Island last year and as of this year have nearly quadrupled the number of seats that were originally reported by WNYC. Thank you to Eva Bosbach along with the Roosevelt Island Parents Network as well as Ariel Chesler and Jack Moran on the East Side whom we are working with to open new seats in the Council District.

We are actively seeking parents to help us organize other families in need of seats as well as providers with whom parents are comfortable with in order to expand the number of Pre-K seats in the district.

Please Apply Now and Email upk@benkallos.com.

The NYC Department of Education has more on information on the Universal Pre Kindergarten program.

Midterm Report From NYC Council Member Ben Kallos, Roosevelt Island Universal Pre Kindergarten Seats, Ferry Service & PS/IS 217 Green Roof - Stopping Superscrapers, Affordable Housing, Construction Crane Safety & More Too

Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos reviews his 2 years on the job. Mr. Kallos reported yesterday:

It has been two years, one month and twenty four days since I began serving as your City Council Member. I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished together and excited for the road ahead.

I want to thank all whom I have already had a chance to meet and look forward to meeting you or seeing you again at my District Office at 244 East 93rd Street for First Friday, Policy Night, or another event listed at BenKallos.com/Events. Or I can come to you for Ben In Your Building.

If you would like to compare my goals with actions over the last two years, please have a look at my 2013 Policy Book as well as my Inauguration and two States of the District, where we looked to the past and prepared for a bright future. I am proud of these achievements, but I know we have much more to do together. Thank you for your support over the past two years. I am looking forward to the next year and 10 months.

Table of Contents

1.      By the Numbers
2.      Management and Quality of Life
3.      Zoning and Affordable Housing
4.      Transportation
5.      Parks
6.      Education
7.      Marine Transfer Station
8.      Health
9.      Governmental Operations

BY THE NUMBERS

Constituent Service Cases: 3,800 and counting
Legislation Introduced: 65
Legislation Passed: 8
Land Use Matters Adopted: 4
City Council attendance: 99.5 %
Governmental Operations Committee Hearing chaired: 35
Legislation Passed by Committee: 15
First Fridays & Policy Nights: More than a dozen
Community Meetings: More than 100
Participatory Budgeting Investments in Community: $3.6 Million

Regarding Roosevelt Island, Mr Kallos writes:

... Ferry Service for the East Side and Roosevelt Island: Following years of advocacy from my campaign to office, I am proud that there will be new stops for Roosevelt Island in 2017 and 62nd and 90th Streets by 2018, utilizing our waterfronts to improve commutes....

... Last year, our top vote-getters for $1 million in participatory budgeting were new green roofs for P.S. 151 and P.S./I.S. 217 on Roosevelt Island. This will provide students an opportunity to be exposed to the future of energy and inspire them to look to careers of the future, as well as understand environmental protection....

... More UPK for Roosevelt Island: With the Roosevelt Island Parents Network, through Eva Bosbach, we've been working to address the need for more Universal Pre-Kindergarten seats on Roosevelt Island. Through our advocacy we were able to double the number of seats at P.S./I.S. 217 in partnership with the Department of Education. There is still more to do and I personally met with Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carmen Fariña to discuss this issue. We are working together to identify spaces and providers who can partner to open up more pre-K seats for our kids. Please let my office know if you would like to help provide UPK or if you have a child you would like to attend pre-K on Roosevelt Island or on the East Side....

Click here for the entire mid-term report from our NYC Council Member Ben Kallos. and watch his 2016 State Of the District Address.

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery Is A Candidate To Offer NYC Department Of Education Universal Pre Kindergarten Class For 2016-17 School Year - Is Your Family Interested?

 Image From Roosevelt Island Day Nursery

The Roosevelt Island Day Nursery reports:

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN) is pleased to announce that we are a candidate to offer Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) classes on Roosevelt Island for the 2016-2017 school year. We are optimistic that RIDN will be an approved UPK site for many reasons: we already have the necessary Department of Health license, are staffed with Director/teachers that have the required qualifications, and have a proven history as a UPK site.

There are a number of steps that need to happen before we are definitely approved. We are hoping to know definitively in spring. In the meantime, the Department of Education is seeking information from us. In order to help them determine how many spots RIDN may be allotted, they would like to know how many families in the Roosevelt Island community would be interested in a full-day UPK program. Communicating your interest at this early stage is important to the planning process; we hope to serve as many community families as possible. (As described in the DOE UPK community-based organization's admissions guidelines, RIDN will first allocate UPK spots for children currently enrolled at RIDN). If you have a child born in 2012 (eligible for UPK in 2016-2017), are not currently attending RIDN and are interested in your child attending a full-day UPK in September, please email Rhonda at office@ridn.org. Please include your name, your child's full name and date of birth, address, and your phone contact information.

If you are interested in enrolling your child at RIDN before September 2016, we do still have vacancies and would be happy to give you a tour. We also have some scheduled Open Houses where we will share information about our philosophy and tour both of our sites:

• Friday, February 5 8-:30 am-9:30 am (morning tour)
• Thursday, February 25 6:30-8 pm (evening tour)
• Saturday, February 27 10:30 am-12 pm (weekend tour)

If you would like to attend one of these Open Houses, please RSVP to Rhonda at office@ridn.org.

If RIDN does become an approved UPK provider for the 2016-2017 school year, we look forward to meeting this need by helping more families be able to have a high-quality full-day UPK program located on the Island.

Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 currently has 2 full day 18 seat pre-kindergarten classes. One class is entirely of siblings.

Parents have said there is a great need for additional pre-kindergarten seats on Roosevelt Island.

Image From NYC Department Of Education Pre-K

Roosevelt Island's Island Kids and the St Cabrini Catholic Parish are reportedly trying to establish a Pre-Kindergarten program as well.

More information on NYC DOE Pre-Kindergarten program available here and at previous posts.

Roosevelt Island PS 217 School Upcoming Tours For Incoming Kindergarten And Prospective Gifted & Talented Families, Come Learn About PS 217 And Relationship With Cornell Tech - Also, Sign Up For Full Day Pre Kindergarten Program

Roosevelt Island PS 217 invites prospective incoming families to come take a tour and learn about the school. According to the 217 PTA:

217 invites families to a school tour for incoming Kindergarten families and prospective Gifted & Talented families

Next School Tours:

FRIDAY, APRIL 17TH 8:30AM
MONDAY, APRIL 20TH 8:30AM
TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST 8:30AM

RSVP to Lauraine Rademaker, Parent Coordinator at LRademaker@schools.nyc.gov

We look forward to meeting you!

Image From PS 217 PTA

Click here for more information on the PS 217 School Tours.

The 217 PTA adds:

Dear Parents & Guardians,

We are excited to offer a full-day UPK program starting in September. We understand that many families are interested in enrolling in the full-day program. Although the Department of Education currently lists one section with 18 slots for full-day UPK - I strongly encourage parents who are interested in the program to apply. We are working with the Dept of Education to explore opening additional full-day slots if there is enough demand.

Thank you,
Mandana Beckman
Principal

During March 2 Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech Community & Construction Task Force meeting, Cornell Tech Director of K-12 Education Diane Levitt provided this update on relationship with PS/IS 217.

Cornell Tech PS/IS 217 Update March 2

Here's the presentation by Ms. Levitt followed by questions from the Task Force



and more information on Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 Gifted & Talented Program and Kindergarten class.

NYC Pre K Application Period Begins Today - Roosevelt Island PS 217 Offering Full Day Program Says DOE Update

Are you a Roosevelt Island parent interested in a Pre-Kindergarten school program for your child? The New York City Department of Education (DOE) reports:

Pre-K Application Period Is Open!

If you live in New York City and your child was born in 2011, he or she is eligible to attend a free, high quality pre-K program in September 2015. The application period runs from Monday, March 16, 2015 to Friday, April 24, 2015.

and Mayor de Blasio tweets:

It’s a big day for our city: the application period for #prekforall is now open. Apply now: http://t.co/72AzNECe6k pic.twitter.com/JoAgE40vyH
— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) March 16, 2015

Roosevelt Island parent Desiree Charles reported March 6:

So the 2015 Pre-K directory just came out today and PS217 isn't one of the many schools that have gone from offering half day programs to full day programs. The question is why? What happened to the $300 million in funds allocated to providing full-day pre-k to all NY City Public School children. Roosevelt Island is definitely a community that is dying for affordable/free full-day pre-k.

The full-day pre-k options are Roosevelt Island Day Nursery at $17K which actually opted out of the universal pre-k system. Or you can use Bright Horizons at about $14K a school year. Besides cost, there are the difficult logistics this presents to parents who already have a child at 217 - how do you handle pick-ups and drop-offs with one kid on the island and another kid (4 years old) off-island all at the same time?

It's pretty disappointing to say the least! Why has the DOE chosen not to move forward with Roosevelt Island? With no other affordable full-day pre-k options, Roosevelt Island should have been among the first schools to transition.

I asked Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Principal Mandana Beckman:

I understand that Roosevelt Island's PS 217 was not chosen for full day Pre Kindergarten class.

Is that true?

I have received inquires on that subject from Roosevelt Island parents.

Can you provide any information on the subject to the community.

Ms. Beckman replied on March 10:

PS/IS 217 supports the DOE’s expansion of full day Universal PreK. Although we will continue to have 2 half day sections for the 2015-2016 school year, we will be working throughout the year on ways to address accommodating full day PreK in our Pre K to Grade 8 school in the future.

Ms. Charles followed up on March 15:

An update to the Pre-K Directory was just released and lists PS217 as going full day! I can't tell you how excited I am!

The DOE has more information and application for Pre K program here.

Image From NYC DOE Pre K Update Page 6

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery (RIDN) Executive Director Pamela Stark explains why RIDN declined to participate in the NYC DOE Pre K program:

Roosevelt Island Day Nursery is an independent school that has offered quality early childhood education to Roosevelt Island residents for 40 years. In addition to highly qualified professional teaching staff, RIDN also offers an excellent teacher to child ratio and special activities including Music Together with Owen (of RI Music Together and MST & DA) and Creative Movement and Dance with Debra (of MST & DA).

As a not-for-profit school, RIDN continues to look for ways to help keep our quality early childhood program an option for as many families as possible. We offer financial aid to families who qualify, a sibling discount for families who have more than one child attending RIDN, and we have a partnership with Weill Cornell which provides subsidized tuition for five postdoctoral families each year. We are also open to creating further partnerships with local employers seeking to subsidize school tuition for their employees, and the school is actively engaged in various fundraising efforts to support its program, including events focused at current students, alumni, and the broader community.

Unfortunately the NYC Universal Pre-K funding that the Department of Education provides is not only insufficient to support the program we offer, it currently imposes obligations upon recipient schools that are unworkable at RIDN. As a result, RIDN’s Board of Directors (the majority of whom are current RIDN parents) has decided not to pursue UPK funding at this time. Other independent schools in Manhattan have made similar decisions.

Here's more information (including video) on Roosevelt Island PS 217 Pre Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Gifted & Talented program at this January 12 Community Board 8 meeting.

UPDATE 4:10 PM - The Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA is holding a Silent Auction Fundraiser Saturday March 21 from 2-5 PM.

More information on the PS/IS 217 PTA Silent Auction fundraiser and an online catalog for the auction available at their web site.

UPDATE 6:30 PM - PS 217 Principal Mandana Beckman reports that the Roosevelt Island full day Pre K program will have 1 class with 18 children. The previous half day program had two classes with 18 children each.

Also, the DOE page has changed from 36 seats (listed in Screenshot above) to

 Image From NYC DOE Pre K Update Page 6

 18 seats for 1 class.