A night of dancing & fun for you and your sweetheart
Tonight the 217 PTA is hosting a Winter Wonderland Family Dance. Islanders and 217 Parents' Desiree and Adam Burrows, have donated sound and lighting to transform our cafeteria into a space fit for a dance party! Island mom, Gina Leung, is donating her time to paint faces. I'll be there, along with lots of other parent volunteers, wearing sequins and selling hot dogs. This is definitely not your average night on Roosevelt Island!
Please come out and support your neighborhood school! It takes all of us to create something great.
$15 per couple (parent/child) and $5 per additional person
Department Offerings for February 26 - March 10 (Pages 1-4). Perishable Items (Page 5, 6) are for February 26 - March 3.
Gristedes representative Bob Capano invites Roosevelt Island residents to check out their various product departments for all of your shopping needs.
Also, don't forget the 10% Roosevelt Island Seniors Discount on Tuesday and Wednesday and Sign Up For Gristedes Bonus Cards online or in person at the store.
More Gristedes Supermarket information available at their web site and Twitter feed.
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.
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
... 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....
The use of Roosevelt Island Community space by various local groups is an important issue for some residents. If you are interested in using Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Cultural Center community space, plan on attending RIOC meeting tomorrow.
According to RIOC:
The meeting for scheduling Cultural Center permit requests on Thursday, February 25th at 9 AM has been moved to the Cultural Center Small Studio.
This meeting is open to individuals or groups seeking permits that fall between the dates of April 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016 only.
Attendees are required to RSVP and advise their anticipated space needs by February 24th by contacting Donna Masly at 212.891.6540 or emailing permits@rioc.ny.gov.
Images Of Cultural Center Theater, Studio and Common Area Space
Please e-mail Jane for more information or to attend
Hello All:
As many of you know, Cornell Tech’s mission is to develop pioneering leaders and technologies for the digital age. And we are deeply committed to extending this mission into the community. We do this by applying our expertise in ways that improve the connections between people and technology. And on Roosevelt Island this includes a particular focus on seniors and people with disabilities.
To this end, four of our students are currently developing an on-line service called Eldr.ly that is intended to help seniors better engage with technology and the services it enables - empowering seniors to live better, more independent lives. In short, it will help seniors get stuff done in an increasingly digital age.
As part of their research, the students would like to interview seniors, in a discussion-like format, about how they use and view technology.
Would you be interested in participating in this discussion? The only requirements are that you own and somewhat regularly use either a computer, a laptop, an iPad or an iPhone (you do not have to bring your devices to the interview).
If the answer is yes, please see below for the days and times that interview sessions will be held (you need only attend ONE session, but please let me know if you are available on multiple days/times, because we will consolidate if we can).
This Wednesday, February 24th
11:00 am to 11:45 am
or
12:00 pm to 12:45 pm
Or next Monday, February 29th
2:00 pm to 2:45 pm
or
3:00 pm to 3:45 pm
The interviews will be held at the Senior Center.
Let me know if you have any questions and thanks so much.
Appointment: Appoint Charlene Indelicato as Village Administrator of the Village of Dobbs Ferry for a term of one year for a salary of $170,000, effective April 4, 2016, and authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with Ms. Indelicato on terms and conditions approved by the Attorney for the Village, Labor Counsel and the Board of Trustees.
No word yet on who will be the new RIOC President, either on a permanent or temporary basis.
Stay tuned for more.
UPDATE 3/3- Ms. Indelicato's final day at RIOC will be March 18. It is expected that current RIOC General Counsel Susan Rosenthal, appointed in May 2015, will be named as Interim President upon approval by the RIOC Board of Directors.
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus told the January 27 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting that according to the FBI's seven index crime statistics, Roosevelt Island is "the safest place in New York City"...
are very concerned about public safety issues inside their buildings.
Roosevelt Landings Service Committee Chair Romano Reid organized a group of residents to attend the January 27 meeting and advise RIOC Public Safety Department Director McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara about issues with young people smoking marijuana and loitering in the hallways, staircases and apartments.
Here's portion of the discussion.
One Roosevelt Landings resident went as far as asking if a common space could be set aside far away from residents' apartments for marijuana smoking so that it would not bother others (at the 3 minute 25 second mark). Director McManus replied that he saw that scenario on the HBO Series The WIRE, but could not condone similar tactics here on Roosevelt Island.
Another resident asked for security cameras to be placed in the hallways but Director McManus said that was up to the Roosevelt Landings building management, not RIOC, to implement.
During the meeting, Doryne Isely of Urban American's Roosevelt Landings management phoned in to the group offering to meet and discuss these issues.
Roosevelt Landings Service Committee Chair Romano Reid reports about the buildings safety issues and meeting with Ms. Isely to seek improvements:
Because Roosevelt Landings is the largest building on Roosevelt Island comprised of (9) buildings, there has been a history in Roosevelt Landings of quality of life violations. Some of which are children playing in the hallways, and people from other communities and buildings loitering in the halls at all times of the day and night. The violations have now extended into the smoking of various substances in public areas, sexual acts being performed in remote areas of the building,the starting of various fires in the AVAC's .
The residents and it's leadership have had enough!! As a direct result of these disruptions, the leadership of Roosevelt Landings residents brought our concerns to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Committee on 1/27/2016. At this venue residents were able to express our discontent to Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus and Deputy Director Lynda Marmara.
As a follow-up to the 1/26 meeting, our group was also invited to meet with the management of Urban American the following week to further address these concerns.
During this February 3rd meeting with Urban American management there were several recommendations proposed by the buildings "Tenant Service board" as it relates to improving the safety & security within the building. As the buildings Chairman, I am devoted to working with residents & Management alike to bring about the necessary improvements to Roosevelt Landings.
RIOC Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus adds:
We look forward to continuing to work with the residents on this difficult issue. We have doubled,(and on some days and nights tripled), the commitment of officers patrolling Urban American buildings due to complaints of teenagers/young adults hanging out, making unreasonably noise, and smoking marijuana in the halls and stairwells of these buildings.
Personnel from the 114th Precinct are very visible in these buildings performing vertical patrols both jointly with PSD and independently as well. We have made at least three (3) arrests over the last two (2) weeks for trespassing and other public nuisance related violations. It remains illegal to smoke marijuana in public and we will continue to summons/arrest violators of this law.
Through our own observation and encounters, as well as that of the NYPD, the vast majority of young adults that we encounter, summons or arrest are Roosevelt Island residents. As we continue to address this issue, I am requesting that parents of resident teenagers/young adults discourage their children from hanging out in the hallways and staircases of any building on Roosevelt Island as it is presently the number one (1) complaint that we are receiving from Island residents over the last several months.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Below are recent Public Safety Incident Reports occurring at Roosevelt Landings:
A Roosevelt Island Rivercross Co-op tipster shares this memo from the building's Board of Directors/management about proper resident behavior in the entrance lobby
and
public areas.
According to the Rivercross Board and Management:
While we all enjoy the comfortable atmosphere throughout Rivercross, we must remind you that the entrance lobby and common areas are public spaces for use by all residents or visitors for brief meetings, visiting or as a waiting area. Therefore, please observe the following:
No feet on the furniture or tables,
No sitting on tables
No sorting of mail on tables
Food or drink are not to be consumed in the lobby or placed on tables and furniture
Furniture and tables may not be moved
Meetings should be of short duration
Proper attire is required while walking through the lobby or other common areas and by all means no bare feet
We appreciate everyone's cooperation and consideration for all shareholders and visitors in the reasonable and proper use of our common areas and lobby
Are you a Roosevelt Island High School Sophmore, Junior or Senior interested in learning more about the criminal justice system? If yes, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office (NY County) has a paid summer internship program for you. According the the Manhattan District Attorney:
Program Overview
The New York County District Attorney’s High School Internship Program is a rigorous six-week internship that provides students with an insider’s view of the criminal justice system. For 28 years, the program’s interns have represented a variety of public, independent, and parochial schools from the diverse communities of Manhattan. We are currently accepting applications from bright and promising students who are interested in serving their communities. Interns receive a $150 weekly stipend.
Each intern is assigned to a unit within the Office and helps Assistant District Attorneys and other staff members with their work. Interns also attend presentations and trips and participate in a mock trial competition.
Eligibility
Applicants must reside in Manhattan or attend a school in Manhattan
Applicants must be sophomores, juniors or sen- iors in high school
Applicants must commit to attend the entire program (July 11, 2016 - August 19, 2016, Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete an online application and submit the following materials by:
Friday, March 25, 2016.
A completed application form
A one-page resume
An essay, no longer than 500 words, discussing a goal or project that reflects your interest in criminal justice
A letter of recommendation from your school. (A second letter of recommendation from school or another activity that you are connected to may be provided, if desired.)
Thank you to all 217 families who purchased and sent Valentine grams! Together we raised almost $1,000 for our school!
With over 1,500 grams sent out, our dedicated teachers did their best to distribute the Grams each day, but class work comes first. We hope all grams will reach their recipients once we return from the break on Monday. Thank you for your patience!
Tuesday Parent Workshops - 7:50-8:25am
Please join us before school on Tuesday, February 23 for the following workshops:
Grade 3 - Test Preparation for ELA and Math
ELA Middle School - Engrade Pro
All K-8 students can be dropped off in the cafeteria to enjoy a fee breakfast while you attend.
Thank you in advance for partnering with us! We hope to see you there!
100th Day of School Spirit Day/Popcorn Sale - Friday, February 26
Buy popcorn at the pick up time and support your school - $1 popcorn and drinks.
Classes with most students wearing school t-shirts or school colors (gold & purple) will get FREE popcorn vouchers! While we are working on setting up online Spirit Store, please email Erin at eolavesen@gmail.com if you'd like to purchase $15 school t-shirts (limited number of adult sized t-shirts is now also available for sale!)
Winter Wonderland Family Dance - Saturday, February 6-8pm
We can't wait to see you all at our Family Dance 6-8pm this coming Saturday! Last chance to purchase tickets at a discounted price - click HERE to get yours.
217 Partners with MyLibraryNYC
MyLibraryNYC is a partnership between the NYC DOE and NYC's public library systems. The program provides participating schools with enhanced library privileges including fine-free student and educator library cards!
All 217 educators and students are eligible! Simply stop by your local library and ask the librarian to upgrade your existing library card. As 217 student, your existing fines will be waved, and till the end of this school year you will get no overdue charges on books! (standard overdue charges apply on all other materials e.g. DVDs, CDs, magazines).
SHOP TEA COLLECTION AND SUPPORT THE PTA
Our Tea Collection partner fundraiser begins February 22nd and runs through February 29th. This is a great way to support PS/IS 217 while stocking up on well-made and beautifully-designed gear for babies and kids. The more you shop, the more we raise!
Follow these steps and your purchase will benefit all the great programs funded by the PS/IS 217 PTA:
Go to TeaSchoolDays.com (not TeaCollection.com) anytime between February 22nd and February 29th.
Go shopping!
At checkout enter SDS16PSIS217in the promo code box at checkout and click “apply code.” This code will be active from 2/22/2016 until 2/29/2016 at 11:59 pm PST.
Complete the checkout process and you are done - you will receive free shipping and 15% of your order's total price will be donated to PS/IS 217!
Save The Dates for School Tours - 8:45am March 11 & 18
The PTA will be hosting informal tours for prospective families on March 11th and 18th at 8.45 am - more information on our website HERE. We're looking forward to meeting families from our community to show them around our campus and fill them in on all that's happening at 217.
Spring tour dates will be announced after Gifted and Talented Score Reports have been distributed. Please check our website for updates.
The "On Roosevelt Island We..." Campaign
The Social Cultural and Education Committee of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association is teaming up with PS/IS 217 to promote good citizenship. RIRA is counting on our students to share their ideas on what good citizenship looks like in our community. Student work will be printed in a larger format for placement on the kiosks and the red bus. Some will be scanned and displayed on the monitors in the tram cabin.
We're asking students to complete the statement "On Roosevelt Island We..." and then provide an illustration.
Some examples:
On Roosevelt Island we hold the door for each other.
On Roosevelt Island we say good morning to each other.
On Roosevelt Island we put trash in the trash cans.
If your child would like to participate:
Use the form which is being sent home via backpack this week, or download a copy from our website.
Include an illustration and your thoughts within the frame on the flyer.
Return your work to your teacher or to the PTA mailbox.
We're looking forward to seeing the ideas of 217 Hawks around the island reminding us all to take care of each other and our community.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
