Mayor Eric Adams Announces Food Education Roadmap For NYC Public School Students To Eat Healthy, Nutritious,Tasty Meals And To Understand The Food System - NYC Schools Kitchen Dashboard Has info On The Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 Cafeteria Meals

New York City Mayor Eric Adams submitted the op-ed article below to local NYC community media including Roosevelt Islander Online. According to Mayor Eric Adams: 

Here in New York City, we are lucky to have an abundance of food from all over the world, yet many of our families face food insecurity, and for some of our children, the breakfast and lunch they eat at school are their only meals for the day. This makes it even more important that we serve our students healthy, nutritious meals that look good, taste good, and are culturally appropriate.

As a city, we have taken important steps in this regard: we follow strict nutritional guidelines; we are offering more plant-based choices, especially on Plant Powered Fridays and Meatless Mondays; we’ve expanded Halal Kitchens so that 87 public schools are now certified to serve Halal meals; this year, we’ve committed $50 million to create a welcoming environment in more than 80 school cafeterias; $5 million to train our school food workers; and now we are adding a vital food education component to the mix.

Living in New York City, many of our young people only see food as a finished product on the shelf of a supermarket, in a bodega, or in a package. We want to help them understand how the food system works—everything from how we grow our food to how it arrives in our grocery stores and on our plates. We want them to be able to make healthy food choices and to analyze how the food system affects the climate, our economy, our diverse communities, and our health. Comprehensive food education can also help students develop an appreciation of the culinary traditions of our city’s many different cultures.

In order to achieve this, we must weave food education throughout the regular school day. Students can learn how to prepare food in the school cafeteria, visit a grocery store for a math or science class, take a trip to a farmers’ market, and so much more. Over 1,000 New York City public schools have gardens where students can learn how to plant and grow their own food as well.

In some of our low-income neighborhoods, families do not have access to supermarkets or other nutritious food sources. And since processed foods (like junk food) is often cheaper and more readily accessible than unprocessed foods, 40% of our students, particularly our Black and Latino students, are overweight or obese. This puts them at greater risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma. By eating better at school and exercising more they can improve their health and the health of the planet. I know this firsthand: I was able to preserve my eyesight and reverse my Type 2 diabetes by adopting a plant-based diet.

Food insecurity and inequity is an ongoing problem in our city that affects New Yorkers’ physical and mental health. By serving healthier food in our schools and through comprehensive food education, we can transform our young people’s health and wellbeing, the health of their communities, our city, and our planet.

I know the power of healthy eating firsthand: Switching to a plant-based diet reversed the effects of my type 2 diabetes.

Today we announce a roadmap for our @NYCSchools kids to eat better and build healthier schools.

Read more: https://t.co/KjrAotBBf6 pic.twitter.com/vzDjj8C9hn

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) June 6, 2023

Watch video below for more info on NYC Roadmap for kids to eat better and build healthier schools

 

The recently launched NYC Schools Kitchen Dashboard has info on Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 cafeteria.

 More info on Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 including student meals here.

Sponsored Post - Choose NYC Public Schools, Need A School, Here's What To Do Says NYC Department Of Education

 

Click here for more info from the NYC Department Of Education.

Sponsored Post - Summer Rising 2022, Safe, Free & Fun Academic & Enrichment Program Serving NYC Students In Grades K -8 Enrollment Is Open, Sign Up Now To Secure Spot In Your Preferred Location

Announcement from the NYC Department of Education and Department of Youth & Community Development:
Summer Rising Enrollment is Open!    

This summer, DOE and DYCD plan to serve a record number of students through Summer Rising, a free, safe, and fun academic and enrichment program for NYC students currently in grades K-8. 

We encourage families to apply early to secure a spot at their preferred location. Enrollment is quick and easy, and it can be completed from any device with an internet connection or by contacting your school’s Parent Coordinator.

 Clich here to enroll and for more information on the NYC DOE/DYCD Summer Rising 2022 program.

Sponsored Post: NYC Department Of Education Help Available To Enroll In NYC Public School - Guidance For Applications, Waitlists, Child Care Eligibility, Accessibility Needs & More

We're excited to welcome students back to @NYCschools buildings on September 13, 2021! Teachers, principals, & school staff cannot wait to welcome you #BackToSchoolNYC to an exciting year of learning, connecting, and creating community. Visit https://t.co/mduvjpUe04 & get ready! pic.twitter.com/MW8n8p7XXQ

— Chancellor Meisha Porter (@DOEChancellor) August 26, 2021

Need a School?

If you're new to New York City DOE public schools or need help with enrollment, you've come to the right place! Year-round, we're here to help with applications, waitlists, and more.

Learn how to enroll for each grade level below.

• Want to contact a Family Welcome Center?  Complete and submit this form: 

• Looking for other enrollment-related forms? Find them on our Forms page. 
• Need childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 2 years old? Learn about options, who can enroll, and how on our Child Care Eligibility page . 
• Have a child with accessibility needs? To learn about any school building's accessibility, check its Building Accessibility Profile. If you have questions, please reach out to that school directly. 

 Click here for more info.

Join @DOEChancellor, @NYCschools leaders & @NYChealthy experts for a #BackToSchoolNYC Family Forum in your borough!
🔹Brooklyn | 9/1 6-7:30pm
🔹Queens | 9/1 8-9:30pm
🔹Bronx | 9/2 6-7:30pm
🔹Staten Island | 9/2 8-9:30pm
🔹Manhattan | 9/9 8-9:30pm
Register: https://t.co/V5s5omqJB4 pic.twitter.com/IVFSWHHems

— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) August 30, 2021

Jobs Available For Elementary & Middle School Teachers At Voice Charter School In Long Island City, Only A Few Blocks From The Roosevelt Island Bridge

Are you a teacher interested in working very close to Roosevelt Island? If yes, there are several job opportunities available  for elementary and middle school teachers, as well as classroom assistants, at the Voice Charter School located in Long Island City just a few blocks from the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

Read more »

Opportunity For Roosevelt Island Children To Display Art Work At NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin's Annual East Side Children's Art Show

Image From Brain Dorfmann at Roosevelt Island Fall For Arts Day 2009

Are there any future artists among Roosevelt Island's young children?

Image of NY City Council Member Jessica Lappin

If so, you may be interested in this message I received from Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin seeking:

Calling All Artists!
Submit your work for Lappin's 4th Annual East Side Children's Art Show - Hosted by Sotheby's
Do you know any artists between the ages of 3 and 13? If so, have them submit their artwork to the Fourth Annual East Side Children’s Art Show! Paintings, drawings, and photographs are welcome. All art must be submitted framed or mounted on poster board. Please label with name, age, grade, school and title of artwork. Limit of 2 pieces per artist. Submissions are due by Wednesday, November 25. Art work should be submitted to:

Council Member Jessica Lappin
330 East 63rd Street, #1K
New York, NY 10065

All submissions will be displayed at a special exhibition at Sotheby’s on the evening of Monday, December 7.

Art work will be available to be picked up after the exhibition. This has been a great event in the past and we hope you will participate. If you have any questions, please call Taina Prado at (212) 980-1808.

Roosevelt Island's Child School/Legacy High School participated in the 2008 show and report:

Councilmember Jessica Lappin sponsored the 3rd Annual East Side Children's Art Show on Wednesday December 10 at Sotheby's. A mural by students at The Child School was on display. It was the largest mural in the exhibition, measuring 4.5 x 6 feet. The mural paid homage to environmentalism and contained the quote "Treat the earth well. We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children," an old Native American proverb. Various students from all grade levels created the mural under the guidance of new art teacher Camille,...

Don't have any pictures form the 2008 East Side Art Show but above shows Child School student creating a sculpture for show at RIVAA Gallery.

UPDATE - 8:55 PM - Received this picture of last year's East Side Children's art show from Ms. Lappin's Press Secretary John Moore.

Image By John Moore

A Parent's Plea Answered - Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 To Get A Gifted & Talented Program Next School Year- Tours On May 7 & 14

Image of PS/IS 217 From Geocities

In April of 2008, I wrote about a Parent's Plea for a Gifted & Talented Program to be established at PS/IS 217 on Roosevelt Island. The parent wrote:

...There is an effort underway here on Roosevelt Island to garner support for a Gifted and Talented program here at PS 217. We are trying to collect signatures of residents here on the island that would be supportive of a G&T program- and bring this data to the attention of Chancellor Joel Klein

I do not know how much knowledge you have of the current situation at PS 217. Presently, many parents send their children to G&T schools, private schools, or public schools (courtesy of a friend's address) in Manhattan to avoid what is considered by many to be a sub-par educational experience. PS 217 currently buses in students from other over-crowded schools to fill seats that sit empty at our school. PS 217 is not currently a reflection of our island make-up....

Another reader just informed me that a Gifted & Talented Program will be established at Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 in the upcoming school year. According to the NYC Dept. of Education's web site, tours of PS/IS 217 are scheduled for May 7 and 14. Call the school to RSVP.

Maybe East Side Manhattan Parents won't complain now about the possibility of having their kids shipped off to Roosevelt Island as the NY Sun explained was the case last year.

...One possibility being raised at a meeting tonight on the Upper East Side would have families living in the new luxury condominiums rising in Midtown East being sent to a school on Roosevelt Island or to a school for the deaf, rather than to the coveted P.S. 116 boasted about in brochures for the condo....

..."Frankly, telling a kindergarten parent that you're going to ship their kid to Roosevelt Island is not going to help you make friends and influence people," Ms. Silver said. "Why don't you send them to Princeton? It's crazy....

This is good news for Roosevelt Island kids and their parents. Could also help Hudson/Related sell some Riverwalk Condos.

RIRA Monthly Common Council Meeting Wednesday Night 8 PM At Good Shepherd Community Center - Ask Questions of PS/IS 217 Principal

Image of RIRA Common Council Meeting

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council will be meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 8PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). Prior to the meeting, time is alloted for any resident to speak before the Council and air their views or issues of concern to Roosevelt Islanders.

For those interested in the state of public school education on Roosevelt Island, Mandama Beckman, the Principal of PS/IS 217, is scheduled to be in attendance. The 11/18/06 Main Street WIRE has a profile of the Principal:

...When several teachers went back to school for administrative licenses, Beckman got hers too, and slipped right into the job of assistant principal when PS/IS 217’s was promoted to principal at another school. "So here I was with the license, and the same thing happened again, when Miss Gregory announced this summer she was retiring."

Beckman was "shocked" when Gregory told her she was ready for ascension to the educational throne. "She was a great mentor in the sense that she was very supportive, and here we’re always planning ahead, so she had let me start certain [administrative] things and take initiatives." As second in command, Beckman had begun a Saturday math program and "tweaked" the assemblies, so she was already making principal-like decisions before switching to the driver’s seat.

"At this school, I could see where I could go next," meaning that she understood what the school needed to retain the students through 8th grade, to involve the parents more in the school’s vision, and to encourage greater communication among teachers of different grades so that the students have continuity as they progress through the grades....

Some reader comments on PS/IS 217 include:

What's funny about the school administration wanting the PTA to raise $100,000 for teacher development. Which I feel should happen, but here is my dismay on that. In recent years the school has been given grants and never did anything with them. A couple years ago the school had a grant for over $100,000 and let it slip by and never did anything with that. The school Library needs to be updated and get rid of the older books and get some new ones in. The playground area needs to be redone. It just seems like the school administration needs to take care of the kids as well as the teachers. How come students can't take books out of the library. I would be concerned for my child playing on that playground..

and:

... There is an effort underway here on Roosevelt Island to garner support for a Gifted and Talented program here at PS 217. We are trying to collect signatures of residents here on the island that would be supportive of a G&T program- and bring this data to the attention of Chancellor Joel Klein.

I do not know how much knowledge you have of the current situation at PS 217. Presently, many parents send their children to G&T schools, private schools, or public schools (courtesy of a friend's address) in Manhattan to avoid what is considered by many to be a sub-par educational experience. PS 217 currently buses in students from other over-crowded schools to fill seats that sit empty at our school. PS 217 is not currently a reflection of our island make-up. I am serving on the PTA Executive Board, and have been making an effort to try to increase enrollment by residents of Roosevelt Island. Many parents have cited the absence of a challenging academic environment, and a lack of a G&T program as reasons why they would not send their child to PS 217. I believe that the presence of a G&T program here on the island would make many residents rethink their children's educational options, especially in the wake of an upcoming tram shut-down in 2009. Most schools in Manhattan (including G&T schools) will not pick up residents here on the island. Many have buses that stop near the tram station-and it will be much more difficult for these individuals to get to Manhattan schools with an over-crowded subway as the only other option. I know for me personally, if a G&T program is not instated at PS 217 in the next two years, our family will move off-island, and into a better neighborhood school-zone.

We currently have 100+ signatures and plan to add many more....

Learn More About Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 From The School's Parent Teacher Association - PTA Asked To Raise $100,000 For Teacher Development

Image of Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 From Geocities

Do you have a child attending Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 or are you considering doing so. In that case, the web page for the school's Parent Teacher Association should be of interest.

The PTA of PS/IS 217 is a non-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing the education of the students of the Roosevelt Island School. All parents of students enrolled in PS/IS 217 automatically become a member of the PTA.

At Roosevelt Island School, we are fortunate to have a combination of caring, concerned parents, and a group of dedicated teachers, staff and administration who instill in our children to excel not to settle.
The Roosevelt Island PTA is committed to assist in the education of all children. It is vital that we work together as a team to accomplish this goal. I urge all parents and teachers to attend PTA meetings. Your input is important and will always be welcomed. As parents, it is our obligation to keep ourselves informed and involved in the education of our children....

PS/IS 217 is described as a "Big City School with a small town feel." It's mission statement:

... PS/IS 217 is a unique community of Pre Kindergarten through Eighth Grade International learners in which all children are encouraged and supported to meet high academic standards, to meet and exceed their own personal goals, to become independent thinkers and develop a life long love of learning. We empower our diverse student body and recognize the strengths of each individual student. We understand and celebrate that all students learn differently. Through best practices in teaching and skillful planning, students are actively involved throughout the day in all subject areas working in partnerships, groups, and independently. Students are supported and challenged throughout the child-centered curriculum.

The PTA is being:

...asked by the school administration to raise an additional $100,000 next year to pay for professional development for our teachers.

The New York City Department of Education progress report grade for Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 for the 2007-08 school year was a C. According to the report:

• This school's overall score for 2007-08 is 47.4
• This score places the School in the 25 percentile of all K-8 schools Citywide–i.e., 25 percent of those schools scored lower than this school
• This school did not meet its improvement target from last year

More information on Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 is available here.

There is a poll question on whether the school should establish a gifted and talented program for students on the right side column. To date, 102 votes are in favor of a G & T program and 21 votes are against.

Roosevelt Island's Child School Legacy High School Finalists in Foreign Policy Association Competion - Are They Available To Help Hillary Clintion?

Image of Hillary Clinton at State Department from NY Times

Now that former New York Senator Hillary Clinton is the new United States Secretary of State in the Obama Administration she may be looking for some help dealing with all of the difficult foreign policy and international affairs issues facing our nation. One place she may look for advice is here on Roosevelt Island where students from the Child School Legacy High School came in third place at the World Quest NYC competition hosted by the Foreign Policy Association. According to the Child School web site:

Four students from Legacy High School won 3rd place at the World Quest NYC competition on December 4. The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) hosted the event which was held at Scholastic company's headquarters. We are particulary proud of our students, Jennie E., Kevin D., Belle R., & Joe S., for facing stiff competition from 6 teams including Stuvesant High School who won 1st place. World Quest is designed to challenge players on knowledge of international affairs, geography, culture and history.

One hundred multiple-choice questions were asked from 10 categories: Biotechnology and Genetics, Transnational Crime, Global Population, International Film, The New York Times, Global Business Technology, Lebanon, Current Events, Water, and Great Decisions (Iraq, Russia, Latin America, Chinese Economic Relations, Foreign Aid and Philanthropy).

Congratulations to the students and school!

Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 PTA Meeting On Tuesday - Are RI Kids Avoiding This School?

Image of Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 from Geocities

There will be a General Meeting of Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) on Tuesday, December 9 at 6PM in the school's cafeteria.

The New York City Department of Education progress report grade for Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 for the 2007-08 school year was a C. According to the report:

• This school's overall score for 2007-08 is 47.4
• This score places the School in the 25 percentile of all K-8 schools Citywide–i.e., 25 percent of those schools scored lower than this school
• This school did not meet its improvement target from last year

In 2006-07, PS/IS 217 received a B grade. Here are some previous posts on Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 including information on math and reading scores, zoning and a parents plea for the establishment of a gifted and talented program.

A Roosevelt Island parent shares at least one opinion on the state of PS/IS 217:

It seems like every time I talk to a parent they are all trying to figure out how they are going to get their children out of the school. I am amazed at how many students here on RI do not go to PS 217. Kids attending private schools while living in gov sub housing (how/why is this possible?). Kids attending schools in manhattan with "borrowed" addresses. Kids being home schooled. It is sad. If everyone chose to have their children attend PS 217 we would have an excellent school.

Unfortunately, attending a PTA meeting makes you realize how dysfunctional the school is, and how much work it would take to get it where it should be. For me, it is easier (stress-wise) to home school my kids, than to spend a year trying to "fix" the school like I did last year. For some reason there are people who defend the school to no end, but the reality is that if your child is advanced there is no opportunity for them at that school. It is unfortunate that the principal is anti-G&T programs.

I have come to conclude that the only way for the school to truly dig itself out of its current situation is to:

A. Have an administrative change. Clean sweep.
B. Have all faculty re-interview for their current positions
C. Instate a G&T program

There may be much to discuss at the PTA meeting.

Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 Receives Progress Report Grade of C for School Year 2007-08

Image of Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 from Geocities

The NY Times reported that:

The number of schools receiving A’s under New York’s much-contested grading system increased significantly this year from last in what Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said was a clear sign of success and evidence that his signature accountability program was spurring improvement at schools across the city.

Unfortunately, The New York City Department of Education progress report grade for Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 for the 2007-08 school year was a C. According to the report:

• This school's overall score for 2007-08 is 47.4
• This score places the School in the 25 percentile of all K-8 schools Citywide–i.e., 25 percent of those schools scored lower than this school
• This school did not meet its improvement target from last year

Here's more on PS/IS 217 including last year's grade of B and improved reading scores reported for most grades in 2008. Why the decline? Is this an indication of poor performance or a function of a flaw in the grading methodology used by the Department of Education?

Questions Regarding Roosevelt Island School Bus Service Answered - Now Get On the Magic Bus With The Who

You Tube Video of The Who's Magic Bus

A reader of this post on the first day of direct non-stop school bus service from Roosevelt Island to the Lower Lab school asks the following questions:

I don't know if anyone out there can answer any of these questions, but...

1. How long does it take?

2. Are there any other Manhattan schools that offer bus service to RI?

3. Is it ever a problem getting bus service from the Manhattan side of the tram to any school?

(My kid isn't in school yet, and we don't know if we want to stay on RI long-term.)

Another reader provides some answers.

1) I don't really know. The bus leaves at 7:20am and gets the kids to school in time.

2) There are quite a few other buses picking up children on Roosevelt Island but I do not know what routes they take (UNIS is one of them). DOE regulation is that you need at least 11 children in order to create a route.

3) No. You can always take the tram and catch a bus on the other side of the river. That's what most kids do.

Hope that helps. If anyone else has more information, please let us know. More on Roosevelt Island schools here.

For the older kiddies, enjoy the Who's Magic Bus. The little one's can still have Scholastic's Magic Bus.

First Day of Roosevelt Island School Bus Service to Lower Lab School A Great Success!

You Tube video of the Scholastic Magic School Bus

I was happy to learn that yesterday was the first day of school bus service from Roosevelt Island direct to the Lower Lab School. According to at least one parent and child I spoke with it was a great success. The child was particularly happy that there were no stops and even said it was FUN! If it is as much fun as the Scholastic Magic Bus, save a seat for me!

Roosevelt Island After School Beacon Program Starts September 8/ School Supply Donations Sought

I saw this flyer posted on the wall of PS/IS 217 notifying Roosevelt Island parents and students that the After School Program will begin on September 8. You can pick up registration forms at the Beacon reception desk. Here is some additional information and contact resources for the Beacon Program from the Roosevelt Island Youth Program.

On another school related matter, blogger Roosevelt Island Dogs is:

asking everyone who has school supply related items that they no longer want or use to donate them. You can also donate new items or gift cards for stores that sell school supplies (such as Staples). You are welcome to write a note or a card to go along with your donation and I am open to suggestions for what schools should be the first to receive donated supplies.

On Tuesday, I will check with management at my building (The Octagon) for permission to set up a secure donation box/area where people can drop off school supply related items and donations during the month of September. Every two weeks I will organize and deliver the items and donations to a school (or hopefully schools {depending on how much is collected}) in need of the supplies.

It would be great if other buildings on Roosevelt Island also set up school supply donation stations as it would only improve the amount of supplies we are able to donate and the amount of schools and students who will benefit from our efforts. If you are interested in joining this effort, please let me know by emailing me at the following address ...

Visit her site and help if you can.

School Supplies Needed poster from Roosevelt Island Dogs

Roosevelt Island School Bus Stop Requires 11 Students Per School

School Bus Image from brickshools.org

More information on the recently announced school bus service for Roosevelt Island children. John Moore, City Council Member Jessica Lappin's community representative, does some further investigation and provides this additional information on school bus service for Roosevelt Island children.

The word from the DOE is that it takes 11 kids to create a bus stop. That is to say, if there are 11 kids on Roosevelt Island attending a particular Manhattan school (i.e. Lower Lab) then a bus stop can be established.

Parents can opt not to use the bus and so would be eligible to continue receiving Metro cards for transportation. However, they seem to be planning on going back to offering either a Metro card or a school bus, no using a card to get to Manhattan and taking a bus from there

As for the length of the trip, DOE policy says that no bus routes can be longer than 5 miles. This should limit the time kids spend on the bus, but it’s not yet clear how long the trip from the Island will take.

UPDATE 1:45 - In response to this comment by reader:

If the 5 miles limit is a hard limit then Lower Lab will not have a bus to Roosevelt Island. According to Google Maps it is 5.3 miles from our Gristedes to Lower Lab on E96th St and 3rd Ave.

The distance from Roosevelt Island to 2nd Ave alone is already more than 3 miles.

Mr Moore clarifies DOE's 5 mile policy:

The DOE is using some discretion for Roosevelt Island. The 5 mile limit was why the Island was always denied for a bus route in the past. However, given the variety of transportation issues facing the Island, the DOE agreed to give some leeway on that rule to set up a bus route for the Island.

School Bus Service Coming for Some Roosevelt Island Children

Image of Otto, the Simpson's school Bus Driver from Wired

Received the following good news from City Council Member Jessica Lappin's office. Council Member Lappin has helped obtain school bus service for some Roosevelt Island children.

In response to a request from Council Member Jessica Lappin, the Department of Education has reversed its position of refusing to assign a school bus route to Roosevelt Island for students who attend schools in Manhattan.

On behalf of several constituents who had contacted the Council Member’s office, Lappin wrote a letter to Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm in which she laid out the overcrowded transportation situation on Roosevelt Island and urged the DOE to create a bus route for the Island. In her June 24 response, Deputy Chancellor Grimm wrote that the DOE intended to do just that.

The Deputy Chancellor wrote that while bus service may not be available to all Island children attending public schools elsewhere, certain District 2 schools like Lower Lab that have more than the minimum number of students needed to create new service will be getting a bus stop in the coming year.

“I want to commend the Department of Education for doing what is right for Roosevelt Island,” Council Member Lappin said. “Especially with the tram expected to be out of service for long periods of time over the coming year, school bus service will provide needed transportation for children who attend school in Manhattan. I’m glad that I was able to play a part in making school bus service a reality.”

Below is Councilmember Lappin's letter to Department of Education

Lappin letter re RI busing 5 13 08-1 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: Lappin letter re RI busing 5 13 08-1

And the letter in response from DOE

DOE Letter re RI busing 6 24 08 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: DOE Letter re RI busing 6 24 08

Image of Council Member Jessica Lappin

Good job by Council Member Lappin in obtaining a much needed service for Roosevelt Island children and their parents. Gothamist has more on last year's school routing problems.

Reading And Math Scores Improve For Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 - Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?

You Tube Video of Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader

NY Times reports that:

Reading and math scores for New York students in grades three through eight showed extraordinary gains across the state since last year, with particularly striking leaps in the large urban areas, including New York City.
The gains were apparent for nearly every grade tested in both subjects, in some cases with double-digit increases in the percentage of students performing at grade level or above, according to the scores on the annual statewide exams released by education officials on Monday.

Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 showed improvements in per cent of students passsing for all grades tested except third. Here is link to test results for Roosevelt Island. For more information on Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 including it's budget, attendance and performance evaluation visit the school's portal page. There is also a poll question on whether the school should establish a gifted and talent program for students on the right side column.

East Side Parents Don't Want Their Kindergarten Kids Rezoned and Shipped to Roosevelt Island

Image of Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 from Geocities

The NY Sun is reporting today that:

With more families seeking to enroll children in public schools than many swiftly developing neighborhoods appear ready to accommodate, the Department of Education has quietly begun to explore a third-rail option: rezoning.

This may lead to the possibility that some families in the new Midtown East luxury condos having to send their children to nearby underutilized schools, such as Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 instead of the highly sought PS 116, and they don't like it.

"Frankly, telling a kindergarten parent that you're going to ship their kid to Roosevelt Island is not going to help you make friends and influence people," Ms. Silver said. "Why don't you send them to Princeton? It's crazy."

From the perspective of Roosevelt Island children going to PS/IS 217, an influx of new students may be the only way to secure more resources and programs for the school. More information on Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 is available here.

A Parent's Plea for Gifted and Talented Student Program at Roosevelt Island Elementary School PS 217

12/2007 You Tube video of NYC Gifted and Talented program from Columbia TV News

The recent New York City Public School controversy over the Gifted and Talented student program has reached Roosevelt Island. As described in the NY Times City Room Page, the New York City Public School system is:

Faced with a deluge of children vying for coveted slots in gifted-and-talented programs and a shortage of top-scoring applicants, ­ Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein said that he intended to change the city’s new, standardized policy for admitting children to the programs.

The chancellor proposed today that students scoring in the top 10th percentile on admissions tests would be guaranteed a slot in kindergarten or first-grade gifted and talented programs; last fall, he announced that only those scoring in the top 5th percentile would be admitted.

The Department of Education said that more than 50,000 students had applied to the programs, up from 13,000 last year....

A Roosevelt Island parent of elementary school age children is trying to help establish a Gifted & Talented student program for P.S. 217 here on Roosevelt Island. She reports:

... There is an effort underway here on Roosevelt Island to garner support for a Gifted and Talented program here at PS 217. We are trying to collect signatures of residents here on the island that would be supportive of a G&T program- and bring this data to the attention of Chancellor Joel Klein.

I do not know how much knowledge you have of the current situation at PS 217. Presently, many parents send their children to G&T schools, private schools, or public schools (courtesy of a friend's address) in Manhattan to avoid what is considered by many to be a sub-par educational experience. PS 217 currently buses in students from other over-crowded schools to fill seats that sit empty at our school. PS 217 is not currently a reflection of our island make-up. I am serving on the PTA Executive Board, and have been making an effort to try to increase enrollment by residents of Roosevelt Island. Many parents have cited the absence of a challenging academic environment, and a lack of a G&T program as reasons why they would not send their child to PS 217. I believe that the presence of a G&T program here on the island would make many residents rethink their children's educational options, especially in the wake of an upcoming tram shut-down in 2009. Most schools in Manhattan (including G&T schools) will not pick up residents here on the island. Many have buses that stop near the tram station-and it will be much more difficult for these individuals to get to Manhattan schools with an over-crowded subway as the only other option. I know for me personally, if a G&T program is not instated at PS 217 in the next two years, our family will move off-island, and into a better neighborhood school-zone.

We currently have 100+ signatures and plan to add many more....

More on the NYC Department of Education Gifted and Talented program:

... provides challenging standards-based instructional practices and highly engaging learning opportunities to children with exceptional capacity or creative talent.

Gifted and talented programs are district-based and begin in either kindergarten or first grade, depending on the district or borough. Generally, district gifted and talented programs in Manhattan and Brooklyn begin in kindergarten and programs in the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island begin in the first grade. There are also three citywide gifted and talented schools, which accept students from all five boroughs.

Establishing a Gifted and Talented elementary school program at P.S. 217 on Roosevelt Island sounds like a great idea. Why would anyone object?

Image of PS/IS 217 from geocities

Here's some additional information on New York City Gifted and Talented education program.

• Basic information for Parents on G & T. (InsideSchools.org)
• Answers About Elementary School Enrollment (NY Times City Room Blog)
• Who's Gifted? (Gotham Gazette)
• Per Cent of Gifted & Talented by School District. (Eduwonkette)
• New Gifted and Talented Rules. Who wins and loses? (Eduwonkette)
• Minority enrollment in Gifted and Talented Program. (Red Orbit)

UPDATE - 12:50 PM: There is a poll regarding subject of support for a Gifted and Talented education program for Roosevelt Island's PS/IS 217 located on right side column. Just answer yes or no.

UPDATE - 4/24- I obviously would not pass any Gifted and Talented test based upon my typo in the poll question since I left out the "h" in established. I cannot edit and correct the typo without losing the votes tabulated to date so the poll question will remain as is, error and all. Apologies.

UPDATE: 11/10 - According to NY Times City Room blog:

The City Council will take up the Education Department’s new process for admitting children to gifted and talented programs, at a hearing scheduled for Dec. 16.

An Oct. 30 article in The Times disclosed that under the new process, which based admission to gifted programs on a citywide cutoff score on two standardized tests, the number of children entering city gifted programs dropped by half, leaving some gifted classrooms with as few as eight children....