Admissions Petition

Please have a look at this parent-organized petition, asking the DOE to reconsider centralized Kindergarten admissions. Even if your kids are past K, consider adding your name. No one should have to go through the stress and confusion that marred this year's process not just citywide but for some of our own PS 29 families.

2008 New York Statewide Summer Reading Program

There are fun activities for kids on the 2008 New York Statewide Summer Reading Program website, including word games, crafts, puzzles, and more. Click the flyers for more info about the Program!

Summer News

The blog is switching into summer mode, but there will continue to be plenty of updates here for PS 29 news (anything that happens to come up), community events, and fun city summer activities for your family. The news readers on this site (scroll, folks!) will continue to be worth checking now and again. Please always feel free to recommend an activity of interest to the community.

The best way to stay in the loop is to subscribe for updates (if you are already a blog subscriber, you do not need to re-subscribe):

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Class Assignments for 2008-2009

Please click on the above for a printable list, as of today, of teacher/classroom assignments! The list is also below:

Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-K-200 Amanda Ettinger
Pre-K-204 Kathy Paquette
Pre-K-232 Bradley Frome

Kindergarten
K-203 Lauren McGivney
K-211 Stell Lee
K-216 Jessica Albizu
K-220 Jackie Lichter
K-223 Dan Turret

Grade 1
1-300 Maureen Crowley
1-303 Kristin Beers
1-304 Sarah Scheldt
1-305 Gwen Morrison
1-324 Sophia Soto/Phil Johnson

Grade 2
2-306 Andi Wissot
2-307 Joanne Bruno
2-308 Melanie Kletter
2-309 Jamie Hackman
2-311 Liz Sturges

Grade 3
3-400 Katie Even/Liz Sabol/Kim Van Duzer
3-404 Kim Brockway
3-405 Adam Gerloff
3-406 Nadira Udairam
3-425 Rachel Knight

Grade 4
4-507 Monica Salazar-Austin
4-508 Melissa Bandes/Melissa Johnston
4-521 Alice Pack
4-524 Rachel Certner

Grade 5
5-500 Karen Ramirez/Michael Maniaci
4/5-505 Tom Sullivan
5-506 Leah Brunski
5-527 Marisa Noiseux

PTA Executive Board Transition Meeting

The PTA Executive Boards for 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 held a brief transition meeting on Tuesday evening, June 24th. 

Welcoming Remarks
Jeanmarie Giordano, co-president of the PTA (July 2006-through June 2008), opened the meeting by welcoming new PTA Executive Board officers and directors, and thanking those who will rotate off at the end of this school year. 

PS 29 PTA HANDBOOK 2008-2009

Jeanmarie noted that she is at work on a new PTA Handbook, which will serve as a compilation of annual events, volunteer opportunities and year-round fundraisers. She asked each Board member, if they have not already done so, to contribute blurbs on events they chair. 

PS 29 STUDENT DIRECTORY 2008-2009

Jeanmarie stated that Laurie Redmond will be editor of the 2008-2009 PS 29 Student Directory, and efforts will be made to obtain directory info by mid-September to expedite publication. Jeanmarie further noted that she is looking for volunteers during the summer to help her solicit advertising for the directory, including from businesses that do not typically donate to PS 29  fundraisers. Directory ad rates, positions, and policies as well as Board member Caroline Petersen's idea for a PS 29 PTA Sponsorship Packet, were discussed. Nina Jalowayski, PTA co-president (July 2008-June 2010) proposed publishing PTA Board and SLT members' contact information in the directory and on the school website.

Secretary and Treasurer Responsibilities

In 2008-2009, routine forms and DoE paperwork, such as the PTA Annual Financial Report and PTA Election Certification Form, will be delegated, as appropriate, to the co-treasurers and co-secretaries.

Locked Drop Box

In an effort to alleviate extra work for school office staff and teachers, the PTA will be purchase a locked drop box for PTA use, to be placed in the school lobby.

2008-2009 PTA Events 

Annie Montgomery, co-president of the PTA (July 2006-June 2008), said that the new co-presidents [Nina Jalowaysi and Lisa Trollbäck] would be using the 2007-2008 calendar of PTA events as a guide for creating the calendar for the upcoming year, and for re-confirming volunteer commitments to chair events.

Atlantic Antic, Sunday October 5th

Annie noted that a volunteer is needed to chair the PS 29 activities at the Atlantic Antic, and that this event requires a relatively short commitment. [POST-MEETING NOTE: Kathleen Cavalaro and Providence Hogan have graciously volunteered to co-chair the 2008 Atlantic Antic.] 

Block Party Recap

Annie reported that the Annual Block Party netted an impressive $18,418.

After-School Program

As Cynthia Blackwell now leaves her position as PS 29 drama teacher to take a position at PS 139, and Susan Panepento's youngest child will graduate in two years, the Board discussed the need to explore future options for After-School Program management and administrative duties. [Cynthia Blackwell, Maureen Crowley and Susan Panapento have been the team overseeing the After-School Program.] Cynthia has committed to continue her administrative responsibilities for the Program at least for a transitional period in the fall. It was discussed that parent recommendations for a a paid, part-time program administrator would be considered.

Drama Crew 

The Arts Committee, which will be co-chaired in 2008-2009 by Kristen Adamczyk and Annie Montgomery, is exploring possibilities for the continuation of Drama Crew for next year.

A Thank-You to Co-Presidents Jeanmarie Giordano and Annie Montgomery for Extraordinary Service to PS 29

The meeting concluded with a round of applause from Board members for Annie and Jeanmarie for their extraordinary service to the PS 29 community during their two-year term as PS 29 PTA co-presidents.

PS 29 Children's Garden Selected for SchoolFood Plus Garden-to-Cafeteria Pilot Program!!

We are very pleased to report that the PS 29 Children's Garden, already designated an official GreenThumb site, has now been awarded participation in the SchoolFood Plus Garden-to-Cafeteria Pilot Project.

Our program has been selected to be one of 20 school sites to collaborate with SchoolFood to grow vegetables and herbs that will be featured on the lunch menu as part of a fall harvest celebration during 2008 NY Harvest for NY Kids Week activities. PS 29 Harvest Day will be scheduled during September 29-October 3 or October 6-10; details will be posted on the calendar as soon as they are set.

Our Harvest Day Celebration will be an opportunity for us to showcase the work of our students, science teachers Nancy Henry and Tina Reres, and our Food and Farming Initiative (a collaboration of administrators, teachers, parents, and community members). The Coordinating Team for the SchoolFood Plus Garden-to-Cafeteria Program represents SchoolFood, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, Added Value, GreenThumb, and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The school year began with a lot of wonderful ideas for a vegetable garden and a black-topped corner of the schoolyard, and now ends with a garden from which kids have picked their own salads of vegetables they've planted, observed and tended! The salad bar, a pie-in-the-sky wishlist item mentioned in the very first PTA general meeting in Sept '07, also became a reality, along with designation as a SchoolFood Plus cafeteria (offering more plant-based menu choices). All amazing accomplishments for just one year in the life of a NYC public school!

Benefit PS 29 Throughout the Summer!

There are lots of ways you can support PS 29 all summer long via the links above!

Food for Thought -- and for Free

Every summer since the mid-70s, the DOE's Summer Meals program has provided free breakfast and lunch for city youth at neighborhood schools and youth centers. This year, in light of rising food prices and ever-increasing economic pressures on New York City families, the free meals will be on offer at sites ranging from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to the Red Hook Pool.

Starting Friday June 27th and through August 29th, anyone younger than 18 can eat for free; no application or school registration is required. Call 311 or click HERE to find the location nearest you.

PTA Executive Board 2008-2009

PTA Executive Board members for 2008-2009 are:
Nina Jalowayski, Co-President
Lisa Trollbäck, Co-President
Jeanmarie Giordano, Co-Vice President
Lynn Mirabito, Co-Vice President
Providence Hogan, Co-Treasurer
Elizabeth Kiem, Co-Treasurer
Ariane Ben Eli, Co-Secretary
Laurie Redmond, Co-Secretary
Elizabeth Armstrong, Director
Jessica Delaney, Director
Monica Gutierrez Kirwan, Director
Celestine Lee, Director
Aricka Martinez, Director
Susan Panepento, Director
Caroline Petersen Director
Sarah Ross, Director
Amy Sirot, Director
Lisa Van Tassel, Director

Please feel free to contact the Board over the summer. We'll be checking email!

PTA Seeks Chairperson for Our Atlantic Antic Booth on October 5th

PS 29 will have a booth once again at the Atlantic Antic in the fall! In an effort to plan ahead, we're seeking a Chairperson for PS 29's fundraising, community-building efforts at the fair, which takes place Sunday, October 5th (10 AM- 6 PM).

Last year, we had shifts of volunteers helping to sell PS 29 merchandise and coffee, serving as face painters and overseeing the "decorate your own cupcake" activity (a big hit for the last couple of years!). If you can chair the event or can help on the day-of, please email us HERE! Thank you!

Celebrate Summer on Thursday Evening with "E.T." and Fireworks in the Park!

Thursday, June 26, 8:30 P.M.
School’s out! Start your summer off right by enjoying the classic flm "E.T." in Prospect Park. Sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. Park concessions will be on hand, selling hot dogs, ice cream, and other great summertime refreshments.

Enter the Prospect Park Long Meadow between Grand Army Plaza and Third Street. Click here to see the Long Meadow on the Park's Interactive Map.

The DoE Has Posted Standardized Test Results By District and School

Check here for the DoE's posting of this year's standardized test results. The scores have gone up in NYC.

Our Fifth Graders Graduate Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 24th!

Fifth Grade Graduation takes place tomorrow at 9:00 AM in the auditorium!

Remember GoodShop When You Book Your Summer Vacation!

You can benefit PS 29 when you book your family's summer vacation! Please click HERE to check out all the travel sites, hotels, airlines, car rental companies and others that offer the school a percentage!

NEW 826NYC SUMMER WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED - Sign Up Fast!

826 NYC has announced new FREE summer workshops! Sign up fast!!

Dance Dance Rock Band Hero!
4 sessions (Tuesdays and Thursdays): July 1, 3, 8, 10 | 1-3pm | Taught by John Flansburgh and Patrick Daughters | For ages 6-8
Rockstars: It's time to set your dance pads, guitar grips, and fret buttons aside. This July, get your real rock on at 826NYC. In four sessions - with the help of experts John Flansburgh and Patrick Daughters - we will dance, revolutionize, and rock the music video world with actual singing and dancing. By the end of this summer, you'll have written and recorded an original song and music video. Students must attend ALL FOUR SESSIONS of this workshop!
PLEASE NOTE: Enrollment for this workshop will be determined by LOTTERY. Please submit the information below by or on June 25th to be considered for this class. The lottery will be conducted on June June 26th. Parents will be notified of enrollment by email (so please be sure to include your email address when signing up!).

Writing Short Fiction
3 Sunday sessions: July 13, 20, 27 | 3-5pm | Taught by Matt Goodman | For ages 11-16
Fiction can be terrifyingly long, and writing your lengthy epic can seem both noble and scary. But fiction can also be short, and in this workshop, that's the way we'd like to keep it. If you want to practice writing short stories so you can move on to crafting Moby Dick-length epics or to refine your ability to pack the best writing into the shortest length, then this workshop is for you. Throughout the workshop we'll examine a few short story writers and how they formulate plot and define character in their work. We'll also have writing sessions where we simply sit and write - how else are we going to get better?

I'm SOOOOO Bored
3 Monday sessions: July 14, 21, 28 | 3-4:30pm | Taught by Kate Ackerman | For ages 9-12
School's out for the summer! Now what? Help us write a kids-only guide to exploring NYC's five boroughs. Contribute your expert advice as we create a guidebook that will reveal the city's best-kept secrets. From YOUR perspective. Maybe you'll let us in on the best place to go in NYC when you need a good laugh? Or your favorite scooter routes? Or perhaps the most delicious Italian ice cart in your neighborhood? Above all else, you will leave this class with a comprehensive guide to banishing boredom!

Scrapbook Your Brooklyn!
2 Wednesday sessions: July 23, 30 | 4-5:30pm | Taught by Rebecca Huval | For ages 9 -11
Ever wanted to hold your memories of Brooklyn in the palm of your hand? Well now you can! With this workshop, you'll write about your
neighborhood and save mementos like ticket stubs and leaves between the pages of your own scrapbook. Doodle away and make your journal a work of art!

4th Grade Parent Meeting Tomorrow, Monday, June 23rd, Immediately Following Drop Off

The 4th grade parent meeting will take place tomorrow, Monday, June 23rd, immediately after drop off!

PS 29 PTA Earns Over $250 From Brooklyn PTA 5K Run

Our PTA earned over $250 from the recent Brooklyn PTA 5K Run, with the second largest enrollment of runners in this first-time event. The event raised over $3,000 for Brooklyn public schools. Stephanie Manske, chair of our SLT's Wellness Committee, organized the PS 29 contingent, and looks forward to rallying our runners (plus walkers and toddlers) for the 2009 race!

Free Junior Golf Center Opens in Brooklyn

The City Parks Foundation this month opened the CityParks Junior Golf Center, a state-of-the-art six-hole course, free of cost for all NYC youth ages 6-17, located next to the Dyker Beach public golf course in Bay Ridge. The CityParks Junior Golf Center is a new, state-of-the-art facility that offers free golf instruction to New York City children between the ages of 6-17.

Highlights include a 6-hole golf course, practice putting and chipping greens, covered driving range and clubhouse with classroom space.

Click here for complete details about the facility and for information about how kids can participate.

New Links Added to Public Education Advocacy Section

The PTA has added a number of new websites in our Public Education Advocacy/Education Sites of Interest section of our blog. Check them out; they are marked NEW! 

Inside Schools Blog News Feed Added to this Blog

You can now access the Inside Schools News Feed directly from the PTA blog, in the lefthand column. (You may also sign up to receive Inside Schools' weekly news updates directly in your in box.)

In an effort to keep our community informed, the PTA offers many other news feeds here, all definitely worth the scroll:

• New York City Public School Parents
• New York Times/Education News 
• New York Daily News/ Education News
• New York Magazine/Family and Kids
  
• New York State Department of Education
• United States Department of Education
• NPR Topics /Education
• NPR Topics/Children's Health
• Education Week 
• Washington Post/Education
• Education Week
• ESchool News 
• NYPL Programs for Children and Young Adults 
• The Chronicle of Higher Education
• Cobble Hill Association 

To suggest another news feed, please email the PS 29 PTA.

Shop for Summer and Support PS 29!

Swedish Midsummer Festival on Friday in Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park!

The 2008 Swedish Midsummmer Festival is this Friday, June 20th, starting at 5 PM, in Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park! Click the poster for details on the many child-friendly and FREE activities or go to the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy website.

One Additional Kindergarten Class Has Been Added for 2008-2009

The long-awaited Class Size Reduction (CSR) funding came through this week! Principal Melanie Woods therefore announced this Tuesday at the year-end School Leadership Team meeting that a new kindergarten class will be added for 2008-2009! This brings down the grade's anticipated average class size from 28 to 21 children. Hurray!!

Dymaxion Map Intergenerational Workshop: One Earth Island - One Earth Ocean

"Dymaxion Map Intergenerational Workshop: One Earth Island - One Earth Ocean" explores how interconnected we all are...on Buckminster Fuller's giant Dymaxion world map. For ages 9-99.
(Session I) Saturday, 06/28/2008, 11:00am–1:00pm RSVP
(Session II) Saturday, 06/28/2008, 2:00–4:00pm RSVP

Earth Voyage, an experiential education organization based in Asheville, North Carolina is a special project of the Buckminster Fuller Institute in New York. The Earth Voyage mission is to inspire people of all ages to experience the world with a new perspective. EV programs engage participants with multi-media environments, life-size educational tools, kinesthetic activities and service learning to cultivate a deep understanding of environmental and social interconnectedness, systems thinking, science literacy, and encourage active participation as global citizens.

Organized by: Center for Architecture and Center for Architecture Foundation with Earth Voyage
Sponsored by: Center for Architecture Foundation
Location: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place (Directions)
Price: FREE!

Final Family Arts Workshop This Evening: Experience the Arts As Your Child Does!

The Center for Arts Education and the PS 29 Parents and Teachers Association are pleased to present the final Parents as Arts Partners Family Workshop this evening, Wednesday, June 18th! The enrolled families will be learning about Islamic Patterning, Design and Culture with Tunisian artist Emna Zghal. This event takes place in tandem with Ms. Zghal's in-school residency this week in Kristen Adamczyk's art studio. Ms. Zhgal's residency is the culminating week in a three-part residency series via PS 29's 2007-2008 collaboration with City Lore.

Wednesday, June 18th
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Room 323
(3rd Floor, Art Room)
Healthy snacks and refreshments provided!

This workshop is FULLY booked, and the wait list is extensive! Thanks to all the parents who will be taking part tonight and who have participated in the previous two workshops with Chinese brush-painting master Kwok Kay Choey and Nigerian textile artist Foly Kolade! (Pictured: Oil paintings by Emna Zghal)

Dial In Week for Healthy Schools Act!!

New York State still does not have a Healthy School Food Bill. The legislative session ends on Friday – so please make 4 phone calls to urge legislators to introduce and pass “Governor Paterson’s Healthy Schools Act”. It has several important provisions that will improve the food in schools.

PLEASE CALL THE FOLLOWING NOW:
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver - 518-455-3791
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno - 518-455-3191
Assembly Education Chair Catherine Nolan - 518-455-4851
Senate Education Chair Stephen Saland - (518) 455-2411

When you call, say:
My name is ___________
I live in ___________ (name of city).
I support “Governor Paterson’s Healthy Schools Act” bill.
I support Governor Paterson’s inclusion of a healthy plant-based meat alternative because it would have no cholesterol and be low in saturated fat and high in fiber.
It’s time that schools practice what they teach. Please ask Assemblyperson (or Senator) ________________ to introduce and pass the Healthy Schools Act before this legislative session ends.

Thank you!

These calls are vitally important. Remember that:

• 1/3 of all kids born in 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes (and for African American and Latino children, it’s even worse at 40 – 53%)
• 50% of children ages 2 – 15 already have fatty streaks in their arteries, the beginning stages of heart disease
• 35% of cancer deaths are caused by diet (and 1 hotdog or 1 bologna sandwich per week can increase colorectal cancer risk by 30 – 50%!)
• Obesity rates are out of control and we have a nation of malnourished children who are so far removed from eating a diet of whole, natural, unprocessed foods
• Less than 2% eat in line with the US Dietary Guidelines

Key provisions include:

1. A Requirement that the Departments of Health, Education, and Agriculture and Markets develop nutritional standards (rather than the standards being included in the legislation itself – and we see this as positive since there is a chance for public input). The regulations created by these standards would take effect sometime after September 1, 2010.

2. A Prohibition on the sale of soda and candy in elementary and secondary schools during the school day.

3. A Requirement that schools offer at least one plant-based meat alternative during the lunch period. This is a great provision given that schools are supposed to reduce saturated fat, cholesterol, and increase fiber.

4. A Requirement that schools offer fruit with no added sweeteners for breakfast and lunch and vegetables that are not fried during lunch and that half of the grain products offered over a school week be whole grain (despite the fact that schools are required to meet the US Dietary Guidelines for their meals, which require that half of grain products be whole grain, not all schools are doing this).

5. Development of media health promotion campaigns, establishing community-based obesity prevention programs, to develop effective messages about healthy eating and physical activity behaviors and to address factors which lead to eating disorders, an assessment of all schools to see if they have an adequate emphasis on physical activity and nutrition education, and the study of the feasibility of requiring school breakfast programs.

6. Click here to read a summary of the bill.

You've Watched the Garden Grow - Please Help Keep It Thriving Over the Summer!!

A note regarding summer volunteers from science teachers Nancy Henry and Tina Reres:

Have you been watching our garden grow? We have harvested broccoli rabe, radishes, carrots, and lettuce already this spring! Peas and more carrots are on the way; squash is around the corner!

As school draws to an end, we are proud of what the children, teachers and parents have been able to accomplish together in a few months' time. We’re looking forward to what more we can accomplish together over the summer and into the fall when we welcome our children and families back.

We are looking for volunteers for the summer to water, harvest and plant. We want to keep the garden thriving in anticipation of a PS 29 harvest festival in late fall. If you’re available for even a day here and there to water the garden, then please sign up.

Indicate your availability on the click-and-print form above. We encourage you to involve your children. The farm chores most days will take no more than one hour. When planting is required, we’ll organize several families and volunteers to pitch in.

Please leave your hand-written response in Nancy or Tina’s mail box in the Main Office. Once we are able to work out a schedule we will contact you to re-confirm your availability and assign you a specific day(s) of the week with instructions about caring for the garden.

Thank you for all of your help and support!!

Reminder - 3rd Grade Parent Meeting, Tomorrow, Tuesday, 6/17

The 3rd grade parent meeting takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, June 17, immediately following drop off.

Take the Kids for a Stroll to See Windows Brooklyn!

Windows Brooklyn is an art exhibition installed through June 22 in numerous storefront windows along Court Street and Smith Street. The exhibition takes art out of the traditional museum or gallery setting and into public space, turning independent business owners into collaborators willing to exchange commerce for culture.

• Art Walk: Saturday, June 21, 3-5 PM: Talk to the artists at their installation locations.
  
• Closing Reception: June 21, 6 PM, Carroll Park, closing performance by Maya Pindyck and Fletcher Boote!
  

Public Education Network Weekly Newsblast

The Public Education Network Weekly NewsBlast, a great (free!!) online resource for education news, can be read HERE or you can subscribe HERE.

PS 29 Runs For Dollars!

Two dozen PS 29ers ran and walked the Brooklyn PTA 5K Run For Schools on a gorgeous Friday the 13th! The PS 29 contingent combined forces with 175 other participants - including many elementary school-aged children - from PS 10, 107, 146, 39, 139, and 261 to benefit each school's PTA!

Ask the kids who ran, and they'll tell you they saw the moon, kites, and two red-tailed hawks in the sky on their adventure around the park. For adults, it was a great way to ACTIVELY combine forces with other schools to raise money. The PS 29 PTA gives huge thanks to Stephanie Manske, chair of the Wellness Committee and parent coach of the PS 29 Running Team, for coordinating the PS 29 effort for the race!

The Brooklyn PTA, which initiated and sponsored the event, is a new association formed in response to recent DoE budget cuts. Given the success of Friday's run, the event is sure to be bigger and better next year!!! So get your sneakers, and we'll see you on the RUN!! (Photos by Nina Chan Jalowayski)

Amazon Deals: Celebrate Your Favorite Grad With PS 29's Amazon School Rewards!

The PTA earns 6% on Amazon Gift Cards – perfect for your favorite grad! Just click the banner! The PTA also earns 10% on MP3 downloads and 20% referrals on Unbox Video downloads during June! There have been over 600 purchases via our School Rewards program since last December!

UFT files PESH Complaint Asking State to Cite NYC DOE for Heat Hazards in Schools

On June 10th, a day after the UFT asked the Department of Education to establish reasonable procedures during a heat wave, the union filed a complaint with the state Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau asking the agency to cite the DOE for violating state health laws by failing to protect students and staff in city public schools during the heat wave earlier this week.

Center for Arts Education/PS 29 PTA Final Family Arts Workshop Next Wednesday!

The Center for Arts Education and the PS 29 Parents and Teachers Association are pleased to present the final Parents as Arts Partners Family Workshop! EXPERIENCE ART AS YOUR CHILD DOES!Learn about Islamic Patterning, Design and Culture with Tunisian artist Emna Zghal!

Wednesday, June 18th
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Room 323
(3rd Floor Art Room)
Healthy snacks and refreshments provided!

Due to limited space, the workshop is open to 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Call Nina Chan Jalowayski at 646.812.0184 or email her immediately to register!!

Givenik News - June 2008

NEW SHOWS! This May, Givenik kicked off a partnership with Ticketmaster that allows them to offer Tickemaster shows on the Givenik website. The PTA is pleased to offer Givenik tickets to all three Disney shows – Mary Poppins, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.  Givenik is the only place you can book tickets for September – November to all three shows and get a fantastic discount, plus earn 5% for PS 29!

We’re also thrilled to offer Givenik tickets this summer to the family-friendly extravaganza Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy and the wildly inventive, critically acclaimed new musical-about-making-a-musical [title of show]. Also, don't miss the final weeks of both Curtains and A Chorus Line - great savings are available on both. And, of course, more new shows are to come!

GROUPS!  If you organize group outings for clubs and friends, book your groups through Givenik & earn 5% for the PTA! Givenik sells groups to all Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Wicked, Jersey Boys, Billy Elliot and Shrek are a few of the hot tickets that have exclusive discounts available only for groups.

BIG MOVIES FOR LITTLE KIDS - SEASON FINALE, Mon. June 16th

The one and only WIZARD OF OZ on the BIG Silver Screen!
Monday, June 16th, 4 PM
Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street @ Butler
Tickets are $6.50

We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz! Dorothy, Tin Man, The Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow follow the yellow brick road in the ultimate journey of discovery. Shot in glorious Technicolor, befitting its dynamic production design, this perennial classic is required viewing for kids of all ages. There's no place like home!

Spring Grade Parent Meetings

Here are the remaining Spring Grade Parent Meetings. All take place immediately after drop off in the auditorium:

Friday 6/13 Grade 2 Spring Grade Parent Meeting

Monday 6/16 Pre-K Spring Grade Parent Meeting

Tuesday 6/17 Grade 3 Spring Grade Parent Meeting 

Wednesday 6/18 Grade 4 Spring Grade Parent Meeting 

The PTA Earn 6% on Gift Cards for Father's Day Via Amazon

With Father’s Day just around the corner, it's not too late to get dad the perfect gift. The PTA earns 6 percent on Amazon.com Gift Card purchases just in time for Father’s Day, June 15, 2008. (Gift certificates are great for grads, too!)

Eligible for millions of items, Amazon.com Gift Cards are easy to give and fun to get. There are three ways to give Amazon.com Gift Cards in time for Father’s Day:

• Email for immediate delivery
  
• Print at home
  
• Send an e-card (with a Gift Card attached, of course!)
  

PS 29 Community Makes $9,000 Donation of Goods to Housing Works

Despite the blistering onset Saturday of the current heat wave, Ariane Ben Eli impressively juggled PS 29's first foray into the world of the Flea Market -- managing five tables laden with generously donated items, not to mention juggling every aspect of setup, selling, taking down, transporting, and then finally donating $9,000 worth of items to Housing Works (plus more to the Salvation Army).

The PTA extends an enormous thank-you to Ariane for her herculean efforts and for taking the initiative to plan this event!!! Caroline Petersen, Frederick Fooy, Cricket and John Powell, and Ariane's little brother also merit special thanks for their extraordinary efforts and good nature in the wilting, shadeless heat of the schoolyard. Next time, folks, we need to rally more volunteers (on a cooler day!).

Bake Sale to Benefit the Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund Brings in $625!!

A grand total of $625 was raised by the Benefit Bake Sale for the The Bridge Fund Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund, held at Saturday's rummage sale and in front of school at pickup today.

For the sale, Nina Jalowayski baked varying batches of 16 (yes, 16!) different desserts: Brownies/Cakes: Salted Fudge Brownies, Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting, Orange Cake, Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting; Cookies: Caramel Cream Sandwich, Chocolate Chunk, Cranberry Oatmeal Walnut, Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti, Double Chocolate Chunk, Old Fashioned Chewy Molasses, Peanut Butter, Strawberry Jam Bars; and Quick Breads: Apple Pecan; Banana; Coconut; Pumpkin. (Pictured: A selection of the homemade cookies!)

Marika Leonard donated a batch of brownies; Jane Heaphy made a chocolate chip cake (and lent the life-saving tent); and Susanna Yerman made banana bread, M&M cookies and chocolate cupcakes!!!

Brooklyn PTA's 5K Run for Schools Takes Place on Friday, June 13th!

The first-ever Brooklyn PTA Run takes place this Friday, June 13th in Prospect Park, and a PS 29 contingent will of course be there - running, strolling, and toddling! Click the flyer for more information or contact Stephanie Manske for details about getting involved!

Bake Sale Earns $466 for The Bridge Fund Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund

Despite sizzling schoolyard temperatures at Saturday's Community Flea Market, the bake sale to benefit The Bridge Fund Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund came in at a cool $466!

Earn Cash for PS 29 While You Surf the Web Or Shop Online!

Here's a new easy way to raise money for PS 29. Just start using GoodSearch.com as your search engine and online shopping mall. Every time you search the Internet or make an online purchase at one of their partner merchants, GoodSearch makes a donation to PS 29. GoodSearch is powered by Yahoo! so you get great search results!

Get Ready for the Cobble Hill Community Flea Market and Rummage Sale This Saturday!

The deadline for reserving tables for this Saturday's Cobble Hill Community Flea Market and Rummage Sale  is  tomorrow Thursday, June 5th at 3:00 PM! Just click below to make a table reservation and payment online:

The Mega Market, which will take place in the schoolyard between 9:00 AM-3:00 PM on Saturday, June 7th, will include many, many stalls selling 100s of items including:

• Furniture (like-new Pottery Barn and IKEA items)
  
• Brand clothing (Paul Smith, Diesel, DVF, Seven, etc)
• Shoes & Handbags (Prada, Bruno Magli, etc.)
• Housewares (Crate & Barrel IKEA, and more)
• Children's Clothes (Gap, Mini Boden and more)
• Books, games, toys, DVDs
• And lots, lots more!!!
• Removal of unsold and unwanted items will be available at the end of the day; these items will be donated to Housing Works, an organization that strives to ensure that homeless and low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and their families have adequate housing, food, social support, drug treatment, health care, and employment.

Please also be sure to visit the Bake Sale table to benefit The Bridge Fund Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund. 

The PTA Recycling for Charities drop box will also be available at the event where you can donate your old cell phone, PDA, digital camera or iPod. Do good for the environment and the school!

For more information or to donate items to the PTA to sell at the Tag Sale, please contact organizer Ariane Ben Eli. Thank you!

Call 311 and Tell City Hall To Reverse the Proposed $450 Million School Budget Cuts for 2008-2009

Parents, please take a few minutes this week to call 311 (or toll-free 800-961-6198), and/or email the Mayor to say you are a voter strongly opposed to the proposed $450 million budget cuts to NYC schools for 2008-2009. If you called, wrote or rallied to protest the mid-year cuts (February 2008), it is important that you again make your voice heard - this time about next year's cuts. At PS 29, the cuts will impact class size, intervention services, and the arts. More here and here.

PS 29 Drama Crew Premieres Disco Knights!

NY1 News Clip From Yesterday's Protest Against the School Budget Cuts

Here's a NY1 clip of yesterday's rally against the proposed school budget cuts.

Grandparents & Special Friends As Poetry Partners, This Friday, June 6, 8:30 AM

PS 29 will hold its first-ever Grandparents & Special Friends As Poetry Partners event this Friday, June 6 beginning at 8:30 AM in your child's classroom. Help make this a great end-of-year event by returning your tear-off to your child's teacher tomorrow, June 4th or RSVP directly to Lisa DiLiberto with the total number of people who will be accompanying you that morning. This event is for all family members + grandparents and special friends.

Refreshments and Special Announcements will be held in the outer cafeteria at 9:15 AM followed by the "Disco Knights" performance at 10 AM. Due to limited seating in the auditorium we can only invite grandparents & special friends to watch the show.

REMINDER: Arts Double Header This Evening, Tuesday, June 3rd!

The Spring Arts Exhibit is this evening, 5:30-6:30, featuring art from both Kristen Adamzcyk and Jeannie Flewell's classes! Immediately following (6:30 PM) will be the premiere of Disco Knights, a PS 29 Drama Crew production. There will be an encore presentation of Disco Knights tomorrow evening, Wednesday, June 4th at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $5 for each performance, and available at the door.

Take Flight with Mary Poppins - And Support the PTA!

Through our new Givenik program - whereby we get access to Broadway ticket deals and the PTA receives a 5% donation per ticket - we are happy to announce that tickets are available now through June 22nd to Mary Poppins: $75 Orchestra/Front Mezzanine, $50 Mid-Mezzanine/Rear Mezzanine, and $25 Rear Mezzanine/Balcony! Special $80 Orchestra/Front Mezzanine seats are also available exclusively on Givenik for performances this September through November not just for Mary Poppins but also The Lion King and The Little Mermaid. The PS 29 PTA gets 5%! Click HERE to book your tickets!

Shop on Amazon for Father's Day and Support PS 29!

Father's Day is fast approaching! Shop from a wide variety of Father's Day gift ideas at Amazon and benefit the PS 29 PTA at the same time! Just click the banner for your purchases to directly support the PTA's mission of paying for teaching assistants, supplies, enrichment programs and opportunities! We've received tremendous support for our Amazon School Rewards program, with over 100 items purchased in May alone, and over 575 items since the program was initiated six months ago! Thank you!!! Please also remember that you can easily forward this link to co-workers (sweet talk that office manager!), friends, relatives, and neighbors. A little effort to spread the news will pay off on an ongoing basis! Control click the School Rewards link on the blog for easy access in your Favorites or Bookmarks Bar. Any questions, please contact Lisa Trollbäck.

The Daily News On Yesterday's Keep the Promises Rally and... Magenta Stilettos

This is how the Daily News covered yesterday's Keep the Promises rally that coalesced educators and parents from schools spanning the spectrum from high-performing to high-needs.

Bake Sale to Benefit The Bridge Fund Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund

The PS 29 Tag and Rummage Sale will take place this Saturday, June 7 from 9-3 p.m. in the schoolyard. It's not too late to sign up for a table ($40 per table to benefit PS 29; deadline for reservations is June 5 by 3 p.m.). Otherwise, feel free to donate items to the PS 29 table. Pick up is available to create more space... for the treasures that you may find at the sale! For further information about the Tag Sale, please contact Ariane Ben Eli, 917.892.4706.

Nina Chan Jalowayski, PTA co-president-elect, has a reserved a table for a benefit sale of her homemade baked goodies; all proceeds will benefit Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors' Bridge Fund Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund. Monetary donations or donations of your baked and/or bought goods also are most welcome! Come out and enjoy a treat or two (if not more)!!

Here's why: On May 12th, the Sichuan Province of China experienced a devastating earthquake that has killed more than 40,000 people with the number soon expected to reach 50,000. Aftershocks, blocked roads and downed power and phone lines worsen the situation and complicate efforts to help the 4.8 million people left homeless and 250,000 injured by the disaster.

In response to the growing needs of the earthquake victims, The Bridge Fund (TBF), a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) with more than a decade of experience in the region, is coordinating a donor appeal in conjunction with China Charity Federation, Sichuan International Friendship Association and the Sichuan Red Cross.

The Bridge Fund Sichuan Earthquake Compassion Fund will address both the urgent survival needs of victims as well the long-term restoration process. To ensure your support has the deepest impact possible, RPA is waiving all administrative and financial fees thereby maximizing the benefit directed to this effort by your contribution. See here for more information.

So please come to the Tag Sale to sell or to buy - and bring your sweet tooth!

PS 29 Joins School Leadership Rally Against the Proposed '08-'09 Budget Cuts

Principal Melanie Raneri Woods, PS 29 UFT chair Pat Garvey, and PTA co-president-elect Lisa Trollbäck represented PS 29 this afternoon (6/2/08) at a press conference at Stuyvesant High School where NYC principals rallied against the proposed '08-'09 school budget cuts.

Principals took the podium, one after another, to speak out against the cuts. Speakers also included Betsy Gotbaum, Public Advocate for the City of New York ; Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers; several PTA presidents, and Cynthia Nixon, star of Sex and the City and public school parent/activist. Nixon had one of the best sound bytes: "In times of famine, you feed the children first." Photograph from this afternoon: Cynthia Nixon and Betsy Gotbaum discuss the budget cuts, and, yep, that's Melanie, too!

Seeking Boys and Girls, Ages 6-14, for Soccer Club

Do you have a boy or girl interested in playing competitive soccer? SC GJOA Soccer Club is looking for committed soccer players for the 2008-2009 season, boys and girls, ages 6-14.
This club offers:
• POSITIVE COACHING
• PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
• PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
• COMPETITIVE PLAY
• FUN PLAYING SOCCER
Teams are trained by SABA Academy/ HARRY TRIANA and compete in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League. Practice is twice weekly @ RED HOOK FIELD, Bay and Court Streets. Indoors during the winter season. Try outs are: Mondays 6/9, and 6/16, U8, U9, U10 at 5:30 PM; U11, U12, U13 at 6:00 PM; and U14, U15 at 6:30 PM. Contact: Ed O’Donnell, 917-679-5976. Please click the flyer for details.