Giveaway: 10 Passes to the Brooklyn Children's Museum!

Special offer! Nina Chan Jalowayski is giving away ten FREE guest passes (each for one adult/one child) to the newly re-opened Brooklyn Children's Museum. Passes will be given out on a first come, first served basis, and expire on November 30, 2008.  For larger families, the Museum is sponsoring a Grand Opening Celebration special admission price of $5 (regularly $7.50) per person above one year old, also until November 30, 2008. Contact Nina to claim a free pass!

PS 29 Earns $800 at the Atlantic Antic!

With clouds giving way to sun, we lucked out for our tables at the Atlantic Antic today! PS 29 and neighborhood families kept our area jammed to capacity throughout the day. The kids had a great time, and the PTA earned $800 in profit!

Special thanks to Kathleen Cavalaro, with Providence Hogan, for co-chairing the event. Many families baked and donated dozens of cupcakes for the ever-popular cupcake decorating activity, and kids kept the face painting area bustling. One-of-a-kind necklaces were created specially for the event by Kathleen Cavalaro, who donated 100% of the proceeds. PS 29 merchandise (caps, tees, jackets, and canvas totes) and our own PS 29 fair-trade coffee also were bestsellers. Thanks to all of our families for the great turnout!

See Movies, Make Money for PS 29!

Looking for an alternative to blockbuster films for your internationally art-flick savvy kids? Experience the New York International Children's Film Festival, a Cannes- or Sundance-type festival just for kids and teens! Although the festival itself is not until February 2009, NYICFF has a very special fall line-up including premieres, short film collections and classics that you won't want to miss and won't find anywhere else. This weekend see Azur & Azmar at 11 AM Saturday and Sunday at IFC. Click the flyer for details!

And the best news is $2 OF EVERY TICKET YOU BUY GOES DIRECTLY TO OUR SCHOOL – THAT'S 20-30% OF EVERY PURCHASE!

Here's how:
Click here and select PS 29 John Harrigan School from the "Choose my participating school" drop-down menu. The rest is automatic!  Share the wealth! Be sure to print out the calendar below to share with family and friends. See you at the movies!

Brooklyn Monopoly

BK owns the family fun.

October KidFest on Roosevelt Island

Spend every Saturday in October on Roosevelt Island with the family!
Dance and sing to live musical performances by popular kids' bands - including PS 29 parent Audra Rox! - during Kidfest. Performances will be located on the lawn at Riverwalk Commons, located 5 minutes from midtown. Food, live music, fun rides, and exploration of Roosevelt Island!

Bands perform from 2pm to 4pm:
October 4th-The Deedle Deedle Dees
October 11th-Broadway Babies
October 18th-Uncle Rock & The Playthings
October 25th-Audra Rox (PS 29 parent!)

Transportation:
• F Train to Roosevelt Island
• or The Roosevelt Island Tram (only 4 minutes) at 60th St. & 2nd Ave.

Click here for more information.

SAVE THE DATE: PS 29 to Participate in Atlantic Antic '08, Sunday October 5th

SAVE THE DATE: PS 29 will have a table with face painting, PS 29 merchandise and more at the 34th Annual Atlantic Antic, on Sunday, October 5th! To volunteer, please contact co-chairs Kathleen Cavalaro and Providence Hogan. 

Spanning Atlantic Avenue, from Hicks St. to Fourth Avenue, the Antic is a great family-oriented festival, offering plenty of pony rides, face painting, balloon sculptures, live storytelling, music for kids and more! Ten live musical stages offer free performances all day. 

The New York Transit Museum's 15th Annual Bus Festival  also will coincide with the Antic, taking place at the midway point of the festival, on Boerum Place. A collection of vintage buses dating back to 1917 will be on display and ready to board, and visitors can  enjoy free admission to the museum, one block away on Schermerhorn Street.

The Antic features foods from around the world, from baklava and funnel cake, to grilled sardines and pulled pork sandwiches, to street fair favorites like fresh lemonade, fried mozzarella, and roasted corn.  

Atlantic Avenue's restaurants and boutiques along with a host of local vendors, craftspeople, and nonprofits offer fabulous merchandise, too. 

Please come support the PTA and have fun while you're at it!

Moxie Spot Back-to-School Celebration with Deedle Deedle Dees

The Moxie Spot (81-83 Atlantic Avenue, near Hicks St.) will hold a Back-to-School Celebration on Saturday, September 6th at 11 AM featuring the Deede Deedle Dees.

FREE Back-to-School Party at Habana Outpost

Habana Outpost (New York's first solar-powered eatery) and the Brooklyn Public Library team up on Labor Day, Monday, September 1st, to present a FREE back-to-school party for parents, students, and teachers, featuring eco-friendly crafts, story time, face painting, dancing, live DJ music, free gifts, food, and more. Adults can sip frozen mojitos, too! See the schedule.
718.858.9500

Ages: All Ages
Time: 12n-5pm
Cost: Free; food/drinks for purchase
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton Street

BIG MOVIES FOR LITTLE KIDS Resumes in September!

Monday, September 8th, 4pm - FALL SEASON PREMIERE!
THE THIEF OF BAGDAD

Hailed the greatest fantasy film ever made, the Academy Award-winning The Thief of Bagdad is an enduring classic. This Arabian Nights adventure will enrapture and charm viewers of all ages. A fantastical tale in vibrant Technicolor, this unprecedented film with its gorgeous, epic-scale sets to flying horses, magic carpets, and the infamous Genie in a bottle exceeds expectations and will delightfully spark your children's imagination. (1940, Color, Unrated, trt:106 mins.)


Monday September 22nd, 4pm
AN AMERICAN TAIL
Animation legend Don Bluth spins a charming yarn, creating a delightful modern classic showing American History through the eyes of an adorable Russian mouse, Fievel Mousekewitz. Voice talent from the hilarious Dom Deluise and Madeline Kahn. Beautiful music, including the hit, "Somewhere Out There," sung by James Ingrahm and Linda Rondstadt. Come share this Oscar-nominated tale of "The American Dream" with your favorite little people. (1986, Color/Animated, Rated G, trt: 81 mins).

BIG Movies for Little Kids:
Time: 4pm (every other Monday, following the public school calender)
Ages: 2 and up
Location: Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street @ Butler
Cost: $6.50/pp (for all walking humans)
For more info see the website.
Don't risk a sold-out show or wait in line. Advance tickets are available online and are strongly encouraged to secure your seat.

BIG Movies for Little Kids was created by three Brooklyn Moms and offers a gentle introduction to the wonderful world of cinema. Films are carefully and thoughtfully pre-screened and selected to include top-quality childhood favorites, diverse vintage animation, international gems and kid-friendly timeless selections. Attention is paid to small details that make a big difference for your comfort and enjoyment, such as no previews/trailers, lower volume, dimmed - not dark - lighting, etc. This is a unique communal experience that parents and kids can share together. Most shows offer bonus free giveaways from local independent shops and fun extras for the kids.

Free Family Film Fest This Summer at UA Court Street Stadium Theatre!

Enjoy the Free Family Film Festival this summer at UA Court Street Stadium 12, 106 Court Street, between State and Schermerhorn Streets (718-246-8170)! Shows are at 10:00 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August.

7/08/2008-7/09/2008

Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - Veggie Tales (G)
Evan Almighty (PG)

7/15/2008-7/16/2008

Arctic Tale (G)
Bee Movie (PG)

7/22/2008-7/23/2008

Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)
Shrek The Third (PG)

7/29/2008-7/30/2008

Everyone's Hero (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)

8/05/2008-8/06/2008

Clifford's Really Big Movie (G)
Happy Feet (PG)

8/12/2008-8/13/2008

Charlotte's Web (G)
Hairspray (PG)

8/19/2008-8/20/2008

Wallace And Gromit (G)
Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (PG)

8/26/2008-8/27/2008

Curious George (G)
Surf's Up (PG)

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.

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!

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.

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!

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)

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!

Madison Square Park Kids Fest, Saturday, May 31st

Saturday, May 31
10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Madison Square Park
FREE! 

Join the Madison Square Park Conservany at Spring Kids Fest, presented with Time Out New York Kids! Come dance to music, touch live animals, win raffles, eat child-friendly snacks, make a work of art to take home, and do yoga!
EAT • Refreshments from Whole Foods, cotton candy and popcorn
COVER STORY • live animals!
SHOP • apple seeds, skiphop, Madison Square Park Conservancy, and raffles
ART • Preview Mad. Sq. Kids Exploration Kits, make butterfly bracelets and self portraits with MSPC, OOOHHH…AAAHHH…IIICCCKKK and built it! break it! fix it! with apple seeds, Peace Flags with the Rubin Museum of Art, face painting, and balloon animals with Skatz the Clown
BOOKS • TOONS in the Park and Storytime Yoga with Karma Kids Yoga
MUSIC/STAGE • Vital Children's Theater at 11:00 am, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band at 12:00 pm, and AudraRox & their Kids! at 1:00 pm
FILM • TONY Kids Free Flix give-away

FREE World Science Festival Street Fair, Tomorrow, Saturday, May 31st

World Science Festival Street Fair
Saturday, May 31, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The World Science Festival takes to the streets with a non-stop program of interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows that will entertain and inspire – and don't miss local hero, Carmelo the Science Fellow! Head to the streets around Washington Square — it's fun, it's science, and it's FREE! Check HERE for the full lineup of events throughout the packed day!

Humorphous - FREE Dance Performances @ Prospect Park Zoo This Weekend, May 31st and June 1st!

Humorphous, a group of dancers who embody animal behaviors, is getting ready to migrate this coming weekend to the Prospect Park Zoo, performing, Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st, 2008 from 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM. If you can't make it this weekend, slate in their upcoming shows, also at the Prospect Park Zoo, for Saturday July 19th and Sunday 20th, 2008 from 11:30 PM - 4:30 PM. All shows are FREE with zoo admission!