Sign Up to Get Local Pasture-Raised Eggs Direct to Our School!

The Food and Farming Initiative is pleased to offer you again this year the opportunity to purchase fresh eggs from free-range, pastured hens raised on a Dutchess County farm. The eggs are delivered straight to our school, every other week, beginning next Monday (see full schedule below.)

Eggs will be delivered to PS 29 from Tello's Green Farm approximately twice a month (see schedule below) and be ready for pickup at 8:30 a.m. on the designated day in the Family Room. All you have to do is send in the attached order form with a check pre-paying for your total order of eggs and show up to pick up your eggs on the distribution day. The eggs are sold by the dozen for $3.50.

What do free-range eggs have to do with PS 29? PS 29 is interested in promoting better physical and mental health within our school community. Eating healthy foods goes a long way towards optimal health. Free range eggs can be expensive in local grocery stores. Yet the benefits to us and our children are numerous. Most notably free-range eggs generally do not contain hormones, steroids and antibiotics often found in eggs from chickens raised in confinement and fed conventional grain. Free-range eggs contain higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to have positive effects on brain development and heart health.

How and when do I sign up? Click and fill in the attached form and e-mail it to Alison Cohen or place it in the PS 29 PTA mailbox in the school office. Please put “PS 29 eggs” on the outside of a sealed envelope. Don’t forget to include a check made out to Tello's Green Farm (NOT TO PS 29 PTA; this is a community service, not a fundraiser!). Enrollment is ongoing! The first delivery of eggs for the 2008-2009 school year will take place next Monday, November 3rd. Please order and pay in advance for your full order. For more information contact Alison at 773-960-5838 or Kristen at 718-290-4665.

Egg Distribution Days:
November 3rd
November 17th
December 1st
December 15th
January 5th
January 26th
February 9th
February 23rd
March 9th
March 23rd
April 6th
April 20th
May 4th
May 18th
June 1st
June 15th

PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECKS OUT TO TELLO'S GREEN FARM (NOT TO PS 29 PTA)! This is a community service, not a fundraiser!

PS 29 Selected As a KART School! Program Starts Next Week!

The Foundation for Healthy Living has selected PS 29 for participation in its Kids Are Runners Too! program. Kids Are Runners Too! is a five-week running/walking school-based program designed to give children the opportunity to increase their daily levels of physical activity with an emphasis on proper hydration and nutrition.  Children in grades K-5 will run/walk during PE, recess, and at home with their families. All children will receive a pedometer, water bottle and gold medal at the completion of the five-week program, which begins on October 27th.
Print these word searches, mazes and coloring sheets to get your kids excited for next week!

Kids Get Cooking!

Check out the lineup of FREE Kids Get Cooking! events, during the New York City Wine & Food Festival, October 9th-12th, and reserve space for your kids.

For parents, there's a panel called Beyond Chicken Nuggets: How to Raise a Healthy Eater, Friday, October 12th, 12:00-1:30 PM, featuring Rachel Ray, Jessica Seinfeld, and Alice Waters, in addition to several childhood health researchers, hosted by Tara Parker-Pope, the Well columnist for the New York Times. Tickets for the panel are $35 per person.

Days of Taste at PS 29: Restaurant Partners Needed!

PS 29 is a proud participant in the American Wine & Food Institute Days of Taste®, a discovery-based program that allows our fourth-grade children to learn about food and how it weaves its way through daily life from the farm to the table. AIWF NY Chapter's Days of Taste® is a four-day program that begins at PS 29 on Tuesday, October 7th, and is administered annually in New York City by Spoons Across America. In response to an overwhelming demand for Days of Taste, the program has been enhanced to empower the New York City public schools and neighborhood restaurants to partner together. The program reaches twenty-three schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The goal is to present a high-quality children’s food education adhering to the official Days of Taste curriculum.

We are thrilled this year to have the generous, first-time partnership of two PS 29 families, via Bocca Lupo, owned by parent Jeff Lederman, and represented by Kenneth Tufo, and The Ritz-Carlton New York Battery Park, represented by Executive Chef Jacques Sorci & Pastry Chef Laurent Richard. Also participating are a Student Chef from City Tech's Hospitality Management program, and Cafe on Clinton with owner Charles Statelman (formerly of Patois fame), and Chef/former PS 29 parent Anthony Arbeeny.

At present, we are looking for one additional local restaurant to partner in this exciting nutrition education venture. Please contact parent coordinator Lisa DiLiberto,347.563.5386, ASAP if you are a neighborhood restaurant owner or chef or have any recommendations or contacts. The first planning meeting for chefs takes place at school on Monday, September 8th. Spoons Across America has already delivered the catering boxes and we're excited! This year, we will enhance Days of Taste via our Food & Farming initiative, using vegetables the kids have grown themselves in our school garden (which was recently written up by Principal Melanie Raneri Woods for the Peconic Trust's Quail Hill Farm Newsletter). Thanks in advance to the chefs and volunteers!

At PS 29, components of the Days of Taste program include:
DAY 1: Chefs provide the opportunity for students to taste different flavors and textures.
DAY 2: Visit to the Borough Hall Greenmarket.
DAY 3: Students and chefs prepare a salad together in the classroom.
DAY 4: Students visit your restaurant for a meal.

AIWF Days of Taste® helps children…
Build a food and nutrition vocabulary
Understand that locally grown foods are freshest
Experience and compare tastes
Develop “taste memories”
And provide social food experiences around the table.

Days of Taste's best successes illustrate a community spirit between New York City public schools, neighborhood restaurants, neighborhood greenmarkets and volunteers including school program leader, assistant school program leader, classroom teachers, principals, restaurant team (chefs & restaurant staff), food professionals, culinary students, greenmarket tour guides and CHILDREN! The successful focal point has been the ‘neighborhood’ to bring participants together for the best possible & tastiest educational experiences for the children.

In this age of fast and frozen foods, we want to teach school children about real food-where it is grown and how it is produced-so they can develop an understanding and appreciation of how good, fresh food is supposed to taste.—Julia Child

New Neighborhood Kids' Yoga Classes

Mala Yoga on Court Street @ Amity Street introduces Bija yoga classes for kids starting this September.

Little Lotuses Yoga (crawling-3 yrs)
12-week session: Wednesdays, 11.15am-12pm
Starts Wed Sept 10th, ends Wed Nov 26th
Cost: $240
This class introduces the basics of yoga to our tiniest yogis in a creative and active way. Circle time, storytelling, animal poses and parachute games are incorporated into the curriculum making the yoga practice fun and accessible. Breathing techniques, bubbles and relaxation help the little lotuses focus and find calm. Classes increase strength and improve coordination and balance. While yoga experience is not necessary, parents/caregivers are an integral part of this class and should come ready to participate.

Down Dog I (3-6 yrs)
12-week session: Mondays, 3.30pm-4.15pm
Starts Mon Sept 8th, ends Mon Dec 1st (no class Columbus Day, Oct 13)
Cost: $240
Down Dog classes introduce children to the practice of yoga. Yoga poses and principles are explored in a variety of fun ways. Nature, basic anatomy, and imagination are all key aspects of the class. Children are encouraged to explore the way their bodies move through creative projects, collaboration, story time and songs. Chanting, breathing exercises and simple meditation practices relax and calm the mind. Each class finishes with relaxation - something the little yogis come to look forward to! No prior yoga experience required.

Pre-registration is required. One session can be made up at any other Bija yoga location within the 12-week session, depending on availability. If there is space available, the semester will be pro-rated for those who sign up after the first class, as space permits. Please contact Christina to register and for further information.

School Food Faces Cuts from Albany - Call Now to Protest!

When the NYS legislature goes into special emergency economic session tomorrow (Tuesday, August 19th) to attempt to wring $1 billion in additional cuts from the NYS budget approved in April, school food will be on the legislators' chopping block. Please read this message from the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food and contact state officials immediately to let them know our kids need properly funded school meals!
The contact list includes:
Governor David Paterson: 518-474-8390
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver: 518-455-3791
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos: 518- 455-3171
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan: 518-455-4851
Senator Stephen Saland: (518) 455-2411

Politics of School Food Conference, October 4th, Presented By NY Coalition for Healthy School Food

Please click above for information on The Politics of School Food Conference to be presented by the NY Coalition for Healthy School Foods on Saturday, October 4th at NYU's Kimmel Center. The conference, to be moderated by Mark Bittman, the New York Times food columnist (The Minimalist), features an impressive lineup of speakers. Reservations due by September 26th.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

Wellness News for Parents from Cobble Hill Fitness Collective

Cobble Hill Fitness Collective recently provided a free fitness week for the PS 29 community and free fitness classes for our teachers. The Collective now has two upcoming events of potential interest to parents: A free sample class on Monday, May 12th for moms and babies, and a nutrition seminar tomorrow, Saturday, May 10th, from noon-1:00 PM ($10). See flyer for more seminar info.

"Work Out, Baby!" FREE sample class on Monday, May 12th 11a.m-12p.m.
Everything you need to get your body back: Motivation, group support, and a really great workout!" New sessions begin May 19th and 21st.
When:11 AM-12 PM, Mondays and Wednesdays
Where: Cobble Hill Fitness Collective
(278 Court Street @ Douglass)
Who: Moms and Babies ready to move!
Why: If you are so busy caring about everyone else, who is going to take care of you?
How: Check out the free sample class!

Announcing Brooklyn PTA's 5K Run For Schools!

The PTAs of Brooklyn’s elementary schools are coming together to sponsor a 5-kilometer race/walk/stroll/toddle in Prospect Park on Friday, June 13th! Registration begins at 6:00 PM (6/13/08) at the Lincoln Road Pavilion and the race begins at 7:00 PM.

Participants pay the registration fee ($15 individual/$25 family), and then, if they want to help raise additional money, find people to sponsor them. There will be prizes, medals - the works! After the race, there will be parent organizations tabling, face painting, music, and other community building and information-sharing activities.

Want to help our PTA be involved? All we need to do is sign on and recruit 20 participants to share in the proceeds! The profit will be divided as follows:

• 50% of total will be divided evenly among all participating schools (those who recruited 20 or more participants),
  
• 50% of the total will be divided among schools based on number of students in the school.
  

Click HERE for the registration form. Click HERE for the sponsor form. For more information, including a map of the route, please visit BROOKLYN PTA. For questions about joining the PS 29 participants, please contact Stephanie Manske. This is a fun way to get your family out exercising while benefiting PS 29 and elementary schools throughout the borough!

FREE Kids In The Kitchen Event Next Saturday in Red Hook!

Click for info on the upcoming Kids in the Kitchen event next Saturday, an event to learn about healthy snack options and fun fitness activities.

PS 29 Fitness Week @ The Cobble Hill Fitness Collective! FREE Group Classes All Week, April 1st-7th!!

Come to the Cobble Hill Fitness Collective between April 1st-April 7th and let them know you're with PS 29! They've got special deals waiting for us all week!

• •FREE group fitness classes all week; check out the schedule!
• •And then enjoy the full Fitness Collective experience with a workout starter kit. That's three one-on-one training sessions, and 1 nutritional consultation for only $150 ($340 value, get this rate this special week only!).

ABOUT THE FITNESS COLLECTIVE
The Fitness Collective is all about YOU, providing custom designed fitness programs with one-on-one training, nutrition counseling and group classes. We take the guesswork out of working out. Our individualized fitness plans and fun, challenging workouts help you make better decisions that keep you from falling back into old habits in everyday life.
Our trainers are not just experienced and certified professionals, but are also dancers, yogis, martial artists, runners, athletes, Pilates instructors, and more. Our multi-trainer experience ensures that you (and your body) never get bored with your fitness routine, that you fit your workouts into your busy schedule, and provide a supportive environment to help you realistically reach your goals. The Fitness Collective is located at 278 Court Street @ Douglass St. 718-643-1109.

FREE - New York Road Runners Foundation Youth Jamboree, March 29th

Encourage the kids to burn some energy at the Youth Jamboree on Saturday, March 29th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory (168th St & Fort Washington Avenue). Kids ages 4-15 can compete in track and field events throughout the day. The Jamboree will feature a special race at 11:15 a.m. as members of the New York City Council and children from the NYRR Foundation compete against each other in a 4x100-meter relay. A health fair will include instruction on health education, nutrition, and child safety provided by Morgan Stanley Children'’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian. Race-day registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the events start at 9:00 a.m. Click the flyer for registration details.

More than 2,000 kids, the largest turnout to date, participated in the Jamboree on January 13th!

Kids Sought For Local Soccer League! First Game on April 6th!

Get your kids moving! Committed soccer players are sought for GJØA Travel Teams for the 2008-2009 soccer season.  This club offers positive coaching, professional training; player development; competitive play and, above all, fun playing soccer. The team will be trained by Harry Triana of SABA Academy, and is registered with the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL). Practice for this league, which offers skills-building and a children-first philosophy, will be held twice weekly in Red Hook (indoors during winter season). 

For information on practices and tryouts for travel teams for:

• Girls, 3rd-6th grades, please contact Jo Bakal or Ed O’Donnell.
• Boys & Girls, ages 6-14, please contact Ed O’Donnell or Jimmy Svendsen.

First game is April 6th, so get in touch soon, if you're interested!

PS 29 Families Volunteer at New York City Marathon!

The PS 29 community turned out in force to run an Aid Station at last month's New York City Marathon. Kids, parents, and physical education teacher Kathy Nobles all worked hard to deliver much needed support, encouragement and Gatorade to the marathoners! It takes thousands of volunteers to make the race happen, and our kids' efforts lent an extra bounce to the runners' steps! Thanks to all the families who came out to celebrate fitness and running!