LACASA

LACASA now accepting 2010 Summer Day Camp applications

2010-02-25T11:24:00.000-05:00

Click for info/pricing.

LACASA 2010 Summer Day Camp Enrollment Form

Day Camp Photos

2010-02-03T12:34:00.002-05:00

Relive past summers here

Space Still Available for LACASA Gymnastics

2010-01-26T11:47:00.001-05:00

There is still room for 5 students in the Monday (K-1) gymnastics class and 9 students for the Thursday (2-3) gymnastics class, which will both start in February pending registration. Email Melissa Long for more information. Gymnastics led by Jodi's Gym Feb. 1 -June 10, 2010 (M/TH 3:45-4:45PM) Grades K-3 From Jodi's Gym Website "Jodi's Gym has been providing NY kids the highest level of fun & fitness for 28 years. Our tumbling and fitness program is packed with skills broken down to ensure every child attains success. Building self-confidence is most important as children improve strength, flexibility, coordination, motor skills, balance and overall fitness. Our extensively trained USA Gymnastics certified staff enable every child to succeed while having fun, improving fitness and learning new skills."

Two Weeks Left for the PS84/LACASA Raffle

2010-01-26T11:41:00.000-05:00

We hope everyone is selling raffle tickets/books like hot cakes. If you need more, they can be picked up from the parent room or from the box on the top of the beverage machine in room 114 (aka the lacasa office).

We will be collecting the tickets stubs and money during the first week of February up to and including at the international pot luck dinner thatFriday evening (Feb 5th).

When you turn in your tickets, please put them in an envelope with the money and on the outside of the envelope, write the:
child/family's name
their class
and if applicable their lacasa group

We will be using this information to determine which family, class and lacasa group sold the most and wins their respective prizes.

Space Available In Alvin Ailey's Jazz & Hip Hop Class

2010-01-26T11:16:00.002-05:00

Set to run from March 23-June 8. The class will run for 10 weeks on Tuesdays from 3:45-4:45PM. Teaching Artists from Alvin Ailey's Arts in Education & Community Projects will lead technique classes and coordinate dance performances with children grades 2-5. Jazz is a dance technique that incorporates ballet, modern and ethnic dance, with emphasis on accelerated, syncopated and isolation movements. As in all dance forms, jazz starts with a warm-up which includes locomotive exercises and stretching. Participants will also learn a short fun combination to contemporary music. Applications available under the forms tab of this website! For more information, call 212-874-3098 or email Ramon/Melissa atrcuevas@stryckersbay.org or mlong@stryckersbay.org

LACASA Computer Class

2010-01-22T10:15:00.002-05:00

Our Flexible Program Computer & Technology Class on Thursdays and Fridays are led by staff from Vision Education & Media

LACASA Programs In Action

2010-01-20T11:53:00.003-05:00

Check out more LACASA programs here:

Become a Facebook Fan of LACASA

2009-12-18T10:32:00.005-05:00

Fan LACASA on facebook here

Follow LACASA on Twitter here

LACASA 2010 Full & Flex Programs + Forms

2009-12-18T10:28:00.004-05:00

Check out all the new activities at LACASA:

LACASA Club/Activity Registration Form --- Winter/Spring 2010

Click here for 2010 Flex Program

Click here for 2010 Full Program

LACASA After School

2009-06-14T20:04:00.002-04:00

Manhattan Beacon School's racial hope dims

2009-05-15T10:47:00.001-04:00

Manhattan Beacon School's racial hope dimsFriday, May 15th 2009, 4:00 AMSchools head Joel Klein got a letter blasting lack of diversity at Beacon. Miller for NewsSchools head Joel Klein got a letter blasting lack of diversity at Beacon.The Beacon School, a high performing public high school on Manhattan's West Side, counts the children of some powerful city figures among its students.

Manhattan Beacon School's racial hope dims

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Doris Rosenblum Youth Leadership Awardees

2009-05-06T16:14:00.001-04:00

CRW_1082.jpg
Originally uploaded by Strycker's Bay.

This year’s recipients of the 2nd Annual Doris Rosenblum Youth Leadership Awards are active members of Strycker’s Bay’s Youth Program, LACASA —Learning Action Center for Academic Success and Achievement and are great leaders in the making:

Zoe Cohen started out as a LACASA volunteer last year and is now a part of the staff. She is responsible for LACASA taking part in Project Cicero’s Annual Non-Profit Book Drive. Hundreds of books were collected and donated through this effort. Zoe is currently organizing a dance at The Ethical Culture Fieldston High School, where she currently attends as a junior, to raise money for LACASA. She plans to attend college in 2010 and pursue a career in child development.

Robert Evan Flores, has been part of the LACASA program since age 9. He is now a freshman at St. Agnes Boys High School. As an intern in our high school program, Evan assists in delivery of lesson plans and providing homework help. He is also responsible for helping to safely escort program participants to LACASA. Evan shows a great deal of dedication, initiative and responsibility for the work he is involved in at LACASA. As one of the youngest interns in our program, Evan has become a confident member of our high school internship team and plans to continue working with us next year.

Frances Irizarry currently in her senior year at The Notre Dame School Francis has just become a part of the LACASA family this year as a high school intern. In a short period of time she has learned to utilize the tools the program offers for her personal growth and development. This has strengthened her ability to succeed in school while learning to deliver lesson plans and help run our science club. Francis holds true the mission of LACASA – work to reach your personal and academic potential. Francis will be attending Long Island University next year and wants to become a marine biologist.

Meet Our Counselors!

2009-04-03T13:54:00.001-04:00

Shauna-Kay Grant
Originally uploaded by Strycker's Bay.

This week we are happy to introduce Senior Counselor- Shauna-Kay Grant! Shauna has been an employee of Strycker's Bay for the past three years. She has matured, grown and shown great potential to excel. Shauna works well with her peers and has an uncanny ability to motivate her group. Also, Shauna is an excellent art instructor and our beautiful murals around PS 84 are proof of this.

Here's to you Shauna!

Lincoln Center Comes to LACASA!

2009-03-26T14:25:00.001-04:00

LIC & K 013.jpg
Originally uploaded by Strycker's Bay.

Through improvisation, storytelling and acting, students from the LACASA Lincoln Center Drama Team put together different renditions of "The Frog Bride.' LACASA's Lincoln Center drama team is broken down into two groups; K-2nd grade led by Barbara Tirrell and 3rd-5th grade led by April Armstrong. The two groups met weekly every Wednesday. The weekly workshops consisted of drama excercises, reading, writing, drawing and acting. Students from the drama team were also treated to two performaces of the "The Frog Bride" by David Gonzalez. Throughout their 14 week session, the students learned to bring forth their inner dramatic sides. With intense analyzation of the "The Frog Bride", students created, illustrated, and acted out their own versions of the "The Frog Bride". Through intensive organization and preparation, the K-2nd grade group led by Ms.Tirrell, created a DVD with the cast of the entire class, depicting the original version of the 'The Frog Bride'. Their efforts were recognized and greatly acknowledged by parents and staff during the final day of Lincoln Center. April Armstrong's 3rd-5th grade students used improvisation and created their own verisons of the 'The Frog Bride'. The students picked out scenes from the story and modified them to fit their interest. Some students even went to the length of changing the entire story line and only keeping the characters names. April Armstrong's team performed for parents and staff on the final day of Lincoln Center. Their performances were very much enjoyed.

Parents Sue Department of Education for Violating State Law By Closing Schools Without Community Input | NYCLU

2009-03-25T13:45:00.001-04:00

Parents Sue Department of Education for Violating State Law By Closing Schools Without Community Input | NYCLU

Public school parents, guardians and community leaders filed suit
against the city Department of Education today for violating state
education law by making zoning changes that affect neighborhood schools
without approval from Community Education Councils, effectively denying
parents and children access to neighborhood schools without a voice in
the process.

NYCLU's Link to PDF Lawsuit Document

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Musical Books

2009-03-24T10:40:00.001-04:00

Musical Books
Originally uploaded by Strycker's Bay.

First graders at the LACASA program sit together to play musical books. The entire theory behind 'musical books' is derived from musical chairs itself. Students rotate around the chairs to the sound of music until it is stopped and they are prompted to sit and read a book.

Soccer Stars Coming to LACASA.....

2009-03-24T10:38:00.001-04:00

Soccer Stars Coming to LACASA.....
Originally uploaded by Strycker's Bay.

LACASA is anticipating the arrival of soccer stars this spring. We are currently enrolling students to participate. Due to overwhelming interest, there are limited slots available. Reserve your slot today!

LACASA's High School Interns

2009-03-18T13:46:00.001-04:00

LACASA's High School Interns
Originally uploaded by Strycker's Bay.

Led by Jason Acosta, LACASA's High School Internship program is home to 15 high school students who reside within the five boroughs of the city. The interns work alongside LACASA's staff to engage students and stimulate their interest while promoting academic and recreational enrichment activites. Through their work at LACASA, the interns are given the opportunity to build leadership skills. We look forward to extending this program through the years to come. For more information, please contact LACASA at (212)874-3098.

Spotlight on Kindergarten

2008-12-11T12:49:00.004-05:00

This week, LACASA is shining the spotlight on the K-group! Group Leader Amanda Rodriguez, Assistant Group Leaders Cynthia Guzman and Natalya Latimore and high school intern Lauren Howard, led the class through the Hot Potato Word game, Number Scramble, Word Hop Scotch, "Pen" Pals and many more creative activities. This week we recognize the K groups' hard work, commend them on their progress and look forward to their continued success.

Ask About the City’s After-School Programs - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com

2008-11-10T14:08:00.001-05:00

Ask About the City’s After-School Programs
By The New York Times
Lucy N. Friedman

This week, Lucy N. Friedman, the president of a nonprofit organization that provides children with after-school programs, will be answering selected readers’ questions about such programs in New York City. The first set of responses will be posted on Wednesday. Readers are encouraged to submit their questions in the comments box below.Ms. Friedman is founding president of the After-School Corporation, or TASC, which is dedicated to giving all children opportunities to grow through after-school and summer programs that support, educate and inspire them.

Ask About the City’s After-School Programs - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com

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City classrooms packed, expansion slows in Bloomberg era, says study

2008-10-29T10:25:00.001-04:00

More then a third of the city's students - and more than half of all high school kids - are in overcrowded classrooms, a report to be released Wednesday shows.The city would have to create more than 167,000 new seats, far more than its current 63,000 target, to reach its own goals, according to the study.The report, by the Manhattan borough president's task force, Class Size Matters; the teachers union, and the Center for Arts Education also finds that more seats were added under the last six years of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani's tenure than during the first six years of Mayor Bloomberg's.

City classrooms packed, expansion slows in Bloomberg era, says study

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6,000 Pre-K Slots Still Available

2008-10-10T12:05:00.001-04:00

According to an email from City Council Speaker Quinn --

"Currently, there are about 6,000
half-day and full-day UPK seats available for children who turn four years of
age by December 31, 2008, in public schools, child care centers contracted by
ACS, and community-based organizations contracted by the
DOE. Research clearly supports UPK as a way to cultivate the social,
emotional and academic skills of children, as well as prepare children for
kindergarten.

Families can call 311 and ask for
"UPK programs in my neighborhood"; call toll free (888) 469-5999; or log on to the City's website
at www.nyc.gov to search the City Map
for UPK programs and/or link to the DOE's website, where a list of programs can
be downloaded.

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Contracts for Excellence - Budgets and Fair Student Funding - New York City Department of Education

2008-10-09T12:27:00.002-04:00

Contracts for Excellence

FROM THE NYC DOE WEBSITE:

The
New York City Department of Education receives a portion of its overall

budget in the form of Foundation Aid from New York State. While the

State allows some of the increase in year-over-year Foundation Aid
funding to be used for growth in general operating costs and investment
in ongoing programs, the majority is subject to the provisions of the
State’s “Contracts for Excellence.” New York City schools received
Contracts for Excellence, or C4E, funds for the first time in the
2007-08 school year. These are funds that, under State law, must be
distributed to certain schools and must be spent by those schools in
specific program areas.

In 2008-09, New York City will once
again receive funds subject to the provisions of the Contracts for
Excellence. These provisions include:

Funds must support specific programs areas.
C4E dollars must be spent to support new programs and activities or to
expand existing programs and activities in the following six program
areas:
- Class Size Reduction;
- Time on Task;
- Teacher and Principal Quality Initiatives;
- Middle School and High School Restructuring;
- Full-Day Pre-Kindergarten; and
- Model Programs for English Language Learners (New in 2008-09).
Funds must go to students with the greatest need. C4E funds must be used to improve the performance of students with the greatest educational need, including:
- English Language Learners (ELLs);
- Students with disabilities;
- Students in poverty; and
- Students performing below State learning standards or students who are at risk of not graduating.
Funds must supplement, not supplant.

This site describes the City’s Contracts for Excellence plan for FY09. It includes:

2008-09 Proposed Citywide Plan (new 7.23.08): Contains details of the City’s complete proposed plan for use of FY09 Contracts funds.

Program Options: Describes the program areas in which Contracts dollars may be spent.

Class Size Reduction: Describes the City’s class size reduction plan and ongoing class size reduction efforts.

Approved 2007-08 Plan: Presents New York City’s Year One Contracts plan.

Public Comment (updated
9.11.08): Provides transcripts of all public hearings held in
conjunction with the 2008-09 C4E plan as well as an assessment of the
public engagement process.

Contracts for Excellence - Budgets and Fair Student Funding - New York City Department of Education

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ONE NEW YORK: FIGHTING FOR FAIRNESS

2008-10-09T10:40:00.001-04:00

ONE NEW YORK: FIGHTING FOR FAIRNESS

Citywide Budget Coalition

PRESS CONFERENCE: STEPS OF CITY HALL

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10th AT 12 NOON SHARP

(ARRIVE EARLY)

Spread the Word!

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District Three Grades

2008-09-17T15:52:00.001-04:00

District Three Grades - Get more Business Documents

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Department of Education bus cuts hit special education kids hardest

2008-09-17T14:45:00.001-04:00

Department of Education bus cuts hit special education kids hardest

BY MEREDITH KOLODNER
DAILY NEWS WRITER

Saturday, September 13th 2008, 7:26 PMDelMundo for NewsMahnoor, Mujahid, 5, sits outside her home in Queens. School bus cuts make her trip to school harder.Logan King Bascom, a 6-year-old wheelchair-bound autistic girl from Manhattan, was assigned to the wrong school bus last week, and ended up lost.Jacob Hicks, a 6-year-old speech-impaired autistic boy from the Bronx, missed his speech therapy class because his bus made so many stops he arrived 45 minutes late.And Mahnoor Mujahid, a 5-year-old Queens girl who suffers from a degenerative neuromuscular disease, was left without any school bus at all.The three are among scores of horror stories that have poured in since the Daily News first reported last week that bus cuts have hit special needs children hard."For budgetary reasons," said Maggie Moroff, director of special education for Advocates for Children, "routes have been consolidated. They are taking longer paths, and they are picking up at more than one school."Cost cuts at the Department of Education have resulted in 200 fewer special education buses, with those remaining packed to capacity and some kids shut out entirely.

Department of Education bus cuts hit special education kids hardest

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FROM: Insideschools.org -- The High School Search Begins.....

2008-09-17T14:15:00.001-04:00

High school search process begins for 8th grade students

This weekend the high school admissions process officially commences with the citywide high school fair. Even though the school year recently begun, 8th grade students and their families should start to consider which among the 400-plus high schools in the city they will apply to for the fall of 2009.

Follow the link to continue readying

Insideschools.org :: Article and Advice Archives

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Fifth Annual Children’s Sports & Fitness Expo

2008-09-15T12:05:00.002-04:00

5th Annual Sports Expo

Fifth Annual Children’s Sports & Fitness Expo at the Harlem PAL Armory Center on Saturday, September 27^th. This year Nike is providing 2,000 sneakers to be distributed at the Expo. The first 1500 children to pre-register online at www.bodysculpt.org are eligible to receive these sneakers. Each child must complete 3 sports clinics and a health screening before they pick up their sneakers.

If you have any questions please contact Vince Ferguson of Body Sculpt at 718-346-5852.

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LACASA After School Program @ PS 84 Starts September 15th!

2008-09-12T12:37:00.001-04:00

We have many exciting activities planned for the after school program this year.

Thanks to a grant from City Council Member Gale Brewer, PS 84 is the recipient of a cultural grant that will support theater arts activities through a partnership with Lincoln Center. We are very excited about this partnership and are looking forward to working with the staff of Lincoln Center to bring theater arts to the families of PS 84.

Martial Arts, Creative Arts, Salsa are all coming back this year with new and exciting activities planned. We will also offer a photography club and science club as "pilot" groups this year to see if there is enough interest to include them as permanent club offerings.

If parents have other ideas for clubs they would like to see offered, please feel free to speak with the program's director. If there is enough interest we may be able to incorporate it.

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Cool Culture Family Passes

2008-09-12T12:02:00.001-04:00

The entry fees at many cultural institutions are often prohibitively
expensive for low-income families. Most families with whom Cool Culture
works fall under federal poverty guidelines. Though many institutions
offer free or reduced-fee time periods, these are often during weekdays
or evenings when families are unable to attend. Additionally,
"pay-what-you-wish" or suggested admission policies can be difficult to
negotiate, especially for families who are not used to visiting
museums.To address these issues and through its partnerships with
cultural institutions, Cool Culture is able to give each family a Cool
Culture Family Pass that provides free entry at any time to over 71
museums, botanical gardens, and zoos.

Cool Culture

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Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling :

2008-09-11T14:06:00.001-04:00

Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling

Saturday, September 13, 2008

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

"Jataka Tales" told by Rafe Martin (origin: Buddhist) and "To Life" told by Diane Wolkstein (origin: Jewish).

Storytelling is held rain or shine. The stories are appropriate for children six years and up. Parents or guardians are asked to sit with their children.

Location Pilgrim Hill & Conservatory Water72nd Street & 5th Avenue in Central Park, at the statue of Hans Christian Andersen (west side of Conservatory Water) Manhattan

Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling : Upcoming Events : New York City Department of Parks & Recreation

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MDRC - Fast Fact: Does Education Increase Economic Mobility?

2008-09-11T13:40:00.001-04:00

Fast Fact

Does Education Increase Economic Mobility?It is an article of faith in the United States that more education leads to greater earnings, and the data back it up. In 2005, for instance, college graduates earned $25,000 more on average than high school graduates. A two-year associate’s degree brought an average annual premium of $8,500 over a high school diploma.However, family background also plays an important role in determining one’s educational trajectory and economic success as an adult, according to a new Brookings Institution report, Getting Ahead or Losing Ground: Economic Mobility in America, by Ron Haskins, Julia B. Isaacs, and Isabel Sawhill. Not only are the children of relatively well-off parents more likely to earn more as adults, but they are more likely to get a college degree than children of parents with lower incomes (as the figure below demonstrates). The policy challenge is to make it possible for more young people from the bottom quintiles of the family income distribution to access higher education and succeed in college.

MDRC - Fast Fact: Does Education Increase Economic Mobility?

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Doris Rosenblum Youth Leadership Award Recipients

2008-06-16T13:46:00.001-04:00

Thnx 2007 069
Originally uploaded by Strycker's Bay.

Jason Acosta, Alyssia George and Evette Fares were the recipients of the First Annual Doris Rosenblum Youth Leadership Awards.

Jason has been part of LACASA since age 10 when he joined our summer camp. He is now a group leaders and an Education Major at City College.

Alyssia has been with LACASA since age 7. She has just graduated High School and will be attending John Jay College. Alyssia is a group leader and a great mentor to the children she works with.

Evette joined LACASA 4 years ago and has been a rising star in the program. She will be graduating high school next year. Evette is also a counselor with LACASA and has brought much energy to the program.

Congratulations all!

Strycker's Bay Is Hiring Youth Program Counselors

2008-06-16T13:23:00.002-04:00

We're Looking For Talented Committed Youth Program Counselors

If you are a High School Senior or College Student
that has a passion for working with and mentoring youth
you should consider applying for one of the 10 positions we have available

Click Here for Job Description

It's Going To Be A Really Big Show

2008-06-13T05:07:00.001-04:00

Join Us!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

LACASA AFTER SCHOOL @ PS 84

YEAR END PERFORMANCE AND CELEBRATION

PS 84
32 WEST 92ND STREET -- BTWN COLUMBUS AVENUE AND CENTRAL PARK WEST

COME SEE ALL THE WONDERFUL WORK THE LACASA KIDS HAVE DONE ALL YEAR

SINGING...MARTIAL ARTS...DRAMA...ART...AND MORE

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL LACASA AT 212-874-3098

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Grading NYC Public Schools

2008-04-21T13:33:00.002-04:00

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

6:30 to 8:30 pm

Please note that the street address was wrong in an earlier email invitation.
The correct address is: Hunter College of Social Work, CUNY
129 East 79th Street at Lexington Avenue

Pedro Noguera, NYU School of Education and
Co-Chair of the City Council’s Middle School Task Force

Diane Ravitch, Research Professor of Education at
NYU and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education

Esmeralda Simmons, Executive Director, Center for
Law and Social Justice, Medgar Evers College,
former member of the NYC Board of Education

Philip Vaccaro, Progress Report Project Manager,
New York City Department of Education

Moderated by Jennifer Medina,
Education Reporter, The New York Times

Open to the Public

Please RSVP to 212.227.0342 x43 or info@citizensunionfoundation.org

Civic Conversations foster public dialogue about important issues
facing the citizens of New York.

1968 Revisited:

2008-04-06T05:56:00.001-04:00

APRIL 10

1968 Revisited:

Ocean Hill Brownsville and Community Control of Schools

A Panel Discussion with Sally Lee, Roberta Harris, Jitu Weusi, Edwin Mayogra

and Stanley Aronowitz

Co-Sponsored by the Brecht Forum, NYCORE

In 1968, Ocean Hill-Brownsville Brooklyn was the site of an experiment

that gave local communities control of their public schools. The

controversy sparked from this movement still resonates throughout the

city. This panel discussion will explore the political moment that

gave rise to the community control experiment and will attempt to

compare it to today's context. How are NYC communities responding to

the current mayoral control of our public schools? How do these

contrasting forms of school governance impact classroom teaching and

learning?

The Brecht Forum

451 West Street

(Between Bank and Bethune)

212-242-4201

www.brechtforum.org

Sliding Scale $6-15

No One Turned Away

View Original Article

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NYC High Schoolers Among Slowest to Graduate

2008-04-01T23:01:00.001-04:00

A study conducted by the non-profit group America's Promise Alliance has found that New York City has one of the nation's worst high school graduation rates, ranking 43rd among 50 other major U.S. cities and their surrounding areas. Only 45% of high school students in New York City graduate in four years, while in the surrounding suburbs, the four year graduation rate is 83%

But the study was conducted using data from 2004, and the Department of Education claims the city's graduation rate has risen six points since then. Also, each state has different educational standards, so comparisons can be a bit misleading. Still, who will be surprised that poor Detroit, which can't catch a break, would get the worst ranking, with just 25% of students graduating? At least New York students bested, in order, Dallas, Minneapolis, Columbus, Baltimore, Cleveland and Indianapolis. L.A. students managed to flirt their way past New York by 0.1% and snag the #42 slot. Number One? Mesa, AZ.

The report, which concludes that, on average, only half of the students in America’s major cities graduate, can be perused as a PDF file. And the America's Promise Alliance website is introduced by a really weird Colin Powell video, presumably because he did such a stellar job educating the U.N. about Iraq’s WMDs.

Photo of NYC students playing Boggle: Los Dragónnes

View Original Article

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Campaign for Summer Jobs -- United Neighborhood Houses - Advocacy

2008-04-01T10:19:00.001-04:00

Since 1999, UNH has co-lead the Campaign for Summer Jobs along with the Neighborhood Family Services Coalition. The Campaign seeks to secure permanent funding for a summer employment program for youth in New York City to help them gain work experience and contribute to their communities. For the past 9 years, youth and youth workers from all over the City have joined in this effort, participating in the Campaign's Annual Youth Action Day.Even with the Campaign's past success, we must continue to work to make certain that this valuable program is adequately funded in the future. Although $56 million in government funding made it possible for nearly 42,000 young people in New York City to have a summer job in 2007, 93,000 youth applied. This year, the City budget includes a $3.2 million cut to the summer jobs program, eliminating 2,100 jobs for young people. The Campaign's goal is to see that every youth who wants a summer job will have one.

United Neighborhood Houses - Advocacy

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City Limits: News for NYC's Nonprofit, Policy and Activist World

2008-04-01T10:18:00.001-04:00

With long summer days around the corner, it looks like tens of thousands of New York City youths who rely on public programs to help find a job may be idle while school's out.City agencies expect a shortfall in jobs provided by the city's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Run by the Department of Youth and Community Development, SYEP provides subsidized entry-level jobs to young people aged 14 to 21 for seven weeks every summer. Each year tens of thousands of applicants are turned away, but last summer the number of applicants hit a record high – and the forecast for this summer is dreary.

City Limits: News for NYC's Nonprofit, Policy and Activist World

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According to the NYC Department of Education

2008-04-01T08:01:00.003-04:00

"This year, 7,722 students – less than 10% of all students who applied – did not have a match after the main round. The DOE will conduct an information fair for these students on April 7 and April 8 at Louis D. Brandeis High School (145 West 84th St., Manhattan). Students who participate in the supplementary round will receive their high school match by April 30."

So if you were not accepted to any of your choices please make sure to attend the information fair on April 7, 2008.

Editor's note: Students selected twelve (12) schools in order of preference...well according to DOE 80% of students were accepted to one of their five top choices....is this really good news....how happy would you be if you were selected to attend your third, fourth or fifth choice?

From NY metro -- Voices: School selection process still a mess

2008-04-01T07:51:00.001-04:00

my view by Neil de Mause

MAR 31

It’s springtime, and the streets are filled with the sound of parents of 4- and 5-year-olds freaking out. This is normal behavior for March, when city parents traditionally bum-rush the schools of their choices and try by hook or by crook (or, according to persistent urban legend, gift of cookies) to get their kids to the front of the line. This year, though, the stress level is up a notch, thanks to a new application process: Parents of pre-Ks (and next year, kindergarteners as well) must send a form off to a central office — oddly, in Pennsylvania — and will later be notified where they’re placed. As Schools Chancellor Joel Klein explained, the goal is to “replace the numerous rules and timelines with a single, simple, fair process.”Fairer it may be — if nothing else, it’s hard to fit cookies into a P.O. Box. But simple? The form says kids will be admitted by a set priority list: siblings of existing students, then kids within a school’s zone and so on, untilresidents of New Zealand make up the back of the line. Sharp-eyed parents, however, will notice that they’re also asked to rank their top five schools. At last word, city officials said they’d first pick from the list of those ranking a school No. 1 — meaning our New Zealander could actually get in ahead of someone who lives across the street, if they ranked the school higher. Asked what would happen if a student ended up getting into none of their five choices, meanwhile, a schools spokesperson said he’d have to get back to me on that, then never did.The new admission process for gifted-and-talented programs is shaping up to be similarly wacktastic: After testing kids in January — part of the new regime of standardized tests that the city is spending millions on while slashing budgets elsewhere — the Department of Education won’t decide until May where in each district the gifted and talented classes will be located. (Will there be buses? No one knows.) And that’s if they even know by then how many kids qualify for the program; last week, at least one school told parents that test results, originally due in March, now wouldn’t be in until May 16.Of course, it wouldn’t be the New York City school system without some Keystone Kops bureaucracy. But if the chancellor’s new rules mean that June rolls around with parents still in limbo, it’s likely to be a long, hot summer.

NTYNeil deMause is a Brooklyn-based journalist whose writings can be found at demause.net and fieldofschemes.com.

metro

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After-School Programs - New York Times

2008-04-01T07:44:00.001-04:00

To the Editor:Earlier this year, education advocates celebrated a historic increase in this year’s federal financing for 21st Century Community Learning Center that gave approximately 100,000 youth the opportunity to participate in enriching after-school programs. One month later, President Bush called for Congress to cut financing for 21st C.C.L.C. from $1.1 billion to just $800 million in his 2009 budget proposal, a cut that would leave 300,000 youth without such opportunities.

After-School Programs - New York Times

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LACASAS Kids Cash In On Financial Literacy

2008-03-31T08:22:00.003-04:00

On Friday, March 28th... 20 fifth grade students from PS 84 and other local elementary schools learned a lot about banking and writing checks from representatives of Commerce Bank. Chi and Florence from the 86th Street and Columbus Avenue branch of Commerce Bank schooled LACASA Kids on how to convert their change into dollar bills using Commerce's Penny Arcade and the benefits of opening a savings account. LACASA Kids also learned banking terms such as: endorsement, payee, deposit, credit and debit. They went on to practice check writing and maintaining a check register....

Maia said she was ready to help her mother write all the checks to pay the household bills!

TCRecord:State and Local Laws that Harass Undocumented Immigrants

2008-03-28T14:56:00.001-04:00

It is time for public school educators to take a stand against state and local anti-immigration laws that are motivated by a desire to force undocumented immigrant families out of their homes and communities. Undocumented immigration is a federal issue that must be addressed comprehensively by Congress—not by state legislators and city council people who are attacking this issue in a piecemeal and often punitive fashion. Individually and through our professional organizations, let us make clear that we oppose such laws because of the harm they cause to children, and let us make our voices heard.

TCRecord: Article

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Weaning Teenagers Off Gossip, for One Hour at a Time - New York Times

2008-03-27T07:06:00.002-04:00

It would seem an odd, perhaps even absurd, announcement to make over a high school’s public address system.But at 11:15 each morning at the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls on Long Island, the voice of Emi Renov, a 17-year-old junior, buzzes over the intercom, gently reminding her fellow students to refrain from gossiping for the next 60 minutes.Weaning Teenagers Off Gossip, for One Hour at a Time - New York Times

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Pre-Kindergarten Directory and Public School Application 2008-2009

2008-03-26T15:57:00.002-04:00

Pre-Kindergarten Directory provides information about the New York City
Pre-Kindergarten programs that are available for the 2008-2009 school
year. These programs are in selected public schools and contracted
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). You will find two lists of
schools (public school programs and CBO programs), their locations and
other important information regarding the application process included
in the directory.

Pre-Kindergarten Directory and Public School Application 2008-2009

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Insideschools.org Blog: Thousands turn out for Keep the Promises rally

2008-03-26T13:08:00.002-04:00

Thousands of people braved the cold rain today to rally against the budget cuts outside City Hall. Tomorrow we'll all have pneumonia but today we can relish the thought of parents, students, teachers, and principals united to call for sustained support for the city's schools and their children. I didn't pay much attention to the various firebrand speakers — with their presence and creative signs, members of the crowd made the strongest statements.Insideschools.org Blog: Thousands turn out for Keep the Promises rally

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A Boy the Bullies Love to Beat Up, Repeatedly - New York Times

2008-03-26T05:21:00.001-04:00

All lank and bone, the boy stands at the corner with his younger sister, waiting for the yellow bus that takes them to their respective schools. He is Billy Wolfe, high school sophomore, struggling.Moments earlier he left the sanctuary that is his home, passing those framed photographs of himself as a carefree child, back when he was 5. And now he is at the bus stop, wearing a baseball cap, vulnerable at 15.

A Boy the Bullies Love to Beat Up, Repeatedly - New York Times

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City streamlines pre-K application

2008-03-25T19:53:00.001-04:00

Ten years ago, New York state offered the first universally-funded pre-kindergarten classes. But the problematic registration procedure - which often left new parents in the dark - will finally be a thing of the past.

View Original Article

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Restore After-School Funding in New York State

2008-03-25T19:51:00.001-04:00

Advocates around the state are calling for an additional $30 million in the state budget to support after-school. This $30 million increase in funding to after-school is necessary to maintain the state's commitment to after-school programs, and ensure that all kids have a safe and supervised place to go once the school day ends.

View Original Article

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Telling Kids the Whole Truth

2008-03-25T19:50:00.001-04:00

How much do you tell your kids about drugs, death or sex? Martha Leathe believes in being honest with her children, even when it makes her uncomfortable. Being honest with them, Leathe says, leads them to be more open and truthful with her.

View Original Article

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Teachers' Good Deeds Punished By Dept. of Ed

2008-03-25T19:44:00.001-04:00

Under a new DOE program, those who teach lower-performing students likely will earn poor marks themselves. One Jamaica High School teacher asks: What kind of incentive is that?

View Original Article

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Harvard Promotes Public Service WithTuition Break

2008-03-18T11:26:00.002-04:00

Harvard Law, Hoping Students Will Consider Public Service, Offers Tuition Break - New York Times

Concerned by the low numbers of law students choosing careers in public service, Harvard Law School plans to waive tuition for third-year students who pledge to spend five years

From the NY Times

2008-02-20T05:32:00.001-05:00

A Home Remedy for Juvenile Offenders - New York Times

In Education News

2008-02-20T03:50:00.002-05:00

City Wide Council on High School -- Opposes School Based Budget Cuts

2008-02-14T11:44:00.001-05:00

Passed Unanimously, Meeting of January 13, 2008

THE CITYWIDE COUNCIL ON HIGH SCHOOLS

RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO SCHOOL-BASED BUDGET CUTS AND TO JOIN THE “KEEP THE PROMISES COALITION” FIGHTING TO OPPOSE BUDGET CUTS

WHEREAS the Citywide Council on High Schools is a body of 10 elected parent members and one appointed student member created by Chancellor’s Regulation D-160 to “advise and comment on educational and instructional policy involving high schools;”

WHEREAS New York City has imposed an immediate 1.75 percent cut to schools;

WHEREAS a $100 million, mid-year cut will disrupt schools’ programs, schedules and staffing;

WHEREAS even if mid-year cuts were a last resort, opening the NYC Department of Education books would demonstrate whether the Central Administration could take these cuts, rather than imposing them on the schools;

WHEREAS the Mayor’s 2009 budget proposal cuts NYC education by $324 million;

WHEREAS the state budget proposes to give city schools nearly $200 million less than was expected in the Contract for Excellence, stalling progress in class size reduction, full-day Pre-K expansion, improving middle schools, programs for English language learners and other programs and services; and

WHEREAS the state is also proposing to cap building aid, which will slow school construction; thus be it

RESOLVED that the Citywide Council on High Schools opposes mid-year budget cuts to New York City’s public schools; and be it

RESOLVED that the Citywide Council on High Schools opposes school-based budget cuts already planned for next school year; and be it

RESOLVED that the Citywide Council on High Schools joins with other parents, community organizations, advocates, clergy, and labor in the “Keep the Promises Coalition,” in order to fight city and state education budget cuts now and in the foreseeable future.

Generation Change - Internships, Fellowships and Training

2008-02-14T11:37:00.003-05:00

Parent Views on School Conditions and Public School System

2008-02-14T05:32:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Class Size Matters released a report that shares the results of "..an independent parent driven-survey..," of school conditions and school system. Click image to download report.

Strycker's Bay/LACASA Vision for Schools

2008-02-13T13:56:00.002-05:00

The vision for an ideal school would first and foremost promote a sense of community and collaboration among school administrators, teachers, parents, children and community partners.

Cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders will promote a stimulating learning environment for students, staff, parents and community resulting in:

Teachers and Administrators working in partnership to develop and deliver stimulating and meaningful curriculum

Parents will trust school educators, administrators and community partners, insuring their cooperation and support

Community Partners will provide and coordinate year round extended and out of school learning and enrichment programs for all students

The school, as a community will work on setting high goals and expectations for children. This will help build confidence in their abilities, develop their work ethic, and fuel academic and personal growth. Furthermore, activities will be designed to help students achieve their academic potential regardless of their learning abilities. This will insure a sense of accomplishment for all students. To achieve this:

Curriculum would promote the discovery of student’s individual strengths, skills and interests

Provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to express themselves freely and without concern for criticism.

Finally our vision for the ideal school setting is…

A SCHOOL WHERE LEARNING IS ULTIMATE FUN!

Black History Month Music and Stories

2008-01-31T04:04:00.000-05:00

Sunday, Feb 17, 2008
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Manhattan

Celebrate the African-American family experience with famed storyteller Christine Campbell and the Central Park Conservancy. This special musical storytelling performance will not only wrap you up in exciting and educational tales, it is quite interactive too! Be prepared to get up off your feet and move to live guitar music and sing-a-long songs.

This is part of the Central Park Conservancy's Black History Month programs. FREE.

ALL AGES. Pre-registration not required. For more information, please call (212) 794-4064.

Location: Central Park, Chess & Checkers House located mid-park at 65th Street.

CENTRAL PARK

More Information:
Phone number: (212) 794-4064

Manhattan School for Children's Open House

2008-01-25T04:34:00.000-05:00

According to a post on the district3parents listserve ....

Manhattan School for Children's Open House is January 30th at 6pm in
the auditorium for the Upper Grades (6-8). We encourage families to
bring their children.

Manhattan School for Children
154 W 93rd St
New York, NY 10025
(212) 222-1450

Links

2008-01-24T10:49:00.001-05:00

Education News

2008-01-24T10:35:00.000-05:00

Martin Luther King

2008-01-21T16:14:00.000-05:00

I Have A Dream

Posted Jan 11, 2007

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s powerful oratory skills are just as impressive today as when he gave his seminal civil rights speech.

Commission on School Government

2008-01-17T13:50:00.000-05:00

New York City's Public Advocate, Betsy Gotbaum has, at the request of the State Assembly, created the Commission on School Government.

Visit The Site
VOICE YOUR OPINION
GET INFORMED
ITS YOUR CITY, YOUR SCHOOLS, YOUR CHILDREN!

From the website:

Mission Statement

Anticipating the expiration of the existing school governance law for New York City in 2009 and in response to a request from the Chair of Education Committee for the State Assembly, the Public Advocate for New York City has appointed a Commission on School Governance to independently study and make recommendations pertaining to the matter at hand. The Commission will carry out its charge by gathering pertinent information and soliciting advice from a wide and diverse group of citizens, organizations, educators, and experts. A report will be presented to the Public Advocate in a timely manner in order to help inform the State Legislature in its deliberations on this important question before the people of New York City and State.

The Commissioners are:

Stephen R. Aiello Chair
Lilliam Barrios-Paoli Co-Chair
David R. Jones Co-Chair
Vivian Cassaberry-Furby Commissioner
Clara Hemphill Commissioner
Joan McKeever-Thomas Commissioner
Jeany Persaud Commissioner
Bertrand B. Pogrebin Commissioner
Kim Sweet Commissioner
Jacqueline Wayans Commissioner
Joseph P. Viteritti Executive Director

Education News

2008-01-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

UFT Task Force Meeting for Teachers, Parents, Community

2008-01-10T20:29:00.000-05:00

Let’s Make it Better

We can create public schools that make our communities proud.

Join us in recommending

improvements in governing

New York City Public Schools

THE UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHERS’ TASK FORCE

ON SCHOOL GOVERNANCE NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

All are invited

parents, educators, community members

Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Education Complex,

122 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 65th street)

Directions: 1 train to 66th street; 2, 3 or B to 72nd street; M7 or M11 bus

For more information contact: MONIQUE MCCOY 1-212-598-6835 mmccoy@uft.org

Wall Climbing in Central Park -- Sundays!

2008-01-09T18:02:00.000-05:00

Youth Open Indoor Wall Climbing

Sunday, Jan 13, 2008
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Manhattan

The wall includes a small roof, steep angles, and an arete. Youth who have successfully completed our climbing course receive an annual pass for indoor wall climbing during open hours.

Day pass: $5 (includes all equipment).

Location: North Meadow Recreation Center, Central Park (mid-Park at 97th Street).

NORTH MEADOW RECREATION CENTER

NORTH MEADOW

More Information:
Phone number: (212) 348-4867

LACASA's Big Buddy Program

2008-01-09T01:15:00.000-05:00

What I like about being a Big Buddy

Hi, my name is Johanna and my last name is Young. My age is 10. I’m in the fifth grade.

When I work with my little buddy I feel like a counselor or a grown up helping my kid.

Being a role model means being a leader to your little buddy and being a good big buddy. I think this is a good idea that LACASA after school came up with, because it’s a good learning experience.

From being a big buddy I learned that it takes time and you have to have patience with your buddy.

LACASA's Big Buddy Program helps build good relationships between program participants while introducing older students to responsibility and leadership. All the Big Buddy "reflections" are posted on LACASA bulletin boards in PS 84. Make sure to check them out the next time you are in the school.

Special Camp Fair for Children and Teens

2008-01-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

January 26, 2008 Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc. will present its Special Camp Fair to help parents and caregivers of children and teens with disabilities plan ahead for summer, from 11 AM to 3 PM. at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, (Entrance to Fair on Columbus Ave. near W. 60th St.) NYC. For information call (212) 677-4650 or visit www.resourcesnyc.org.

Celebration!

2008-01-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

Education News

2008-01-06T01:11:00.000-05:00

Education Links

2008-01-06T01:07:00.000-05:00

Education Links Jan. 5th

2007-12-30T01:22:00.000-05:00

Education News

2007-12-30T01:20:00.000-05:00

Middle School Fair -- January 22

2007-12-26T18:33:00.000-05:00

The District 3 Middle School Fair

Tuesday, January 22 5:30p-8:00p

Joan of Arc School Building
154 West 93 Street
Between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues

LACASA Volunteers Are Fantastic!

2007-12-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

LACASA's program could not get along without the fantastic volunteers that take time out of their schedules to help run the program.

Special thanks to Joleen Chaucer, Jeizel Chaucer and Jensey Chaucer all graduates of PS 84, and Alumni of LACASA After School & Summer Camp programs. They have maintained their connection with LACASA and have helped the program tremendously. We have all seen them grow into young leaders all while they are giving back to the community through volunteering.

Zoe Cohen and Jordana Tenenbaum come all the way from Riverdale where they attend High School. They both travel one day a week to PS 84 to volunteer with LACASA. They work in the classrooms assisting children with homework assignments and group activities such as art, dance, and read alouds. Their contribution to the after school groups they work with and each child that they interact with is invaluable. Without their support some children would not get the one-on-one attention/help they need during homework and reading time.

Meredith Stannard came to us by way of the Bank Street's Graduate School of Education. She spent her final semester working with our kindergarten staff and kids. She completed 40 hours of classroom time and introduced many new and creative ways for our staff to work with kindergarten students. As a teacher, she was able to assist us in pinpointing needs and efficiently delivering services to students most in need.

Matt Fischman is currently a Junior High School student at the Columbia Grammar Preparatory School. He spends 2 hours every Wednesday with our 1^st graders. He works in the classrooms assisting children with homework assignments and group activities. He serves as an extra set of hand and eyes in assisting with overall daily operations of the group. His support is of great value to our after school program since it improves the level of assistance we can provide our students.

Our volunteers are priceless! They have helped to improve the level of assistance and attention our students receive and the overall quality of the LACASA After School Program as a whole.

Pictured above (1) Jeizel and Joleen. (2) Ramon Cuevas, LACASA's Program Director with Jency.

Education News Dec. 16 - Dec. 21

2007-12-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

What's New On The Web

2007-12-20T12:06:00.000-05:00

Three Kings Celebrations @ Museo Del Barrio

2007-12-17T20:02:00.000-05:00

JANUARY 2008

THREE KINGS PARADE
Friday, January 4, 2008
Join El Museo’s 31 st Annual Three Kings Day Parade. Celebrate the joy of the holiday season and learn about the traditions of this festive holiday throughout the Caribbean and Latin America . El Museo’s dynamic parade led by the Three Kings, winds throughout the streets of El Barrio and includes lively music, bright costumes, as well as an educational theatrical presentation for students.

Admission: Free. Advance registration is required for group participation in the parade and theater program. Theater seating is limited. For more information or to register a group, call (212) 660-7144 or e-mail ThreeKings@elmuseo.org.

Community Celebration
THREE KINGS DAY CONCERT
Sunday, January 6, 2008 , 3:00 pm
All families are welcome to join El Museo’s exciting celebration of Three Kings Day. This special holiday presentation at El Museo’s Teatro Heckscher will feature musical entertainment and surprises.

Admission: Free with ticket. Ticket distribution begins at 1:00 pm at theatre box office the day of event. Seating is limited; two tickets per person only.

Free Educators Weekend!

2007-12-17T19:02:00.000-05:00

Sat. & Sun. • January 26 & 27 • 10 AM – 5 PM

Admission to the Museum is free the last weekend of every month for educators and their families. Bring your school ID or letterhead for admission and a discount at the Museum Shop.

The Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10029 212.534.1672

This Week's Education Links

2007-12-16T17:55:00.000-05:00

Welcome Back Naomi!

2007-11-15T12:33:00.001-05:00

Naomi Rijo, one of the first 12 young people that were part of the first after school program started 14 years ago, joins the Strycker's Bay staff. A graduate of Albany State University, Naomi is ready to give back to her community and explore the different career paths available to her as a math major.

Naomi is currently serving as Strycker's Bay's Fiscal and Administrative Manager, working closely with our Executive Director, Kelley Williams.

"Naomi is really a powerhouse. She has put together a vision for a more streamlined administration so that we can concentrate on community programs. Its great having her back!"

Salsa Legends

2007-11-11T06:13:00.000-05:00

Our pilot Salsa Club initiated last year has turned out to be a huge success. Parents and students alike have requested that we continue the wildly popular club. It has made Sherly Prudoth one of LACASA’s most popular staff members.

We have managed to spark the interest of all our students and that of many parents who have requested classes for adults. Adult classes are in the works we have to fine tone some ideas and see if we can make them happen.

Students of all backgrounds have fallen in love with the dance and the music. Parents have commented that their child is asking for salsa cd’s from them and have approached staff for advice on purchasing salsa music.

Last year (2006-2007) we witnessed a marvelous performance delivered by the 4^th and 5^th graders who made up the initial salsa club It left the audience asking for more. We are sure that Jenny Mercado, LACASA's Curriculum Development Director and the Producer of last year's show We currently have four of our nine groups participating in the salsa club which we are sure will culminate in another jaw dropping end of year extravaganza.

Click here for slide show.

Jon Helps Stryckers Bay With Public Relations

2007-07-02T15:50:00.000-04:00

Hello my name is Jon George; I’m a twenty year old college student and a long standing member of LACASA. I’ve been around Stryckers Bay and the LACASA program for the past eleven years.

I started at as a camper in LACASA’s summer day camp at 9 years old, and then started attending LACASA’s after school program at age eleven. I grew up surrounded by the loving, supportive people of Strycker’s Bay who wanted nothing else for me but to move forward on a healthy path toward a great future. By the time I was fourteen, I started working as a counselor at LACASA’s after school and summer camp programs. I’ve been with LACASA as staff ever since. The work experience I have gained has been very valuable to me. I have learned to handle people and children in a very real and genuine way.

This summer I am very excited to work with Valerie and Kelley on various public relations and marketing projects for the organization. I’m attending school for graphic arts and this is a great way for me to get experience hands on in a friendly and helpful environment.

On a personal note, I can say that the people within the organization have helped me a great deal in growing up and becoming the young man I am today. I am grateful for the time spent with the organization and the time they have invested in me.

Shout out to Kelly Ramon, Jenny my home girls Valerie, Janice and Lori.

Peace out!

It was a blast!

2007-06-25T16:01:00.000-04:00

The LACASA After School program closed the year with a BANG! There was standing room only for the show that started off with a grand entrance into the auditorium by all after school program participants and staff singing loud and proud We're All In This Together from High School Musical.

The acts that followed included The Alphabet Song from Sesame Street -- can you say.... Abb-kuh-deff-gee-jeckel-muh-nopp-kwer-stoov-wix-iz. The act was headlined by "Big Bird" with his back up singers....The Alphabet.

Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and "Thriller" perfromed by the third graders and their counselor David Rosa. They all popped and locked across the stage which made everyone get up out of their seats and dance.

The fifth graders put on unforgettable salsa and merengue dance routines.

The show closed with the staff singing to their kids "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" expressing their committment to them.

It was a wonderful show...make sure not to miss next year's show.....

Valerie Levshin Joins Strycker's Bay!

2007-06-22T09:21:00.000-04:00

My name is Valerie Levshin, and I'm a proud new member of the Strycker's Bay team! I’ve joined the organization to spread the word about the wonderful services it renders to the community, to bring new activities to the kids in LACASA, and to provide additional resources to the low-income residents on the Upper West Side. To reach out to the parents, kids, public officials, and other interested parties, I will be developing a website, a newsletter, as well as other promotional tools. I’m especially excited about engaging children and staff though the website: kids will be able to create profiles and interact with one another, contribute writing and pictures, and share their current activities and projects on the site. By forging relationships with cultural institutions and private companies, I hope to expand the services we provide to children, teens, and adults whose lives we touch.

Prior to joining Strycker's Bay, I was a field researcher for a study that evaluated a literacy and social development program for kids in K-5, and as a marketing associate at Scholastic Inc. Born in Russia, I also lived in Argentina and studied in Australia. I love dancing salsa, roaming the parks, and reading.

If you have any ideas regarding what kind of activities or resources would benefit the kids and adults, what organization we may be able to partner with, or how we can best tell our story, please don’t hesitate to contact me. My email is vlevshin@stryckersbay.org and the office phone is 212-874-7272.

Find Out About Middle School Task Force

2007-04-03T10:26:00.001-04:00

The New York City Council has established a taskforce on middle schools to "develop a blueprint" for improving them.

From the website

 The Task Force is dedicated to finding new and innovative solutions to many of the challenges facing our middle schools.  We will bring together parents, teachers and principals, academics, advocates, and members of the business community to provide a wide range of perspectives on this important issue.

Click here to visit website

Announcing............LACASA After School Year End Show

2007-04-02T14:25:00.000-04:00

Last week the entire after school program rehearsed for the year end show scheduled for mid June. Don't miss it!

Summer Employment Application Available April 1st!

2007-03-22T13:46:00.000-04:00

Attention teens, Strycker's Bay is looking for young people looking for a summer employment opportunity. If you, your brother, sister, or anyone you know might be interested, check out the info right here or give us a call at the Strycker's Bay main office: 212-874-7272.

As of April 1st, 2007, we will have all available information and applications . Strycker's Bay and LACASA will have a limited number of job openings for young
people through this program

You must be 14 years of age or older to work and you must have your Working Papers

See your school guidance counselor to apply for your Working Papers

Get your working papers early -- that means START NOW!

L.A.C.A.S.A. Summer Day Camp

2007-03-20T10:27:00.000-04:00

L.A.C.A.S.A. is about to start it's 15 Annual Summer Day Camp. Registration has already begun and the camp itself begins July 5th 2007. Children between 7-13 years old will be accepted, but hurry up! Get registered before it's too late.

The L.A.C.A.S.A. Summer Day Camp has always been a success in the past, with structured and fully supervised activities such as swimming, skating, tutoring, even trips to the beach, parks and zoos. Your children are guaranteed a friendly environment, an opportunity to make new friends, and a great summer.

Also, Strycker's Bay is looking for young people looking for a summer employment opportunity. If you, your brother, sister, or anyone you know might be interested, give us a call.

For any information on the above, or anythig else for that matter, give Strycker's Bay a call at 212-874-7272.

There Is Always Time In Our Day To Read

2006-10-30T14:24:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by Strycker's Bay.

YES!! We have clubs but we always make time to learn new things by reading and sharing stories.

Jon George, Assistant Group Leader reads to children after they they have completed their homework. Jon, now a college sophmore, was also a LACASA after school and summer camp participant starting at age 9. We stay connected!

Join The Club

2006-10-30T05:55:00.001-05:00

Chess Club
Originally uploaded by Strycker's Bay.

LACASA has formed clubs for groups to participate in. here Diana Paulino, LACASA program staff, helps introduce kids to the game of chess during one of the club meeting days. LACASA has also formed a Salsa Dance Club, Rap and Poetry Club, Hip Hop Dance Club, Fitness Club and Arts and Crafts Club....

We're Back To School

2006-09-15T12:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome Back LACASA Kids, Parents and Staff....

Well... Summer is over and it's back to school!

Everyone had a great time at Summer camp.... it just went by so fast!

If you have been to the after school program, you have probably seen Ramon and Jenny running around PS 84 putting order to things. Everything is coming together very nicely.

We are happy to annouce that LACASA's entire after school program is operating out of PS 84. Thanks to the school's very supportive Principal, Robin Sundick, and all the staff from teachers, administrators, custodial staff, securtiy and the nutrion staff. We thank all of you for your support!

The staff has many wonderful activities and events planned, that I am sure everyone who is part of LACASA will enjoy.

Visit our blog regularly to keep informed of program activities and special announcements.

Welcome Back All!

Kelley Williams
Executive Director
Strycker's Bay Neighborhood Council

LACASA After School Celebration!

2006-06-29T10:39:00.000-04:00

Our African Dance Team Lead a Limbo Dance Party. Afterward, they take a much deserved break!

LACASA Kids Graduate!

2006-06-29T10:13:00.000-04:00

LACASA Staff join Michael (8th Grade) Damani and Sara (5th Grade) at their graduation! See you next year as tutors and counselors!

The Cell Phone Debate Continues!

2006-05-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

Stay Informed!

The debate on school ban of student cell phones continues....

Sign On!

2006-05-15T10:54:00.000-04:00

Moratorium of Confiscation of Cellular Phones in NYC Public Schools

Sign a petition supporting a resolution that calls for a moratorium on the confiscation of cellular phones during random scannings and passing through metal detectors. Click Here

LACASA Kids Visit David Blain @ Lincoln Center

2006-05-08T15:02:00.000-04:00