Welcome Back Naomi!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

Powered by ScribeFire.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

LACASA Kids Graduate!

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!

Stay Informed!

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

Sign On!

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

Summer Youth Employment Application Deadline

The deadline to submit your summer youth employment application is fast approaching. If you are interested in working with Strycker's Bay you must submit your application to Ramon or Jenny (212-874-7272) no later than Wednesday May 24th! THIS DEADLINE IS FINAL.

If you are interested in working at other worksites you can submit your application to one of New York City's community based organization authorized to accept SYEP applications. Click here for more information. That deadline is May 30th.

We're Baaaaaack!

Sorry there was a break in entries to our blog. There was school vacation, staff development and a few proposals to write....but were are back....

On Saturday, April 15th. LACASA Families and Strycker's Bay Staff enjoyed a baseball game on opening day --

Executive Director's Day Out With The LACASA Kids

On Friday, April 7th, I joined the LACASA Kids and Staff on a field trip to see the movie Ice Age 2 -- The Melt Down. You know, as the Executive Director it is my responsibility to observe all of Strycker's Bay's programs in action (wink wink...I really just want to see the movie).

I don't know what I enjoyed more the movie or just hanging out with the LACASA Kids and Staff. I am extremely proud of the kids and staff that represented LACASA and Strycker's Bay well on their trip to the movies. You guys are the best!