Ask Martine

Top 10 Back to School Tips

2009-08-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Back to School Tips from the Chief Mom

1. Have a family conversation about the upcoming school year and set expectations to ensure success.

2. Make medical appointments. Take your child in for a physical, update any immunizations and visual screenings prior to the first day of school.

3. Make sure your child finished their Summer reading assignments, which need to be completed for the first day of school

4. If your child is in secondary school buy a book your child hasn't read, but you remember as a classic. This way he/she will be able to go back to school and share what they have learned with their teacher and peers.

5. If your child is attending a new school, make a trip to the school prior to the first day, so that you can estimate travel time.

6. Find out whether or not your child’s school has a uniform policy.

7. Identify who amongst friends and family will be your designated emergency contact, if the school can't reach you first.

8. Find out the name and contact information for your school's Parent Coordinator by calling 311.

9. If your son/daughter receives school bus service, confirm the bus route.

10. Gather any prescriptions and related medical notes, so the school nurse will be aware of your child's medical needs.

Here's looking forward towards September 9th~~ Enjoy the rest of the Summer.

2nd Annual Back to School Kickoff Event

2009-08-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

NYC public school families are encouraged to attend OFEA’s 2nd Annual Family Back to School Kickoff would be great. Check out the eight translated flyers on website.

The event will be informational based for parents to receive information and ask questions to various interdepartmental groups, as well as citywide agencies. DOE staff will be there to answer questions on ARIS, school transportation, college readiness, student health, and so much more.

We have also partnered Metro Health Plus who will be there to provide families with health information that is beneficial to them and their children. The FDNY will be providing free CPR trainings, the NYRP will be presenting on ONE MILLION TREES campaign, which works to plant and care for trees at the school level. These are just a few of the presentations that will be taking place throughout the day.

There will be student performances, particularly PS 22 Choir, and many more. There will also be free giveaways, popcorn and snow cones.

Who: NYC public school families and DOE staff
What: 2nd Annual Family Back to School Kickoff
When: August 22nd 10am- 3pm
Where: Central Park Bandshell (72nd Street & 5th Avenue)
Why: To inform and prepare families for the 2009 -10 academic school year

100 Fun Activities in New York City

2009-08-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

Living in this great city allows NYC public school students and families the opportunity to experience a vast array of culture. The Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy (OFEA) has made a list of fun things to do in NYC. Sit down and look at the list with your son/daughter, maybe laugh a little, maybe find an activity you can do as a family.

100 FUN ACTIVITIES IN NEW YORK CITY

1. Come to the 2nd Annual Back to School Kickoff at Central Park on August 22nd from 10-3pm for a free day of family fun
2. Make your own band
3. See how much hair products it takes to give yourself a Mohawk
4. Dance around your apartment
5. Explore the parks
6. Go to FAO Schwartz and play chopsticks
7. Go watch the break-dancers and musicians at Grand Central
8. Find the corner in Grand Central and play phone tag with the echoes
9. Check out a free concert in the park
10. Play a board game
11. Have a dance party
12. Journal
13. Make cupcakes or Cookies
14. Volunteer some time
15. Dress up and go walk around the city
16. Try to get on the Today show
17. Stand by Rockefeller Skating rink and watch all the ‘professional ice skaters’
18. Bike down a steep hill
19. Fly a kite
20. Use a compass and go experiment
21. Unicycle
22. Blow bubble s with bubble gum
23. Blow on a blade of grass
24. Crank up some music
25. Experiment with make up
26. Learn how to fake an accent
27. Roast marshmallows
28. Tell ghost stories
29. See how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie pop
30. Laugh out loud
31. Make up a song
32. Make a poem
33. Play cards
34. Read comic books
35. Sing even if you can’t
36. Spin around until your dizzy
37. Stand on your head
38. Doodle
39. Get on the radio
40. Flip a coin 100 times and see who wins
41. Learn to juggle
42. Plan a journey
43. Run around your apartment as fast as you
44. Bring dog treats to the park and make friends
45. Climb a tree
46. Go to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and look for relatives
47. Go to the candy store
48. Play Frisbee
49. Have an egg toss
50. Double Dutch
51. Make faces at strangers until they laugh
52. Rent some fun movies
53. Skip rope
54. Try to weave a basket
55. Feed the pigeons
56. Build a model rocket
57. Carve a pumpkin
58. Make hand puppets and put on a show
59. Make soap
60. Build a fort with pillows
61. Dig for fossils
62. Find a waterslide
63. Find a charity walk and join in
64. Go to the NY Public Library and take a tour
65. Have a lemonade sale
66. Get your friends to dress up as superheroes
67. Water balloon fight
68. Play Twister
69. Kiss your elbow
70. Explore Central Park
71. Kayak in Central Park
72. Go on the Carousel in Central Park
73. Visit the Port Authority Bus Terminal Sculpture
74. Check out the Chrysler Building
75. Check out the Empire State Building
76. Explore Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock
77. Go to the Alice in Wonderland (Central Park, Conservatory Pond)
78. Go to Summer stage in Central Park
79. Go to Pier 86 to see the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid
80. Go see a free Julliard Concert at the Lincoln Center
81. Go to free kayaking at the Downtown Boat House
82. Go to the movies
83. Go to the IMAX Theatre
84. Take the Staten Island Ferry and see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
85. Peel a banana with your feet
86. Go vintage shopping
87. Buy something on the street
88. Try to get on television (without doing anything dangerous, just funny)
89. Stay in your pajamas all day and have a lazy day with friends
90. Draw on a wall with washable crayons
91. Watch kids play in the park and join in the fun
92. Get plain t-shirts and make them personalized
93. Scrap book your pictures for the school year
94. Build a parade float
95. Go for a walk around the city
96. Have a picnic
97. Find the ice cream man and have a treat
98. Flip coins into a fountain
99. 2nd Annual Back to School Kickoff, August 22, 2009 from 10am-3pm at the Central Park Bandshell (72nd and 5th Avenue) Student performances, free giveaways, information tables and more!
100. For more ideas visit: http://www.discoverfun.com/

Summer Parent Academy

2009-07-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

OFEA's 2nd Annual Summer Parent Academy is on August 8th; it’s a great way to learn about preparing your child for Elementary and Middle school, Title 2 and tips for keeping your children learning throughout the summer.

Who: All NYC public school parents are welcome to attend.
What: Helpful information for parents in preparation for the upcoming school year.
When: August 8, 2009 from 9am-3pm
Where: St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY11201
Why: To take advantage of the services being offered and ultimately help build your child's academic foundation.

Childcare and Translation services available if you register by July 31st.

Hope to see you there!

Summer Learning and Fun

2009-06-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Summer Solstice fell on June 21 this year. However, at the New York City Department of Education, summer does not officially begin until school gets out.

Over the summer months, we hope students will enjoy the time they spend time with family, at camp or working at summer jobs. The DOE’s Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy (OFEA) wants to encourage families to make reading one of this summer’s activities.

If your child is not yet passionate about reading, the first step is to spend some time exploring what your child finds interesting. Once you know what strikes them, the possibilities are endless. Keep an open mind and realize that reading does not just mean traditional books–children may enjoy reading Anime, Manja or graphic novels. For young children who cannot read on their own, having a special grown up or older sibling read a story aloud is thrilling.

Barbara Stripling, Director of Library Services at the DOE, recommends this summer reading list, “We collaborate with the three public library systems on the summer reading program. It covers the entire city and the public library branches have multiple copies of these books so students won’t have the frustrating experience of not being able to find any books on the list.”

Tips:
-Remember to keep reading materials handy.
-Make it possible to read anytime, anywhere.
-Create a special place and set aside time each day for your child to read without interruptions.
-Talk about good books or interesting articles casually.
- Let your child see you reading—and enjoying it.

Reading helps a child with verbal skills and vocabulary, it also sparks the imagination and gives children the opportunity to see the world through another set of eyes. Here is a list of our favorite books for all ages.

For more tips or if you have any questions please send us an e-mail .

Wishing you and your family a very happy and restful summer vacation!

Family Reunion Event

2009-06-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Family Reunion Event

It is time to kick off summer and what better way to celebrate than with basketball, arts and crafts, double dutch, soccer, yoga and other outdoor activities? The Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy, the Public School Athletic League and the Office of Fitness and Health invites all NYC Public School Families to come to Riverbank State Park for an afternoon of fun, games and workshops.

Let us come together and commemorate the end of a great school year--working together has brought about a positive difference for NYC public school students.
Join us on June 27, 2009 at 11am.
For more information visit OFEA’s Web site

Who: All NYC Public School Families
What: Sports, games, arts and crafts, workshops
When: June 27, 2009/ 11am to 3pm
Where: Riverbank State Park- - 679 Riverside Drive, Manhattan NY
Why: To Celebrate another great school year and kick off summer!

University of Maryland Young Scholars Program

2009-06-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

University of Maryland Young Scholars Program targets rising juniors and seniors who have a strong academic record and a desire to excel and experience college life while earning three academic credits. 23 courses are offered for three weeks from July 12-31, 2009.
Visit www.ysp.umd.edu/pr

Preparing for College Panel

2009-06-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

L: Daniel Tubian, Sonya Bhalla, Mr. Alvarez, Michael Madarin and Ali Weintraub

The NYC Department of Education through its Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy (OFEA) wants our students and their families to be informed of all educational opportunities available to them. For these reasons our dedicated District Family Advocate(DFA) Lori Stein Butera used initiative and foresight to engage, educate and empower NYC public school families in District 26 about college planning.

Butera held a Preparing for College Panel on June 8, 2009 to educate students and parents; by offering attendees a strategic way to prepare for the college application process.
She worked with Queensborough Community College. Over 65 families were in attendance. Panel speakers included: Richard Alvarez, University Director of Admissions (CUNY); Daniel Tubian, Financial Aid College Advisor; Ali Weintraub, recent law school graduate; Sonya Bhalla, high school senior and Michael Mandarin, college student. Panel guests presented on their individual areas of proficiency and participated in a question and answer period.

Ali Weintraub is a recent St. John’s University Law School graduate and a 2005 Cornell University alumni. Weintraub sits on the undergraduate alumni panel for Cornell University and offered her expertise to students and parents on the application/interview process for college admissions. Ali stated that students whose applications demonstrate passion and some distinction tend to survive the review panel. She also reminded students to be knowledgeable about the university and undergraduate program they are applying to in order to appear informed and interested. Strong candidates know what they want and where they want to attend college.

Sonya Bhalla a high school senior at Benjamin N. Cardoza and soon to be Delaware University freshman shared her experience with attendees. Bhalla admitted that she regrets not having participated in more after school activities and encouraged students to learn from her mistake. Bhalla shared one of the most important lessons of the day, which was that students should always apply to a university whether it is a ‘reach school’ or not, secondly students must apply for financial aid even if it they have been told they do not qualify. She reminded everyone of the importance of staying focused on graduating with solid grades and a well rounded experience in high school.

If you are interested in attending this type of college preparation panel or have any questions on the college application/preparation process feel free to email ofea@schools.nyc.gov.

Forest Park Parade a Treat for all Families

2009-06-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the The Queens Chronicle for supporting this year's Children's Day Parade. OFEA is looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20329546&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574908&rfi=6

Glasses for all to See

2009-06-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a photograph of our latest "school hero" Phyllis Zawrotniak, Parent Coordinator at MS 126 who organized the donation of new glasses for students Rayshawn Fayal and Hebron Yam . Also pictured is MS 126 Principal Rosemary Ochoa .

“I had become a bit of a pest” said Parent Coordinator Phyllis Zawrotniak when telling the story of how she managed to coordinate a visit from Helen Keller International to John Ericcson School MS 126 in Brooklyn. The organization, which offered free eye exams through their child sight program, donated 50 prescription glasses to students.

Zawrotniak, who is currently in her sixth year as the Parent Coordinator at MS 126 said teachers at the school were concerned about students' difficulty seeing the blackboard. This was when Zawrotniak contacted Neil Somerfeld, Health Director for the Integrated Service Center at the Department of Education. Somerfeld then put her in touch with Helen Keller International.

Zawrotniak began contacting the Foundation's Childsight Program in October 2008. She recalls continuously calling the organization; leaving voicemails and speaking to various employees at the foundation until May 14, 2009 when Zawrotniak’s persistence finally paid off.

The Helen Keller International Childsight Program came to MS 126 and offered free eye exams to all students, then returned two weeks later with 50 pairs of glasses. This is just one example of the good work and dedication that makes New York City public schools the best places to educate children.

Family Reunion Event

2009-06-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

It is time to kick off the end of the school year and what better way to celebrate than with basketball, arts and crafts, double dutch, soccer, yoga and other outdoor activities. The Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy the Public School Athletic League and the Office of Fitness and Health invites all NYC Public School Families to come to Riverbank State Park for an afternoon of fun, games and workshops.

Let us come together and commemorate the end of a great school year; working together has brought about a positive difference for NYC public school students.
Join us on June 27, 2009 at 11am. For more information visit OFEA’s Web site

Who: All NYC Public School Families
What: Sports, games, arts and crafts, workshops
When: June 27, 2009/ 11am to 3pm
Where: Riverbank State Park- - 679 Riverside Drive,Manhattan NY
Why: To Celebrate another great school year and kick off summer!

Thanks!

2009-06-01T09:37:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all those who participated and attended our Children's Day Parades in Harlem, Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Don't forget Queens and Staten Island Events are this Saturday, June 6, 2009.

Children's Day Celebrations

2009-05-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget - - About OFEA's 2nd Annual Children’s Day Celebrations for Lower Manhattan, honoring 8th Grade Valedictorians and Promoting Health and Wellness in Brooklyn and Harlem

All NYC Public School Families are welcome to join the Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy (OFEA) at three locations across the city for parades outdoor activities, face painting and awards.

Lower Manhattan Children’s Day Celebration
Honoring every 8th grade valedictorian from NYC Public Schools
Radio Disney will broadcast live from the festivities
When: May 30, 2009 at 12pm
Where:City Hall Park (Entrance on Broadway)

Harlem Children’s Day Celebration
Offering free medical screenings and outdoor activities such as gymnastics, cardio dance fitness and tennis.
98.7 KISS FM will broadcast live from the event
When: May 30, 2009 at 9am
Where: Harlem Armory (West 142nd Street Between 5th Ave. and Malcolm X Blvd.)

Brooklyn Children’s Day Celebration
Offering free medical screenings, games and other activities promoting health and fitness.
Performing live from the venue will be various school bands and student groups.
When: May 30, 2009 at 9:30am
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall (Between Joralemon and Court Streets)

Please come out and support your love of the NYC Public Schools, while enjoying a fun celebratory day with your family.

NYC Middle School Film Festival 2009: My Life, My Lens Apply for the NYC Middle School Film Festival 2009: My Life, My Lens! All 7th and 8th graders

2009-05-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

NYC Middle School Film Festival 2009: My Life, My Lens Apply for the NYC Middle School Film Festival 2009: My Life, My Lens!

Who: All 7th and 8th graders are eligible to submit stories based on their lives and up to 250 students will win scholarships to a two-week summer film camp with the New York Film Academy make their own short films, and have their films showcased at screenings this fall.

What: The application is simple – students just need to submit a short story based on their lives (no more than 3 pages double-space) and a brief personal statement about why they want to participate. More information, a student resource guide, and the application can be downloaded at http://schools.nyc.gov/offices/teachlearn/OCPD/MSFF.

When/Where: Please submit all completed student applications to NYCMSFF@schools.nyc.gov by JUNE 1, 2009.

Why: No seat should go unfilled!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend to all our colleagues, famlies and NYC community members. Enjoy the long weekend!

Summer Learning and Fun

2009-05-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Parent Leaders,

The Office of English Language Learners is proud to share with you an exciting opportunity for parents of ELLs and former ELLs in your school community. Feel free to share this information with your parents, parent coordinators, and colleagues.
Plan a Summer of Learning and Fun!

An event for parents of English Language Learners (ELLs)
Monday, June 8, 2009, 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Invite your parents to explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art and learn about ways to help their child continue learning throughout the summer. Translation services, breakfast, and lunch will be provided. This event is sponsored by The Office of English Language Learners (ELLs), Office of Arts, the Office of Public and Community Affairs, the Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy, and Learning Leaders.

Parents can register for the conference through your school's parent coordinator. Parent Coordinators and District Family Advocates should send a list of registrants to Briana Scott at bscott@metisassoc.com by May 27, 2009, or contact her with registration questions at (212) 430-9108 (see registration form at website below).

For additional information about the conference, please contact Lissette Colón at Lcolon3@schools.nyc.gov or 212.374.0265 or Bandna Sharma @ Bsharma@schools.nyc.gov or 718-968-6127.

Translated flyers and registration forms are available here: http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/ELL/FamilyResources/Activities+For+Parents.htm

Children's Day Celebrations

2009-05-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

CHILDREN’S DAY PARADES IN MAY

Manhattan’s Children’s Day Celebration will also be honoring all 8th grade achievers and their families.
When: May 30, 2009 at 12pm
Where: City Hall Park

Harlem District 5’s Children’s Day Celebration will offer free medical screenings and outdoor activities such as gymnastics, cardio dance fitness and tennis. There will be giveaways, food, lots of fun.
When: May 30, 2009 at 8am
Where: Harlem Armory

Brooklyn’s Children’s Day Celebration will be throwing a parade and will also offer free medical screenings, as well as games and other events.

When: May 30, 2009 at 9:30am
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall

CHILDREN’S DAY PARADES IN JUNE

Queens Children’s Day Celebration will have games, face painting and the FDNY will be providing activities on their fire truck.
When: June 6, 2009 at 9:20
Where: Forest Park

Staten Island Children’s Day Celebration will be participating in Health and Wellness providing community members with free medical screenings.
When: June 6, 2009 at 10am
Where: Midland Beach

The Bronx Children’s Day Celebration will be holding their parade during Bronx week and is a cultural celebration.
When: June 20, 2009 at 12pm
Where: Mosholu Parkway

NYC PARENTS VOTE NOW

2009-04-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

NYC PARENTS- Vote for the Community Education Council

http://powertotheparents.org/