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PS 261 renaming process to honor former principal Miss Mills
Thursday, January 20, 2022
The PTA of P.S. 261 Philip Livingston in Boerum Hill has officially started the process to rename the school in honor of its beloved former principal, Zipporiah Mills. Principal Mills led 261 from 2005 to 2016 and sadly passed away in October 2021. At a community memorial, she was lovingly ... (read more).
Year-round NYC ferry service to Governors Island from Brooklyn starting January 24
Thursday, January 20, 2022
The new, daily, year-round NYC Ferry service to and from Governors Island will begin Monday, January 24, 2022. NYC Ferry will serve Governors Island’s Yankee Pier via the South Brooklyn Route, adding a stop between Red Hook and Sunset Park, directly connecting New Yorkers to the island from the Brooklyn ... (read more).
. Ice skating admission: $11 (all ages) Free Admission Fridays. Skate Rentals: $8 (all ages). RSVP for ice skating here.
Bring your dogs on Saturdays
Starting January 22, dogs are welcome on the island between 7 am to 3 pm. A new dog park has been built behind Liggett Terrace.
Sledding on the island
New this year: Sledding on Governors Island including Grassy Hill, the side of Slide Hill and south slope of Discovery Hill. Bring your own sled, sleds are also available for rent at Blazing Saddles.
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Hands-on learning at Brooklyn Preschool of Science (sponsored)
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Does your little one like to make fake snow? How many fruits can you fit on a kabob stick? Does your child love to create rainbow jars with different liquids to show density? Hands on learning is not only important because it allows students to engage in kinesthetic learning, it ... (read more).
Does your little one like to make fake snow? How many fruits can you fit on a kabob stick? Does your child love to create rainbow jars with different liquids to show density? Hands on learning is not only important because it allows students to engage in kinesthetic learning, it is also a brilliant way to teach little scientists STEM subjects. Take a virtual tour of our hands-on preschool program for 2 to 4 year olds in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope. Contact the director to schedule a tour here.
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Food news – new restaurant, new mercado and new coffee shop
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Felice Brooklyn Heights is now open at 84 Montague Street in the former Heights Cafe space offering Italian cuisine including Bruschetta, Pappardelle con Salsiccia, Ravioli della Casa, Penne ai Quattro Formaggi and Milanese. “The menu has an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce, to ensure the highest quality ingredients. An ... (read more).
International Baccalaureate program rolling out in 12 public schools in District 13
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Superintendent Kamar Samuels (District 13) has announced the implementation of the International Baccalaureate program in 8 public elementary and 4 public middle schools in District 13 in the next two years. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global leader in international education—developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Participating elementary schools ... (read more).
 has announced the implementation of the International Baccalaureate program in 8 public elementary and 4 public middle schools in District 13 in the next two years. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global leader in international education—developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Participating elementary schools are PS 20 in Fort Greene, PS 287 in Downtown Brooklyn, PS 9 in Prospect Heights, PS 56 in Clinton Hill and PS 282 in Park Slope. Middle schools rolling out this new approach to teaching and learning are MS 113 in Fort Greene and MS 301 in Bed Stuy amongst others.
What exactly can we see in terms of implementation in elementary and middle school?
Elementary and middle school teachers will use an inquiry approach to teaching and learning that centers students and fosters intellectual exploration and engagement. Students will be encouraged to achieve multilingualism and cultural openness, both essential skills for 21st century leadership. And learning will take place primarily through a project-based curriculum designed to center cultural responsiveness, celebrate the whole child, highlight individual students’ talents, and challenge our young people to stretch themselves intellectually and develop into the leaders and thinkers of the next generation. Schools will take a global perspective through culturally diverse books; transdisciplinary projects; increased independence through a mastery approach to learning and assessment; and increased student voice through discussion, collaboration and presentation.
What is the timeline for full implementation?
All above listed District 13 Schools are currently approved IB Candidate Schools, having had their applications reviewed and accepted by the International Baccalaureate Organization. The Department of Education expects candidate schools to work this year and next to develop and finetune the necessary deliverables and milestones for accreditation by the end of the 2022-23 school year.The staff in all 12 schools will be undergoing IB training this year, and next year schools will be implementing IB practices and preparing their written applications for final approval and planning their site visits by a representative of IBO who will observe classes and interview staff as part of the final approval process. There is no hard deadline; however, the plan is for a majority of schools to become official IB schools by the 2022-23 academic year. In addition to the common features with the elementary (or IB Primary Years Program), middle school teachers will collaborate across content areas to develop and implement a project-based curriculum that is less siloed and exposes students to the richness of real-world problem solving. Students in the IB Middle Years Programs will work on a culminating 8th grade project through which they can display their creativity, expertise, and communication skills.
What about languages in these IB programs?
More than just “adding a foreign language,” we aim to center the appreciation for and acquisition of language as a core value of our work with students as we prepare them for life and work in a global economy. We believe multilingualism and cultural openness will be essential skills for the leaders of the 21st century. Even more importantly, we know that mastering an additional language enhances the brain’s function; multilingual/multiliterate people consistently demonstrate stronger executive function, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills. The development of a schoolwide Language Acquisition Policy is a requirement for accreditation, and the thoughtful incorporation of foreign language into each school’s curriculum is a cornerstone of the IB program. Students will have exposure to foreign language through a world language approach for elementary schools that are not experiencing the District’s Dual Language programs. District IB Candidate schools with Dual Language programs include PS 3, PS 9 (Spanish) and PS 20 (French).
Do you see this as a replacement of G&T or is it a tool to have more families opt into D 13 public schools?
Inquiry-based learning is active learning that starts with posing questions, problems or scenarios, rather than presenting established facts or portraying a “smooth path” to knowledge. It is the antithesis of rote learning which focuses on the regurgitation of facts, and instead seeks to cultivate the minds of young people to generate their own questions and devise their own, uniquely brilliant solutions to relevant, interesting, real-world problems. It is the learning approach of choice among the nation’s most elite private schools, and we aim to bring that same culture of intellectual and creative exploration to all students of District 13. An inquiry-based approach honors the complex work of learning. It prioritizes the knowledge and experience that students bring to the classroom and promotes active problem solving, communication, and the shared construction of new ideas. Upon completion of our IB programs, D13 graduates will be self-sufficient, engaged learners, capable of developing their own complex inquiries and demonstrating impressive skills in self-management and critical thinking. Importantly, implementing the International Baccalaureate program in District 13 schools is an equity issue for us. Our shared values of equity and cultural responsiveness are best infused into this program which is a tool employed to raise the instructional standards in all schools. The International Baccalaureate Program has incorporated high standards for all students and is accepted as delivering a high quality education throughout the world.
Which are the 8 elementary schools?
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Which are the 4 middle schools?
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What is the International Baccalaureate? (sponsored)
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
The International Baccalaureate (“the IB”) is considered the gold standard in education and is known for its academic rigor. It is highly respected among colleges and universities worldwide, and students at International Baccalaureate® (IB) World Schools are given a unique, challenging and diverse education.
IB learners are:
encouraged to think critically ... (read more).
The International Baccalaureate (“the IB”) is considered the gold standard in education and is known for its academic rigor. It is highly respected among colleges and universities worldwide, and students at International Baccalaureate® (IB) World Schools are given a unique, challenging and diverse education.
IB learners are:
encouraged to think critically and solve complex problems
drive their own learning
a core part in educational programmes that can lead them to some of the highest-ranking universities around the world
more culturally aware,through the development of a second language
able to engage with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world.
The IB Primary Years Program (PYP) is the first ever curriculum framework for international primary schools, designed for students ages three to ten (Preschool through 5th Grade). Through both a unique curriculum approach and unique teaching methods it develops the intellectual, emotional and physical potential of each child. In 1990, the inventors of the PYP were inspired by the early constructivist models, like Montessori and Reggio Emilia, and strove to find ways to expand on them and connect them to the powerful IB model of global relevancy, rigorous inquiry and peer-to-peer collaboration.
Constructivism is a learning theory based on the belief that we all learn by constructing our own knowledge of the world through experiences and reflection, rather than by simply absorbing knowledge shared by someone else. So, when you walk through a Montessori classroom or a Reggio Emilia classroom, you will see children investigating and building knowledge by interacting with materials, tools, the environment and each other. You will not see teachers directing students or insisting that they memorize facts. In these environments, all knowledge is constructed by each student in a highly individualized way. No two experiences are alike.
At the heart of the PYP is a commitment to structured inquiry as the best approach to learning. Giving more ownership to the students in planning and assessing their learning, providing time, space, resources and support, integrating subjects, exploring big themes, we have moved toward more authentic learning. The PYP recognizes the importance of traditional subjects, but even more it emphasizes the need for using the knowledge and skills of these subjects to explore significant concepts that are global and common for all humans.
Throughout the program, students acquire and apply a set of transdisciplinary skills:
social skills,
communication skills,
thinking skills,
research skills, and
self-management skills.
These skills are valuable for any learning that goes on within the classroom, and in life outside the school. The PYP fosters the development of thinking, communication, socializing, research, and self-management skills. Students are encouraged to put what they have learned into practice through service to the school community, the local community and the global community.
Pine Street School is the only school in New York City and one of just a few in the world offering the PYP with dual language options in both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish and then continuing this inquiry-based approach, offering the Common Ground Collaborative Learning Ecosystem with Spanish dual language through 8th Grade. Learn more at PineStreetSchool.com.
Attend the “What is the IB” chat with our Head of School on January 20th, RSVP here.
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Rental buildings at Front and York in DUMBO hitting market
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Investment firm CIM Group has sold the 320-unit apartment community located at 85 Jay Street in Dumbo’s neighborhood for $220 million. The rentals are part of the larger development that includes 407 for-sale condos, 140,000 square feet of retail space that is anchored by a 77,000-square-foot Life Time Fitness and ... (read more).
Chocolate making workshop back at the Jewish Children’s Museum in Crown Heights
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
The Chocolate Makery at the Jewish Children’s Museum for kids 5 years and up teaches children the process of chocolate making including decorating their own cocoa pop. The workshop takes place Sundays every hour between 12 to 5 pm and during the weekdays 1-2 times in the afternoons. It will ... (read more).
, best suited for kids 3 to 10 years old. Find out more here.
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Circus unravelling 4,000 years of juggling coming to Gowanus
Monday, January 17, 2022
This winter, Hideaway Circus presents the world premiere of REFLEX, a new show from the mind of the master juggler and visual artist Jay Gilligan. Based on a series stories about gravity and juggling sequences featuring Jay’s unique inventions, props, and robots, REFLEX is a one of kind theatrical experience.
This ... (read more).
Grand Army, corner of Hoyt and State Streets (American)
Rucola, corner of Hoyt and Dean Streets (Italian)
Absolute Coffee, 327 Atlantic Avenue
French Louie, 320 Atlantic Avenue (French American)
Sottocasa, 298 Atlantic Avenue (Pizza)
two8two burger, 282 Atlantic Avenue
Tenichi ramen, 116 Smith
Bar Tabac, 128 Smith Street
Hi Hi Room, 138 Smith Street (American)
Sixth Ward, 166 Smith Street (tex-mex)
Jolie Bistro on Smith Street
Brooklyn Heights
Cafe Buon Gusto on Montague Street (Italian)
Dellarocco’s on Hicks Street (Italian) currently not but soon
Vineapple Cafe on Pineapple Street (French/international)
Henry’s End on Henry Street (American)
Clark’s on Clark Street (American)
Kogane Ramen on Henry Street (Ramen)
Albadawi Palestine restaurant at 151 Atlantic Avenue
Brado Pizzeria at 155 Atlantic Avenue
Carroll Gardens
Fragole on Court Street (Italian), patio somewhat heated, not 100%
Enoteca on Court Street
Marcopolo Italian on Court Street
Sociale Italian on Court Street
Franks wine bar on Court Street
Cobble Hill
Black Forest Brooklyn on Smith Street (German)
June on Court Street (wine bar)
Kitchen on Court Street (American)
La Vara on Clinton Street (Spanish) back patio heated
La Cigogne on Union Street (French)
Gersi on Court Street (Italian)
Verde on Smith Street (Italian)
Big Tiny on Smith Street (French)
Savelli – fully enclosed backyard, 195 Smith Street (Italian)
Karazishi Botan, 255 Smith Street (Ramen)
FOB Filipino BBQ, 271 Smith Street (Filipino)
White Maize, 277 Smith Street (Venezuelan)
Jemen Cafe on Atlantic Avenue
Leyenda pan-latin on Smith Street
Alma Mexican on Columbia Street
BareBurger on Court Street
Clinton Hill
Locanda on Gates Ave (Italian)
Aita on Greene Avenue (Italian)
Putnam’s Pub on Myrtle Ave (American)
Speedy Romeo Pizza on Classon Avenue
Clementine Bakery on Classon Avenue
Downtown Brooklyn
Circa Brewing Co on Willoughby Street
Pollo D’Oro on Gold Street
Menya Jiro on Gold Street
Juniors on Flatbush Ave
Tacombi’s Mexican at 25 Lafayette Avenue
DUMBO
Westville DUMBO (American)
Cecconi’s DUMBO (Italian)
The Osprey at Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park (American)
Seamore’s fish restaurant
Shake Shack burgers
Juliana’s Pizzeria
Fort Greene
Dino on Dekalb Ave (Northern Italian)
Miss Ada on Dekalb Ave (Israeli)
Evelina on Dekalb Ave (Italian)
Colonia Verde on Dekalb Ave (Latin)
Olea on Lafayette Ave (Mediterranean)
Black Forest Brooklyn on Fulton Street (German)
LaRina on Myrtle Avenue (Italian)
Cafe Paulette French bistro on South Elliott Place
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Barclays Center in Downtown Brooklyn Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm
445 Albee Square in Downtown Brooklyn Monday to Thursday 10 am to 5 pm
Carroll Park in Carroll Gardens Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm
209 Joralemon Street Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays 10 am to 5 pm
Find out more here.
COVID Test Site | 65 Jay Street | Dumbo
A new Covid test site free of charge has popped up at 65 Jay Street in DUMBO. Currently offering only PCR tests with results in 24 to 72 hours. They plan to stay open until the end of February and will have Antigen tests as well starting the second week of January. The site is open Monday to Friday 10.30 am to 5 pm.
NYC Health and Hospitals mobile and Brooklyn sites | Free
Testing at the NYC Health and Hospitals sites in Brooklyn is fast and free (not even a co-pay)! Mobile sites are available in various neighborhoods including Red Hook. There is also a rapid testing site in Fort Greene where you can make appointments. Children of all ages and adults can get tested there.
Brooklyn Navy Yard Building 92 saliva-based PCR tests in 24 h, 4 years and up
Brooklyn Public Library Grand Army Plaza rapid antigen tests, 4 years and up
Red Hook Park, 4 years and up
Red Hook Initiative on Hicks Street, 4 years and up
Downtown Brooklyn (old Modell’s space) at 620 Atlantic Ave Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm
Check opening hours of the sites here.
Private providers | Co-pay or out of pocket
The private providers below might charge a co-pay or fee for the test. Patient responsibility, or your out-of-pocket cost, for COVID testing is based on your specific insurance coverage and plan.
Mount Sinai Urgent Care DUMBO | Opposite F train station
PCR tests with turnaround of around 36 hours. Open seven days a week, schedule here.
BHMA Urgent Care Downtown Brooklyn | 514 Fulton Street
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. Find out more here.
CityMD Urgent Care Brooklyn Heights | 135 Montague Street
CityMD is currently offering three forms of COVID-19 testing at all locations – Rapid testing, PCR testing and Serum Antibody IgG testing. COVID-19 testing is walk-in only, no appointment needed. Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 6 pm. Find out more here.
carecube Brooklyn Heights | 110 Montague Street
carecube at 110 Montague Street offers Rapid Testing, Antibody Testing and PCR Swab Testing, meeting your need for travel, back to school or return to work. They are open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. PCR test results take 24 to 48 hours.
carecube Cobble Hill | 203 Court Street
carecube at 203 Court Street offers Rapid Testing, Antibody Testing and PCR Swab Testing, meeting your need for travel, back to school or return to work. They are open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. PCR test results take 24 to 48 hours.
CityMD Urgent Care Boerum Hill | 457 Atlantic Street
CityMD is currently offering three forms of COVID-19 testing at all locations – Rapid testing, PCR testing and Serum Antibody IgG testing. COVID-19 testing is walk-in only, no appointment needed. Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 6 pm. Find out more here.
CityMD Urgent Care Cobble Hill | 228 Court Street (temporarely closed)
CityMD is currently offering three forms of COVID-19 testing at all locations – Rapid testing, PCR testing and Serum Antibody IgG testing. COVID-19 testing is walk-in only, no appointment needed. Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 6 pm. Find out more here.
Met-Rite Urgent Care | 115 Court Street
Met-Rite urgent care is open at 115 Court Street in Cobble Hill from 8 am to 7 pm seven days a week. To register for COVID testing, click here. They also offer antibody testing.
One Medical | Cobble Hill
They are currently offering PCR testing to anyone with coronavirus concerns by appointment only at 165 Smith Street. Find out more here.
PM Pediatrics Boerum Hill | 240 Atlantic Avenue
PM Pediatrics is offering COVID-19 PCR, rapid antigen tests and antibody tests for children and adults. Walk-ins welcome. The center is open seven days per week from 12 to 10 pm. Find out more here.
ProHealth Urgent Care Carroll Gardens | 330 Court Street
ProHealth Urgent Care is offering COVID and antibody testing. No symptoms or referrals needed to get tested. Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 8 am to 5 pm. Find out more here.
Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care Park Slope | 365 Flatbush Avenue
PCR tests and antibody tests available, make an appointment first to get tested. Opening hours are 8 am to 8 pm from Monday through Friday and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Find out more here.
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