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 and the new Brooklyn Prospect Charter School in Clinton Hill (“Bed-Stuy school”). In response to this coverage, the PTA and School Leadership Team of MS 8 have published the following statement to the New York Post:
“May 8, 2018
Dear New York Post editorial staff, Sara Dorn and Susan Edelman,
We write in response to a biased and poorly reported story that ran in the New York Post on Sunday, May 6, 2018, regarding Brooklyn Heights parents choosing to leave the neighborhood for middle school. Many 5th grade parents were approached for comment, but those that shared positive experiences and stories were left out of the article. One parent of an MS8 graduate and current 5th grader excited to attend MS8 was told by the reporter Sara Dorn that her comments were not needed because the reporter had already heard positive things about MS8 from parents sending their children there and she was specifically looking for parents sending their children to charter schools.
Despite the good expressed about MS8 by so many, there was little positive language about the school in the article. The article’s purpose appeared to be the denigration of a neighborhood public school in favor of another school. To have the hard work and success of MS8’s teachers, students, administrators, and parents reflected so poorly, for the sake of pitting one hard-working school against another, is a disservice and an insult to all involved and invested in public education in New York City. School choice can be valuable for parents and guardians in pursuit of the right educational fit for their children. To disparage a school like MS8, which has successfully traversed the various transitions one might expect at a fledgling school, is unnecessary and unappreciated by the community that has poured its heart into ensuring its success.
Furthermore, at a time when the stark racial segregation in NYC public schools is again in the headlines, the under-reported story is that MS8 is a success. It is an example of a racially (34% white, 41% black, 16% Hispanic, 1% American Indian/Alaskan, 4% Asian, 1% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and 3% multiracial), ethnically and socio-economically mixed public middle school serving students of all academic levels that is working hard to support and foster an inclusive, supportive school environment. The commitment of MS8 teachers, administrators, students and parents to racial diversity and equity shows in the ELA and Social Studies curriculum and has led to various programs to support restorative justice practices and persistent dialogue about equity both in the school and community at large. With the continued efforts of engaged students, parents, guardians, administrators and teachers, we continue to strengthen our MS8 community.
Most importantly perhaps, MS8 is succeeding academically. MS8’s high school admissions have been strong. MS8 offers Regents Algebra and Living Environment to all students in 8th grade, and students have historically done very well on those tests. MS8 also has a new science lab, a lovely art room, a fitness room upstairs (MS8 students currently have exclusive access to the larger gym one period a day, and additional access is expected to be available for sports team practice next year), and we are forging science and other partnerships with neighbor universities City Tech College and NYU Tandon. That the Spanish teacher left in the beginning of the academic year due to familial illness and could not be replaced was difficult, but the program is expected to resume in the fall.
Every marker indicates that MS8 is growing nicely into its position as a cornerstone of middle school education in District 13. The MS8 community is excited to welcome the many students continuing from our lower to our middle school next year, and all those joining us from the other amazing District 13 elementary schools.
Sincerely,
The PS8/MS8 PTA Executive Board & School Leadership Team”
More information about the Brooklyn Prospect Charter School in Clinton Hill here. More information about MS 8 here.
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J.Crew store coming to DUMBO
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
The Commercial Observer has learned that J.Crew will open a store in the Empire Stores in DUMBO. The national clothing brand has leased 3,500 square feet of retail on the ground floor of the former tobacco warehouse at 55 Water Street, according to sources familiar with the transaction. The store is expected to open [...]
Cobble Hill Playschool now taking applications for 2019-20, limited space available for 2018-19 (sponsored)
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Cobble Hill Playschool is a nationally-accredited (NAEYC), child-centered preschool that has been serving Brooklyn families for over 40 years. Masters-level teachers and art professionals comprise our experienced faculty. Our play-based curriculum and robust arts program represent the best of developmentally appropriate preschool practice. In our 4,000 square-foot, mixed-aged classroom, children work side by side, learning [...]
Cobble Hill Playschool is a nationally-accredited (NAEYC), child-centered preschool that has been serving Brooklyn families for over 40 years. Masters-level teachers and art professionals comprise our experienced faculty. Our play-based curriculum and robust arts program represent the best of developmentally appropriate preschool practice. In our 4,000 square-foot, mixed-aged classroom, children work side by side, learning from one another and encouraging each other. The school is licensed for children ages 2 to 5.9.
Now taking applications for 2019-20, limited space available for 2018-19. Please contact Janie for information about tours, enrollment, and our new extended day hours: call (718) 243-0440 or email janie@cobblehillplayschool.com.
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Treasure Trunk Theater opening new permanent location in Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Treasure Trunk Theater is opening a new 700 square feet studio for kids classes and summer programs. The new permanent home is located at 141 Atlantic Avenue, between Clinton and Henry, with 700 square feet of studio space and an open floor plan designed for theatrical exploration.
Their summer camp programming begins June [...]
New food hall replacing Hill Country Barbecue in Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, May 20, 2018
The spaces that housed Hill Country Fried Chicken and Hill Country Barbecue Market at 345 Adams Street will soon be combined — and replaced with an Austin-inspired food hall called Hill Country Food Park according to Eater NY.
They will be serving breakfast tacos, donuts, coffee, Hill Country barbecue, Hill Country fried chicken, [...]
Kids short film festival in DUMBO 6/2
Thursday, May 17, 2018
The annual Kids Film Fest will take place at the New York Media Center in DUMBO on June 2nd. The film program is tailored for children of all ages (films are rated “G”) and consists of numerous short animation, live-action and documentary films. A Q & A with the filmmakers and a [...]
 and consists of numerous short animation, live-action and documentary films. A Q & A with the filmmakers and a filmmakers workshop usually follows the program. The showing will take place on June 2 at 1pm. To reserve tickets, contact lisa@kidsfilmfest.org 646-234-5080. Tickets are $15 for adults and children are free (cash only and pay at the door).
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New Animation & Music Camp on Memorial Day in DUMBO (sponsored)
Thursday, May 17, 2018
$90 Memorial Day camp special at the new Animation and Music Camp for ages 5 to 10 at 247 Water Street at Balorette Martial Arts Center for kids in DUMBO.
In this Stop Motion Animation & Music camp young creators ages 5 to 10 will learn [...]
$90 Memorial Day camp special at the new Animation and Music Camp for ages 5 to 10 at 247 Water Street at Balorette Martial Arts Center for kids in DUMBO.
In this Stop Motion Animation & Music camp young creators ages 5 to 10 will learn to create original animation movies and engage in activities designed to cultivate curiosity, creativity, self-expression and friendship. The enriching camp experience is designed so that children additionally to movie making explore sound, music, drumming, martial arts and other enriching activities including outdoor recess at the John Street lawn in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Memorial Day Camp Special $90 per student celebrating the new program and location on Monday, May 28th from 9 am to 3 pm! Small group limited to 6 campers. To register, email your child’s full name and age to dumbocamp@gmail.com.
Registration is also open for Animation & Music Summer Camp!
Camp dates: June 11 – August 31
Camp hours: 9 AM – 3 PM
Ages: 5 to 10 years
Costs: $500 per week, single day $120 (10% siblings discount).
Location: 247 Water Street | Balorette Martial Arts Studio for kids
Contact: Website dumbocamp@gmail.com.
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Participatory budgeting winners 2018 in our neighborhood
Thursday, May 17, 2018
The winning project of the 2018 Participatory Budgeting are here: George Westinghouse High School is getting new bathrooms and un-zoned public schools PS 133, Brooklyn New School and The Children’s School will get a coordinator to achieve diversity-in-admissions goals.
District 33 winners in our neighborhood include (all winning projects here):
Bathroom Renovation at [...]
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Bathroom Renovation at George Westinghouse H.S: Renovate three restrooms
Pedestrian and Bicycle Connector on Atlantic Avenue from Brooklyn Bridge Park to Columbia Street
District 39 winners in our neighborhood include (all winning projects here):
Replace Derelict Kindergarten Sinks at PS 282
Make P.S. 118 Schoolyard Accessible and Safe
Outreach Plan for Elementary School Diversity
Participatory Budgeting is a program in which district residents participate directly in the city budgeting process by deciding how to spend a $1,000,000 or more per district in city funds. These funds can go towards capital projects in our parks, schools, or roads — or wherever else the residents of your district decide. Below are four of the projects up for vote directly affecting our neighborhood.
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