Trending
latest
Boutique Residences in Prime Prospect Heights (sponsored)
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Exceptional living at 856 Washington, where oversized condominiums enjoy convenience of living steps away from Prospect Park. The boutique collection of only 26 residences offers a landscaped roof deck with Manhattan skyline views, private courtyard, fitness center and yoga room, library salon with kitchenette, entertainment lounge, bike storage ... (read more).
Exceptional living at 856 Washington, where oversized condominiums enjoy convenience of living steps away from Prospect Park. The boutique collection of only 26 residences offers a landscaped roof deck with Manhattan skyline views, private courtyard, fitness center and yoga room, library salon with kitchenette, entertainment lounge, bike storage and a part-time doorman. Immediate Occupancy.
)
The latest District 15 rezoning and PAR project update
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
The CEC 15 and Department of Education held another public meeting on 10/27 to update the community on the potential rezoning of 7 public elementary schools and the ongoing participatory action research (PAR) in affected neighborhoods underrepresented in the education decision making process. While no official recommendation was presented, some ... (read more).
 in affected neighborhoods underrepresented in the education decision making process. While no official recommendation was presented, some insight on the timeline for the implementation and vision of the PAR team was provided.
The Department of Education has been partnering with CEC 15 and school communities since spring 2019 to develop a collaborative rezoning and admissions plan that aims to increase diversity and integration, reduce overcrowding, and advance equity in District 15. The process was initiated by the opening of the annex at PS 32 in Carroll Gardens that brought over 430 new seats to the Subdistrict and needs to be filled.
This planning has involved seven zoned schools: P.S. 38, P.S. 261, P.S. 32, P.S. 15, P.S. 29, P.S. 58 and P.S. 676 Red Hook Neighborhood School. In response to feedback from community discussions, the DOE committed to further empowering historically underserved communities in this area through a Participatory Action Research (PAR) process.
The PAR Team consists of 12 community members who are connected to the 7 affected schools and meets weekly to develop a vision for the rezoning in the area. The team is now in its late stage of data collection, will received more community feedback until early November and will formulate recommendations until the next CEC meeting on November 17.
Once the PAR team has presented its findings, the Department of Education will work on a rezoning map based on their vision. There could be other considerations beyond the two rezoning scenarios that have been presented before.
The meeting on 10/27 did not provide a lot of news, however these are our key takeaways:
An official vision will finally be presented by the PAR team on November 17th from 6.30 to 8 pm
District 15 won a New York State Integration Award and will use part of the $2.7M grant for this process
Integration and desegregation are the key focus for thriving schools in every neighborhood according to the PAR team
Schools should become community building resources beyond one neighborhood according to the PAR team
To implement the new zones for next school year, a vote would have to happen before the Kindergarten application deadline which is end of January in a typical school year.
If you are zoned for these schools, or if you have a child who currently attends one of these schools, please take the survey by clicking here! Siblings of current students at the schools will not be affected by this rezoning.
Photo: Member of the PAR team speaking in the Zoom meeting on 10/27
)
Latest public school news
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
280,000 students (26%) are attending public school in person currently which is much less than originally indicated and a lot more kids could attend blended learning, according to the Mayor. During a press conference this week De Blasio announced that there will be only one deadline to opt in to in-person learning ... (read more).
 are attending public school in person currently which is much less than originally indicated and a lot more kids could attend blended learning, according to the Mayor. During a press conference this week De Blasio announced that there will be only one deadline to opt in to in-person learning this school year and not various opt-in dates as originally planned. Additionally, the school chancellor has shared an updated grading policy.
Opt-in period for blended learning:
One open enrollment period from Monday, November 2 through Sunday, November 15, where families will have the option to fill out a form indicating their wish to change learning preferences. Students who change from remote to blended will begin in-person between the weeks of November 30 and December 7, and will be informed by their school their start date and schedule.
If the situation around COVID-19 changes substantially, there might be modifications in the future but for now the plan is to have only this one opt-in period for blended learning this school year
Families can always go back to fully remote learning at any time during the school year
Grading policies for the 20/21 school year:
Families will have flexibility in determining how passing final grades are reflected on student records. This is an option for families who prefer to have their child’s performance reflected more generally (such as “Pass” instead of a numerical grade) as they continue to adapt to blended and remote learning.
Most elementary schools in Brooklyn use 1-4 performance levels, schools will use “needs improvement” instead of 1 or 2 this school year
While students must continue to participate in remote and blended learning each day, attendance will not be a factor in student grades.
)
Virtual Preschool Tours at Building Bridges Preschool (sponsored)
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Fall has finally arrived and we are excited to invite you to attend one of our Virtual Preschool Tours at Building Bridges Preschool at Cadman Plaza! Please follow this link to sign up on our website! We look forward to welcoming families into our beautiful classrooms ... (read more).
Fall has finally arrived and we are excited to invite you to attend one of our Virtual Preschool Tours at Building Bridges Preschool at Cadman Plaza! Please follow this link to sign up on our website! We look forward to welcoming families into our beautiful classrooms and discussing our wonderful programs with you.
In order to attend a 2020 tour your child must be 2 years old on or before September 1, 2021. *Please note – we have limited availability for this school year, 2020-21, in our Two’s/Three’s and PreK programs – please get in touch for more information.
Building Bridges Preschool is a non-denominational preschool providing a warm and nurturing experience for children ages 2 to 5 years. We are located across the street from Cadman Plaza Park at 250 Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn Heights. Part time and full time options available. Please call or email their Co-Director/Founder Susan Kuhlmann, info@buildingbridgesbklyn.com or call 347-334-6474 for more information.
)
Brooklyn Children’s Museum Brooklyn reopening
Friday, October 23, 2020
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is reopening of its indoor exhibits, including the unveiling of their newest exhibit, Oyster City! Book a spot this weekend at a 90-minute Play Session or a ColorLab art workshop. Play Sessions will take place Saturday, Oct 24 and Sunday, Oct 25 at 10 am, 12:30pm, ... (read more).
COVID cases in public schools in District 13 and 15
Monday, October 19, 2020
Between 10/9 and 10/16, the Department of Education has conducted over 16,000 random tests on students and staff members in public schools, and only 28 tests have come back positive. 99% of the results were delivered within 48 hours.
A handful of schools in our neighborhoods have had COVID cases and ... (read more).
 shows all known cases of COVID-19 at New York City public schools in District 13 and 15. It is updated daily Sunday through Friday at 6 PM. This information was compiled by the DOE COVID Response Situation Room—a multi-agency partnership between the Department of Education, Department of Health and Mental Health, and the Test & Trace Corps.
)
New swim school for kids opening in Gowanus
Friday, October 16, 2020
Goldfish Swim School for ages 4 months to 12 years will finally open on October 23rd at 620 Degraw Street in Gowanus. The opening of the pool has been postponed various times due to construction delays and the pandemic. The swim school promises a shiver-free pool heated to 90 degrees, ... (read more).
Where to take a COVID test in Brooklyn
Thursday, October 15, 2020
There are two different Corona tests available in Brooklyn. The “PCR test” which is most reliable and takes 2-7 days and the new “Antigen” or “Rapid Antigen Test” which is less reliable but offers results in minutes/hours. Our overview of test centers includes locations where you and your kids can ... (read more).
! Children 2 years and up as well as adults can get tested there. These NYC Health and Hospital sites only offer the PCR tests which deliver results in 2 to 4 days (for rapid tests, see the list of private providers below). No appointment necessary, just walk in.
NYC Health and Hospitals Red Hook Recreation Center | 155 Bay Street
PCR tests available only. Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
NYC Health and Hospitals Brooklyn Army Terminal | 140 58th Street
PCR tests available only. Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Fort Greene | 100 North Portland Ave
PCR and antibody tests available only. Covid testing offered Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find out more here.
Private providers
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.
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.
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
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.
Leaf Medical DUMBO | 18 Adams Street
Leaf Medical offers the PCR test and antibody test. Schedule a telemedicine visit first. Find out more here.
Leaf Medical Carroll Gardens | 325 Smith Street
Leaf Medical offers the PCR test and antibody test. Schedule a telemedicine visit first. 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.
)
Crown Heights Condos Set to Open This Winter (sponsored)
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
111 Montgomery is the first full-service, newly built condominium in the vibrant neighborhood of Crown Heights. Located moments from the lush scenery of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park, the building offers studio to three-bedroom homes with a range of private and common outdoor experiences and Manhattan and Brooklyn ... (read more).
111 Montgomery is the first full-service, newly built condominium in the vibrant neighborhood of Crown Heights. Located moments from the lush scenery of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park, the building offers studio to three-bedroom homes with a range of private and common outdoor experiences and Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline views, designed to seamlessly meld indoor/outdoor living.
Amenities include a Children’s Playroom, Gym, Attended Lobby, Resident Lounge, Landscaped Rooftop Terrace, and Community Gardens. Parking, resident storage and bike storage are also available.
Studios (picture above) start at $499,000, One Bedrooms start at $645,000, Two Bedrooms at $899,000 and Three Bedrooms are available upon request. Email explore@111montgomery.nyc or find out more here.
)
 is limited during the 2020 season to allow for social distancing. Visitors must reserve tickets in advance through a new ticket reservation system. See more info here. NYC ferry service is also available from Wall Street, take NYC ferry from DUMBO or Pier 6 to Wall Street, request free transfer ticket on the boat and switch there.
6. Take the NYC ferry to Rockaway Beach and spend a summer day by the ocean. Ferry service from Wall Street is in effect, details here. Ask for free transfer ticket on the ferry coming from Brooklyn.
7. Stop by one of the many playgrounds with sprinklers or water labs. Here is our list of local options.
8. Visit the NYC Aquarium in Coney Island and check out their new exhibition about spineless creatures. Opening August 27 to the public. All details here.
9. Make a visit to the “Pandemic Pop-up Park” on Atlantic Basin at Pier 11 in Red Hook. Amenities for kids are a self-serve sprinkler, kids-size picnic tables, dodge balls, a racquetball racquet, chalk, frisbees and huge amount of traffic-free asphalt (bring your scooters and roller skates). In addition, the PopUp features large umbrellas, bistro tables, chairs, blooming and fragrant plants in pots and maritime stuff in sight (rowboats, kayaks, buoys, fenders, lights, etc). During the day it is a very hot from approx. 11am to 6pm, so choose the early morning or early evening on sunny days.
9. Glide along the water while kayaking from the Pier 4 beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Advanced registration is required for this activity. Due to COVID-19, limited capacity is available. Walk-ups will only be accommodated on-site if there are still spaces. Children and teens under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Wednesdays 4-8pm ET. Saturdays 10am-4pm ET. August 15-October 14.
10. Free Ping Pong Happy Hours in Downtown Brooklyn. MetroTech Commons: Tuesdays at 4:30pm (starting 9/8 all September). Register here
11. Prospect Park roller skating at LeFrak Center at Lakeside is open daily from 12 to 6 pm. Find out more here.
)
 named Kosmo Kidd crash lands his wind-up rocket ship in Lily’s kitchen. Kosmo whisks Lily away to his floating treehouse in Outer Outer Space, to join his Spacetronaut crew. Lily and Kosmo share many adventures, exploring exotic alien worlds and facing fearsome villains, as Lily proves that a girl from Brooklyn can hold her own among the galaxy’s greatest junior space cadets. Recommended for 7-10 year olds. Shop here.
Mermaids on Parade by Mel Hope Greenberg
Excited about wearing her own special costume for the day, a little girl goes with her family to Coney Island to take part in all the festivities of the Mermaid Parade where mermaids, Neptunes, and sea creatures of all shapes, colors, and sizes go to strut their stuff! Recommended for ages 4 to 7. Shop here.
How Emily saved the Bridge by Fieda Wishinsky
The Brooklyn Bridge, the iconic suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, was completed in 1883. It is thanks to Emily Warren Roebling that the bridge was finished at all. Emily was not an engineer, but she was educated in math and science. She married Washington Roebling, the chief engineer of the famous bridge. When Washington became ill from decompression sickness, Emily stepped in, doing everything from keeping the books, to carrying messages for her husband, to monitoring the construction of the bridge. She was the first person to cross the Brooklyn Bridge when it opened. Recommended for ages 3 to 6. Shop here.
)
