Photo of PS 165 in 1897 by Jacob Riis. From the archives of The Museum of the City of New York.
This morning, 1.1 million New York City public school students and 75,000 teachers went back to school. Good luck to everyone, especially sixth graders.
Here’s a question: Have any parents helped turn around a struggling public school? Or simply made it a little better? How does one go about such a thing? We’re looking for practical advice: what are the best ways to get involved or exert pressure on people who can help. We would love someone to write a column on how to do that (email us at info at westsiderag if you’re interested). Or give some tips in the comments.
Or since it’s an open thread, comment on whatever local issue is on your mind.
As summer draws to a close I find myself living between two of the greatest recreational running facilities in the world, and yet I can’t for the life of me take it on and stick with it. Are there any free local meetups or groups that get together to run? Any suggestions welcome!
I have a suggestion that, I’m sure, most people with find lame, Alex: Get yourself a stationary bike for exercise.
It’s much safer, and it does not depend upon the weather or an appointed time. Moreover, you can monitor your progress with its computers, exercise in your pajamas, or while reading or watching something, and you avoid running injuries. My only caution – you can’t do this exercise if you have hemorrhoids. Oh, well.
As most people, I was afraid to buy one three years ago because I thought it would just become another clothes hanger in our bedroom. It’s used every day and has proven a real plus.
You havent really seen much of the world, have you Alex? Hahaha….i mean, its nice but come on!
Alex, sign up for a local 5k coming up in November or December. Having that commitment on your calendar will really help motivate you to lace up and get out the door…although the beautiful Fall weather (when it finally arrives) should be enough incentive! Good luck!
The answer now is probably the same as it was in the 1940’s,
strong Parent Teachers Association. The constant exchange
of information between the parents and teachers puts all on
the same team, with the students the beneficiaries. The
picture of P.S. 165, a school I went to in 1948 to 1950 was
a reminder that my mother knew of everything that went
on at school, both good and bad thanks to the communication between parent and teacher…the good won!
Re: “…75,000 teachers went back to school today. Good luck to everyone, especially….”
ESPECIALLY the 30-year (or more) veterans, NOW new retirees, who awoke this morning, smiled, and said “I do NOT have to go to school ever again!”
Congratulations to you folks!
ENJOY your new lives AND your wonderful retiree benefits, including OLD-FASHIONED “Defined-Benefit Pensions” (to which you contributed every paycheck) and, for some of you, the amazing Tax-Deferred Annuity (which, through excellent investment strategies, grew your contributions).
And, while you’re at it, call a blessing on the memory of United Federation of Teachers’ founders like Al Shanker et. al. who stood up for a public employee’s right to retire WITH THE DIGNITY INSPIRED BY A FINANCIALLY-SECURE FUTURE!
I always suspected you were a troll, ScooterStan, and now you’ve proven it. Al Shanker is your hero? Seriously?? https://www.nytimes.com/1996/12/22/weekinreview/echoes-of-a-new-york-waterloo.html
Has anyone noticed that both Fusha and the new “Flame” are on Seamless delivering — but the old Fusha space has been under construction, and the space that Columbus Flame is supposed to move into is still in an obvious state of disarray from its Ditch Plains days. Looks like they’re doing a sketchy delivery service from the unfinished new space…
Hey WSR – How about an update on the PS199 waiting list and the students who could not go to PS191 because of its designation as a dangerous school?
As the parent of a toddler in the area who will be going to Kingergarten in a few years, I’m curious to know how the City handled this situation and what school the wait-listed kids were eventually offered.
Good point, we’ll check. WSR
The headline should be “Readin, Ritin, Rithmetic, Ritalin”
Did anyone else see what appeared to be a giant pile of poo on the southern downtown stairs for the 1/2/3 at 72nd street? Around 8 am? Please tell me that this didn’t exist and was only a bad dream…
It wasn’t me.
Brandy: I missed that one but there was a large smeared pile at the bus stop on 70th &Bway (downtown side). The homeless are still wandering around. I spoke to one of the managers at the Loews movie theater. He’s upset about the homeless young people and
their Dog camped outside the theater. They are from out of state and thE Dog seems sick. He wondered if he should call animal care. The thing is–the UWS has become the target neighborhood and we don’t know why.
At 9PM on Bway and 72nd -a homeless woman wanders around half dressed and caked in dirt. She hangs out near the fruit vendors. This is really a sad place right now…..is anyone listening??
You did in fact see that big pile of poo… Just be thankful you weren’t the person(s) who inadvertently stepped in it on their way to work this morning.
Sounds like nothing to pooh pooh.
As stated, it IS parent involvement that turns a school around. Locally, that was most obviously the case for a school like PS87, which parents helped turn around 40-ish years ago and held the fort down at until they helped a strong principal come along. Parents have to volunteer, speak up and – often – raise money. Everyone has to feel invested. Parents need to go to PTA meetings, meet with the local city council member, go to the CEC…show up.
Yeah, school’s open.
Couldn’t help notice as our mayor (did he get up early?) did a tour to talk up “universal pre-K” to prove that everything is just fine and peachy with the city and there are no other issues!
And for anyone who doesn’t think edu-kaaaay-shun is the most important concern to millions and millions of New Yorkers, just ask Brian Lehrer!