Education

Did First Bomb Threat Reveal Dysfunction at P.S. 20, as Three More Bomb Threats Received?

By SÍLE MOLONEY & DAVID GREENE
The following story is an extended version of the story that appeared in our latest print edition. Around two and half hours after students and teachers were evacuated from The Bronx’s P.S. 20 due to a bomb threat on Friday, March 4, the building was, thankfully, declared clear by police and safe for reentry. However, according to some P.S. 20 staff members, the incident served to highlight what some say is a dysfunctional environment at the school, especially given a reported delay with the initial evacuation. In the meantime, three further bomb alerts have been reported at the school, on


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2nd Annual My Brother’s Keeper Event Celebrates Young Kings in The Bronx

By JULIAN NAZAR
One hundred and fifty Bronx-area high school students filed into Monroe College’s Mintz auditorium in Fordham Manor on Wednesday, Feb. 9, for the second annual Bronx event, celebrating the nonprofit, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBK).   As “The Champion” played on a loop before the event got underway, on top of each table were small water bottles, snack bars, yellow Monroe College folders, and framed inspirational quotes from notable figures like basketball legend, Michael Jordan, and rapper, songwriter and record producer, Kendrick Lamar. Four TV monitors projected various PowerPoint presentations during the event.   Launched in February 2014 by former


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New Bronx CB7 Education Chair Hosts Jam-Packed Meeting

By SARAH HUFFMAN
Nearly two out of three children affected by systemic poverty cannot read at grade level, according to Literacy Incorporated (LINC), a New York City nonprofit focused on early childhood literacy. The organization said children who cannot transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by third grade are 13 times more likely not to graduate on time from high school.   Childhood literacy, along with resources for youth, schools and libraries formed the main topics of discussion at last month’s Bronx Community Board 7’s education committee meeting, held on Feb. 2, and the first of the year to be


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Elections 2022: Diaz Offers Alternative to “Go Along to Get Along” Politicians in A.D. 81

By JULIAN NAZAR
  The following story is an updated version of the one that appears in our latest print edition.   On a brisk Thursday afternoon, George Diaz Jr. descends the steps of Norwood’s 205th Street subway station, located at East 205th Street and Perry Avenue. After swiping his metro card, Diaz shares with Norwood News what changes he would like to see in the station. “We need an elevator,” he said. “Feasibly, it is probably better to make the elevator by this entrance because when you step out, you see Whalen playground, a City park. It should be easier for the MTA


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Appeal for Donations for Bronx Prom Attire and Suit Donation Drive

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Bronx Fashion Week, JoJo’s Fabulous Corner, an accessories business, and Straight Walk Runway modeling agency are appealing for donations for The Bronx’s 2nd Annual Prom Dress and Suit Donation Drive.   The donation drive has been running since Feb. 16, and ends on Saturday, April 30, and is sponsored by Bronx Fashion Week, JoJo’s Fabulous Corner, Make-up Designory (MUD), a private, for-profit trade school focused on make-up artistry, Straight Walk Runway, graphic designer, Isabela Designer, and Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical Education High School, located at 333 E 151st Street in the Melrose section of The Bronx.  


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Norwood: Students and Staff Evacuated following Bomb Alert at P.S. 20

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Students and teachers were evacuated from P.S. 20 in the Norwood section of the Bronx on Friday, March 4, due to a reported bomb threat. The area was later declared clear by police and safe for reentry.   A police official told Norwood News that an anonymous call had been placed with the school, located at 3050 Webster Avenue, next door to the 52nd precinct, at around 8.50 a.m., advising that there was a bomb on the premises. The NYPD spokesperson was unable to confirm on which extension or number the call had been placed, but confirmed that the


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AG James Warns New Yorkers to be Cautious in Charitable Giving Amid Ukrainian Crisis

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers on Thursday, March 3, to be wary of sham charities attempting to take advantage of the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis and to ensure they are donating to credible organizations. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) also provided tips to those seeking ways to support the Ukrainian people amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia military forces which began on Feb. 24.   “At a time of great chaos, confusion, and destruction, it is imperative that New Yorkers be on alert for potential risks to when donating to charitable causes,”


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Police Athletic League’s Tournament of Champions Engages Bronx Kids in STEM Projects

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Police Athletic League (PAL) youngsters from all five boroughs of New York City participated in the citywide PAL Tournament of Champions STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Challenge, on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Activities focused on STEM and physical education learning, featuring engineering, design and physics skills building. The 2022 competition was an individual, center-based competition held at each PAL center with participants in Kindergarten through eighth grades working within age groups.   Dana Wheeler, PAL director of education and program development, said the academic needs of the participants continue to be a top priority at PAL, with STEM activities serving


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