Update: Op-Ed, Arts Flourishing at PS/MS 95, Sheila Mencher School

By Staff at PS/MS 95

Under the direction of principal, Serge Marshall Davis, the visual arts are flourishing at MS/MS 95, the Sheila Mencher School in Van Cortlandt Village. Art teacher, Stephanie Fiorino, shepherds ongoing learning and projects, and opens students’ eyes to the world of line, shape, dimension, color, texture, and form. Even during the pandemic, through blended and remote learning, Ms. Fiorino provides clear pathways to student success. The arts program challenges the students intellectually in the classroom and puts systems in place to anticipate smooth transitions to remote learning, whenever that may occur. Its success is due, in no small part,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance identifying the individual seen in the attached video and photos in the context of an assault that occurred in the 52nd precinct. It was reported to police that on Monday, April 12, 2021 at approximately 11.30 p.m., inside a deli located at 2650 Briggs Avenue, located in the Fordham Manor section of the Bronx, the victim and the unidentified suspect engaged in a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical confrontation. The suspect stabbed the victim once in the back with a knife before fleeing the scene in

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Note: The Montefiore survey which aims to better understand vaccine hesitancy is still open for Bronxites to participate in, and a link to the survey is provided further below. On the other hand, please note that the vaccination statistics and some other COVID-19 related information about vaccine services reported in the story may now be outdated. Check our most recent stories for the latest updates in this regard. As the Bronx ranks lowest, at 35 percent, in terms of COVID-19 vaccination rates out of all five boroughs, Bronxites are being invited to take part in a research study

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD has confirmed that they are searching for Michelle Martin, 10, of 2767 Morris Avenue in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx, who was reported missing on April 12 in the 52nd precinct. Michelle is described as 4 feet, 10 inches tall, weighs 80 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black coat, light blue jeans, black boots, and purple eyeglasses. She was carrying a bright pink backpack and was wearing her hair in two braids. The incident was initially reported on the Citizen’s App on Monday, April 12, at 1.56 p.m. Police confirm that Michelle was

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York State Assemblywoman for the 80th Assembly District, Nathalia Fernández, said the latest New York State Budget of $212 billion, the largest in the State’s history, invests in the future of The Bronx. Fernández released a statement on Thursday, April 8, describing the new budget as “bold and progressive,” one that will bring much-needed aid to Bronxites and galvanize the state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. “These critical investments in our infrastructure, small businesses, schools, and health care services will strengthen our borough’s response, and most importantly, help people get back to work,” she said, acknowledging that the COVID-19

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who represents New York’s 13th congressional district (NY-13), released a statement on Thursday, March 4, to encourage high school students throughout New York’s 13th congressional district to submit entries to this year’s Congressional Art Competition. The national contest is open to high school students from around the district to showcase their artistic talents and provides an opportunity for students to display their winning art in the United States Capitol for up to one year. Espaillat serves as a national co-host of this year’s art competition, which is open to high school students from around the nation. The

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Friday, March 19, at 7.27 p.m., the NYPD issued a general press advisory, advising that from March 10, 2021 through March 19, six schools in Manhattan were mailed a similar-looking white envelope containing a white powdery substance. In each instance, the material was screened and determined to be non-hazardous. Each envelope has a U.S. flag stamp and a handwritten address in block letters. The NYPD shared an example of the envelope for public awareness. New NYC Schools Chancellor, Meisha Porter, had recently written an op-ed about her plans in her new role, and reassured children, parents

By DAVID GREENE

A few dozen home care workers held a rally in the Bronx on Friday, March 12, to push for the passage of the “Fair Pay for Home Care Act,” which aims to guarantee workers better conditions. Low wages and poor conditions have been causing a mass exodus from the profession, affecting both elderly and disabled people, who are usually cared for in their homes by such workers. However, due to the shortage, seniors and people with disabilities are increasingly being forced to enter already overburdened nursing homes. The Fair Pay for Home Care Act (S-5374) was introduced on

By MEISHER PORTER

This week, I began leading the nation’s largest public school system, a school system that serves more than one million students, including, many years ago – me! I am both excited and honored to take on this role. Not only because I am a New Yorker, born and bred, but because education is in my blood. Both my mom and auntie were teachers, and between them have 40 years of changing young people’s lives. I became a New York City public school educator because of them, and the amazing teachers I had as a student, myself – like Ms. Pearlman, my