Schools

Bronx Mentoring Program Forced to Close

The Bronx One-on-One Mentoring, known as BOOM, a program for at-risk children operated by the American Latin Association of New York in Kingsbridge Heights, was forced to shut its doors recently due to budget cuts.

Saving MS 80’s Spirit

Since the Department of Education announced plans to close Middle School 80 at the beginning of March, a group of concerned parents and local activists have been attempting to advocate for keeping the spirit of the school, as well as its most valuable programs, intact.

Parents, Activists Organize Walk to Save MS 80 This Afternoon

A group of parents and local activists will be holding a walk this afternoon to save MS 80, the school on Mosholu Parkway that has already lost its principal after it was designated for the Department of Education’s turnaround program. Under the turnaround program, the school would undergo a complete facelift, which would include hiring a completely new staff (although up to 50 percent of the current staff could be rehired) and taking on a new name.

It’s Budget Time: City Council Rallies for Restorations, While State Lawmakers Strike a Deal

It’s that time of year again–budget negotiation time, as lawmakers hammer out deals on how much the city and state governments should spend, and on what. City Council members have until the start of the next fiscal year, on July 1, to agree on a plan for the city’s spending. Mayor Bloomberg released a $68.7 billion preliminary budget proposal in February, which he boasted would close a $2 billion budget gap without raising taxes. But not everyone, of course, is happy with the Mayor’s plan. Bronx City Council Member Annabel Palma, who represents Parkchester, Soundview, Castle Hill, and Classon Point,


Read More

Bronx Links Wednesday

Happy Wednesday, and welcome back to Breaking Bronx. It’ll be cloudy and in the mid-60s today. Here are the news stories we’re following this morning: Good news for museum-goers on a budget: in honor of its 40th anniversary, the Bronx Museum of the Arts is eliminating its $5 suggested admission fee starting tomorrow. Is the South Bronx gentrifying? A New York Times piece this week says yes, pointing to an influx of white, middle-class professionals who are making their homes around the Grand Concourse area near Yankee Stadium. UNHP’s Gregory Jobo Lost, in a guest post on the new blog


Read More

Bronx New School Parents Meet With State Officials, Told Illness After Toxin Exposure ‘Not a Slam Dunk’

On Monday night, parents of current and former PS 51 students met with state officials to ask questions and discuss their concerns about potential health effects caused by contamination at the school’s former site on Jerome Avenue. The building, which was home to the Bronx New School for nearly two decades, tested positive last year for high levels  of trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxin linked to cancer. Representatives from the State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation met with Community Board 7 members and PS 51 parents, who have been organizing with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition under the


Read More

Bronx Notes: Board 7 Education Meeting Tonight, Closure of MS 80 On Agenda

Bronx Community Board 7’s Education Committee will meet tonight, Wednesday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the board office, located at 229-A East 204th Street. A major topic of conversation will be the proposed closure and revamping of MS 80, which has already claimed the job of former Principal Lovey Mazique-Rivera who was replaced last week. A group of concerned parents and local residents have come together to advocate for, among other things, keeping the school’s name, Middle School 80, through the planned transition, which will include a complete overhaul of the school’s staff. For more information, call (718) 933-5650


Read More