Op-Ed: A Helping Hand At Tax Time

Two-hundred and forty-six dollars. That’s a lot of money for many New York City families struggling to make ends meet. It is money that could go toward rent, groceries, medications or other important expenses. But at tax time, too many working families and individuals see it as a requirement in order to maximize their refund.

Bronx Notes: Latino College Expo

High school students, guidance counselors and community agencies are invited to a free Latino College Expo, to meet college reps and learn about financial aid and college guidance, March 16 from noon to 3 p.m., at New York University’s Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square So., 4th floor. There will be free raffles and giveaways. For more information, call (917) 217-5812 or email aaponte8@yahoo.com.

Panel Votes to Shrink DeWitt Clinton, the Bronx’s Largest Public High School

In a move surprising to no one, but saddening to an entire school community rich in history and pride, the Department of Education’s Panel for Educational Policy voted early Tuesday morning to downsize DeWitt Clinton High School and open up two brand small schools inside the building known as the Castle on Mosholu Parkway.

Op-ed: Stop School Closures and Co-Locations for Third Term

If something is broken – fix it. Sadly, Mayor Bloomberg adheres to a different philosophy when our city’s education system is concerned. The Administration’s default response to struggling schools has been to close them, without first investing enough time and resources into turning them around. And instead of laying out a thoughtful plan for some schools to share facilities in the same building – co-location – the Administration turns a cold shoulder to community input. We need a new approach for our city’s one million students.

Panel To Vote on Plan Opponents Say Will ‘Kill’ Clinton HS

Tonight at a meeting in Brooklyn, the Panel for Education Policy, the 13-member body controlled by the mayor’s office that must approve major changes and proposals by the city’s Department of Education, will decide the fate of dozens of city schools, including DeWitt Clinton, the largest and one of the most storied high schools in the Bronx.

Out & About in the Bronx

Here’s a look at what’s going on in the Bronx over the next couple of weeks, including onstage, events and exhibits.

Unions, MS 80 Parents Rally to Remove Principal

Disgruntled parents and local union members rallied last week outside of MS 80, the Norwood area’s largest middle school, to protest the school’s principal, Emmanuel Polanco. The protesters said Polanco is leading the school down a troubling path and violated the rights of at least one faculty member. They plan to continue rallying every week until Polanco is removed.