Public Education

Effective public education, in elementary, middle and high school, is essential to preparing our children for success. The schools of the 39th Council District have some of the city's best teachers, principals and parent leaders, and we need to do everything we can to make sure they are supported in the crucial work that they do.

DOE may leave students hungry

New York Daily News

06/24/2010

The Department of Education is ending its practice of giving every student a free lunch without their parents having to prove their need - and 35 borough schools are on the list. DOE will require parents to apply for free meals each year, instead of every four years, and only qualified students will get them. Opponents said DOE's plan would reduce the number of free meals provided to students who need them most. "Unfortunately, there are families who should apply for free lunches but don't do it," said Councilman Brad Lander (D-Red Hook). "This means that low income kids would go hungry." Read more »

Public Education

PS 230 5th graders present a mural on child labor around the world

Posted on June 23, 2010

On Tuesday night, graduating 5th grade students from PS 230 in Kensington presented Councilmember Lander with a project they have been working on all year. It’s an 8 foot mural that raises awareness about social justice, access to education and child labor around the world.

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jblumstein's blog

As budgets are cut, advocates push for continued free lunch

GothamSchools

06/23/2010

New York City Council Members, along with food and public education advocates, called today for the restoration of proposed cuts to NYC’s School Food program, so that low-income kids don’t go hungry, and all kids have healthy choices. In particular, council members and advocates called for the restoration of $3 million to prevent the elimination of nearly 100 schools from the Universal School Meals program, which insures that all kids in predominantly low-income schools receive free lunches, and has been shown to improve health, nutrition, and academic achievement. “A strong public school food program - with universal free meals in low-income schools, and healthy food choices for all kids — is essential to keeping kids healthy and making sure they can learn,” said Councilmember Brad Lander. “This is a small investment in our children’s future when considering the vast improvement in academic performance and overall well-being it promotes.” Read more »

Public Education

Save free and healthy school lunches for thousands of kids!

Posted on June 21, 2010

The "Universal School Meals" program currently ensures that tens of thousands of school age kids do not go hungry during the school day. Under the program, participating schools are able to offer students a free lunch regardless of their income, residency, or citizenship status. This ensures that all needy kids receive access to healthy meals and reduces the amount of paperwork that burdens parents and administrators.

Please join me in asking Mayor Bloomberg to make sure that low-income kids are not left behind.

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Public Education

jblumstein's blog

Write a Letter Calling for a Stronger, Better Child Nutrition Act

Posted on May 18, 2010

For over 40 years, the federal Child Nutrition Act has guided the way in which New York City and other municipalities around the country address hunger and childhood nutrition. This critical piece of legislation includes five major federal programs: school lunches, school breakfast, summer meals, child and adult care food, and the women with infant children (WIC) programs.

We have much to gain, or lose, as a result of changes to this legislation. The New York City Council is calling on Congress to make critical changes to the Child Nutrition Act. The Council believes, and we agree, that the changes to this law must support healthy meals for our children and high need adults.

Together, we can work together to get our elected officials to do good by our kids. Follow this link to send a letter to your Congressional representatives a letter calling for them to support a stronger, better Child Nutrition Act. Read more »

Public Education

A Great Event for Our Schools

Posted on May 5, 2010

I want to report back on the fantastic results of the Brooklyn PTA 5K Run/Walk for Schools which took place in Prospect Park on Saturday. Over 500 parents, teachers and students from 17 different Brooklyn public schools joined us for the event and their efforts raised over $6500 which will be split up amongst the schools.

I have to give a huge thank you to everyone who came out and joined us for the run. Saturday was a great day to be in the park - whether you were running, walking, strolling OR scooting - and I hope that all of the participants had as much fun as I did.