Category: Blog

The Speyer Legacy School

Posted on by Admin

The Speyer Legacy School is New York City's only non-profit, K-8 independent school Gifted and Talented (G&T) program, designed to support the needs and encourage the passions of advanced learners.  Connie Williams Coulianos, Speyer's head of school, is a well know and respected educator in field, leading The Hollingworth Preschool for years before leaving to head up Speyer in 2009.

Speyer is now accepting applications for Kindergarten, 4th, 5th and 6thgrades. A limited number of spaces will also be open for 1st grade applicants.  Tuition assistance is available to make ambien the program accessible to children from a wide range of circumstances.

Open Houses for the Lower School (Grades K – 5) are scheduled for October 2nd, October 17th, October 25th, November 8th and November 14th from 6:30 to 8:00pm at 15 West 86th Street.

Open Houses for families interested in applying to 6th Grade are scheduled for October 10th, October 29th and November 19th from 6:30 to 8:00pm at 15 West 86th Street.

To register for an Open House please visit www.speyerlegacyschool.org, submit an inquiry, and then call the admissions number, 212.581.4000, or email crosenthal@speyerlegacyschool.org to reserve a date.

Hunter College Elementary School Application Available

Posted on by Admin

The Application for 2013 kindergarten admission to Hunter College Elementary School (HCES) is available today.  For the first time HCES is using an online only application.

A lot of people are curious about this school so we got a Hunter parent to weigh in.

Facts

Hunter College Elementary School is a public elementary school

Despite being a publicly funded, tuition free school HCES is NOT part of the NYC Department of Education and is therefore not subject to DOE rules. Like all public schools, HCES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.  Admission is for students who reside in Manhattan only.

HCES is for gifted students

HCES is a coed laboratory school that serves children in grades K through 6 who have been identified as intellectually gifted by Hunter's admission process.

Admission is based on a test

There are actually 2 rounds of assessment for admission to Hunter.  In the first round students are administered a modified version of the Stanford-Binet exam by one of Hunter's approved testers.  Round 1 starts after parents submit an online application, available today.  Test scores are sent to parents and to the school.  In December the eligibility score for Round 2 is determined.  Children who score at or above this score will be invited to the Round 2 on-site assessment.  Please see the HCES admissions website for detailed information about the process.

Fiction

HCES is basically a free private school

No, it's not.  HCES is publicly funded, chartered by the Board of Trustees of the City University of New York and administered by Hunter College.  Some of the extra trappings parents might expect at private schools are not at Hunter.  What the school offers is a challenging, innovative curriculum that emphasizes critical and creative thinking for students who are self-motivated, independent and inventive learners.

Students are subjected to standardized tests like all other public schools

Standardized tests are a fact of life at Hunter just like other public schools.  However, the test students take, the CTP, is used to guide instruction and not to rate teachers and/or the school itself.  Hunter is not a part of the DOE so it does not administer NY State standardized tests and is not subject to ‘No Child Left Behind’ or any other NY state education mandates.

 

Many people enter the Hunter application process thinking they don’t stand a chance and are pleasantly surprised when their child is offered a spot.  If you are a Manhattan resident and think this school might be a good fit for your child I urge you to go through the application process but be prepared for any outcome.

Applications for 2013 are available today.   Hey, you never know.


		
			


	





	

		
NYS 2012 ELA & Math Test Results Released Today
		

			Posted on  by Admin		

			


	
			
		
The NYC Public Schools 2012 test scores for ELA & Math in Grades 3-8 were released today.  The complete data available here


Summary by school district and individual school results here






For Harlem and Upper Manhattan:


District 3 pgs 751-757


District 4 pgs 758-783


District 5 pgs 784-801


District 6 pgs 802-816





		
			


	





	

		
Updated NYC Elementary School Zone Maps Produced by NYC Parent
		

			Posted on  by Admin		

			


	
			
		
NYC School Maps is a new service providing up-to-date and comprehensive NYC elementary school zone maps, created by New York City parent, Kristi Barlow.  Their school zone maps include all public elementary school zones, all unzoned elementary public schools, all elementary charter schools, and all districts--all color coded for easy reading.  The available Manhattan map, 36" high, covers everything south of 126th Street.  They have plans to cover upper Manhattan in the future (you can help make that happen by going to the site and requesting it on the "Future Maps" page).








Digital maps are $8, printed maps $20.  Both come with ongoing digital updates (so you will always have up to date information) and an information packet that includes comprehensive lists of the schools with contact info and links.




The Manhattan map will be on display at our upcoming event, "How to Research and Choose a School For Your Child - A Conversation with Peg Tyre" on Tuesday, May 22nd at Kidberry.




See NY Times story here.




So what do you think?  Will you be purchasing one of these maps?  Please leave your comments below.



		
			


	





	

		
How to Research and Choose a School For Your Child – A Conversation With Peg Tyre
		

			Posted on  by Admin		

			


	
			
		
In just one week we will be hosting Peg Tyre at Kidberry.  The topic of the night is one that we are all talking about now, “How to Research and Choose a School For Your Child.”


The quality of education in our neighbourhood schools can be shockingly inadequate and recent school reforms are missing the mark.  Our system of school choice in New York can be confusing for even the most informed and organized parents.  How can we tell the difference between a good school and a substandard one?  You need more than just test scores to get the whole story.


Peg Tyre, award winning journalist and author of, “The Good School – How Smart Parents Get Their Kids the Education They Deserve,” will discuss ways for parents to constructively engage teachers and administrators and make critical judgments about their children’s education.  Whether you're enrolling for the first time or you are at a school that may not be the right fit, you can gain from this discussion.


Please join us.


Date:  Tuesday, May 22, 2012


Time:  6:30 pm – 8:00 pm


Location:  Kidberry – 2046 7th Avenue (Between 122nd & 123rd Street)


Tickets:  $25/person (Limited financial aid available.  Contact info@letstalkschools.com for details)


Open to the public.  Registration is required at http://howtochoosebestschool.eventbrite.com


5.20.2012  Just added - NYC public school parent Kristi Barlow, of NYC Elementary School Maps, will have her Manhattan map on display and available for purchase at the event.

		
			


	





	

		
Early Intervention For Speech or Language Delays
		

			Posted on  by Mahalia Watson		

			


	
			
		
Adorable little boy whispering something to his sisterThis is part 2 of a 2 part series on speech and language development by Speech Language Pathologist Timberly Leite of  Innovative Therapy Solutions, a full-service pediatric speech and occupational therapy facility in Harlem.


What should I do if my child’s speech or language appears to be delayed?


Talk to your child’s doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor may refer to to a speech-language pathologist, who is a health professional trained to evaluate and treat people with speech or language disorders. The speech-language pathologist will talk to you about your child’s communication and general development. He or she will also use special spoken tests to evaluate your child. A hearing test is often included in the evaluation because a hearing problem can affect speech and language development. Depending on the result of the speech-language evaluation, the speech-language pathologist may suggest activities you can do at home to stimulate your child’s development. They might also recommend group or individual therapy or suggest further evaluation by an audiologist (a health care professional trained to identify and measure hearing loss), or developmental psychologist (a health care professional with special expertise in the psychological development of infants and children).


Helpful TipsI have concerns, where can I get help for my child?


These are local resources depending on your child’s chronological age:


If your child is 0-3 years old


Based on this checklist, (and/or according to the above mentioned milestones) if your child is exhibiting signs of a delay, call 311 and ask for Early Intervention. The direct number for Early Intervention is (518) 473-7016. If you are a New York City resident, call 311 and then ask for Early Intervention. Residents outside of New York City limits should call Early Intervention directly to find out your local contact. Please view the attached Early Intervention Guide For Parents


If you have concerns about your child’s overall development (or if your child is at risk for a delay for any number of reasons (hereditary/genetic risks, abuse, drug use during pregnancy, etc.,) call 311 for Early Intervention and ask to enroll in the Developmental Monitoring Program, this is a free program sponsored by the state.


If your child is 3-5 years old


Special education services are regulated by the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE.) If you have concerns about your child’s overall development (physical, emotional, psychological, social, fine/gross motor or speech-language development OR any aspect of your child’s development) you will need to contact your local CPSE office and request assistance. Let them know that you would like to have your child evaluated and what your concerns are. They must respond in a timely manner. Please review the Parents Guide to give you information on the special education process in New York City. When your child is being considered by the CPSE for services, transportation for your child will also be addressed.


If your child is 5-21 (School-aged)


Special education services are regulated by the Committee on Special Education (CSE.) If you have concerns about your child’s overall development (physical, emotional, psychological, social, fine/gross motor or speech-language development OR any aspect of your child’s development) you will need to contact your local CSE office and request assistance. Let them know that you would like to have your child evaluated and what your concerns are. The must respond in a timely manner. Please peruse the Parents guide to Special Education to orient yourself on the services available to and the process of seeking assistance for your school-aged child. These services are available to your child regardless of the type of school your child attends. I get calls all of the time from parents whose children are not enrolled in a public school so they feel that services are not available to them, but EVERY child is entitled to Special Education services despite the school they attend! `


In Manhattan, our local CSE(s) offices are:






CSE
District
Address
Phone/Fax




9
1,2,4
333 7th Avenue, 4th New York, NY 10001
P.  (917) 339-1600F.  (917) 339-1450




10
3,5,6
388 West 125th StreetNew York, NY 10027
P.  (212) 342 8300F.  (212) 342-8427






While you are going through the evaluation process and you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Once you have gone through the evaluation process and if you are in need of speech therapy or occupational therapy services, please consider Innovative Therapy Solutions for your therapy needs!

		
			


	





	

		
Understanding Speech and Language Development and When You Should Seek Help For Your Child
		

			Posted on  by Admin		

			


	
			
		
bigstock-Child-speaking-and-alphabet-le-18001274In this 1st of a 2 part series on speech and language development, Speech Language Pathologist Timberly Leite of  Innovative Therapy Solutions, a full-service pediatric speech and occupational therapy facility in Harlem, gives an in-depth review of speech and language development and the age which most monolingual speaking children with accomplish speaking and hearing milestones.  Part 2 will follow next week with details of the procedure for obtaining early intervention for your children. Continue reading "Understanding Speech and Language Development and When You Should Seek Help For Your Child" →

		
			


	





	

		
NYC 2012 Pre-Kindergarten Admissions Period Begins
		

			Posted on  by Admin		

			


	
			
		
Application season for the 2012/2013 school year is in full swing.  Kindergarten admission ended on Friday, and today, the month-long pre-kindergarten session begins.


The NYC Department of Education offers Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) programs for eligible 4 year olds who reside in New York City.  UPK programs


provide a nurturing environment where children’s natural curiosity is used as a springboard to learn skills that are necessary for success in school.  In pre-kindergarten, children learn how to share, take turns and work in groups.  They also develop the skills that form the foundation for reading, writing, and mathematics.


All UPK programs are free of charge.  Programs can be half-day or full-day; half-day programs may take place in the morning or afternoon.  Programs are available at select public schools and at many community-based organizations (CBOs).  CBOs are independent groups that contract with the Department of Education to provide pre-kindergarten programs and other services to families. 

 


Starting today, March 5, you can submit a pre-k application in person at an Enrollment Office or online.  Applications  deadline for public school programs is Thursday, April 5.  The Pre-Kindergarten Directory is available at your local borough enrollment office and at the DOE  pre-k webpage.


Before you begin the application, review the Pre-K directory  and brochure and become familiar with the Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs in your community.  Take time to gather as much information as possible; visit schools and attend open house events or tours.


New York's Universal Pre-K program facts:


- All universal pre-k programs are free of charge for children born in 2008 who reside in New York City


- Even though all 4 year olds are eligible, a seat in a public universal pre-k program is not guaranteed


- Programs can be half day (two and a half hours, AM/morning or PM/afternoon) or full day (six hours and twenty minutes)


- Programs are housed in public schools or in community based organizations, and each has their own separate application process.  You can find the CBO application directory online here.  To apply, contact each site directly to obtain specific information.


- Admissions are NOT first come first serve.  Placement offers are made based on standardized admission priorities.


- Public school spots are given by lottery.  First preference is given to Zoned students with a verified sibling who will be in grades K-5 in the school in September 2012.  Additional admission priorities are detailed in the Pre-K Brochure.


- Applications available online or at a borough enrollment office only.  Do not apply by mail.  You may apply for a number of schools in one submission and rank those schools by order of preference.


There are information sessions in each borough starting next week.  Representatives from the Office of Student Enrollment and the Office of Early Childhood Education will be available at the sessions to answer your questions.  The sessions are often crowded so be sure to arrive early.


Pre-Kindergarten Information Sessions


All sessions will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.


 


Brooklyn


March 12, 2012


Sunset Park High School


153 35th Street


 


Manhattan


March 15, 2012


The High School of Fashion Industries


225 West 24th Street


 


Queens


March 19, 2012


Flushing High School


35-01 Union Street


 


Bronx


March 20, 2012


P.S. 121 Throop


2750 Throop Avenue


 


Staten Island


March 22, 2012


P.S. 69 Daniel D. Tompkins


144 Keating Place


Once your application is complete the waiting begins.  Notifications are not sent out until early June.






		
			


	





	

		
Kindergarten Applications are Due Today
		

			Posted on  by Admin		

			


	
			
		
Today is the last day to submit an application for a spot in a kindergarten class for the 2012-2013 school year in New York City.  All students entering kindergarten in September 2012 must submit an application.  Applications are not considered complete without 2 original documents that verify your address such as a utility bill, rent or mortgage statement.  


To apply, visit your zoned school or any other school(s) you are interested in and eligible to apply to.  Bring your child's birth certificate or passport and 2 documents which provide proof of residence.