[poweroften] NY Intervenes for Public Students; Non-public Students Still Waiting

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Oversight is Law
2. Petition: All Children Deserve an Education - Sign the Petition Now
3. Summer, Sand & Soul – A Day Party With a Purpose - Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets Today

1) Oversight is Law

Governor Cuomo has signed the East Ramapo oversight bill, affirming that the district indeed merits special attention to ensure all students receive the education they deserve.

The law authorizes the State Commissioner of Education to oversee the upcoming district budget to meet students' needs. In addition, the Commissioner can either approve or deny the sales of public assets, capital contracts over $100,000 and reductions in restored programs.

The district will also be eligible for three million dollars in aid for the 2016-17 school year. Here's what will happen, according to the law:

— "In order to receive such funds, the school district in consultation with the monitor or monitors shall develop a long term strategic academic and fiscal improvement plan within 6 months from the enactment of this act." This step is already underway.

— "Such plan shall be submitted to the commissioner for approval."

— "The board of education of the East Ramapo central school district must conduct a public hearing on the expenditure plan and shall consider the input of the community before adopting such plan."

— "The commissioner shall disburse the funds after receiving satisfactory evidence from the East Ramapo central school district that the district has complied with the approved comprehensive expenditure plan and spent such funds pursuant to the approved expenditure plan."

More to come, but the acknowledgement from the Legislature and the Governor that East Ramapo needs state intervention to oversee its budget is an important part of rebuilding trust in our public institutions. While we will need to advocate for continued oversight and additional funds in the years to come (so these e-mail updates are far from over!), fixing the leaky pipe — even for one year, as a start — has been a critical priority in this journey to justice. Thank you to the lawmakers and advocates who made this milestone possible.

If there's one thing I've learned through our advocacy, it's that democracy is slow and hard. I cannot reiterate enough that we are not satisfied and we are not done. But I hope you'll enjoy your fireworks a little bit more this time around. 

– Andrew Mandel

(editor's note: this article was written by Mr. Mandel right before the 4th of July; the lateness is my fault, not his. If you are looking for a great way to celebrate, see the party invite below!)

2) Petition: All Children Deserve an Education

In less than two months, tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic boys will be returning to their Yeshivas where they will continue to be denied a basic education in English, math, sciences, and social studies

unless…

the NYC and NYS Departments of Education act quickly and begin enforcing the laws already in place that require non-public schools to provide an education that is "substantially equivalent" to that of public schools.

Will you speak out on behalf of those helpless children — who are about to be harmed for life — and demand that the city and state take quick action?

You can help make a difference by signing this petition and it only takes two minutes!

Sign the Petition Now

3) Summer, Sand & Soul – A Day Party With a Purpose

Join us for a fun summer day party benefiting critical Children's Programs at the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, serving children attending schools in the troubled school district of East Ramapo, NY. Our venue, Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar in Piermont, NY, has the largest waterfront deck in the region and its own private beach.

WHEN: Sunday, July 31, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
WHERE: Pier 701 Restaurant & Bar – 701 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, NY 10968

We are excited to feature legendary DJ Ruben ("the Bull") Toro. Ruben was a fixture at the famous Club Shelter, and host of #1 rated Kiss Club Classics (Saturday night 98.7FM) and WBLS-FM. Expect a hot summer vibe, with classic soul, funk, house, old & new school favorites, and more.

Tickets will include a buffet-style meal with summer favorites. Feature drink specials will help make this soulful Sunday overlooking the water an event you won't want to miss! Proceeds from this event will go directly to support the Center's Children's Programs.

Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets Today

 

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[poweroften] Election Results; Scholarship Opportunity

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Election Results
2. StrongER Students Group Has Arrived!
3. Rockland Youth Film Festival Accepting Submissions
4. The Hudson Tribes Scholarship Fund

1) Election Results

Many thanks to those who assisted and voted this year. Once again, East Ramapo voter turnout was more than double the numbers from other school districts. One of the #4Women4ALL candidates, Sabrina Charles-Pierre, was elected to serve a three year term.

 

The Budget passed in East Ramapo, as it did in all Rockland districts. It passed despite continuing lack of support from communities that largely send their children to private yeshivas (Jewish religious schools). At one polling place, support for the budget was only 8%!!!  No where else in Rockland was there such a poor showing of support for the public schools.

It was only because the turnout and support at other East Ramapo polling places was so high that the budget passed. Three East Ramapo polling places had over 70% of the voters casting a YES vote!!! No other district in Rockland (perhaps in NY State?) had a polling place with over 70% YES turnout. 

2) StrongER Students Group Has Arrived!

On May 20, East Ramapo students from Ramapo High School and Spring Valley High School held a rally for their education at Memorial Park in Spring Valley, NY. See what the students are saying on Tony Luciano'sYouTube channel. They are using ‪#‎strongERstudents‬ and ‪#‎onlyineastramapo‬. 

3) Rockland Youth Film Festival Accepting Submissions

Presented by the youth from Spring Valley Commons, the EELEF Center, and associated sponsors, RYFF is a yearly international film festival showcasing movies made by filmmakers 21 years old and younger from the Rockland County area and around the world.

RYFF is now accepting film submissions for their 2016 Film Festival.

More info: www.ryff.org/

4) The Hudson Tribes Scholarship Fund

LPZ Media and La Unidad Latina Foundation, in association with Tender Steps of NY, Inc., are partnering to engage and support the students impacted by the events in the East Ramapo School District.

Director John Marco Lopez of LPZ Media captured the sociopolitical divide that exists at the center of the struggling school district in a small Hudson Valley town just north of Manhattan through his film, "The Hudson Tribes". Centered on the issues of public education in the United States, "The Hudson Tribes" serves as a call to action for the East Ramapo community.

LPZ Media and La Unidad Latina Foundation will award 4 scholarships to college bound students who have been adversely impacted by the political and social issues plaguing the East Ramapo School District.

The 4 scholarship recipients will receive $1,000 each, as a onetime award paid directly to the student.

We appreciate your support and assistance in distributing the scholarship applications to high school seniors within Ramapo High School and Spring Valley High School.

Application Link: "The Hudson Tribes" Scholarship Fund
www.lulf.org/apply

Application Deadline: June 9th, 2016

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[poweroften] Vote today!

The following is from Strong East Ramapo:

It's time to vote for ‪#‎4Women4All‬: Kim Foskew, Jean Fields, Natashia Morales and Sabrina Charles-Pierre, four champions of public education running for school board.

Don't know your polling place? Dial 845-577-6015. 

Need a ride? Call Kim at 914-282-1387 or Jean at 845-596-5713. 

Help bring these public school advocates to the decision-making table! 

Make it a great day for East Ramapo,
Andrew

--
State Oversight for East Ramapo
website: www.strongeastramapo.org
facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/strongeastramapo
twitter: StrongERamapo

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[poweroften] Special Edition: Vote Tuesday

Power of Ten Special Edition

Vote Tuesday

Message from our candidates:

1. Please mark your calendars and bring your friends to Vote on Tuesday May 17th!

2. We will be holding phone banks on Monday eve from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm at El Mana restaurant on Main St Spring Valley (across from the Louis Kurtz Center) to remind voters of this important vote. Please let us know if you can help and bring your cell phone! We are also phone banking on Tuesday and can either send you a list or give it to you Monday eve.

3. Polls are open all day Tuesday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm at various locations , if you are available for any amount of time to hand out Palm cards outside of one of the sites please let us know where and when by sending an email to: qnskim39@aol.com

4. Lastly if you are aware of anyone who would like to vote but can not get there please call Kim at 914-282-1387 or Jean at 845-596-5713 and we will either drive them to the polls ourselves or arrange transportation.

Thank you and together we can do this and bring long awaited change and hope to our children and community!

Have a great day and take care,

Kim Foskew, Jean Fields, Natashia Morales, and Sabrina Charles-Pierre

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[poweroften] Celebration, Remembrance, Service, Community

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. #4Women4ALL Event Today (Saturday)!
2. School Board Campaign Opportunity Tuesday April 19
3. Work, Eat, Play April 23
4. Celebration of the Life of Dr. Susan G. Gordon April 24

1) #4Women4ALL Event Today (Saturday)!

What: #4Women4ALL Door to Door Canvassing Day
When: Saturday April 16 at 1:30 PM
Where: Gene Levy Plaza, 200 N. Main St. Spring Valley NY (Parking lot near the police station)

Join us as we visit our neighbors to inform them about the May 17 school board and budget vote.

Sign up online: https://www.facebook.com/events/1729595517318054/

Campaign web page: https://eastramapotogether.wordpress.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/2016EastRamapoCandidates/

2) School Board Campaign Opportunity Tuesday April 19

Can you spare a little time on Tuesday? Please sign up online now! 

3) Work, Eat, Play April 23

By: Families for Education, Keep Rockland Beautiful, and the MArtin Luther King Multi-purpose Center

When: April 23 at from 10 AM to 5 PM
Where: Martin Luther King Multi-purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY

Two events in one day:

1. A Community Clean-up with Keep Rockland Beautiful from 10 am-1:30 pm
2. A Community BBQ from 1:30-5 pm.

Performances by:
The World Famous East Ramapo Marching Band
Dance Attitude
The MLK Step Team

Suggested donation/plate fee is $5.00 

4) Celebration of the Life of Dr. Susan G. Gordon April 24

Dr. Susan Gordon was one of the very special people who made East Ramapo a great school district. She served as president of the school board when the district was considered the best of the best. Sadly she passed away earlier this year.

There will be a celebration of her life on Sunday April 24 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Cultural Arts Theater at Rockland Community College.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the CEJJES Institute in honor of Dr. Susan Gordon.

A personal note: I had the pleasure of attending when Dr. Susan G. Gordon and her husband Dr. Edmund W. Gordon were honored as "Living Landmarks" by the Rockland County Historical Society.  They were quite emphatic that the best way to honor their lifelong work is for each of us to become informed, involved and active. I encourage you to take that sentiment to heart. – Steven White, editor

 

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[poweroften] Work, Eat, Play for a Better East Ramapo

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Thursday Community Forums Continue
2. #4Women4ALL Saturday!
3. Tender Steps April 17
4. Work, Eat, Play April 23
5. Fire Safety Instruction Reveals Tears in Social Fabric

1) Thursday Community Forums Continue

Join us once again as we continue our community conversation about East Ramapo issues. There will be presentations about the statewide push for all day Kindergarten. Meet the Candidates for School Board. Learn how you can be involved. See you there!

April 14 at 7:00 PM
Martin Luther King Multi-purpose Center
110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY

2) #4Women4ALL Saturday!

What: #4Women4ALL Door to Door Canvassing Day
When: Saturday April 16 at 1:30 PM
Where: Gene Levy Plaza, 200 N. Main St. Spring Valley NY (Parking lot near the police station)

Join us as we visit our neighbors to inform them about the May 17 school board and budget vote.

Sign up online: https://www.facebook.com/events/1729595517318054/

Campaign web page: https://eastramapotogether.wordpress.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/2016EastRamapoCandidates/

3) Tender Steps April 17

Tender Steps of New York, Inc. "Building The Bridge" 3rd Annual Fundraiser

Sunday, April 17th, 2016 : 1PM-5PM at The Nyack Seaport, 21 Burd St, Nyack, NY 10960

Keynote speaker: Dr. Betty A. Rosa- Chancellor of the NYS Board of Regents
Guest Speaker: Mr. Kevin Lopez- Executive Director for LPZ Media "The Hudson Tribes"
Comedy by Marc A. Gerber (Comic Strip Live comedian)
Honorees: Luis Nivelo, Jaqueline Polanco-Fernandez, and Ana Vila

for more info contact: (917) 447-7187 tenderstepsofny@gmail.com

4) Work, Eat, Play April 23

By: Families for Education & MLK Muti-purpose Center

When: April 14 at 7:00 PM
Where: Martin Luther King Multi-purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY

As a community we are coming together and hosting (2) events in one day. A Community Clean-up from 10 am-1:30 pm & then community BBQ from 1:30-5 pm. The purpose of the event is to promote unity within the community and allow the community to meet the candidates who are running for East Ramapo School Board seats in the May 17th election. Come out and support your community. We will have performances by the East Ramapo Marching Band, Dance Attitude, and MLK Step Team. Many donations will be raffled off as well as a 50/50. Suggested donation/plate fee from public $5.00

5) Fire Safety Instruction Reveals Tears in Social Fabric

Whenever children are not doing well, we know the fault lies with us, the adults who shape their world. People are often quick to blame educators, but the truth is we are all responsible. Sometimes you have to get up close to see where the problem lies. This is the case with a fire and safety instructor who ended up learning as much from the children as they did from her. These children are living in a labor camp, in housing over-crowded and under-maintained. While their parents are off cleaning and building houses for those who are better off, the children are impacted by the consequences of exploitation and oppression. We are all used to seeing the new glittering castles and manicured shrubberies of suburbia; the groceries bagged and the laundry done by people whose skin is a shade darker than those who live in the rows of shiny new houses. We rarely get a glimpse into the lives of those from the other side of the tracks, and least of all into the hearts and minds of the children who suffer from the insecurities of poverty in a land of plenty. Thanks to a letter writer whose eyes were open, we get to see a little of what lies hidden in their young hearts.

JN Letter to the editor: Fire safety training reveals concerns of East Ramapo children

 

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[poweroften] Monitor Bill Support is Growing

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue

1. School Board Race Underway
2. Tender Steps April 17
3. Strong-ER gets STRONGER!
4. Nice Work, Nanuet 
5. Correction

1) School Board Race Underway

The Journal News: Slate of four candidates campaign for East Ramapo BOE

News 12: School board seats up for grabs in East Ramapo

Campaign website: https://eastramapotogether.wordpress.com/

#4Women4ALL

2) Tender Steps April 17

Tender Steps of New York, Inc. "Building The Bridge" 3rd Annual Fundraiser

Sunday, April 17th, 2016 : 1PM-5PM at The Nyack Seaport, 21 Burd St, Nyack, NY 10960

Keynote speaker: Dr. Betty A. Rosa- Chancellor of the NYS Board of Regents

Guest Speaker: Mr. Kevin Lopez- Executive Director for LPZ Media "The Hudson Tribes"

Comedy by Marc A. Gerber (Comic Strip Live comedian)

Honorees: Luis Nivelo, Jaqueline Polanco-Fernandez, and Ana Vila

for more info contact: (917) 447-7187 tenderstepsofny@gmail.com tenderstepsofny.org

3) Strong-ER gets STRONGER!

NEW HYDE PARK IS WITH US — Great news! New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School District has joined the list of the now SEVEN Long Island school districts that have passed resolutions in favor of oversight with veto power for the East Ramapo School District. You can contact Senator Jack Martins' office at 518-455-3265, letting him know that the New Hyde Park school board is supporting East Ramapo oversight with veto power (Senate Bill 3821), and he should join the bill as a co-sponsor.
Please also send a thank you note for the board to JRoberto@nhp-gcp.org.

4) Nice Work, Nanuet 

NICE WORK, NANUET — The following resolution in favor of East Ramapo oversight with veto power passed the Nanuet School Board in Rockland County last night:
Whereas, with professional guidance from the Superintendent, School Boards are responsible for decision-making and oversight of district funds (in a fiduciary role), infrastructure, resources, personnel, curriculum, and related programs with the overarching goal of providing a high-quality, equitable education for public school students and, as outlined by state law, to provide specific services and resources to private school students residing in the district; and
Whereas, when a Board consistently acts in a manner which diminishes the quality of education for students – public and/or private – stringent oversight is essential; and
Whereas, we concur with the Monitor's report regarding the East Ramapo School District,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. The Nanuet Board of Education supports the appointment of a Monitor with veto power to ensure East Ramapo School Board decisions are in the best interest of all students. 
2. The District Clerk is directed to send this resolution to Assemblymember Ellen Jaffee, Assemblymember Kenneth Zebrowski and State Senator David Carlucci.

5) Correction

A previous article was unclear about the new support for the bill for a monitor with veto power. It should have read:

The Rockland County School Board Association has sent a letter to Governor Cuomo and the chairs of the Education Committees of the Senate and Assembly endorsing the legislation for a monitor with veto power.  Six school boards from across Long Island have also expressed support for the bill by passing resolutions (latest news: now it is seven) in favor of East Ramapo oversight. Two County Executives have Joined with Rockland County Executive Ed Day in calling on Senator Flanagan to stop blocking the bill for a monitor with veto power. Senator Flanagan needs to hear from YOU too. Please sign our petition asking him to visit East Ramapo and see first hand that NY State cannot continue to ignore the crisis in governance of our schools.

 

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