[poweroften] Important

Power of Ten Special Edition

Please take a minute to sign this important petition to Commissioner Elia.

This is about education in nonpublic schools. It's important to remember that the majority of children in East Ramapo are in nonpublic schools. These children need and deserve education - have a right to education - just as much as any other child.

It's also important to remember that we, as a society, as a community, cannot thrive, none of us, unless our children, all of our children, are competent and prepared for the future. If we fail to educate, we are abandoning future generations to poverty, suffering, ignorance, and tyranny.

So please take a minute to sign. And please share on social media. Thank you.

Steven White

Editor, The Power of Ten

____________________________________________________________
You received this message as a subscriber on the list:
     poweroften@npogroups.org
To be removed from the list, send any message to:
     poweroften-unsubscribe@npogroups.org

For all list information and functions, see:
     http://npogroups.org/lists/info/poweroften

For more info about Power of Ten: http://poweroften.us/

[poweroften] Equivalency, Test Scores, Competition

Power of Ten Update
In This Issue:
1. Equivalency Petition
2. Test Scores
3. Marching Band Competition

1) Equivalency Petition

Education is a civil right guaranteed by the NY State Constitution. Tens of thousands of children are suffering from educational neglect in yeshivas across New York, including many in East Ramapo. The Chancellor of NYC schools has documented that many non-public schools are not providing educational equivalency while many others are not cooperating with efforts to determine equivalency.The Commissioner of Education has delayed releasing new guidelines for educational equivalency in non-public schools for too long. It's time for us to speak up about these delays.

Send a message to Commissioner Elia, insisting that she release the new guidelines for non-public schools immediately!

Click here to view the petition

2) Test Scores

The NY State testing and assessment results are complicated. NYSED keeps changing the test, making it difficult to compare year to year. However, the differences among Rockland districts is startling. East Ramapo continues to have the lowest proficiency rates in Rockland, 50% lower than our nearest neighbors.

The Journal News has reported the latest test results here

The monitors assigned by NYSED for East Ramapo for the last three years have never provided a true critical analysis of the reasons for continued low test results and low graduation rate. They have never discussed solutions for the long term systemic problems. We continue to be cajoled and flattered about progress made because we passed a bond to pay for renovations, and for progress made due to the influx of state aid. There is no doubt that these things are helpful. However, the district staff can't be reasonably expected to provide unbiased criticism of themselves, and so NYSED must provide that information. For most other districts, the information available on the NYSED website is enough, but East Ramapo has monitors for a reason. At this point, there is not much hope that the current monitors will ever do more than their political assignment, which appears to be to give cover to Albany to do nothing.

3) Marching Band Competition

The world famous East Ramapo Marching Band will host a competition at Spring Valley High School on Saturday, October 6, at 6:00 PM.

There are many great events put on by our students all year long. Sporting Events, Concerts, Theater, and more.

The Marching Band Competition is an event that is sure to entertain and inspire pride.

More details are available on the Marching Band Facebook page.

 

____________________________________________________________
You received this message as a subscriber on the list:
     poweroften@npogroups.org
To be removed from the list, send any message to:
     poweroften-unsubscribe@npogroups.org

For all list information and functions, see:
     http://npogroups.org/lists/info/poweroften

For more info about Power of Ten: http://poweroften.us/

[poweroften] Promises, Promises

Power of Ten Update
In This Issue:
1. Promises, Promises
2. Vote Thursday September 13
3. Local Election Information

1) Promises, Promises

According to reports in ultra-Orthodox media, Governor Cuomo promised the Satmar Rebbe in Brooklyn that he "would not interfere" in matters of education in the ultra-Orthodox sector, in return for the support of the Rebbe.

Power of Ten Readers will remember that earlier this year, Governor Cuomo did weaken educational standards at the request of the ultra-Orthodox.

However, his spokesperson would not confirm or deny whether Cuomo made the comments to the Grand Rebbe, and the Governor told Politico that he has no direct role in oversight and he is sure NY will fully enforce the education law for all schools.

The only logical conclusion is that either:

A) The ultra-Orthodox media is misrepresenting what Gov. Cuomo said

Or

B) Gov. Cuomo is misrepresenting what Gov. Cuomo said.

All of this begs the question "Why would any elected official meet privately with a group that advocates for the educational neglect of children?"

2) Vote Thursday September 13

NY State Primary Election Day is Thursday September 13.

The issues in Albany that directly effect the educational experience of our children are: Funding and Oversight.

On both of these issues, the Democratic-led Assembly has delivered. They have passed bills which fully fund education and they passed the bill for a Monitor with Veto Power for East Ramapo. Assembly members Jaffee and Zebrowski were tireless in their advocacy for our issues.

On both issues, the Republican-led Senate has not delivered. Their funding bills have failed to meet the court ordered funding amounts and they failed to pass the bill for a Monitor with Veto Power for East Ramapo. Complicating matters in the Senate, Democratic Senator Felder and the "Independent Democratic Caucus" (IDC), which includes our own Senator Carlucci, have not supported the Democratic leadership's version of the funding bills.

On both issues Governor Cuomo has not delivered. He has failed to fully fund and he has weakened educational standards.

Voting by itself is not enough, but it is an essential part of our struggle for Justice in East Ramapo. Power yields nothing without demand. Thursday's trip to the voting booth is a chance for each of us to say "I am here, I matter, I will not be invisible."

3) Local Election Information

The most hotly contested race is for NY Senate District 38, where Julie Goldberg is the challenger to incumbent David Carlucci.

There is a lot of good information on local elections from local media sources.

The Journal News: Carlucci-Goldberg primary: Candidates vying for Democratic mantle answer six questions

Preserve Ramapo: Julie Goldberg for State Senate-Sept 13 Primary

____________________________________________________________
You received this message as a subscriber on the list:
     poweroften@npogroups.org
To be removed from the list, send any message to:
     poweroften-unsubscribe@npogroups.org

For all list information and functions, see:
     http://npogroups.org/lists/info/poweroften

For more info about Power of Ten: http://poweroften.us/

[poweroften] Religious Communities Block School Monitors

Power of Ten Update
In This Issue:
1. Religious Communities Block School Monitors
2. Help Our Teachers
3. Anti-Semites and Bloc-Puppets

1) Religious Communities Block School Monitors

It's Deja-vu all over again!

As reported by Alan Singer of DailyKos: Religious Communities with Ties to Andrew Cuomo Block School Monitors

As it turns out, at the same time that we were fighting for a Monitor with Veto Power for East Ramapo, the NYC school chancellor was asked to monitor education in NYC yeshivas.

Readers of Power of Ten will not be surprised to learn that the same anti-education extremists who advocated against the monitor for the school board for East Ramapo are the same ones who are fighting against a monitor for yeshivas in NYC.

What may surprise some is that our elected officials, as reported by Mr. Singer, have been colluding with these anti-education extremists!

#Yeshivagate is generating a lot of of coverage including the New York Times.

With the September 13 elections around the corner, incumbents who have colluded with anti-education extremists should be worried!

2) Help Our Teachers

The East Ramapo Community Fund for Public Education generates community support to fund teacher initiated enrichment programs and expanded learning opportunities for the public school students of East Ramapo.

Power of ten is asking readers to support The East Ramapo Community Fund for Public Education as this school year begins.

3) Anti-Semites and Bloc-Puppets

Being upset about attacks on education by ultra-orthodox Jews does not mean you are an anti-Semite. False accusations of anti-Semitism are disrespectful to those harmed by attacks on education, and they are disrespectful to all Jewish people.

Being upset about attacks on education by ultra-orthodox Jews is not an excuse for saying things which make Jewish people, including ultra-orthodox Jewish people, feel uncomfortable. Jewish people have a valid reason to fear anti-Semitism, and everyone has a responsibility to guard against it.

Talking about these issues is hard. Sometimes you feel like you own what you say, and sometimes you feel like what you've said owns you. That shouldn't be an excuse for silence, but rather a reason to give the other person the benefit of the doubt, because it's as hard for him or her as it is for you.

The crisis in East Ramapo has become a hot topic in political debates and election strategies. Accusations of "anti-Semite" or "bloc-puppet" have become part of the political dialogue. Well-meaning voters may find these simplifications to be an easy shortcut. Malicious political operators may find them to be an easy tool of misdirection.

Education helps people to find better ways to express themselves. Education helps people to understand the dangers of racism. Education helps people to make hard political decisions and not depend on using shortcuts.

Power of Ten supports Education for ALL people.

This is an issue that unites people across the political spectrum. Opponents of Education can only win by using a divide and conquer strategy. They lose when we reach out to each other across political divides. This week, find someone who you disagree with about almost everything else, and have a conversation about why quality education for all children is important to both of you.

 

 

____________________________________________________________
You received this message as a subscriber on the list:
     poweroften@npogroups.org
To be removed from the list, send any message to:
     poweroften-unsubscribe@npogroups.org

For all list information and functions, see:
     http://npogroups.org/lists/info/poweroften

For more info about Power of Ten: http://poweroften.us/

[poweroften] Unequal is Unconstitutional

Power of Ten Update
In This Issue:
1. Unequal is Unconstitutional
2. Understanding Our Hasidic Neighbors
3. Depriving Orthodox Children Of Education Hurts Our Communities

1) Unequal is Unconstitutional

Young Advocates for Fair Education has filed a lawsuit to declare as unconstitutional a new law which sets a lower educational standard for Hasidic children.

Until April 2018, New York State required that every child receive an equivalent education.

Without debate, and under threat of stalling the budget and closing state government, Senator Felder inserted this new law as an amendment to the budget.

Governor Cuomo allowed this to happen and continues to insist that the amendment will "balance the unique needs of yeshivas with the high educational standards we require for every New York student".

Of the thousands of students attending Jewish religious schools in East Ramapo, the large majority attend ultra-Orthodox and Hasidic schools with barely any secular education. The majority of students in 12th grade are not in degree-granting programs. When state tests are administered, the results are abysmal.

Rights which are guaranteed by the Constitution protect the people from opportunistic politicians. The right of a child to an education is a long-settled fact which is enshrined in the New York State constitution. It cannot and should not be undone at the 11^th hour in a smoke-filled back room by Senator Felder or even Governor Cuomo.

However, it is the nature of civil rights that they must constantly be fought for. YAFFED has stepped up and filed a lawsuit. The lawyers are working pro bono, but there are costs that must be paid.

You can help to defend the rights of all children to equivalent education by donating to YAFFED today.

2) Understanding Our Hasidic Neighbors

It is important, when discussing your neighbors, and especially when there are legal and social issues, to take the time to learn something about them. It's important to remember that our Hasidic neighbors love their children, and have as much right as anyone else to want their children to follow in the traditions of their families.

Shulem Deen, renowned author of "All Who Go Do Not Return", has written a review of a new scholarly book about the Hasidic religious movement for the Forward. This is an excellent resource for those wishing to have a better understanding of our Hasidic neighbors.

It's important to understand that every family and every ethnicity in East Ramapo has its own American story, and that is why everyone of us has just as much responsibility to the education of the children as any other one, and why every child has just as much right to education as any other one. In the not so distant past, civil rights were only a dream. Today, we must renew our commitment to the next generation.

3) Depriving Orthodox Children Of Education Hurts Our Communities

The Spring Valley NAACP has been in the forefront of the fight for improved education in East Ramapo public schools. Now, in a letter published in The Forward, Spring Valley NAACP president Willie Trotman and Education Committee Director Dr. Oscar Cohen illustrate the interdependence of all subgroups within our East Ramapo community.

As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, "We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now."

 

____________________________________________________________
You received this message as a subscriber on the list:
     poweroften@npogroups.org
To be removed from the list, send any message to:
     poweroften-unsubscribe@npogroups.org

For all list information and functions, see:
     http://npogroups.org/lists/info/poweroften

For more info about Power of Ten: http://poweroften.us/

[poweroften] This Sunday: Summer Party Benefit for MLK Center Programs

Power of Ten 

Special Edition: SUMMER SAND AND SOUL 2018

SUNDAY, JULY 29TH FROM 1:00 - 5:00 P.M.

100% of ticket sales go directly to support The MLK Center's Children's Programs.

The weather is looking great.  The atmosphere never disappoints.  Pier 701 has donated a complimentary Rum Punch with every ticket and now, THERE'S A TACO BAR on the menu!  It's going to be a great day!

Summer Sand & Soul is two parties in one! 

Outside, is a relaxed summer vibe on deck of Pier 701 – featuring the largest waterfront deck in the region – with its own private beach.

Inside features classic soul, blues and R&B by Sam Waymon and the Magic Band, along with DJ's Tee Groove and Easy Mike spinning your favorite hits.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

____________________________________________________________
You received this message as a subscriber on the list:
     poweroften@npogroups.org
To be removed from the list, send any message to:
     poweroften-unsubscribe@npogroups.org

For all list information and functions, see:
     http://npogroups.org/lists/info/poweroften

For more info about Power of Ten: http://poweroften.us/

[poweroften] Remembering Our Champions

Power of Ten Update

Special Edition: Remembering Our Champions

In this special edition, Power of Ten honors two Champions of Public Education - David Lipman and Pedro Santana

David Lipman

Power of Ten marks the one year anniversary of the passing of David Lipman, an East Ramapo alumnus and parent who served his country with honor and distinction in World War II.

On July 12, 2017 he passed from this world, but his words and deeds live on within our entire East Ramapo community.

Read his amazing story here: http://poweroften.us/in-memoriam/

 

Pedro Santana

Pedro Santana came into our district for only a brief time, and yet his influence is still felt today in the hearts and minds of the many people who knew and loved him, more than four years after his death .

Like David, Pedro was on a mission to make the world a better place. David noted that our school board has "poured bitter herbs on the books of these children" instead of honey, and Pedro worked to heal the children of bitterness with the honey of his unforgettable charismatic personality and his prodigious intellect.

Pedro's story has been immortalized in " My Name is Pedro ", a documentary that explores what public education meant to him - a 'special ed' child from the Bronx - and what he, in turn, meant to public education.

Watch the Trailer

____________________________________________________________
You received this message as a subscriber on the list:
     poweroften@npogroups.org
To be removed from the list, send any message to:
     poweroften-unsubscribe@npogroups.org

For all list information and functions, see:
     http://npogroups.org/lists/info/poweroften

For more info about Power of Ten: http://poweroften.us/