SchoolFEST to Return Next Week

It’s been five years since Town Square organized the first SchoolFEST, which was held at the Grand Street Campus in September 2008. On Saturday, September 29th, “the ultimate open house” returns, with all North Brooklyn schools (day care to high school, private and public) invited to showcase and promote their programs to prospective students and parents in a single location, PS 84 at 250 Berry Street.

“We have a lot of new schools and organizations that have sprung up this year,” said Town Square Executive Director Susan Anderson. Staying true to the event’s mission, Anderson invited them all, from newly opened charter school Success Academy, who will have a table, to Citizens of the World Charter School, who won’t. There will also be several new daycare and enrichment centers represented. “Due to budget cuts, a number of longstanding daycare centers are closing,” said Anderson. “As a result, we have a severe shortage of seats for nursery students.” At SchoolFEST, parents will learn what options are available to them and how to navigate the application process.

Workshops on various educational topics will be offered throughout the day. District 14 Superintendent Alicja Winnicki will present “Fire-Up Your Reading” with faculty from PS 34, giving parents a lesson in reciprocal teaching for children of any age. “Parents will walk away with ideas, conversation starters and bookmarks that are ready to use when they are reading to their children,” Winnicki explained. Jessica Glorieux of Motherburg will discuss some of the challenges of childcare in North Brooklyn, and New York League for Early Learning (NYL) Greenpoint School will give a presentation on special needs students.

Anderson is also planning follow up seminars in October, including one on how to register for Pre-K and another explaining the registration process for middle school.

In keeping with Anderson’s theme of “bigger and better” each year, student performances will be front and center at SchoolFEST, with Williamsburg Movement and Arts Center’s (WMAAC) Lakey Evans-Pena leading students she has worked with through her partnerships with local schools.

SchoolFEST 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012 – 12:00PM – 4:00PM
PS 84 – 250 Berry Street

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