St. Nick's Michael Rochford, CB 1 District Manager Gerald Esposito, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, Town Square's Susan Anderson, Councilwoman Diana Reyna, and Carolina Asirifi

Town Square's SchoolFEST

The rides, music and beautiful weather were certainly enticing, but the main event drawing hundreds of parents, teachers and children to the parking lot of the Grand Street Campus on Saturday afternoon was SchoolFEST.

Over 50 institutions, from day care centers and high schools to after school and specialized programs convened for the first time in one location to spread the word about their curriculum, and to make a move to draw neighborhood kids back into neighborhood schools.

Enrollment is a problem in the neighborhood. Family residences are being replaced with single-family households, so our schools are suffering,” said Councilwoman Diana Reyna, one of the main organizers of the event. “Neighborhood schools instill a sense of pride in the community. It’s not just self character building, it’s neighborhood character building. We are all weaving a collaborative effort to allow schools a chance to shine.”

Andre McKenzie, a senior at Brooklyn Preparatory High School who volunteered on Saturday, passing out fliers and providing curious parents with literature and information, agreed. “If you go to a neighborhood school, your community is all around you, all the time,” McKenzie said. “It creates a diverse setting.”

The event, organized by Town Square, gave schools an opportunity to solicit new students while providing parents with a chance to explore all their options.

“By providing a setting where our wonderful schools can showcase themselves, we are helping our wonderful students,” said District Committeeman Steve Cohn, another of the event’s organizers. “We wanted this to be something we can just keep building on.”

Additionally, students, parents and volunteers alike got to goof around in the bounce house, learn the electric slide or take a shot at dunking “George W. Bush” while DJ Rick Atson, of Parties on Point, pumped out everything from rap and rock to funk and pop all afternoon.

“I’ve lived in Greenpoint 21 years and didn’t know all of these schools were here,” said Theresa Piaseck, a parent out shopping for schools for her two children, aged seven and four. “Now I really have an idea of what schools are here and what they have to offer.”

Similarly, Christina and George Roushakes were pleasantly surprised. “We live in Williamsburg, and when we thought our son was going to be an only child, we originally thought, definitely private school,” said Christina Roushakes, mother of a three-year-old and a one-month-old. “But now, after having a second child, public school is becoming a more attractive option. We want the best possible environment for our children, and this event is great because, we just want to know where we’re starting from.”

In addition to students, parents and educators, SchoolFEST was a star-studded event, attended by many of the district’s elected officials.

“The school choice system gives parents a lot to figure out,” said Councilman David Yassky, who spent several hours at the event, making rounds and shaking hands. “Parents are confused by all the options before them and the processing of picking a school. That’s why SchoolFEST is a terrific idea I want to support.”

Yassky, well known for his work in education, spent some of his time at the event playing chess with the storied chess champions at I.S. 318. “I’m proud, I did not lose both games,” said Yassky. “I split — one to one.”
Councilwoman Reyna emphasized how important the event was for schools to show off how much they’ve improved, and demonstrate the rigorous education programs available right here in the neighborhood.

“They used to call us Educated Dummies, a nickname for E. D., the Eastern District. We are desperately trying to break through that stigma,” said Reyna. “I wanted to have SchoolFEST at the Grand Street Campus because it is a perfect example of how far we’ve come: It houses 3 institutions, with an amazing track and field. It just shows the potential for change and improvement.”

Most schools worked hard to demonstrate their strengths to shopping parents, showcasing art work by students, handing out flyers and even showing off after school programs with performances by the school band or chess matches.

“We are here to show everyone what a wonderful school we are. We feel this is an opportunity for people to get exposed to every school in our district, and each school has something different and special to offer,” said Joanne Strauss, a fifth grade teacher at P.S. 132.

As the day went on, it became clear that the event was a smash success, impressing all of those who attended.

“I think this is one of the most ingenious ideas yet,” said Assemblyman Joe Lentol, who was at SchoolFEST snacking on a pretzel and wandering through the many rows of impressive booths. “Parents can come hear about schools from the horse’s mouth, and make smart, intelligent decisions about where to send their children.”

As for chess? “I’m steering clear,” said Lentol, who spent the afternoon avoiding the chess tables. “I don’t want to lose. These kids are much smarter than I am.”