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| Thank you as always for subscribing to NIA's monthly newsletter. For daily updates on our programs, events and activities please follow NIA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Read on to learn about NIA's community events, educational activities and upcoming engagements. Included in this month's newsletter is coverage of NIA's Senior Proms, after-school program activities and a spotlight on NIA's Ready Readers initiative. | |
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| WELL READ NIA's after-school programs at PS 186 ExpandED, PS 627 Brighter Choice and PS 52 COMPASS participate in the Ready Readers program which is made possible by the Brooke Astor Fund for New York City Education. Ready Readers provides reading-based educational activities for first through third graders, and aims to improve reading comprehension, build engagement, collaboration, and spark imagination.
Last fall, NIA/PS 186 and NIA/PS 627 launched Rising Readers programs, funded by the Altman Foundation, and in partnership with ExpandED Schools. Rising Readers is aimed at fourth and fifth grade students, and is designed to support participants in becoming lifelong readers through the implementation of student-led book clubs. Participants read and discuss texts with connections to social-emotional growth, and develop hands-on projects at the end of each unit.
NIA's Ready Readers staff from NIA/PS 186, NIA/PS 52 and NIA/PS 627 Brighter Choice, led by Literacy Manager Kathy D'Antuono, recently attended the program's final Community of Practice event of the school year. The staff shared the many highlights and successes from their programs with other organizations involved with Ready Readers, and received Barnes & Noble gift cards from ExpandED Schools. NIA's Ready Readers staff also shared new ideas and resources they've gained throughout the school year. The celebratory event was held at Barnes & Noble in Union Square. NIA is proud of our Ready Readers staff for all of their hard work and dedication. They are doing very important work that will impact young people's lives for many years to come. | |
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| PROM NIGHT With the support of Assemblyman Peter Abbate, Councilmember Justin Brannan, Borough President Eric Adams, Councilmember Carlos Menchaca and Councilmember Mark Treyger, NIA hosted three Senior Prom events at Rex Manor. NIA President Michael A. Bové and NIA Executive Director Rosa Casella hosted the events and thanked the seniors in attendance for coming, and for their many contributions to the community throughout the years. Military Veterans were also given a special thanks for their service. NIA participants from IS 281 served as ushers for the event, and made sure every senior had a wonderful night. | |
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| SUMMER FUN! NIA and Councilmember Justin Brannan present the NIA Summer Festival made possible through a grant from the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development. All in the community are welcome to attend! Activities will include performers, bouncy houses and carnival games. Food and snacks will also be available. For more information contact info@niabklyn.org. | |
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| EVERYBODY DANCE NOW! The dance team from the NIA/IS 281 SONYC and CASA after-school program participated in the 12th annual New York City Dance Parade. The parade takes place throughout Midtown Manhattan and includes more than 80 styles of dance from all over the world. Thousands attend the event which promotes diversity, cultural equity, and emotional and physical health. The NIA/IS 281 dance team entertained spectators on a specially made NIA float! NIA Supervisor Vera Ekht, NIA/IS 281 Program Director Kevin Richtback and NIA Dance Instructor Julie Rubin chaperoned the event and made sure everyone had a safe and fun time! | |
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| ExpandED SCHOOLS VISITS NIA/PS 627 BRIGHTER CHOICE | |
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| SPECIAL VISITORS Executive members from both the Brooke Astor Fund and the Altman Foundation, ExpandED Schools and NIA CEO Mary Anne Cino made a special visit to NIA/PS 627 Brighter Choice to observe the site's Ready and Rising Readers Programs. Visitors observed a variety of reading activities and book clubs. NIA after-school programming strives to make a positive impact on our participants' minds. The visit ended with a panel discussion led by Program Director Nella Mupier. The panel consisted of four participants who spoke about the impactful, educational experiences they've gained from being a member of Ready or Rising Readers. NIA thanks the Brooke Astor Fund, the Altman Foundation, and ExpandED Schools for visiting our program, and for their valued partnership and support of NIA/PS 627. | |
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| THE IMPACT OF NYC MEN TEACH NIA congratulates NIA/PS 627 BCCS staff members Oliver Pierre, Richard Nunez, Chris Minott, and Marquise Powell, and NIA/IS 30 staff member Omar Ali for their successful year as Men Teach Anchors. This year Oliver, Richard, Chris, Marquise, and Omar served as NYC Village Pathways Men Teach Anchors. This initiative is designed to develop and prepare men of color for careers in teaching. Throughout this year, they have attended trainings, workshops, professional development opportunities, and networking events all in an effort to strengthen their skills as educators. Richard, Chris, Marquise, and Omar recently participated in a teaching spotlight demonstration and were evaluated by veteran educators from the NYC Men Teach community. From there, only 8-10 of the most highly rated anchors were selected to present at the NYC Village Pathways Showcase, held on June 2 at Columbia University. All four were given an elite invitation to present at Saturday's culminating event. Chris and Marquise were nominated by the NYC Men Teach community for Outstanding Village Pathway Anchor of the Year. After some 2,000 votes were cast, Marquise was named the winner of this prestigious award! Congratulations to Marquise, Omar, Chris, Richard, and Oliver for your magnificent work! It has been an honor watching you shine this year and to see your efforts celebrated. Special thanks are due to NIA/PS 627 BCCS Program Director Nella Mupier, NIA at PS/IS 30 Program Director Darryl Robinson, Ms. Wise who served as the NIA/PS 627 BCCS Men Teach Mentor, Ms. Frasier from NIA/PS 627 BCCS, and NIA Director of Education Sarah Harlow for serving as the coordinating force behind the NIA and Men Teach Partnership for our anchors! | |
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| SING YOUR HEART OUT The NIA at PS/IS 30 SONYC after-school program performed a stunning rendition of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast Jr." Participants wore intricately designed costumes, performed stunning choreography and sang beautifully throughout the performance. NIA participants not only performed on stage, but served as set designers, crew members, and sound techs as well. Everyone involved in the production absolutely shined as they told a "Tale as Old as Time." | |
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| NIA/PS 10 performed Disney's "Lion King Jr." After-school participants spent several weeks designing the set, costumes and props for the production. The colorful performance was a roaring hit! Participants also performed in the musical and wowed parents, school staff and their peers. | |
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| The NIA/IS 303 SONYC after-school program dazzled audiences with their production of Disney's "Aladdin Jr." The performance showcased amazing costuming and memorable musical numbers. Throughout the performance NIA/IS 303 participants also performed astounding dance numbers during scene changes. The special production did an incredible job of highlighting NIA/IS 303's visual and performing arts program in a fun and unique way! | |
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| The NIA/IS 187 SONYC after-school program put on a lively production of "Willy Wonka Jr." The musical featured a great cast that wonderfully performed the classic musical. Audiences were amazed by the vibrant musical that featured everything from dozens of Oompa Loompas, beautiful costumes, a colorful set and an amazing backstage crew that made sure the show was a big hit! | |
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| TAKE THE STAGE NIA/PS 186 ExpandED was invited to perform at the District 20 Performing Arts Festival. Participants showcased a dance number, drumming and cheerleading. The festival is part of a monthlong celebration of Arts Education Month.
The NIA/PS 52 COMPASS after-school program performed a grand Disney Revue which featured several musical numbers from popular Disney films. The rousing performance was a hit with everyone in attendance! | |
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| STAR WARS DAY & CINCO DE MAYO | |
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| MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU NIA's Beacon Community Center at PS 247 held a special Cinco de Mayo and Star Wars Day family event. The celebration included a live mariachi band, food, face painting, traditional Mexican outfits and attendees clad in Star Wars costumes. The Force was strong with this celebration!
NIA/PS 10 celebrated Star Wars day with a special art project. Participants created lightsabers using art and craft materials. They'll be Jedi Knights in no time! | |
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| The NIA/IS 609 SONYC after-school program also celebrated Cinco de Mayo. Participants had a feast of tacos with chips and salsa, and listened to traditional Mexican music throughout the celebration. | |
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| ZUMBA! NIA/PS 186 ExpandED held their second outdoor Zumba event of the school year. Participants led fellow classmates in several Zumba routines, danced and also sang "We Are the World" for their peers. The event highlights the importance of building a strong body with healthy physical activity! | |
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| The NIA/PS 52 COMPASS after-school program held a special Mother's Day activity where moms spent the afternoon with participants painting frames. The flower shaped frames were gifted to the moms after they were finished. The fun family arts and crafts activity was enjoyed by all! | |
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| The NIA/IS 609 SONYC after-school program recently held two special activities. The first activity was a paint and punch lesson where participants enjoyed delicious fruit juice punch as they learned how to paint a beautiful nature scene. NIA/IS 609's second special activity was an ice cream social and open mic performance. Participants enjoyed ice cream and also performed poems and songs about ice cream. Overall, the event was very cool! | |
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| NIA/PS 229 SONYC after-school program participants learned how to make pasta salad in an educational and engaging cooking class. Participants mixed noodles, olives, mozzarella and tomatoes together to make a delicious pasta salad. Cooking is a great interactive activity to help participants learn a valuable life skill, and uses abilities learned from STEM education! | |
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| NIA's Beacon Community Center at PS 247 hosted a gaming and card game tournament. The special event was a great way for participants to make new friends, and emphasizes strategic, problem solving and mathematical skills to get an upper hand on your opponent. | |
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| WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Congratulations are in order for two of NIA's teams! The NIA/IS 187 SONYC after-school program girls basketball team went undefeated in regular season play. They'll be the top team going into the upcoming NIA basketball league playoffs. Best of luck!
The soccer team from the NIA at PS/IS 30 SONYC after-school program won the New York Film Festival World Cup. They competed in a total of six games, and took home the trophy after several hard fought victories. Keep on kicking! | |
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| ON THE HORIZON NIA plans to begin operation of pre-k after-school programs throughout Brooklyn's District 20 in the 2018-19 school year. More information will be available soon. For the latest updates follow NIA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and at www.niabklyn.org. | |
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| NIA IS A CBO SNAP UNIT FOR CURRENT SNAP RECIPIENTS: SNAP recertification can now be done at the NIA Main Office for current SNAP recipients. Those receiving SNAP and disability combined benefits must recertify at their center.
FOR NEW APPLICANTS: Seniors, families and individuals are eligible for pre-screening for SNAP benefits. Applicants must be 22 years of age or older.
TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Senja Frangipani, Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, 718.236.5266, snap@niabklyn.org.
Pre-screening can be done over the phone. | |
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| HELP WITH HEAP NIA offers assistance with the HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) application process. NIA does not provide Energy Assistance, but will assist with the application process during the enrollment period. Household members under the age of 6, age 60 or older, or permanently disabled individuals may apply. Find more information about HEAP via the New York State website here.
For more information about assistance with the HEAP application process please contact the NIA main office by phone at 718.236.5266 or by email at info@niabklyn.org. | |
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| EPIC HELP NIA offers assistance with the EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) application process. NIA does not provide the insurance coverage itself, but will assist with the application process, and offer any necessary information regarding EPIC. Find more information about EPIC via the New York State Department of Health website here.
For more information about assistance with the EPIC application process please contact the NIA main office by phone at 718.236.5266 or by email at info@niabklyn.org. | |
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| PREVENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE The NIA domestic violence awareness program, supported by a grant from the NYS Department of Criminal Justice, and sponsored by State Senator Martin J. Golden, aims to increase the public's awareness of the signs of domestic violence, elderly abuse and relationship abuse. The program also intends to provide available resources for youth, adults and seniors in need.
MORE RESOURCES:
HOTLINES: NYS Domestic Violence Hotline, 800.942.6906 NYC Domestic Violence Hotline, 800.621.4673 National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, 866.331.9474 NYC Child Abuse Services, 866.342.3720 | |
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| YOUR DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED NIA depends on the generosity of public, individual, corporate and foundation donor to continue providing programs and services to our community. Please consider making a donation. Thank you for your support. | |
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