Saturday Test Prep & Review CourseFor more information and to enroll please email us at apusreview@gmail.com, or visit our informational blog athttp://apusreview2009.blogspot.com/

On Monday May 4th, the Brooklyn Borough President is co-sponsoring a New Schools Information Fair. Leaders of new high schools, middle schools and transfer schools located in Brooklyn will be available to meet students, families and school staff and to answer questions about their schools. The event will be held at Brooklyn Borough Hall from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. Interpretation will be available. Please share with your families and school community.Translations and additional information will be posted on the New Schools web page:http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/SpecialPr ograms/NewSchools/defa...

Do Charter Schools actually represent a genuine movement to re-establish community control, parent choice and equitable education for ALL students? Or are they part of a larger movement sweeping the country and turning the public sector of education over to hands of privately run organizations? Do charter schools provide adequate channels for the democratic input of staff and parents? What happens when charter schools deny educators union rights, pensions and benefits?At this forum, we invite teachers, parents, students and community members to consider the role that charter schools play in the larger national agenda to privatize education in the United States. We will discuss the validity of their popular claim to support civil rights by providing parents of “failing” schools other options. Please join us.Charter schools are opening while public schools are closing or being placed in smaller spaces that hinder the expansion of public schools. Charter schools also have stricter admission policies. With all these “at-risk” or “failing schools” closing, where are their students going to go? Who will accept them? Join a discussion on these important topics and more!Co-Sponsored by (list in formation) the Independent Community of Educators (ICE), New York Collective of Radical Educators (NYCoRE), the International Socialist Organization (ISO), Justice Not Just Testscontact: asc.ice.uft@gmail.com, 718-601-4901

Please join Pedro Noguera, Ph.D.Executive Director, Metropolitan Center for Urban Education, New York UniversityAt a Book Signing & Reading forThe Brotherhood/Sister Sol's new curriculumWhy Did This Happen? Content, Perspective, Dialogue: A Workshop Model for Developing Young People's Reflective VoicesBy Susan Wilcox, Ed.D.

When funders cut back, the grantseeker's budget becomes even more crucial to a proposal's success. This workshop shows the best way to present your financial needs to secure funding. Using actual case studies, you will learn new strategies to convince grantmakers that your program or project is a smart financial investment.

eChalk will be hosting a FREE NYC User Group Reception at eChalk headquarters in downtown Manhattan on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 from 5 pm - 7 pm.Attendees will have the unique opportunity to: * Hear from NYC educators about how they are using eChalk at their school * Get a sneak peek of eChalk's Version 10.0 release * Provide us with feedback on upcoming NYC specific enhancements to the eChalk systemRefreshments will be provided.Space is limited so click here to RSVP today! http://www.echalknyc.com/www/echalknyc/site/hostin g/RSVP/RSVP_NEW.html

It's never been more important than in today's uncertain economy for nonprofits to prove the impact of their programs. This course teaches how to adopt the popular outcomes approach to your projects. By focusing on outcomes, you'll write breakthrough grant proposals, and be prepared to report on program results. Registration includes a free copy of Target Setting & Result Verification Guidebook - The Outcome Approach (a $15 value).

You are invited toArt of Learning at Lincoln CenterEducators Resource FairIN CELEBRATION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LINCOLN CENTERTHE SCHOOL OF AMERICAN BALLETNEW YORK CITY BALLETTHE METROPOLITAN OPERALINCOLN CENTER INSTITUTENEW YORK PHILHARMONICTHE JUILLIARDSCHOOLNEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTSTHE CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTERMETROPOLITAN OPERA GUILDJAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTERNEW YORK CITY OPERALINCOLN CENTER PRESENTS MEET THE ARTIST SCHOOL SERIESPlease join representatives from 12 resident art organizations to learn about the wonderful education programs offered by Lincoln Center. Be one of the first to view the newly renovated, stunningly beautiful Alice Tully Hall. Wine and light refreshments to be provided. Thursday, May 7, 20094:00pm - 6:00pmAlice Tully Hall, Broadway at 65th Street Brought to you by Chase Click here for a pdf of the invitation:http://www.lincolncenter.org/pdfs/Art_of_Learning_ Invite.pdf

Visit North Star Academy's Clinton Hill Campus Middle School in Newark, New Jersey. See the structures and routines teachers and staff have put into place to lead their students to high levels of success. Observe high-quality instruction, time-saving procedures and systems, and meet with school leaders about how they push forward student learning. Agenda7:30 Arrive at North Star Academy Clinton Hill Campus 7:45 Observe Morning Circle8:10 Welcome8:40 Tour of school and classroom observations11:15 Debrief observations and lunch12:00 Q & A with school leaders 12:30 A Workshop led by Jesse Rector, Co-Director 2:00 Closing

Monday, May 11, 2009Reception 6:00Program 6:30 - 8:00 PANELISTS:Ana Maria ArchilaCo-Executive Director, Make the Road NYJoel I. KleinChancellor, New York CityDepartment of EducationJoseph ViterittiProfessor, Hunter College;Director, Commission on School GovernanceRandi WeingartenPresident, American Federation of Teachersand United Federation of TeachersModerated by Doug MuzzioProfessor, Baruch College

North Star Academy Charter School, in Newark, NJ, is one of New Jersey's very first charter public schools, and after a decade has also become one of its most celebrated. The achievement gap in Newark is great: according to the 2003 U.S. Census data, Newark ranks as the second poorest city in the country. Upon arriving to North Star in 5th grade, less than 35% of the students are proficient in Literacy and only 15% are proficient in Math as measured by standardized assessments. 100% are students of color (85% African-American, 15% Latino), and 90% qualify for a free/reduced lunch. The results, however, are also great. North Star was hailed by President George W. Bush during his visit as "a jewel of excellence," and the Class of 2004 (100% college matriculation) was touted by the New York Times as a harbinger of New Jersey public education reform. Learn more about why North Star was founded and how it will continue to grow to serve students in Newark on a call with Michael Ambriz, Chief Operating Officer, and Christian Sparling, Director of Operations.

When the going gets tough, successful grantseekers strengthen their proposal writing skills. Our most popular seminar reveals what today's grantmakers look for, and provides insight into their review process. Expert instructors show how to craft a breakthrough proposal package, step by step. Registration includes a free copy of The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, 5th Edition (a $34.95 value).

Behind the Book Reading SeriesJoin us on Thursday, May 14th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at KGB Bar, when Behind the Book hosts another evening of free readings by exceptional writers: Ben Greenman and Christine Schutt.WHAT: The Behind the Book Reading SeriesWHEN: Thursday, May 14th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm -- FREEWHERE: KGB Bar, 85 East Fourth Street(between Second & Third Aves.; take the F/V to Second Ave. or the 6 to Astor Place).CONTACT: info@behindthebook.org or http://www.kgbbar.com/WHO:Ben Greenman-is an editor at The New Yorker and the author of a just-released novel, Please Step Back, published by Melville House in April 2009. He is also the author of several other acclaimed books of fiction, including Superbad, Superworse, and A Circle is a Balloon and Compass Both. His fiction, essays, and journalism have appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Paris Review, Zoetrope: All Story, and Opium, and he writes a regular comedy column for McSweeney’s. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and two children.Christine Schutt-is an award-winning author whose most recent novel, All Souls, available in paperback in June 2009, was a finalist for this year’s Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. She is the author of two short-story collections: Nightwork, chosen by poet Josh Ashbery as the best book of 1996 for the Times Literary Supplement, and A Night, A Day, Another Night, Summer. Her first novel, Florida, was a 2004 National Book Award Finalist for fiction. She has received an O. Henry Prize and Pushcart Prize, among other awards. Ms. Schutt is an editor at NOON and lives in New York. MORE:Behind the Book is a grassroots literacy nonprofit working with low-income students in NYC public schools. Our mission is to excite children and young adults about reading. Working in the K-12th grades, we bring authors and their books into individual classrooms to build literacy skills and nurture a new generation of book readers. www.behindthebook.org

Provide an enjoyable, low-cost field trip for your school and/or community group!The "Origins of Salsa" presentation at Flamenco Latino Studio explores the diverse roots of Salsa and its link to Spain and Africa. This program features live music, singing and interactive student participation. Admission is only $5-7 per student, depending on the size of your group.Flamenco Latino Studio is conveniently located in midtown, has elevator access, restrooms and lobby area. We are looking to book a group between May and end of June so call today!Flamenco Latino Studio244 W 54th St., 4th floorCall Basilio Georges at 212-399-8519 to schedule your field trip!www.flamencolatino.com

We know that without great teachers and leaders, little else matters. Hear how the work of Uncommon staff helps close the achievement gap. During this half hour call, learn more about the leadership experiences of Samantha Tweedy, Howitt Operations Fellow and Co-Director of Instruction at Excellence Girls Charter School. Samantha Tweedy will be the founding Co-Director for Operations of Excellence Girls Charter School. Prior to becoming an Operational Leadership Fellow with USI, Samantha served as the Interim Program Director of the UKA Teacher U Summer Teaching Fellows Program. Samantha was formerly a litigation associate at the law firm of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, a summer associate in the Hogan & Hartson LLP Education Group, and a legal intern at Advocates for Children of New York. During this time, Samantha also served as a Trustee on the Board of Excellence Boys Charter School of Bedford Stuyvesant. Samantha holds a B.A. in Developmental Psychology from Duke University and a J.D. from Yale Law School.

CHARTER SCHOOLS IN HARLEM: Part of the Solution, or Part of the Problem?An Informational Meeting for ParentsGUEST SPEAKERS:AKINLABI E. A. MACKALLco-founder of S.E.E.D.S., Inc. (www.seedswork.org) and on the Coordinating Council of Black New Yorkers for Educational Excellence - BNYEE (www.bnyee.com). He has been a community empowerment researcher, planner and implementer for his entire adult life.MICHAEL FIORILLOESL/English teacher at Newcomers High School in Queens, Public School Parent and Alumnus, UFT Chapter LeaderSponsored by the Grassroots Education MovementGEMnyc@gmail.com 718-601-4901The Grassroots Education Movement is a coalition of groups and individuals fighting against the privatization of education in NYC.

Among their many weekly classes and programs, Flamenco Latino is also offering two exciting, special events this June:Spring Dance Party FundraiserFriday, June 19th, 8PM-12PMLive music, Rumba, Sevillanas, Salsa & More!$15, Snacks and refreshments included.ANDFlamenco Latino Student RecitalSunday, June 21st, 4PMPerformances from both children and adult students in dance, cante & guitar!$10, Snacks and refreshments included.SPECIAL for both events: Only $20 to attend both if paid by June 15!Both events held atFlamenco Latino Studio244 W 54th Street, 4th floorCall to reserve: 212-399-8519 or email aurora@flamencolatino.comwww.flamencolatino.com

The current economic crisis has noticeably affected charitable contributions. The standard approach to foundations requires rethinking. This course helps you understand the new grantmaking objectives of independent, corporate, and community foundations, know how to identify prospects, and gain confidence in securing their support. Registration includes a complimentary one-week subscription to Foundation Directory Online Professional and a free copy of Foundation Fundamentals, 8th Edition (a $34.95 value).

Come see Democracy Prep Theatre Ensemble's amazing production of Annie showing May 28, 29, and 30 at 7pm and Sunday, May 31 at 1:30pm. Adults $10, children $5

What does a teacher need to do to hold his/her students to the highest expectations? What do high expectations look like? What concrete practices should one pursue to raise expectations? Doug Lemov, Managing Director of the True North Charter School Network, worked to answer these questions by observing and videotaping some of the best teachers from among the top urban schools in the country. These observations are used to describe and show the concrete techniques teachers use to raise expectations and drive achievement, including the 100% technique and cold calling. Teachers can replicate these techniques in classrooms immediately. This video database will allow for teachers to advance from good to great.

Democracy Prep Theatre Ensemble presents Annie, a contemporary rendition, with the current economic climate as the background, for this timeless story. The cast is current students at Democracy Prep and the show is directed by the Theatre Director, Ashruf Ghanimah, the Musical Director is Stacy Birdsell and the Choreographer is Ashley High.

The One Voice International Educational Conference offers a forum for an exciting and energizing exchange of ideas on research, best practices, developments, and visions in the field of ethics and education and an exploration into practical solutions for nagging issues. The conference theme, “One Voice,” is based on the philosophy that educators, not politicians or those who finance them have the answers to problems that plague educational systems. By uniting educators and documenting their recommendations and suggested solutions, and amplifying their united voice, The Institute of Elemental Ethics and Education is working to facilitate positive change. You are invited to share your work with your peers, and add your voice to theirs, and become part of the solution.

Larry B. Seabrook, Chairman, New York City Council Civil Rights Committee, is sponsoring "Close the Gap Education Summit." There will be information and discussions on the topic of closing the educational gap. For more information, please call, 718-994-9900 or 212-788-6873.

We know that without great teachers and leaders, little else matters. Hear how the work of Uncommon staff helps close the achievement gap. During this half hour call, learn more about the teaching experiences of David McBride, History Teacher at True North Rochester Prep Charter School.