Time to Start Thinking About May

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. 2016 Candidates Forum January 28 – This Thursday
2. StrongER Needs You!
3. Keep Rockland Beautiful’s Annual Meeting – Wednesday
4. Children’s Legislative Forum Feb 5

1) 2016 Candidates Forum January 28

Its time to start thinking about the May school board and budget vote! Last year’s candidates have maintained a presence on social media to give this year’s candidates a head start. You can help by encouraging others to think about becoming candidates for school board. Or maybe you might be interested yourself?

What: 2016 School Board Candidates Forum
Where: Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY 10977
When: Thursday January 28 at 7:00 PM

Those who wish to run this year should fill in this google form.

The purpose of the forum is to discuss the issues concerning the quality education in our district, and to give those who would like to run for school board in 2016 an opportunity to present themselves to the community.

2) StrongER Needs You!

We need to reach all of the New York State Senators, and you can help:

Think of the people (friends, relatives, contacts) who live in New York State.  Send a message to them, pointing them to www.strongeastramapo.org/action, where they can very easily support us by just clicking on the link for their Senator. 

Here is a sample note that you can send to your friends:

Dear Friends,

As you may know, there’s a big injustice happening in the East Ramapo School District. The board has slashed services to the public schools and diverted funding to the exclusive private schools where their own children attend. Two different studies and four different experts have come to the same conclusion: the state needs to appoint a monitor who can reverse the decisions of this board when they are not in the best interests of the public school students. We need to pass a statewide bill in the Legislature to make this local change possible.

I am volunteering to help address this issue, and  I ask you to take just one moment to visit www.strongeastramapo.org/action, and send a message to your State Senator, indicating that you stand in solidarity with me and the children attending public school.

Thanks so much.

3) Keep Rockland Beautiful’s Annual Meeting

Wed, January 27th @ 7:00 PM
Ramapo Cultural &
Performing Arts Center
64 N. Main Street, Spring Valley

~ A festive reception & lively conversation about KRB’s plans for 2016

~ Election of the 2016 Board of Directors

~ Featured Speaker: Richard Fuller

Rich is a Clarkstown resident and author of The Brown Agenda. He will be speaking about how he has been involved in cleaning up some of the most toxic sites around the world, many directly affecting child mortality rates. It’s so inspiring to see what can be accomplished by an individual who is able to think creatively and build coalitions to get things done!!!

KRB is excited to be hosting this event in a wonderful venue in the heart of Ramapo. We are looking forward to building on our relationships with nearby civic organizations, churches/synagogues, schools, government officials, etc. We hope to support the area with growing civic engagement and environmental awareness. So if you know anyone who lives in Ramapo or has an interest in the region, please be sure to invite them along!!

RSVP: info@keeprocklandbeautiful or call (845) 708-9164

4. Children’s Legislative Forum

Child Care Resources of Rockland, Inc., in conjunction with the Rockland Children’s Advocacy Network and its members, host a Children’s Legislative Forum every year to discuss how families, children, youth and the early care and education community are faring in Rockland County.

The Behavioral Health Challenges for Children Birth to Five Years in Rockland County
Friday, February 5, 2016
8:00 am-10:00 am | Breakfast: 7:30 am – Register now

Rockland Community College
Technology Center ● Ellipse Room
145 College Road ● Suffern, NY 10901

Please RSVP: 845.425.0009 x0 | info@rocklandchildcare.org

Parents to Albany: You WILL Fix This!

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. 2016 Candidates Forum January 28
2. StrongER Gets Albany Attention
3. Parents Sue NY State For Education Runaround
4. Children’s Legislative Forum Feb 5

1) 2016 Candidates Forum

What: 2016 School Board Candidates Forum
Where: Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley, NY 10977
When: Thursday January 28 at 7:00 PM

Its time to start thinking about the May school board and budget vote! Last year’s candidates have maintained a presence on social media to give this year’s candidates a head start. You can help by encouraging others to think about becoming candidates for school board. Or maybe you might be interested yourself?

Those who wish to run this year should fill in this google form.

The purpose of the forum is to discuss the issues concerning the quality education in our district, and to give those who would like to run for school board in 2016 an opportunity to present themselves to the community. 

2) StrongER Gets Albany Attention

Politico NY, “the essential news source for and about the most powerful people in New York”, reported that about 100 parents and supporters traveled to Albany to advocate for a monitor with veto power for East Ramapo, putting East Ramapo in the top tier of advocacy issues at the State of the State event! The event was also covered by our own News 12.

We now need to reach all of the New York State Senators, and you can help:

Think of the people (friends, relatives, contacts) who live in New York State.  Send a message to them, pointing them to www.strongeastramapo.org/action, where they can very easily support us by just clicking on the link for their Senator. 

Here is a sample note that you can send to your friends:

Dear Friends,

As you may know, there’s a big injustice happening in the East Ramapo School District. The board has slashed services to the public schools and diverted funding to the exclusive private schools where their own children attend. Two different studies and four different experts have come to the same conclusion: the state needs to appoint a monitor who can reverse the decisions of this board when they are not in the best interests of the public school students. We need to pass a statewide bill in the Legislature to make this local change possible.

I am volunteering to help address this issue, and  I ask you to take just one moment to visit www.strongeastramapo.org/action, and send a message to your State Senator, indicating that you stand in solidarity with me and the children attending public school.

Thanks so much.

3. Parents to NY State: Stop Passing the Buck!

East Ramapo Parents are sick and tired of getting the runaround from NY State Education Dept. The have filed a lawsuit to force the state to intervene in the governance of the district. The parents are represented pro bono by Brad Elias of O’Melveny & Myers, and David G. Sciarra and Wendy Lecker of Education Law Center.

4. Children’s Legislative Forum

Child Care Resources of Rockland, Inc., in conjunction with the Rockland Children’s Advocacy Network and its members, host a Children’s Legislative Forum every year to discuss how families, children, youth and the early care and education community are faring in Rockland County.

The Behavioral Health Challenges for Children Birth to Five Years in Rockland County
Friday, February 5, 2016
8:00 am-10:00 am | Breakfast: 7:30 am – Register now

Rockland Community College
Technology Center ● Ellipse Room
145 College Road ● Suffern, NY 10901

Please RSVP: 845.425.0009 x0 | info@rocklandchildcare.org

We did it! Here are the next steps:

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. We surpassed our goal!
2. Phone the Governor
3. Martin Luther King Day
4. 2016 Candidates Forum

1) Fundraising Goal Surpassed!

Thanks to everyone who donated to our campaign, and special thanks to those who responded to yesterday’s appeal!

We raised $2,290 in 24 hrs to blow past our $25,000 fundraising goal for this campaign!

2) Call Gov. Cuomo

The debate over how to help the East Ramapo district will be among the top issues facing the state Legislature this year. It deserves to be mentioned in the Governor’s State of the State address on Wednesday.

Please now take 30 seconds to call the Governor’s office. The number is 1-518-474-8390, then press 3 to talk with a person. You can say, “I am calling to ask the Governor to include support for strong oversight for the East Ramapo School District in his State of the State Address.”

3) Martin Luther King Day

The sixth annual Martin Luther King Celebration 2016 will take place on Monday, January 18th. It will be a remarkable event with 117 sponsors and 100’s of supporters. The whole community is invited. The admission is free and food will be provided for everyone free of charge. Weldon McWilliams IV is the keynote speaker and there will be exceptionally good entertainment.

Please help us get the word out so we fill Ramapo High School in a great Unity Celebration which not only honors the great work of Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement but examines what has to be done to make our community, the nation and the world a better place for all.

What: Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Where: Ramapo High School, 400 Viola Rd, Spring Valley NY

When: Monday, January 18th from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Details: http://mlkmpc.org/2016/01/08/2016-martin-luther-king-day-celebration-ramapo-high-school/

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1745327839029244/

4) 2016 Candidates Forum:

Its time to start thinking about the May school board and budget vote!

Last year’s candidates have maintained a presence on social media to give this year’s candidates a head start.

We will hold a public forum on Thursday January 28 to give an opportunity for all who would like to run for school board in 2016 to present themselves to the community. 

Our goal is to strengthen the unity in our community, and to provide the very best support to a unified slate of candidates.

You can help by encouraging others to think about becoming candidates for school board. Or maybe you might be interested yourself? The Center for Public Education says a good school board candidate should: have vision and goals for high academic achievement for all students; be able to inspire parents and other stakeholders to have confidence in the local public schools; enhance the mix of skills and backgrounds on the board; and help the school board represent the diversity of the community.

Those who wish to run should fill in this google form.

What: 2016 School Board Candidates Forum

Where: Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center

When: Thursday January 28 at 7:00 PM

Special Edition: Advocates for Justice

Power of Ten

Special Edition: Advocates for Justice

It seems like almost every time you pick up a newspaper there is some new injustice being done to the students of East Ramapo. You may ask yourself why isn’t someone doing something? Well, Advocates for Justice, a public interest, not-for-profit law firm has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks to hold those accountable to justice, and for the court to order an end to the school board’s abusive and unconstitutional practices.

Advocates for Justice represents parents and students for free, but has undertaken a fund-raising campaign to raise $25,000 for ongoing court expenses.

Thanks to many small donations from community members, to date they have raised $23,452 or 94% of the goal!!!

They have extended the campaign – one last time – to January 15.

With 5 days left, your tax deductible donation is urgently needed.

Please donate today!

Beloved Educator Passes; The Effect of Failed Budgets on Education

Power of Ten Update

In This Issue:

1. Beloved Educator Passes 
2. Second Monitor Reiterates: No More Aid Without Veto Power
3. The Effect of Failed Budgets on Education
4. Join Us in Albany

1) Beloved Educator Passes

Patricia Simmons, beloved principal of Fleetwood Elementary, passed away on December 27. She was a true friend and cared deeply for the children she served. She was never afraid to speak truth to power.

The Journal News: East Ramapo elementary school principal dies

The Journal News: Simmons lifted her school, her staff, her children

NAACP statement on her passing: Pat Simmons, A Quiet Smile

2) Second Monitor Reiterates: No More Aid Without Veto Power

Dennis Walcott was interviewed by the Journal News about his report to the NY State Board of Regents. He explains his support for a monitor with veto power. He reiterates the findings of Hank Greenberg, who found that the problems are not the fault of any one person or group of people, but is an inherent flaw in the system of delegating control to a local agency.

3) The Effect of Failed Budgets on Education

 4) Join Us in Albany

Last year we rallied and lobbied in Albany for a bill which would have provided a monitor with veto power for East Ramapo. Our efforts were successful in getting the bill passed by the Assembly, but it was blocked from even being considered by the leader of the Senate.

Albany has a two year cycle for bills, which means the bill could still become law in 2016. We will again do everything in our power to make this happen. Not because it is the answer to all of the problems, but because it is the best first step we have at our disposal at this point in time. We are being told that it is possible that the bill will pass, and that the one thing most needed for it to pass is public pressure. From you!

There will be buses, but you must register in advance. You can register for the bus or get information on carpooling or going on your own at: http://www.strongeastramapo.org/jan-13/