School News: PreK-Spots, G&T Testing, Private School for Gifted, More

A round-up of some recent news stories about New York City schools, plus a random silly video for your viewing pleasure. But first, the news:

City Parents Opting Out of Swine Flu Vaccine. As people around the country clamor for swine flu vaccine, less than half of the students in New York City who are eligible to receive the vaccine in school are expected to do so, reflecting the ambivalence of parents who remain skeptical about the need and effects of the vaccine... [NY Times]

The DOE has announced that it still has 5000 empty Pre-K seats available for this year. Applications must be in by October 30, 2009. If you need free Universal Pre-K this year find a school with Pre-K seats near you and contact the schools directly for registration information.

If you want to have your child tested for GIfted and Talented programs, the deadline is November 6. You can apply to request testing online. Find out more about Gifted and Talented testing on the DOE website.

The New York Times writes about a new private school for gifted children, Speyer Legacy.

The Village Voice writes about the ramifications of the City's hiring freeze for teachers.

For a little bit of fun, check out this parody video Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Version: