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School News: Kindergarten Admissions, New School Reviews, Playgrounds, More

2/2/10 - By Anna Fader

The NYC public school landscape is ever shifting like the sands of the Sahara. We try to keep on top of it. Here's the latest news about kindergarten admissions, new schools, an investigation into toxins in some schools, and how having recess before lunch could be better for kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Kindergarten admissions began today for NYC public schools. InsideSchools has a full report on the process for different areas of the city.

After a bitter battle between parents over the rezoning of Lower Manhattan, the 4 local public schools now have temporary zones. Inside Schools has posted brand new reviews of the new Spruce Street School and PS 276.

The DOE is investing $12 million in new playgrounds for 70 NYC public schools. 30 will be completed in 2010. The initiative is aimed at helping children be more active.

And a school in Gravesend, Brooklyn will have an edible schoolyard next year. The edible schoolyard is a program from Berkeley's Chez Panisse restauranteurs school program.

A new private high school is opening in Greenwich Village. The Grace Church School, Currently a K-8 is adding a high school.

Toxins at NYC Public Schools: Some schools have been found with toxic window caulk from years ago and other toxins are being currently used, despite regulations against it.

Schools find recess BEFORE lunch is better for kids. Kids eat more after recess and settle back into the classroom more easily if they have lunch time as a buffer. It's all in the details.

About the Author

Anna Fader

Founder of Mommy Poppins

A fourth-generation Brooklynite, Anna started Mommy Poppins in 2007 to help families find the best things to do with kids in NYC, with a particular emphasis on sharing activities that are free, affordable, and enriching. The site, used by millions of families, has grown to become the ultimate resource for parents in the major US cities, plus travel guides for 100s of destinations.

Anna is a believer in the magic of summer camps, traveling with kids, and that you can raise kids on a budget and still have a rich life full of amazing memories. Anna's first Mommy Poppins book, The Young Traveler's Journal and Activity Book, published in 2025 and co-written with her daughter, Amelia Eigerman, brings that ethos to life, in addition to this website.

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