Saturday, February 11, 2017

MAYOR DE BLASIO, CHANCELLOR FARIÑA ANNOUNCE HIGHEST-EVER GRADUATION RATE


Graduation rate rises to 72.6 percent and dropout rate hits low of 8.5 percent with largest improvements for Hispanic and Black students

   Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carmen Fariña today announced that New York City’s four-year high school graduation rate hit a historic high in 2016 – 72.6 percent. The dropout rate fell to the lowest ever – 8.5 percent. The improvements in both graduation and dropout rates were highest for Hispanic and Black students. Every single borough saw its graduation rate increase and dropout rate decrease – with the highest increase in graduation rate in the Bronx.

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña’s Equity and Excellence for All agenda will build on this progress, ensuring that by 2026, 80 percent of students graduate high school on time and two-thirds of graduates are college ready.  Equity and Excellence for All is building a path from pre-K to college and careers for every child in every neighborhood in New York City.

“Our public schools are unquestionably the strongest they’ve ever been – we’re graduating more students than ever before, and we are on track to reach our Equity and Excellence for All goal of 80 percent of students graduating on time,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “From Day 1, we’ve believed in the promise of our public schools as the ladder to success for all New Yorkers, and we are raising the bar at every school in every zip code.” 

“Our record-high graduation and the record-low dropout rates are a testament to the hard work of our students, their families, and our educators,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “Our focus has always been on the work going on in every classroom, and that’s where it’s going to stay. While this is a day to celebrate progress, we’re working harder than ever to improve instruction and provide equity and excellence for all students.”

The rates below are the graduation and dropout percentages among the cohort of all students who entered 9th grade in the fall of 2012. All percentage point changes are comparisons to the previous year.

·         The graduation rate rose to 72.6 percent, a 2.1 point gain
·         The dropout rate fell to 8.5 percent, a 0.5 point decrease

Graduation rates improved across all ethnicities, with Hispanic and Black students posting the highest gains:

·         Hispanic students’ graduation rate increased to 66.9 percent, a 2.9 point gain
·         Black students’ graduation rate increased to 68.1 percent, a 2.6 point gain
·         Asian students’ graduation rate increased to 85.6 percent, a 0.6 point gain
·         White students’ graduation rate increased to 82.1 percent, a 0.1 point gain

Dropout rates fell or remained the same across all ethnicities:

·         Hispanic students’ dropout rate fell to 11.2 percent, a 0.7 point decrease
·         Black students’ dropout rate fell to 8.8 percent, a 0.6 point decrease
·         Asian students’ dropout rate fell to 4.6 percent, the same as last year
·         White students’ dropout rate fell to 4.8 percent, a 0.4 point decrease

Graduation rates increased and dropout rates fell in every borough. The largest improvement in graduation rates was in the Bronx:

Graduation
Dropout
2016 # Cohort
% 2016 Grad
% 2015 Grad
Pt. Diff
2016 # Cohort
% 2016 Dropout
% 2015 Dropout
Pt. Diff
Bronx
13,838
64.8
61.8
3.0
13,838
12.7
13.1
-0.4
Brooklyn
20,823
72.2
70.8
1.4
20,823
7.6
8.3
-0.7
Queens
19,398
75.5
73.3
2.2
19,398
7.7
7.9
-0.2
Manhattan
15,569
74.6
72.5
2.2
15,569
7.4
7.7
-0.4
Staten Island
4,544
79.3
77.4
1.9
4,544
6.4
7.5
-1.2

Graduation rates also increased at the City’s 31 Renewal high schools. The graduation rate increased to 59.3 percent, a 4.8 percent increase – more than double the citywide increase in graduation rate. The dropout rate was 18.6 percent, a 0.8 point increase.

Earlier this school year, Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña announced:

·         The highest-ever postsecondary enrollment rate – 55 percent of the Class of 2015.
·         The highest-ever number of New York City students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams in 2016 with an 8.4 percent jump in students taking at least one AP and 8.2 percent jump in students passing at least one AP over the previous year.
·         The highest-ever college readiness rate – 37 percent of all students, and 51 percent of graduates, in the Class of 2016 graduated high school on time and met CUNY’s standards for college readiness in English and math.
·         The highest-ever percentage of high school juniors taking the SAT – 52 percent. All juniors will be able to take the SAT free of charge during the school day this school year.

The progress extends to elementary and middle school grades – students made substantial gains on the most recent State English and math exams. For the first time, City students are now outperforming their New York State peers in English. 

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Fariña’s Equity and Excellence for All initiatives are building a pathway to success in college and careers for all students. Our schools are starting earlier – free, full-day, high-quality pre-K for every four-year-old through Pre-K for All. They are strengthening foundational skills and instruction earlier – Universal Literacy so that every student is reading on grade level by the end of 2nd grade; and Algebra for All to improve elementary- and middle-school math instruction and ensure that all 8th graders have access to algebra. They are offering students more challenging, hands-on, college and career-aligned coursework – Computer Science for All will bring 21st Century computer science instruction to every school, and AP for All will give all high school students access to at least five Advanced Placement courses. Along the way, they are giving students and families additional support through College Access for All, Single Shepherd, and investment in Community Schools.

More information on New York City’s graduation and college readiness and rates can be found at http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/data/GraduationDropoutReports/default.htm.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
These figures show how Mayoral Control of the public schools has not worked the past 15 years, and should be replaced with a more accountable local public school system. New York City public school children are doomed not to succeed which been shown during the 15 years of Mayoral Control and the charts above.
Politics comes first, and the children last.
It's time to end Mayoral Control.


Bronx Chamber of Commerce - ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS in the BRONX



ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS in The BRONX


Promote your company and Salute the distinguished Honorees at the Bronx version of the Academy Awards at the BRONX BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 Gala Celebration scheduled for Thursday, March 9, 2017 5:30 - 10:30 pm at the elegant Marina del Rey Caterers, 1 Marina Drive, Bronx, NY 10465.

Please forward advertising copy as soon as possible and no later than February 16, 2017.

Preliminary list of advertisers include:
  • Apple Bank
  • At&T External Affairs
  • Bay Plaza Community Center, LLC
  • Berkley College
  • Country Bank
  • Entergy
  • Ensign Engineering
  • Flushing Bank
  • Grassi & Cp.
  • Green Street Solar
  • Health and Hospital Corp.
  • INDA
  • Madison Square Garden
  • Metro Optics Eyewear
  • ResCare, Inc.
  • Ridgewood Savings Bank
  • RiteCheck Cashing
  • Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point
  • The New York Yankees
  • The Woodlawn Cemetery 
I hope you plan on attending 2017 Gala! Take Advantage of the Early Reservation Discount for paid reservations before February 24, 2017. 
Excitement for this fabulous event continues to grow each day.
The distinguished honorees are:
John Catsimatidis, Red Apple Group
DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Ensign Engineering
MWBE COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Woodlawn Cemetery
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Ridgewood Savings Bank
INSTITUTIONAL MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Montefiore Medical Center
HEALTH PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
Metro Optics
MADE IN THE BRONX AWARD OF THE YEAR

To make reservations, advertise and or sponsor, click on the following link: 2017 Gala RSVP form  

Members are encouraged to donate their promotional items to the Gift Bag given to each guest. For more information contact Phil Cardone at (718) 828-3900 or email: Events@BronxChamber.org
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential, professional and successful organizations and voice for businesses in Bronx County. Professionals and companies are drawn to the successful companies and active members affiliated with The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Membership includes businesses ranging from large corporations, Cultural Institutions, Universities and Colleges, Hospitals and Medical Centers, non-profits, and mid-sized to small companies.
   
Nunzio Del Greco
President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce
"The Network For Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900
Nunzio@bronxchamber.org

"You never know where your next big deal is going to come from"!

Friday, February 10, 2017

BRONX CB7 VETERANS AND SENIOR SERVICES HOSTS FIRST ANNUAL VETERANS BREAKFAST & SOARING EAGLE AWARDS CEREMONY


 
  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. asked all 12 Bronx Community Boards to set up Veterans committees to help serve the many veterans that live throughout the Bronx.  One Community Board which already had set up such a committee was Bronx Community Board 7. 

  Today CB 7 held a well attended breakfast titled "Soaring Heights Eagle and Wind Beneath My Wings Awards"  which were given out to many veterans who served in the various armed forces. 

  Elected officials on hand to speak and give out the awards were Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, State Assembly Members Jeffrey Dinowitz, Mark Gjonaj, and Victor Pichardo, City Councilmembers  Ritchie Torres and Fernando Cabrera, and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.  


Above - The many beautiful awards which were presented to the honored veterans.
Below - Bronx Community Board 7 Veterans Committee Chair Ms. Robyn Saunders and Senior Services Chair Ms. Nora Feury co-hosted the award event.




Above - There was a table set up for that soldier who did not return home from war, and who was still considered to be Missing In Action.
Below - Congressman Espaillat is seated with Bronx DA Clark. Assembly members Gjonaj and Dinowitz are seated at the next table.




Above - Councilman Torres and Assemblyman Pichardo were seated together.
Below - Mr. Joseph Binder a World War Two veteran who will turn 100 this April was a Soaring Heights Eagle Award recipient.




Above - State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Below - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj were a couple of the elected officials to speak, honoring the veterans not only in attendance but all veterans.





Above - Assemblyman Victor Pichardo gives Linda Perdroso the daughter of Sgt. Perdreso her father's award posthumously.
Below - Councilman Ritchie Torres stands with his award recipient Shawn C. Kingston, Veterans Outreach, James A. Peters VA Hosp.




Bronx CB 7 Chair Adaline Walker Santiago, Deputy Bronx BP Aurelia Greene, CB 7 Senior Services Chair Nora Feury, CB 7 Veterans Chair Robyn Saunders, and Ms. Darlene Brown-Williams NYC Veterans Services.

UNIONS & LEADERS FIGHT TRUMP’S ANTI-LABOR VISION WITH STATE SENATE IDC MEMBERS


Unions and Independent Democratic Conference members stand together against national right-to-work legislation and release four-point protection plan for New York State workers

Standing up against the anti-labor vision of Donald Trump, Senator Marisol Alcantara, Labor Chair of the New York State Senate and Senator Diane Savino, Former Labor Chair of the New York State Senate, joined by Senators Jeff Klein, Jesse Hamilton, and Jose Peralta, with New York City labor leaders called on federal representatives to block right-to-work legislation and announced a four-point Labor Protection Plan to combat anti-worker legislation being pushed at the national level.

Alarmingly, Republicans in Congress have introduced legislation that would expand right-to-work laws nationally. Such laws exist in 28 states and have resulted in lower wages for workers, reductions in employers providing workers with benefits like health insurance and decreases in manufacturing jobs. The IDC’s protection proposal aims to prevent the expansion of right-to-work legislation in New York while calling on federal representatives to block its expansion nationally.

“As a longtime labor organizer and as a student of history, I am well aware of the importance of the labor movement in building the middle class in this country. It is past time that we stopped talking about how to manage the decline of organized labor and started talking about how to revitalize it for the changing conditions of the 21st century. I will fight to ensure dignity and a living wage for all New York State workers, and will stand strongly against any attempts by the federal government to undermine unions,” said Senator Alcantara.

“Unions were born in New York City, and as a former union leader I will always defend the rights of the men and women in labor. Right-to-work legislation is bad policy that decimates unions by tearing apart collective bargaining and overall discouraging workers from benefitting from what unions offer. The truth is when you live in a pro-union state, you earn more, you receive better health insurance benefits and you live more comfortably in retirement. These are important worker dignities that we will always stand by and fight for in this state, and and we will attempt to thwart any interference by the federal government to take those important rights away,” said Senator Savino.

“The attacks on labor across this country through right-to-work laws has had a devastating effect on the lives of workers. Now, with Vice President Mike Pence, a staunch defender of these laws, in the White House we have seen a push to expand them nationally by Congress. We will not stand by idly. The IDC will oppose any law that attempts to disenfranchise labor unions in this state and I urge my colleagues at the national level to do the same,” said Senator Klein.

“The working class is clearly under attack in the country, and one of the weapons being utilized to combat organized labor is the right-to-work laws, a tsunami that has swept labor protections and rights in more than two dozen states nationwide. States that have passed some sort of right-to-work legislation experienced negative economic outcomes, losing manufacturing jobs in an already decreasing workforce. I, alongside my colleagues in the IDC, strongly oppose any attempts to implement any form of right-to-work laws in our State, and we will work to ensure none of these failed policies become law in New York. We are not going to stay passive as elected officials and organizations work to undermine labor rights and protections,” said Senator Peralta.

"Having been a member of DC37 for twenty-eight years, I know first-hand the value of unions. Unions have been at the core of upholding workers’ rights for generations. We need to build on that legacy of protecting worker safety, fighting for fair wages, and upholding the value of shared prosperity. We need to be sure we expand upon our past successes. I am proud to stand with unions and my colleagues to advance the labor movement and uphold values central to every community participating in the American dream,” said Senator Hamilton.

The Independent Democratic Conference’s four point Labor Protection Plan includes opposing right-to-work legislation in New York, calling on federal representatives to block national right-to-work legislation, blocking state funds to organizations like the National Right to Work Foundation that promote the implementation of these laws and opposing a Constitutional Convention in 2019.

As a conference, the IDC is opposed to any legislation that will make New York the 29th right-to-work state and will block any attempt to accomplish that goal, while also blocking state funding to organizations that promote such legislation. In opposing a Constitutional Convention, the IDC will work with labor to educate voters of the potential consequences of such an event, including the influence of outside special interests to push anti-worker amendments as well as the cost to taxpayers.

New York has always been an important state within the labor movement in the United States. It was home to the earliest labor strike in history in 1768 and has been a leader in both early and more recent labor movements.

“Now, more than ever, it is critical that elected officials speak out in support of the right of working people to join together in unions to protect and advance their interests,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, UFCW. “The IDC Labor Protection Plan provides a blueprint for New York leaders to ensure workers continue to have the right to organize.”
“We applaud Senator Klein and the IDC for standing with the labor movement to protect the rights of workers. It is imperative that working men and women throughout New York State continue to have the right to collectively bargain. The fact is, union members enjoy far better wages, benefits and conditions of employment than non union workers. Working with all of our partners, we will continue to have the largest and strongest state labor movement in the country, which helps raise the standard of living and quality of life for all working people,” said Mario Cilento, President, New York State AFL-CIO.
“The Subway Surface Supervisors Association is proud to stand with our brother and sisters in labor across the State of New York in support of the IDC's Labor Protection Plan. As the pendulum swings in Washington towards an increasingly anti-labor administration, it is crystal clear that labor needs to support those elected officials who support us, now more than ever. We pledge our full support to IDC Leader Jeff Klein and his entire conference and will do everything possible to make sure that right to work legislation in New York is dead on arrival,” said Michael Carrube, President, Subway Surface Supervisors Association.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON APPELLATE DIVISION’S DECISION UPHOLDING HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S SODIUM WARNING RULE


   “This is a common-sense ruling. It is smart, effective and important to inform people of the sodium content of their food. We are all tempted to make unhealthy choices, but thanks to the Health Department and the Appellate Division, we have the information to avoid them.”

ENGEL: TRUMP MUST RELIEVE FLYNN and Statement on Court of Appeals Ruling Against The President’s Muslim Ban


   Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“It's clear that concerns about General Flynn's ties to Russia were well warranted. It's unacceptable that during the transition, General Flynn discussed lifting sanctions with Russia's ambassador. This action would be deeply troubling under any circumstances, but considering Russia’s effort to tip the election toward President Trump, the General's actions are disqualifying. And if General Flynn negotiated with Russia to change American policy, he may be in violation of the Logan Act, which bars such conduct.  The President must relieve General Flynn immediately.


“To make matters worse, the Administration has been misleading the public about this situation ever since. Either General Flynn lied to the Administration or the Administration lied to the American people. In any case, the Administration's sloppy handling of such a serious issue creates a threat smack in the middle of our national security apparatus.



“We need to sort this mess out. Congress must conduct a thorough, nonpartisan investigation into Russia's illegal interference in our election and take steps to punish those responsible.”

Engel Statement on Court of Appeals Ruling Against The President’s Muslim Ban
  
"The Court of Appeals did the right thing by keeping President Trump's dangerous and unconstitutional Muslim travel ban on ice. But this misguided policy remains a problem, even if enforcement has stopped. America's enemies continue to seize on this foolish order as a propaganda tool, stoking anti-American hatred and harming our country's standing in the world. President Trump should do the right thing and rescind this order completely.”


MAYOR DE BLASIO ROLLS OUT NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVES FOR SENIORS, VETERANS AND FAMILIES MOST IN NEED


Mayor announces $1.9 billion for deeper affordability at 10,000 apartments; unveils new Elder Rent Assistance program to be funded by proposed ‘Mansion Tax’ to serve 25,000 seniors

   Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced as part of his upcoming State of the City address two major initiatives to help seniors, veterans and other low-income families afford rent in New York City. The first will increase by 10,000 the number of apartments in Housing New York serving households earning less than $40,000—5,000 of which will be dedicated to seniors and 500 for veterans. The second is a new Elder Rent Assistance program to be funded by the City’s proposed Mansion Tax, in Albany, that will serve more than 25,000 seniors with monthly rental assistance of up to $1,300.

We are taking our record progress on affordable housing and driving it even deeper. This crisis is hitting seniors on fixed incomes, veterans and struggling families especially hard. We’re fighting for their right to live in this city,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

“The City's unaffordable housing crisis is felt by all but particularly by vulnerable seniors who may live on a fixed income. These new initiatives show progress for seniors and low-income New Yonkers, who are struggling to find stable affordable homes,” said Councilman Ritchie Torres of the Bronx. 

“Too many of today's seniors are living in poverty and too many of our Boomers and Gen Xers who are approaching retirement don't have sufficient savings to afford New York City's high cost of living, particularly for housing.  Today's announcement by Mayor de Blasio is great news for city seniors and all New Yorkers,” Chris Widelo, Associate State Director, AARP New York, said.

Allison Nickerson, Executive Director, LiveOn NY, said, “LiveOn NY's study reported 200,000 low income seniors on waiting lists citywide for affordable housing. We appreciate Mayor de Blasio's recognition of the dire need for affordable housing among older New Yorkers by increasing the number of senior apartments to be built by 50% - from 10,000 to 15,000. Older New Yorkers are anchors in their communities. Building affordable housing is a solution that will benefit both seniors and the whole community. LiveOn NY supports the Mayor's efforts to provide a housing safety net for older New Yorkers.”

Under the new benchmark, the number of apartments in the Mayor’s housing program dedicated to families earning between zero and $40,000 per year will rise from 40,000 to 50,000. Of the 10,000 units, half will serve seniors whose fixed incomes have left them struggling to keep up with rising rents and a further 500 will house veterans.

The Mayor’s Housing New York program is on target to build or protect 200,000 affordable homes in 10 years, and has financed a record breaking 62,500 affordable homes in just three years. That was done on-budget and ahead of schedule. The programs that will see increased funding under the adjusted benchmark are the Extremely Low & Low-Income Affordability Program, ELLA, and the Senior Affordable Rental Apartments Program, SARA, among others, which were established in 2014. Now firmly in place and exceeding their targets, the City is committing an additional $1.9 billion to achieve this deepened affordability through the duration of the plan.

In addition, revenues under the Mayor’s Mansion Tax proposal would be lock-boxed specifically for senior affordable housing. The tax would institute a 2.5 percent marginal tax for incremental price over $2 million. According to recent sales data, the policy would affect the top 4,500 residential real estate transactions in the upcoming year and would generate approximately $336 million in Fiscal Year 2018. Those funds would be devoted to a new rental assistance program for 25,000 New Yorkers, 62 years and older who earn less than $50,000 per year.

The rental assistance would ensure a senior living on a Social Security check of $1,350 per month would spend no more than $450 per month on rent—helping them stay in their home and age with dignity.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Patricia Manning Retirement Party from Community Board 8


   The officers of Community Board 8 didn't just want to say thank you and good-bye to their District Manager Pat Manning after she retired on December 30th of 2016. They got together to have a Happy Retirement Party for their former District manager who had begun working at the Community Board 8 office in 1983. The attendees included current and former elected officials, many of the ten board chairs Ms. Manning worked for, current and former CB 8 members, local community leaders, and some of those who attended District Service Cabinet Meetings held by District Manager Manning.  


Above - (l - r) Current Cb 8 Chair Dan Padernacht, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Ms. Patricia Manning, Former CB8 chair Bill Stone, Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene, Former CB 8 Chair Martin Wolpoff, and current Councilman (and former CB8 member) Andrew Cohen.
Below - Ms. Manning receives a proclamation from Deputy Bronx BP Greene.




Above - State Senator Jeff Klein reads a proclamation from the State Senate for Ms. Manning.
Below - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz also had a proclamation from the State Assembly for Ms. Manning. 




Above - Since Congressman Engel was busy in Washington, former staffer to the  congressman,and current CB 8 chair of the Public Safety Committee stood in for Congressman Engel in giving Ms. Manning a proclamation from Congress.
Below - Current CB8 Chair Dan Padernacht reads from the proclamation given to Ms. Manning from Mayor Bill de Blasio.




Above - Former Councilwoman and also former chair of CB8 June Eisland congratulates Ms. Manning on her service to the community.
Below - Current Councilman Andrew Cohen and former CB 8 member also congratulates Ms. Manning on her service to the community.




Above - The delicious cake said it all with 'Best Wishes Pat'.
Below - Mr. Randy and Patricia Manning who will now be able to spend much more time together.