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QC04172014

FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com APRIL 17, 2014 • THE QUEENS COURIER 27 SNAPS QUEENS Photo taken by Anthony Aldorasi from Astoria Park right under the RFK Bridge Send us your photos of Queens and you could see them online or in our paper! Submit them to us via our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/QueensCourier What is your reaction to the announcement that the Fourth of July fi reworks are returning to the East River? “It’s nice when they do these things. People love fi reworks and I think it’s wonderful. The more activities, the better.” Marvin Berkeley “I go to Delaware, where me and my friends rent out a house. It’s nice that they’re moving the fi reworks to the East River, but that doesn’t change my plans.” Calvin Ng “My fi ancée has an apartment in the Bronx right by the Long Island Sound so we usually go there, but I’d like to see what the fi reworks look like from here.” Nick Giacomo “Well, I don’t know what to do now. Because usually I go to the Bronx with my family, but now we can take a chance and see it here. So many choices.” Chris Kim “I usually work too late in Manhattan to reach the fi reworks, but now I’ll be able to see them. Chris Hart “I’m planning to go to Fire Island for the Fourth to celebrate my brother’s birthday. But maybe next year I’ll stay here.” Phillip Jonas oped street talk  “I usually go to Long Island for the Fourth of July, but this year I might stay here and watch it from a rooftop.” Vanessa Spica “I’m a student at St. John’s but I’m originally from Ohio. It would be so cool to see the fi reworks from this area.” Natalie Seitz by tweeting@queenscourier or by emailing them to ctumola@queenscourier.com OUR CHILDREN WIN WITH UNIVERSAL PRE-K BY COUNCILWOMAN JULISSA FERRERAS After months of rallying for the future of our children, our voices have fi nally been heard! Recently, our state legislators approved $300 million in funding for universal pre-Kindergarten programs in their fi nal budget. This is historic. We are now poised to ensure EVERY child has access to high-quality, fullday pre-K. The city’s plan is moving forward, and in less than six months, a new school year will begin, giving tens of thousands of our children access to full-day pre-K and thousands more middle-schoolers access to a safe, educational place to go after school. Imagine the difference this will make for kids who will now start learning a year earlier. Imagine what it means for working parents. As a former director of a Beacon program at P.S. 19 in Corona, it was my privilege to watch the effect of high-quality programming on young people who would otherwise be falling behind. Just as early education, including pre-K, is vital to a child’s success later in life, after-school for young adolescents is a bridge that helps them maintain momentum — or, in the case of struggling students, a way to regain lost time and get back on track. Studies show that children who participate in these programs behave better in school, do better in class and on tests, and have improved attendance records. With this new, dedicated funding from Albany, the people who win here are parents and children. New York City is ready to move forward. We’ve been moving aggressively to put all the pieces in place to be ready for the fall. Thanks to the work of Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and my colleagues in our city and state government, we are making history. As a new mother, I cannot tell you how excited I am about this momentous change. These are game-changing solutions that will reach every child. They’re the kind of solutions that unite communities and improve our schools. If you live in New York City and your child is turning 4 years old in 2014, it’s time to think about applying to pre- Kindergarten. Here’s what you need to know: • Children turning 4 years old in 2014 who live in New York City are eligible to attend pre-K programs. • Pre-K is free. You do not have to pay to attend programs offered by the city’s Department of Education. • Programs can be half-day (2 hours and 30 minutes) or fullday (6 hours and 20 minutes). Half-day programs may take place in the morning (a.m.) or afternoon (p.m.). • Programs are available at public schools and communitybased organizations (CBOs). There are separate application processes for public schools and CBOs. The pre-Kindergarten application period has been extended to April 23, 2014. The online application for pre-kindergarten is currently available in English and Spanish on www. schools.nyc.gov. You can also apply in person at your nearest Queens Enrollment Offi ce, which are listed on the website. If you have any questions or need further information, please call 718-935-2009. Our children’s future begins today. Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras represents the 21st Council District encompassing Elmhurst, East Elmhurst, Corona and Jackson Heights. She is also the Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Finance.


QC04172014
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