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for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com AUGUST 1, 2013 • The CourieR SUN 19 Funds to help Van Buren ‘transform’ BY MELISSA CHAN mchan@queenscourier.com A struggling Queens Village school will get more than $4 million in federal funds to bounce back this fall. Martin Van Buren High School and 21 others in the city were awarded $74.2 million in School Improvement Grants (SIG) to be used over three years, State Education Commissioner John King Jr. announced last week. The state’s education department doled out a total of $126 million to 34 low-performing schools throughout New York this year. It was the second round of funding in 2013, though no Queens school was awarded earlier, officials said. The dollars will go toward implementing “intervention models” in the failing schools, education officials said. “Many English language learners, students with disabilities and low-income students are in schools that need to change,” King said. “SIG grants can help give those students the opportunity to attend schools that are changing what’s happening in the classroom.” Van Buren received a C in the city Department of Education’s (DOE) most recent progress report, which is based on student progress toward graduation, performance on standardized tests, coursework and student attendance. Elected officials said morale and grades have been improving under the school’s new principal, Sam Sochet, since he took over last June. The school was also acknowledged as “developing” during last year’s DOE evaluation, a step above the failing grade “underdeveloped.” “Our strategy has always been to take action rather than sit idly by,” said city Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott, “and today’s awards validate our work. The grants will support students at schools that are phasing out, provide resources to bolster interventions in schools that are struggling, and help new schools deliver great outcomes.” Under the designated “transformation model,” Van Buren would have been forced to replace its principal, the state education department said. But since Sochet is new to the helm, that requirement is already satisfied, a city spokesperson said. However, Van Buren educators, under another condition, will have to follow the state’s approved Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) plans. “Martin Van Buren High School has made huge strides over the year,” said Councilmember Mark Weprin. “This money will go a long way to help put the school in better shape than we are already.” The DOE recently proposed adding another school inside Van Buren next year, in a move known as co-location, despite protests from Queens lawmakers. They say the move would eliminate 500 existing seats. “Hopefully, the DOE will realize we can do wonderful things at Martin Van Buren and not worry about co-locating schools in the building,” Weprin said. “It’s already on the way back.” THE COURIER/Photo by Melissa Chan Martin Van Buren High School will receive $4 million in federal funding. City Rib brings a ‘fresh’ dining experience to Jamaica BY ZAK KRAEH LING Attention Jamaica: there’s a new city in town. City Rib officially opened on July 25 at 89-14 Parsons Boulevard. It marks the newest addition to high-end restaurants in a neighborhood of fast food chains. “We offer a different menu than that usually found here,” said general manager Regan Uriarte. Uriarte used words such as “fresh” and “different” to describe the atmosphere the new restaurant will bring to the neighborhood, which boasts only one other sit-down eatery. Eecutive chef Joseph Mallol encompasses a variety of dishes in his menu, including baby back ribs, spare ribs, grilled salmon and fried catfish. “The menu is accommodating and our prices fit perfectly for the area,” noted Uriarte. Among those who will be enjoying the diverse offerings at City Rib will be residents of the new Moda Upgraded Living building, which is dedicated to stylish living and located around the corner from City Rib on 89th Avenue. Like the Moda residents it will be serving, City Rib embodies the vibrant energy blossoming in one of Queens’ oldest neighborhoods. Photo Courtesy office of Assemblyman David I. Weprin Officials cut the ribbon to open City Rib in Jamaica. TODAY’S HOME DECOR “Beautifying The Neighborhood One Home At A Time” SUPER For SUMMER SAVINGS! Kitchens & Baths For Every Lifestyle • FREE Estimates Welcome • Professional Installation Available Mon: 10-6 Tues-Fri: 10-7 Sat: 10-5 Closed Sunday • Contractors 137-07 Cross Bay Blvd • Ozone Park, NY 11417 718.835.7400 Designer Kitchens At Affordable Prices! Visit Our Website At www.todayshomedecor.net


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