Supporting a Middle School for P.S. 8

February 10, 2012

Brooklyn, NY – First, I wish to thank the Department of Education for listening to and working with the P.S. 8 educational community. Under the able leadership of Principal Seth Phillips coupled with the strong support of parents, community leaders and elected officials P.S. 8 has grown; expanding so quickly that an extension had to be added to the main building.

For decades, families living in Brooklyn Heights did not have a public middle school option. Parents and elected officials have been working hard to find a middle school extension close to home. This off site extension will allow the teachers and staff of P.S.8 to continue its creative curriculum for students with a new sixth through eighth grade program.

On Friday February 3rd a comprehensive tour was conducted of Westinghouse H.S. which currently houses two separate schools administrated by two principals. We walked the hallways, visited classrooms, the library, gym and lunchroom. Department of Education personal answered each and every question, reassuring Principal Phillips, parents and elected officials including myself that issues regarding the safety of all students would be resolved. Such concerns are:

• Different arrival and dismissal hours for both schools;
• Separate entrances and exit’s for middle and high school students;
• Lunch schedules to accommodate all students; and
• Conduct space planning in an equitable, transparent, inclusive manner, in consultation with all the principals.

When we all work together for our children the best possible outcome can be achieved.

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