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Archives for 2019

Archives for 2019

Securing Our Schools

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The recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida was horrific and a terrible tragedy that has happened far too frequently.

Are we doing enough to secure our New York City Schools?

Community Education Council 31 has been advocating for several enhancements since December 2012.

Unfortunately, both former Mayor Bloomberg and current Mayor de Blasio refuse to implement the security measures CEC 31 proposed, even though the New York State Legislature and Governor Cuomo passed laws based on the plan. Several municipalities across New York State and the country have incorporated CEC 31 plan.

In addition, Community Education Council 31 has also continually advocated for City Hall and Tweed to incorporate metal detectors into school security plans. All other NYC Government buildings have metal detectors and armed security, including Tweed, the New York City Department of Education’s central office, as well as City Hall and each Borough Hall.

Community Education Council 31’s Comprehensive Safety and Security Proposal was passed in 2013 and submitted to the DOE, the state legislature and the New York City Police Department. The proposal suggested several security enhancements for NYC school buildings:

* Locking ALL doors, including the main entrance,
* Installing buzzer entries and video-capture technology on the main entrances to school buildings,
* Improving School Building Response Team training,
* Updating School Building Public Address systems (Resolution submitted in 2011) and,
* Designating retired police officers as special patrol officers to supplement school security.

In 2014, the NYS Legislature and Governor Cuomo included the CEC 31 plan into laws. They created grant funding for schools to improve safety, which included cameras and buzzer entry systems.

The laws also expanded professional development opportunities focused on safety and security, mandating more training drills for Building Response Teams.

Additionally, the laws enacted authorized School Districts in New York State to hire retired police officers as school resource officers. This measure provides an opportunity for school districts to employ trained, retired officers to supplement school security operations.

NYC DOE has adopted some of CEC 31’s proposals by agreeing and moving forward with updating the Public Address systems in schools that have defective or outdated systems.

In 2011, CEC 31 identified 35 schools with defective Public Address systems – that is approximately half of the schools in District 31. During this year’s survey, CEC 31 submitted requests for the seven remaining schools that need Public Address system upgrades. The DOE has also increased Building Response Team training.

Although we are grateful for the DOE’s partnering with us to get every Public Address system working properly and increasing Emergency Response Training, we are disappointed that the Mayor and Chancellor have been reluctant to lock ALL doors and install buzzer entry systems with photo capture camera technology at the main entrance of every school.

The DOE, to this point, has also turned away from the opportunity to utilize the resources of a select number of retired police officers that could add a valuable layer to school security. This can be a proactive measure to deter and minimize a potential threat like an active shooter.

The DOE should create a pilot program employing retired police officers, who will perform duties associated with protecting the students and staff from a possible threat from a person with a weapon. The retired officers would NOT be part of general student discipline procedures. These special patrol officers would only be utilized to monitor access to school buildings and deter violent threats. The city can install signs on school buildings that advise the presence of an armed special patrol officer.

I believe the New York City Department of Education needs to be proactive and implement these safety measures to help secure all NYC Schools.

You can read more about Community Education Council 31’s Comprehensive School Safety & Security Plan here.

By Community Education Council 31 President Michael Reilly.

Surprisingly Complicated

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Web series based on a real Staten Island family raising twins with autism

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The cast of Surprisingly Complicated

Sometimes you just have to laugh. That seems to be Guzin Kurun’s mantra while raising twin teenage boys with autism. The Tottenville mom’s new Staten Island-based web series, Surprisingly Complicated, portrays the many comedic highs and lows she faces in her own daily life while raising her two sons, Adem & Eren. The boys attended Eden II from 15 months old and are now students at the Hungerford School.

“We always tried to do different things with the boys. We aren’t afraid of their behaviors when we’re out,” Kurun explained. “So we took them to Ikea, Universal Studios, Harry Potter rides – and we ended up shutting down the rides. It was a miserable experience; but at the same time it was funny.”

Kurun, who worked for CNN and has some experience script-writing, decided to document these experiences into a pilot for a show, and now has a full season of episodes waiting to be filmed. Her goal is to feature children on the spectrum in every episode. Parents with children on the spectrum will surely find the show very funny and relatable, but Kurun noted that all parents will enjoy the humor and the frustrations that go along with raising children in general.

Check out their first two episodes on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076JHBQFR

You can see the Surprisingly Complicated website here and follow them on Facebook here.

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The Kurun Family: Mom & Dad Aydin & Guzin with twin sons Adem & Eren 

10 Skills Kids Should Learn Before Age 10

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happy boy

By the time your child turns ten, you may have started teaching them responsibilities, assigned weekly chores, and started discussing whether they are old enough to stay home alone for a few minutes at a time. In the middle of their tween years, ten year-olds are ready to begin taking on more responsibilities. Krystal Laws, mother of seven, says “Parents can think about where they would like their kids to be at age 18 then go back every few years making goals to work up to independence as an adult. Having a vision for where you’re headed really helps in knowing what to work on at various ages.” What are some basic skills kids can learn before ten? Here are some ideas:

Basic household tasks

Teach your child some basic household tasks. If you are busy, out of the house, or under the weather, your child should be able to make himself a sandwich, pack a sack lunch for school, and be able to prepare a small meal in the microwave. It is also good to teach your kids how to do laundry, run the dishwasher, and how to clean up a spill.

Safety

Keeping our kids safe is a huge priority for parents. At a young age, we begin to teach our kids how to safely cross the street, bike and road safety, and to be aware of strangers. By ten, parents should take it one step further by teaching kids about internet safety and what to do in case of an emergency. “I want them to be safe mentally and physically,” says Lisa Parrish, mother of three. “They should know how to use the phone, procedures for being home alone or in emergencies, safe touch, and that no means no.” Kids approaching ten should also know basic first aid and when to call 911.

Proper hygiene and self-grooming

Ten year-olds should understand the importance of good hygiene and how to care for their own body and hair. Oral hygiene is also very important as there is hardly any kid who likes visiting dentist for some medical treatment. Once a parent starts to look for a reputable dentist near me a child is usually getting restless. So it is good to teach your child to take care of their teeth to prevent some serious issues. Frequent showers, proper face and hand washing, and wearing deodorant are good habits to get into as the changing hormones of the teen years approach.

Read Next | Staten Island Parents Say Chores Build Life Skills At All Ages

Budgeting and saving

Ten years old is a great time to introduce basic budgeting skills. Kids can learn to pick something out that they would like to purchase, research the cost, and begin saving for it. This helps teach them delayed gratification, the value of the dollar, the reward for hard work, and also how to budget and save for things that they want. This skill will be necessary as they plan for larger purchases in adulthood.

Problem-solving skills

When presented with a problem, children often look to the adults in their lives to solve the problem. Rather than giving your child the answer to the problem, why not let them try to work it out themselves? The problem-solving skills learned early will benefit them as they grow older. You can also present your child with different scenarios and ask them what they would do. Ask your child – If you get lost, what should you do? What if you forget your lunch at home? What if you see another child getting teased? If there is a fire in the house, what should you do? Working through different scenarios and practicing problem-solving skills will help your child build confidence for when they are faced with a problem.

Value of hard work

Kids need to know the value of hard work, especially as they head off to college or into the workplace. Even middle and high school require a higher level of study habits. Developing good study habits also helps kids learn that their dedication pays off when they receive good grades because of it. To prepare your child for the workforce, assign chores that work towards a family goal, like putting in a garden for everyone to enjoy, or saving up allowance to work towards something they would like to purchase will show them the long-term payoff of hard work.

Proper etiquette and speaking skills

Ten year-olds should know how to treat other people respectfully, approach adults in public, have proper phone etiquette, know how to shake hands, and express gratitude when someone gives them a gift or does something for them. With so much electronic communication, we must teach our children that when having face-to-face conversations, it is polite to use proper language rather than text speak. “Kids this age should know the Golden Rule and treat others the way they’d like to be treated.” says Laura Fenner, mother of four. Ten year-olds can build confidence in this area by practicing public speaking and participating in sports or recitals.

Caring for others

Kids learn a lot when given the responsibility of taking care of something or someone else. Examples could be a pet, garden or plants, or helping with younger children. This helps teach them responsibility and selflessness.

Outdoor skills

Kids this age can be taught outdoor safety. Fire safety, how to use a map and compass, what poison ivy looks like, and water safety are all good examples. Teaching them these skills encourages them to find outdoor activities that they enjoy.  Again, as we face competition with the screen, teaching kids how to be safe when pursuing outdoor activities, may open a love of the outdoors that they have not yet experienced.

Healthy habits

The importance of a healthy diet and routine exercise is never too early to learn. While they may not be preparing entire meals at age ten, they do need to know that potato chips are not a well-balanced lunch. Kids should also be able to listen to their bodies so they can tell you if they are unwell and what is wrong. Healthy sleep habits and a good diet can help them perform better in school and improve their moods. Kids should also be able to manage their emotions and calm themselves when needed.

Consider these skills as just a guideline, since every child and every family is unique. You may find that in your family you value certain skills over others, or that some of these were learned some time ago. “Be flexible with your plan to teach life skills,” says Laws, “Everyone learns at a different pace.”

By Sarah Lyons, a wife and mother to six children ages 3 to 12 years old. She tries to teach her kids these skills they can use as they grow and become more independent.

girls having birthday party
Read Next | This Is Where You Can Get Amazing Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

6 Life Lessons for Kids After The Florida High School Shooting

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It’s been a long and very upsetting few weeks since the school shooting in Parkland, Fla. that took 17 innocent lives, 14 of them children. Whether you had friends or family at the school that day, live in the area or were watching the coverage on television from thousands of miles away, you’ve probably been consumed with emotions of grief, anger, confusion and despair.

As the nation continues to pay tribute and mourn, and as the kids at Stoneman Douglas High School head back to class, we can help remember the victims and keep their legacies alive by acknowledging the real-life lessons our kids have learned through the tragedy. To say that any good came from this heinous act would be inappropriate, insensitive and simply untrue. However, with all the doom and gloom and negative news that continues to consume the airwaves and social media, it’s important for kids to see another side of it.

There are six lessons in particular that children need to be aware of:

The world is both beautiful and brutal

We’ve seen firsthand how brutal the world can be. But over the last two weeks, we’ve also learned how beautiful the world can be, too. Don’t ever forget that. Unfortunately, it’s in times of tragedy that we often see the beauty of people coming together and supporting one another. Make that your mission all the time, every day you walk this earth. Lend a hand to someone less fortunate. Ask your classmate who is struggling with the math concept if he or she would like your help. Include the kid who is sitting alone at the lunch table with your group. Bad things are inevitable, but we can all do more good to make this world a better place.

Live courageously

Having courage is one of the hallmark characteristics of the most successful people. Every single student who attends Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is courageous. The bravery and courage they showed on the day of the shooting, how they’ve maintained themselves and held it together as well as they have over the last few weeks, and returning to classes this week are all events that have made them extremely courageous. Nobody should ever be put in the situation these poor kids found themselves in on February 14, but the level of courage they all have is something that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

There’s power in public speaking

Many seasoned and polished professionals are terrified to speak in public, yet these kids were thrust into the national spotlight all while dealing with the loss of their friends and teachers and trying to figure out the unthinkable. With the national platform they’ve been given, these kids are quickly becoming the difference makers of tomorrow, sending a powerful message to Washington and the world. They have the courage of a bullfighter and the concentration of a Buddhist Monk. Teaching a child to speak publicly is helping ensure future success, builds confidence and is a way to honor their fallen friends.

Always do what’s right

15-year old student Peter Wang died a hero in the school shooting when he helped his classmates and teachers escape. Many things can be taught in life, but integrity is not one of them. Wang died in his JROTC uniform and was posthumously accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Chances are you’re not going to be put in a life or death situation, but regardless, always do what’s right even if it’s not the popular thing to do or the consequences won’t be favorable. Start by identifying one difficult situation you are currently experiencing and make the decision to do the right thing.

Life isn’t fair

Our well-meaning adults of influence try to persuade us that life is fair and the good guys always win. A common belief held by the masses is that everything happens for a reason, which comforts them in times of crisis. This belief is an emotional opiate people use to quell their fears and to try and make sense of the random nature of life. These kids have proved that they have the mental toughness, tenacity and perseverance to thrive and survive. Life isn’t fair, but you are stronger than you realize. It’s sad that it takes a tragedy of this magnitude to show you just how tough you are, but the lesson for every child out there is that no matter what life throws your way, you can make it through.

Nothing is guaranteed

No matter who you are, where you live, what kind of grades you make or anything else, nothing is ever guaranteed. I’d be lying to you if I guaranteed tomorrow was coming for sure. That’s why it’s imperative that you live everyday as if it were your last. Live the life you want to live and be the person you dream of being. Ask yourself this critical thinking question: if today was my last day on earth, am I satisfied with the life I have lived? If the answer is no, you need to make some changes.

Parents should be there for their children during these difficult times. Encourage them to ask questions, express their feelings and do what they need to do to process recent events. After the grieving process, take time to review these important life lessons with your children. It’s a way to help them while also honoring those we lost.

By Steve Siebold,a psychological performance expert and author of 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of The World Class and Secrets Self-Made Millionaires Teach Their Kids. Visit his website at http://thesecretsbook.com/.

summer camp kids
Read Next | This Is Everything You Need to Find an Amazing Summer Camp Program in Staten Island

Get Prepared for Summer Camp Season

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Start gearing up now for summer camp plans to guarantee kids attend the camps they prefer.

Summer camp season is just around the corner. According to the American Camp Association, each year more than 14 million children and adults in the United States attend camp, where they will learn new skills or master ones they already have. Attending a summer camp assures parents that their children will be spending valuable leisure time being active—something that has become more and more of a challenge in this generation. They will also establish lasting friendships while enjoying a healthy, active and productive summer.

America is home to more than 14,000 day and resident camps (8,400 are overnight camps and 5,600 are day camps). There are camps themed around just about any interest, including sports, music, religion and many academic subjects.

Many people put off summer camp planning until it is too late. Parents should keep in mind that camps begin registration early in the year and have specific cut-off dates for enrollment. Parents who want to beat the crowds this year can use this guide to help plan a summer camp agenda.

· Attend an orientation seminar. Take the time to visit prospective camps for a tour, and use this open house as an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered. If available, find a camp employee to discuss your child’s eligibility for enrollment. Some camps may offer webinars for convenience.

· Fill out the enrollment package completely. Each camp has their own requirements for registration. Expect to submit some personal information, including a medical background and proof of insurance, names and numbers of emergency contacts, and any other pertinent information as it applies to the camper. This may include allergies, fears, physical or mental disabilities, or even preferences in camp courses.

· Establish payment schedules. Summer camps vary in price. The ACA says camp costs range from $100 to more than $1,500 per week. However, many accredited camps offer some sort of financial assistance for children from families with limited financial means. If cost is a factor, be sure to broach the subject.

· Prepare children for the physical challenges a camp may present. Summer camp activities may be rigorous, and campers may need to be cleared by a physician before starting. Be sure to schedule your child a physical checkup and bring along any pertinent forms. Children also can increase their levels of physical activity compared to the often-sedentary nature of winter. Such preparation can prevent injuries when engaging in outdoor and physical activities.

· Shop for supplies. Camps are likely to provide a list of requirements with regard to clothing and other equipment campers will need. If your child will be attending sleepaway camp, find out how often laundry is done so you can make sure they have enough clothing and swimsuits to last between laundry days. Shop with them for sneakers and other camp necessities so they are comfortable with their belongings before they leave.

· Keep children in the loop. Engage children in the planning process to help alleviate their fears and get them excited about summer camp. Review the camp’s list of activities and itinerary to prepare them for the pace of the day. If there is a choice in activities, discuss preferences with your child.

Summer camp can foster lifelong memories. Parents can help kids prepare in advance for the fun that’s soon to arrive.

summer camp kids
Read Next | This Is Everything You Need to Find an Amazing Summer Camp Program in Staten Island

Secret Ingredients…Revealed!

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Some foods just go together: macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, eggs and toast. They’re the tried-and-true, classic combinations that we’ve all come to know and love. But what about the flavors you love by themselves but are even better when paired with the unexpected? The secret ingredients in these recipes blend so deliciously, you might want to start combining all the food in your fridge!

Avocado Brownies

avocado-brownies

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mashed avocado
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup flour

For the frosting:

  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Microwave the chocolate and the butter for 2 minutes until the butter melts. Stir the mixture with a large wooden spoon until the chocolate melts and mixture becomes smooth.
  2. Stir in sugar, eggs, mashed avocado and vanilla and mix until smooth. Stir in flour and mix until batter is smooth.
  3. Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake the brownies for about 20 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  4. While brownies are cooling, make the frosting. Add avocado, sugar and heavy cream into blender and blend on high speed until batter is smooth, no avocado pieces remain and frosting is stiff enough for piping (it is still not as stiff as your typical buttercream of whipped cream frosting, but it should be stiff enough to hold a piped swirl).
  5. After brownies are cooled, cut into squares and pipe with frosting.

From KirbieCravings.com

Chocolate Chili

Chocolate-Chili

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 medium onions, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted, chopped tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  1. Heat a large, deep pot over medium-high heat, then add the coconut oil. When the oil is melted, add onions, stir with a wooden spoon and cook until they’re translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and as soon as it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds, crumble the ground meat into the pan with your hands, mixing with the wooden spoon to combine. Continue to cook the meat, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink.
  2. In a small bowl, crush the oregano between your palms to release its flavor, then add the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, allspice, and salt. Combine with a fork, then add to the pot, stirring like you mean it. Add tomato paste and stir until combined, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so the chili enjoys a gentle simmer. Simmer uncovered for at least two hours.

From meljoulwan.com

Mustard-Baked Chicken with a Pretzel Crust

pretzel chicken

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound hard pretzels, coarsely crushed (4 cups)
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 6 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a food processor, pulse the pretzels until coarsely ground; you should have coarse chunks and fine crumbs. Transfer to a large, shallow bowl.
  2. Wipe out the food processor. Add the oil, whole-grain and Dijon mustards, water and vinegar and process until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
  3. Pour half of the dressing into a large shallow bowl, add the chicken breasts and turn to coat. Dredge the chicken in the pretzel crumbs and transfer to a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in the upper third of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Slice the chicken and serve warm or at room temperature with the remaining mustard dressing.

From foodandwine.com

Applesauce Meatloaf

applesauce meatloaf

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 2 teaspoon(s) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) thyme
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoon(s) prepared mustard
  • 1 teaspoon(s) Worcestershire sauce
  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. Combine first eight ingredients. Put into greased loaf pan.
  3. Combine last four ingredients and pour over meat mixture.
  4. Bake for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160° F.
  5. Loosen meatloaf from sides of pan and allow to set for 10 minutes.

From nyapplecountry.com

Bacon Blueberry Scones

Bacon Blueberry Scones

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup cold butter
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk and oil; add to crumb mixture just until moistened. Stir in blueberries and bacon.
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10 times. Pat into an 8-in. circle. Cut into eight wedges. Separate wedges and place on a greased baking sheet.
  3. In a small bowl, beat egg and milk; brush over scones. Bake at 425° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

From tasteofhome.com

Stuffed Waffle Pizza

pizza waffles

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe pizza dough
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Sliced pepperoni, cut into quarters
  • Marinara sauce for dipping
  1. Preheat your waffle iron. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into equal sized squares, about 3″ x 3″ but it doesn’t have to be exact.
  2. Lay the sliced mozzarella in the center of the dough, being generous with the cheese because some will leak out. Add the pepperoni, then top with another square of pizza dough.
  3. Place on the waffle iron and close the lid, pressing down firmly but do not lock the lid. The lid will raise slightly while the dough cooks, but that is fine. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

From mykitchenescapades.com

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