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St. Patrick’s Day Guide NORWOOD NEWS pages 7 –10 Vol. 26, No. 5 ■ PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION ■ March 7 –20, 2013

EYE OF THE TIGERS Fearing the Worst, Clinton Fights to Save School By ALEX KRATZ

Alan Ettman, an English teacher at DeWitt Clinton High School, has been down this path before. He taught at Walton High School, a large school just a mile south of Clinton, before a couple of small schools were “co-located” into the same building around the turn of the century. Renovations were soon done at the building for the new schools, while Walton’s facilities deteriorated and its spirit sank. At one point, Ettman literally found himself locked out of the fac - ulty bathroom. “I had every intention of finishing my career there,” Ettman says. A few years later, the Department of Education decided to close Walton completely. “It was extremely demoralizing and depressing to every - one,” Ettman says. Ettman moved on to Clinton, where he is now the (continued on p. 12 ) Photo by Adi Talwar SHAKEEM DOUGLAS of Evander Childs Campus sees a path to the hoop during the Tigers’ convincing 80-58 vic - tory over Norman Thomas last week. The win put Evander into the Sweet 16 of the Public School Athletic League Sex Offender Boys A Division tournament. For more tournament updates, visit our Breaking Bronx blog at norwoodnews.org. Charged With Unions, MS 80 Parents Rally to Webster Ave. Rape Remove Principal By DAVID GREENE

By WILL SPEROS Since Polanco took the helm at the end of last year, Police arrested a registered sex offender with a lengthy some parents have expressed major concern about the criminal history and charged him with raping, assaulting Disgruntled parents and local union members ral - school’s future. Receiving active and consistent sup - and robbing a female worker at a laundromat on Webster lied last week outside of MS 80, the Norwood area’s port from other parents, however, has proved tricky. Avenue in Bedford Park. largest middle school, to protest the school’s principal, Donovan said some parents have been left “disenfran - On Sunday, Feb. 17, police say Danny Gonzalez, 44, a Emmanuel Polanco. The protesters said Polanco is chised,” fearing that any involvement in the effort to career criminal with arrests dating back to 1990, followed a leading the school down a troubling path and violated remove Polanco will negatively impact how their child 27-year-old employee inside the Broad Laundry at 3181 Web - the rights of at least one faculty member. They plan to is treated at the school. ster Ave. where she was opening the business just before 8 continue rallying every week until Polanco is (continued on p. 12 ) a.m. A week and a half later, police would arrest Gonzalez removed. on the east side of near midtown. In his first full year at MS 80, Polanco, 30, was thrust A neighborhood source said the victim was also caring for into the spotlight after a music video on YouTube fea - her 8-month-old baby at the time of the attack, and was dis - turing his Reggaeton band, El Siki, began circulating tracted when Gonzalez locked the door and forced the woman around the school. The racy video raised eyebrows, but into a back office. The baby was not hurt during the attack. Cecilia Donovan, the former president of the Parents The source said that after the incident, “He locked her in Association, said the video is masking the real prob - the bathroom and then went to the deli and ordered a sand - lems at the school. wich.” The source had several choice words for In addition to overcrowding problems, there have the assailant that could not be printed in a family newspaper. been reports of gang recruitment, students frequently Police have credited the unidentified victim for provid - cutting class and rumors of sex on school grounds. ing such a good description and the Green Mermaid Deli While Polanco is not solely responsible for these prob - whose elaborate surveillance system captured an image of lems, Donovan and others say he isn’t doing enough to Photo by Adi Talwar the suspect that would eventually be spotted by the tipster, remedy them and is ignoring parents’ attempts to help UNION MEMBERS RALLY last Thursday in front of who called police. or have any input. MS 80 to protest the school’s new principal. (continued on p. 3)

■ Abduction Scare in U-Heights, p. 5 ■ Healthy Cooking, p. 11 ■ Help Us Serve You: Readership Survey, Back Page www.norwoodnews.org 2 ■ March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News

News • Politics • Policy By Alex KrAtz

Vol. 26, No. 5 Diaz: Registry Would Keep Gun Offenders Out of ‘Shadows’ Norwood News is published In an effort to reduce gun violence, justice department and a retired NYPD weapon, all the way up to murder, so bi-weekly on Thursdays by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. sergeant, and the impact of registry there is a large gamut,” Small said. “The Mosholu Preservation Corporation wants to publicize the names and address - could be completely different. details are very important.” 3400 Reservoir Oval East es of those convicted of gun-related “I applaud the Bronx borough presi - Last week on the show BronxTalk, Bronx, New York 10467 felonies and will introduce legislation on dent for bringing light to the issue. The Diaz said he’s hoping state and city offi - the city and state levels calling for the cre - issue of gun crimes is huge in our com - cials pursue the legislation. Phone: 718 324 4998 Fax: 718 324 2917 ation of an online gun offender registry. munity,” Small said. “There are some “We need to make sure gun offenders E-mail: [email protected] “If such a gun-crime registry were serious differences between [publicizing] don’t hide in the shadows and continue to Web: www.norwoodnews.org online, as the state’s sex offender registry sex crimes and gun crimes, depending plague our neighborhoods with crime,” is, anyone would be able to view the upon the scope of what [the registry] Diaz said. —CLARKE ILLMATICAL names and addresses of people convicted would include. In certain subcultures and of gun-related felonies,” said Diaz in a gang cultures, prison is a badge of honor. Publisher CEO, Mosholu statement after announcing the plans It could be the same with a gun registry.” Mosholu Preservation Preservation during his fourth State of the Borough Tom King, president of the New York Corporation Corporation speech two weeks ago. “I strongly believe State Rifle and Pistol Association, said Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia that law-abiding citizens ought to know guns aren’t the issue. Alex Kratz who among us is responsible for gun vio - “If there is going to be a gun crimes lence. Most importantly, this easily-acces - registry, there is already a sex offender sible gun crime registry would serve as a registry, there should be an assault reg - Classified Advertising deterrent from such acts.” istry, a theft registry, a political corrup - Dawn McEvoy Repeatedly, Diaz has compared his pro - tion registry and let’s register everybody Accounts Receivable posed online gun registry to the sex that’s a criminal,” King said. “It’s not the Dawn McEvoy offender registry, hoping it will have the guns. It’s the criminals.” Proofreader same impact on criminals. Although the Small said that defining the registry Photo courtesy Bronx Borough President’s office Judy Noy concept is the same, gun-related crimes would be important. BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT Ruben Production do not have the same stigma as those com - “When you’re talking about [felony] Diaz Jr. proposed a gun offender registry Neil deMause mitted by sex offenders, said John Small, gun crimes, you’re talking about every - during his fourth State of the Borough a professor in Monroe College’s criminal thing from criminal possession of a Regular Contributors speech last month. David Greene, Adi Talwar Interns Rivera Backs Chief of wants to turn the Armory into a flexible ing programs, local hiring requirements Sara Regalado, Will Speros, Clarke town square-style market, with entertain - and funding for youth programs. Illmatical Staff ment, recreation and business incubator For the past months, representatives In the wild, congested race shaping up space. of the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelop - For display advertising, call in the City Council’s 15th District, which In early January, EDC officials said a ment Alliance (KARA) have been trying (718) 324-4998. stretches from the Fordham-Bedford area decision was coming “soon.” But two to hammer out a CBA with the ice center into West Farms, current seat holder Joel Support Your months later, it’s unclear what’s going on group. But there hasn’t been any word Rivera is backing his right-hand man, and Cabrera isn’t talking. He is on the about progress on those talks. Community Newspaper! Albert Alvarez. record saying he will not vote for a pro - “It’s going to happen,” Cabrera said, The Norwood News is a not-for-profit Rivera and his longtime chief of staff posal that doesn’t include a community allowing that it may take some time and publication and relies upon the support of were making the rounds at a fundraising benefits agreement, which would most patience. “If not with this mayor, then the its advertisers and readers to produce a event hosted by the Bronx Chamber of likely include thousands of feet of pro - next. We only have one shot at this. We quality community newspaper. To support Commerce last week, trying to drum up grammable community space, job train - want to make sure it’s done right.” your paper, become a member and support. receive a subscription for one year. “He’s my guy,” said Rivera, who is Simply mail check or money order for term-limited and looking forward to his $40 to: Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir next career as a real estate broker. www.norwoodnews.org Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. The list of people who have expressed interest in replacing the Council majori - Norwood News is not responsible for ty leader continues to grow, but Rivera typographical errors. Opinions expressed said he is confident in Alvarez’s ability to in signed letters and bylined columns rep - emerge from the pack. Public and Community Meetings resent the sole opinion of the author and Alvarez said he is going to formally THE PANEL FOR EDUCATION will meet on Monday, March 11 at 6 p.m. at Brooklyn are not necessarily those of Mosholu • Preservation Corporations or Montefiore announce his candidacy in the next week Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Pl. to discuss and vote on the plan to co-locate Medical Center. Editorials represent the or so. two new schools within DeWitt Clinton High School. For more information, call (212) views of the editor and/or publisher only. 374-5159. The newspaper reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objection - Silence on the Armory • The COMMUNITY EDUCATION COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 is hosting a Town Hall-style able. Advertisements appearing in this Last week after a hearing downtown, forum with Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott on Tuesday, March 19, from 6 to 7 paper cannot be used without the written Councilman Fernando Cabrera, whose p.m. at Walton H.S. Educational Campus Auditorium, 2780 Reservoir Ave. Walcott permission of Norwood News . Letters to district includes the Kingsbridge will discuss student achievement, school finances and the city’s educational goals the editor are subject to condensation and Armory, said he believes a developer will and priorities, and will take questions from the public. editing. Writers should include their be chosen to re-invigorate the hulking affiliation or special interest if any. empty castle. He just doesn’t know when. • COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, at Serviam Anonymous letters are not published but “Ask the EDC,” Cabrera said, refer - Tower, 321 E. 198th St. For more information, call (718) 933-5660 or visit www.Bronx - your name can be withheld if requested. CB7.info. ring to the city’s Economic Development Corporation, the quasi-governmental • COMMUNITY BOARD 7 committee meetings will be held on the following dates at the agency controlled by the mayor that is in Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a board office, 229A E. 204th St. at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Parks & Rec., not-profit support corporation of charge of the Armory project. Thursday, March 7; Senior Services, Thursday, March 14 (10 a.m., at Mosholu Monte - Montefiore Medical Center. It’s been more than 14 months since fiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave.); Traffic/Transportation, Thursday, March the EDC first released a request for pro - 14 (DOT will present on Webster Ave. Select Bus Service); Environment/Sanitation, posals to redevelop the Armory. Thursday, March 14; Housing, Wednesday, March 20; Community Relations/Long- Early on, two finalists emerged: the term Planning, Thursday, March 21. All Community Board meetings are open to the Kingsbridge National Ice Center part - public. For more information, call (718) 933-5660 or visit www.BronxCB7.info. ners, which envisioned the Armory as the world’s largest ice sports complex, • The 52ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March and Young Woo and Associates, which 21 at the Bedford Park Senior Center, 243 E. 204th St. For more information, call (718) 220-5824. March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News ■ 3 Webster Ave. Rape Charge (continued from p. 1) A man working at the laundromat says the victim is recovering, but has not yet returned to work. Police sources say Gonzalez is a level 3 sex offender, which means he’s still con - sidered a threat to attack again, who has served 13 years in prison for rape and other offenses. Police had no last known address for Gonzalez. Police would only say that Gonzalez was arrested on the morning of Wednes - day, February 27, at the corner of East Photo courtesy NYPD 41st Street and Lexington Avenue, after a POLICE SAY career criminal Danny call to the CrimeStoppers tip line. Gonzalez, 44, raped a worker inside a Gonzalez has been charged with rape, Webster Avenue laundromat. robbery and assault in the case. 4 ■ March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News School Briefs Neighborhood Notes Flea Market • The Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., offers free tax filing through April The Bedford Mosholu Community World Change Starts 10 on select Wednesdays 3 to 8 p.m. and Association will hold a free flea market Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no walk-ins) on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. for individuals and families whose gross Mary’s Orthodox Church, Bedford Park income in 2012 was less than $56,000 with With Kiss Boulevard and Decatur Avenue. dependents, or $25,000 without depen - dents. E-file and Direct Deposit options Capital Lenders Forum are available for fast and accurate prepa - Small business owners can visit a Capi - ration. For more information and an tal Lenders Forum to learn about business appointment, call (718) 933-2539. opportunities from banks, micro lenders, • The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. and community development organiza - Kingsbridge Rd. (718) 579-4244, and the tions, March 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grand Concourse Library, 155 E. 173rd St. Lehman College, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., (718) 583-6611, are assisting with filing Carman Hall room B76. For more informa - taxes, free, for those who qualify, through tion and to register, call (718) 960-8806. April 15. For qualification information and a detailed schedule, visit Latino College Expo www.nypl.org/taxhelp, or call 311 for free tax preparation assistance. High school students, guidance coun - • Community Tax Aid, Inc. provides selors and community agencies are invit - free tax preparation through April 15 for ed to a free Latino College Expo, to meet individuals earning less than $25,000 or college reps and learn about financial aid families with incomes of less than $50,000. and college guidance, March 16 from noon For more information, including loca - to 3 p.m., at New York University’s Kim - tions, hours, and required documents, mel Center, 60 Washington Square So., 4th visit www.communitytaxaidnyc.org. floor. There will be free raffles and give - • BronxWorks is offering free tax prepa - aways. For more information, call (917) ration to low income taxpayers at the Food 217-5812 or email [email protected]. Photo courtesy PS/MS 95 Bank of New York’s Morris Innovative MEMBERS OF PS/MS 95’s One Word Club, which seeks to effect positive change Senior Center, 80 E. 181st St. and at Com - in the world one project at a time, raised $200 selling Hershey’s Kisses on Free Tax Help munity Aid at 2070 Grand Concourse. For Valentine’s Day. The group gave the money to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which • Senator Gustavo Rivera’s district more information, including additional grants wishes to terminally ill youngsters. The club’s goals are “to improve our com - office is offering free Federal and State locations, or a detailed schedule, call (646) munity and the future of our community as vastly as possible,” said eighth grade income tax preparation assistance on 393-4009 or visit www.bronxworks.org. member Diamond Staten. Pictured (top row, left to right): Suheilie Rivera, teacher March 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 2432 Grand Chelsea O’Toole, Jada Chevaliers, Brittany Cobblah; (bottom row, left to Concourse, Suite 506. For more informa - For more Neighborhood Notes right): Diamond Staten, Christian Lopez-Rivera. tion or to schedule an appointment, call online, go to www.norwoodnews.org (718) 933-2034. and click on “Neighborhood Notes.” March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News ■ 5 Police Report Parents on Edge After Attempted Luring at PS 33 By DAVID GREENE point. Police have released a photo of the suspect School officials would send students home and described him as a black man between 20 It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Fortu - with a letter, telling parents to instruct their and 30 years of age, 5-feet-10-inches tall and nately, this time, it didn’t come true. children not to speak to strangers. wearing a black jacket and black shoes. The As an 8-year-old girl was walking to her Parents say school officials held an emer - suspect was also reported to be wearing a school building at PS 33 in University gency meeting that morning and a second brown hat and a hooded sweatshirt. Heights on Thursday, Feb. 21, police say a official meeting was held with parents the Editor’s Note: Police ask anyone who has man attempted to lure her into coming away following Monday. any information on the suspect to call with him. The incident has parents angry and on CrimeStoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS. Police say the unidentified third-grader edge. reported that the man approached her on two “My three children are students here,” POLICE RELEASED this surveillance photo separate occasions while on her way to said parent Joe Baez. “If I see that guy I’d of the suspect of an attempted abduction. school and even attempted to grab her at one break his legs.” Photo courtesy NYPD 6 ■ March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News

Inquiring Photographer By DAVID GREENE We asked about the Department of Education’s policy on closing struggling schools and opening smaller schools in the same building.

It might work. I guess it I think it’s a good idea. I I feel that they should Oh no, that’s not good ... In my opinion it would depends on the students think they should open just leave the one main I don’t like that idea. I cost more money in the and it also depends on new schools for the school open and not think it’s a waste of long run. But there the teachers. Maybe kids. They need to pro - open the few smaller money and they should wouldn’t be smaller smaller classes will help vide good, smart educa - schools because it’s a focus on the problems at classes? Oh, then that’s if they do something like tion for the kids, kids waste of time and a the school. going to be a problem. that. Yes, anything that need education. waste of money.” Joe Baez It doesn’t make sense they do or come up with Education prevents evil. Shameka Whetstone because it’s going to to try and improve a stu - Paublo Powell cost more money and dent’s way of learning, I it’s going to take more guess they should give taxes out of people’s it a try. If it doesn’t work money. Hell no, I don’t they can scratch it out, agree with that. but it’s worth trying. Kimesha Kelly Mike Marquez March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News ■ 7 8 ■ March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News ■ 9 10 ■ March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News ■ 11 Be Heal thy! Demos Healthy Cooking By WILL SPEROS able at the store. Selwyn even got the chance to provide the recipe for a healthy homemade In an effort to curb the Bronx’s staggering vinaigrette salad dressing with oil, lemon obesity problems, Tom Valenti, the renowned juice, Dijon mustard and shallots. chef, restaurant owner and best-selling cook - Both Valenti and Selwyn emphasized their book author, showed off his skills at Monte - hope to instill the importance of healthy eating fiore Medical Center Monday evening to high - habits in children, as studies are showing that light healthy cooking and nutrition. the nation’s new generation of children may be In association with Dr. Peter Selwyn, who also the first ever to have a shorter life span than stood in as sous chef, Valenti discussed the grow - their parents. ing diabetes and obesity problems in our country, Valenti is currently the executive chef and with the Bronx in particular being an area of co-owner of Ouest Restaurant on the Upper concern. Valenti, a big-time food lover, has suf - West Side. fered from type-2 diabetes for the past 17 years. It was clear he was eager to prove that one can still continue a love affair with food, but in a healthier way. The chef has even published a best-selling cookbook titled, “You Don’t Have to Be Diabetic to Love This Cookbook,” which includes diabetic-friendly options. The first thing Valenti and Selwyn prepared for the large audience was a root vegetable stew, with ingredients like turnips and parsnips that are available throughout the year. They followed the stew up with a chicken, pre - pared with olive oil and vermouth, and enhanced with onions, potatoes, and herbs. Valenti also demonstrated how to properly butcher a chicken and how to utilize the whole bird. Photo courtesy Montefiore Medical Center The whole chicken offers buyers more CHEF TOM VALENTI of Ouest restaurant (left) options, and is ultimately a better financial is assisted by Peter Selwyn, MD, chairman of decision as a whole chicken tends to be the the Department of Family & Social Medicine, same price as the skinless/boneless cuts avail - Montefiore, in cooking healthy recipes. 12 ■ March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News

We love, welcome and encourage letters to the editor and opinion articles from readers. Write to: Editor, Norwood Opinion News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. Fax: (718) 324-2917; or e-mail: [email protected]. Op-Ed Stop School Closures and Co-Locations for Third Term By PUBLIC ADVOCATE BILL DE BLASIO community members, the DOE decided that developing We see the same heavy-handedness in the way the City a tailored action plan — including but not limited to pos - often shoehorns charter schools into existing public If something is broken — fix it. Sadly, Mayor sible leadership changes, professional development and schools, without a well-considered strategy for both insti - Bloomberg adheres to a different philosophy when our reduced enrollment — would yield the most favorable tutions to thrive. Co-location can be – and has been — suc - city’s education system is concerned. The Administra - outcome for students. cessful in this city. Students at four high schools in the tion’s default response to struggling schools has been to Through efforts like forums and petitions, the Clin - Brandeis Educational Complex, on the , close them, without first investing enough time and ton community showed that closing a school isn’t always learned beautifully side-by-side — until the DOE resources into turning them around. And instead of lay - squeezed a charter elementary school into the building, ing out a thoughtful plan for some schools to share facil - despite staunch resistance from the school community. ities in the same building — co-location — the Adminis - The DOE has alienated school Successful sharing of space and resources can only be tration turns a cold shoulder to community input. We carried out through meticulous planning and input from need a new approach for our city’s one million students. communities by neglecting their all key stakeholders — students, parents, teachers, There is a time and place to close a troubled school. input and depriving them of a administrators, community activists and education advo - But that should not be treated as an end goal in itself, nor cates. Instead, the DOE has alienated school communities an accomplishment to boast about. It should be the last venue for meaningful engage - by neglecting their input and depriving them of a venue resort, when all other options are exhausted. Take the for meaningful engagement on educational policy. story of DeWitt Clinton High School, which the Depart - ment on educational policy. That’s why, following Mayor Bloomberg’s latest ment of Education planned to ax after the school announcement on school closures, I called on the received its second consecutive “F” grade for student Administration to freeze school closures and co-loca - progress, student performance and school environment the best course of action. DOE’s hastiness highlights tions for the rest of the mayor’s term. Until we can offer in the 2011-2012 progress report. Clinton’s overall score exactly how flawed the current approach is. Collaborat - a comprehensive, community-driven plan for co-loca - amounted to just 37.2 out of 100, the Norwood News ing with community members — and really listening — tions and school turnaround, I urge you to join me in reported in a January 10 –23 article. Yet 13 years ago, should serve as a prerequisite for potential school clos - pressuring the mayor to put a one-year moratorium on Clinton was ranked one of the top 100 high schools in the ings. Too many of the schools doomed for closure have these divisive tactics. After years of disruption instead country, according to the same article. After intense pub - not been given the tools to improve, or the time to apply of progress, inequity instead of opportunity, haste lic pressure mounted by the students, staff, alumni and them. instead of prudence — enough is enough. Fearing the Worst, Clinton Fights to Save School (continued from p. 1) group of four panel members, all of them cipals operate a building that serves the principal’s job harder. school’s chapter leader for the United appointed by borough presidents, includ - same number of kids as the large school, Despite his waning optimism, Ettman Federation of Teachers, and hoping ing the Bronx representative, have intro - but does not offer a full range of classes says he’ll be at the March 11 meeting, against hope that he won’t be locked out duced a resolution to place a moratorium and options for all of the students in that fighting until the end. of another faculty bathroom in a few on co-locations and school closures. That building,” Ettman said at the hearing. “It Ed. Note: The public can continue to sub - years. resolution will be voted on during the defies logic to even suggest it.” mit comments about the proposal to co-locate Ettman and hundreds of other Clinton March 11 meeting as well. Principal Geraldine Ambrosio, who is two small schools at Clinton until March 11, supporters came out to a public hearing Many of the Democratic front-runners retiring this summer, urged the DOE to by [email protected] or by on Feb. 21 to adamantly oppose the DOE’s for mayor have also said they support a reconsider the co-locations, saying initia - phone, (212)-374-5159. The Panel for Educa - plan to co-locate two new small schools at moratorium. tives were in place to help improve the tion will meet on Monday, March 11, at 6 Clinton starting next fall. The co-loca - The DOE says Clinton would be able to school and dealing with two new schools p.m. at Brooklyn Technical High School 29 tions are just the beginning of the end for better serve its students if its enrollment in the building would only make the new Fort Greene Pl. to vote on the proposal. Clinton, say Ettman and others. is lower. By phasing out admission to “First they’re going to shrink it,” said three of the school’s six programs — ani - Marvin Shelton, the president of the mal professions, future teachers and pub - Unions, MS 80 Parents local community education council for lic and community service tracks — District 10, a volunteer body that oversees starting next fall, the DOE says it will school issues in the area. “Then they’re reduce enrollment from about 3,750 stu - Rally to Remove Principal going to kill it.” dents to around 2,250. Despite rampant and loud opposition At the hearing, DOE officials said it (continued from p. 1) ment. “Principals are supposed to set a to the plan from Shelton, the entire made the decision to lower enrollment The school has referred all questions positive example to the school population school community and every local elected based on Clinton’s recent struggles, to the DOE, which says that Polanco’s and the community at large. Our children official in the area, Ettman says, “I’m not including a four-year graduation of 50 per - record is otherwise clean. The DOE did deserve better.” terribly optimistic” about the school’s cent in 2012 (well below the citywide aver - not respond to questions about specific A dozen or so union members were in chances of defeating the proposal, which age of 65 percent), its recent “F” grade for criticisms of Polanco’s leadership. attendance for the first rally. In addition will be voted on by the city’s Panel for student progress on its latest DOE report The growing concerns, including a to those from Local 372, members from Education Policy in Brooklyn on March card and its ranking among the state’s 5 botched Parents Association vote, moti - Local 100 as well as DC 37 came out in 11. He said the whole school community percent of lowest performing schools. vated Donovan to work with Local 372 support. Also participating was 11th Dis - is experiencing a little bit of a “malaise” Ettman and other skeptics of the president Santos Crespo to organize the trict City Council candidate Cliff Stan - about the situation. DOE’s plan say shrinking the school will weekly rallies. Crespo became involved ton, who was involved in the removal of a The panel is controlled by the mayor, only further erode the school’s ability to in the effort to eject Polanco after learn - principal at PS 24, where he was the Par - who has control of the city’s public serve its diverse population of students, ing that he violated one teacher’s Wein - ents Association president, four years school system, and is generally seen as a which range from top-flight honors stu - garten Rights, which grant employees the ago. rubber stamp on DOE’s proposals. dents to struggling special education stu - ability to request the presence of a union “It’s a horrible feeling sending your Still, there is cause for some hope. A dents and English Language Learners. representative during investigatory kids to a school where the principal is The school is already at a disadvan - interviews. Crespo claims Polanco bla - clearly in over his head,” Stanton said. tage in terms of dollars per student, said tantly violated this right and suspended The protesters marched in circles, Advertise Ettman and others at the hearing. Ettman the woman for two weeks without pay shouting “Remove the principal!” and in the said the per-student spending rate is after she refused to attend a meeting “Hey hey, ho ho, El Siki must go!” $15,684, much lower than the citywide without a union rep. Attendance is expected to grow in the Norwood News average of $18,419. “How can our children learn under coming weeks, as organizers said the ral - Call (718) 324-4998 “It is considerably more expensive to such a hostile environment, how can the lies will continue to be held every Thurs - have multiple schools with multiple prin - staff function,” Crespo said in a state - day afternoon outside of MS 80. March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News ■ 13 Classifieds Professional Directory

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REAL ESTATE homes. (718) 882-0598 (home), or (347) 734-9261 (cell). Classifieds: Admiral Washing Machine $12 for the first 20 words Apt. for Sale: 1-bedroom apt. near Montefiore for Sale: Heavy duty, 8- Hospital and all transportation. Asking price and 25 cents for each additional word . cycle/two speed combina - $100,000.00. Call Ray (917) 517-0172 or (347) 427- tions, easy to operate, NEW, Professional Directory: $144 for six 4774. used only once! Call (347) Business 499-0223. See photo. months; $260 for one year. RELIGIOUS SERVICES Cards: $360 for six months (12 issues); Royal Prestige Products: Glad Tidings Assembly of God: 2 Van Cortlandt Sales Representative. For $625 for one year (25 issues). Ave. E. and Jerome Avenue. (718) 367-4040. Prayer more information, please con - Deadlines: Deadlines for classified ads Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday School tact Ms. Hernandez (917) 736- at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday Service at 11 a.m . 4870. are one week prior to publication. To place an ad, call the Norwood News at MISCELLANEOUS Looking for a Woman: Ages 36-48 for a serious, lov - ing relationship and possible marriage. She must be pretty, smart, thoughtful, romantic, and willing to (718) 324-4998 between the hours of 9 Cash Paid: For antiques, old items, collectibles, art - share good and bad times. No drug use, hang-ups, or a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday. work, jewelry, books, records, coins, stamps, sports arrests. Please call Mark at (718) 882-0598. cards, bric-a-brac. Moving sales, estates, contents of 14 ■ March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News

materials are provided; register at ext. 305), her 80s, through June 9. Also featured are Onstage Events March 9, 12 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Honey, I Rearranged the Collection (artwork and March 9, 17 and 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. from the museum’s permanent collection) and ■ The Lehman Center for the Performing ■ The Bronx County Historical Society, Grounds admission is free Saturdays until Bronx Lab: Style Wars (featuring graffiti and Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents 3313 Bainbridge Ave., presents The Grand noon and free Tuesdays all day. Glyndor its relation to style), both through June 2. For Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, and others, fea - Concourse Through Its History, free lec - Gallery tours take place Tuesdays and more information, call (718) 681-6000. turing salsa bestial, March 9 at 8 p.m. (tick - ture, March 16 at 11 a.m. For more informa - Saturdays at 2 p.m.; garden walks are held et are $30 to $50); Russian National tion, call (718) 881-8900. Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and ■ The Bronx County Historical Society’s Ballet’s Giselle, March 10 at 4 p.m. (tickets Sundays at 2 p.m., from the Perkins Visitor Museum of Bronx History at the Valentine- are $25 to $40; $10/ages 12 and under); ■ The Bronx Council on the Arts presents Center. For more information and a schedule Varian House, 3266 Bainbridge Ave., pre - and The Celtic Tenors, performing Irish Doll Making, part of its free series of Third of events, call (718) 549-3200. sents Hail to the Chief and Hooray for Our music, March 16 at 8 p.m. (tickets are $15 Saturday Family Craft Workshops, March 16 Side, through April 14. For more informa - to $35). Also scheduled is Lehman College from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Huntington Free ■ CMO, Montefiore Care Management tion, call (718) 881-8900. Community Band, in the Lovinger Theatre, Library, 9 Westchester Square. For more offers free health education workshops : March 16 at 7 p.m.; and Lehman Chamber information, call (718) 931-9500 ext. 33 or for asthma on March 13 from 10 to 11 a.m.; ■ The Bronx Documentary Center, 614 Players, in the Music Building Recital Hall, (718) 829-7770 or visit www.bronxarts.org. and for diabetes on March 21 from 4 to 6 Courtlandt Ave., presents Seis Del Sur, free March 17 at 2 p.m.; both free. For more p.m.; both at Montefiore Medical Group, exhibition of photographs through March 8. information, call (718) 960-8833. ■ The Woodlawn Conservancy (formerly 2532 Grand Concourse. For more informa - For more information, call (347) 332-6962 or Friends of the Woodlawn Cemetery) offers tion and to register, call (800) 636-6683. visit www.bronxdoc.org. ■ The Albert Einstein Symphony Orchestra Celestial Wonders at Woodlawn, free presents Dvorak in America, classical music stargazing through high-powered telescopes ■ Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand ■ The Bronx Council on the Arts presents in the Robbins Auditorium of the Forchheimer at the Woodlawn Cemetery, March 8 at 7 Concourse, presents 1040 Lounge, to cele - free, In the Realm of Dreams & Fears at Building, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, p.m.; and Exploring the Glamorous Afterlife, brate and promote the arts in the Bronx, fea - Hostos Community College’s Longwood Art 1300 Morris Pk. Ave., March 10 at 3 p.m. to visit famous tombs ($18). For more infor - turing artist talks and performances, March Gallery, main gallery, through May 1. For Contributions are suggested. For more infor - mation, call (718) 920-1463 ext. 225. 8 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in its north wing lobby more information and a detailed schedule, mation, visit einsteinorch.tripod.com. (drinks will be served). For more informa - call (718) 518-6728. ■ Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd tion, call (718) 681-6000. ■ Pregones Theatre, 571-575 Walton Ave., St. in Riverdale, offers Family Arts Projects: ■ Lehman College Art Gallery, 250 Bedford presents Bodoma, Garifuna Traditional Stylish Seed Pots, to plant a seed in a pot Pk. Blvd., W., presents Contemporary Culture Band, performing South-American and embellish it with stones, beads and Cartographies, expressing an array of ideas and African music, March 9; and Quinteto ceramic tiles, March 9 and 10; and Primitive Exhibits in various styles, through May 11, Tuesdays Latino, featuring a wind quintet honoring Prints, to make prints using paint, March 16 ■ The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. immigrants who cross U.S./Mexico border, and 17, both from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Concourse, presents Joan Semmel - A Lucid Reception is March 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. For March 16, both at 8 p.m. For more informa - Ecology Building. Also offered are Winter Eye, self portraits of a female aging through more information, call (718) 960-8731. tion, call (718) 585-1202. Workspace in the Glyndor Gallery: (art March 7 –20, 2013 ■ Norwood News ■ 15

(phone or in-person registration required; for Library Events newborns to age 5), foreign language, hands- on program with live music, puppetry and ■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. games, concluding with a bubble dance party, Kingsbridge Rd., presents programs for adults March 12 at 11 a.m.; Toddler Story Time at including Computer Classes at 2 p.m. (in-per - 10:30 a.m.: (ages 18 to 36 months), March 7, son registration required): Mouse and 14 and 21; Arts and Crafts: (ages 8+), Keyboard, March 7; Intro to the Internet, March 12 and 26 at 3 p.m.; Pi Day: (ages March 12; and Intro to Computers, March 14 7+), a 134th birthday party for Albert Einstein, and 21; Single Stop/Government Benefits at March 14 at 4 p.m., to learn about the number 9 a.m.: March 12, 14 and 19; College 3.14; and The Hobbit: (theatre presentation; Planning and Financial Aid: March 12 at 10 ages 3 to 12), March 15 at 3:30 p.m. a.m.; Gifts From Our Ancestors: Native- Teens/young adults can join NakhaChitra: American Treasures: lecture/workshop Create Art With Your Fingernails: (all materi - (online registration required), March 13 at 10 als provided), March 21 at 4 p.m. Speakers of a.m.; Family Resource Day: information on other languages can attend free English child care, summer programs, educational Conversation Program: intermediate level, resources, and more, March 16 at 10 a.m.; March 12 and 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For and Disabilities Film Festival: featuring Doc more information, call (718) 882-8239. Pomus, March 7 at 11 a.m. Teens and young adults can join ARTistic Teens at 3:30 p.m.: ■ The Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames March 8 and 15. Children can enjoy Family Place, offers Crafternoons: (all materials Time, March 9 at 11 a.m.; Baby Story Time, provided), March 20 at 4 p.m.; Cooking at 4 March 16 at 11 a.m.; Global Partners Junior p.m.: March 7, 14 and 21; and Teen Movie at 4 p.m.: (ages 5 to 12: phone or in-person Night: March 11 at 6 p.m., all for registration required), March 13 and 20; teens/young adults. Also offered is Film: Preschool Story Time at 11 a.m.: March 14 (ages 5 to 12), March 11 at 4 p.m. For more and 21; Films: March 12 and 19 at 4 p.m.; information, call (718) 549-5200. Pencil & Pen Holder Making: March 7 at 4 p.m.; and Bunny Basket Making: March 21 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: at 4 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579- Daylight Savings Time begins on March 10 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. at 2 a.m. Remember to turn all clocks ahead one hour before bedtime Saturday night. ■ The Mosholu Library, at 285 E. 205th St., offers for seniors and adults: Knitting Circle: NOTE: Items for consideration may be Thursdays at 3 p.m.; and Wii Program: mailed to our office or sent to norwood - Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Children can enjoy Read [email protected], and should be Aloud at 4 p.m.: (ages 3 to 12), March 11 and received by March 11 for the next publica - 18; Bilingual Birdies: Spanish Language: tion date of March 21.

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