Outdoor, Equity, Seinfeld

For some, it may seem like yesterday that we were first hearing terms like "socially distanced" and "remote learning." On the learning front, it has been 164 days since schools closed back in March, and now just two weeks before their…

For some, it may seem like yesterday that we were first hearing terms like "socially distanced" and "remote learning." On the learning front, it has been 164 days since schools closed back in March, and now just two weeks before their scheduled reopening, the Mayor has unveiled an "outdoor learning plan." Schools have until Friday to submit plans for outdoor space, and it's, at best, unclear how they'll obtain resources like tents.

For access to outdoor learning to be equitable, significant additional resources must be given to many schools. We can't just rely on PTA's with adequate resources to then share with other schools. Real and direct support is needed from all levels of government, but it is federal assistance that is most sorely needed.

Schools and equity within them have been a hot topic of late, and if you want to support a school in our district on these matters, consider reading and then signing this petition. We have written a letter to this effect as well. By signing this petition, you'd be joining many CB6 members along with notable signatories such as Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, Councilmember Carlos Menchaca, former Assemblymember Joan Millman, Senator-elect Jabari Brisport, Assemblymember- elect Marcela Mitaynes, District Leader- elect Jesse Pierce and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. As I've said before, I don't think anyone wants the already profound impact of COVID-19 to be compounded by an increase in inequity in education.

Another outdoor-related item relates to our restaurants that can use your help to survive. If you can afford to, please support our local businesses, and don't forget that "Dine in Park Slope" is going on until Friday! 

With that, I’ll recommend reading further but either way I hope you enjoy the rest of your Monday.

This is the web archive of a newsletter originally sent by email to Brooklyn Community Board 6 subscribers on Monday, August 24, 2020. The email edition may contain additional event listings and links.