Sunday, January 30, 2011

Prospect Heights Parents Rally To Keep Middle School Open and Charter Schools Out - Prospect Heights, NY Patch

Prospect Heights Parents Rally To Keep Middle School Open and Charter Schools Out - Prospect Heights, NY Patch

Prospect Heights Parents Rally To Keep Middle School Open and Charter Schools Out

Parents from P.S. 9, P.S. 316, M.S. 571 and M.S. 563 as well as elected officials argue that three schools in one building will be a logistical nightmare for using the libraries, cafeterias, gyms and other shared facilities.

Parents critical of a plan to move a growing charter school into 80 Underhill Ave. erupted into a chorus of "Whose children? Our children," during a rally at Duryea Presbyterian Church yesterday afternoon.

Children from the school were dressed as sardines, to drive home the point that three schools in one building is too much.

"Three schools in one building is unfair, not only unfair to our students, but to all the students from all three schools," aid P.S. 9 parent Catherine Jhung before the packed room in the basement of the church located at 362 Sterling Pl.

The rally also included parents from P.S. 316 and M.S. 563, at 750 Classon Ave., who are trying to prevent Explore Charter School from coming into their building.

The Panel for Educational Policy will decide the fate of M.S. 571 on Thursday, Feb. 3. The vote will