Don’t Deny WOMEN Abortion Access!

This week, we learned that the Supreme Court has drafted an opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, the historic Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal across the United States.  59% of women seeking abortions are already mothers, and 75% of women choose to have an abortion because they’re concerned about the timing of a pregnancy, or that they won’t be able to take care of their families if they have another child.  Attacks on reproductive healthcare have already made abortion practically inaccessible to millions of families. If the draft opinion becomes official, millions more, particularly low-income people and people of color, will lose access to important reproductive health care, have the ability to decide their own future taken away, and be left to the mercy of local politicians.  Safe, legal abortion is health care, and it’s health care that millions of families need. Restricting or eliminating access to abortion not only negatively impacts the personal and financial life of an individual parent, but that of their family as well.  This is NOT a done deal. Congress can still act to protect everyone’s right to safe, legal abortion. The Women’s Health Protection Act would protect a person’s ability to determine whether to continue or end a pregnancy, and to protect a health care provider’s ability to provide reproductive healthcare. 

 Let Congress know that you support reproductive freedom for all by demanding that they pass the Women's Health Protection Act into law

Hormel is recalling about 60,000 jars of Skippy peanut butter over concerns that a “limited number” could contain stainless steel fragments from an errant piece of manufacturing equipment.  The affected products include Skippy’s reduced fat creamy peanut butter, reduced fat chunky peanut butter and creamy peanut butter blended with plant protein. All products were marked best if used by May 2023.  Shipments that were possibly affected were sent to: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

If you think you may have purchased one of these products, you can return it to store from which it was purchased or call Skippy Foods consumer engagement at 1-866-475-4779, or visit its website: www.peanutbutter.com, for a step-by-step guide. 

Insect Lore has a great deal until March 23rd! 

If you buy a butterfly garden with live caterpillars, you get a second cup of caterpillars FREE! 

I absolutely love, love, love doing this with my kids. 

It is amazing to watch the caterpillars transformation into butterflies. 

They’re back—and bigger than ever! During a NEW walk-through experience, you’ll get up close with 52 life-sized dinosaurs and pterosaurs in the Bronx Zoo’s Dinosaur Safari. This year’s safari not only features more animatronic dinosaurs than ever before, but also BIGGER ones.

They have an emotional support helpline, educational materials, trusted referrals, and local provider agencies… all dedicated to helping you manage and cope with changes brought on by COVID-19.

NY Project Hope Crisis Counselors understand what you are going through. Talking with them is free, confidential, and anonymous. 

Talk with someone who is trained, knowledgeable and never judges. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk with someone you don’t know.

Children have unique vulnerabilities during any disaster. The Coronavirus Pandemic has punctuated these needs. How a child responds to the pandemic may depend on their age and level of development. Understanding the common emotional and behavioral warning signs and how to support your child or teenager can be vital to their recovery.

Emotional Support Helpline

Talk to a crisis counselor:

CALL: 1-844-863-9314

Confidential • Anonymous • Free

8am-10pm / 7 days

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Every home in the U.S. can order 

4 FREE at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. 

The tests will be completely free—

there are no shipping costs and 

you don’t need to enter a credit card number.

CLICK LINK TO ORDER YOUR FREE TEST

Also beginning January 15th, rapid COVID-19 tests will be reimbursed by insurance. Insurance will cover the cost of up to eight tests per month.

Private insurers will cover the cost of eight at-home tests per family member each month, in an effort to expand Americans' access to rapid testing.

 CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE REGARDING PREFERRED NETWORK AND THEIR PROCESS FOR REIMBURSEMENT. 

Americans who are uninsured, or who are covered by Medicare will not be able to seek reimbursement for over-the-counter tests they purchase.

 Instead, the White House will send 500 million at-home, rapid tests to Americans who order them beginning January 19th. 

 The government will also provide 50 million free tests to community health centers and rural clinics for those Americans who are ineligible for reimbursement through the federal plan.

IF YOU CAN PLEASE HELP THE FAMILIES AFFECTED IN THE TWIN PARKS NORTH FIRE IN THE BRONX.

Heartbroken and at a loss for words for the families affected at Twin Parks North fire. At least 19 people, including nine children died today. More than 60 injured. 

Here are some ways the community is mobilizing to help the families affected so far.

Contact your local elected officials for more local efforts. Please help if you can.

• Gambian Youth Organization Go Fund Me and/or drop off items in person at: 214 E 181st Bronx, NY 10457
• Anthony Avenue Garden Everything Drive Drop off: Monday, January 10th from 11 am - 5 pm at: 2078 Anthony Avenue, Bronx NY 10457 @anthonyavegangarden
• Take Back The Bronx Donation Collection DM (@ghettogastro) or bring to Hunts Point Plaza & Bruckner Blvd on Saturday, January 15th 3-5pm
• Red Cross Resource Center & Refuge Station Resources & Refuge: PS 391- 2190 Folin Street, Bronx NY 10457
• More Resources: 2100 Tiebout Avenue, Bronx NY 10457
• Mayor's Fund to Advance NYC: Bronx Apartment Building Fire: Donate to help victims of the January 9th apartment building fire in the Bronx. Your cash donation will enable the distribution of emergency relief supplies and provide support for the victims and their families. Your entire donation will go towards helping those impacted by the fire.
• The Bronx Woodlawn Collective, at 341 E. 235th Street, will be collecting the donations Monday from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m
• The Riverdale Jewish Center, at 3700 Independence Avenue, is accepting donations. They're also looking for help sorting donations and making deliveries. 
• The Pelham Picture House at 175 Wolfs Lane, in the Village of Pelham. There will be a box inside during operating hours and one outside when the theater is close. For more infomation, call: 914-738-7337

REPOST FROM @ghettogastro

PHOTO FROM @bronxnarratives

A special thank you to @thegreatfredo98 who yesterday, quickly prepared 175 donated meals to the victims of the fire at Twins Park building. His team also worked overnight to have ready 200 breakfast, 450 Lunch and Dinners in partnership with World Central Kitchen @wckitchen who are always at the forefront of combatting food needs in times of crisis. 

All NYC families with children born in 2017 are encouraged to submit an application by 

January 18

extended to January 21. 

 Here’s how:

1. EXPLORE YOUR KINDERGARTEN OPTIONS

You can apply to up to 12 kindergarten programs. To choose options for your child’s application:

• Log in to MySchools to explore and search for schools by location, accessibility, Dual Language programs, and more. 

• Visit schools’ websites or contact them directly to learn about any virtual or in-person open houses or other resources for prospective families. You can find website and contact information on a school’s MySchools page.

2. APPLY BY JANUARY 18

On your application, list your favorite programs in your true order of preference, with your first choice as #1. You can apply one of the following ways:

• Online with MySchools.nyc—all you need to get started is an email address and some basic information about your child. Watch these MySchools tutorials to learn how to create your account and how to apply. When you’re done, click the "Submit Application" button!
• By phone at 718-935-2009
• In person at a Family Welcome Center—check our website for hours, locations, and how to contact us during the holidays

LEARN MORE OR GET SUPPORT

For the latest information on kindergarten admissions, visit schools.nyc.gov/Kindergarten. Have questions?  Call 718-935-2009, visit a Family Welcome Center, or email ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov.

ALL THE BEST & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BRONX MOMMY! 

All NYC families with children born in 2017, 2018, and 2019 are invited to join a virtual information session covering 3-K, pre-K, and kindergarten admissions. 

During each online event, they will discuss:  

• How to learn about schools and programs.  
• How to navigate MySchools.nyc, the online school directory and application system. 
• How to get ready now to apply later. 

The content of each event is the same, but different interpretation services will be provided for different events, as follows:  

• November 16, 2pm to 3pm  
• November 18, 6pm to 7pm 
• November 30, 2pm to 3pm  
• December 9, 6pm to 7pm 
• December 14, 2pm to 3pm 
• January 10, 6pm to 7pm
• February 2, 6pm to 7pm 

How to join:  

• Each event will be hosted live online. Join on Zoom at the event’s start time here: tinyurl.com/2022ESinfo  
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Check your email or visit schools.nyc.gov/ESEvents 48 hours before the event to find the password and any other information you’ll need to join, as well as how to receive interpretation.

Can’t attend or want to learn more?  

• Visit events website
• Create your MySchools.nyc account and explore your child’s program options. 

During each event, will discuss: 

• How to learn about schools and programs 
• How to add yourself to programs’ waitlists 
• How waitlists work and how to navigate them in MySchools 
• How to accept waitlist offers 

After the presentation, will respond to your questions. Please note that the content of each event is the same. 

HOW TO JOIN ANY EVENT  

Each event is hosted live.   

• Join us on Zoom by clicking here at the event’s start time.   
• Webinar ID: 813 9328 9846| Passcode: 123456  
• Or call in at: +1 646 558 8656 | Phone Conference ID: 81393289846# 

• July 28, 2pm-3pm | Event held in English 
   
• August 11, 1pm-2pm | Event held in English  

• August 25, 5pm-6pm | Event held in English 
   
• August 31, 1pm-2pm | Event held in English  

Get the behind-the-scenes look at the Bronx Zoo that you’ve always wanted. Hear from experts, meet your favorite animals, or discover a new animal during these personal experiences.

In-Person Experiences

Exclusive Virtual Experiences and/or

Virtual Meet & Greet

Click for more information! 

I Can Read! books contain some of the most beloved characters in the history of children’s literature, many created by award-winning authors and illustrators.

• The perfect way to help develop your child's reading skills.
• Receive a welcome shipment with 2 FREE books, each a $4.99 retail value, for only $1 shipping and handling! 
• Get convenient monthly auto-delivery of 5 paperback I Can Read! books to your door. 
• No obligation to purchase additional books, and you may cancel at any time.

In this unprecedented moment, as New Yorkers head back to school—whether in person, from home, or a blend of both—The New York Public Library is here to support kids of all ages, educators, and parents and caregivers with a range of online resources. Discover free online homework help, virtual story time, reading suggestions, learning aids, and fun, engaging activities to help maintain and grow your skills.

CLICK THIS WEBPAGE

The 2020-2021 school year is going to look different for families across the country. As local communities create plans to keep kids safe and healthy, some classes might be in person, some classes might be online, and some classes might just be... uncertain. PBS KIDS is here to help no matter what learning situation your family is facing this year. Every week, we’ll provide a new at-home learning topic with activities, games, and articles — featuring your favorite PBS KIDS characters like Daniel Tiger, Elmo, and the Kratt brothers — to keep your child learning through play. Find ways to play. 

JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT 

VIRTUAL TOUR

In 2019, The Brant Foundation opened its second space in New York City with a major exhibition of works by Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988).  Radical in both his artistic practice and life, Basquiat made the streets of Lower Manhattan his studio, joining the creative outpour that was emerging in the late 1970s and 80s in New York City. Basquiat’s place in the East Village art scene remains absolute and for the first time in decades, this exhibition brought his work back to the same neighborhood that inspired it.

Hunter, Jose and I were able to experience this exhibit in person and now it is available virtually. We enjoyed it then and hope you can too (from home)! 

NYC schools will adhere to a mix of online and in- person learning come September. There are various scheduling possibilities, and one is completely remote for those parents who would feel more comfortable keeping their children at home.

From July 15 to August 7, moms and dads have the option to apply for all-remote learning for autumn by completing the Learning Preferences survey or calling 718-935-2200. Students will not need a medical reason to opt into this plan. 

According to the survey, families are able to make changes: 

• If you chose 100% Remote Learning but want to change your child’s preference back to Blended Learning, complete this form again by August 7.
• After August 7, any family who chose 100% Remote Learning will have the option to change back to Blended Learning at a few specific times during the school year.

Not sure what to choose? Sit in on one of the DOE's virtual, city-wide information sessions about the return to school. The dates are: Wednesday, August 12 & Thursday, August 27

The Museum might be closed, but you can still explore some of the exhibits with games, hands-on activities, stories and videos available to explore!

OLogy can be helpful to engage your child in standards-aligned online content during this challenging time. 

Ology has resources for K-12th grade levels that support classroom learning from home.

EXPLORE OLOGY & have fun while you learn 

SimplyE is The New York Public Library's free e-reader app that makes it easier than ever to borrow e-books. It is available on the App Store or Google Play.

Developed by NYPL as an open source initiative, now other libraries can provide a consolidated and clear view of their e-book collections.

We know the Library is a critical resource for New Yorkers of all ages, which is why they have taken steps to expand access to their online offerings while their branches are temporarily closed.  

New York residents can apply for a New York Public Library card through SimplyE to gain access to an array of digital resources, including e-books and audiobooks, as well as databases available from home during their period of closure. 

FREE ONLINE BOOKS 

myON is here to help ensure your students can keep reading and learning even if schools close. 

For my login to the site contact me with 

FREE ONLINE BOOK ACCESS ! 

A N.Y. STATE OF MIND 

New York has been hit hard by the current global crisis. In partnership with Governor Cuomo, HEADSPACE wants to be here for you — to help you find some time and space as you weather this storm. 

This special NY collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises are here to support you through stressful and challenging times. Helping you — and your fellow New Yorkers — stay strong and be kind to yourselves, with a New York state of mind.

REMOTE LEARNING DEVICES AVAILABLE 

To help students stay connected during emergencies, the DOE is lending internet-enabled iPads to support remote learning for students. 

The DOE will use the contact information you provide to get in touch with you to discuss when and where you can pick up a device. Priority will be given to students most in need, and all devices are granted on a temporary basis and will later need to be returned. There is a limit of one device per student. 

DAILY FREE LEARNING WORKBOOKS 

Workbooks to Use While Schools Are Closed. 

Check out the site, which has work for kids up to high school!