Asssemblyman Daniel O'Donnell

2016 Reading Challenge & Education Updates   A Message from Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell Dear Families,   I would like to present my Thirteenth Annual Community Reading Challenge! This year we are excited to delve into the theme of outer space exploration with the slogan "To Infinity and Beyond!" We hope that this theme, coupled with the recent resurgence in space programs, will encourage readers to be curious about the universe around them and to appreciate their role within it. The book list promises to be filled with intergalactic travel, biographies of the first astronauts, history of the space race, and of course, aliens! I hope that the space exploration theme will also show how full of adventure science can be.      I'm also excited to share that this year we are shaking things up a bit. The Reading Challenge will be held over winter break (right now!) in order to encourage students to read during their time off. The Reading Challenge Festivals, where we celebrate students' spectacular reading accomplishments, will be held in January and February rather than in the spring. The Festivals will feature guest author readings, activities, free books, prizes and certificates for readers from the New York State Assembly! Finally, to culminate the Reading Challenge we are working with Columbia University Astronomy Public Outreach to hold a stargazing and lecture night in February for all of our readers. My office will reach out with more details in early January.     The 2016 Reading Festivals will be held at the following local libraries:  Morningside Heights Branch 2900 Broadway at 113th Street Thursday, January 28th 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Bloomingdale Branch 150 West 100th Street Between Amsterdam and Columbus Friday, January 29th 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.   George Bruce Branch 518 West 125th Street Between Broadway and Amsterdam Wednesday, February 17th  4:00 - 5:00 p.m.   The booklet, which includes the reading list, can be downloaded from my website by clicking "Community Reading Challenge" or picked up at my community office. Inside the booklet, in addition to the reading list, you will find a reading log, suggested activities and events, and tips for parents and guardians to encourage reading at home. The book list includes recommendations for Pre-K through eighth grade reading levels, along with some at an advanced level. Participants are encouraged to check out any books that look intriguing, regardless of reading level! If you have any questions about this year's Challenge, please don't hesitate visit any of the participating libraries or call my Community Office at (212) 866-3970. Please scroll down to view our 2016 Reading Challenge Flyer.      Very truly yours, Daniel O'Donnell Assembly Member Pre-K and Kindergarten Application Deadlines     Pre-K Children who live in NYC and were born in 2012 are eligible to start free Pre-K in September of 2016. The Pre-K application period will be open from January 25, 2016 to March 4, 2016.   You may apply in one of three ways: Online by visiting nyc.gov/prek to create an account and submit your application.  Over the phone by calling 718-935-2067.  In person at a Family Welcome Center. Kindergarten The Kindergarten application period is open now through January 15, 2016. All applications received by the January 15 deadline are treated the same; applications are not assessed on a first come, first served basis.    You may apply in any one of three ways: Online via the application website.  Over the phone by calling 718-935-2400. In person at a Family Welcome Center.  Full Scholarship to SUNY Maritime    Assembly Member O'Donnell is happy to announce that he is looking to nominate one student to SUNY Maritime College's Cadet Appointment Program (CAP), which is a four-year full tuition scholarship. The scholarship is designed for a first-time college student who plans to start attending SUNY Maritime in the Fall 2016 Semester. If interested, please contact Justin in Assembly Member O'Donnell's office for more information as soon as possible. He may be reached by email at jsimmons@assembly.state.ny.us or by phone at 212-866-3970. The New York State STEM Incentive Program The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides a full SUNY or CUNY tuition scholarship for the top 10 percent of students in each New York State high school if they pursue a STEM degree in an associates or bachelor degree program and agree to work in a STEM field in New York State for 5 years after graduation. For eligibility requirements and deadline information, please click here. Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell |  odonnelld@assembly.state.ny.us |  http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=069 Forward this email