The Auction Committee is thrilled to present over 20 discounts and free weeks to summer day camps. We are bringing these amazing deals to you prior to the Auction, as we know that many families are making their summer plans this month. The Buy-it-Now online offerings went live today, Friday, Feb 10th. To get in on the action: 

1) Go to the MNS Auction website (or the MNS Auction 2012 button)

2) Register (in under a minute) 

3) Browse our catalog of summer camps (and a few other fun items) 

4) Buy-It-Now, before it's gone! 

MNS Annual Appeal: “Matching Gift” Campaign 

Did you know… So far this year, MNS has received over $20,000 in matching contributions from corporations. 

Ask if your employer has a “matching gift” program and double your valuable donation to the MNS PTA Fund. If you have yet to donate, remember, a contribution in any amount is greatly appreciated and helps us reach our goal of 100% family participation. See the Matching Gifts campaign flyer for a sample list of companies that have matching gift programs. If there are any questions, contact matchinggifts@ps290.org

New Zoning Plan Approved

On December 14th, the CEC approved the rezoning of the Upper East Side. As this plan delineates a zone for the new elementary school which will be housed in the Our Lady of Good Council building on East 91st Street, it makes substantial cuts to our zone for the 2012-2013 school year and beyond. 

The CEC was sympathetic to our concern that too many blocks were being eliminated from our zone. The members qualified their vote with several resolutions acknowledging our case and admonishing the DOE for providing "inappropriate assumptions" about their projections. One resolution states, "WHEREAS, PS290 has expressed its concern over the size of the zone and the associated potential loss of resources to the school community;" and requests that the DOE monitor our upcoming enrollment. 

Thank you to everyone who attend meetings and signed petitions.  Special thanks to George Janes for his outstanding research and report. For further information see the CEC Resolution 48 and the NEW zone map for the 2012 - 2013 school year.

YAI NETWORK - FREE FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS

FREE Family Support Series for Caregivers of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

VISIT WWW.YAI.ORG for the upcoming schedule of presenters.

Register at YAI LINK: 212-273-6182 or call toll-free 1-866-YAILINK.

Location:

460 West 34th Street

11th Floor

Workshops for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

1/19/12: Yoga = Powerful Parent □

3/16/12: Toilet Training Made Easy □

4/19/12: Relaxation + Bonding = Powerful Parent □

4/27/12: Turning Words Into Pictures: Hands on Tools for Managing Difficult Behaviors □

5/11/12: Parenting Solutions: Put an End to Challenging Behavior □

All Trainings: 10AM-Noon

116 East 16^th Street (Union Square) 5^th Floor, New York NY 10003

Kindly note that childcare is not provided.

Register online at www.ResourcesNYC.org or please check the sessions you would like to attend and send to the address above, attention: Gary Shulman, MS.Ed., or call 212-677-4650 ext. 20.)