The Brooklyn PTA 5K run was great.  We had over 200 runners
(which the race aficianados who were there said was fantastic for a
brand new run), from PS 29, PS 39, Brooklyn New School, PS 107, PS 295,
and more. 

I’m pleased to report that PS 107 had the biggest
contingent, with over 40 runners, including our principal, Cynthia
Holton.  The fastest time was a blazing 17:50 by Joe Koelbel, a parent
from the Brooklyn New School.  At least five kids (including my
8-year-old son Marek) came in with times under 30:00.  I don’t know yet
how much money we raised yet, but it looked great. 

 

Credit goes to Nick Bedell, the PTA president from the Brooklyn
New School, who came up with the idea and organized the event, and to a
great crew of volunteers.  Hats off also to the 78th Precinct — at the
end of the race one kid hadn’t yet returned to the starting line, but
before his parents and race organizers could start to fret, the police
had already located him and reunited him with this dad.

There was
great energy and a spirit of cooperation across the public elementary
schools.  Many people are planning to attend the rally this afternoon
at City Hall to protest the $450 million budget cuts to the schools.
We’re looking very forward to an even bigger turnout next year.