We all know about the city’s holiday trees–but here are four lesser known spots for holiday lights that are totally worth visiting. By Meredith Greene One of the best parts of the holiday season is the glittering lights and snazzy decorations, and we all know about the city’s plethora of holiday trees. But here are four 
Rising Star By Kathleen Culliton The fourth graders learn to play trumpets. The kindergarteners grow vegetables in Battery Park. The middle-schoolers play chess at lunch. This is PS/IS 276, Battery Park City School, an elementary school that goes beyond test prep. Battery Park City School has already earned an excellent academic reputation among New York 
New & Noteworthy School It’s all a part of the “international mindedness” students are expected to learn at Léman. “International mindedness means you are aware of the problems and ready to be involved in the solutions,” said Drew Alexander, head of the school. “It means you truly believe in community service as it relates to 
Outstanding Grade School By John Friia The motto of PS 199—Jessie Isador Straus Elementary School, located at 270 W. 70th St.—is “Work hard. Be kind,” and Principal Katy Rosen explains the school strives to fulfill those words. Named after the former ambassador to France and president of R.H. Macy & Co., Jessie Isador Straus Elementary 
Outstanding Grade School For Kelly Shannon, the principal of PS 41’s Greenwich Village School, there was a question early on as to whether she might lead a group of constituents instead of grade school students. “I initially wanted to go into politics,” said Shannon, a Brooklyn native who has been an educator for 18 years 
By John Friia Many people know Mario Batali as the energetic TV chef and restaurateur, but some are unaware of his role as a philanthropist. In 2008, he launched the Mario Batali Foundation, aiming to make sure children are well read, well fed and well cared-for. Since then, the foundation has worked with numerous organizations 
By Cristina Dimen For city parents who suspect their child has a developmental delay, there’s good news: The city offers a wealth of free services for children with special needs, and there are also many experienced professionals in private practice in the city who work with children with special needs. But the bureaucracy around 
As happy kids scrambled around the new playground equipment on a sunny Thursday morning, equally happy adults announced the official reopening of Neufeld Playground in Riverside Park. The beloved Upper West Side play spot had closed for over seven months to undergo a $900,000 renovation, and parents, caretakers and children gathered for the revamped playground’s 
As students back their backpacks and get ready for the school year that will kick off next week, parents and education advocates are gearing up to fight the continuing battle for quality public school education on the Upper West Side. While the neighborhood, part of Community Education Council District 3, enjoys some top-notch public schools, 
