UPK in NYC – What is the issue?

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  • February 18, 2015 1:53 pm at 1:53 pm #614902
    gavra_at_work
    Participant

    I’m not understanding the big issue with UPK in NYC, and why all of the Askanim are pushing for changes. There seem to be many yeshivos in NYC that are currently enrolled under the program (a quick search shows a diverse group from Yeshiva Darchei Torah, the east midwood Hebrew day school, Yeshiva Ohr Shraga, United Academy (Satmar), Benos Chayah and The Cheder (among many others). So if all of those Yeshivos can fulfill the requirements, why do others think that we should push for and need special treatment?

    Thanks for your help in advance.

    February 18, 2015 2:06 pm at 2:06 pm #1060499
    🐵 ⌨ Gamanit
    Participant

    They aren’t pushing for changes in the program for this school year. They’re requesting changes in the program written for the upcoming school year. As of next year they will be excluded if the program stays as is.

    February 18, 2015 2:56 pm at 2:56 pm #1060500
    gavra_at_work
    Participant

    As of next year they will be excluded if the program stays as is.

    It didn’t seem so from the article, and why would this year be different than next year?

    http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/285703/hikind-praises-de-blasio-for-addressing-orthodox-upk-concerns.html

    February 18, 2015 3:15 pm at 3:15 pm #1060501
    ☕ DaasYochid ☕
    Participant

    Are they enrolled for full day or half day?

    According to an online Hamodia article published a year ago, they were trying to move from half day to full day.

    Thanks for your help in advance.

    Pet peeve of mine. That’s just a way of saying, “Even if you help me, I won’t be bothered to acknowledge it with a simple thank you”. 🙂

    February 18, 2015 3:35 pm at 3:35 pm #1060502
    gavra_at_work
    Participant

    DaasYochid – Thank you for your response. I see it as a way of eliciting responses where otherwise people may feel that they will be flamed for responding. This way they know their responses will be appreciated.

    I have no idea if those yeshivos are enrolled for a full or half day. The article from YWN that I posted above does not seem to make that distinction. Furthermore, I would imagine that Yeshivos would be happy with a half-day, as they would then be allowed to teach religion for the rest of the time.

    Would there be a difference?

    February 18, 2015 3:54 pm at 3:54 pm #1060503
    gavra_at_work
    Participant

    So the OU website & press release explains:

    So (seemingly) they don’t want to make the day an hour longer (go from 8:30 to 4:30 instead of 3:30), so they are advocating for an exemption.

    February 18, 2015 5:25 pm at 5:25 pm #1060504
    Mammele
    Participant

    The city wants at least 6 hours and twenty minutes AVERAGE per day every week. So to account for shorter Fridays, Yeshivos must have a much longer day than others, additionally so if you factor in more time needed for Davening etc. which is not allowed during those hours (nor can you figure transportation). We’re talking about 4 year olds here so cramming is not beneficial to them, which was the idea of the program (to benefit kids academically).

    Mayor de Blasio made UPK a major campaign issue, Orthodox included, so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t benefit from a program he wooed us with.

    As mentioned in other threads NYC is becoming unaffordable “real estate-wise” so help with tuition may be a key to our staying power here.

    I wish we’d all be rich but until then I won’t feel bad for a city that’s providing free PS to my neighbors and begrudges us preschool tuition assistance; while raking in billions in booming real estate taxes.

    If only 11% of our Yeshivos enrolled they’re most likely having yeshiva on Sundays, which is not a good option for most.

    The OU is saying they should make only a 5 hour day mandatory, which is what NYS asks for. I don’t call this special treatment, just fairness.

    February 18, 2015 6:13 pm at 6:13 pm #1060505
    gavra_at_work
    Participant

    The city wants at least 6 hours and twenty minutes AVERAGE per day every week.

    The OU article said that each session had to be 6 hours & 20 minutes, not an average.

    Orthodox Union: Mayor De Blasio’s Changes to UPK Program are Inadequate

    If you want the government’s money, you may have to compromise in certain areas, like davening specifically on Fridays in the winter, where you can still have an 8:00 to 2:20 class period and be home for Shabbos.

    February 18, 2015 6:33 pm at 6:33 pm #1060506
    Mammele
    Participant

    Sorry Gavra, but I think you’re mistaken.

    This from the article you referenced: “Jewish day schools and yeshivas will be permitted to count instruction on Sundays and Federal holidays toward the secular instruction hours required by the City, which will now be counted by week instead of per day.” What does BY WEEK mean if it’s not averaged?

    Also, it appears there’s only a limited number of half-day slots available.

    February 18, 2015 6:46 pm at 6:46 pm #1060507
    gavra_at_work
    Participant

    Sorry Gavra, but I think you’re mistaken.

    This from the article you referenced: “Jewish day schools and yeshivas will be permitted to count instruction on Sundays and Federal holidays toward the secular instruction hours required by the City, which will now be counted by week instead of per day.” What does BY WEEK mean if it’s not averaged?

    Could be, I’m just reading the article. Does anyone here have first-hand experience?

    February 20, 2015 6:04 am at 6:04 am #1060508
    Mammele
    Participant

    Seems nobody has cause non of their kids’ preschools are participating…

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