🌱 BK Small Businesses + Confusion Over Public School Admissions

Rise and shine, Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO! Here's everything you need to know to get this Monday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Mild with plenty of sunshine. High: 52 Low: 42.

Here are the top stories today in Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO:

1. Many public school parents across the city are frustrated by a lack of clarity in the middle school and high school admissions process this year. Last year de Blasio announced he was ending geographic and screening preferences, but has yet to give clear guidelines as to what will take their place. The public kindergarten enrollment process opened last week. Brooklyn Bridge Parents has the details of the nine middle schools in Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO's district. (Gothamist)
2. In more school news, District Thirteen in Brooklyn Heights has been investigating ways to integrate its classrooms for a long time now, after realizing that gifted and talented programs catered overwhelmingly to white students, creating a racial divide within schools. While de Blasio's blanket announcement that he's eliminating G&T largely throws a wrench in their plans, the district's schools are still turning towards the International Baccalaureate program, which they say could provide a high-quality education across the board. (Chalkbeat New York)
3. Here are seven ways to support your local Brooklyn small businesses — without spending a penny. Promoting them on social media, spreading the word to neighbors, attend their local events, and more! (BK Reader)

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Today in Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO:

• December's Tables of Contents reading at Ace Hotel Brooklyn is presented in partnership with The Center for Fiction - in Downtown Brooklyn (6:30 p.m.)
• State Senator Brian Kavanagh holds online town hall for residents of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Brooklyn Bridge Park: "The first weekend of Emily Warren Roebling Plaza! Have you visited yet? 🎉 📸 " (Instagram)
• Here's a reminder from the Brooklyn Heights Association that you have until December 15th — this Wednesday — to submit receipts from Montague Street small businesses for a chance to win a photo shoot with Stoop Stories — "or just to support the community." (Facebook)
• Rep. Nydia Velazquez and Jo Anne Simon caught up at Gage and Tollner Oyster and Chop House in Downtown Brooklyn. (Twitter)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you soon!

— Dashiell Allen