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CSI in the News - CSI Today

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Brooklyn girl flourishesat new school, butdisaster looms as twothirdsof her teachersmay be cutMichael DalyTuesday, March 1st 2011, 4:00 AMThe third-grader <strong>the</strong>n uttered heartbreak<strong>in</strong>g wordsabout a place so magical for her that she hashappily commuted nearly two hours each way. "Well,I don't want to go to school."Her mo<strong>the</strong>r, 26 year-old Ayana Jones, managed toma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> parental composure as <strong>the</strong>y cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>the</strong>daily journey from Canarsie to Bed-Stuy,transferr<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> L tra<strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong>n to <strong>the</strong> B38 bus andf<strong>in</strong>ally <strong>the</strong> B15 bus.The reward came as <strong>the</strong>y strode up ra<strong>in</strong>-splashedHart St. to <strong>the</strong> aptly named Brighter ChoiceCommunity School. Rayyana first enrolled here lastyear, her previous school hav<strong>in</strong>g promoted her to<strong>the</strong> second grade although she could nei<strong>the</strong>r readnor write her name."Now she is read<strong>in</strong>g chapter books!" <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>rsaid.I asked if Rayyana likes read<strong>in</strong>g. "Now that sheknows how," <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r replied.As <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r dropped her off, Rayyana went up andhugged a teacher. The teacher was glad to get <strong>the</strong>hug, but wondered what urgency had promoted it."Why are you hugg<strong>in</strong>g me?" <strong>the</strong> teacher <strong>in</strong>quired.Warga/<strong>News</strong>Rayyana Jones (l.) and her sister KeyyanaColey do homework at <strong>the</strong>ir home <strong>in</strong> Brooklyn. Theirschools will be affected by proposed teacher layoffs.While <strong>the</strong> grownups squabble, a little girl cried.The tears came aboard <strong>the</strong> B42 bus from 8-year-oldRayyana Jones, when her mom told her that twothirdsof her school's teachers might be laid off.Rayyana said noth<strong>in</strong>g. The governor and <strong>the</strong> mayorand <strong>the</strong> teacher's union pursue <strong>the</strong>ir grown-upagendas and a little girl stands too upset to speak <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> school that has always been a place of discoveryand delight."I'm just hop<strong>in</strong>g this is a scare," <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r said.Rayyana's spirits were not even lifted by <strong>the</strong>prospect of a field trip to see a play at <strong>the</strong> College ofStaten Island. "I'm not go<strong>in</strong>g," Rayyana announced.The mo<strong>the</strong>r also dropped off her younger child, 6-Page 113 of 179

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