BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — It was all smiles on Thursday at Public School 8, The Emily Warren Roebling School in Brooklyn Heights, as children poured out of the playground after their first day at school and ran into the arms of their parents and caregivers.
Some of the grownups had been a bit anxious as they awaited their child’s verdict. “We just moved here and she has no friends yet,” said Yona Segev, father of second-grader Ranni and her big brother Mor, a student at Brooklyn Friends School. “We heard we were lucky to get such a great school in the neighborhood.”
Families cross the street next to P.S. 8 in Brooklyn Heights as crossing guard Casandra Rosario signals the all clear. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
“She was a little nervous,” Ranni’s mother Hagar added.
The couple likely had little to fear. As the crowds of children emerged, old buddies and new friends hugged, and cries of, “Mom, I had the best day at school!” and, “Can we have a playdate?” rang out on Hicks Street.
Nothing like hanging out with friends after a successful first day of school in Brooklyn Heights. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
Crossing guards Katrina Thomas and Casandra Rosario had arrived early, eager for the afternoon rush to begin. Thomas has been stationed at P.S. 8 since 2001, and she admired the changes and upgrades she is seeing at the school this year, including a spanking new playground, completed with a $1 million grant from Councilmember Lincoln Restler.
School crossing guard Katrina Thomas helps families cross busy Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
“The new sign — very nice — and the new playground equipment they put in,” Thomas said.
Rosario, who has been stationed at P.S. 8 for three years, said the road next to the school “sometimes gets crazy with drivers. We make sure everyone crosses the street safely. You got to do your job.”
P.S. 8 in Brooklyn Heights displayed a festive “Welcome back” sign for the first day of school. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn EagleTwo Brooklyn Heights moms arrive at P.S. 8 to pick up their second-graders after the first day of school. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn EagleSchool crossing guard Casandra Rosario makes sure everyone stays safe on the first day of school. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle(From left) Yona and Hagar Segev wait for their daughter Ranni to emerge after her first day at P.S. 8. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn EagleSchool crossing guards (from left) Katrina Thomas and Casandra Rosario get ready to swing into action at P.S. 8 in Brooklyn Heights. Photo: Mary Frost, Brooklyn Eagle
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
