Saturday, December 28, 2013

Students, families and educators are joining the Walk Out the Knockout Color Run/Walk to support Seeds in the Middle. They Run2B Healthy.

Let's surpass the $5,000 to get underprivileged, deserving kids an array of educational, arts and health programs. We've got only 9 days to show you care! Donate now at https://www.youcaring.com/walkoutknockout

Seeds in the Middle,
named by fourth graders, inspires parents, educators, students and their community to access all opportunities for well-being, quality education and greening their environment. We are joyful, respectful, educational and engaging. We nurture the whole child.

Our community is appalled at stories about the so-called Knockout Game, depicted in the media as violent African-American teens randomly punching vulnerable pedestrians.

Some folks brand the so-called "Knockout Game" as an urban myth. Well, urban myth or not, public school students are stepping up to show they do NOT support violence and seek successful, productive futures. They blast such criminal actions as "disgraceful" and "pathetic."

They're asking you to sponsor them so they can get affordable, positive school and after-school programs in their neighborhoods that keep kids safe and off the streets.

Seeds in the Middle offers comprehensive, anti-obesity packages to schools, focusing on our most underserved children, families and faculties. We empower and educate everyone to get healthy and scale disparities. Students are the actors who create their own nourishing, green, quality environments. We are the bridge!

Our event starts at Seeds in the Middle's first Hip2B Healthy school - PS 221 in Crown Heights, a neighborhood with one of New York City’s highest obesity, diabetes, and heart disease rates.
Seeds in the Middle is the proud founder of two farmers markets in underserved central Brooklyn, creating easy, affordable access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

We also sponsor Soccer for Harmony youth and adult tournaments. We are proud to boast that our focus 4th grade class in 2012 surpassed citywide average scores on standardized tests!
At Seeds in the Middle, we teach how to grow, how to market, how to access and prepare nutritious food, how to exercise, how to engage in the arts, all the elements needed to promote life-changing lifelong health.

Our partners come from all walks of life: chefs, athletes, educators, artists, builders and more. We cross cultures. We transform gray into green, destitution into inspiration.

Your funds will give children the chance to:
  • Grow Edible Gardens
  • Run a Hip2B Healthy school market selling nutritious snacks for as little as 50 cents
  • Cook healthy with master chefs at school and serve their parents and grandparents!
  • Get fit with soccer, running, dance and more
  • Enjoy classes where professional partners coach teachers and students to integrate all of these hands-on joyful lessons into common core curriculum in math, science, literacy, social studies and more.
Seeds in the Middle is a 501c3 charity so donations are tax-deductible. We are very small, but our students are leading the way to greater accompishments.

We are model for replication for any school. Our youth prove their star quality everyday. Please support them and pledge now! Feel free to contact us!



Saturday, November 9, 2013


BROOKLYN CROWN HEIGHTS SOCCER IS BACK!
TRYOUTS ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY - 11/9, 11/10
Play soccer and walk/run with us: Nov. 9 - Dec. 7

Registration Always Open! Everyone Welcome!
Stay tuned for first-ever Crown Heights Walk-Run!

Great news! The Fall and Winter Recreational League featuring intramural  teams for youth ages 4-14 years old is back!

The league meets weekly after-school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and on weekends in a fun learning environment, coached by professional coaching staff assisted by adult volunteers.

Each session features a short clinic and game that teaches fundamental techniques in soccer. No experience is necessary. Curriculum and playing formats have been designed and developed based on best practices and recommendations from international soccer coaching organizations. 

TRYOUTS 
will be held this weekend so make sure you show up!
Bring friends, family. Let's form teams!
  
Age groups will be created after the tryouts and scheduled groups will start on the week of November 11.

Please RSVP with the form below or show up to the field on the following days and times:

TUESDAY: 3:30 - 5:30 pm

THURSDAY: 3:30 - 5:30 pm

SATURDAY: 2 - 5 pm

SUNDAY: 2 - 5 pm 

 The soccer league will meet from November 9 to December 8.



    
Are you a runner or walker? 
Want a fun way to get fit? 
Join us for the first-ever Crown Heights Color Walk/Run, tentatively set for December 7th.
Families, want to train with runners? 
Teens, Adults: Volunteer to run with kids!
Training starts Saturday, 11/9 - this weekend at 2 pm.
More info? Email us at info@seedsinthemiddle.org

 Click on the link to register for soccer or RSVP.

Questions? Email us at soccer@seedsinthemiddle.org or leave a message at 917-756-4202. Want updates? Like Seeds in the Middle on Facebook here!
We look forward to hearing from you and engaging you and your children for another soccer season and our first-ever Run/Walk too!

And, yes, we are looking for indoor winter space!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Riding the Radio Waves!

PS 221 Hip2B Healthy Market Ambassadors were on Heritage Radio with Kathline Chery! Thank you Heritage Radio and +Whole Foods Market for all the support and helping us make a difference.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Hip2B Healthy Student Ambassadors


See our beautiful, talented, smart and changemaking Hip2B Healthy Student Ambassadors! These youth - and many others not in this album - are changing their environment from gray to green, and unhealthy to healthy! They compost, they run the Hip2B Healthy Market - offering only affordable healthy snacks - they cook healthy, they grow food, and they share with all their friends and community - with big smiles and tons of smarts - why it's Hip2B Healthy. Congratulations to all! You are stars and our future. Thank you, teachers and parents. PS 221 - the first Hip2B Healthy school. 

Friday, June 21, 2013

Farmer Roy's Farmers Market at Brower Park Coming Soon!

Vendors! Come join our new farmers market on Fridays at Brower Park right next to the Children's Museum. Market and sell your fresh produce!

Artists and Entertainers! Help us attract folks to our market and promote yourself within the community.

Small Producers! If you cannot rent a table, let our Hip2B Healthy student ambassadors help you promote your local products from their own table. (must be licensed as per Health Dept. NY State Ag regulations)

Not for profits! We are glad to make affordable deals to get the word out of free services for underprivileged folks. We welcome you and make it possible for you to publicize.

Volunteers! Come pitch in by helping our market managers set-up and break-down tents.

$40 for a 10x10 tent per week
$50 to rent a table per week
Discounts for those who commit for an entire season!

Follow us on Facebook to get the latest news and updates about the new farmers market!

Contact info@seedsinthemiddle.org  to sign up or for more information!

Friday, May 31, 2013

Support Our Kids and We'll Support You!

Sponsors! Support fresh food and fitness opportunities for families in Brooklyn. There are many programs available to help the community and fight childhood obesity:

  • Soccer for Harmony
  • Crown Heights Soccer Eagles
  • Crown Heights Farmers Market
  • PS 221 Hip2B Healthy Programs (art, culinary, greening, and more)
Sponsorships range from $25 to $10,000.

Or you can partner up with us to promote your business:
Home Depot Day




Or email info@seedsinthemiddle.org if you'd like to get involved with the community or PS 221!

Friday, April 19, 2013

Hairspray! You Can't Stop the Beat!


Hairspray! You can't stop the beat when Broadway comes to Brooklyn. Members of Boardman Productions came out to Brooklyn's PS 221 to teach the kids singing, dancing, and acting. This is all part of Seeds in the Middle's mission to nurture all aspects of kids' lives. Thank you +Julie Boardman and all the incredible, energetic, joyful performing artists who came to teach PS 221 students. See the rehearsals on Facebook! Everyone here is a star!


Thursday, April 18, 2013

Broadway Comes to Brooklyn

On Saturday, April 13th, PS 221 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders met 25 Broadway performers to learn how to sing, dance, and act. Julie Boardman, founder of Boardman Productions reached out to PS 221 and offered her services to help enrich these kids' lives with the arts.

Worms! PS 221 4th Graders Teach 1st Graders About Composting


Our 4th grade worm ambassadors at PS 221 went to all of the kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms to teach them how to start their own classroom worm compost bins. These kids are learning how to grow their own food, cook healthy meals, and compost the waste. What a great way to get kids involved!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Creative Way to Learn Math

The kids at PS 221 have figured out how to make math fun! They are studying for the NYC math test by learning a new creative jingle. What better way to memorize your mathematics than with music? Check it out!

Congrats Nancie! New Yorker of the Week!

Our very own Nancie Katz has been named NY1 New Yorker of the Week

Nancie's efforts and passion for the kids at Brooklyn's PS 221 has inspired her to make it Hip2B Healthy. Her hard work has taught kids how to take charge of their health by learning about nutrition in a hands-on setting. Kids grow their own veggies in the school garden. And, with the assistance of the Crown Heights community and local businesses, has students selling fruits, veggies, and healthy snacks at the Hip2B Healthy Market. Not only do the kids learn about nutrition, they are also learning how to make money and run a business. Thank you Nancie for all of your hard work!

Friday, April 5, 2013

Who Says Easter / Passover Can't Be Healthy?


Check out kindergarten teachers Ms. Pall and Ms. Paul's version of an Easter Egg hunt! Look at the delight of the children discovering grapes and grape tomatoes as treats. Thank you Jetro Cash and Carry and all of our donors for the fruit and veggie treats!
More pictures HERE

Daily Fresh Orange Juice Challenge

Every test-taker at pilot PS 221 will be drinking fresh orange juice daily, prepared by compassionate 2nd graders. Based on a study in 1960 by Dr. Martin M. Katz, now 85, research found acuity in malnourished children went up after partaking in oranges daily for six months! Ask us about it!

Run 2B Healthy Morning Walk/Run

Volunteers welcome!
When: Every Monday and Wednesday at 7 AM
            Every Friday at 7:30 AM

Congratulations to Ms. Zam and 5th grade teacher Ms. Scott for leading the charge.

Jump in and WIN PRIZES thanks to the Brown-Rudnick Charitable Foundation inspired by Dr. John Ratey of +Harvard Medical School

Register Here!

Free Youth Soccer Tournament!


Who: Players Ages 4 - 18
When: Saturday, April 6, 1 PM - 4 PM
Where: Hamilton Metz Field @ E. NY and Lefferts at Albany Avenue

Form your own team or sign up and we'll find you a team!
Minimum Team: 5 players
  • Certified coaches and NYPD participants will give tips on how to play. Don't worry! Anyone can play! 
  • Win prizes and giveaways!
  • Healthy, fresh snacks and beverages
  • Get Training! Join the Crown Heights Youth Soccer Eagles Spring Season NOW
Contact Us: 917-756-4202 or email: soccer@seedsinthemiddle.org

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Hip2B Healthy Youthstand at Soccer for Harmony Tourney

Bring your friends, family, and kids to at the Hamilton Metz Field this Saturday! Thanks to +New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, our students will be selling fresh, healthy snacks at the Soccer for Harmony Youth Tournament this Saturday, April 6th @ 1PM - 4PM.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Hip2B Healthy Raffle!

Support Hip2B Healthy Kids Youth Arts, Sports, Fun Programs, and Crown Heights Farmers Market!
Raffle for iPod Touch, Nano, Sneakers, and More!
Help kids play soccer, dance, play music, and more!

Raffle Tickets: $1 each or 6 for $5
When: Drawing on April 14, 2013 (during the Soccer for Harmony Tournament #4)
Prizes:  1st Prize: iPod Touch (33 GB)
                     2nd Prize: Choice of one: iPod Nano, Sneakers, or Nike Sweatshirt
                     3rd Prize: $50 Gift Certificate to JOYA Restaurant

Win Prizes for SELLING Tickets! If you are first to sell:

  • 300 Tickets: Win an iPod Touch (33 GB)
  • 200 Tickets: Win an iPod Nano or $50 Gift Certificate to JOYA Restaurant (2 winners)
  • 150 Tickets: Win choice of one: free soccer for 1 (one) child (April-June), Sneakers, or Nike Sweatshirt (20)
  • 60 Tickets: Win coupons to the Hip2B Healthy Market at PS 221 or monthly spring soccer pass for 1 (one) child (20 winners)
Info and to get raffles: Call 917-756-4202 or email: info@seedsinthemiddle.org or get tickets at PS 221, the first Hip2B HEalthy School (791 Empire Blvd.)
Note: Adults, you can buy rolls of raffle tickets and sell. Just let us know and bring them to us.


         

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Learning Plant Parts


Some of Ms. Monroe's students showing off their beautiful bean plant diagrams!

PS221 First Hip2B Healthy Farmstand Fundraiser

At PS 221, we hold a Hip2B Healthy Market twice a week, students selling healthy sumptuous snacks for as little as 50 cents so friends don't buy junk food at convenience stores. But on Friday, March 22, students sprung the spring 2013 holiday season with an expanded market - raising more than $100 towards music, arts and ballroom dancing programs while pumping up math and reading skills for the upcoming tests! Check out our first Seeds in the Middle/PS 221 Hip2B Healthy School Market Farmstand Fundaiser. Thank you to Jetro Cash and Carry, Ronnybrook Farms, Wilklow Orchards, Tree-Licious Orchards, Petal, and our own PS 221 urban farmers for their generous donations! It was joyful... and did you hear the Hip2B Healthy Market rap? Look for us on Youtube!

Hip2B Healthy Market Rap


Check out the first rehearsal of the Hip2B Healthy Market rap, by Public School 221 students in the obesity epidemic in central Brooklyn. They sell healthy, fresh snacks for as little as 50 cents to help their classmates get healthy and stay away from junk food, causing diabetes, heart disease and obesity in their community. Get your Fruit On!
PS 221 is the first Hip2B Healthy School, founded by Seeds in the Middle - a partnership of local principals, teachers and students and their community to empower all to access all they need to get healthy, green their environment, engage in the arts and scale disparities. Contact us at info@seedsinthemiddle.org. Like Seeds in the Middle on Facebook for updates!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Hip2B Healthy Market Farmstand Fundraiser

Spring is Coming! 
Bring your dollar to the First Ever Hip2B Healthy Market Farmstand Fundraiser!

No bake sales here! No sugary sodas here! Not at Public School 221, the first Hip2B Healthy school. Students, teachers, and friends are planting Seeds In The Middle of the city and world
Our 2013 blasted off with phenomenal volunteers and educators integrating health, empowerment, and joy in everyday learning.

When: Today, March 22, 2 PM - 4 PM
Where: PS 221
What: Oranges (fresh OJ made by student ambassadors)
     New York Apples from Wilklow Orchards
     Apple Cider from Tree Licious Orchards, NJ
     Yogurt Drinks from Ronnybrook Dairy, NY
     Fruits - oranges, grapes, strawberries, and grape tomatoes from Jetro Cash & Carry
     Veggie Plants from PS 221 Urban Farmers
     Flowers
SNAP/EBT Accepted
All money supports PS 221 Arts


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Hip2B Healthy Awards Night - Congrats, Change Makers


Welcome to Seeds in the Middle's first Hip2B Healthy Student Ambassador Award Night. These students at PS 221, the first Hip2B Healthy School, are leading the way for healthy change in their community. They are promoting healthy living and greening their environment. They are gardeners, composters, runners, soccer players, Hip2B Healthy Market ambassadors, hard working students. They will be scoring high on upcoming standardized tests. Congratulations to them all. Stay tuned for our next award night in April! Thank you to all our generous volunteers and supporters. We couldn't do it without you. Aren't they beautiful?

See all of the pictures on Facebook!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Matching, Measuring, Math and Gardening!


Buzzing in the Green Room at PS 221
Matching Measuring, Math and Gardening!
By Anna Ellis

The Green Room has been buzzing with activity this past month, with some of our 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade classes stopping by to learn about plant parts, growing salads from seed, and raising worms in our vermicompost bins. Ms. Sanders and Ms. Williams 3rd grade classes have spent a lot of time planting, measuring, solving hands-on math problems about their crop yields, and caring for their worms. Their classes measured the perimeter of their garden beds, calculated the area they have to plant in, and designed the garden bed's layout. Ms. Sanders' class already has a row of radishes growing, and a few spinach plants that are starting to emerge from the soil! 

The 2nd grade has been learning all about roots after reading "The Carrot Seed" by Ruth Krauss. They planted their own carrot crop. They've also started their own classroom-sized worm bins to compost their lunch scraps, explored the parts of a plant, and Ms. Simpsons class started growing a plant part salad. Last week, Ms. Monroe's class got to harvest and enjoy eating the sunflower sprouts and pea shoots they've been growing in their classroom. They prepared a delicious avocado dip to go with their harvest, and couldn't get enough! Hopefully, we will be featuring this new favorite dip at the Hip2B Healthy Market soon.

Ms. Fearon's 4th grade class planted a salad of lettuce, radishes and peas and some cilantro and basil for pestos. After recording observations of the garden's growth over they next few months they will celebrate their hard work with a tasty and healthy meal. Maybe there will even be some leftovers they can share with their worms! Mr. Pelizzi's class started a worm bin in their classroom, which they are using to study the difference between organic and inorganic mater, what worms do for our garden, and how to provide the worms with a balanced diet. Worm ambassadors from our 4th grade classes will soon be teaching the kindergarten and 1st graders how to raise worms in their own classrooms and help them to start their own bins. 

It has been very exciting to get our garden up and growing and watching our students explore and learn from these valuable resources. As one of our 4th graders said, "Today was the most fun and I can't wait to come back and see what my seeds look like next week!" We can't wait either!