Gianaris Does Magic

Not forgetting his alma mater, P.S. 84 in Astoria, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris has secured funding for "The Magic School Bus" program, which takes P.S. 84's third, fourth and fifth grade students on monthly outings to some of the city's premier cultural institutions. On a recent Saturday, the Magic Bus whisked the students off on a visit to the Cloisters Museum in Manhattan.

Funding for the program was provided by the Port Authority to Gianaris (D-Astoria) through PA Communications Director Luis Rodriquez. P.S. 84 Librarian Elizabeth O'Brien coordinates the program, which is in its second year.

Gianaris, who went on to Long Island City H.S. and Fordham and Harvard Universities after P.S. 84, noted, "Some of the best cultural institutions in the world are right here in New York City, but many of our children never get the chance to experience all our city has to offer. The Magic School Bus provides a fun and safe opportunity to learn about everything from modern art to the history of television."