Students at John Dewey High School tied blue ribbons to trees this morning in a show of unity against budget cuts.

Calling their efforts "Take Back Friday," students and teachers marched with signs in a fight to keep their school open. Protesters say they're fed up with the city's lack of support and they "will no longer be held hostage by the DOE."

The school was placed on the city's persistently low-achieving list three years ago for poor scores and graduation rates. Teachers argue the school isn't being graded fairly and that they've managed to improve despite cutbacks.

The Panel for Educational Policy is expected to vote on the future of the school April 26.