December 18th, 2015
“This is a happy school.”
–a district 24 principal
Of the many glows and grows we received today from some of the best principals in New York City, perhaps none struck me as much as the one above. Yes, assessment matters, instruction matters, and rigor matters. We know that and we’ll discuss them soon. But teaching is far more than just a series of skills that can be learned and mastered simply through repetition. Teaching is like trying to solve a rubik’s cube with infinite squares that change color as you go—it’s as complex a task as can be. Good teachers are great because they are able to find the motivation to fall short and try again and again, day after day. And it’s almost impossible to try when unhappy.
The joy in our work shone through in our collective response today to a significant challenge. We brought it and we should all head into the holidays with our heads held high. It was a good day—more info to follow.
Weekly Highlights: Our 8th graders enjoyed a night to remember at the winter ball. My only request to Ms. Eliades and Ms. Zecca was to make it bigger and better than last year. Done and done. Also thank you to all the teachers who chipped in to help set up and chaperone. Mr. McManus: extra thanks to you for being the ultimate team player in assisting any way you can. It’s no accident our basketball players develop such great character year after year.
Even though she kept saying she was nervous, Ms. Henriquez showed our visitors some of the best qualities of 102. Her students were deeply engaged and took great pride in their efforts during a math lesson. By unpacking the thinking necessary in solving a word problem as a series of steps, Ms. Henriquez prepared her students for success during work time. Their confidence is a testament to your continual thoughtfulness, and you have much to be proud of.
Ms. Green and Mr. Gebhardt made magic in their collaboration on the posters you see hanging in our hallway. Game for any task and ready to meet deadlines at a moment’s notice, the duo elevated what achieving at 102 can and should be in one fell swoop. Incredible job.
This is the last issue of 102 Review in 2015. I wish you all a great week next week and a wonderful holiday. See you in 2016!
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