“We have about 100 kids—it’s awesome.” -Mr. Bianculli, describing 102’s first-ever soccer club
Two months and one marking period down as 102’s principal—time for some reflection.
I can’t begin to count how many people from all corners of DOE called in September to offer congratulations and to say how fortunate I was to be matched with 102. I thought so back then, too. After two months, I know so.
Great students, absolutely. Great families, you bet. Effective instruction? Just look at the numbers. But what’s been truly astounding to experience from an outsider’s lens is 102’s collective willingness to consistently do more than what is asked and to ask what more there is to do. Sure, instruction matters, data matters, and meetings matter. But it is the many little and necessary things we do that are not captured in 15-minute classroom observations that make our school great. And they do not go unnoticed.
Some highlights:
-Upon hearing that a first period class needs immediate coverage, Ms. Delvecchio says without hesitation “I got it” and heads over. The consistency most of us enjoy is partly paid for by your willingness to have none—On behalf of all of us, thank you.
-Recognizing a need to help a disrespectful student de-escalate, Ms. Giampapa patiently speaks with him in the hall to prevent him from further misconduct. Discipline, while necessary in many instances, is often less effective at discouraging misbehavior than compassion and relationships. Thank you Ms. Giampapa for knowing when to choose the latter.
-Across from an auditorium full of students ready to audition for our school play, Ms. Cesar took the initiative to supervise the group as Ms. Zecca, Ms. LeRoy, and Ms. Vicario dismissed their students in the yard. Thank you Ms. Cesar for stepping up and stepping in.
-Providing club activities for NYC students in desperate need of them, Mr. Bianculli, Ms. O’Donell, Mr. Bagg, Mr. Boeckman, Ms. Winter, Ms. Zecca, Ms. LeRoy, and Ms. Vicario all sacrificed time and energy to lead extra-curricular learning. Thank you!
-Mr. McManus: You get your shout out when you get us our first win.
Things You Need to Know:
November 3rd: We are hoping to schedule our Election Day to being at 8AM instead of 8:20AM. Please let me know immediately if you have any concerns with this start time. I will confirm start time on Monday.
Grades are due Monday, November 2nd at close of business. All staff will report to the auditorium Monday for professional learning. Our APs will briefly go over items relating to MP1 observations, and you will then be free to use the remainder of the professional learning time to ask any questions relating to submitting grades and to do so in the auditorium.
Greater Ridgewood has gifted us a 3D printer. We now have one in our Technology Lab and one in Ms. Holden’s room. Please speak with me if you are interested in using our 3D printers in your lessons.
Eat candy.
mrkobot.com 