May of 2016, I noted at a faculty meeting that we were at the 29th percentile in the city for moving our bottom third (per the 2015 state exams). We were, in essence, the bottom third of the bottom third. That was not ok, and supporting our level 1 students became a key priority for us this year.
We just received the cut scores for the 2017 state exams, and here are the numbers comparing the number of students who scored at least level 2 from 2016 and this year:
These are outrageous results, but the consistency across grades show us that this isn’t a fluke–this is us and this is what we accomplished. We asked the world from our 3-5 team this year, and they delivered.
On top of adjusting to the new STEM/Humanities departmentalization, each of the 3-5 teams worked over-time to build and learn curriculum as they go. Never mind that they also took on creating Thinking Generators for every lesson, participated in authentic inquiry, and capped everything off with a series of “first-ever” family events, from Math Ninja Warriors to STEMCON to Dancing with the 102 Stars, and leaving attendees in awe seeing how our children actually looked forward to year-end performance assessments.
But what I am most proud of is how we came together to turn the world upside down just to welcome and support our families in temporary housing. I remember the people who implored us to “adjust” expectations now that we have kids from shelters in our classrooms. Well, maybe we really should adjust expectations. I’ll let Mr. Hunting respond:
Do note that our pace this year is not sustainable, and adjustments are being made in our planning for next year. This level of excellence have costs, and one of the more regrettable one is that I was unable to meet with and to share my appreciation for all of your hard work individually throughout the year. I sincerely apologize, and I hope you won’t mind these belated thank you’s:
Ms. Allen: Your willingness to be a team-player is much appreciated, and the growth of your students is testament of the talent and commitment you bring each day.
Ms. Arlequin: You know better than anyone how awesome your instruction is, so I won’t bother telling you. What I will say is that a “rockstar” like you, as per Superintendent Chan, comes not from instructional expertise by rather how much you just care about students. You do everything necessary to help students, and I have never and will never doubt your intentions.
Ms. A. Arsenault: I’m sorry that the one thing your father knows about me is that I referred to you as the “whitest asian person I know”. What he should know is that I trusted you with building an AIS program that will become the heart of our instructional program, and I don’t regret that decision one bit. Thank you for being the stat geek I’ve always aspired to be.
Ms. J. Arsenault: Working this year with a team all new to 102, you provided them with a steadiness that paid huge dividends. Taking on the drama teacher role invigorated you and your students, and it’s not such a great debate that the best is yet to come.
Ms. Averna: I was already regretting doing this and I’m not even past the first alphabet, and then I see your name and I couldn’t be more thankful at the way you lead through your actions. Unassuming and modest–qualities I can definitely start learning…you are a legitimate star in the classroom without any of the diva-ness that often accompany them. Thank you!
Mr. Bagg: Working with a group of high-achievers in the middle school can be tough, and yet you keep quietly truck along in ensuring that 102 is always stocked with huge musical talents year after year. Sure, we got lucky with Danny Pena, but you made everyone else. And you running around during graduation just so Sandry can have a chair with the perfect height to play piano is why you continue to be so successful.
Ms. Bagni: Our ENL team has always gotten results, and I know the challenges in leading a good team to adapt in trying to be great. I can’t think of many staff that I’ve frustrated more, and that’s only because I trust you enough to share with you some of my burden and needs.
Ms. Beceiro: This year was challenging–with a class full of ENL students and taking on new curricula in pretty much every subject, I am deeply appreciative of the effort you give day in and day out. The gym was infuriatingly hot for both STEMCONs, and your work in both days do not go unnoticed.
Mr. Bein: I admire how much you believe in students. No matter where they come from or what mistakes they’ve made, I know you are guided by hope and I am thankful for your service each day.
Ms. Beltran: You are so much better than what you allow people to believe, and trust me when I say I will never stop testing your limits. You’ve managed to exceed expectations every time, and the numbers above don’t lie. Only because of you was I willing to push so hard and fast with the new STEM program; I knew you wouldn’t let it fail.
Zeba! You see that 18% gain? That’s you. You have been a rock for 102 for years, no matter who is on your team, and it’s a quality that is instrumental to the collaborative work we will do ahead. But the soft-spoken kindness won’t fool anyone if you keep up the excellence…because you’re a real star.
Mr. Bianculli: Thank you for always making me feel bad when I buy Pepsi, and trying to influence me to make healthier decisions. Although you’ll never succeed with me, I do see that you have been the perfect asset to join our Phys Ed team and taking on FFFFF was no small task.
Mr. Boeckmann: Your hair is amazing, and I’m sorry for embarrassing you every time I mention it when I see you. You are a real talent, and it’s always heartwarming to see students sing without abandon. And that only happens because you take time to build the safe climate others often forget.
Ms. Brucia: As the more experienced and thus wiser of the Brumanna duo, you stepped up to lead without hesitation and it’s been a real revelation to see you blossom in the right placement. Some I will always have an ear for, and you are most definitely one of them. Baggies for chairs? Done!
Ms. Budance: I don’t know how you do it. To carry on with so much to do with so many people and so little time, I’ve learned to count on and trust you no matter the task at hand. Thank you for so expertly juggling your duties in the classroom, on the dance floor, at home, and coordinating whatever events we dream up. Your work this year deserve pages, but I’m still only at “B” so I’ll leave it at that.
Queen Cervinaro: Ms. Mintiens would not stop raving about the work you did this year, and I trusted her despite knowing that she would rave about just anything. You took on learning TC units and injected yourself into a team and quickly earned everyone’s respect. You’ve earned that chair alright.
Ms. Chao: You have never wavered in taking on new responsibilities, and know that it is a quality that I deeply appreciate. Our students have gained much from the Mandarin Showcase and the CNY celebration, and I know that took a ton of effort and heart. Thank you!
Ms. Chin: You anchor the team from your corner classroom, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You took on new risks in adapting to unfamiliar student population, and your efforts are missed by no one.
Ms. Chiofalo: Going from a support role to a classroom one is never easy, and even the best of us would find ways to complain and cause ruckus. Even though I knew that it was necessary for ENL teachers to embed themselves in our gen ed programs to make real future collaboration possible, I wouldn’t have done it without you.
Ms. Chuang: Students do well on the 8th grade science test and now the LE regents because of you. You are the 8th grade science team, and you carry that responsibility as well as anyone can hope.
Ms. J. Cohen: I remember you were not happy during one inquiry meeting. And that’s the moment I realized how important you are to our school. You do whatever it takes to help students, and you are afraid of no one who you think they get in the way. I need people like you to tell me what to do and to change course when things aren’t working–keep going and you will have printers that keep printing.
Ms. S. Cohen: Nothing can be said about you that hasn’t been already said. You are an incredible asset to our school, and I will cry the minute you tell me you are leaving. Losing Vicario hurts; you made it tolerable. MNW showed me I can rely on you, and that I’ll do…
Ms. Connolly: Remember when we were all worried about Ying Yau? She spoke no english and is now writing as well as her peers. You are changing lives, and you know that’s something an ENL principal like me appreciate.
Ms. Delvecchio: You rise to every challenge, and you expertly guide the school to function effectively each year without ever asking for credit. You do so much for the school–don’t let Borelli tell you any different.
Ms. Devito: You have such spirit and we all draw energy from you. Thank you for never backing down and doing whatever our staff and students need. I know that it has any sort of student moving around, you’re part of it.
Mr. Dewhirst: When I asked you to bring your talents to 5th grade last year, I said that after one year of STEM you can get whatever teaching job you want with the experience. I was right, and this time it doesn’t feel good to be right. You’re amazing and we’ll miss you.
Ms. Duque: Seeing your growth is a real joy, and I never doubt that you will realize the vast potential in you. You care deeply, and there’s no other ingredient more important for educators.
Ms. Eliades: You do plenty but ask for little, and few colleagues can rival your ability to make others feel at ease. When things get tough, I know I can watch you expertly teach for a minute or so and instantly feel better knowing things will be just fine once it hits 8th grade. Thank you.
Ms. Falesto: This is a huge mistake. I am going to tough it out because I can’t wait to hear you tell people, “He did what?! He’s crazy. Really, he’s crazy.” You are loud, slightly inappropriate, and amazingly effective.
Ferrari: You knew what you were getting into, and you came on board anyways. Your handwork never goes unnoticed here at 102, and we thank you for protecting the climate we hold so dear at our school.
Ms. Fischetti: 5th grade ELA needs no introduction by now…and I’m so proud of you this year for tackling and triumphing yet another new assignment. You make it work!
Ms. Fishman: Speech has long been a standout program at 102, and your leadership is unmistakable. Thank you for your professionalism and care.
Ms. Foley: The consummate team player, I still remember you reaching out to tell me you won’t mind a kidney table that was half the size of your room. This is how I know you will do well with students in tough situations; you care about the small things that can matter to people.
Ms. Gaffan: People may take for granted the work you do with student council, but the program’s growth is obvious. Morning announcements are now a well-oiled machine, and you keep hitting it out of the park as I keep upping the expectations.
Ms. G: Whatever Diana wants, Diana gets. Ms. Mulé can tell you that’s my rule, and that only came about from the obvious commitment and talent you bring to 102 each day. Thank you!
Mr. G: Whatever Pete wants, it’s expensive. I’m obsessed about being the best at everything we do, and I’ve never worried one bit about our photos because of you. Is there another school in the world with better photos than us? That’s value, and you deserve expensive.
Ms. Gelormino: Functioning ICT teams are rare because they are hard, and your collaboration will Jill is anything but effortless. Nothing ever just “works” when it comes to people, and we are grateful for your work.
Ms. Giampapa: You are another revelation this year. Stepping up whenever we need you to, you bring joy and just goodness to our school each day. I am so happy that Samantha is with you this year. NOw bring her back.
Jake: You almost made it to the TG hall of fame your first year as a teacher, and that’s not a fluke. You think well, you speak well, and you are someone I wouldn’t mind working with. We look forward to great things from you.
Beth! There’s so much to say, but I think I’ve already said too much. The kiwi’s might’ve been over the top, but know that everything I do comes from a feeling that I need to push you to become even more effective than you think is possible. You’re that good.
Sam: You are seamless in fitting into 102, and we hope you’ll be here to stay. You have all the ingredients of a great teacher, and we thank you for taking a chance on us.
Ms. Green: How can a teacher who gets so much shout-outs be under-recognized? Well, that’s because you step up at every turn and you take joy in doing and succeeding at things others won’t dare touch. Do us a favor and recharge fully this summer; next year, I promise you, will be one that’s finally worth your match.
Ms. Hafkin: I didn’t read too much into it when Rebecca couldn’t stop raving about your lesson. It’s what she does…but once I saw you I knew you are something else. I can’t wait to learn more from you next year.
Ms. Holden: Anyone who puts up a Maxine Greene quote on her door gets my vote. Thank you for sharing your talents with our school, and reliably getting some of our students the recognition they deserve year after year.
Mr. Horodyski: I see great things ahead for you and our budding Computer Science program, and we deeply appreciate the collegial and genuinely helpful spirit you bring to our team. Don’t let me get to you and you’ll be amazing!
Ms. Ramos! You showed everyone what STEM and you are about this year, and I say it’s about time. I worried about STEMCON for awhile until I hear that you are leading the charge, and I thought everything would be ok. STEMCON blew everyone away, and left even me speechless. Everyone thank you for that.
Ms. Jenal: You always do the little tasks that make a difference, and I know I don’t have to worry about having to assign you items to check up on because you’ll do what needs to be done. We met our CEP goal this year because you wouldn’t allow any other way; that stubbornness is an asset for 102.
Ms. Joyce: I respect you a great deal, and I know it’s been a tough year. Thank you for never letting it show, and we’re always here for you.
Ms. Kaplan: Of all the 4th grade teachers we hired this year, you’re the only one I didn’t meet with myself. When I asked why we can’t wait for us to meet before we extend you an offer, everyone told me to trust them. I’m glad we did!
Betsey: No matter how long you’ve been at 102, I can never shake the feeling that you have been incredibly underutilized. You’re going to prove me right next year, and I’m so excited for the things you will achieve.
ELIZABETH KIM: I will never call you any other name again. I’m sorry and I couldn’t be more grateful you are part of our team–the growth we are seeing now in grades 3-5 were seeded with the work you’ve always done.
LaManna: You are so happy that it actually makes me question my entire existence and why I don’t feel like that. I know the joy you carry each day makes our students learn better, and the proof is in the numbers. You will grow into an amazing educator–remember that and get there.
Ms. Landaas: A secret joy of mine is to walk by your classroom and listen to how incredulous you get when students do something you don’t like. As if you’re surprised kindergardeners would touch one another or look around the room. It’s funny because not a single parent would say you are anything less than the most caring teacher, no matter how hard you try to pretend otherwise.
Ms. Lellis: “She’s going to be amazing”. I said that to Mulé at least 5 times after you accepted a position, and I’m right! One day you’ll find a way to play viola to teach math, and I respect everything you bring to our team. However, what I respect most is that I’ve never once heard you casually bring up you went to Harvard.
Estella: You have grown into a confident educator, and I was actually taken aback when I saw the new Estella. Keep growing and soon you’ll find out that everything you need to become the best teacher was inside all along.
Ms. Listl: There are some personalities in your grade team–and I mean it in the best way–and I always thought you would find a way to fit in. Thank you for jumping in and getting some challenging work done this year; the K-version of me was a handful, I know.
Mr. Lubin: Everyone has a Lubin story, but the one that’s not told enough is how you always manage to adapt and cheer for every new team you join. You kept on pushing at both carnivals, and those are the times where character shows through.
Ms. Marshall: You were assigned to fill the shoes of Marybeth and you are still here. That alone speaks volume and I know you’ll be a vital member of our SPED team for years to come.
Ms. Martin: You bring so much warmth to our students, and I never doubt the effort you bring each day. We are grateful for your work in SLT and Cheer, and you are an asset we cherish at 102.
Ms. McCabe: Sure, you couldn’t coach our team to even one victory, but you are as “untouchable” as one can get as schools trade teachers this summer. I hope you’ll forgive me for all the ill-timed comments (see my first sentence here for an example) because I see you as a future franchise player. You’re a real talent.
Jamie! How did I not know you were a killer on the soccer field? I’ll never forget an email you sent me last year; it meant a lot even if you didn’t mean it to. I trust you with our youngest students, and that’s saying something.
Mac: I’ve said enough about you, and everyone knows the things you bring to our school. Thank you for your service.
Marybeth: Thank you for everything you’ve done. Teachers like you–or rather, to protect and support teachers like you–is perhaps one of the biggest reasons I felt I needed to leave the classroom. You are more important to us than you’ll ever realize; and I’ll spare nothing to make sure you are supported year after year.
Ms. Mercado: I haven’t spent much time with you–I’m sorry–but I do know one reason for that is because I have so much confidence in you. Your instruction is guided by a goodness that radiates from you wherever you go, and I’d be a fool to doubt your work. Thank you!
Ms. Merino: You overachieved, and I should’ve known that from the start. Mighty Milers, all the Marathons, making a STEM program work, and that 96% 4th grade science score came from your blood, sweat, and tears. Thank you.
Ms. Mills: You are as impressive as anyone at 102, and when I listen “Guns and Ships” I think about you when the line “I need my right hand man back” comes on. Get some rest–big things are on the horizon.
Ms. Monteleone: Last year I asked someone to bring me to a classroom, and without hesitation she said we should go to your class because you are a team player. You bring talent, commitment, and a friendly spirit. It’s a combination that brings real excellence–thank you!
Ms. Nova: It’s been a blessing to see you blossom into your role this year. Mulé would NOT let it go to bring you to middle school, and I don’t blame her. You bring so much to SCT that the ELA growth seem almost secondary.
Ms. O’Connor: Small in stature, huge in courage. You overcame hesitation in tackling a STEM program tested by no one, and made it work through planning and collaboration. Thank you!
Ms. O’Donnell: You are as irreplaceable as they come. What you’ve done for 102 can not be overstated because you are 102. The energy, the excellence without the posturing, the team-first mentality, and prioritizing students we now see as hallmarks of our school came in large part from you. Thank you.
Ms. Padilla: You were selfless in taking on a new challenge this year, and we have much to discuss as we figure out how to build our library program. NYOTB will never be on par with BSB, know that.
Ms. Patoli: You are a key member of our STEM team, but STEM is nothing new to you as this is what you’ve been doing for years. Looking forward to seeing you shine in years to come.
Jes Pearlman: I’ve had many jobs, positions, careers, and nothing has given me the confidence that came with your presence. I keep thinking that wherever I go, if I had you alongside, nothing would seem scary. No matter what the next job is, I’d probably never stop asking whether you’ll like to come with. And no one translate Wil Ko mumble to eloquence, and my clenched fists to collaborative, elegant solutions the way you do. Thank you!
Ms. Pera: Thank you for being both effective and pleasant. The role you serve on the first grade team can’t be overstated, and you do it with such grace.
Loubelle and Kwin! I never get complaints about you two, and that’s not such a small feat. I will never forget your medical assistance when my finger was not pointing the right way. Compassion isn’t something you do for some but not for others–and I know your work carry an abundance.
Katie: You have turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. I don’t see you as much now, but trust that I still appreciate all that you bring to our PK team.
Ranzie: Your mother needs to stop bullying me–she’s done so since 2014–but I’ll never exact revenge on you because we value you and your attitude. Thank you! (And don’t tell her I said that)
Marcela: I didn’t hire you, but I don’t doubt that I would do so in a heartbeat. The poster in your room makes me smile every time I walk by, and I’ve always thought you were dependable and full of potential.
Ms. Smith: You are the best–there’s no other way to say it. When students heading to college come back to say hi to their K teacher, you know we have something special.
Ms. Soe: Fearless in every way, I’m sure you inspire and will continue to inspire students for years to come. I’ve always thought highly of you, and I can’t wait to test out this assessment next year.
Sprung! Fitting into a developed speech team isn’t easy, and you’ve managed to do so quickly and effectively. Thank you for your service!
Summo: Thank you for supporting everyone around you, teachers like you are what great teams often lack and suffer as a result. Take care of your dog. please?
Sweeney: I respect passion above all, and your passion was never in question. The Boston trip, undoubtedly one of the great highlights this year, was all because you had a dream that we would go one day as a 7th grade trip. Well, that one day was actually just weeks later, and you did fantastic in putting it together.
Tasca: In every configuration, you worked with colleagues to support our students who need you most. As we shift more attention towards ICT next year, I am counting on you to elevate the work that we do with our SPED population.
Theodosia: Your quiet fervor was inspiring and ‘ve never thought anything other than blessed to have you on our staff. Thank you for taking on so much your first year at 102.
Ms. Tufariello: Another star in the speech team, we owe you much for the progress our RS students make year after year.
Vega: Something clicked for you last year, and you’ve been absolutely solid ever since. Positivity is infectious, and I look forward to you spread those germs far and wide.
Fernanda: YOu have a tough assignment, and you do it well day after day. I worry much about some of the students in your class, but then I know they are in good hands. Thank you for that.
Esteban: One day I will find out who the real Esteban is. In the meantime, you are the consummate good guy and I aspire to be more like you every time I see you. Except on the court.
Ravi: Smooth as always, you took on the work of pacifying and leading the STEM team the way only you can. Thank you!
Kate: You trooped along until you found your niche, and I have tremendous expectations for you. Thank you for getting the sock drive going–that’s only the beginning!
Bernie: You did well this year, and I respect so much your willingness to speak up when we need it. Kids learned much this year because they felt safe, and they felt safe because of the work you and the SCT worked so hard to make it so.
Vanessa: MNW was a total blast, and I have no idea what peanut butter and jelly is but I know it works. Thank you and I’m sorry I don’t have much left for people whose name starts with V/W.
Zecca: There’s not one person I put more pressure and more expectations on at 102 than you. That’s a compliment, if you didn’t realize.
Zwillick: You are someone I’ve learned to assign tasks to if I need something important to be done and done well. Thank you for adding value without taking anything off the table in return.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
This took way too long, but I don’t regret it one bit. If you all worked to put our crazy ideas and initiatives in place this year, the least I could do was to do the same myself.
P.S. A real “Things You Should Know” staff update will come tomorrow.
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