(Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG), Staff at Red Hill Lutheran School take a photo with teacher Matthew Smith on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Elliott, he said, helps her students understand the material and how to apply those concepts to real life. Nobodys entirely happy with the end result. The transition, effective immediately, was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Superintendent average: 84% Superintendent: Vivian Orlen How did people respond? [emailprotected]. Thiah Hung Phan, a second-year student, first had Elliott as a teacher when classes were online during the pandemic. Join the conversation:In lieu of comments, we encourage readers to engage with us across a variety of mediums. And its a great way for them to show me that information without feeling embarrassed, Chang said. Colin named the two fellow teachers as witnesses, saying he discussed the incident with them the next day. I have heard repeatedly from parents that they feel unheard, unwelcome and under-appreciated by those in leadership, said Schools Chancellor David Banks. by Julia Comnes on November 16, 2011 March 26, 2016. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG). But Monday night, parents remained upset at news of Wenks reassignment and how it had been handled. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG). 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Now, as a teacher, her top priority is to connect with students who experience adversity. But she said she did not want to create a distraction during budget discussions and graduation. Blackie was one of six named Orange County Teacher or the Year. hXnF}LPv MYr%E $w293g This morning Superintendent Vivian Orlen introduced us to Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos, LaGuardia's new interim acting principal, and we are all extremely excited to welcome her to our amazing community of artists! Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily. I want to make this New York City public schools, a more parent-friendly experience. John Wenk is one of the most supportive educators Ive ever known, one supporter wrote on the petition. I would also like to acknowledge the leadership of Vivian Orlen and her commitment to our Manhattan High Schools. Cruz says that he was a C student in middle school, but when he went to LaGuardia, his grades improved. Catherine Fitz, who also signed the petition, said her daughter graduated from the school last year. Obviously the metrics we are using to assess worthiness for this school are broken., Under Mars, recent students say, the admissions changes were technological as well as ideological. CONTINUE READING Manhattan HS District 333 7th Avenue, Seventh Floor NY, NY 10001 (212) 356-8569 @manhattanhs @manhattanhsdistrict I want to thank Vivian and her team for . But her departure as principal came after years of protests by LaGuardia students, parents, and teachers, including an hours-long sit-in hundreds of students staged on May 31st. Unlike at other specialized high schools in New York City, LaGuardiawhich evolved from the High School of Performing Arts, the inspiration for the movie and TV series Fame, and which has produced dozens of well-known graduates, including actor Timothe Chalamet, comedian Michael Che, and rapper/actor Awkwafinadoes not use standardized test scores as its basis for admission. Since the students are a diverse population in different stages of their lives some have families, some are returning students, others are veterans and many balance jobs with school trying to teach them all is really difficult, especially in some of my larger classes, she said. Its just between me and them.. That exposure to a wider world, he said, was hugely important for our world view, and certainly didnt require stellar grades in middle school. But she added that she assumed there were strong communication channels between the leadership team and parents. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice and European users agree to the data transfer policy. Chang, Mrs. Chang, Mrs Chang, was the chorus that greeted fifth-grade teacher Vivian Chang as she walked outside her classroom, her mouth open in shock, to take in the sight of about 440 students lined up around the school quad to cheer for her. This story has been shared 131,637 times. Mrs. Though it's not entirely unprecedented: Two years ago, students at Townsend Harris High School in Queenswhere Lisa Mars served as an assistant principal before being hired as LaGuardia principalsuccessfully protested to prevent the permanent appointment of acting principal Rosemarie Jahoda, who they said had not respected the schools humanities tradition and failed to address unfair treatment of students of color. Those town halls ran throughout the spring as parents and teachers asked questions of the district finalists. The slate included at least 12 newly assigned superintendents, as well as two who swapped districts and about 30 familiar faces who retained their positions. She shares in her classroom how she became fluent in Spanish by tutoring her students in their homes over the summer break, asking their families to only speak with her in Spanish. Black shoes or sneakers are required every day. "I have to say, I felt really proud and it did resonate for me," she said. Elliott was one of six named Orange County Teacher or the Year. Premo approached Colin and two female teachers at Pianos, a Lower East Side tavern where the Dec. 19., 2019, gathering took place. Principal Support High School reform. He is a regular at his students sporting events, dance recitals, family members funerals, musicals and graduations. Whitaker was one of six Orange County Teachers of the Year. 23). We have lost that now.. The board and superintendent are both elected in the primary, meaning there wont be a runoff election in November. After outcry from thousands of parents and teachers, the DOEreversed course, inviting all incumbents to participate in the community engagement stage of the interview. It has been widely reported that the protests were sparked by Mars's decision to prioritize academics over the arts. On June 24th, shortly after she sent an email to students saying shed be skipping this years graduation, it was reported that Dr. Lisa Mars, the embattled principal of the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, was finally stepping down after six years. Follow along with our daily newsletter. The Smiths had previously put off a family vacation to Europe because of the high costs, but now the holiday might be back on the table for the summer. LaGuardias student-led protest stands out for its effectiveness in ousting a principal not accused of committing a crime, misrepresenting credentials, or failing to prevent violence. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Randis COVID mistruths: Letters to the Editor May 1, 2023, Student claims he was sent home over shirt that said there are only two genders, Florida teen girls arrested over ominous graffiti in middle school bathroom, Russia promises harsh response after Poland seizes spy nest building. Dr. Ramon Miramontes, Deputy Superintendent with the Orange County Department of Education, surprises teacher Laura Blackie at San Joaquin Elementary School in Laguna Hills, CA on Thursday, April 27, 2023. All rights reserved (About Us). I try to make myself available if they need me or if I am noticing that someone is slipping behind, Elliott said. 260 0 obj <> endobj Chang had just been surprised by Ramon Miramontes, deputy superintendent of the OC Department of Education, who burst into her classroom to inform her she is one of the countys six 2024 Teacher of the Year recipients. They include his allegedly misusing $80 in school funds, maintaining too large a ratio for classes that integrate general education students and those with disabilities, for not properly staffing some special-education classes, and for assigning multiple paraprofessionals to clerical work instead of to students or classrooms. I continually tell them, You can do it, she wrote in her Teacher of the Year application. It helps me to know who needs more help and who needs my support. We've received your submission. 2o`G2w@CyG2 A_C$SVWY[(Q'txG'S]x You became our principal last year. LaGuardias decreasing diversity is particularly distressing to those who graduated in the 1990s, when the school was more racially mixed. Sandoval was one of six named Orange County Teacher or the Year by the Orange County Department of Education. We've received your submission. Opponents Of Former LaGuardia Principal Say Ouster Was Over Diversity, Not Just Arts, We rely on your support to make local news available to all, Mayor Adams says more migrant buses headed to NY courtesy of Texas. Voters cast their ballot at the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Santa Ana on June 7, 2022. Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2023. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Loopholes could foil NYCs new school class-size law: concerned educators, Beware the poison pill in Albanys deal to help NYC charter schools, NYC special-ed teacher collected 3 months of sick pay from prison, List of bad NYC principals includes serial hugger, sexy dresser and Lucifers sister, LaGuardia High School amid controversial changes, a progressive student mural that was torn down. DOE spokeswoman Katie OHanlon would not say whether Rella is defending the DOEor Premo,or both. The embattled principal of LaGuardia High School, a famed specialized school that focuses on the performing arts, is leaving amid a renewed wave of student pushback against her leadership. Orlen said that Premo had increased the. %%EOF The superintendent is responsible for managing the Orange County Department of Education, which includes providing legal advice to districts, reviewing their annual budgets, and a host of other roles. Support Voice of OC Today. I dont think [DOE] would have moved on a less prestigious school without this kind of media attention," he says. So much for one of the famous four pillars of the Chancellor, said Ellen McHugh, who co-heads the parent-led Citywide Council on Special Education. A couple of those were existing superintendents, who did not make their case strong enough to my satisfaction.. The board handles the approval of charter schools, inter district transfer requests and approves the department of educations annual budget, but the countys 28 individual district boards handle most of the day-to-day curriculum and other management. Lisa Mars, who oversaw LaGuardia for six years, will be taking a new position under Chief Academic Officer Linda Chen. Although she said she couldnt disclose the specific charges, Orlen said, There is no doubt in my mind that Dr. Wenk touched many of your lives., Still, parents blasted the district for not informing them about Wenks reassignment. He didn't renew a contract in 2016, and . Thats not true. On Wednesday, Manhattan High School superintendent Vivien Orlen sent an email to families notifying them that Premo, who earned $183,854, had resigned. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. By the end of 2021, the superintendent who has led the Port Byron Central School District since 2004 will retire. DeVito also praised Schools Chancellor Richard Carranzawho, depending on your perspective, is either going too far in attempting to integrate city schools, or failing to set goals precise enough to make a real differencefor his sensitivity and responsiveness. Across the county, teachers were surprised on Thursday morning, April 27, with an entourage consisting of Miramontes, district officials, representatives from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union (the sponsor of the annual gala), family and friends. Essential education reporting in New York. C9:YU^s0 GP'8A$WS m>;^+|^Zx$iC>-zj|>ZcFrQHg)c}Dis t\Qjd}2B^Qw.=H,OmP6q 2aZCL6aMvL]otcAjhd r`Nf\P_NLrYoY:=.s/~ LC8gEaRv0d4Us8:r~-::>k!P}P7'!S(O w. Then they sing a good morning song, an homage to Singing in the Rain.. What did you expect? Once he got the green light, he designed the school robotics lab, pursued the requisite certification and now, six years later, is at the helm of the thriving program, a sought-after elective at Red Hill Lutheran. In her free time, she loves to bake, read, watch soccer or go on hikes. The teachers will also have an opportunity to compete for California Teacher of the Year. Essential education reporting in New York. (@F(8h`OY#C Here are the top educators in Orange County this year. Christina Lok, who served as student government secretary and graduated this year, says the admissions process used to be more attentive to what made you an artist. Now, she says, students are graded on an iPad and rated on talent on a scale from 1 to 5. "If you have a drop in one demographic, its not because those kids became less talented singers and dancers and musicians. She said Wenk is passionate about the job and has earned admiration from teachers and parents alike. . Lawmakers start passing NYs $229B budget. After informing Superintendent Carole Smith of her decision on Wednesday, she sent out a lengthy e-mail to the school community Friday morning, calling the move an "extremely difficult decision." MARK OSSENHEIMER, Field Support Liaison . 4012, High school family leadership coordinator:Damaris Frias, (212) 356-3880, This center handles both general education and special education enrollment. Download the free FingerLakes1.com App for Android (All Android Devices)oriOS (iPhone, iPad). He didnt renew a contract in 2016, and let the Board of Education know they should start planning last year. It establishes the foundation for all our tests and quizzes., Together with his algebra classmates, Driscoll clapped loudly as Smith accepted his Teacher of the Year award while some students yelled: Thats my teacher!. High school superintendent: Vivian Orlen, (212) 356-3880 For individual parent concerns, contact: Elementary and . A sudden reshuffling at a small Manhattan high school a new principal and advanced classes has ignited concerns that the city Education Department is trying to appease parents whose . VERY uncomfortable, Colin stated. DeVito says kids like Cruz are not being given the same chances to succeed now. You may also receive occasional messages from sponsors. Orlen praised. New York City Department of Education Location 52 Chambers St Rm 314, New York, New York, 10007, United States Washington is blunt about what LaGuardia needs next: a new principal with a passion for the arts. According to a letter sent to LaGuardia parents by Superintendent Orlens office, Orlen and Rosales are currently interviewing candidates for an interim acting principal, but there wont be an official posting for the principal job until the fall, at which point all qualified candidates, including the interim acting principal, will be able to apply. We have brought together a group of 45 believers.. 2023 New York Public Radio. I wasn't anticipating the extent of the support and the pushback they've given. Theyre apparently using their leverage over the teachers to protect themselves.. The biggest learning curve has been working with parents. . Sign up for our Morning Edition to start your day. You may also receive occasional messages from sponsors. Joseph Cassidy, then the principal of a middle school that sent many students to LaGuardia, lamented such changes in a 2000 New York Times article. Elliott was one of six named Orange County Teacher or the Year during a stop at the college in Costa Mesa, CA on Thursday, April 27, 2023.. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG). Chalkbeat New Yorks reporters go inside classrooms, attend Regents meetings, and more to bring the news you need. Two long-standing educators Manhattan High School Superintendent Vivian Orlen, who oversaw the district including LaGuardia High School amid controversial changes, and District 79 Superintendent Robert Zweig were replaced on Monday with temporary administrators. As she pursued her education and teaching credentials, she had to work three jobs to care for her family. Her career began at UAE's largest English news daily, Gulf News on the entertainment beat. As a child, she moved with her mother to South Korea but had to move back to the U.S. two years later. But since Mars's arrival in 2013, according to a report by NBC New York, any student who fails to get an 80 or better in any core academic subject (English, math, science, or social studies) in middle school is summarily rejected, regardless of artistic talent. The superintendent appoints principals, evaluates schools and approves budgets: Elementary and middle school superintendent: Alexandra Estrella,(212) 348-2873, High school superintendent: Vivian Orlen,(212) 356-3880, Elementary and middle school family support coordinator: Elio Valdez, (212) 348-2873, High school family support coordinator:William Mark, (212) 356-3880, Elementary and middle school family leadership coordinator: Nancy Periera, (212) 348-2873 ext. Superintendent: Each district has two superintendents--one in charge of elementary and middle schools, one in charge of high schools--who appoint principals, evaluate schools and approves budgets. In her application, Blackie wrote about her student, Alejandro, who didnt know any English when he joined her class. To read how the board candidates answered Voice of OCs questions, click here. Colin, 56, retired this summer, saying in his complaint that he fearedretaliation by Premo and Superintendent Vivian Orlen. The superintendents job is a different job its a much bigger job, he added. He says he saw the school as a place where his talents were nurtured, helping him to begin to evolve from the child actor he was to the working actor he is today. At the same time, Isabel Janovsky, a former member of LaGuardias student government who graduated last month, said Marswho has been reappointed to a position as a DOE senior advisordeserves the same respect as any other human being. . The area is experiencing a boom in housing and is welcoming middle class newcomers. You cant put a number on art.. G' >N hbbd```b``@$GfI?`,&E^I.3 Z/ 5 v^$0}g`bd`v#30_0 After a Lower East Side high school principal was accused of sexually pressing his groin against a teachers leg at a staff holiday party, a Department of Education lawyerasked witnesses for help to prepare a defense, records show. Orlen generally described the steps the district follows to find a new principal, which she said will involve getting feedback from parents and school stakeholders.. At the same time, parents, students, and graduates have complained that Mars' administration instilled what Lok calls a sense of fear and DeVito describes as threats and bullying. Many teachers left the school during Mars tenure, DeVito says, and others would only voice complaints anonymously because they feared retribution.. After learning about the charges, Camacho said he still had questions about their validity. He divides students into multiple groups focused on the break system, the engine and the safety and interior workings of a car. In the next upcoming Town Hall for Parent Leaders on March 24, School Social Worker, Ms. Jessica Chock-Goldman will . Some are tied to the city's geographic school districts, some to school grade level, and others to the special needs of their students. Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning. Instead, prospective students are assessed based on an audition or art portfolio and their middle-school academic record. @%)VZA4C0N$0+%LN~& I made a determination in several districts that I was not satisfied with either of the (finalist) candidates, said Banks. The hiring process was supposed to involve parent and teacher engagement, though The Post reportednot all candidates made it to that round including a popular incumbent and 40-year veteran Superintendent Philip Composto from District 30 in Queens. District 15 Superintendent Anita Skop in Brooklyn was also replaced by a new district leader, after a local elementary school was embroiled in a recent controversy over a progressive student mural that was torn down. She grappled with several difficult situations during her tenure. - Superintendent Vivian Orlen Manhattan High Schools Remote & In-Person Learning Plan Gregorio Lupern High School for Science and Mathematics Expectations (06M552) Safety First Students may opt for wearing their regular uniform, gym uniform or a combination of both. A parent who identified herself to the room as the schools PTA president said Wenk came to their meeting last Thursday and informed parents who were there that it was his last day. We want a good education; we just want an even focus on academics and the arts.. Stories of hardships due to loss, illness, low income and divorce are all a part of my students important stories, Chang said. Singing brings joy, instrumental music brings peace, songs about content provide access and when we sing together, music facilitates a sense of belongingness, Whitaker said. Nobodys happy about it. During this time, she works with students one-on-one or in small groups to develop their reading or math skills. The schools parents association called an emergency meeting Monday night, where approximately 40 parents, students and alumni crowded into a small art-class room and, at many points, became heated while talking to District 2 Superintendent Vivian Orlen, who emphasized that the school is not losing its arts program. Today, it is around 46 percent white, 18 percent Hispanic, 19 percent Asian, 7 percent multiracialand only 10 percent black, in a city that is 24 percent black. I am very worried about the future of this district.. Its just astounding to me.