Mars cited personal reasons for her absence at graduation, and Council of School Supervisors and Administrators President Mark Cannizzaro told The Wall Street Journal that she had already been considering a new position. For Cruz, LaGuardia was also a place to escape from the Bronx, and the first time in his life when he regularly interacted with people who werent black or Hispanic. This reimagined role of superintendent will involve improved collaboration and partnerships with families, community-based organizations, colleges and universities, and local businesses. 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. PDF Community Board No 2, M New York, New York. But Sandovals passion for racing translates into lessons: Math problems on distance, speed and time are explained through the sport, and students turn into journalists to report on different races for their language class. I do my best to reach out to them.. G' >N The New York native will begin a position as an achievement coach for beginning principals with the New York City public school system, where she had worked before moving to Portland. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG), Teacher Laura Blackie takes a photo with her students at San Joaquin Elementary School in Laguna Hills, CA on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Chang and her students also agree to a classroom constitution at the beginning of each school year, a document proudly displayed above the whiteboard. InsideSchools John Wenk is one of the most supportive educators Ive ever known, one supporter wrote on the petition. As she pursued her education and teaching credentials, she had to work three jobs to care for her family. You may also receive occasional messages from sponsors. 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. Blackie was one of six named Orange County Teacher or the Year. Racing is the clear theme in Sandovals classroom. Eighth-grader Brogan Driscoll has attended every one of Smiths after-school, late-evening Zoom assessment reviews, a holdover from the COVID era. And her class ends each day with a song to highlight scholarly behaviors. Those who fought to oust Mars say they have warm feelings for several DOE officials. Colin named the two fellow teachers as witnesses, saying he discussed the incident with them the next day. HKo@hfo{(I(h)P$%kUa%[o}ZEU_w0KL?WZ?lU-gg8oq$P Were going to expect them to change the culture of these communities that have surrendered to our school system, Adams said. Yusra Farzan is a multimedia journalist who has reported on social issues as they intersect with race and religion for The Guardian, Insider, NPR, Buzzfeed News, Teen Vogue, NextCity.Org and PBS SoCal KCET. A lot of news sources are turning this into, We dont want to learn or take advanced classes, says Cali Greenbaum, who served as tech theater rep in LaGuardias student government before graduating last month. . Looking internally was the right, and easy move, according to Paul Ryan, the school boards president. DeVito says kids like Cruz are not being given the same chances to succeed now. Some are tied to the city's geographic school districts, some to school grade level, and others to the special needs of their students. That exposure to a wider world, he said, was hugely important for our world view, and certainly didnt require stellar grades in middle school. Stories of hardships due to loss, illness, low income and divorce are all a part of my students important stories, Chang said. It is a sham.. His role as a teacher goes beyond school hours. You may also receive occasional messages from sponsors. As of 8:06 p.m., here are the results released by the Orange County Registrar of Voters. She holds a master's degree from the University of Southern California. District 4 - InsideSchools The board of education and superintendent races have been put under a microscope this year in a way theyve never had to face before. 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. Voters cast their ballot at the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Santa Ana on June 7, 2022. Chalkbeat obtained documents with a heading from the state education departments teacher tenure hearing unit, which list the charges against Wenk. 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. When she introduces something new to her students, Chang asks them to place their fingers on their chests, showing on a scale of 1 to 5 if they understood the lesson. Send us asecure tip. Seven years ago, noticing all the neighborhood schools had a robotics program, Smith approached his principal about launching a dedicated middle school robotics program. Weve made the decision to reassign Dr. Wenk in the interest of students and families, Cohen said, and the superintendent is providing ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition.. And a parent knows when in doubt, all I have to do is go to my superintendents office, I should be able to get all my questions answered there.. It has been widely reported that the protests were sparked by Mars's decision to prioritize academics over the arts. 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. Natalie DeVito, who graduated from LaGuardia in 1992, recalls being friends with Alexis Cruz, a Puerto Rican kid from the Bronx who has acted professionally since age 9. He divides students into multiple groups focused on the break system, the engine and the safety and interior workings of a car. Growing up, Chang experienced some real emotional rollercoasters, she said. Time With: Vivian Orlen. About. Nobodys happy about it. Premo approached Colin and two female teachers at Pianos, a Lower East Side tavern where the Dec. 19., 2019, gathering took place. Digital Team. They are so useful, Driscoll said. By showing up, he is indicating to his students that their relationships, interests and passions outside of the classroom are important to me, he said in his award application. 2o`G2w@CyG2 A_C$SVWY[(Q'txG'S]x Resumes are also being collected for all vacant teaching positions and one assistant principal position. Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning. All rights reserved. New York, NY, 10011 (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG), Red Hill Elementary School teacher Vivian Chang gets high-fives from students after she was named one of the Orange County Teachers of the Year in Santa Ana, CA on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Vivian Orlen, the former superintendent of Manhattan high schools for the Education Department who left the agency after not being selected in the superintendent rehiring process, said it's. Theyre apparently using their leverage over the teachers to protect themselves.. "If you have a drop in one demographic, its not because those kids became less talented singers and dancers and musicians. F.A.C.E District Superintendent's Office District 13 District 17 District 22 District 23 District 14 District 16 District 18 District 21 District 15 District 19 District 20 . The elected members of the Community Education Council (CEC) approve school zoning lines and advise on education policy: CEC:Community Education Council 4, (212) 802-3050, 2351 First Avenue, Room B15, New York, NY 10035, If these offices can not answer your questions, see, www.sites.google.com/a/strongschools.nyc/manhattan-district-4/home. But Monday night, parents remained upset at news of Wenks reassignment and how it had been handled. This is such an injustice.. A Department of Education lawyer told witnesses not to discuss the case. Theres obviously a [diversity] problem here, she said. Elliott, he said, helps her students understand the material and how to apply those concepts to real life. ~RJh8!q1wB,O&X33zoD H *x_+_f{?c&-x33`zm]@#&(ct^+"aKA1 AbnB4/m7j)^YE^=VRD`R$UoBIG'C%F John Colin, a special-ed teacher at the Lower Manhattan Arts Academy, filed a sex-discrimination complaint with the state Division of Human Rights against his boss, Principal Derek Premo. Join the conversation:In lieu of comments, we encourage readers to engage with us across a variety of mediums. Join other NYC families as they share information, ask questions, and engage with school experts. Follow along with our daily newsletter. When Vivian Orlen, principal of Portland's Grant High School, declared last spring that even the school's top students would be limited to taking three college-level courses this year, many . New team member, More than 600 people signed an online petition urging the city Department of Education to bring Principal John Wenk back to Lower Manhattan Arts Academy as of Monday, before some concerns could be quelled about the fate of the schools arts programs. HMk@9 Join ourFacebook discussion. On Monday night, Doug Cohen, an education department spokesperson, said that in collaboration with DOE leadership, Dr. Mars decided to forgo attending graduation., The statement continued: We thank Dr. Mars for her leadership, and will collaborate closely with LaGuardias community to find the next principal for the school and continue its proud history of excellence.. 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. Sandoval was one of six named Orange County Teacher or the Year. The Chancellor and F.A.C.E (Family and Community Empowerment) are always saying that they want parental involvement, but its only when it suits them.. The petition was created Friday, the same day Wenk was officially removed as principal, and also called to save the schools arts classes. Over the weekend, rumors began floating over social media that Wenk, the schools founding principal, had been fired for pushing back against potential cuts to the programs, which included dance, acting, visual arts, drawing, music classes and art history as of last school year. Elementary and middle school superintendent: Alexandra Estrella, (212) 348-2873 High school superintendent: Vivian Orlen, (212) 356-3880 For individual parent concerns, contact: Elementary and middle school family support coordinator: Elio Valdez, (212) 348-2873 High school family support coordinator: William Mark, (212) 356-3880 The more they ask me, the more I learn, she said. DOE spokeswoman Katie OHanlon would not say whether Rella is defending the DOEor Premo,or both. Superintendent average: 84% Superintendent: Vivian Orlen How did people respond? She took a lap of honor, stopping to hug some students and high-fiving others at Red Hill Elementary School in Santa Ana. I said, Lets start a protest.. I dont understand pulling him out of the school that he created.. But she added that she assumed there were strong communication channels between the leadership team and parents. Deputy Superintendent at NYC Department of Education. What did you expect? I would like to think that at 13 and 14 years old, you still have a chance to go to LaGuardia, regardless of what zip code you live in., In fact, complaints about the admissions process becoming less arts-focused surfaced years before Mars's arrival. It was very uncomfortable because I could feel his penis on my leg, and he was leaning his face very close to mine. District 3 - InsideSchools Over the years, her teaching style has evolved, Blackie said, to incorporate technology and make the class more collaborative. I want to thank Vivian and her team for . NYC's LaGuardia High School in uproar over academics - New York Post Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2023. 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 . Then they sing a good morning song, an homage to Singing in the Rain.. To read how the superintendent candidates answered Voice of OCs questions, click here. 0. Orlen said that Premo had increased the. 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. In 2017, the music teachers had revolted against cutbacks imposed by Mars, issuing a blistering joint statement that read, in part, If your intention is to further erode morale, accelerate faculty turnover, and sabotage our dual mission by phasing out music, then your actions make sense., Neither Mars nor LaGuardia assistant principal Justin Mackey responded to requests for comment. The Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, the union for principals, did not respond to a request for comment Monday afternoon, before Chalkbeat knew of the specific allegations. Former student Jose Camacho launched the petition over the weekend after he saw social media posts about Wenks departure, then confirmed the news with people connected to the school. He liked her unique teaching style so he enrolled in her courses again this 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. Incumbent Al Mijares was leading the race for his seat, with 60.7% of the 214,114 votes cast so far, leaving his opponent Stefan Bean with just under 40% of the vote. 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. Although mostly in East Harlem, it also includes Ward's Island and Randall's Island. The Citizen reports that O'Brien took steps to help the district prepare. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. After meeting with a parent group yesterday, she said she was told they appreciated having a principal with vision who was transparent with the reasoning behind tough changes. 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. When I came in and saw things that I thought weren't as good as . In her free time, she loves to bake, read, watch soccer or go on hikes. NYC high school principal investigated after teacher claims sexual LaGuardia, Washington says, should foster different kinds of intelligence. 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. The biggest learning curve has been working with parents. The superintendents job is a different job its a much bigger job, he added. Gavin Newsom that were tossed out in court. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I had first heard about it in elementary school, and I was like, Wait, that place in the TV showthats for real? he tells Gothamist. And a whole bunch of people started writing to me and signing the petition. He is beloved by all constituents in the program for his knowledge, vision and humanity, said Friedman, whos also been in the district for almost 30 years. Chang was one of six named Orange County Teacher or the Year by the Orange County Department of Education. I have to say, I totally understand from a parents perspective that you heard it through your child, Orlen said. Dr. Ramon Miramontes, Deputy Superintendent with the Orange County Department of Education, surprises teacher Vivian Chang at Red Hill Elementary School in Santa Ana, CA on Thursday, April 27, 2023. 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. A couple of those were existing superintendents, who did not make their case strong enough to my satisfaction.. Carrie Smith, Matthew Smiths wife, said they recently took their kids to see one of his students perform in a production of The Wizard of Oz..