PSMS 278

Dear Parents and Guardians of PS/MS 278,

As you are aware I have been the Ambassador Principal at PS 5 for the last two years. It has been my joy to be able to watch as my team headed by Mrs. Lillian Reyes, Acting Principal and Mr. Charles Reilly, A.P. continue the vision, policies and programs that I put in place over the years since the school first opened in 2004.  While I have always been there as a support and guide, the day to day running of the school has been left in their very capable hands.  It is now time for me relinquish my role as principal and begin a new chapter as a retired administrator.

As of July 1, 2017 I will end my career as your principal and that of PS 5. It has been my honor to serve the children of District 6 and work with a superb group of principals under the leadership of Mr. Manuel Ramirez, D6 Superintendent.  We have learned together over the years to be strong advocates for children.

Most certainly, I will miss the students. Most of your children began with me in kindergarten and it has been exciting to watch them grow and learn.  The wonderful teachers, many of whom began with me in the early years, have set high expectations and provided rigorous instruction for your children. However, one of the most important aspects of The Paula Hedbavny School has been the culture of partnership we have shared.  At 278 the parent culture has always been, “how can we help”?  I hope that you will always continue to support Mrs. Reyes and Mr. Reilly with that commitment.  It is important for new parents to be as supportive and giving of their time as those parents who have been in the school for several years.  Administration, parents, teachers and students all working together is the magic of our school.

PS/MS 278 has been a gift to me. Thank you for allowing me to provide the kind of education that is traditional in academic rigor but creative to include the arts, enrichment clusters, support for healthy lifestyles and embracing other cultures.  It has grown into a special place and one that I’m am very confident will continue under the direction of Mrs. Reyes and supported by Mr. Reilly and the entire instructional team.  They have great plans for the future with laser focus on your children’s success.

It has been my honor to serve as your principal. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity of spirit, time and care of what was affectionately referred to as “the car wash school” so many years ago and now one of the best schools in the city.  If you ever need me the school will know how to get in touch with me.

Fondly,

Maureen

 

Dear Parents and Guardians: 

I knew I was overdue with a community update but I didn’t realize how tardy I have been until I checked my files. I apologize.

 

Throughout the year I have managed to do Wits Bits in all the grades from K – 5 doing a variety of lessons from My Plate to Marinara Sauce with only four ingredients. I am always rewarded that the children seems to appreciate the lessons more than even I anticipate.

 

I am also mad about using a spiralizer in and out of the classroom. We had a Café Day in April with lots of moms to help. We made three salads all featuring spaghetti shaped cucumbers, zucchini and carrots. The children were enthusiastic eaters. What a difference from when I started.

 

The tower garden that lives in Ms. Lucarelli’s class finally gave us a basil harvest.

She deserves a gold star for persistence in making the garden grow. We were able to harvest plenty of basil and make pesto and tomato sauce in her 6th grade class adding the results to zucchini “pasta”. Yes, made with the spiralizer.

 

But what can I say to a school where when I walked in six years ago the kitchen considered me nothing but a nuisance. Or a Wellness Committee attended by Sarah Townley and me. The Café Days were so unpopular, I stopped doing them for a while. And the only thing that seemed successful was going into the classroom. The children saved me.

 

Today I write my final letter to you with a full heart, a little teary but so proud of what we have accomplished in a journey together. The Wellness Committee includes all members of the community. Café Days with mostly vegetarian options are beyond successful. The kitchen and I have been a mutual admiration society for years. And the children I met in Kindergarten are mostly taller than me.

 

I still have a few more classes to visit with Wits Bits and will be at the Spring/Summer Event o the 17th. I know that I will come back to 278 in the coming year because you have played such a significant part of what we do at WITS. I am only saying, “ I will see you in halls….and Thank You”.

 

All the best,

 

Chef Annie, anne@wellnessintheschools.org.