Congratulations, Class of 2020!

Congratulations, Class of 2020! Our entire school community celebrates with you and your families. As we recognize you all for your academic accomplishments, I am overwhelmed with pride and joy. I salute you all on this amazing milestone.

To commemorate, please, watch, keep, and share your virtual graduations ceremony with family and friends. We have included the link here, as well as on the Student Life Page, where it will live forever.

- https://www.vegovirtual.com/pelham-prep

- Password: pelhamgrad

It has been my honor to serve you all as your Principal, and it is with a heavy heart to say good bye. You have left an indelible mark on our school community, and you have taught me valuable lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my time serving the Pelham Prep community. We thank you and will miss you dearly.

Sincerely,

Principal Ferron

Pelham Preparatory Academy
Last Day of School!

We're there! Please read the attached letter from Chancellor Carranza.

***

Dear Families,

Today is the last day of the most challenging, most intense school year many of us have ever experienced. I am humbled by your efforts and so proud of your children—our brilliant students.

I know that last September feels like it was years ago, and that time in general seems to exist as “before COVID” and “after COVID.” It might be hard to remember, but before the pandemic upended our lives, we opened more pre-K Dual Language programs(Open external link) across the city, saw a record number of our students enrolling in college(Open external link), and learned just how much our Community Schools(Open external link) have been changing students’ lives for the better—to name just a few of our accomplishments. All that still matters because it has real-life, positive impacts for our children.

And then, all of a sudden, it was Monday, March 16, and the coronavirus forced us to reinvent the nation’s largest school system, closing all school buildings and transitioning our 1.1 million students to remote learning. To me, the “after COVID” time is as stunningly impressive as what came before. I know this because over the past three months I have seen your children complete science experiments in your kitchens, debate the United States Constitution in Spanish from your living rooms, and join band practice and master Shakespeare on Zoom.

Your children accomplished these amazing feats all while the coronavirus was affecting you, your families, and your communities. Sadly, we lost immediate family members, and 79 Department of Education employees, to COVID-19. We will never be the same without the loved ones, friends, and colleagues who gave our lives and work meaning. We will never, ever forget a single one of them. They live on in our hearts, in our memories, and in our children.

I’ve always said that parents and families are our most important partners, but this year that was truer than ever, as you became your child’s teacher, coach, and constant presence in an uncertain world. Your lives were upended in support of a totally unconventional schedule for your children. I know how much you sacrificed for them, how concerned you are about their futures, and how deep your love for them runs. I can’t thank you enough for the effort you have made to support your child’s learning at home.

In recent weeks, you’ve kept the learning going as our city and nation have been enraged and have mourned the senseless loss of more Black lives at the hands of those whose duty it is to serve and protect. It has been a gut-wrenching time for all of us. Systemic racism endangers people of color in this country, period; and true change for New Yorkers of color must begin in our schools.

I pledge that we will take what we have learned this year and double down on addressing systemic inequalities in our system that these crises have further exposed. This includes continuing to build a strong, inclusive, just, and anti-racist educational system. I pledge that we will keep cultivating and celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of your children. I pledge to continue to be there for you and your children, not being deterred for a moment—no matter what challenges come our way. Over the next several months, we will operate Summer School, Meal Hubs, Regional Enrichment Centers, and Emergency Child Care Centers to actively serve our families. I pledge to deliver the education your children demand and deserve—an education that enables them to grow into well-educated, responsible, compassionate adults who are equipped to change the world.

I know you are rightfully anxious to know what that education will look like for your child this fall. We are working day in and day out to develop robust plans for the more than one million children who are in our seats. You will receive information in the coming weeks—including the date for the first day of school—once we receive the necessary guidance from the State and federal government that paves the way for us to finalize our plan. We also need your guidance, too! Please tell us what you want fall 2020 to look like by filling out our Return to School survey at schools.nyc.gov/returntoschool2020 by Tuesday, June 30. This will help us meet your needs as we come back to school.

Given all we have been through together, we cannot end the school year without celebrating our students’ remarkable accomplishments. I invite you to join me; Mayor de Blasio; former NYC public school student and teacher, Lin-Manuel Miranda; and other celebrities, elected officials, and special guests on June 30 as we honor the Class of 2020 at a citywide graduation ceremony. You can watch it beginning at 7 p.m. on PIX 11 and at nycclassof2020.com(Open external link). Please join us!

And one more exciting development for our students: we are thrilled to make more e-books and audiobooks for all ages available for free this summer to all DOE families, and it’s easier than ever to access them. Just use your student’s DOE login; no special signup necessary. Summer reading is so important to keep learning going and to let imaginations run free, so please visit schools.nyc.gov/summerreading to find these amazing resources. If you received a DOE-issued iPad, it will automatically have the Sora app installed to access these texts—but you don’t need a DOE-issued device to use Sora. You can download the app on any device, use your student’s DOE login, and start reading.

I have often said that we have the best students, staff, and families anywhere. This year, you have proved that true beyond any shadow of a doubt. You are helping us build a better world. We are grateful for you today and every day.

Have a wonderful summer. We can’t wait to see you in September.

Pelham Preparatory Academy
"On My Mind" Literary and Art Publications!

On My Mind is an annual literary book of previously unpublished work produced by high school students from across New York State and Connecticut. PPA has been contributing to On My Mind for five years and this year is our first year submitting art work. The book is edited and published by the Northeast Westchester Rotary Club in Somers, New York. Ms. Turk, PPA's AP English Language and Composition teacher, works with students wishing to be published in On My Mind through the revision process prior to submitting all work for publication.

Congratulations to this year's student-contributors: Waseka Ahmed, Sanjona Arzan, Steven DeJesus, Destiny Fontaine, SHaneal McEachin, Angelle Nunez, Jolyn Prescott, Febian Rusanoski, Kevin Gerardino, Jamilet Gonzalez, Jaylyn Viera.

To view, please use the following links: Cover and Content
- OMM2020intSinglesLR.pdf
- On My Mind_2020v5LR.pdf
Pelham Preparatory Academy
Summer Reading Resources (E-Books and Audiobooks)

Dear Families,

Summer reading is so important to keep learning going and to let imaginations run free! The Dept. of Education is thrilled to make more e-books and audiobooks for all ages available for free this summer to all DOE families, and it's easier than ever to access them. For additional details, please read the following letter (with translations if needed) and visit schools.nyc.gov/summerreading

Regards,

PPA

Pelham Preparatory Academy
Return to School 2020 Survey

Dear PPA Families,

Please take the time to fully read Chancellor Carranza's recent letter on returning to school in 2020. Within this letter, the Chancellor speaks not only to the multiple ways that blended learning can operate in Fall 2020, but also the need to hear from you about your preferences and concerns as we head into the 2020-2021 school year.

The Department of Education has created a short survey for both families and students, and is asking everyone to take a moment to fill it out and share your thoughts before Monday, June 22. The survey is anonymous and should take about 7 minutes to complete. It's available in 9 languages at Return to School 2020 Homepage. There, you can also find answers to many of your questions regarding the coming school year and the survey.

For your convenience, we have also attached the surveys below.

- Parent and Families Survey

- Students Survey

Thank you for taking the time to take this survey.

Wishing you all the best,

PPA Admin

Pelham Preparatory Academy
ENLACE Program: STEM Opportunity for High Achieving Latino Students

PPA Families,

ENLACE is a multi-year cohort program that provides high achieving Latino students with advanced academic enrichment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Students who are accepted and enroll into ENLACE become part of a rigorous, multi-year program. As the ENLACE curricula is designed to be cumulative, each student is asked to commit to all years of the program, and is offered a seat based on this commitment.

Attached you will find the application and cover letter for the ENLACE program, as well as a cover letter with more information on the program and how to apply. If you are interested in being considered for the program, please complete the application in full.

Warm Regards,

PPA Admin
Pelham Preparatory Academy
Together for Justice

Dear PPA Families,

The Pelham Preparatory Academy community stands in unity with Chancellor Carranza and the Department of Education's in striving for justice and honoring dignity and humanity. We are committed to reevaluating our own practices and systems in this moment. In this, we would like for your to read Chancellor Carranza's Letter on Striving for Justice. Translations for this letter have been made available in 9 languages through the InfoHub.

In solidarity,

PPA Admin

Pelham Preparatory Academy
Entering PPA as a new student in 2020? Get to know us through our orientation!

If you are entering PPA as a new student in 2020, please take the time to review our orientation presentation at your convenience. We welcome you and look forward to having you as part of our PPA family!
- POWERPOINT FOR STUDENT ORIENTATION.pdf
Pelham Preparatory Academy
6/3: June 2020 Regents Exams Waiver

Dear Senior Parents,

With the cancellation of the June 2020 Regents exams, your student can waive one or more Regents exams to graduate! To learn more information, please read Ms. Applebaum's Letter to Senior Families in full.

Regards,

PPA Admin

Pelham Preparatory Academy
6/3: Family Letter on Updated Grading Policy

Dear PPA Families,

In an effort to advance students in their learning through June 2020 and beyond, Pelham Preparatory Academy has adapted its grading policy in accordance with NYCDOE academic policy to reflect the realities of remote learning and its effect on each student's performance. Please take this opportunity to review our PPA 2020 Remote-Learning Grading Policy, which you can also find attached below and in the Links for Remote Learning section of our website. Finally, we also ask that you read Principal Ferron's Letter to Families.

Regards,

PPA Accreditation Committee
- Parent Letter RL grading policy 2020.pdf
- PPA 2020 Remote Learning Grading Policy.pdf
Pelham Preparatory Academy

Student Life

Congrats, Class of 2020!

Christopher Columbus Campus Band

Students playing trumpet in Christopher Columbus Band

Beginner Band

This course is offered for students who are interested in learning to play a musical instrument and never had the opportunity to do so. We offer these instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn, Bells, and Percussion.

Columbus Orchestral Band (also Pep Band)

This course is offered to students who are at an advanced level of playing. Also reads music well and are interested in performance. This band plays at the school concerts, assemblies, games and other school activities.

Jazz Band

This course is offered for students who also are in an advance level. We play jazz and latin music and perform at the school concert and activities in and out of the school.

Email: soquendo@pelhamprepacademy.org

Columbus Band NY TIMES feature: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/13/nyregion/nyc-music-high-school.html

The Pelham Press

Student journalists meeting with advisors at The Pelham Press

The Pelham Press is the source for news from around the world and within PPA. We strive to deliver the freshest topics that cause all the buzz. We explore topics that not only relate to the academic community, but also to political, social, and economic issues in our modern-day society.

If interested in joining our team, please see any of our contributors, Ms. Turk, or Mr. Haigh in Room 447.

We meet Thursdays after-school.

Issues Archive:

The Pelham Press - Volume 1 Issue 2.pdf

Student Council

Student council leading a breast cancer walk together

Student Council gives students the opportunity to develop leadership by organizing and carrying out school activities and service projects alongside peers and an advisor. In addition to planning events that contribute to school spirit and community welfare, the Student Council is the voice of the student body. They help share student ideas, interests and concerns with the school-wide community.

Meetings are based upon parliamentary procedures wherein ideas are presented, voted upon, and confirmed by the student body president. Any student that is interested in leadership, organizational behavior, event planning or becoming more involved in the school are welcome to visit and contact Ms. Flannery via email or in Rm. 452.

Jiu-Jitsu

Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the Ascend Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club. Free!

Our Club is Open to all Campus Students and Grades

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that teaches you how to defend yourself and fight without throwing a punch. It also provides many benefits that can follow you for life, such as:

·      Confidence through Self-Defense
·      Problem Solving Skills
·      Discipline, Dedication, Respect, etc.
·      Exercise and Fitness
·      Build Friendships
·      Improve body awareness and coordination
· Improve your Self Esteem

College for Every Student (CFES)

Welcome to CFES Brilliant Pathways @ PPA

“Empowering Scholars to become College and Career Ready”

Why Join CFES?:

- Trips to colleges and universities

- Opportunities with other scholars around NYC

- Learning skills to be competitive in the workforce

- Become a mentor to shape and empower younger scholars

- Develop your leadership skills and abilities

Interested/Becoming Apart Of CFES? Contact:

Mr. Salamanca or Ms. Campbell

Art Club

Student painting a self-portrait in art club

In our visual arts club, students come twice a week after school for an opportunity to express themselves, grow in technical art skills, and challenge themselves creatively.

Students are regarded as artists and the classroom is regarded as their studio. That being said, students learn where and how supplies are stored, learn techniques to help them use the supplies, and participate in studio cleanup.

Not only are students expected to think and create like artists, but to understand the importance and value of the supplies

Rising New York Road Runners

See Mr. Chapel in Room 415 or Ms. Davidson in Room 403 for more information

Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s new youth program and events platform, is built to develop movement skills in kids through a mix of running and fitness activities. The program is designed to help kids build their confidence, their motivation, and their desire to be physically active for life.

Gaming Club

The Gaming Club is a space where students from all grade levels gather to socialize, strategize, and collaborate through playing and competing against and with each other in video games such as Super Smash Brothers, FIFA, and NBA2K among other games. In addition, this space is also utilized as a place where students can play card and board games, such as Yu-Gi-Oh! and Warhammer. The club typically meets Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:45 to 4:00pm in Room 441 with Mr. Salamanca.

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

Last Day of School!

"On My Mind" Literary and Art Publications!

Summer Reading Resources (E-Books and Audiobooks)

Return to School 2020 Survey

ENLACE Program: STEM Opportunity for High Achieving Latino Students

Together for Justice

Entering PPA as a new student in 2020? Get to know us through our orientation!

6/3: June 2020 Regents Exams Waiver

6/3: Family Letter on Updated Grading Policy

Student Life

Student Life

Congrats, Class of 2020!

Christopher Columbus Campus Band

The Pelham Press

Student Council

Jiu-Jitsu

College for Every Student (CFES)

Art Club

Rising New York Road Runners

Gaming Club

Lincoln Center Education Workshops & Programs

Lehman College Programs

Congrats Class of 2019!