A Message on Parent Teacher Conferences and A Timeline for Reopening High Schools

Dear PPA Families,

In his most recent letter to families, Chancellor Carranza discusses how "We are all-hands-on-deck to reopen our high schools as quickly as possible. Our main focus continues to be making sure we have every safety precaution in place, and we will announce a timeline soon." Thereafter, Chancellor Carranza discusses how best to prepare for Parent Teacher Conferences and participating in "Weekend Wellness" activities for families and communities. To learn more, please read the rest of Chancellor Carranza's letter at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/news/chancellor-s-message-for-families

Regards,

PPA Admin

Pelham Preparatory Academy
Important Update and a Note of Gratitude from Chancellor Carranza

An Important Message from Chancellor Carranza Regarding His Resignation and the Appointment of Meisha Porter as new Chancellor of School Starting March 15. Translations accessible here:

I hope you and your families are keeping safe and healthy. I’m writing today with some important news.

After three years leading the DOE, I will be stepping down as Chancellor in March.

I am full of mixed emotions to leave the DOE family. It has been the honor of my career to serve you, and help your child’s school and our whole system get closer to reaching its full potential. The strength and resilience of your children—our 1 million students—is awe-inspiring. It is what drove me through this unprecedented crisis, and it is what I take with me as I leave this post. The commitment and support you have shown to your children, and to your school communities, is incredible.

Throughout my career, my guiding light has been the belief that public education is the most powerful equalizer for children. Public education anchors communities. Public education makes it possible for a child who is poor, or who lives in temporary housing, or—in my own case—who doesn’t speak English when they enter the public school system to develop their dreams, and then to chase them. Truly, it is public education that expresses the highest ideals of our democracy. My time in New York City has only strengthened this belief, as I have seen it play out time and again, in schools all across the boroughs.

And together, we have seen proof. Our seniors kept breaking their own records as graduation rates and college enrollment kept rising higher, and the dropout rate kept getting lower.

We also made true progress in dismantling the structures and policies that are the products of decades of entrenched racism in the city and country. We have worked to undo segregation and turn “equity” from an esoteric concept to a reality. Every school that no longer screens children for admission, and every district that uses DOE resources to create more space for low-income students, or English language learners, is making this mission real.

We finally brought the mental health of our children into the spotlight and made it a major priority so that every child can feel welcomed, comfortable, and safe in their classroom and school community—especially now, when so many of our students are dealing with unforeseeable trauma.

And, of course, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic we transformed the nation’s largest school system overnight in order to protect the health of our students, staff, families, and communities. We have reinvented what it means to teach and learn in New York City public schools.

All throughout, I have been proud to prioritize what’s best for kids over what’s politically popular. I have never been afraid of hard conversations. I have always believed that we need to set a high bar for every student—and then do what it takes to help them meet it.

You, your children, and the dedicated staff who serve you deserve both continuity and courageous leadership from your next Chancellor. You need someone who knows firsthand the reality on the ground at our schools, and has the talent and leadership to finish the school year out strong and drive towards bringing every child back to buildings in September.

That is why I am so proud that one of the most important leaders in this work will take on the privilege and responsibility of being your next Chancellor: Meisha Porter.

Meisha is a 20-year veteran of New York City public schools, and currently serves as Bronx Executive Superintendent. In this role, she leads community school districts 7-12, covering the entire borough and its 361 schools and 235,000 students. She is a lifelong New Yorker and product of our public schools who first joined the Department of Education as a teacher at the Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice—a school she helped conceive. After 18 years at the school, where she became Principal, Meisha spent three years as Superintendent of District 11, serving the Pelham Parkway, Eastchester, and Woodlawn neighborhoods of the Bronx. She has been Executive Superintendent since 2018, and in that time, the students of the Bronx have achieved significant academic gains, and schools have gotten stronger and stronger.

Meisha is an unparalleled warrior for our students and our schools. She attended them, she taught in them, she led them, and now she will be Chancellor for ALL of them. None of the last several Chancellors—myself included—have been actively working with our schools, day in and day out, at the time they were appointed. Meisha will break the mold, bringing all her experience, past and present, to support you and your children. You will be hearing much more from Meisha soon, and I will be working with her over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth and productive transition.

More than anything, I am proud to have served you, and so proud of the strides we have made. I don’t know what’s next for me, but I know I will take the spirit and richness of New York City with me anywhere and everywhere I go.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Chancellor. I am grateful to each and every one of you.

Pelham Preparatory Academy
A Message from the Chancellor

PPA Families,

Please read the attached letter from Chancellor Carranza wherein he lays out how to run for Community and Citywide Education Councils, discusses celebrating Black History Month and Respect for All Week, and wishes everyone an enjoyable midwinter recess, February 15-19, and a Happy Lunar New Year on February 12.

You can access Chancellor Carranza's letter via the link or in the attached PDF.

Regards,

PPA Admin
- Update for Families February 11 2021.pdf
Pelham Preparatory Academy
Apply for Spring Break STEM Internship!

Dear PPA Students,

This spring break, (re)discover STEM with STEM Matters NYC! Students in grades 9-12 can apply now for exciting spring break internship programs at the NYC Department of Education’s Genovesi Environmental Study Center (GESC).

GESC is looking for responsible, motivated, and energetic high school students to participate in an urban farmer assistant or animal care provider internship. Interns will create and complete a culminating project at the end of the internship. At the conclusion of the internship, students will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation and contributions to GESC. All participants receive a daily metro card.

Don’t miss out, spots are limited and the application deadline is Wednesday, February 10. Learn more and apply now. For questions, contact STEMMattersNYC@schools.nyc.gov.

Regards,

PPA Admin
Pelham Preparatory Academy
Apply for NYC's Ladders for Leaders Program!
Dear PPA Students,

We are happy to inform you that NYC Ladders for Leaders is accepting applications for the summer of 2021. If you are a student looking for valuable work experience and the opportunity to explore your career options, please complete the Ladders application and take the first step to landing your dream internship.

What Does the Program Offer?

Ladders for Leaders gives students the unique opportunity to explore their interests and discover new ones through:

Pre-Employment Training: Receive help with résumé and cover letter writing, and interview skills. Learn essential workplace readiness skills and business etiquette.

Paid Summer Internships: Paid internship opportunities in a variety of industries that match students’ interests. Gain experience with well-known companies like Boston Consulting Group, Bank of America, Amalgamated Bank, Medidata, Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York, Xandr , and Tishman Speyer.

Opportunities to Join our Growing Alumni Network: Our broad network of alumni, post-internship opportunities, and networking events are open only to past participants of the program.

Who is Eligible?

To apply for Ladders for Leaders, you must:

Be between the ages of 16 and 21, and currently enrolled in high school or college

Have a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00

Be a current resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City

Have some form of prior work experience, either paid or volunteer

Be legally authorized to work in the United States

How to Apply

Please visit https://application.nycsyep.com/ to apply to NYC Ladders for Leaders or call 1.800.246.4646 to learn more.

Participant Testimonials:

Please check out our alumni page to see what our former participants have to say about the program.

Best Regards,

The NYC Ladders for Leaders Team
- L4L_2021_Flyer.pdf
Pelham Preparatory Academy
National School Counseling Week - February 1-5, 2021

Dear PPA Family and School Counselors,

This week marks National School Counseling Week, wherein we focus our attention and gratitude toward the impactful contribution of our school counselors at Pelham Preparatory Academy and throughout the United States. Each of our counselors, day and night, work to help our students navigate academic and personal life, pursue college and careers, and foster lasting relationships. We thank you everything you do, seen and unseen, yet felt in hearts throughout our community.

Sincerely,

PPA Admin
Pelham Preparatory Academy
Join Student Government!

Dear PPA Students,

Student Government is a wonderful opportunity for students to come together, discuss current issues, and gain the leadership skills necessary for college and career. Your voice in our school matters. For more information, see the attached flyer and/or email our Student Government Advisor (Ms. Flannery) at oflannery@pelhamprepacademy.org.

Regards,

PPA Admin
Pelham Preparatory Academy
A Message for Families

Dear PPA Families,

Please read the following, linked Letter from Chancellor Carranza wherein he elicits families feedback on the school year thus far through the Fall 2020 School Experience Survey, high school and middle school admissions, and COVID-19 vaccines.

The letter is also available in 10 languages.

https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/news/chancellor-s-message-for-families

Regards,

PPA Admin

Pelham Preparatory Academy
Changes to Admissions Process

Dear Prospective PPA Families,

Today, the Department of Education just announced changes to the admissions process for high schools. To learn more, please read Chancellor Carranza's letter or visit www.schools.nyc.gov.

Regards,

PPA Admin
- Update for Families on HS Admissions December 18 2020.pdf
Pelham Preparatory Academy
Inclement Weather (A Message from the Chancellor)

Dear PPA Families,

Please read the attached letter from Chancellor Carranza where he discusses "As we head into winter, it’s likely we will have inclement weather that in an ordinary year would cause all @NYCSchools to close for teaching and learning. This year, if weather demands that school buildings close, all schools will still be in session remotely on that day."

For more information, including translations of the Chancellor's Letter, please visit the Department of Education's Messages for Families Page.

Stay safe, everybody.

Regards,

PPA Admin
- Family Letter Inclement Weather December 15 2020.pdf
Pelham Preparatory Academy

Clubs & Student Life

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. Amoroso 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

Building Racial Identity, Developing Great Experiences (BRIDGES)

Tired of others giving you a stereotypical Racial Identity? Ready to have those challenging discussions surrounding self-reflection, world perspectives, and identity?

BRIDGES is the place for you. All that's required is an open mind to hear others' stories with respect to their perspectives and experiences.

To sign up, complete this form. For more information reach out to Mr. Sieunarine at jsieunarine@pelhamprepacademy.org

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.

Opening Act!

Ever think about being an actor or actress—or just want to be on the stage? Then check out Opening Act's after-school theater program that meets virtually every Wednesday from 4:00-5:30 pm, starting February 10.

Join and you'll get the chance to learn a lot about acting and have a huge amount of fun. You don't need to have any acting experience or think you have talent (trust us—you have talent).

To learn more, please read through our flyer.

A Message on Parent Teacher Conferences and A Timeline for Reopening High Schools

Important Update and a Note of Gratitude from Chancellor Carranza

A Message from the Chancellor

Apply for Spring Break STEM Internship!

Apply for NYC's Ladders for Leaders Program!

National School Counseling Week - February 1-5, 2021

Join Student Government!

A Message for Families

Changes to Admissions Process

Inclement Weather (A Message from the Chancellor)