Who's Who in District 27 by Jennifer Carreon

Who’s Who in District 27 Leadership? 2020-2021 Edition

#SCEWP

Who’s Who in District 27 Leadership? Table of Contents

Jennifer Carreón, Community Superintendent of District 27…………………..Page 3 David Norment, Community Deputy Superintendent of District 27…………..Page 4 Melissa Compson, Community Deputy Superintendent of District 27 ………Page 5 Simone A. Nicholas, Principal, P.S./M.S. 43……………………………………….Page 6 Yassine Aggoub, Principal P.S. 97 ………………………………………………….Page 7 Megan Gitli, Principal, P.S.56………………………………………………………...Page 8 Frank DeSario, Principal, P.S. 60……………………………………………………. Page 9 Denise De Jesus, Principal, P.S. 63 ………………………………………………….Page 10 Helen Kraljic-DeSario, Principal, P.S. 66…………………………………………….Page 11 Adrienne Ubertini, Principal, P.S. 90 Horace Mann School……………………..Page 12 (Dee) McShane, Principal, P.S.104…………………………………………………..Page 13 Laurie Shaprio, Principal, P.S./M.S. 105……………………………………………. Page 14 Jennifer Iovine, Principal, P.S. 108………………………………………………….. Page 15 Mary Keegan, Principal, P.S. 146…………………………………………………….Page 16 Pamela Trincado, Principal, P.S. 137………………………………………………..Page 17 Kuljit (Victor) Singh, Principal, P.S. 210……………………………………………..Page 18 Lisa A. Josephson, Principal, P.S. 232……………………………………………….Page 19 Pamela Markham, Principal, P.S. 254……………………………………………….Page 20 Dana Gerendasi, Principal, P.S. 317………………………………………………...Page 21 Michele Smyth, Principal, P.S. 323…………………………………………………..Page 22 Tracy Keane, Principal P.S. 377………………………………………………………Page 23

Community Superintendent of District 27 Jennifer Carreón

Community Superintendent of District 27 Jennifer Carreón was born in Quezon City, Philippines. As an AAPI student with Mexican/Spanish ancestry (aka “Brown Asian”) in the New York City public school system, cultural identity and self-awareness had to happen immediately upon arriving in New York with her siblings and parents. Ever since then, Superintendent Carreón has been a proponent of fostering an anti-racist mindset throughout her educational and professional career. She has spearheaded a yearlong focus in District 27 of implementing Culturally Relevant/Responsive Sustaining Education (CR-SE) teaching and learning practices, ensuring that we encourage the same spirit among all school leaders and school-based staff in District 27 so that our students become passionate, proactive, empathetic and respectful members of society. These sentiments encompass the D27 vision of #SCEWP, trademarked by Superintendent Carreon. Superintendent Carreón has been the Community Superintendent for Community School District 27 since September 2018, overseeing 49 schools and six stand-alone 3-K/Pre-K Centers, for a total of 55 sites, and approximately 45,000 students. Prior to becoming Superintendent, she held the roles of Director/Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Queens South Borough Office, Director of New Principal Support in the Office of Leadership within the NYCDOE, and was an award-winning principal for 8 years at PS/IS 178Q in District 26. She also held the titles of Assistant Principal, staff developer and began her teaching career in our very own District 27. Superintendent Carreón possesses a B.A. in English and Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Educational Leadership. She is a graduate of the New York City Leadership Academy and the Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals at Teachers College, Columbia University. Most recently, Superintendent Carreón has been teaching aspiring leaders of D27 at Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY). Superintendent Carreón has two of her own children, who are the light of her life and who identify as Filipino and Puerto Rican, and she is a proud product of the New York City public school system from grades K to 12, attending schools in District 1, District 2 and graduating from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music, Art and Performing Arts.

#SCEWP 3

David Norment Deputy Superintendent - Community District 27

David Norment started his teaching career in 1996 at Furness High School, South Philadelphia after graduating from Temple University with a degree in Education and a minor in Economics. After one year of teaching Social Studies and Economics, David moved to Washington D.C. and attended the University of Maryland, College Park where he served as a graduate assistant while completing his Master’s in Curriculum Theory and Development. David moved back home to New York and began his teaching career at Hempstead Middle School as a Social Studies teacher, while there he became a Subject Matter Specialist responsible for supervising the department. While working at Hempstead Middle School, he completed his second Master’s in Educational Leadership at the College of New Rochelle. In 2003, David accepted the job as an Assistant Principal at 28Q217, The Robert Van Wyck Middle School responsible for strengthening the Data Inquiry Team, supervising over 1,500 students, testing coordinator, among other things. In 2011, David was offered the position of Principal at 28Q140, The Edward (Duke) K. Ellington School. David and his team transformed a struggling school to a respectable school with a 2.5 million dollar grant, one to one computers, and increased the ELA state scores by over 40% and 40% in Math respectively. In 2019, David was given a tremendous opportunity to become the Deputy Superintendent in District 27 supporting an amazing educational community. David has completed the leadership program ALPAP through the NYC DOE, and has recently completed another leadership program at the Central level called EdPacesetters where he and his cohort presented research on the “School to Prison Pipeline,” and a course on Change Structure through Stanford University. David is the father of three beautiful children, twins who will be attending middle school this upcoming year and an eldest daughter who will begin her first year at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. David lives wife and children in the Bronx, NY.

#Persistent 4

Melissa Compson Deputy Superintendent - Community District 27

Melissa Compson started her teaching career in 1999 at Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District in upstate New York after graduating from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. After one year of teaching kindergarten, Melissa moved to New York City and attended Long Island University as a Master’s student in Reading. In New York City, Melissa continued her teaching career in the NYC Department of Education. She began teaching sixth grade at M.S. 198 in Far Rockaway. Melissa was able to transition her teaching career to Goldie Maple Academy and while there she became a teacher leader, with a focus on leading teams in curriculum and instruction. While working at Goldie Maple Academy, she completed her certification in School Building Leadership and School District Leadership. In 2011, Melissa accepted the job as Assistant Principal at Goldie Maple Academy. She was responsible for strengthening the Curriculum Team, the Inquiry Team, testing coordination, communicating with families and supervising students and staff. In 2014, Meilssa was offered the opportunity to start a new school. She was the Founding Principal of Queens Explorers Elementary School for Global Conservation and Service Learning in the NYC Department of Education. Meilssa and her team built the school from scratch, writing a custom curriculum and developing innovative instructional practices. In 2020, Meilssa was given an opportunity to become a Deputy Superintendent within District 27. Melissa is proud to be supporting a district that she has been a part of since the beginning of her teaching career. Melissa is the mother of two amazing children, one daughter who is entering pre-kindergarten and one son who will be entering second grade this fall. Meilssa lives with her wife and children in Long Island, NY.

#Team 5

Simone A. Nicholas Principal, P.S./M.S. 43 The School By The Sea A native of Brooklyn, New York and the granddaughter of Caribbean immigrants from Guyana, St. Vincent, and Grenada, West Indies, Principal Simone A. Nicholas was raised in a village where the core values of education, social action and service to the community were grounded. Principal Nicholas received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and African-American Studies at Dartmouth College; two Master’s Degrees in Education, and Administration and Supervision from C.U.N.Y. Brooklyn College; and has completed her Doctoral coursework in Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy at Fordham University. Prior to beginning her educational career, Principal Nicholas worked in the legal profession where she assisted in winning multi-million dollar cases in wrongful death, malpractice and personal injury lawsuits. She began her teaching career in 1996 at a Middle School in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and has since held various school and Central based roles across all five boroughs within the New York City Department of Education. Principal Nicholas is the first Female and first African American Female Principal of The School by the Sea ~ P.S./M.S. 43Q located in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. A Social Justice & Equity Champion for Children, she has expanded instructional rigor, affected school climate, doubled student proficiency scores and removed the school from New York State’s failing school list to place the school back in Good Standing. Continuing the mission to foster a culture of excellence and equity at all levels for her children, families and community, determined to provide access, the school sends students on all-expense paid HBCU tours; has exemplary My Brother’s/My Sister’s Keeper and Restorative Justice student programs; has been the recipient of multiple local, state and federal academic and social emotional learning grants; has increased community engagement through workshops that promote instructional and social-emotional strategies that have impacted student success; has expanded adult learning programs such as financial literacy awareness and culturally responsive education; provided access to various community agencies that provided on the spot jobs with training, and has worked with advocates and community based organizations to ensure the school is a flagship food and health hub for the community. Principal Nicholas also sits on various local and City-wide committees such as the New York State Senatorial 10th District Education Committee; NYC My Sisters’ Keeper Collaborative; and the District Black History Month Program Committee as a highlighted school participant. Principal Nicholas has also humbly accepted Proclamations and Awards from local, state and national legislators and organizations for her mentorship and advocacy within the Far Rockaway community. With over 35 years of commitment to public service and leadership, Principal Nicholas is a Legacy Life member and President of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Long Island Cross County Section and a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Long Island Chapter. Principal Nicholas also serves as a Dartmouth College Ambassador Interviewer who advocates for diversity and equity practices to ensure admissions for students of African descent remains a priority. Lastly, Principal Nicholas is a founding member of “Black Ed-fluencers United (BE-U)” and “The Off School Grounds (OSG)” educational coalitions created to provide a platform for leaders to network and share best practices for growth and development, while they advocate for the success and equity in education for underserved communities with a focus on Black and Brown children and families. Principal Nicholas is a member of Christian Cultural Center and currently resides in Baldwin, New York with her loving husband and their blended family of 4 awesome young adults.#DynamicDolphins#SchoolOfChampions#FillingCollegesOneStudentAtATime#ThatRockinSchoolIn

FarRockaway#43isThePlaceToBe#ControllingTheNarrative

Yassine Aggoub Principal, P.S. 97 The Forest Park School

Principal Aggoub was born and raised in a small village Temara, Morocco (North Africa). His father migrated to the United States in 1991 while he, his mother and his two siblings did not migrate until 1996. Starting in Eighth Grade, Mr. Aggoub attended John Jay Middle School and John Jay High School in Westchester County where he started learning his Third language. He eventually moved to Putnam County where he graduated from Carmel High School. Soon after, he went on to attend SUNY Westchester Community College where gained an Associate Degree in the Liberal Arts. Simultaneously, Mr. Aggoub managed a Mobil Gas Station Five-Days a week. He also attended CUNY Queens College where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Linguistics with a TESOL certification as well as a Master’s Degree in Childhood Special Education. In addition, he attended Fordham University and received a second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Mr. Aggoub started his teaching career as an ENL Teacher in District 30 (30Q149). He taught First Grade Self-Contained ENL, Fourth Grade Dual Language, Third Grade ICT and Social Studies. He also taught a Graduate course at Queens College as an Adjunct Professor in the TESOL department. After Eight years of teaching, Mr. Aggoub accepted an Assistant Principal position in a K-8 school in District 27 (27Q124). This position was a transformative and enlightening experience which lasted over Five years. Currently, Mr. Aggoub is serving as the proud and honored principal of The Forest Park School, P.S. 97. He is also a lucky husband whose wife is a Physical Education teacher at CASA Middle School in Queens. Together, they share an energetic four-year old boy and a soon to be born baby girl in August 2021. The Aggoub family loves spending time with family and friends, especially BBQ gatherings at the park.

#LeadToMakeADifference 7

Megan Gitli Principal, P.S.56 The Harry Eichler School

Principal Gitli was born on Long Island and raised in Long Beach and Lynbrook, NY. She received her B.S. from SUNY Cortland, with a major in Childhood Education and a concentration in Social Sciences. After college, she attended Queen’s College and received her Master’s Degree in Special Education. Following her graduation from Queen’s College, she accepted a position at P.S./M.S. 004 in the Bronx, teaching 2nd grade. From there, she transitioned to P.S. 64 in South Ozone Park where taught grades 2 through 4 from 2012 to 2018. During her tenure at P.S. 64, Principal Mitchell encouraged Principal Gitli to pursue a degree in Educational Leadership. Principal Gitli attended The CITE Program, where she received an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership. Shortly after receiving her School Building/District Licenses, Principal Gitli was offered the position of Teacher Development and Evaluation Coach, joining the District 27 Superintendent’s Team. Her experience on the Superintendent’s team overwhelmingly enriched her professional growth and expertise, preparing her for the principal role. Principal Gitli’s educational philosophy has always focused on the achievement of all students, engaging students in rigorous educational experiences where students’ identities are placed at the core of instruction. In alignment with Principal Gitli’s philosophy, is the P.S. 56 vision; At P.S. 56Q, through communication and collaboration with all constituents, we are committed to knowing every student well, developing the whole child, academically, socially and emotionally. Advancing equity for ALL students, fostering critical thinkers and problem solvers that are passionate, proactive, responsible and empathetic members of society. Principal Gitli enjoys spending time with her family, friends and fur babies, Macie and Rocky. She loves to explore new cultures through traveling and eating and enjoys living by the beach.

#advancingequity #fosteringgrit 8

Frank DeSario Principal, P.S. 60 The Woodhaven School

Principal Frank DeSario was born on October 4, 1960, in Staten Island, New York. The DeSario’s moved from 1st Ave and 2nd Street in Lower Manhattan to Staten Island. He is the son of Lt. Colonel Louis DeSario (U.S.M.C) and Marilyn DeSario. He graduated from P.S. 48 and J.H.S. 49, both of which were on Staten Island. After graduating from New Dorp High School, Frank DeSario attended and graduated from the College of Staten Island with an MS in Education/Elementary as well as a School District Leader Degree. He taught physical education before becoming a dean in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn at I.S. 201 for 10 years. He then became assistant principal of MS 202 in Queens. After his run as assistant principal, Frank DeSario was named Principal of The Woodhaven Elementary School – P.S. 60 in 2003. He has continued to serve the Woodhaven School Community for the past 17 years. He is President Emeritus at New York Academy of Education and a Cahn Fellow (2011) of Teachers College at Columbia University. His father who was also in education has a school named after him on Staten Island, P.S. 56 – The Louis DeSario School. His wife Helen DeSario is also a principal in District 27. Together, they have three children Peter, Louis, and Clare.

#MakeEachDayYourMasterpiece 9

Denise De Jesus Principal, P.S. 63 The Old South School

Denise De Jesus grew up in Woodhaven, New York. She spent her entire childhood and professional career in the New York City Public Schools. Denise attended college at St. John’s University where she earned a bachelors’ degree in elementary education and a master’s degree as a reading specialist. She earned her school building leader certification through The College of St. Rose. She spent most of her teaching career in District 27. Ms. De Jesus was a teacher and an assistant principal at P.S. 97 Forest Park where her major accomplishments include implementing data inquiry professional learning which positively impacted instruction and creating the H.E.A.R.T.S. program that helped students to develop exceptional academic and personal behaviors. Ms. De Jesus was appointed principal at P.S. 63 in February 2020. She strives to provide a welcoming and affirming environment where they encourage students by building on their strengths and background to develop advanced literacies and conceptual understanding through a culturally responsive sustaining education. Within one year of being appointed principal, Ms. De Jesus created and implemented professional learning series for staff on digital platforms, digital literacy, CRSE, data inquiry, and responsive targeted instruction. She has created a school community where students, staff, and families embrace each other’s individuality and participate in a learning community that fosters growth for all. Denise has a supportive and loving fiancé Fabio and three stepchildren Isabella, Jacqueline, and Christian. They have a dog, Rocco, a bunny named Snowy, and a saltwater fish tank. Denise enjoys spending time with her loving parents Maria and Victor, her family and friends, crafting, traveling, singing in the choir, gardening and baking.

#rainbowofpossibilities

Helen Kraljic-DeSario Principal, P.S. 66 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Principal DeSario is a proud Croatian American born on September 11,1968. She was raised on Staten Island and began her journey as an ESL student at PS 54R. She attended St. John’s University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Education and English Literature, Masters in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Literacy Education, and a Professional Diploma in School District Leadership. Mrs. DeSario began her career as a Science and Architecture teacher at IS 201K, DIstrict 20 Brooklyn. She continued her career at PS 66 in District 27 where she became the Literacy Coach. Mrs. DeSario also went on to become the Assistant Principal and finally the proud Principal of PS66 The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. Mrs. DeSario has three children, two boys (26 and 17) and one girl (15). Her oldest son is a dual language and Social Studies middle school teacher. Her youngest two children are in high school and are avid runners. Mrs. DeSario’s husband is also a Principal in District 27. Her brother is an Assistant Principal for a suspension program on Staten Island. Mrs. DeSario and her family are looking forward to traveling again. They are returning to their house in Croatia this summer.

#66ATraditionofExcellence 11

Adrienne Ubertini Principal, P.S. 90 Horace Mann School

Principal Ubertini was born in Manhattan and lived most of her life in Queens, NY. Her grandparents immigrated to NY from Italy and brought their shared traditions to her extended family. Principal Ubertini’s family lived side by side in Richmond Hill, NY allowing for strong family ties, supports and cousins who grew up with each other. Principal Ubertini graduated from Richmond Hill High School and attended Queens College where she received a MS in Education with a math specialty. Principal Ubertini’s career has been entirely in District 27. She began as a substitute teacher and then was hired as a first grade teacher. Throughout her career she had the pleasure of working in six schools, as a classroom teacher, Math Facilitator, Assistant Principal and currently as the proud Principal of PS 90. By being a team member of so many school communities, she was able to take what she saw and bring the best of each school to her current assignment, making the experience at PS 90 a special one. Principal Ubertini believes in the school brand of creating experiences which include exploration, arts, respect and technology. In her spare time, Principal Ubertini enjoys playing tennis. In addition, she is a big Knicks and Mets fan. Adrienne’s love of sports, as well as her participation in a variety of teams, has influenced and strengthened her leadership skills. She has made teams an important part of the PS 90 experience for the entire school community.

#theschoolwithaheart

(Dee) McShane Principal, P.S.104 The Bayswater School

Principal McShane was born into a Irish American, family on November 4, 1979 in Elmhurst, Queens. Deirdre lived in Queens Village until she went to college. Deirdre’s dad was the only child of nine that came to America. She graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes and The Mary Louis Academy, both in Queens. After graduating from The Mary Louis Academy, Ms. McShane attended and graduated from New York University with a BA in Education in 2001. IIn 2004 she graduated from CUNY @ Queens College with an MS in Education/English Literature, and then in 2007 with a SBL Degree from Queens College. She taught grade 4 and 6, and Physical Education at PS30M for 4 years before becoming a grade 4, Physical Education teacher and Data Specialist at PS36Q for 4 years. In 2008, she became the second Assistant Principal at PS104Q. She worked and learned from Ms. Williams Jones (Assistant Principal)) and Katie Grady (Principal). Working closely with AP Williams Jones and Principal Grady grounded her work and knowledge on school leadership. Currently, she is the proud principal of PS104Q. Her sister, Maura is an Assistant Principal at PS36Q. Her youngest sister is a teacher at St. Agnes Cathedral School. Deirdre has 3 children, Liam (10), Kiely (8) and Declan (6). Tim, her husband, is a brave FDNY fireman who works in Brooklyn. Running is her therapy with 7 marathons under her belt and will complete her first triathlon this July. The McShane-Carl family loves to vacation together (anywhere), plays and competes in many sports and enjoys spending hours at the beach.

#SchoolFamilyAndHomeFamilyMeansTheWorld 13

Laurie Shapiro Principal, P.S./M.S. 105 The Bay School

Principal Laurie Shapiro was born in Manhattan and spent her first four years there. She then moved to Plainview, Long Island where she started Kindergarten and graduated from JFK High School in 1973. Laurie then attended Nassau Community College for two years and from there she went to SUNY Cortland. Next, she attended Hofstra where she obtained a Dual Masters in Education and Special Education and then attended Brooklyn College for her Supervisory degrees. Principal Shapiro began her journey as a Pre-K teacher in a church basement in Hempstead, N.Y. She then applied to the NYCDOE and landed a teaching job in District 27 - PS 183, as a second grade teacher. Her time at PS 183 included being a GATES teacher, grade 4 teacher, then a reading teacher. She was asked by the then Superintendent, Brenda Issacs, to become the District Reading Specialist, overseeing Title I/ PCEN Reading Programs and paraprofessionals. At first she was a liaison to PS 105 and then was placed there as the Superintendent’s Designee. After that Laurie became the Principal of PS105, where she has been since 1998. Ms. Shapiro is the proud mother of two boys aged 33 and 28 who attended schools in District 27. Besides her love for all of her students, her most prized possession is her grandson Mikey – he is truly the love of her life and keeps her doing what she loves – making a difference in the lives of children.

#kindnesschangeseverything 14

Jennifer Iovine Principal, P.S. 108 The Captain Vincent G. Fowler School

Jennifer Iovine was born into an Italian American family on October 7, 1977. She grew up in North Babylon and moved when she was 12 years old and attended Mount Sinai high school in Long Island. She went on to attend college at Dowling in Oakdale where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She also received her Masters Degree in Literacy Education there as well. In 2002 Jennifer pursued her Administration degree and received her School Building License through the College of Saint Rose. Her educational journey began 20 years ago at PS 108Q as a Kindergarten Teacher. In 2007, Jennifer Iovine became an Assistant Principal at PS 108Q. In 2016 she became the Principal of PS 108Q through hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. As a Principal, she is constantly growing and reflecting, striving for continued success and improvement. Jennifer has a supportive and loving husband Louis who is a retired radiologist. Jennifer and her husband enjoy the summer season at the beach, gardening, and being with family.

#ChampionsForChildren 15

Mary Keegan Principal, P.S. 146 The Howard Beach School

Principal Keegan is a first generation American that was born into an Irish Catholic family on September 11,1967, in Brooklyn, NY. She lived in Brooklyn until she was married to Tom in 1994 and then moved to the Rockaways. She shares her home with Tom and their three children; Nora, Tara and Peter. Ms. Keegan was the first female in her family to attend college and she is a proud graduate of St. John’s University. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree she went onto Fordham University to obtain her Master’s degree in Literacy. After completion she became a teacher at PS 183Q which is where she spent the first few years of her career. She then trained to become a Reading Recovery Teacher Leader At NYU and helped to train teachers and lead this initiative for several years in D27. While working as a Teacher Leader, Ms. Keegan attended Hunter College to obtain her SBL and SDL. Upon completion, Ms. Keegan worked as a Reading First Coordinator for Districts 30 and 32 before returning to D27 where she then worked as a Curricular Specialist for CFN 210. Ms. Keegan is currently the proud Principal of PS/MS 146Q, The Howard Beach School. She has been leading her school since 2013. She is proud to share that PS/MS 146Q has been a NYS Recognition School for 3 consecutive years. Ms. Keegan is grateful to be part of the 146Q community of continual learners where students come first!

#changemaker 16

Pamela Trincado Principal, P.S. 137 America’s School of Heroes

Principal Trincado was not only born and raised in Ozone Park, she has also served District 27 throughout her entire educational career for the past 18 Years. Starting as a fifth-grade teacher in P.S. 108, she then taught Technology at M.S. 137 and became the Technology Coordinator. Spearheading the ThinkQuest and NBC DIgital Media Competitions at M.S. 137, her students competed and won for multiple years against formidable opponents throughout New York City. Ms. Trincado became an Assistant Principal at MS 137 in 2017 and spearheaded the creation of the Dual Language program. The Class of 2020 was her first group of students to graduate after completing the Dual Language Program from sixth grade. All of these students were accepted into Forest Hills High School’s Dual Language Program where they can graduate with a seal of biliteracy. As the daughter of Chilean immigrants, Ms. Trincado did not speak any English prior to starting school. She is familiar with the pressures placed on ENL students and the stresses their families may face not knowing English. Principal Trincado’s rise to Principal in District 27 is a testament to her students that anything is possible. Her educational philosophy has always focused on putting students first and allowing their voices to be heard. Moving forward with a focus on equity for all students at M.S. 137, Ms. Trincado epitomizes her school’s motto, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” She is excited to let her school community know that she will always be willing to address their concerns and needs and that all students will be celebrated for the amazing achievements they accomplish. Principal Trincado enjoys spending time with her friends and family in Chile when the world is not enduring a global pandemic. She loves to travel and meet new people wherever she goes. Her dog, Mimi, is the lucky recipient of treats, praise, and unlimited cuddles.

#EveryoneHasAVoice 17

Kuljit (Victor) Singh Principal, P.S. 210 Elizabeth Blackwell

Principal Singh was born into a Punjabi, Sikh family on January 13, 1966, in Shahdara (Shah-the-rah), India. He lived in India for the first 8 years of his life, with his mother and younger brother, while his father pioneered to the USA in 1972 to get settled before calling his family over. The remainder of the family immigrated to America in 1974 and settled in Jackson Heights, Queens. He graduated from PS69, and IS145, both in Queens. While he was accepted into Brooklyn Technical High School, he was unable to attend due to relocating to Long Island. After graduating from Floral Park Memorial High School, Mr. Singh attended and graduated from SUNY @ Stony Brook with a BA in English Literature and Political Science. He later graduated from CUNY @ Queens College with an MS in Education/English Literature, as well as an SBL Degree from Queens College. He taught ELA at MS202Q for 7 years before becoming a Dean and ultimately an Assistant Principal at MS202Q. This proved to be a great training ground to the position he currently holds today as the proud Principal of MS210Q. His brother is also a teacher, as is his sister-in-law. Mr. Singh has 4 children(2 boys/2 girls), ranging from the ages of 10 to 17 years old. His wife is an RN Clinician. The entire Singh family loves to vacation together and is looking forward to travelling once again when the COVID restrictions are further eased, and greater numbers are fully vaccinated.

#KidsFirstTodayAndAlways 18

Lisa A. Josephson Principal, P.S. 232 Walter Ward School

Principal Josephson was born and raised in Queens, New York. She received her B.A. from Brooklyn College, with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in history. She remained at Brooklyn College and received her Master’s Degree in Reading. Lisa, who was inspired by her parents to “do better and to be better”, always knew that she wanted to be a school principal. She attended Queens College to obtain a second Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision. As a D27 teacher, she spent fifteen years teaching at P.S. 225Q (The Waterside School, now) in Rockaway in 6th grade and then served as a funded reading teacher and testing coordinator at P.S. 43Q in Far Rockaway. At that time, Lisa was well on her way to becoming an administrator – serving as the assistant principal of P.S. 105Q in Far Rockaway. In 2009, Lisa became the principal of P.S. 232Q who, from the beginning, knew that this was her “home away from home”. Her goal at P.S. 232Q is to always provide an academically challenging and integrated curriculum within a safe and nurturing school environment, where children love to come to school. Her team of educators, parents, and students utilize all available resources to prepare ALL students to meet high quality and challenging standards of excellence! Throughout her career, Lisa has always devoted herself to both families – her school family and her own family. She is the mother of Vanessa, a college graduate, and Coda and Zoey.

#PS232QStrong 19

Pamela Markham Principal, P.S. 254 The Rosa Parks School

Ms. Pamela Markham is the Principal at the Rosa Parks School, P.S. 254Q. She has been educating the students of New York City for 28 years. She started her career as a classroom teacher, then a math and literacy coach and then as an assistant principal. Ms. Markham is a dedicated educator whose goal is to ensure that all students receive a high quality, rigorous education that will prepare them for higher education and their future careers. She works tirelessly to make sure that all educators are trained and developed in the content areas, best teaching practices and the standards. She is a team-builder who believes in collaboration and makes certain that the lines of communication between the community at large, parents and the entire staff remain fluid and intact. During her tenure as Principal, the Rosa Parks School became a Magnet School for Leadership Development and the Arts, a Leader in Me School, a Computer Science for All and an Algebra for All School. The school now educates 3K – 5th grade students. Ms. Markham is a passionate leader who provides an environment that pays attention to the whole child’s – academic, cultural, social emotional needs, gifts and talents – so that the child will become a high achiever and life-long learner. It gives her great joy to know that her students are equipped with the skills needed to compete in the 21st Century.

#RosaParks #Exceeding Expectations 20

Dana Gerendasi Principal, P.S. 317 The Waterside Children’s Studio School

Dana Gerendasi was born and raised in Queens, New York. She received her B.A. from Hunter College, with a double major in Political Science and Art History. After college, she attended Columbia University and received her Master’s Degree in Religion. After Columbia University, she transitioned into teaching and taught for two years at a charter school teaching 1st and 2nd grade. From there, she moved onto P.S. 250 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where she taught 2nd grade for 7 years. After P.S. 250, she was part of the NYC Leadership Academy where she spent her year writing a new school proposal for the DOE while working at two sites, P.S. 284 in Brownsville and P.S. 321 in Park Slope. In 2009, The Waterside Children’s Studio School opened in Rockaway Park, servicing students in Pre-K-5th Grade. At the Waterside Children’s Studio School, our mission is to inspire a community of life- long learners by nurturing their innovation, creativity and social-emotional well-being in a diverse and inclusive environment. Our vision is to provide a safe and nurturing 21st Century learning environment where creativity and artistic expression are integral to the academic and emotional success of every child. Through music, drama, visual arts, film, technology, writing and dance, our rigorous and progressive curriculum will empower ALL of our children to grow academically, creatively and socially. They will acquire the critical thinking, personal integrity and self-esteem that go beyond the classroom walls. As a community, we take pride and ownership of our school and celebrate all of our accomplishments. Her passion is her work around equity and access for all for ALL of her students and ensuring that they progress academically, creatively, and socially.

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Michele Smyth Principal, P.S. 323 The Scholars’ Academy

Principal Smyth has had a significant career with the New York City Department of Education for the past twenty years, educating students in all grades K-12 as a classroom teacher, cluster teacher, mathematics coach, staff developer and Assistant Principal. Ms. Smyth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Study from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn, a Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education from Brooklyn College and a Master’s Degree in School Leadership from Touro College. Principal Smyth’s educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn when given strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused team of educators, and a collaborative community built on trust. She is proud that Scholars’ Academy has consistently earned top ratings and is now recognized as one of the best high schools in New York City, celebrating a 100% graduation rate and a 99.9% acceptance rate to four-year colleges and universities, including top institutions such as Brown, Columbia, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Macaulay Honors College, and many more. Principal Smyth is grateful to have developed as a school leader under the guidance of Scholars’ Academy Founding Principal Brian O’Connell. Her deep knowledge of the school’s program and systems, coupled with her strong relationships with students, families and staff, allowed her to make a seamless transition to her role as Principal of Scholars’ Academy in March 2020. She is proud of all that Scholars’ has achieved thus far and is committed to continue to lead this unique and diverse community of learners in grades 6 through 12 to continued success.

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Tracy Keane Principal, P.S. 377

Principal Keane was born into a McNoble, Ryan family on January 13, 1970, in Far Rockaway, Queens. She has lived on the Rockaway peninsula her entire life with her mother, father and sister Jennifer. Her grandparents and great grandparents are from County Cork, Ireland. They ventured to America over 100 years ago, settling in and making Rockaway Beach their new home. Her grandmother was able to get a visa because she had a job for a German family as a cook. Mrs. Keane graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.A in Elementary Education and a M.S. in Reading for N-12. She started her career at 27Q096 twenty-six years ago in South Ozone Park. She taught a variety of grades, became the Reading Recovery teacher and data specialist. After 16 years, she became a curricular specialist for one of the networks at the Department of Education. She proudly became the Director of Early Childhood for District 27. She is currently the founding principal of PS 377 in Ozone Park for the past four years. Mrs. Keane has 2 children, who are 18 and 19 years old. Her husband is currently retired from Verizon. The entire Keane family loves to spend long days on the beach together in Rockaway and vacationing as a family.

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