Panther Press

On behalf of our entire school community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude and admiration for the incredible work Andrew and his team did in organizing this year’s Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month curriculum and culminating events.

Your thoughtful planning brought our classrooms to life with rich, engaging content that honored the diverse cultures and histories of our AAPI students and staff. The classroom walkthroughs and the vibrant seminar were not only joyful and educational—they were a powerful testament to the importance of representation and inclusion in our learning spaces.

I also want to acknowledge the courage and care with which you approached a difficult, but ultimately meaningful, conversation with me about the recognition and support of our AAPI colleagues. Your advocacy was the spark that led to the beautiful and impactful events we celebrated this week.

Job well done, Andrew and Team! Your work has left a lasting impression on all of us, and we are grateful for your dedication and vision.

Courtney

From Tim Hwang:

I just wanted to say how much I’ve been loving all the AAPI representation lately. This month’s celebration and culminating event was really beautiful and inspiring.

It made me think of a podcast I was on a couple of months ago with Andrew Fung, a well-known Asian American creator and advocate. In the episode, we discussed some of the shocking mental health statistics impacting the AAPI community, and I shared how mindfulness can be a powerful support, especially for Asian Americans navigating cultural and societal pressures.

Forwarding it here in case you're interested:

https://youtu.be/3Ku1zDS1gE4?si=OT5cMBxprLW8BMVV

Thanks again for creating space for these conversations at our school.

Walter Parrish, a D75 Poetry Festival finalist, was asked to read his poem, Overcoming Obstacles, at the D75 Samuel Stern awards, a ceremony that honors the most dedicated and resilient students in the district.

Nice work Walter!

Thanks to a Hilario family connection, we have found a local venue that would be able to host an end-of-term party for us, but we'll need help! We're thinking June 12 or 13th. Please fill out this survey if you can volunteer!

https://forms.gle/sTYq5tbt5NWagvyg7

May 28- Ellery Art Fair

May 30- Charlene and the Chocolate Factory Premiere

June 4- Prom

June 6- in person clerical day, so students

June 11- Awards ceremony

June 13- Field Day, Ellery

June 18- Graduation

June 26- last day of school

373K’s Celebration of the Arts is Back!

We’re excited to announce the return of 373K’s 10th Annual Celebration of the Arts on Wednesday, May 28th! During 2nd, 3rd, and 4th periods, we will celebrate our students’ achievements in visual art, music, and culinary arts.

Due to ongoing construction, we won’t be hosting multiple stations at the same time this year. Instead, students will enjoy a combined experience featuring a visual art display, live music from Friends & Frequency, and tasty treats provided by Blue Moon Café and Hot Spoons.

There will be six 20-minute sessions throughout the morning. To ensure a safe and smooth experience, most students will attend with their homeroom teacher. Some classes will participate with another teacher from their instructional pod or a cluster teacher who knows the class well.

At the show, students will also be provided with an optional leveled scavenger hunt designed to help them engage more closely with the artwork and encourage thoughtful observation.

Teachers: To help prepare students for the event, you may choose to share the What is an Art Show? slideshow with your homeroom ahead of time. It’s a great way to introduce what to expect and to reinforce appropriate behavior during the event.

Please check the Celebration of the Arts Schedule to find out when each class is scheduled to attend.

We can’t wait to celebrate our students’ creativity and talent with you!

The Celebration of the Arts Committee

Mr. Tim

The leadership team has been truly outstanding in their support of the Young Women’s Group during their annual camping trip. Their dedication, care, and commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering environment make the experience deeply meaningful for everyone involved. It’s through leadership like this that young women are encouraged to grow, connect, and thrive.

Ms. Gilyard

Shout-out to an amazing art teacher, Jodian Laird who pours her heart into everything she does! Your passion for creativity, your dedication to your students, and your constant support of your fellow staff members do not go unnoticed. You inspire not only with your art but with your kindness, patience, and commitment. Thank you for making Gotham a more vibrant place! DESIGN LAB FOR THE WIN!

Ms. Mackey

I want to shout out Ms. Thelem because I cannot imagine a BTC without her! She always puts her all into everything she does because of her love for the students AND staff. Whether it's help with a project or idea, an ear to listen, meaningful advice, or just a warm hug, Ms. Thelem is always there! In case you need a reminder, our school wouldn't be the same without you!

Bridget Hamilton

Huge shout out to the absolute best teacher, Ms.Annette. She engages so well with the students and makes it such a fun experience for the students as well as for us. She is super creative and thoughtful. Our students are always engaged with educational games, hands on learning, movement breaks, and trips. Classroom management skills 10/10!!! The students love her and so do we. It's been a pleasure assisting her and being a part of this team this school year. Keep crushing it, we got a good one!

Ms. Gaby

The amazing effort that she, her staff, and students put into their AAPI presentation on China. I really enjoyed partaking in the chopsticks challenge against Ms. Carlin!

Ms. Thelem

The effort that she, her staff, and students put into their AAPI project on Cambodia. I really enjoyed learning Cambodian dance ans viewing and smelling different spices. I want to visit Cambodia now!!!

Ms. Thelem

I LOVE this song, and seems like a good way to kick off the first weekend of summer.

Happy Memorial Day!