Panther Press

Waldo is our busing superstar, navigating two tricky weeks where over 80 kids were not routed. He is here early every day, on the phone with OPT/drivers/matrons /parents. He knows all of our bus staff by name, and handles the choreography of daily arrival and drop off beautifully, while always making sure our students are safe and our parents informed.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we proudly celebrate the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities—especially the many students and families in our school who share this rich heritage. At our high school, where neurodiversity is embraced and empowered, we also recognize the incredible impact of Hispanic individuals who advocate for disability rights and representation.

From the fashion runways to Hollywood screens, these trailblazers are breaking barriers and changing perceptions:

• Jillian Mercado, an Afro-Dominican model and actress with spastic muscular dystrophy, has appeared in campaigns for Beyoncé, Target, and Diesel, and starred in The L Word: Generation Q. She is a fierce advocate for visibility and inclusion in fashion and media.
• Lauren Ridloff, a deaf Afro-Mexican actress, made history as Marvel’s first deaf superhero in Eternals and continues to champion accessibility and representation in entertainment.
• Sofía Jirau, a Puerto Rican model with Down Syndrome, became the first to represent Victoria’s Secret and uses her platform to promote awareness and empowerment.
• Salma Hayek, a Mexican-Lebanese actress, has spoken openly about her experiences with dyslexia and ADHD, inspiring others to embrace their differences and pursue their dreams.
• Selena Gomez, a Chicana singer and actress, advocates for mental health awareness, sharing her journey with bipolar disorder and chronic illness to uplift others.

These individuals remind us that disability is not a limitation—it’s a part of the diverse human experience. Their stories reflect the resilience, creativity, and strength found in our own students.

We encourage all staff to take time this month to celebrate Hispanic heritage with their students—through conversations, classroom activities, and community events. Let’s honor the intersection of culture and neurodiversity, and continue building a school environment where every identity is seen, valued, and celebrated.

¡Sí se puede!

September 15- Extended Day

School- wide virtual Unique training (new curriculum)

zoom.us/j/92010534682?pwd=7KDaFZ...

September 18- virtual Meet the Faculty Night (all staff must attend) 5:30-6:30 PM

September 19- Essential Information Areas due

September 20- Parent Orientation, Ellery Street

September 23/24- Rosh Hashanah, no school

Your supervising AP will contact you soon to set up an Initial Planning Conference prior to observations.

In the meantime, please complete this survey- we'll use it to guide conversations.

Our pre teacher's aide students assisted with the NYPD Carnival/backpack giveaway at PS54, and they had a blast!

Ms. Kelli Ann and I are super proud of their work ethic. They do their work with so much love, pride, and a cheerful heart.

Warm regards

Ms. Yasmin S.

For stopping by the Ellery site every day to escort Kaitlin Legin to her worksite at PS 54 until bussing starts. It means so much to Kaitlin, and your dedication is a wonderful thing to see!

Courtney

Mr. Z and his class have been committed to fixing our tilted auditorium seats, making sure students can attend events comfortably. Today they fixed three, with plans to fix more next week. Nice work!

Courtney

Shawn has taken the lead on our vocational lab/matriculation curriculum and planning, working to create a tiered program that takes students from the lab to the community while monitoring benchmarks and progress. It's a big job, and hugely important to our school.

Courtney

Shout out for keeping our students engaged all day long! Your high expectations and dedication ensure all students are participating in meaningful learning in and out of the classroom.

Kelly Williams

Tanner has been with the organization for a while, and I’m proud to see her as a teacher now. She had her certification for over a year but stayed as a para just to stay loyal to 373 and wait her turn. I’m glad to see her patience pay off.

Mike Suarez

Jasmine Fourquet

Thank you for showing up with compassion, teamwork and positivity as I get settled into my new role.

Sarah Wooley

I want to take a moment to give a heartfelt shoutout to Ms. Dania, Ms. Julissa, and Ms. Tamia. Your dedication, hard work, and positive energy do not go unnoticed. I am truly grateful to have such a strong, reliable, and passionate team by my side. You ladies do a wonderful job every single day, and I appreciate all that you do more than words can express. Thank you for being such an essential part of this journey.

Ms. Aguayo

For spending every free moment organizing and beautifying room 210! They've transformed the former PAES lab into an academic classroom in record time and I'm so grateful.

Lily Lamb-Atkinson

For persevering through a rocky beginning of the school year and working so diligently to ensure every single student is safe, well cared for and engaged. I would be lost without you guys!

Ms. Jen

“Shout out to my amazing colleagues – thank you all for your teamwork, support, and positivity. I’m grateful to be part of such a dedicated and inspiring team! You all go above and beyond for both students and staff, and you are truly appreciated.”

Jennifer Hilario

As I transitioned to their site, they were extremely warm to my arrival & have accepted me with open arms. It’s a small but tight knit community. The love they pour into their jobs & our children daily are unmatched. Honored to be a part of the team!

Ms. Haynes

THEY ARE THE BEST!!!!!

Mr. Slater

Always super supportive and helpful!

Mr. Slater

Mr. Slater

The synergy between us is indeed great. I know that this school year, we'll have such a fun environment with the students and Podcasting. LETS GOOOOO !

Mr. Brayan

From Mr. Wizoreck:

Hi Courtney,

Here is a short YouTube clip I thought might go well in Panther Press. A friend sent this to me. The effect was that of taking a hit of pure oxygen.

I've tried never to take life for granted however, being human, I occasionally forget. deGrasse Tyson's clip is a timely reminder of the miracles we are and the miracles that surround us. We are truly lucky to be alive.