Panther Press

I wanted to celebrate a unique initiative led by Barry Wizoreck that has brought a truly enriching experience to 13 of our Gotham dancers.

Earlier this school year, Barry was approached by Shirlene Blake, Director of Dance for the DOE, with an exciting opportunity to collaborate with Melissa van Wijk, Director of the non-profit organization Born Dancing. This organization is dedicated to creating inclusive performance opportunities for individuals of all abilities, with a special focus on those with disabilities.

Barry enthusiastically embraced the opportunity and has since spearheaded a pilot project that blends vocational arts education with live performance. Over the past few months, our dancers have been immersed in the world of theatrical production—learning about stage management, costuming, and lighting—creating their own costumes, choreography, sound and lighting cues as interns. Every student received a $300 stipend for their work.

The culmination of this experience took place at the Flea Theatre in Manhattan on May 9th.

Studentsperformed “Ladies’ Dance,” “Men’s Dance,” and “Vivir mi Vida (the students got the whole audience on stage for this one!)."

Thanks to Barry’s vision, leadership, and dedication, this project has not only provided our students with invaluable vocational training but also empowered them to shine on stage in a professional setting. It’s a perfect example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

Courtney

Nicole is always available to help her colleagues in need! She will literally drop the million and one other things that she is doing to support students and staff. She is super dedicated to not only supporting student growth, but ensuring that they are happy and doing things they enjoy. Thank you for sharing your skills, talents, and expertise with our school community, and bringing your A-game every single day. We're so fortunate to have you!

To Hot Spons for making the BEST curry chicken stew I have ever eaten. Shredded chicken is a game changer! And for always supporting the students in their educational journey in such fun and creative ways. Our students thrive in your learning lab, and it shows every day! You are an awesome team.

Ms. Velez-Pena

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I want to take a moment to honor the fierce, phenomenal women who make up our school community.

Each day, you pour your hearts into supporting our students with unwavering dedication, compassion, and strength. You advocate, you uplift, you empower—and then, after giving your all here, many of you go home to continue nurturing your own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or even the children of your neighbors and friends.

This is a tribute to all forms of mothering—to those who parent by birth, by choice, by circumstance, or by heart. Your love knows no bounds, and your impact is immeasurable.

Thank you for being the steady hands, the warm hugs, the fierce protectors, and the gentle encouragers. You embody the very best of what it means to care deeply and love fully.

Wishing each of you a peaceful, joyful, and well-deserved Mother’s Day.

Mr. Chung and his team have created a supplemental curriculum for all classes- every class will work to produce a culminating activity by May 20th, followed by a gallery walk celebration at Gotham on May 21, and a special seminar at Ellery on May 22nd.

This document includes resources, a differentiation guide, and a fantastic final project exemplar (thank you Racheal Hayes!).

Please take some time to review and direct any questions to your supervising AP.

May 12- Senior Trip

May 14- Mindfulness Day

May 16- Field Day

May 21- Gotham AAPI Gallery Walk

May 22- AAPI Heritage Seminar

May 28- Ellery Art Fair

May 30- Charlene and the Chocolate Factory Premiere

Gotham Speech therapist Lauren Schweikert rescued beautiful flowers from a corporate event, and turned it into a pop up flower shop just in time for Mother's Day!

Ms. Malloy

Ms. Gabby is the classroom superhero we never knew we needed—she's got the patience of a saint and the energy of a toddler on a sugar rush. From turning math into magic to keeping the chaos in check, she makes every day feel like a field trip (minus the permission slips). Huge thanks to you, Ms. Gabby, for always going above and beyond!!

Ms. Annette

Ms. Annette