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SCHOOLS
P.S. 8 Robert Fulton School
You've probably noticed that there are a lot of children in DUMBO these days. In addition to a great new playground and waterfront park, DNA is pleased to report that DUMBO kids are finally going to have a great public elementary school -- PS8 -- as well. Recent citywide changes initiated by Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Klein have created new opportunities for strengthening public schools in general, and PS 8 will benefit from new leadership. Under the Mayor's new Board of Education, PS 8 now belongs to Region 8, which is directed by Carmen Farina, former District 15 Superintendent. She has an excellent reputation in academic circles, is highly respected by her peers and has developed an excellent track record for turning neighborhood schools around. Farina has wasted no time getting started with PS 8 where she expects to send her own grandchildren (who are future DUMBO residents). PS 8 has an excellent new team of administrators who started in late April 2003 to plan for this year and beyond. The new Principal, Seth Phillips, has made himself immediately accessible to all parents, in a |
concerted effort to reach out to families in DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights. Olivia
Ellis, beloved teacher at P.S. 321 in Park Slope, has joined Seth to head up
curriculum support and staff development so that children will learn the skills
needed to meet new and higher standards set throughout Region 8. Tina Volpe,
the recently retired principal of P.S. 295 (itself a great turn around
success), joined the team as a mentor to Seth. Her role is to help build the
base for better-trained teachers and academic improvements going forward.
Teacher training and support is a key element in Carmen's strategy for PS 8.
Tina is working with Seth and Olivia to assess staff needs and plan classroom
environments for the 2003-04 school year. Now a Pre-K thru 5th Grade school,
with enrollment of just under 250, PS 8 will remain as a small neighborhood
school, building its enrollment gradually based on the success and achievement
of the students. This year's Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade classes all
contain DUMBO and Heights children.
DUMBO Neighborhood Association has committed considerable energy and resources to the success of PS8, and we are very excited about its prospects. DNA Steering Committee member Chris Klass is co-President of the PTA. You can reach her at chris@dumbo-dna.org with any questions or to volunteer. And, don't just take our word for it: check out noted public school researcher and advocate Clara Hemphill's independent review of PS 8. |