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A Letter from our Superintendent

 

June 2021

Dear Families and Friends of District 30,

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your steadfast support and resolve throughout this challenging school year.   Our children, teachers, and families rose to the occasion of establishing a sense of normalcy to create robust learning environments both in our schools and remotely.  Collectively, our district has worked diligently to meet the needs of our students and families greatly affected by this pandemic. Though this year felt different from years past, I am incredibly proud of the ways in which we have all been working together to center the academic and social-emotional progress of our children. 

As this school year comes to a close, I reflect upon the successes we have had this academic year in District 30. This year we have:

  • Launched the New York State Integration Project (NYSIP) in all District 30 schools to provide professional development to school staff and workshops to families designed to increase their understanding of implicit biases, social-emotional learning (SEL), culturally responsive and sustaining education (CR-SE), Habits of Mind, and Principles of Learning through partnerships with The CAVU Group and Learner Centered Initiatives (LCI)
    • 150 first grade teachers participated in Professional Learning (PL) sessions facilitated by LCI and The CAVU Group.
    • 198 sixth grade teachers participated in Professional Learning (PL) sessions facilitated by LCI and The CAVU Group
    • 46 guidance counselors and social workers participated in Professional Learning (PL) sessions facilitated by The CAVU Group
    • More than 70 families have attended Professional Learning (PL) sessions facilitated by The CAVU Group. These sessions were translated in Arabic, Bengali and Spanish to be inclusive of the diversity in our district.
    • More than 130 school administrators have participated in Professional Learning facilitated by LCI and The CAVU Group.
  • Implemented the Learning Technology Grant that provided 25 content area teachers with professional learning focusing on integrating FlippedTIPS exemplary technologies into the curricula of Science, Math, ELA and Social Studies.
  • Participated in the Cultural After School Adventures (CASA) initiative. Council Member Costa Constantinides selected the Pre-K Center at Q397 as a designated site for the Queens Museum to provide free after-school arts programs, as part of the CASA initiative. 
  • Continued with Roots, Routes, & Rhythms, a 4-year professional development program that engaged teachers and students in investigating the roots of contemporary music and dance cultures in their boroughs and neighborhoods. 
  • Maintained our Dual Language programs. Students in our dual language programs who attend Long Island City High School and continue in dual language will graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy.
  • Continued to strengthen students’ literacies by equipping them with 21st century skills required for our ever-changing world.  
  • Advanced equity by evaluating academic and suspension data to ensure gaps in opportunities and learning are being narrowed and/or closed.  
  • Continued remote learning with teachers and other school staff making contact with every student and/or family within their school community.
  • Transitioned back to in-person learning in a safe and sustainable way for school communities.
  • Worked to ensure all students have access to a computer device and internet service through providing a loan of laptops or iPads in addition to the devices distributed by schools.
  • Continued our partnership with NYC Kids Rise; more than 10,000 children in grades kindergarten through third grade have opened and contributed to Scholarship Accounts totaling over $1,600,000.
  • NYC Kids RISE has distributed $1.4 million in emergency cash to families in the Save for College Program.
  • Celebrated a 2021 New York City Big Apple Award Winner in our district; Melisande Bolano, first grade dual language teacher at PS 76, received this prestigious citywide recognition.

During the summer, we will continue to follow the guidance issued by health experts and our Chancellor as we embark in the Summer Rising program to provide an enriching and enjoyable summer camp experience for any interested student. Additionally, we will continue planning for the upcoming 2021-22 school year in hopes of having all students return for in-person learning and communicating with the community every step of the way.  At the forefront of this work is the health and safety of our students, staff, and families. Over the summer we will continue to keep families abreast of updated information as we develop specific plans for the beginning of the school year.  I encourage you to check the NYCDOE website at https://schools.nyc.gov and/or your school’s website to obtain updated information and guidance about the re-opening of schools.   

I am incredibly thankful to the District 30 community for your support and collaboration throughout these unprecedented times. As our District song states, “We are together, together we are strong, never alone and never give up hope.” I am deeply proud to be your Superintendent and am committed to serving and supporting our students, staff, and families.  In District 30 we ground everything we do by considering to “Always remember to ask...how is this good for ALL children?” that ensures all decisions align with our core beliefs.” Within this principle--- When we always keep students at the center, we guarantee we are doing right by our children. On behalf of all in our district, I wish you and your families a healthy, happy, and safe summer.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Philip A. Composto

Community Superintendent – D30