Principal's Message

Dear I.S. 145 Community,
At I.S. 145, we believe that every student has greatness within them. Our mission is not only to educate young minds but to inspire confident leaders who are prepared to succeed in school, in life, and in their communities.
As Principal, my vision has always been rooted in a simple truth: when families, educators, and community members work together, students thrive. By building strong partnerships and maintaining a shared commitment to excellence, we create an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
As a proud Leader in Me School, we teach our students that leadership is not a title, it is a way of life. Every day, our students learn to take ownership of their choices, discover their unique strengths, and develop the habits that lead to success both inside and outside the classroom.
At I.S. 145, we challenge ourselves each day to BE LIONS and BE LEADERS.
L – Leader
- We take initiative, set goals, and inspire others through our actions.
I – Integrity
- We do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
O – Original
- We celebrate our individuality, creativity, and unique talents.
N – Nonjudgmental
- We create a welcoming community where everyone belongs and is respected.
S – Sympathetic
- We show kindness, empathy, and understanding toward others.
These values come to life through the principles of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, helping students learn to be proactive, work toward meaningful goals, prioritize responsibilities, seek understanding, value teamwork, and continuously grow as learners and leaders.
At the heart of everything we do are our three commitments:
Be Respectful.
Be Responsible.
Be Safe.
These expectations guide our school culture and help create a learning environment where all students can flourish.
Our students engage in rigorous, hands-on learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. To meet the needs of every learner, instruction is supported through both traditional and digital resources. Classrooms are equipped with interactive Smart Boards, laptops, and tablets, and students utilize their Google Innovator accounts alongside programs such as myON, BrainPOP, Newsela, and ReadWorks to enhance their learning.
Leadership extends beyond the classroom as well. Our outstanding Performing Arts Program allows students to discover and develop their passions through Theater, Band, Chorus, and Dance. Through athletics, students build teamwork, perseverance, and school pride by participating in our boys' and girls' basketball teams, volleyball programs, and competitive soccer teams.
At I.S. 145, we are developing more than successful students, we are nurturing future leaders, artists, athletes, innovators, and changemakers.
I invite you to join us on this journey. Together, as a community of LIONS, we will continue to empower every student to lead, learn, and grow.
BE LIONS. BE LEADERS. EVERY DAY.
Warm regards,
Ivan F. Rodriguez
Principal, I.S. 145
Leaders in School. Leaders in Life.