This morning we had our first meeting with Principal Perl and the DOE at MS 256 to visit and discuss creating a Dual Language - French program for middle school.
In preparation for the meeting, we provided Principal Perl with many questions covering topics from his educational philosophy, academics/curriculum, teacher qualification to safety and of course, the Dual Language - French program.
Over the weekend, Principal Perl responded in writing to all our questions! His candid and thoughtful replies were enormously appreciated. He understands that families need to make informed decisions and his timely, transparent responses enabled us to focus today's meeting on visiting the school and discussing next steps.
We had a positive meeting with Principal Perl and met Mr. Lanvin, the teacher who is fully certified to teach French as well as Math. They are both tremendously excited at the prospect of extending PS 84's successful Dual Language program through grades 6 - 8.
MS 256's classrooms were bright and cheery, decorated with lots of print/curriculum materials. We observed students working in groups and teachers demonstrating good classroom management. PS 84's Principal Sundick was warmly greeted by a number of PS 84 alumni now attending MS 256.
We encourage you all to come see for yourselves tomorrow evening at the Open House - meet Principal Perl, teachers, students and their families:
Open House
MS 256
154 West 93rd Street
Tuesday, December 18th
5:00 - 7:00pm
No RSVP required. Refreshments will be provided. Children/Students are welcome.
Principal Perl will offer several school tours in early January for parents and students to see the school in action. We'll follow up with the dates shortly.
The objective is to begin the program in Fall 2013 with one 6th grade Dual Language - French class with a minimum of 12-15 students. The students would move from subject to subject as a cohort - much as they have at PS 84.
Our next steps, in coordination with Principals Perl and Sundick, the DOE and with the ongoing input from the Dual Language - French families at PS 84, will be to discuss the curriculum and resources. In order to take advantage of various funding opportunities, these efforts are anticipated to begin in early January.
We have a dynamic opportunity to inform and impact the development of this Dual Language - French program!
More updates to follow after the Open House!
