It is with the greatest of pleasure and gratitude that I welcome the MS 129, Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership community to the 2019 – 2020 school year. The amount of joy and pride I have in taking part in the educational success of our beautiful and intelligent children is beyond compare, it is truly a dream come true. I am excited and full of optimism for the 2019 – 2020 school year as we embark on a journey of collaboration and high expectations. I am also eager to create partnerships with all of MS 129’s stakeholders to affect school wide systemic change to improve achievement for all of our children.
During the course of this school year I look forward to sharing and discussing ideas that are rooted in the best interest of our wonderful students, and that put their success at the forefront of all our actions. My charge is to expose our children to a safe, rigorous, and culturally responsive educational environment that drives them to be independent leaners, facilitated by educators with the highest of expectations. The “Children’s Agenda” is our agenda. They are the life of our school, and without hesitation, their needs come first. My commitment to equity ensures that I will do all that is in my power to make sure that each student is receiving what they need to have success on their educational and social emotional journeys.
I will leave you with this quote from Paulo Freire, “The educator has the duty of not being neutral” meaning that I have chosen a side in this fight for equitable and excellent education, the side of our precious children, they are my number one priority.
Looking forward to a great and courageous year with you all.
In unity,
Jason Reyes
Principal, Academy for Independent Learning and Leadership (MS129)
