CHARACTERStudents Transform Hunts Point,One Step at a Time

mattersHYDE LEADERSHIP CHARTER SCHOOL NEWS Spring 2015, Volume 8, Number 1

On a blustery, cold Friday afternoonin late March, with snowflakes

descending upon the city, Hyde students,families, alumni, and teachers gatheredwith the local police of the 41st Precinctand together they marched. Children andofficers hand-in-hand, the group walkedin unity in a joint effort to strengthen theHunts Point neighborhood and collec-tively create a more just, fair, and safesociety for all people. However, this“Walk A Mile” event would not havebeen possible without an honest ques-tion, a concerned reflection, and a groupof Hyde students with the courage tocreate change.

“At a school assembly we were dis-cussing the national protests followingthe deaths of Michael Brown and EricGarner. Our teacher asked us to raise ourhands if we trusted the police. No oneraised a hand,” reflected Hyde 8th gradestudent Michael Amankwah. “We knewthis was a problem.” Concerned about

the growing tensions between police offi-cers and communities of color, andinspired by Hyde teachers encouragingstudents to take action toimprove social issues,Michael and hisclassmates begandeterminedlyplanning the com-munity walk andquickly garnered the support of the localpolice and the broader K–12 Hyde school.

Weeks later, wearingmatching t-shirtsdesigned by students and embla-zoned with the phrase, “I Seek toUnderstand… Do You?” the eventdrew an enthusiastic crowd ofsupporters and numerous news outletsvying to cover the event and report onthe audacious hope and activism ofHyde’s students.

When asked how he felt following thewalk, 8th grader John Ramirez remarked,“I am beyond proud.”

The feeling is mutual.Step-by-step, Hyde

students, families, alumni,teachers, staff, and dedicatedschool partners are actively

transforming the HuntsPoint community

and their ownlives. Seeking

understandingover injustice,

love over hate, andempowerment overoppression, Hyde contin-ues to strive for academicexcellence, opportunitiesfor children and families,and a happy, healthy,

thriving student body. In short, the Hydeschool community is united, persistent,and bound for success. n

Above, left: Teacher Ms. Meredith Lewis thanks the crowd for their participation and united effort. Above, right: 8th graders John Ramirez, Michael Amankwah, andOsvaldo Garcia award Officer Craft with a letter of appreciation.

In This IssueHyde Students

Transform Hunts Point . . . . . . . 1

Executive Director Message . . . . . 2

Parent Power;Hyde by the Numbers . . . . . . . . 3

Our Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Communities Rise Together . . . . . 6

Roar Outs!;Portraits of Unique Potential . . . 7

What Makes Hyde Unique? . . . . . . 8

Character Matters is published twice yearly

by the Hyde Leadership Charter Schoolhydebronxny.org

718-991-5500

Elementary and Middle School730 Bryant Avenue

Bronx, NY 10474

High School830 Hunts Point Avenue

Bronx, NY 10474

Character Matters Staff:Editor-in-Chief: Susan Marber

Contributing Writers/Reporters:

Sarah Diaz, Janette Jurado, Meredith Lewis,

Susan Marber, Nia Richardson,

N’Kaylah Simmons, Liz Springer,

Tom Sturtevant, Josh Williams

Contributing Photographers:

Herb Fixler, Nia Richardson,

N’Kaylah Simmons, Josh Williams

Consultant: AnnaLee Wilson

Design: Kaeser and Wilson Design, Ltd.

Hyde Leadership Team:Thomas K. Sturtevant, Executive Director

Peter Anderson, Elementary School Director

Lex Zain, Middle School Director

Celia Sosa, High School Director

Liz Springer, Director of Special Education

Michael McNamara, Chief Operating Officer

Board of Trustees:

Herbert B. Fixler, Board Chair

Wilder D. Baker, Deborah Dumont,

Oz Hanley, Herbert Kaplan,

Robert Kramer, Dennis D. Mehiel,

Jeanette Melendez, David Sachs,

David Steadly

©2015 Hyde Leadership Charter School

A Message from Our Executive Director

Each season offers something unique. In April, as spring

awakens throughout the city, transformations become tangi-

ble. As we plan our third high school graduation and the

completion of our ninth year as a school, I could not be more

proud of the transformations of our students, families, and

teachers. Consistent effort, vision for a positive future,

integrity, and leadership empower the personal successes and

growth of Hyde students.

Transformations are not static; they take place over time

and are never finished. Hyde’s family-based character program ensures that members

of the Hyde school community, from students, to families, to teachers, to building staff,

to Board Trustees, continually reflect on personal progress, in order to transform into

our best selves and realize our unique potential. Where am I from? Where am I going?

How will I get there? These are the questions that drive us and enable our success.

Transformations require courage and empathy. I am grateful to work with educators

who know first-hand the beauty, humanity, and potential of our students. As leaders,

our students and adults engage in authentic learning experiences, advocate for fairness

and thoughtfulness, and serve others with their distinct gifts and talents, transforming

both themselves and the world.

Transformations do not occur in isolation, but require a dedicated community.

Hyde’s success is contingent upon the partnerships of students, families, teachers, staff,

community-based organizations, local businesses, political leaders, and our philan-

thropic supporters.

Thank you for your part in Hyde’s success this year and for your commitment to

our mission, to the development of each child’s unique potential.

Sincerely,

Thomas K. Sturtevant

Executive Director

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Consider Making a Tax-Deductible Gift to Hyde Leadership Charter School

You will be contributing to the excellence, character, and achievement we seek to develop in our students, families, and teachers each andevery day. Donations should be made payable to:

Hyde Leadership Charter SchoolAttn: Josh Williams, Development Office 830 Hunts Point AvenueBronx, NY 10474

Gifts can also be easily made online at www.hydebronxny.org by clicking on the “Donate” tab.

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By Liz Springer

Janette Jurado, Hyde parent and motherof three, made the choice to enroll

Alex, her youngest, in Hyde this past fall.Alex is an inquisitive, energetic, andspunky 6-year-old with an orthopedicimpairment which requires him to use awheelchair and walker to move around.Parents of students with disabilities mustconstantly challenge low expectationsand exclusive practices to ensure theirchildren are getting the best educationpossible. However, with Janette’s persist-ence, open-mindedness, and advocacy,Alex is thriving in his kindergarten class.I sat down with Janette to learn moreabout how this super mom does it!

What drew you to Hyde?I wanted Alex to go to an accessibleschool that would challenge him. I was soexcited when I found out that Alex wasaccepted into Hyde AND that the schoolis wheelchair accessible. It was hard plan-ning for Alex to enter school, so I amthankful I was able to find a good schoolthat was also accessible.

How do you advocate for Alex to ensurehis educational needs are being met?I do a lot of research, a lot of googling.I also keep my energy up because I oftenhave to follow-up with people to ensureAlex’s needs are being met and he is progressing.

What have you learned about your ownpotential as you’ve advocated for Alex?Before having Alex, I didn’t know howhard it is parenting a child with specialneeds. I’ve learned that I am very strong,open-minded, and patient. I keep myenergy high, and I am dedicated. I’m alsoa team player.

What responsibility do you think parentshave to the education of their children?Parents have to do research and visitschools to get their children into qualityprograms. Communicating with staffregularly is also really important.Working parents should email and textwith teachers. They must find out howthey can help their children do bettereach day, so that they can go to college.That’s the ultimate goal.

How have Hyde staff and programshelped you develop as a parent?With constant communication andfamily programs, I get new ideas for whatAlex needs, and then I advocate for it!With new ideas, I grow, and then I’m ableto better support Alex’s learning.

What advice do you have for other parents of children with uniquelearning needs?If your child is struggling, do not be indenial. Evaluations are important. Youhave to be open-minded. You don’t wantyour child to struggle. Stay strong.Embrace your child, and be a team player.Your child depends on you to get theright services.

––––Janette is looking forward to first gradefor Alex at Hyde, and she continues toadvocate for him on a daily basis. She haslearned a great deal about herself and herown resilience this year. Surprisingly, shehad not previously seen her own poten-tial as someone who could teach others toadvocate for their children, but we defi-nitely see this as a part of her uniquepotential! n

Liz Springer is the K–12 Special EducationDirector, overseeing the inclusive SpecialEducation program across the two Hydecampuses. She was a founding Hyde staffmember.

Parent Power: Advocacy in Action

93%of our 2014 Class

graduated from high

school in four years vs.

NYC average of 64%,

and this was nearly triple

the local graduation rate

in Hunts Point of 33%.

96%of our graduating

seniors enrolled in

college in 2014, vs.

the U.S. low-income

average of 51%.

90%of our college-enrolled

graduates returned

to college for their

sophomore year, vs.

the low-income city

school average of 78%.

100%of Hyde students

complete 100 hours or

more of community

service before

graduation.

80% of Hyde's families have

attended six or more

school events each year

since the school was

founded in 2006.

HYDE BY THE NUMBERS

Working with the advisors of the

middle school Technology

Student Association (TSA) club, Hyde

8th grade students N’Kaylah Simmons

and Nia Richardson created photo

albums for a statewide competition held

in Oswego, New York, where they placed

1st and 2nd in Digital Photography.

They will head to the national TSA

competition in Texas this summer.

Entitled “Our Town,” their projects

illuminate a powerful student perspective

of Hunts Point and effectively articulate

an essential understanding. Regardless

of where you are from, there is beauty,

strength, and possibility.

“This is a portrait of a friend of mine, who I have known for nine years. This portrait is a positive represen-tation of a black male in a placewhere black males are unfortunatelyincarcerated at high rates.”(Simmons)

Left: Hyde 8th graders N’KaylahSimmons (left) and Nia Richardson(right) strike a pose.

Nia Richardson’s photo album.

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OUR Town

Hyde student photography conveys messages of beauty, strength,and possibility in Hunts Point

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My town. No, our town. Not “them.”

Not “us.” Rather, it’s a “we.” We are

a community. In Hunts Point, which is a

neighborhood in the Bronx, we are looked

down upon by the outside world. This

makes me upset because we are worth so

much more.

Yes, we may live in the poorest

congressional district. Yes, we may have

some of the highest crime rates in the

United States. Yes, we may have the highest

rate of asthma in the world. However, these

facts do not define us. Just because we are

labeled by the outside world as “poor” does

not mean we live as such.

Within our community, we have

students fighting for equality—not just for

our small area of Hunts Point, but for the

entire world. We have parents and teachers

that dream for us. They see our potential

even when we cannot, and continue to

make sure we strive for greatness.

–N’Kaylah Simmons, Hyde 8th Grade Student

Hunts Point shows dedication

because many people never give up,

no matter how hard things might get for

them or anyone around them. Hunts Point

shows hope because this neighborhood has

been through so much yet continues to

survive. One of the hopeful situations is

my school, which I consider “my” town.

I attend Hyde Leadership Charter

School. This is a school that helps students

develop their potential, character, and

moral courage. From the lockers in the

classrooms to the desks that we work on,

Hyde makes you feel as if you are home.

Hyde Leadership Charter School makes

the students and the staff feel as if we

are all family.

–Nia Richardson, Hyde 8th Grade Student

For a complete edition of Ms. Simmons’

and Ms. Richardson’s work, please visit

www.hydebronxny.org. n

“This is an auto body shopright in front of my school.We see it as a shop thathas been next to us sincethe beginning and hasbeen functioning effec-tively and safely. Even on the day that I shot this,there were cars coming in to get repaired.”(Simmons)

N’Kaylah Simmons’ photo album.

“To me, Hyde is home. Theteachers and staff membersteach you the greatness in lifeand in ourselves. WithoutHyde, I can honestly say Iwould have fallen into thelabels given by the outsideworld.” (Simmons)

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Hyde Students, Families, StaffStand for Quality EducationThe bus loaded before dawn, its seatsfilled with 38 Hyde students, parents, andstaff determined to speak with state lead-ers and advocate for quality, publiceducation. Later that day after arriving inAlbany, Hyde’s delegates joined thou-sands of other supporters for CharterSchool Advocacy Day, coordinated by theNew York City Charter School Center, aleading expert and proponent of the NewYork City charter school movement.

“We want the best possible educationfor our children, and right now, charterschools are providing better options thansome of the other local schools,” com-mented Jeanette Hall, whose granddaugh-ter is a 7th grade student at Hyde MiddleSchool. “Charter schools are publicschools and they should receive equalfunding from the state, and not less thanwhat traditional public schools receive.”

Along with representatives from char-ter schools throughout New York, Ms.Hall and Hyde’s enthusiastic supportersvocalized their desire for equal funding

and for the removal of the cap on charterschools in New York.

“Hyde is a great school and is helpingme develop into a leader for our com-munity and for our country,” remarked10th grade student Chelsea Castejon. “Itshould receive equal support.”

Hyde Leadership Charter School pays over $1,000,000 each year to leaseand operate its high school building;however, it receives no state facilitiesfunding nor operating funding for thisessential asset.

Teaching Global Respect Through Art At Hyde, it’s never too early to have students thinking about social justice,equality, and doing what they can toensure that all people are treated fairly.With this goal in mind, art teacher Sarah Diaz is working with her youngkindergarten to fourth grade students to connect with other children aroundthe world. Ms. Diaz’s intent is to have her students realize that while people inother countries may think differently

COMMUNITIES Rise Together

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens canchange the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

While pursuing their unique potential, Hyde students, faculty, and families are showing the courage and determination to create change not only in the classroom, but also in the Hunts Point community and the nation.The ultimate goal: Creating positive social change and a more just, equitable, and inclusive society.

than we do, we need to better understandthose who are different, and treat themwith the same respect and fairness thatall people deserve.

Some years ago, Ms. Diaz met awardwinning musician, performing artist, andsongwriter John Farrell who foundedBridges of Peace and Hope (BPH), aninternational network of teachers andstudents collaborating on creative artsprojects that encourage greater awarenessof the world around us.

One of this year’s BPH art projects is “What do we all need to be happy andhealthy?” Using drawings, paintings,collages, and street art, Ms. Diaz’s youngstudents will express their ideas ofhappiness and healthiness with theirclassmates, and Hyde’s art will be sent toFarrell who will combine it with workfrom students in Africa and Europe.Farrell will then create an original songand video about the project which he'llperform internationally, connectingHyde students to a global community. n

Above: Ms. Sarah Diaz, with Hyde first graderAlisson Romero, stand in front of a showcase of student artwork.

Above, left to right: Hyde students Gabriella Torres, Mawah Dolley, Brianna Torres, and Jealeen McMillian.

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THE HYDE AND WATSON FOUNDATIONThank you for your continued partnershipand 5-year history of supporting our students, families, and teachers. The Hyde and Watson Foundation's mostrecent gift has enabled us to greatlyimprove the digital infrastructure of ourschool.

DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM DONOR Thank you to the generous family of a dedicated Hyde teacher for your contribution to the Hyde Elementary School Digital Empowerment Program, an exciting initiative to increase inquiry-based learning opportunities and digitalliteracy instruction for our youngest students.

CITY NATIONAL BANK AND BARNES & NOBLEThank you for partnering to deliver 1,000 brand new books and $4,000 in book credits to the Hyde Elementary and Middle School library. Literacy is the building block of education and each book opens a new world for our students.

LEONARD WILFThank you good friend for your consistentsupport of our academic, family, and character programs. Our students’ excellence is only possible with the continued support of education advocateslike you who believe that every childdeserves an excellent education.

NORMAN BROWNThank you for your benevolent encourage-ment and your regular demonstration ofconcern for Hyde students and families.

BRENDA GREENEThank you for your substantial gift of books to the Hyde Elementary andMiddle School library. Your charitable contribution has helped to foster an environment where children are readersand leaders.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEEThank you to the 2014–2015 Hyde Young Professionals Committee includingJessica Cerullo, Cecilia Dougherty, Debra Braganza, Brandon Bryant, ConorCarlucci, Girish Gupta, Andrea Imhof,Noah Kaplan, Victoria Nicodemus, andMatt Zidow, who have dedicated their timeand resources to promoting our school.

ROAR Outs!

Top, left: Ms. Meredith Lewis with Hyde 8th grader,Nathaniel Colon. Above: Ms. Lewis and DonovanRice celebrate Social Studies Day at Hyde.

Meredith LewisMiddle School Social Studies DepartmentHead and 7th & 8th Grade Teacher

In the Hyde dictionary, next to the word “powerhouse,” is a photograph ofHyde’s Middle School Social StudiesDepartment Head, Meredith Lewis.With two Master’s Degrees, one fromNew York University, one from theHarvard Graduate School of Education,Ms. Lewis came to our school five yearsago with a strong belief in Hyde’s mis-sion and an unwavering commitment tochildren in New York City. In her time at Hyde, Ms. Lewis continued her professional education and earned hercertification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards—a distinguishing mark of accomplish-ment which fewer than 5% of U.S.teachers achieve.

Ms. Lewis is dedicated to empower-ing kids through education, to raisingstandards for the teaching profession,and to providing students with tools for advocacy through real-world learn-ing experiences. She hopes that theseexperiences will then help them grow

into informed and empowered citizensof the world.

In addition to working with studentsto plan the “Walk A Mile” event with thepurpose of generating better relationsbetween Hyde students and the localpolice precinct (see our featured coverstory), Ms. Lewis takes pride in exposingstudents to the world around them. As aprime example, she initiated a yearly tripfor her classes to Washington, D.C., nowa signature experience for Hyde’s 8thgraders. Furthermore, her excellent aca-demic instruction has resulted in 99% ofan 8th grade select class passing the U.S.History Regents exam, even though thetest is designed for high school students.

Ms. Lewis also coaches Hyde’s MiddleSchool Boys Basketball and Varsity GirlsSoftball teams, directed the school’sVocal Ensemble, taught in the after-school homework help program, and stillfinds time to ride her horses Valor andRidge with students on the weekends.Ms. Lewis embodies many of Hyde’svalues: leadership, integrity, courage, anda desire to transform the world. n

PORTRAITS of Unique Potential

Hyde Leadership Charter SchoolElementary & Middle School730 Bryant AvenueBronx, NY 10474

High School830 Hunts Point AvenueBronx, NY 10474

Developing a Child’s Character Is as Important as Developing a Child’s Mind

WHAT MAKES HYDE UNIQUE?

Hyde Leadership Charter School is the only K–12 college-preparatory school in the Hunts Point section of the SouthBronx, the highest-risk community for children in New YorkCity located in the poorest congressional district in theUnited States. We’re a school that was founded on a simplepremise: Developing a child’s character is as important asdeveloping a child's mind.

We offer a one-of-a-kind program that enriches our students in three critical ways:

1. Character Development: Character instruction is not an“add-on” at Hyde. It permeates everything we do.

2. Family Partnership: Our dedicated Family EducationDepartment partners with parents, and Hyde familiesgraduate together with a stronger family unit, improvedfamily communication, and a shared family mission.

3. College Success: Excellent teachers and rigorous academic instruction make college success a reality for our graduates. Over 90% of Hyde students graduate from high-school, enroll in college, and persist toward college degrees each year.

Hyde Senior Accepted Into Her “Dream School”In the Fall 2014 edition of CharacterMatters, we featured Hyde studentKristal Estrella, whose leadership at home and abroad continues towarrant the respect, admiration, andpride of our school community.

Kristal continues to prove what she is capable of. Thisspring, she was accepted into numerous universities aroundthe country, including Syracuse University and BarnardCollege, her “dream school.” She is planning on studyingchemistry to become a chemical engineer and a leadingwoman in science.

When asked how Hyde has supported her success, Kristalresponded, “Hyde has had a large impact on my success, notonly providing me with the resources I need to build myfuture, but with the character I need to overcome any obstaclein my way. As my journey at Hyde comes to an end, I amgrateful for the teachers who have taught me life lessons,peers who have supported me all the way, and the connectionI was able to bridge with my family and my education.” n