My students reflect the cultural richness of New York City - and they speak approximately 34 different languages among them!
Our school is an academically rigorous, tuition-free high school and college associate's degree program.
Many of my students are the first in their families to attend college. They are very eager for the opportunity to earn two years of free college tuition at the time of their high school graduation.
It is incredibly rewarding to work with such curious, eager, and motivated students as their virtual Library Director, Creative Writing Teacher and Speaker Series Coordinator.
My Project
Our school's Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) sponsors a number of virtual author talks that invite writers and artists who are challenging, innovative, supportive and affirming of students' identities and dreams. Via Zoom, in conjunction with the Guest Writers series, SAGA will invite comic book artist Sophie LaBelle, author of the Serious Trans Vibes/Assigned Male Series.
This long-running webcomic explores "misconceptions about transgender people." It stars a trans girl named Stephie and non-binary girl named Ciel who "explore their gender identity, relationships, and just life in general."
LaBelle's books are tender, funny and relatable to queer teenagers and all teenagers. She has authored children's books as well as comics exploring every day life, holidays, and family relationships.
In our Guest Writers series, we welcome distinguished authors and artists to speak to our students in our library and this year on Zoom. At some events, we have up to three hundred seats or Zoom spots filled!
SAGA students are looking for representation of their diverse identities among the talented and accomplished visitors to our series. They also arrive with a hunger to meet working scholars and artists who make a difference in some realm of social justice work. My students will all be prepared to interview Ms. LaBelle about the inspiration behind her books, and her journey towards her career and identity. Through learning about Ms. LaBelle as a comic book author, students will gain insight into the perseverance required in becoming a writer--and an out and proud artist.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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