HIghlights from the evening include:
"Before coming to this school, my daughter was bullied for 7 years. There wasn't a day that went by that I worried about my child's safety. My daughter has improved so much since starting at school in the square. She has loads of confidence and is always happy to come to school. You may have met her tonight. If you did I am sure you would be shocked to know that happy girl is the same one I am talking about. I'm so grateful for what this school has done for her and my family.
"
- Jadira Hiraldo-Troncoso
S2 7th grade parent
"
What makes S2 different and stand out for me is the way we put relationships first before anything. I’m a mother and I empathize with parents who come to me about their child's need for extra support, the best part of those conversations are that they are solution oriented and parents leave feeling relief that yes their child is struggling but that there is hope for them to grow and that they will grow at S2 at their own pace."
- Sindia Vasquez
S2 Special Education Coordinator and Math Interventionist
"I can remember being six-years old and dreaming of becoming a teacher to help other children learn. As a young teacher I was shocked to learn how difficult finding a caring school environment for kids is in New York. Coming to S2 feels like a dream come true, being part of a team that believes in students, provides support and creativity for teachers to develop their craft."
- Sonja Whipp
6th grade ELA Teacher
But for many the highlight was the six alumni who took the stage at the end of the night and shared their journeys before landing at S2. Naomi, Noel, Ashley, Alondra, Joel and Alyissa reflected on the importance of their new home away from home.
"I was a hot-headed kid when I first came to S2. I didn't know what to do with my emotions. But at S2, I learned how to take a pause and think before I act. Now I feel confident about how I communicate with others and that has helped me a lot in life."
- Noel
Founding S2 student and alumni
