As the Public School system in New York continues to fluctuate
through high stakes testing and accountability, it seems that many
schools are failing. Whether it is low enrollment or low
standardized test scores, public schools are hanging on by any
thread that they can grasp. Through the chaos and uncertainty
the New York State Public School system is faced with, there is a
light shining through within the halls of PS 60 Woodhaven
School.
The very moment you walk through the door, there is an
undeniable welcoming atmosphere about PS 60. Principal
Frank Desario is adamant about creating an intimate setting for
students, teachers, parents, and all who enter the
building. Since he attained his position as principal in 2004,
Frank Desario has vigorously enriched each and every aspect of the
Woodhaven School. The school just recently received an A on
their Progress Report. Though other schools received an A, PS
60 stood out in regard to their great success rates of students
with disabilities, English language learners, and
minorities. PS 60 received the highest scores in both of these
categories out of any city school. What seems to be the key
element in the success of PS 60 is the idea of looking beyond the
standardized test, and ultimately—as Principal Desario and teachers
stressed—to make meaning out of text. The Woodhaven School is
70% Hispanic, which is one of the largest ESL schools within the
system. Again, it is not about teaching to the test, it is
about literacy and taking words and creating meaning through
them. He stresses the importance of differentiated
instruction, yet preserving the idea of unity. Principal
Desario has successfully created a unit within the school; teachers
collaborate, students bond and learn together, and parents feel
involved and at ease that their children are getting a quality
education.
As student interviewers Jeneen Gibbs and Maria Macaluso
continued to inquire more about Principal Desario’s ideals and
school setup, he mentioned his great appreciation of the teachers
in his school that came from St. John’s University. Principal
Desario stated, “St. John’s University trains teachers very
well.” He continued to explain that graduates come in prepared
with a certain skill set; they know how to speak to parents and
they know how to speak to students, and their professors helped
prepare them to succeed as educators of the public school
system. Principal Desario mentioned two teachers off hand, Ms.
Poliseno and Ms. Bernie, who were both St. John’s University
educated and both enrich the school with their teaching methods,
enthusiasm, and overall passion for teaching at PS 60.
Ms. Christine Poliseno’s room was filled with interactive
learning technology, such as the Elmo, and enriching anchor
charts. This third grade CTT classroom—Collaborative Team
Teaching—had a unique vibe about it; the students were engaged, and
as they sang their time tables to holiday songs, you saw smiles on
each and every child’s face. When we sat down to inquire about
Ms. Poliseno’s methods, she explained the importance of creating
levels and small groups. As many of her students are ESL
learners, she also emphasized the idea of enriching the senses of
sight and sound; hearing the words and seeing visuals. It is
extraordinary to see such a well-organized and successful classroom
with all different levels being incorporated in a large public
school, and it is hopeful to know that the public school system can
survive these tough times of standardized testing. Ms.
Poliseno’s class is a prime example of differentiated instruction
and individualized attention for students. She credits St.
John’s University for much of her success. She took a lot from
the observations and service learning; a “hands-on” experience is
the best way to learn in the classroom. She stated, “I am
always learning; every class, every student.” The Woodhaven
School’s educators all have that mindset, which is why they seem to
be so successful.
Down the hall to Ms. Bernie’s 5th grade classroom,
the same ideals followed throughout the grade levels. Her
classroom was full of color, anchor charts, and student’s
work. Many think that 5th graders do not need that
kind of enrichment, however, Ms. Bernie felt the opposite. As
soon as one walks in to her classroom, it is clear that she creates
every possible opportunity for learning. Mrs. Bernie stated,
“The teachers here at PS 60 collaborate and build on every
grade. It is a real sense of community here.” She felt a
similar sense of community in her years as a student at St. John’s
University. As she named off influential professors, she
explained how important it was to create those connections and
foster multiple outlets within the public school system. When
the students arrived back in the classroom and they began speaking
about U.S. Presidents, each student had input, and each student
carried on that same enthusiasm to learn as they did in Mrs.
Poliseno’s classroom. Ms. Bernie later explained to us social
studies was cut out of the 5th grade
curriculum. She innovatively tries to incorporate some aspects
of history in each lesson, just to help the students adapt to the
changes they will face next year in middle school. For
example, in the English biography unit, each student chose a
President to write about, which incorporates an aspect of social
studies and American history. Being a bilingual teacher
herself, she has a great influence on the ESL learners in the
classroom. Principal Desario and the rest of the teaching
staff rave about their program RAZ Kids, which is individually
leveled for each student, and they are able to do these programs at
home with their parents who may also be English language
learners. Their Parent Coordinator, Jeannette Gonzalez, trains
each parent on the RAZ Kids program, and also sets up monthly
events to keep parents and students involved and up to
date. Again, the individualized and personal atmosphere of the
Woodhaven School is undeniable. It is truly extraordinary and
hopeful to see such a successful school set up.
Principal Desario and his teaching staff are shaping a pathway
for other public schools to follow, as well as educators embarking
into the field. A large, diverse school within Woodhaven
Queens came out on top in every sense of the word. There is a
light at the end of the Public School System tunnel, and PS 60 is
holding the lantern.
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Written by: Dana Hetzel