Hello Park East,
With great excitement I welcome you to another wonderful school year during which we will
experience the joys of deep learning and powerful community, with a heavy sprinkling of fun
activities.
This year we’ve continued our tradition of a shared summer reading of graphic texts that
highlight “hidden voices” in our country’s history. Harlem Hellfighters was written by Max
Brooks and illustrated by Canaan White. This book chronicles the history of the 369th Infantry
Regiment that was formed in 1913, composed of African American men from NY State and
Puerto Rico. This Regiment was originally excluded from fighting in World War 1 due to
segregationist policies in the US Army and racist expectations about what an all black unit could
accomplish. In the end, the Harlem Hellfighters fought long, more than any other single unit, and
hard to help end a brutal world war. We will discuss the themes raised in this book in English
and Social Studies classes. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, there’s still time to grab
your copy and brace yourself for a thrilling, action packed story of bravery and triumph.
For the 2025-2026 school year, we are welcoming 107 incoming 9th graders and 10 transfer 10th
grade students. Interest in Park East continues to grow as does our enrollment, currently
projected at 410. Considering enrollment declines in the public school system as a whole, we are
thrilled that so many students and families choose to join our terrific little school.
This year I am also excited to welcome six new teachers to our faculty and a new school secretary.
Our new teachers and secretary bring a range of experiences to our community and are expected
to help us deliver the high quality education we’ve come to expect at Park East.
Other exciting news about what’s to come in the 2025-2026 school year:
● Implementation of New York State’s “distraction free” school day during which students
will have the opportunity to fully engage in their classes but still have access to their
phones outside of the building during lunch
● Two new courses, including Dermatology and Textile Arts and increased sections of AP
Psychology and AP Language & Composition
● Continued expansion of Seal of Civic Readiness program so that up to 50% of our seniors
graduate with an official endorsement on their diplomas and are registered to vote, if
eligible
● Many more opportunities to achieve to our community service requirement to graduate
from Park East (at least 10 hours per year for 4 years)
As always, with great anticipation, I look forward to partnering with our staff, students, and
families to build an ever better Park East High School.
With purpose, preparation and so much PRIDE,
Dr Ort