Hello Park East Community,
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year!
As I think about this upcoming year, I am having a hard time getting my head around the fact that the incoming 9th graders are the Class of 2030! Incredible.
This year marks the largest student body Park East has ever had. We will be welcoming 110 incoming 9th graders and celebrating our biggest senior class of 107 students, for a total of 420 students. Of course we are still a small school with our signature tight community, but it does bring me joy and PRIDE to think about how desirable Park East is as a school. Your hard work, dedication, and excellence are literally drawing crowds!
This summer we continued our tradition of shared reading of graphic texts that highlight “hidden voices” in our country’s history. Si Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States by Julio Anta celebrates the personal and professional stories of many inspirational American heroes and sheroes. I loved reading this book – learning about people I had sadly never heard of and deepening my knowledge of familiar figures. I can’t wait to discuss the book with you and eavesdrop on some of the conversations you will be having in Advisory, 9th grade English class, and 10th-12th Social Studies classes.
In 2026-27 we will also be welcoming Assistant Principal Laura Vega, reading specialist Casilda Santos, and speech teacher Gabriella Tejera Leroux. Our exceptional admin team, teachers, and staff help make our school the inspiring learning environment we know and love, and I know these three wonderful women will fit right in!
A few other noteworthy developments for the year:
- Successful implementation of New York State’s “distraction free” school day will continue! Don’t forget your Yondr pouches on Day 1. New students will receive them during orientation.
- One additional section each of AP 2D Art and AP Computer Science will be added.
- Students will have the opportunity to earn a Seal of Biliteracy on their diplomas to celebrate mastery of two languages.
- Partnership with City Sanctuary, a nature preserve, will provide selected students an opportunity to travel upstate regularly to gain hands-on experience with animals, fishing, and forestry.
And so much more! One of the many things I love about Park East is that we are always learning, growing, and trying new things. We embrace life’s adventures together in pursuit of personal and academic excellence. Let’s have a great year, Park East!
With purpose, preparation and overflowing PRIDE,
Dr. Ort