Principal Jordan's Vision & Updates | P.S. 18

Principal Jordan's Vision
for Our Collective Growth

"Community is not where you live. It’s how you live. It’s who you give back to."

Here at PS 18X we believe that community is built through intentional action, through the way we show up for one another, and through the daily choices we make to support, uplift, and lead.

Our core values of trust, transparency, and teamwork continue to be the foundation of everything we do. These pillars not only guide our interactions—they shape our students into the future leaders they are meant to be. But this year, we are also anchoring ourselves in a central theme:

🤝 Unity – Together We Will Rebuild, Reconnect, and Recommit.

Unity is more than a theme. It is a call to action. It means recognizing that every single one of us matters—and that our collective impact is greater when we move forward together. It means rebuilding the bonds that make our school a safe, inclusive space. It means reconnecting with our students, families, and each other in meaningful ways. And it means recommitting to our shared mission with purpose and passion.

❄️ January Highlights

January has consistently posed challenges for us concerning student attendance. In collaboration with the operations team, the attendance team has developed various initiatives and incentives to encourage daily school attendance. Throughout January, we implemented the "Door Buster" initiative every Monday, providing students with the opportunity to win prizes simply for being present at school. Additionally, we organized an awards ceremony to recognize students' academic successes, improvements, and achievements in their classes, along with a dance event celebrating those with perfect attendance! 🕺💃

As we work to raise awareness about the effects of bullying on individuals, we are organizing an Anti-Bullying Campaign Week aimed at educating our students and the broader community.

We organized a family bingo night for the parents and students of PS18. This event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with families and share a memorable experience together. Attendees enjoyed snacks and had the chance to win a variety of prizes, ranging from movie tickets to various hygiene items. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement as numbers were called out! Children eagerly marked their cards, while parents exchanged friendly banter and cheered for each other's wins. The sense of community was palpable, and it was heartwarming to see families bonding over the shared fun of the game.

January Event Photo
January Event Photo
January Event Photo
January Event Photo
💝 February Highlights

February proved to be an equally eventful month, beginning with the highly anticipated Candy Gram sale for Valentine’s Day. The student council organized a fundraising initiative that allowed students to purchase gift bags of candy for themselves or to present to someone in their classroom. The first week of February was designated as Counselor Week, during which the school recognized our dedicated school counselor, Ms. Thomas, for her outstanding contributions to the community. 🌟

The PS18 Award ceremony was a resounding success. Our students demonstrated enthusiasm as they were recognized for their exceptional efforts and resilience. Parents were present, joining us in a collective celebration of our students' achievements. We observed a remarkable sense of respect during our Kindness Count Spirit Week, which aimed to foster community spirit. Students actively engaged in spreading kindness among their peers, raising awareness about the importance of compassion.

We hosted a Valentine's Day Toy Drive in collaboration with the Office of Mass Engagement (OME) from the Mayor's Office. This event brought joy to the faces of children and provided vital support to families in need during this heartwarming season. To ensure the success of the toy drive, we extended an invitation to all community members. We are particularly grateful for our partnership with the Office of Mass Engagement at Montefiore, whose commitment to community service is truly invaluable.

The week culminated in the PS18 Talent Show 🎤, held just before the midwinter recess. Various classes had the opportunity to perform in front of the entire school community, showcasing their talents and abilities. From heartfelt musical performances and energetic dance routines to captivating theatrical acts and awe-inspiring art displays, each act was a testament to the creativity and dedication of our young performers!

February Event Photo
February Event Photo
February Event Photo

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