Week of February 2nd

UAI Staff News

Volume XII

Issue 19

February 2nd, 2025

Appreciating our School Counselors This Week.  This week is national is National School Counselor Appreciation week.  We have a special line up of appreciation and celebrations happening for our dynamic team of student supporters.  Look to the AM announcements to see what's happening.  In the mean time, join in on the fun of celebrating these amazing colleagues by stopping by to share your appreciation in person, or sending a quick note via email (or text if you have their number!)

Jen Cusa, Director of Student Support Services 

Room 508, jcusa@schools.nyc.gov

At UAI for 10+ years

Let’s celebrate Jen, our Director of Student Support Services, for her exceptional leadership and dedication this year. She has guided our counseling team through complex student cases with compassion and expertise, while her innovative enrollment strategies resulted in a 70% increase in 8th graders ranking UAI as their top choice. Her work with Girls Inc. and the Student Government has enriched student life, fostering community and joy. We are grateful for her unwavering commitment to our students and staff!

Jennifer Jackson Robbins, Middle School Counselor, & STARS Support

Room B35, jjacksonrobbins@schools.nyc.gov

At UAI for 10+ years

 

Join me in recognizing Jennifer for her outstanding support of our middle schoolers this year. She has taken on multiple responsibilities, creating a nurturing environment while effectively managing STARS programming and academic logistics. Her mentorship of our Fordham Social Work interns and dedication to building strong relationships with families ensure that students feel supported and valued. Jennifer embodies the spirit of a true educator, and her commitment to our school community deserves our celebration!

Tiffany Richards, College Counselor

Room 145E, trichards5@schools.nyc.gov

At UAI for 10+ years

Let’s highlight Tiffany for her incredible work as our College Counselor this year. Two years ago she transitioned into counseling from teaching, quickly mastered the complexities of post-secondary advising.  With her support 98% of our Class of 2025 completed their college applications (with one late admit still working). Her clear communication fosters reassurance and support among families, and her efforts have led to a 60% acceptance rate to four-year colleges—an impressive increase over last years group. Her dedication and ability to connect with students and families make her a UAI ROCK STAR!

Nicole Phillip, Assistant Dean

Room 301, nphillip9@schools.nyc.gov

At UAI for 3+ years

Give it up for Nicole!!  - For her exceptional leadership as a solo Dean for much of this year. She has skillfully navigated the challenges of working with our students, particularly in managing conflicts, while fostering a supportive atmosphere. Her growth in mediation and social-emotional learning has significantly impacted our school community. Known for her dedication, she is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, exemplifying her commitment to our students and ensuring a safe, joyful learning environment.

UPCOMING DATES

• MON 03FEB - Chancellor Lester Young Visits UAI
  
  
• TUE 04FEB - Urban Assembly Founder and Former CEO, Richard Kahn visits UAI
  
  
• MON 03FEB-FRI 07FEB - School Counselor Appreciation Week
  
  
• FRI 14FEB - 
• Valentine's Day & Senior Snow Tubing Trip & 
• School Visit by RIDE (Rhode Island Department of Education
• Rapid Dismissal at 2:30PM
  
  
• Upcoming Staff Appreciation Dates
• 01APR-04APR - Paraprofessional Appreciation Week
• 07APR-11APR - Assistant Principal Appreciation Week
• 21APR-25APR - Administrative Professionals Appreciation Week
• 05MAY-09MAY - Teacher Appreciation Week

TO DO THIS WEEK

• IEP Calendar Invites.  Accept your Google Calendar invites for IEP Meetings.  In response to feedback from staff around the scheduling of IEP meetings, Mary & I met to plot our the meetings for the rest of the year.  IEP meetings are a part of every teacher's professional responsibility.  As such the meetings will be assigned.  
  
  All Annual reviews will be scheduled during OPW time on Mondays.  We're aiming to spread the load evenly so that all teachers have a manageable load for the semester.  Mary is doing her best to coordinate equitably!  Thank you Mary!  As a reminder, these IEP meetings are an official part of your professional responsibilities and a contractually agreed upon activity for Monday OPW.
  
  All Triennial reviews must occur on Tuesdays or Wednesdays during the day, when Irina, our school psychologist is here.  On the days meetings are assigned they will take the place of your professional period assignment for the day.  So, no matter where the meeting falls, you lose your professional time (so you swap your prep or lunch time that day if needed).  We are asking for flexibility on these days.  We have to gather multiple people, and that means we need to reassign periods on that day to accommodate those meetings.  We are trying to limit the number of these meetings any one teacher must attend this semester.  If you are assigned to more than 2 Triennial reviews for the remainder of the year, please reach out to me.
  
  
  
• Complete ASU/GSV Conference Interest Form.  We have an opportunity to take several staff to the ASU/GSV Ed Tech conference in San Diego on April 6th - 9th.  I am opening the opportunity to the full staff.  This conference will be heavily focused on how to leverage AI and AI-powered tools to level up teaching and learning.  If you are into learning more and then integrated new tools into your practice, please complete this form.  This is an opportunity that does come with some pre-requisites so please read carefully before completing THIS INTEREST FORM.
  
  
• INTEREST.  You are very interested in using AI in your teaching practice and in helping students learn to use AI tools effectively and responsibly.  You have also demonstrated that interest by already taking advantage of AI and AI-powered tools at UAI (e.g. ChatGPT, PlayLab, Magic AI School)
  
  
• PROJECT CAFE.  Preference will given to teachers actively participating in UA Project Cafe since UA is instrumental in helping us go to this conference.
  
  
• FUTURE PD LEAD.  You are 100% committed to returning to UAI next year and actively participating in professional development planning and delivery of AI related training for the rest of the staff for next year (and perhaps the remainder of this year, but with there is no June PD day this year...so probably will just be for next year).
  
  
• FOCUS GROUP.  You are will to participate in the AI focus group aimed at developing a new AI Micro Credential in partnership with Hunter College and the Urban Assembly.
  
  
  
• Complete your teacher preference form.  It's that time again.  Please take a few minutes to submit your preference sheet for the 2025-26 school year.  The form is due at 3PM on Friday 14FEB.  As a reminder, you are submitting your preferences.  Preferences do not guarantee placement.  Student needs drive the program, and the best match to student programs drive placement.  One of the things that makes the best match is teacher preference, so we prioritize matching folks to their choices as much as possible.  That said, there are times when we cannot match everyone to their first choice.  So, many thanks and appreciation in advance for you understanding!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kicking Off Black History Month.  Monday marks the start of our month long celebration of Black History Month!  Many thanks to Shan & Marsha for leading the work with our student governement and to the RPET (Sue, Crystal, and Kelly) who collabed with the Student Government dynamos to plan out an amazing month of wonderful activities!  Check out the flier here.  Here's what on the docket for this week:

• MON 03FEB:
  Black History Month Trivia (Cafe @3PM)
• TUE 04FEB:
  BHM Extravaganza Interest Mtg (509 @ 11:15)
• WED 05FEB:
  Black Owned Busn. Tote Bag Decor (Cafe@11:15)
• FRI 07FEB
  BHM Move:  Remember the Titans (509 @11:15)
  

Monday PD.  Monday (03FEB), through Freida's work with our GSA and the LGBT Network, we have the opportunity as a school to receive free training on Transgender & Non Binary Experiences.  

This educational and interactive training will improve understanding of the unique experiences of people who identify as transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary (TGNCNB). We will discuss some of the various ways in which TGNCNB people may or may not transition and how to support each person’s individual journey. Topics covered will include knowledge of the social and health needs of the community, creating safer and more affirming spaces, and identifying local TGNCNB affirming resources.  THANK YOU Freida for connecting our school to this amazing opportunity!!

Special NOTE: We'll be moving this PD to 3PM on Monday and OPW will start at 4PM and be remote!

School Visits.  I don't think you all realize how incredibly amazing you are...but folks are always wanting to come and visit.  This month seems to be all about project cafe, but in the months to come, the CUNY/UA Affinity will be coming to visit us three times, too!  The word is our UAI classrooms are rocking and that's because our UAI staff is an amazing team of STARS!  We have six visits over the next 4 months slated to happen - That's a lot of guests!!   Here's what's on the docket so far:

• Project Cafe Visits.  Folks are super interested in what we're doing the the AI-Powered Video Enabled teacher feedback system that leverages the CLASS rubrics to accelerate teacher growth.  
• NYS Board of Regents Visits on Monday 03FEB
• Founder of the Urban Assembly Visits Tuesday 04FEB
• Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Visits on Friday 14FEB
  
  
• School Site Visits.  CUNY/UA Affinity (our District) is super interested in the work we are doing in teacher preparation & development, special education and co-teaching, and in math.  Here are those dates
• Principal Lever Visit - Tuesday, 18MAR (Teacher Prep & Development)
• IM Math Visit - Exact day and focus still TBD - but March is the target
• ICT Think Tank Visit - Exact day and focus still TBD - but Spring Term!

Intervention Group Updates.  All 8/9 and 6/7 groups have been adjusted to start on Monday 03FEB.  I'm still working on 10-12 groups (look for those on Monday), and we'll push to start those on Monday too, but be prepared for the possibility that I run out of time this weekend and have to push it to next Monday.  I'll update during Monday morning announcements.    Look at the UAI schedule (find link on Google classroom) to see the complete lists (which will be there by Monday AM)

PER SESSION POSTINGS

FOR ALL PER SESSION JOBS:  You must apply by completing THIS FORM

Hiring Committee.  It's that time again!  We're looking for folks to join our Hiring Committee.  We're looking for a team of 6-10 folks to participate in Hiring Activities.  Hours will range.  There will be meetings as the committee to norm on expectations and review outcomes.  Committee members will be tapped to participate in demo lessons and debriefs.  Committee members must be available for zoom hiring events in the evenings and weekends.   If interested, please complete THIS FORM 

REPOST:  Summer School Planning is Starting.  Summer school planning is beginning.  We will not be hosting Girls Inc and DYCD summer camp this summer, and our students who need an all-day placement can register for DYCD programs at the Montauk School this summer.   

We are currently looking for folks who are interested in doing some enrichment work (6-12) this summer.  AND we will also have regents prep this summer.  If you are interested in working this summer, please complete THIS FORM no later than 14FEB.