On March 31st in recognition of International Women's Month, a group of 10th grade students from BAL took part in a virtual lunch and listen session with Black and Latinx women finance professionals from Fitch Ratings and JPMorgan. Fueled by Chipotle salads and burritos, the group interacted with these women as they shared their stories and perspectives to help the students see themselves in finance careers, a field many may not have considered or seen representation in. Topics ranged from how they chose their respective paths, how to remain resilient and pivot as career obstacles occur, and how to work through fear to try new jobs, new cities and new experiences. The program then turned to financial literacy with a presentation and interactive discussion of the basics of personal finance. A special thanks to Ms.Ramirez and Ms. Shannon for coordinating the event, as our volunteer presenters: Lindsay Horne, Dr. Maria Angelica Perez, Tainaya Nash, Brenda Portillo Flores and Jasmine Green.
Here's to the Class of 2022!
They did it! Surviving two remote and blended years and one year of transition, some 86% of our seniors graduated. We wish them much happiness and success as they carry forward lessons learned and friendships forged. Graduates are headed to Syracuse/Stonybrook, Fordham, Baruch, Hunter, City College, and Lehman among other schools and postsecondary options.
Congrats to our Valedictorian Darlene Ayala Almanzar and Salutatorian T’kai Harvey!
Principal Amy Schless (left) and BLF Board Co-Chair Deborah Murnin
Spring Night of the Arts Showcase
What a joyous way to close out the school year! In June, the students put on an amazing show of their dance, music, improv, and visual arts skills.
Bronx Letters Foundation is proud to fund our teaching artists whose contribution to student life is invaluable.
Be the Change: Empowering our Middle Schoolers
Be the Change Week is one of our favorite annual school events. Middle school students join teams according to their interests and collaboratively research a relevant topic, then present their findings to teachers and peers.
This year’s projects included beautifying our school courtyard and discussing responsibility to community and exploring the history and breadth of Central Park and dreaming about an ideal park, as well as celebrating gender diversity, math, and hip hop. Thank you, BAL teachers, for your inspired leadership!
Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation Grant Funds After-school Clubs
Partnerships are everything! Bronx Academy of Letters was fortunate to receive a relationship grant from the Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation to launch a robust and diverse slate of after-school clubs for our high school students. The effort was led by our amazing teacher Mohammad Ahmad who encouraged club formation by the students based on their own interests.
Here are Mr. Ahmad’s thoughts on what they accomplished this past school year!
Shahid’s Fitness and Exercise Club is a space where fitness is judgementless and collaborative. The group works out together, learns from each other, and uplifts one another to be their best selves. I would often hear members talk to Shahid during the school day about what muscle group they were going to work out that day and ideas for exercises to try out.
Adam and Raheem put together amazing Video Game Clubs that really did unique things but came together for some awesome crossover events (including a tournament I totally want to join in on next year). A bunch of members mention these clubs as the highlight of their year.
Erin's Improv Troupe has gone to performances, participated in workshops, and performed at the Improv Asylum (to name a few things). They are committed. I'm invigorated by how excitedly her students talk about Improv Troupe.
Sabrina's Art Program really took on a life of its own. At one point they met in my room and seeing them work on all sorts of art in all sorts of mediums was so cool. They did it all, from sketching, to paint, to clay, to digital art. It was a place where anyone could come and express themselves artistically.
Stephanie, Kyle, and Frances's Boys Group gave these boys a space to hang out without the baggage of "school". Talk about reclamation of social capital and community building.
Despite most of Yearbook graduating in January, Dana made magic happen with this year's yearbook. I can't wait to see next year's, with a full staff of yearbookers. Israel had a great idea to start a business club and Eric championed his cause.
Although Business Finance and Fun was a magnificent shooting star, through Eric's encouragement and support, Israel took ownership of the whole creation and meeting process which was a big win for self-advocacy and fostering student leadership.
On fostering student leadership: Kai is a fountain of ideas trying to materialize her Cosmetology Club and Kate's a channel guiding them into reality. Kai's shared some of her grand ideas with me, and I can't wait to see them materialize under Kate's guidance next year.
And in our last club of this school year, the Girl's Exploration Club, Rukiya's formalized a space for girls to meet, collaborate, network, and explore opportunities professional and fun. They have great ideas for next year, and I'm on the edge of my seat to see what Rukiya and her girls get up to.
Bronx Letters Loves Baseball and Softball!
We couldn’t be more excited to share some great news from the Athletic Department of the Bronx Academy of Letters.
The MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation recently awarded Bronx Academy of Letters a $7,656 grant for four equipment kits to be used by our middle and high school baseball and softball teams. MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation is a joint initiative of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Each equipment kit contains gloves, bats, balls, helmets, and a catchers set and mitt, as well as a team bag. Currently, approximately 100 of our students participate in either softball or baseball.
Baseball and softball provide a plethora of emotional and health benefits. Being involved in school sports importantly provides healthier after-school activities and may keep students from engaging in riskier behaviors. Throughout the years, the student athletes at the Bronx Academy of Letters have had nearly a 100% graduation rate with almost no suspensions. The softball team has also had great success on the field, winning the 2018 Public Schools Athletic League Division C Championship, and making the playoffs the following year after moving up to Division B.
In support of our student-athletes and in recognition of the tremendous advocacy work of BAL Athletic Director David Garcia-Rosen, the Foundation has committed an additional $5000 to purchase a pitching machine and retractable batting cage. Because of physical space constraints, the school’s field is too small for batting practice which puts our players at a big disadvantage. Previously our only option was commercial batting cages that require funding and transportation.
Welcoming three new trustees!
We’re fortunate to welcome three new trustees to our board, each of whom brings important skills and experiences to our team. We look forward to working with you!
Yahaira Keeler, Senior Analyst, Business Strategy & Digital Innovation, PVH Corp
Yahaira is a Senior Analyst of Digital Innovation, supporting the development and implementation of digital experiences and capabilities across channels and markets. She also co-chairs LOLA North America BRG, whose mission is to provide an inclusive platform centered on celebrating the diverse Latinx community within PVH. Yahaira is a Marine veteran who graduated from Howard University with a B.A.; she received her MBA from NYU Stern School of Business with a specialization in Innovation, Leadership, & Strategy.
Lisa Springer, Provost, LIM College
As Provost, Lisa leads LIM College’s Academic Affairs unit, serving as Chief Academic Officer, as well as advisor to the President on curriculum, faculty, and attainment of academic and teaching excellence. During her tenure as provost, she has led curricular transformation to increase relevance, flexibility, and inclusion. Prior to joining LIM, Dr. Springer was Associate Dean at the NYU School of Professional Studies, where she led the Division of Languages and Humanities. Lisa received a BA from Barnard College, an MFA in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson College, and an Ed.D from NYU specializing in Leadership and Innovation.
Sonya Crosswell Assan, Second Vice President, Associate Corporate Secretary, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America
As Associate Corporate Secretary at The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Sonya directs and supports Guardian's Board in the execution of its fiduciary responsibilities. She has served as Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel of Carver Federal Savings Bank and has prior legal experience at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Bryan Cave LLP. Receiving J.D. and B.A. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Sonya is an active mentor of students and attorneys and served 7 years on the Board of Trustees of a high performing charter school in Harlem.
BAL Teacher Lauren DeBonis Finalist for the FLAG Award
We’ve always been proud of our fabulous Bronx Letters teachers but it’s great when others recognize them as well!
Our very own history teacher Lauren DeBonis was just notified that she was selected as a finalist for the prestigious and competitive FLAG award. Congrats, Lauren!
The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes and celebrates extraordinary public school teachers who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment. An independent jury selects the finalists from those nominated based on numerous factors, with a strong emphasis placed on the student experience.
The ideal candidate …
Challenges and inspires students of all abilities, utilizing innovative teaching techniques and approaches to curricula and activities.
Reaches out beyond the classroom, making a positive impact on the school and the community.
Embraces their role as an educator with tireless, devoted dedication.
Acknowledges the full spectrum of potential in each and every student.
Teaches through example, as a leader and role model both inside the classroom and out.
Engages in opportunities for self-improvement and continues to learn, grow, and develop as a teacher.
Bronx Letters Celebrates the Arts!
Every year, we look forward to our winter “Night of the Arts” event and this year was no different (well, a little different since it was held virtually!)
On December 16, our students presented their poems and paintings and songs. We believe the arts are fundamental to personal growth and agency, develop crucial skills such as perception and empathy, and form the very foundation of a free society.
We salute our school leadership team during this highly challenging year and send a special shout-out of appreciation to our teachers in the various arts fields:
Tony Jarvis: Music
Venessa Marco: Writing, The Raven publication
Darryl Montgomery: Media/Theater Tech
Erin Moughon-Smith: Theater Arts
Sabrina Resnick: Visual Arts
Karla Robinson: Poetry, One Pen publication
