2018 Blackboard Award Honoree: Kristen Parness

Editor’s note: To read profiles of all 2018 Blackboard Awards honorees, click HERE!

Kristen Parness
Grade 10 Honors Forensics; Grades 9-12,
Drama & Coordinator of Student Affairs
Bronx High School of Science

Tell us about some of the special joys and challenges you’ve experienced as
a teacher.

My absolute favorite part of my job is being the Coordinator of Student
Affairs. In this role, I get to work closely with the student leadership cabinet on all extracurricular offerings within our school community. I get to see them outside of the regular classroom setting through our leadership class, working on things they are truly passionate about. I get to see them take their ideas from the drawing board all the way to full execution! In the fall, the Cabinet students raised over $4,000 for the hurricane victims through the first ever weeklong schoolwide bake sale. Also in the fall, they surpassed their can drive goal of donating 3,000 lbs of food to City Harvest, which serves to support the needs of 1.3 million New Yorkers, winning the award for our borough.

Please share a special project or achievement that you are particularly proud of from this year.

The National Honor Society inductees from this year’s senior class voted for
me to be honored at their induction ceremony, which involved a dinner and an awards ceremony, where I gave a short speech with my advice and charge to the seniors. It was very nice, and I was tremendously honored they selected me to share in that special event with them.

Kristen Parness with executive editor of *New York Family* Mia Weber. Photo by Daniel S. Burnstein.

What keeps you motivated and committed to being a dedicated and hard-working educator?

It’s simply the students. Seeing them grow, learn, and develop who they are is so rewarding and incredible!

What do you love about your school?

I love the community we’ve built, and the way in which all interests are supported and encouraged. I also love our school spirit–we’re all very proud of the legacy and history of Bronx Science.

The Vincent Smith School

Vincent Smith School is a non-profit, coed, independent school for grades 1-12 that serves students from Nassau, Suffolk, and NYC since 1924. The school is most known for its small classes, supportive staff, and individualized programs for students with learning differences such as Dyslexia/Dyscalculia/Dysgraphia, as well as school anxiety, school reluctance, or ADHD.&nbsp; We emphasize academic, college-prep success through differentiated instruction and on-site services as needed for reading, speech, or OT in dedicated classrooms. VSS offers rolling admissions throughout the year at our scenic Port Washington campus. &nbsp;

The Weekday School at Riverside Church

A progressive, play-based, independent early childhood school serving families with children ages two through five. A diverse community fostering sharing, understanding, and respect while focusing on the social, emotional and physical development of each child.

Amazing Explorers Academy Williamsburg

Welcome to Amazing Explorers Academy, a premier STEAM-based preschool dedicated to fostering a love of learning and exploration in children aged 0 to 5. Our innovative and dynamic programs provide a nurturing environment where young minds can thrive and develop essential skills that will shape their future. At Amazing Explorers Academy, we embrace the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach, integrating these disciplines into our comprehensive curriculum. Through hands-on experiences and age-appropriate activities, children are encouraged to inquire, investigate, and discover, igniting their natural curiosity. We have many Enrichment programs included in our curriculum like Tiny Chefs, where your child is introduced to the joys of cooking and nutrition. Under the guidance of our incredible team, they learn to create delicious and healthy treats, fostering independence and creativity in the kitchen. Music and Movement is another integral part of our curriculum, enhancing children's motor skills, coordination, and self-expression. Beyond being a creative outlet, music&rsquo;s rhythmic and melodic patterns stimulate the brain, exercising it and aiding memory development. We also place a strong emphasis on Nature Exploration, recognizing the importance of connecting with the natural world. Nature as a classroom allows children to engage all their senses, appreciate nature, and form stronger connections to their environment and community. Central to our philosophy is the belief in the power of play-based learning. We understand that children learn best through play, and our skilled educators design play-based activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development. Play-based learning nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills, all essential for success in the 21st century. Our highly trained and caring teachers are committed to creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere, where every child feels valued and supported. At Amazing Explorers Academy, we strive to inspire a lifelong love of learning, providing a solid foundation for future academic and personal achievements. Join us on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery, where every day is an opportunity to learn, play, and grow together!