2015-2016 Blackboard Award Honoree: Marlon Lowe

Editor’s note: To read profiles of all 2015-2016 Blackboard Awards honorees, click HERE!

Mott Hall II
Principal: Marlon Lowe
6-8
234 West 109th Street
Award: Outstanding Principal

Describe your school’s core educational philosophy.

Mott Hall II is a small and progressive school located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Our school’s motto is “Today’s Scholars, Tomorrow’s Leaders.” Scholars are challenged to question, anticipate, and solve problems, assume personal responsibility, and emerge as enthusiastic life-long learners and independent thinkers motivated by the pursuit of academic excellence and social responsibility.

Tell us about a few of the school’s achievements or distinguishing programs.

Mott Hall II has had a lot to celebrate over the past few years. We were designated as a Reward School by New York State because of the performance of our scholars on the New York State Assessments. Mott Hall II was acknowledged for overall proficiency and for closing the Achievement Gap amongst the various constituencies we serve. Also, Mott Hall II has been recognized for providing high quality support to our scholars with disabilities.

Marlon Lowe. Photos by Marcus Photography.

What’s new?

For the first time, Mott Hall II offers Latin to all scholars. This addition is important as it was borne from a collaboration between parents, teachers, and the administration. Mott Hall II is also able to offer music for the first time in years. All scholars receive instruction on piano or keyboard and singing. Afterschool offerings have expanded exponentially. In addition to Mott Hall II’s afterschool program which includes competitive sports, science enrichment, tutoring, etc., Mott Hall II also partnered with Sheltering Arms afterschool program. This partnership allows us to offer parents an afterschool program five days out of the week. Finally, Mott Hall II has led the effort to use Google Chromebooks to support learning. By the end of the 2015-2016 school year, Mott Hall II will have a Google Chromebook available for all scholars.

What do you love about your school?

Mott Hall II is a truly special place… I went to schools where most of the adults didn’t know who I was. Mott Hall II is the exact opposite. We prioritize the needs, interests, and pursuits of our scholars. We make sure they are known and we afford them a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment where they can thrive. It is incredibly validating to hear scholars express how much they love the school and appreciate the environment we offer them.

Academics West

<p>Academics West is an accredited high-support college preparatory school designed to meet the academic and social-emotional goals of its students. Our unique model allows for each student to benefit from a customized educational experience to ensure they are acquiring the skills necessary to navigate their post-secondary lives whether they attend college or pursue another path to future success. Students can select different tracks to construct the most beneficial program to suit their needs and goals. Unlike conventional education, this innovative model enables students to prepare for an ever-changing world that requires young people to have advanced executive functioning, interpersonal and leadership skills to become independent and resilient adults. &nbsp;</p>

Williamsburg Northside School

<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;"> <div id="fsEl_7057" class="fsElement fsContent" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 40px; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: 'Suisse Int\'l', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; background-color: #ffffff;" data-use-new="true"> <div class="fsElementContent" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.4; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align: center;">Northside's Approach to Early Childhood Education</h2> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center;">Rooted in the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, we believe that children possess infinite potential and creativity, and when granted the trust and freedom to exercise autonomy over their own education, are able to construct their own knowledge within the context of an emergent curriculum. It is therefore our responsibility as a faculty of co-learners, to create an environment that is aesthetically pleasing, provocative in its material offerings, and supportive of the development of our students' unique identities.&nbsp;</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">We do this through a multi-sensory approach, giving value to the 100 languages of children, which includes more creative forms of expression, such as music, movement, and art. Through these modes of self-expression, we are able to differentiate our approach to the learning styles and developmental needs of each child, and communicate the value and responsibility of each voice within our community, intentionally setting the groundwork for a lifetime love of learning.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Amazing Explorers Academy Williamsburg

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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!</p>