Principal’s Message

 Dear Parents and Students:

I welcome you to parent-teacher conferences.  One way of maintaining a high degree of success in schools is to ensure effective and extensive lines of communication between three key components: students, parents and school staff.  I encourage all students and parents to reach out to the appropriate teachers and guidance counselors throughout the semester to ensure effective supports for students are in place.  Attending these conferences will help in developing these conversations and will remind your child that together we support their education and success.

 Each day this semester I have been approached by students, parents and faculty members telling me about the incredibly smooth opening we experienced.  This is evidenced by minimal disruptions in the hallways, a reduced number of incidents coming through the Dean’s office and the high level of quality instruction seen in classes beginning on the very first day of school.  I thank everyone in the school community for contributing to such a successful opening.

 There are many initiatives in place for Midwood HS.  Our annex is well into construction and is expected to open in September 2008.  We purchased and installed 18 new SmartBoards last school year.  Initial training will lead to advanced training as many of our teachers are learning the advantages of having this technology in their classrooms.  More importantly, students seem truly excited by the SmartBoards and are eager to see us purchase even more.  Another big initiative at Midwood HS is our Social Emotional Learning program (SEL).  Through SEL, students will be taught to understand their emotions, develop strategies to better control their emotions and to recognize their ability to positively impact the school environment.  

 As we all have learned, safety and security have become focal points, not only for schools but, for daily living in New York City.  This school year, the DOE will be installing a new video surveillance system throughout Midwood HS.  At this time I must reiterate the Chancellor’s Regulations which prohibit cell phones and other electronic devices in schools.  This will continue to be an area of emphasis throughout the school year and students who violate this regulation run the risk of having their cell phones and/or electronic devices confiscated.

 If you have any questions or concerns I encourage you to reach out to the appropriate staff member or feel free to email me at dcohen3@schools.nyc.gov.  Here’s to another successful school year for the entire Midwood community.

 Sincerely,

 David Cohen

Principal