Chancellor Avenue Elementary School 5th Graders Enter Nationwide Writing Contest
Chancellor Avenue Elementary School is proud to announce that fifth graders Christopher Lopez Gonzalez and Thalia Celia Haiel Beaubrun have successfully completed and submitted their “Being Bilingual” essays to the prestigious 54th Annual Nationwide Writing Contest for Bilingual Students, organized by the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE). Christopher and Thalia’s submissions will represent Chancellor Avenue School in this year’s competition, showcasing the creativity, cultural awareness, and language skills of our bilingual students.
The essays, guided by Ms. Saint Jean, Multilingual Learner Teacher, Ms. Anyanwu and Dr. Simons, helped to explore the importance of bilingualism and the unique perspectives bilingual students bring to their communities. The opportunity to participate in this nationwide contest is a testament to the dedication of both the students and their teachers in fostering an appreciation for multilingual abilities.
As the Chancellor Avenue School community awaits the contest results, we celebrate Christopher and Thalia’s hard work and determination. Their essays highlight the power of language in building connections across cultures and emphasize the importance of bilingualism in today’s diverse world.
Congratulations to Christopher and Thalia, and a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Anyanwu and Dr. Simons for supporting our students in this endeavor!

Berkeley Terrace Elementary Celebrates Diversity with Vibrant Multicultural Parade
The hallways of Berkeley Terrace Elementary School were filled with color, pride, and joy as K-5 students paraded in traditional clothing and waved flags from around the globe to celebrate their unique heritage. This year’s multicultural parade brought together students, teachers, and staff in a lively display of cultural pride, offering a glimpse into the beautiful diversity that defines the Berkeley Terrace community.
As the parade wound through the school, students clapped and cheered for one another, eagerly admiring vibrant dresses from South American countries, intricate African attire, and flags from both nearby and faraway lands. It was a heartwarming display of unity, with each child proudly representing their heritage and celebrating the beauty of diversity.
A special thanks goes out to Ms. Montano, Mr. Perez, and the Cultural Heritage Committee for organizing this memorable event. Their dedication to celebrating our community’s multiculturalism made the day truly unforgettable.

Celebrating Excellence: Danyere Montero Named October Staff Member of the Month

Congratulations to Danyere Montero, who has been honored as October’s Staff Member of the Month at University Middle School! As a bilingual teaching assistant, Ms. Montero has shown exceptional dedication and flexibility, embodying our school’s #VALUESmatter spirit. This year alone, Ms. Montero has taken on the challenge of adjusting her schedule three times to meet the evolving needs of our ESL students and staff. Through each adjustment, she has demonstrated remarkable problem-solving skills, a positive attitude, and an unwavering commitment to supporting every multilingual learner in our school community.

Ms. Montero’s role extends far beyond scheduling. She’s a central figure in the ESL department, always ready to collaborate with colleagues and offer assistance wherever needed. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment stems from her personal journey, one shaped by her family’s immigrant experiences.

In response to this recognition, Ms. Montero shared the deeply personal motivations that drive her work with multilingual students. Reflecting on her mother’s journey as a young immigrant who learned English on her own while raising a family, and on her mother-in-law’s brave migration from Cuba, she highlighted the profound influence these stories have on her commitment to her students. Ms. Montero shared, “Helping our multilingual students is very personal and important to me…I want them to know they are deserving of all opportunities and that, with determination and hard work, they can achieve anything. The possibilities are endless.”

Her inspiring words and dedication are a testament to the powerful role educators and staff members play in shaping the futures of our students. Join us in celebrating Ms. Montero for her invaluable contributions and for being a true advocate for our multilingual learners.

Celebrating Our Cultures Across the Schools

Each school embraced the rich diversity of its students and staff by honoring their cultures and celebrating achievements. This vibrant spirit of inclusion is beautifully reflected in student work displays throughout the buildings.