Principal's Message

Principal's Message

As a principal I wear many hats. However, the one hat that means the most to me is the hat as a father and husband. I have four children, three boys and one girl. When I am not at school I am spending most of my time wrestling my boys, learning how to tie my daughter’s hair, and taking them out on the never ending quest of trying to find the best ice cream in New York.

 

Washington Heights has always been my home as an educator. I have spent all my years as a teacher and administrator here. And the one thing that I will say is that I love my home and I love the children of my home. The privilege of being able to say good morning to each child, check on them throughout the day, play with them in the school yard, see them learn and achieve, see them grow as young adults, and celebrate their graduation is what brings me the greatest joy in this work. 

 

Throughout my time in education I have become convinced in several core beliefs. These core beliefs drive me as an educator, administrator, and person.

 

First and foremost I believe that you, the parents are your child’s first teacher and that we as a school are here to support you in that crucial role. I believe that this work is done best when we work together. So please know that my doors are always open for you. If you ever have a concern please come and see me. We have the privilege of being a part of your child’s life, but you are your child’s first and forever teacher and we are here to support you in that tremendous work. 

 

Lastly, I am convinced of the importance of cultivating a palette for learning. School can sometimes be seen as a stepping stone to achieve another end. However, when we minimize school to that view we miss out on how wonderful the learning process truly is. As individuals we all yearn to learn. When we allow ourselves to stop and reflect on it, there is something beautiful when a child learns new knowledge, because through that knowledge they make connections to new understandings, then they draw new conclusions, then new questions arise, then the process to answer those questions by learning new knowledge begins again, and then they internalize it and it becomes a part of who they are! That is what the palette for learning is all about and that palette is embedded inside all of us, especially our children.. When we cultivate a school that nourishes that palette we get to witness something good and beautiful; a child learning.

 

There’s great work to do. TOGETHER we will get it done!

 

Reaching New Heights Together,

 

-Mr. Chung