For the month of September a dedicated group of Hyde

upperclassmen gave up their Tuesday lunch periods to thoughtfully respond to an urgent question. “How can we end poverty?” Working alongside their AP English teacher Mr. Fusco, and with the support of staff members from the international, anti-poverty, non-profit ATD Fourth World, 14 Hyde juniors and seniors developed a statement to be read at the United Nations for The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 16, 2015. The students stood and delivered their powerful remarks to a global audience, including a clear call to action:

“ As world leaders, I urge you to continue investing in great schools, and to eliminate any and all barriers that prevent children from learning.”

These words were proclaimed by Hyde 11th grade student Chelsea Castejon and drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. The students concluded their argument by asserting that excellent education and career development programs are critical levers in eradicating poverty. The meaningful speech even referenced Hyde’s success as a testament to the undeniable truth that all children can succeed with support.

Continued on page 3

Hyde student Chelsea Castejon delivered an anti-poverty speech at the United Nations. The speech was collectively drafted by Hyde students (Adelis Santos, Alexis Kakyire, Chelsea Castejon, Christopher Brito, Diana Quinteros, Kudirat Alimi, Leslie Martinez, Maame Mensah, McSynidy Taylor, Mouhamadou Barry, Nickie Uwoghiren, Roxanne Kouadio, Tiffany Abbey, Zainab Ayinde) and teachers (Mark Fusco and Josh Williams).

CHARACTER mattersHydE LEAdERsHip CHARTER sCHooL NEws Fall 2015, Volume 8, Number 2

Hyde students deliver Anti-poverty speech at United Nations

“I was really happy to see that when we got up there, people really paid attention and cared about what we had to say. They valued our voices. Our speech was important and made a difference.” —Alexis Kakyire, 12th grade

Character Matters is published twice yearly by the Hyde Leadership Charter School

hydebronxny.org718-991-5500

Elementary and Middle School730 bryant avenuebronx, NY 10474

High School830 Hunts Point avenuebronx, NY 10474

Character Matters Staff:Editor-in-Chief: Susan marberContributing Writers/Reporters:

matthew alava, Kudirat alimi, Chris brito, Chelsea Castejon, ashley Figueroa, mark Fusco, alexis Kakyire, Susan marber, Diana Quinteros, martiza rivera, Tom Sturtevant, Nickie uwoghiren, Josh Williams

Contributing Photographers:rob brizzell, Herb Fixler, Valarie Hunsinger, Keveney mcCrillis, martiza rivera, Tom Sturtevant, Josh Williams

Consultant: annalee WilsonDesign: Kaeser and Wilson Design, ltd.

Hyde Leadership Team:Thomas K. Sturtevant, Executive DirectorPeter anderson, Elementary School Directorlex Zain, Middle School DirectorCelia Sosa, High School Directorliz Springer, Director of Special Educationmichael mcNamara, Chief Operating Officer

Board of Trustees:Herbert b. Fixler, Board ChairWilder D. baker, Deborah Dumont,oz Hanley, Herbert Kaplan,robert Kramer, Dennis D. mehiel,Jeanette melendez, maureen Singer, David Steadly

©2015 Hyde leadership Charter School

Speech at United Nations . . . . . 1

Executive Director Message . . . . 2

Developing Unique Potential . . . 3

Presidential Scholars . . . . . . . . . 4

Junior Tennis & Learning . . . . . . 5

Digital Empowerment . . . . . . . . 5

Faculty Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2014–15 Donor List . . . . . . . . . . 7

Transforming Lives . . . . . . . . . . . 8

The Hyde-Bronx story began in 2006 when the NYC Department of Education granted a charter

for a free, public school with the Hyde mission. The Hyde-Bronx founders envisioned a comprehensive K–12 college-prep school serving families in the highest-risk community for children in New York City. As parents of Hyde School graduates from the Hyde boarding schools in Maine and Connecticut, Hyde-Bronx’s founders understood that to develop the unique potential of each student, parents and students must commit to their best as people and as learners.

As we turn to 2016, we look back with gratitude toward all of the people who contributed to founding this school ten years ago. Today, the “founding” stories at Hyde are stories of students making commitments to serve, stories of students actively using their academic skills and character strengths to succeed through college, stories of parents holding themselves and their children accountable to a vision of personal growth and success.

Hyde-Bronx began in an unused floor of the Hunts Point Middle School on Bryant Avenue, enrolling 193 kindergarten and sixth-grade students. As the school enrollment grew year by year, we ran out of space in the Bryant Avenue building. In 2011, in partnership with Civic Builders, we commissioned the construction of a brand new high school building, the first new education facility in the area in over 30 years. Today, Hyde-Bronx is the largest school in Hunts Point and proudly serves nearly 1,000 students and 700 families.

When our first sixth-grade cohort graduated from Hyde High School in 2013, over 90% of students graduated in four years, nearly double the local district grad-uation rate. Of those graduates, 94% went to college. Each year since, our students have continued to maintain this consistently high standard, and in fact, have improved each year on Regents exams performance. Furthermore, Hyde-Bronx’s balanced program serves the needs of all children. Over the past three years, 25 of 28 high school students with disabilities have graduated from Hyde-Bronx on time, with the remaining three still working towards graduation. These points of success deeply affirm the lasting value and purpose of a Hyde-Bronx education.

A decade after we opened our doors, we are the #1 high school in Bronx District 8 for 4-year graduation rates by over 15 percentage points. Beyond the numbers, moreover, we are a community of significance, resilience, and purpose. Our students are hardworking and passionate, giving speeches at the United Nations, receiving national recognition, and attending top-tier universities around the country. Our decade-long narrative of success is comprised of hundreds of stories of meaningful growth. Inspired to cultivate their unique potential through the Hyde-Bronx programs, children like Alexis, Chelsea, Diana, Christopher, Nickie, and Ashley have become college-bound adults and are aiming to enrich the world with their pursuits.

In the end, the success of Hyde-Bronx’s mission turns on the awakening of each student’s unique potential. As you read about our students in this edition of Character Matters, you can see through their eyes: see a world that they claim through their positive engagement; see a world that depends on their growth and success; see a world that needs and wants them to grow, to lead, and to succeed as human beings and contributing citizens.

There is more founding work to be done—more young lives to set on a course of success and leadership. As we partner in this work, thank you for your support and encouragement!

In This Issue A Message from Executive Director, Tom Sturtevant

2

As a child, Ashley Figueroa was diagnosed with Autism, a significant

obstacle toward academic achievement. This past June, Ashley took the stage at the Class of 2015 graduation ceremony, having passed all required Regents tests and earning her high school diploma. In her speech, Ashley remarked, “Here I am today, speaking to you because of the love, support, and endless help of my family and Hyde.” Ashley now attends Bronx Community College.

Hyde serves 174 students with disabilities, 18% of the school’s total population. As a school committed to the development of each and every child, we provide the resources needed to meet all learners’ needs. Integrated Co-Teaching

(ICT) is practiced across Hyde’s K–12 program, with one or more special education teachers supporting each grade level. Studies show that ICT classrooms, where students with disabilities are taught inclusively with their peers both by general education and special education instructors, are beneficial to all parties, including students with disabilities, students without disabilities, and co-teachers.

As a result of these efforts, 89% of Hyde’s students with disabilities have graduated from high school on time, more than triple the graduation rate of similar student populations in Bronx District 8 (27%). n

developing the Unique potential of All Children

Continued from front pageHyde students deliver Anti-poverty speech at United Nations

Hyde students succeed in the Highest-Risk Community for Children in New york City

3

Pictured: Tom Sturtevant, Ashley Figueroa, and Celia Sosa at graduation.

Ms. Castejon declared:

“ Our school, Hyde Leadership Charter School, is located in the highest-risk community for children in New York City. Only 1 in 2 children from our district graduate high school on time. However, with hardworking students, dedicated teachers, extracurricular opportunities, learning resources, and family support, over 90% of students from Hyde graduate each year.”

The speech was jointly delivered by Ms. Castejon (11th grade), Ms. Diana Quinteros (12th grade), and Ms. Alexis Kakyire (12th grade), who indicated the experience was significant for them.

As Hyde approaches its second decade, our students continue to inspire us through relentless effort, collaboration, social activism, and achievement. Their continuing accolades, from United Nations speeches to U.S. Presidential Scholars Program nominations, attest to the success of Family-Based Character Education and all who support it. n

(left to right) Chelsea Castejon, Diana Quinteros, and Alexis Kakyire delivered an anti-poverty speech at the United Nations in October.

4-Year HigH SCHool graDuaTioN raTeS

Hyde seniors Earn National Recognitionschools received the Scholars designation nationwide. “I want to congratulate Christopher Brito, his family, and the Hyde Leadership Charter School on this exceptional honor. This nomination is very special to me and to the people of Bronx County,” remarked Senator Díaz.

Chris and Nickie’s achievements as students and leaders speak volumes. They’ve collaborated on a speech delivered at the United Nations; they’ve conducted environmental studies with the Sustainable South Bronx project; they’ve engaged in social justice work in New York City, Boston, and Washington DC through programs like Global Potential, the Bronx Defenders, and the Majora Carter Group; they’ve participated in varsity athletics; and they’ve earned numerous academic recognitions as top students in their class. Both Chris and Nickie attribute their success to hard work and to Hyde Leadership Charter School. Chris reflected, “Hyde Leadership Charter School is a great school because it opens your eyes to different experiences, and helps you to develop the skills you need to be successful in college and in life. I am grateful to this school and I am excited for my future.” We are equally enthusiastic for Chris and Nickie’s journeys ahead. n

An afternoon in late October, New York State Senator Reverend Rubén

Díaz invited Hyde seniors Chris Brito and Nickie Uwoghiren to meet with him in his office to celebrate. Of all the students in the 32nd Senate District, an area which includes the neighborhoods Castle Hill, Longwood, Melrose, Morrisania, Parkchester, West Farms, and Concourse Village, Senator Díaz proudly recommended both Chris and Nickie to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. This program is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students and only 141 students are selected as finalists each year. Senator

Díaz recommended both Chris and Nickie for this program based on their history of academic achievement, civic engagement, and student leadership.

The meeting was even more meaningful due to Chris’s advancement in the nomination process. The New York State Education Department and Commissioner of Education selected Chris as an official nominee, making him 1 of 25 New York students considered for the recognition. Chris was the only nominee selected representing New York City schools and the only student on the list representing a charter school. Last year, only four students from charter

4

New York State Senator Rubén Díaz congratulates Chris Brito and Nickie Uwoghiren.

Access to high-speed Internet and digital tools for learning is not

distributed equally. According to a November 2015 article in The New York Times, “Teenagers in lower-income households have fewer desktop, laptop and tablet computers to use at home than their higher-income peers.” This reality creates “digital inequality.” And yet, strong digital skills are critical to our children’s future success, with more than 60% of working Americans reporting that Internet use is an integral part of their jobs.

At Hyde High School, the “digital divide” is closing. With the support of our terrific friends and supporters, this past summer Hyde invested in personal Chromebook computers for 100% of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students, while 9th graders utilize an existing fleet of laptops. The “Digital Empowerment Program” is having a profound impact on our students’ learning, and is further driving a school culture of inquiry, collaboration, and college readiness.

Hyde junior Kudirat Alimi told us, “Having my own Chromebook each day has been incredible. Using tools like Google Classroom, Google Drive, and Gmail, our classes are collaborating and learning in a whole new way. It feels like we are more connected, and it is easier to ask questions, have digital discussions, and work together online. I hope the school continues to invest in technology

resources for kids.”We plan to. With the ongoing support

of digital advocates and generous donors, Hyde will continue to offer appropriate technology resources to our students across all grades, from our littlest learners to our self-reflective seniors. All children deserve the right tools to succeed in today’s world. n

preparation for Life 2.0

5

Digital literacy skills are imperative in this day and age. Your donation of $300 can give one Hyde student a brand new Google Chromebook laptop for the year. With a gift of $7,500, you can provide Chromebooks for an entire classroom. Please consider supporting Hyde’s Digital Empowerment Program to ensure that our students are ready for college and for life.

CLosE THE digiTAL dividE. iNvEsT iN EmpowERiNg sTUdENTs.

The perfect match

When tennis champion Arthur Ashe founded New York Junior

Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) in 1971, he didn’t expect all of the kids in the program to become tennis stars, but he did hope to improve the lives of New York City’s under-served youth in a fun and meaningful way. Ashe felt that through academic enrichment classes and exposure to the game of tennis, the program could help prepare students for a lifetime of success both on and off the court.

The NYJTL program, which provides a comprehensive, year-round after-school curriculum that includes academic

enrichment, character development activities, healthy living, the arts and, of course, tennis, is a perfect match for Hyde since it enhances and reinforces Hyde’s work of nurturing the whole child.

We are delighted to say that we have started partnering with the organiza-tion for the 2015–2016 year, and, beginning this fall, 180 Hyde elementary and middle-school students began participating in this innovative after-school program.

As Nikole Branch, an NYJTL staff

member, told us, “We are excited to be working with the Hyde students and believe that our

multidisciplinary framework, which is designed around

the values inherent in tennis, such as Teamwork, Empathy, Positive

Attitude, Fortitude, Leadership and Responsibility, will strengthen and support what Hyde is teaching.”

We at Hyde believe that this new partnership is a terrific program for our students and hope that NYJTL and Hyde are “doubles” partners for years to come. n

Hyde senior Edward Martinez works on his Google Chromebook in College Prep class. Hyde invested in more than 200 new Chromebooks for high school students this year.

introducing the Hyde Faculty Fellows!By Mark Fusco, Hyde English Department Head

This past summer, I had the pleasure of working with our Executive

Director Tom Sturtevant and a dedicated group of Hyde faculty to implement a Faculty Fellowship Program at Hyde. This initiative will strengthen K–12 collaboration and reward teacher-leaders for their innovative efforts. I am pleased to introduce the inaugural class of Hyde Faculty Fellows, as well as the projects they will be working on this year.

6

Andrea Imhof, elementary School intervention Teacher, is overseeing the expansion of the mighty milers running program at Hyde. under this program, Hyde elementary School students will be able to run in track events around New York City and practice healthy living.

Joseph Tarantino, High School english Teacher, is doing an in-depth research project on 8th grade to 9th grade bridge programs and best practices for high school transitions. His research will inform Hyde’s program moving forward.

Eva Rubinoff, middle School guidance Counselor, is leading a girls rising women’s empowerment program with middle school and high school aged students.

Jeanne DiChiara, High School Science Teacher, is working with high school students to enrich the learning environment with more plants and is tracking the impact of this improvement on school culture and student learning. n

Valarie Hunsinger, K–8 library media Specialist, and Keveney McCrillis, College Counselor and librarian, are coordinating the Families as literacy Champions initiative, which incentivizes Hyde siblings to read together at home.

Your contribution will further our mission to develop the unique potential of each child and ensure that Hyde students have the resources they need to succeed. Donations should be made payable to:

Hyde Leadership Charter School Attn: Josh Williams, Development Office 830 Hunts Point Avenue Bronx, NY 10474

Gifts can also be easily made online at www.hydebronxny.org by clicking the “Donate” tab on the home page.

pLEAsE mAkE A TAx-dEdUCTibLE giFT To HydE LEAdERsHip CHARTER sCHooL

“ Hyde is a special school and I am proud to go here. I love Hyde because of its academics, its character and leadership programs, its marvelous teachers, and its trustworthy friends.” — Matthew Alava,

8th Grade

Thank you for Contributing to our missionHyde Leadership Charter School Donors July 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015

A. J. Trucco, Inc.Jasmine C. AbouziedThe Ain FamilyNicole AlbanoAngela A. AlvaradoAnchin, Block

& Anchin LLPPeter AndersonPeter R. ArnoldBaco Enterprises Inc.Shikha BajracharyaBrooke BakerWilder BakerDana Baker-WilliamsBaldor

Specialty Foods, Inc.Paul F. BalserScott BarrySika BediakoNoel BermanRoger BernsteinHolly BlockBlue Ribbon Fish CompanyConstance BowencampBox Tops for EducationDebra J. BraganzaJ. R. BriscoeBronx Rotary FoundationNorman BrownJeanne M. CampanelliJessica Cerullo MerrillRobert CharneyEric L. CochranDanielle CococciaHarvey CohenIrving CohenMichael ColeRuth M. CollierAnna-Marie CotterWilliam O. CranshawPaul CuomoCyril F. and Marie E.

O’Neil FoundationD. Mehiel Holdings, LLCFrances DakersErin DamicoMark DarlingD’Arrigo Bros. Co. of NY

George DavidsonDavid DohertyElizabeth G. DoucettePaul F. DoucetteDeborah DumontKevin DunnF & F Hardware

and Supply, Inc.Robert FischerHerb FixlerMary Lynn FixlerNina K. FixlerPaul FixlerJonathan FlaumChristine FromanAlex GaillardLinda A. GarridoPierre-Andre GazarianGE FoundationVincent P. GianatasioFrances B. GilseyCarol GlassmanPenelope GlassmeyerCarl GoedeckeElizabeth GoldenAnne S. GoldrachBrenda GreeneEllen HallVincent P. Hanley (“Oz”)George HawesDaniel R. HerrBernice HoffingerElin HouseworthNancy F. HouseworthHyde FoundationICAPAndrea ImhofJ Margiotta CompanyAdam JenkinsEdward JohnsonJPMorgan ChaseMaureen KaddarHerbert KaplanStanley M. KaufmanLiana KlippelGeorgia KoenigArnold A. KraftRobert Kramer

Krasdale FoodsCarolyn H. LawlerJean-Pierre LehmannJules LeibmanLinda LengyelPerry A. LernerRobert LiberatoreLone Pine FoundationMark LopezSuzanne LukasJoseph T. MacariThomas MaginnisBarrie MandelSusan MarberDouglas MartinYasmin MartinezJay MathewsElizabeth McClendonStephen S. McCrayEllen McLeanMichael McNamaraDennis MehielJeffery P. MehielMichael MehielStephen MelikianElizabeth MellorEllen MessingPhilip MeyerEdward MillerMaureen MitchellPatricia MoloughneyMorgan StanleyRonnie MoskowitzLaurie NevinDale G. NoldenNovartisCarol O’RourkeJudith G. PottBrian RamsayVincent RealeThomas V. ReifenheiserJohn S. RodmanMartin RosenmanE. John RosenwaldRichard RoweCary RubinJoseph D. RussoCarolyn Schoonmaker

Edith SeligsonPaola ShaddowCarmen SheilsDenise ShirleySignature BankMark SonninoCelia SosaRobert SpiegelStarpix Images Inc.David M. SteadlyJohn SteinbergBeverly StoweCharles B. StrautTom SturtevantAnn SullivanMary Beth SullivanMichael SulzauerSurge UP Inc.Elizabeth TanTarget CorporationThe Four M

Family of CompaniesThe Heckscher

Foundation for ChildrenThe Hyde and

Watson FoundationThe James Dell Cort

Conlon & Solomon FundLaurence M. TroisiTwi-Laq Industries, Inc.Clifford Van VoorheesVista Food Exchange, Inc.Daniel WalkerBarbara WatsonM. Douglas WatsonDaniel WattsWestside FoodsWhite and Williams LLPLeonard A. WilfBetsy WilliamsJoshua C. WilliamsAnnaLee WilsonHeather WinKenneth WolfPeter WunschYankee Corp.Ellen Zivitz

7

Hyde serves nearly 1,000 students in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx, the highest-risk community for children in New York City located in the poorest congressional district in the United States. Since we opened our doors in 2006, our distinctive academic, character, and family-based programs have changed lives and redefined expectations for student achievement.

Hyde is the #1 high school in •Bronx District 8 and over 90% of our students graduate from high school on time in a neighborhood where 33% is the average.

89% of Hyde’s students with •disabilities have graduated from high school on time which is

more than triple the Bronx District 8 average (27%).

Hyde graduates attend top-tier •universities such as Barnard, Fordham, Syracuse, and Hunter.

More than 80% of Hyde’s college-•enrolled graduates have persisted toward their sophomore and junior years en route to college success.

Hyde helps each student find and cultivate his or her unique potential, insisting on their best and establishing a “can do” culture of growth. With our focus on academics, character building, and family involvement, Hyde transforms lives. n

Hyde parent Maritza Rivera has three children currently enrolled in Hyde and her oldest child, Kaylene, is a college-enrolled Hyde graduate. In a moving speech made earlier this year, Maritza reflected, “If a school like Hyde had existed when I was growing up, I feel like I would have had a different life path, but I am grateful that my children have the opportunity and support they need to be successful.” We are thankful for our strong community of students, families, and teachers who are working to ensure that all children have the support they need to succeed in life.

Developing a Child’s Character Is as Important as Developing a Child’s Mind

HydE TRANsFoRms LivEs

Hyde Leadership Charter School

Elementary and Middle School 730 bryant avenue bronx, NY 10474

High School 830 Hunts Point avenue bronx, NY 10474