Voice of the Village - Marion P. Thomas Charter School

The
Voice of the Village
Back to School edition •October 2015•Volume 7•Issue 1
“It takes a whole village to raise a child”
Welcome to the new Marion P. Thomas Charter
High School of Culinary & Performing Arts
Hello MPTCS
Village! I feel
extremely fortunate to be the
Founding Principal of Marion
P. Thomas
Charter High
School of
Culinary &
Performing
Arts. I recognize that the
Principal White
decisions that
we make will have a lasting impact on our
children. Our goal is to ensure that every scholar
evolves into fine examples of young, dynamic
and thoughtful world citizens who internalize
that learning is a never-ending process.
The academic, personal, culinary and
performing arts skills that we help students to
develop will be referenced throughout their lives
and used to change the world for the better. This
will only be accomplished through the collective
effort and support of parents, staff and
community members. We are all a part of the
MPTCS Village, and it is important that we
respect and honor the contributions that we all
will make toward the success of MPTC High
School.
I am grateful for the support
you - our parents and our community will continue to give to our students and
staff. Improved communication and the
continued
development
of
a
collaborative culture is our goal, and it
will be fostered through us welcoming
your assistance at our school.
It is our belief that our students
can achieve anything that they set their
minds to achieve and it is our mission to
help them succeed. MPTC High School
of Culinary and Performing Arts has
great potential. We now have the charge
of moving beyond potential to reaching
true success. With your help and
continued guidance, our children will
one day become the leaders of our
community, our city, and our world.
Our hearts, minds, ears and doors are
open and we welcome you to the
village.
Regards,
Kimberly Wright-White
Kimberly Wright-White
Founding Principal
Marion P. Thomas Charter High School
of Culinary and
Performing Arts
Important
Dates
October 2015
10/5-9 – Week of
Respect
10/12 –SCHOOL
CLOSED-Columbus Day
10/19-23 – AntiBullying Week
10/20 – SCHOOL
CLOSED FOR
SCHOLARS ONLY Professional
Development Sessions for
Staff
November 2015
11/3 – 1st Marking Period
Ends
11/5-6 – SCHOOL
CLOSED for Scholars –
Professional
Development for Staff
11/17 – ½ Day for
Scholars; Parent-Teacher
Conferences – 1:15 – 3
PM & 4-7 PM
The MPTC High School of Culinary & Performing Arts
11/18 - ½ Day for
Scholars; Parent-Teacher
Conferences – 1:15 – 4
PM (PS, ES, ACADEMY,
MS) & 2-8 PM (HS)
11/25-27 – SCHOOL
CLOSED – Thanksgiving
Break
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 1
“We are looking
forward to a
successful year!”
A message from
Dr. Doreen Land
Chief Academic Officer
“It takes a whole village to raise a child”
Dear MPTCS Parents/Guardians:
As I begin my second year as the Chief Academic Officer for the Village, I am excited to be a part of all that has been
done to ensure that your child is supported emotionally, socially and academically during his/her time with us. In
order to instill a sense of urgency for providing a great education, we coined the term: The house is on fire! For us,
that phrase means that we each have to be planned and prepared every day no matter what our job is at the Village!
From an academic/instructional perspective, we have put the following in place:




Reintroduction of Fundations at the Kindergarten and First grades, in order to give scholars a strong
foundation for reading and writing in their classrooms. The next level of the program will be utilized at the
Elementary School for small group, targeted support.
The Go Math Program is now being implemented in grades K-8
Philosophically aligned approach to Science instruction through Lab-Aids and FOSS from Primary to High
School
The role of the Instructional Support Assistant has been revamped to that of an Intervention Specialist (IS).
An IS has been assigned to each campus and will provide small group, targeted support for scholars not
achieving on grade level
We thank you for partnering with us with your child’s education. Some things you can do:
 Read to your child every day or ensure that your child reads daily
 Engage in conversations with your child, and ask them questions that require more than a one word answer.
This will help with oral language development.
 Help reflect the sense of urgency for getting work done in school, and at home
The teachers and instructional staff are committed to providing all scholars with targeted instruction, to ensure that
each scholars needs are being met. We are looking forward to a successful year!
Your partner in education,
Dr. Doreen C. Land
Dr. Doreen C. Land
Chief Academic Officer
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 2
Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year!
Dear MPTCS Parents and Scholars,
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I welcome you
to the 2015-2016 school year! As I enter my 6th year as a principal at
Marion P. Thomas Charter Middle School, I am still energized
and motivated as we work together to make our school the premier
charter school in the City of Newark. We will continue to build upon
the expectation of excellence in our “Village.”
As the building principal, excellence starts with me, and
extends to my administrative team, staff and especially, our scholars.
Our scholars have untapped potential and my goal is to ensure they
reach it. So I wake up each morning excited to come to work, to see
the faces of our scholars, and to know that by the end of the day, they
will be one step closer to college and career readiness.
In addition to our middle school campus, I now have the
pleasure of serving as Principal of our upper elementary facility
known as “The Academy” the campus for our 4th and 5th grade
scholars. This is a great opportunity for our school to tailor our
instructional practices to the needs of children in the intermediate
school range, while also strengthening the culture and school
community in two different settings. I am truly looking forward to
leading both the Middle School and The Academy. Our team has
been working diligently to ensure that both campuses will have an
exceptional year.
In closing, I truly believe that you have selected one of the
best schools for your child. We treat your child with the same love
and care that we provide our own children. When you send them to
school, please know that they are in good hands. Thank you again for
selecting Marion P. Thomas Charter School. Working together, your
child will be well on his or her way to becoming a scholar who is
academically, socially, and emotionally fit to complete in the global
society of the 21st century.
Welcome to the
2015-2016 Scho
Principal Gamble
Middle School & Academy
4th & 5th Grade Academy
For the Children,
John H. Gamble Jr.
John H. Gamble Jr.
The Academy and Middle School Principal
Middle School – 6th – 8th Grades
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 3
Welcome Elementary & Primary School Scholars and Families
As the new principal
for the Elementary
School, I am energized
and I am committed to
making a positive
difference in the lives
of
our
scholars.
Certainly,
I
am
looking forward to an
exciting
year
of
learning and growth in
Principal White
what we affectionately
refer to as The Village.
For the 2015 – 2016 school year, we have set the
highest expectations for all members of the learning
community. By establishing high standards for teacher
performance, increasing academic rigor for all students and
engaging the learning community and the community-atlarge in our mission, each scholar will receive a quality
education and be prepared to successfully navigate his/her
journey toward college and career readiness.
I am proud to say that the administration has been
working diligently over the course of the past several
months to assemble a staff that is dedicated, enthusiastic,
and excited about teaching (and learning). These
professionals will work diligently and purposefully with our
scholars to raise the bar for academic excellence.
We embrace the challenges that await us, while
continuing to celebrate and cherish the village-wide
traditions and successes of the past. We look forward to a
continued partnership with all stakeholders to make
MPTCS a unique place where one can learn, develop, and
fulfill their individual potential and promise.
Certainly, we encourage you to be active
participants in the learning community during these critical
early years of your scholar’s education. Our doors are open
– whether it be involvement in the Parent Teacher
Organization (PTO), school-wide events, or volunteering on
occasion, and when time permits, we welcome the support
of each and all!
I look forward to a wonderful and productive year
in the village!
Yours in Education,
It is a great privilege to
serve as the Primary
Principal of Marion P.
Thomas Charter School.
Here on the primary
campus, we are working
with scholars and their
families to ensure first
school experiences are
positive and optimally
address students’ social,
emotional and academic
Principal Porcaro
needs.
While all our scholars benefit from the ongoing
support of the village and that community strength, we
seek to instill a sense of personal empowerment in each
and every scholar through enriching experiences and the
use of a rich curriculum. Here in the village, we reinforce
daily the concept that each and every person can make a
difference through our mantra “Excellence starts with
me.” Our focus on empowerment will be demonstrated
each morning as we recite the scholar creed and
“Excellence Starts With Me” poem together.
Our Pre-K classes are supported academically and
developmentally through the Teaching Strategies Creative
Curriculum. Students are provided with opportunities to
learn through hands on, interactive experiences. Our
kindergarten scholars are also encouraged to learn through
ongoing student interactivity and are supported by
programs such as Go Math and Schoolwide’s Reading
and Writing Workshop. Through the workshop models,
students learn strategies in reading and writing in
meaningful ways, encouraging greater retention of newly
learned concepts.
Motivation of students is a strong focus at Marion
P. Thomas Primary School. We believe students are most
motivated when they are met where they are
developmentally and academically by their teachers. We
look forward to taking many steps forward in the future
throughout the school year as we work with you and your
scholar toward optimal success.
Sincerely yours,
Damon M. White
Damon M. White
Elementary School Principal
Elementary School, Bldg B
1st – 3rd Grade
Primary School
PreK & Kindergarten
Laura Porcaro
Laura Porcaro
Primary School Principal
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 4
From the desk
of the CEO
Dear MPTCS Parents
“It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child”
Dear MPTCS Parents,
As we welcome the freshman class of 2019, preschool class of 2029 and everyone in between, we are off to
an awesome start of the school year. The theme for the year is: Are you Committed or Involved?
This year we are involved in several new projects and initiatives:
 New Science curriculum and clusters for all grades were approved and adopted by the Board
 Mandarin was introduced into our World Language program
 The new high school for culinary and performing arts has opened on Sussex Ave.
 A cutting-edge new culinary program was implemented
 Performing Arts has been extended across all campuses
 The new Academy for 4th and 5th grades has been launched on Shipman St.
 SELECT ( Scholars Exhibiting Lasting Excellence in Character and Teamwork) has been
revitalized with many new activities and opportunities
And so parents this year we need you to be both committed and involved. Here are some key ways:
 Make sure your scholar gets to school on time
 Help us create a culture where Learning is a pleasure and a privilege not to be taken for granted
 Work with us to instill the belief that Excellence begins with Me
 Demonstrate that we are a Village and It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child
 Let us see your happy face in the place
The administration and staff have been working hard to prepare for what we believe will be a year of growth
and achievement for the entire Village. Looking forward to the best year yet!
Yours in commitment,
Dr. Karen Young-Thomas
Dr. Karen Young-Thomas
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 5
Who’s Who?
Primary (PreK-Kindergarten) & Elementary School (1st – 3rd Grades)
Staff Directory
Don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate staff member for assistance for your child(ren)
Name
Position
Email
Main Office
Laura Porcaro
Darcele Washington
Damon White
Regina Pierson
Kurvan Rankin
Miriam Yowakim
Valerie Hall
Michelle Saunders
Ana Munoz
Tonya Tunstall
Nkiruka Ndichie
Prekindergarten
Renae Riley
Tiffany Oakley
Ola Sheira
Samantha Sanchez
Adriana Zelaya
Prekindergarten Resident Teachers
Karima Ali
Ashlee Culver
Tammy Drayton
Paula Gray
Shanda Harris
Ashley Holden
Tara Moran
Janice Melo
Qydeara Nathan
Chunteau Abney
Pre-K Floaters
Shakira White
Quiyon Brown
Kindergarten
Gloria Chen
Angie Ferrer
Krystal Phillips
Latoya Sajous
1st Grade
Angela Kozlowski
Jennifer Medy
Monina Martin
2nd Grade
Arabia Boyd
Kristen Blom
Amiri Mayo
Primary School Principal
Primary School Office Manager
Elementary School Principal
Elementary School Office Manager
Dean of Students, Elementary &
Primary Campus
Social Worker
Instructional Coach/Child Study
Team Coordinator
lporcaro@mptcs.org
dwashington@mptcs.org
dwhite@mptcs.org
rpierson@mptcs.org
krankin@mptcs.org
Instructional Coach
Family Worker – Prekindergarten
Family Liaison
School Nurse
msaunders@mptcs.org
amunoz@mptcs.org
ttunstall@mptcs.org
nndichie@mptcs.org
Pre-K Master Teacher
Pre-K Teacher
Pre-K Teacher
Pre-K Teacher
Pre-K Teacher
rriley@mptcs.org
toakley@mptcs.org
osheira@mptcs.org
ssanchez@mptcs.org
ajackson@mptcs.org
Resident Teacher
Resident Teacher
Resident Teacher
Resident Teacher
Resident Teacher
Resident Teacher
Resident Teacher
Resident Teacher
Resident Teacher
Resident Teacher
kali@mptcs.org
aculver@mptcs.org
tdrayton@mptcs.org
pgray@mptcs.org
sharris@mptcs.org
aholden@mptcs.org
tmoran@mptcs.org
jmelo@mptcs.org
qnathan@mptcs.org
cabney@mptcs.org
Pre-K Floater
Pre-K Floater
swhite@mptcs.org
qbrown@mptcs.org
Kindergarten Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
gchen@mptcs.org
aferrer@mptcs.org
kphillips@mptcs.org
lcargeor@mptcs.org
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
akozlowski@mptcs.org
jmedy@mptcs.org
mmartin@mptcs.org
Teacher
Teacher, SELECT
Teacher
aboyd@mptcs.org
kblom@mptcs.org
amayo@mptcs.org
myowakim@mptcs.org
vhall@mptcs.org
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 6
3rd Grade
Dave Ferguson
Kalika Glover
Fatimah Lewis
Special Education
Sarah Davoren
Melissa Gregory
Blake Pistner
Interventionists
Janell Brown
Krystal Parker
Pamela Frazier
Meggan Fasching
Kyeisah Livingston Rankin
Lakisha Smith
Tyria Stokes
Eugeno Valencia
Timothy Winn
Specials
De’Angelo Cooper
Pamela Frazier
John Wagner
Leni Cordero
Shahidah Dunbar
Shante Evans
Ian Fidalgo
Tiffany Johnson
Rhonda McQueen
Teacher, SELECT
Teacher
Teacher
dferguson@mptcs.org
kglover@mptcs.org
flewis@mptcs.org
Teacher, PreK – 1st Grade
Teacher, 3rd Grade
Teacher, 2nd Grade
sdavoren@mptcs.org
mgregory@mptcs.org
bpistner@mptcs.org
Interventionist, PS
Interventionist, PS
Interventionist, PS
Interventionist, ES
Interventionist, ES
Interventionist, ES
Interventionist, ES
Interventionist
Interventionist
jbrown@mptcs.org
kparker@mptcs.org
pfrazier@mptcs.org
mfasching@mptcs.org
klivingston@mptcs.org
lsmith@mptcs.org
tstokes@mptcs.org
evalencia@mptcs.org
twinn@mptcs.org
Music & Movement Teacher
Vocal Music, Pre-K
Music Teacher, 3rd Grade
World Language/Spanish Teacher
Wilson Basic Skills Teacher
Health & Pys Ed Teacher
Recreation Facilitator
Technology Teacher
Science Teacher
dcooper@mptcs.org
pfrazier@mptcs.org
jwagner@mptcs.org
lcordero@mptcs.org
sdunbar@mptcs.org
sevans@mptcs.org
ifidalgo@mptcs.org
tjohnson@mptcs.org
rmcqueen@mptcs.org
Who’s Who?
Academy & Middle School Staff Directory
Name
Position
Email
Principal
Vice Principal
Dean of Families & Culture
Office Manager – Middle School
Office Manager – Academy
Dean of Family & Culture
School Social Worker
Family Liaison
jgamble@mptcs.org
gflournoy@mptcs.org
dgaffor@mptcs.org
sconley@mptcs.org
sodavis@mptcs.org
dgaffor@mptcs.org
rjohnson@mptcs.org
glusk@mptcs.org
Teacher, Math & Science, 4th Grade
walnut@mptcs.org
kboykins@mptcs.org
dtaylor@mptcs.org
Main Office
John H. Gamble, Jr.
Genique Flournoy-Hamilton
Denise Gaffor
Stephanie Conley
Solange Davis
Denise Gaffor
Ronnise Johnson
Gia Lusk
4th & 5th Grade – Academy
Wayne Alnutt
Katrica Boykins
Dionne Taylor
Teacher, Math & Science, 4th & 5th Grade
Teacher, ELA & Social Studies, 4th
Grade
Johnanna Fuentes
Teacher, ELA & Social Studies, 4th &
5th Grade
jfuentes@mptcs.org
Kisha Slaughter
Angela Harper
Teacher, Math & Sicence, 5th Grade
kslaughter@mptcs.org
aharper@mptcs.org
Teacher, Math & Science, 5th Grade
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 7
Julia Fluck
Joshua Brooks
Summiya Abdul-Quddus
Elizabeth Stinvil
Charae Baulkman
John Wagner
Yalixza Valentin
Annette Williams
Saif Plant
Berkley McDowell
Middle School
JoAnne Ashe
Alicia Codrington
Shakoor Reid
Donovan Jasmine
Tira Clegg
Terry Johnson
April Washington
Raafi Bell
Darrell Williams
Jennifer Flores
Teacher, ELA & Social Studies, 5th Grade
Teacher, ELA/Social Studies, 8th Grade
jashe@mptcs.org
acodrington@mptcs.org
sreid@mptcs.org
djasmine@mptcs.org
tclegg@mptcs.org
tjohnson@mptcs.org
awashington@mptcs.org
rabell@mptcs.org
dwilliams@mptcs.org
jflores@mptcs.org
Patricia Harris
Tawanna Saxton
Shamhadeen Mayers
Heather Cutchin
Wahid Carvan
RaeMona Chance
Sophie Smellie
Karen Catena
Maria Parelis
Support Staff
Nasier Oliver
Bruce Halstead
Pamela Frazier
James Haynes
Kishan Smith
Darrell Johnson
Rushondia Higgs
Specials
Elizabeth Stinvil
Tosin Bada
Chaundra Cameron
Grant Neary
Teacher, Math, 8th Grade
Teacher, Math, 8th Grade
Sped Teacher, Math
Sped Teacher, ELA
Sped, Teacher
Sped, Teacher, Math
Teacher, Basic Skills
Teacher, Basic Skills
Teacher, Basic Skills
pharris@mptcs.org
tsaxton@mptcs.org
smayers@mptcs.org
hcutchin@mptcs.org
wcarvan@mptcs.org
rchance@mptcs.org
ssmellie@mptcs.org
kcatena@mptcs.org
mparelis@mptcs.org
Interventionist
Interventionist
Interventionist
Safety Officer
Safety Officer
1-on-1 Aide
1-on-1 Aide
noliver@mptcs.org
bhalstead@mptcs.org
pfrazier@mptcs.org
jhaynes@mptcs.org
ksmith@mptcs.org
djohnson@mptcs.org
rhiggs@mptcs.org
Teacher, Technology
Teacher, Music
Teacher, Performing Arts
Teacher, Physical Ed
estinvil@mptcs.org
tbada@mptcs.org
ccameron@mptcs.org
gneary@mptcs.org
Teacher, ELA & Social Studies, 5th Grade
Teacher, ELA, Special Ed
Teacher, Technology
Physical Ed Teacher/Interventionist
Music Teacher
Interventionist
Interventionist
Safety Officer
Safety Officer
Teacher, ELA, 6th Grade
Teacher, Math/Science, 6th Grade
Teacher, Math & Science, 6th Grade
Teacher, ELA/Social Studies, 6th Grade
Teacher, ELA/Science, 7th Grade
Teacher, Science, 7th Grade
Teacher, ELA, 7th Grade
Teacher, Science, 8th Grade
Teacher, Math 7th Grade
jfluck@mptcs.org
jbrooks@mptcs.org
Sabdul-quddus@mptcs.org
estinvil@mptcs.org
cbaulkman@mptcs.org
jwagner@mptcs.org
yvalentin@mptcs.org
anwilliams@mptcs.org
splant@mptcs.org
bmcdowell@mptcs.org
ELA = English Language Arts ISA=Instructional Support Assistant
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 8
Who’s Who?
High School Staff Directory
Name
Position
Email
Principal
Office Manager
Administrative Asst.
Dean of Families & Culture
Dean of Families & Culture
Dean of Families & Culture
Dean of Families & Culture/Social
Worker
School Nurse
Family Liaison
Attendance Officer
Instructional Coach
Kwright-white@mptcs.org
chwilliams@mptcs.org
tcloss@mptcs.org
smcgee@mptcs.org
aminatee@mptcs.org
rjames@mptcs.org
nijohnson@mptcs.org
Science Teacher
Interventionist
Spanish Teacher
Physical Ed/Health Teacher
Theatre Arts Teacher
English/American Lit. I Teacher
Dance Teacher
Science Teacher
Math Teacher
US History I Teacher
Basic Skills Math
College Counselor
Physical Ed & Health Teacher
Science Teacher
Journalism Teacher
World Language/Spanish Teacher
Alumni Relations, Counselor
Credit Recovery Teacher
Sped Teacher
Math, Algebra II Teacher
US History II Teacher
Physical Ed/Health Teacher
Physical Ed/Health Teacher
Biology Teacher
Teacher, Multi-cultural Lit.
Math, Algebra II Teacher
Chemistry Teacher
College Counselor
English/American Lit. II Teacher
English/American Lit. II Teacher
Physical Ed/Health Teacher
US History Teacher
Culinary Arts Teacher
Theatre Arts Teacher
School Social Worker
oadeniji@mptcs.org
xamogan@mptcs.org
lanania@mptcs.org
paragon@mptcs.org
ccameron@mptcs.org
kcampo@mptcs.org
tcarey@mptcs.org
mcericola@mptcs.org
acohen@mptcs.org
cjason@mptcs.org
addaley@mptcs.org
cgaither@mptcs.org
tgehrke@mptcs.org
sgilmore@mptcs.org
jgriffin@mptcs.org
aguergues@mptcs.org
rgomes@mptcs.org
aholloway@mptcs.org
ahairsto@mptcs.org
negolum@mptcs.org
jjacobs@mptcs.org
jjaronczyk@mptcs.org
lkaminsky@mptcs.org
jkutch@mptcs.org
nlosier@mptcs.org
emcginn@mptcs.org
jmariano@mptcs.org
emurray@mptcs.or
amurphy-park@mptcs.org
wpatterson@mptcs.org
mphillips@mptcs.org
jpiparo@mptcs.org
arawls@mptcs.org
sreed@mptcs.org
jrenko@mptcs.org
Main Office
Kimberly Wright-White
Cherlyn Williams
Taliah Closs
Samuel McGee
Aswan Minatee
Robert James
Nicole Johnson
Carol Collins
Elise Sanchez
Latisha West
Theresa Izzolino
Content Specialists
Olajide Adeniji
Xiomara Armogan
Lauren Anania
Pedro Aragon
Chaundra Cameron
Karin Campo
Taylor Carey
Michael Cericola
Aron Cohen
Jason Craig
Adeena Daley
Chanel Gaither
Troy Gehrke
Shatira Gilmore
James Griffin
Amir Guergues
Rui Gomes
Ammirah Holloway
Alyson Hairston-Beresford
Nikiruka Ike-Egolum
Justin Jacobs
Jonathan Jaronczyk
Logan Kaminsky
Jennifer Kutch
Namley Losier
Ethel McGinn
Jay Mariano
Edaine Murray
Austin Murphy-Park
Winifred Patterson-Odom
Melvin Phillips
Joseph Piparo
Arthur Rawls
Shareese Reed
Jennifer Renko
ccollins@mptcs.org
esanchez@mptcs.org
lwest@mptcs.org
tizzolino@mptcs.org
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 9
Tula Richards-Gift
David Ritter
Kevin Sembrat
Doyal Siddell
Sanchin Singh
Mark Speight
Sandra Stuart
Carey Taylor
Max Valcourt
LaToya Waddell
Laura Werner
Timeka Whitehead
Venice Whyte
Tracy Yett
Shaquana Young
Khadijat Yekeen
World Literature Teacher
Culinary Arts Director
Sped Teacher
Financial Literacy Teacher
World History Teacher
Culinary Arts Teacher
School Social Worker
Dance Teacher
US History I (AP) Teacher
Math Teacher
Physical Education/Health Teacher
Freshman Seminar Teacher
Sped Teacher
Sped Teacher
History Teacher
Interventionist
Trichards-gift@mptcs.org
dritter@mptcs.org
ksembrat@mptcs.org
dsiddell@mptcs.org
ssingh@mptcs.org
mspeight@mptcs.org
sstuart@mptcs.org
ctaylor@mptcs.org
mvalcourt@mptcs.org
lwaddell@mptcs.org
lwerner@mptcs.org
twhitehead@mptcs.org
vwhyte@mptcs.org
tyett@mptcs.org
syoung@mptcs.org
kyekeen@mptcs.org
Who’s Who?
Central Office Staff Directory
Name
Dr. Karen Thomas
Jeanette Taylor
Femi Amorin
Dr. Doreen Land
Melinda Johnson
Randy Gooden
Kimm Gourdine
Naomi Widener
Mary Dickens
Anthony Avery
Daniel Christofferson
Milton Tannis
Craig Jackson
Anna Brown, Bobbie Brown
Michele Griffin
Dana Wilson
Position
Chief Executive Officer
(CEO)/Superintendent
Executive Asst to
CEO/Superintendent
School Business Administrator
Chief Academic Officer (CAO)
Academic Administrator,
Instructional Coach
Supervisor of Planning, Research &
Evaluation
ELA Supervisor , K-12
Research & Evaluation Coordinator
Food Services Manager
Technology Director
Security Director
Facilities/Maintenance Director
Special Projects Director
Human Resources Managers
VOV Editor/Director of Marketing &
Development
Development Manager
Email
kthomas@mptcs.org
jtaylor@mptcs.org
famorin@mptcs.org
dland@mptcs.org
mjohnson@mptcs.org
rgooden@mptcs.org
kgourdine@mptcs.org
nwidener@mptcs.org
mdickens@mptcs.org
aavery@mptcs.org
dchristofferson@mptcs.org
mtannis@mptcs.org
cjackson@mptcs.org
abrown@mptcs.org;
bbrown@mptcs.org
mgriffin@mptcs.org
dwilson@mptcs.org
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 10
September Happenings!
Laura Porcaro
Primary School Principal
(PreK-Kindergarten)
lporcaro@mptcs.org
Damon White
Elementary School Principal
(1st – 3rd Grades)
dwhite@mptcs.org
John Gamble
Academy & Middle School
Principal
(4th – 8th Grades)
jgamble@mptcs.org
Genique Flournoy-Hamilton
V.P. Academy & Middle School
(4th – 8th Grade)
gflournoy@mptcs.org
Kimberly Wright-White
High School Principal
(9th – 12th Grade)
Ana Munoz
Family Worker
Pre-Kindergarten
amunoz@mptcs.org
Tonya Tunstall
Family Liaison
Primary & Elementary Schools
ttunstall@mptcs.org
Gia Lusk
Family Liaison
Academy & Middle School
glusk@mptcs.org
Elise Sanchez
Family Liaison
High School
esanchez@mptcs.org

Central Office
Dr. Karen Thomas
Superintendent, CEO
kthomas@mptcs.org
Dr. Doreen Land
Chief Academic Officer
dland@mptcs.org
Femi Amorin
Business Administrator
famorin@mptcs.org
Milton Tannis
Director of Facilities/Maintenance
mtannis@mptcs.org
Mary Dickens
Food Services Director
mdickens@mptcs.org
Craig Jackson
Director of Special Projects
cjackson@mptcs.org
Michele Griffin
Director of Marketing &
Development
VOV Editor
mgriffin@mptcs.org
MPTCS CEO, Dr
Thomas, informs
scholars about the
sacrifice her
brother, the late
Firefighter - Capt.
Johnathan Young made during the
9/11 crisis. High
School history
teacher, Mr. Jacobs
talks about his
decision to join the
armed forces (prior
to becoming a
teacher ) to help
protect our country
from future threats.
Members of The New Hope
Baptist Church and St. James
AME Church, both founding
organizations for MPTCS
and MPTC High School,
came together at the
cornerstone laying ceremony
conducted by the Most
Worshipful Prince Hall
Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. State of NJ. Special thanks
to Tyre #29 for their
longtime support over the
years.
NOTE: This and future issues
of VOV will be featured on the
website at www.mptcs.org
Back to School edition ● October ● Volume 7 ● Issue 1 ● www.mptcs.org
Page 11