"30 Schools In 30 Weeks"

My adventures as a Gypsy going from school To school in a futile search for a real teaching position.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

A School That Appears To Be Turning It Around - School #4.




















I was assigned to Newtown High School and expected it to be a terrible experience since it has a bad reputation.  However, I was pleasently suprised by the school climate. The experienced staff were friendly and the students were reasonably well behaved, if not academically engaged.  I saw few students walking the halls between classes and the Deans do a good job keeping a quiet school.  It seems that the school has downsized significantly over the last few years and the gang issues that plagued the school over the years have diminished over time. The school is also reflecting the changing demographics of the neighborhood and while still having a Hispanic majority, there has been a significant increase in the Asian population. Academically, the school still struggles but with an increasingly diverse student body and the gang-related issues no longer a major problem, there's hope that the school will improve over time.

Parking is an issue, with alternate side of the street parking, especially Monday and Tuesday.  Commuting to the school on local roads is a chore but better than the LIE or Queens Blvd.  However, its manageable if you give yourself some time to look for a parking spot.  The administration loves to give you cafeteria duty so expect it every day. 

Overall, I had a comfortable experience at the school and wouldn't mind a position there.

Grade "C"