Michaelah Valentine
Where did you grow up and what was your first language?
I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. My first language is English.
What from your hometown do you wish you could find in New York City?
When I was younger, I loved attending the annual carnival, festival, or circus that came in town. I eagerly waited for the day I could play games to win the biggest stuffed animals, wear some funky circus light up gear, and eat zeppoles and funnel cake with my friends and family. I still look forward to all of those things even now because they bring me back to when I was a child growing up and remind me of home.
Where did you go to college?
I attended Rutgers University where I earned my B.A. in Social Work and Africana Studies. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education at Relay Graduate School of Education.
What was your favorite book in middle school?
My favorite book in middle school was The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney.
What is the best part of teaching at Hamilton Grange?
The best part of teaching at HG is having the wonderful opportunity of getting to know my students and building relationships with them during Advisory and Club. I enjoy these moments because they allow both the students and teachers to understand that we are both not only teachable, but, we are both people. When I was in middle school often times the only thing I knew about my teachers is that they were teachers and maybe if they had a pet. It was like solving a mystery to know that they had a life outside of teaching. Club and Advisory not only add a unique way for students to learn more about one another, but for staff and students to build sustainable relationships while learning.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not teaching?
I love exploring different places like museums and restaurants with my family and close friends. I also enjoy doing hair.
What is your favorite quote?
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 NKJV
Michaelah Valentine
Where did you grow up and what was your first language?
I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. My first language is English.
What from your hometown do you wish you could find in New York City?
When I was younger, I loved attending the annual carnival, festival, or circus that came in town. I eagerly waited for the day I could play games to win the biggest stuffed animals, wear some funky circus light up gear, and eat zeppoles and funnel cake with my friends and family. I still look forward to all of those things even now because they bring me back to when I was a child growing up and remind me of home.
Where did you go to college?
I attended Rutgers University where I earned my B.A. in Social Work and Africana Studies. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Education at Relay Graduate School of Education.
What was your favorite book in middle school?
My favorite book in middle school was The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney.
What is the best part of teaching at Hamilton Grange?
The best part of teaching at HG is having the wonderful opportunity of getting to know my students and building relationships with them during Advisory and Club. I enjoy these moments because they allow both the students and teachers to understand that we are both not only teachable, but, we are both people. When I was in middle school often times the only thing I knew about my teachers is that they were teachers and maybe if they had a pet. It was like solving a mystery to know that they had a life outside of teaching. Club and Advisory not only add a unique way for students to learn more about one another, but for staff and students to build sustainable relationships while learning.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not teaching?
I love exploring different places like museums and restaurants with my family and close friends. I also enjoy doing hair.
What is your favorite quote?
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 NKJV
Randy Cespedes
Where did you grow up and what was your first language?
Born and raised in New York City, at age 10 I moved to DR with my dad for 3 years so my middle school years where in DR. My first language was Spanish since that's what my parents spoke.
What from your hometown do you wish you could find in New York City?
Seeing as NYC IS my hometown.. I would bring up DR. Something I would like to find more often in NYC that I always find in DR is kindness and hospitality. Everyone is always in a good mood in DR which puts you in a good mood as well.
Where did you go to college?
City College but did not finish.
What was your favorite book in middle school?
My Favorite book was more of a science fiction/Comic Book “Kingdom Come by Mark Waid”
What is the best part of teaching at Hamilton Grange?
My favorite part of working at HGMS is the staff, they are very welcoming and willing to help whenever you need it.. It really feels like a family.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not teaching?
Favorite thing to do when I am not teaching is spending time with my family, I also like watching documentaries, sports, working out, video games and movies lol I am a geek at heart.
What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do” – John Wooden
