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
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does school begin and end?
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School begins at 8:45 a.m. Students are welcomed to arrive as early as 8:00am to eat breakfast before the start of their school day.
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School ends, and after school begins at 3:05 p.m. After school programming ends at 5:30 p.m. unless a student is involved in only a portion of the programming that day.
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We will have after school programming in our building until 5:30 p.m. each day. Saturday programming will begin in late September.
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When students arrive at school, they should go directly to their first period classroom.
Is bussing available for students?
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Unless dictated by an Individualized Education Plan (for students with disabilities), bussing is not offered to middle school students in New York City's public schools. Students living between 10 and 19 blocks from the school will receive a half-fare Metrocard, and students living 20 blocks or more from the school will receive a full-fare Metrocard.
What is the uniform requirement?
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All uniforms can be purchased here. WE PROVIDE UNIFORMS FREE TO ANY AND ALL STUDENTS IN NEED!
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Our students can wear the following tops:
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a royal blue polo shirt (with or without or logo)
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a light grey t-shirt or sweatshirt on days that students have gym (with or without our logo)
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any one of our school-issued t-shirts or sweatshirts or top options on our page at Peligro Sports, our uniform provider
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Our students can wear the following bottoms:
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khaki pants, shorts, or skirts (no more than two inches above the knee)
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light grey sweatpants on days that students have gym (with or without our logo)
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any one of our bottom options on our page at Peligro Sports, our uniform provider
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All shoes are acceptable, although students may not wear sandals or any other open-toed shoes
What supplies will my child need?
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Students will need plenty of pencils (and pens should they choose to use them in classes other than mathematics).
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Looseleaf paper will always be useful.
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Students work often on laptops and from work that is created in the school, so a notebook may not be necessary for each class.
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Binders may be utilized if students find them helpful.
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WE PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO!
