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
MEET OUR TEAM
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Administrators
Benjamin Lev
Founding Principal
Shakira Lleras
Founding Member
Assistant Principal
Scott Moore
Assistant Principal
Office Staff
Tanzania Reyes
School Secretary
Melquis Remy
Parent Coordinator
Sydney Sanchez
Community Coordinator
Counseling
Joseph Rosario
School Counselor
Jhonattan Arango
School Counselor
Miosotis Matos
School Counselor
Mathematics
Lynette Alvarez
Mathematics
Dana Rae Buckle
Mathematics and Restorative Justice
Edwin Marrero
Mathematics
Steven Perez
Mathematics
Naquan Brown
Mathematics
Soribel Grullon
Mathematics
Nicholas Padilla
Mathematics
Michaelah Valentine
Mathematics
Muriel Estevez
Mathematics
Blanca Hernandez
Mathematics
Glenny Peralta
Mathematics
Humanities
Amira Aganovic
Humanities
Yilianny Aksabaev
Humanities
Ashley Barton
Humanities
Lee Ann Cadiz
Humanities
Eric Coyotecatl
Humanities
Zachary Gomes
Humanities
Robert Kowles
Humanities
Emmy Lomurno
Humanities
Moises Puentes
Humanities
Science
Cindy Hambro
Science
Natisha Hines
Science
Cindy Mendoza
Science
Maya Morales
Science
Chanel Paulino
Science
Ashley Reed
Science
Jeff Salas
Science
English as a New Language
Christina Carlson
English as a New Language
Francia De Leon
English as a New Language
Joao Moderno
English as a new Language
Support Staff
Denise Gonzalez
Paraprofessional
Jenny Garcia
Paraprofessional
Giomatthew Cespedes
School Aide
Mike Garcia
School Aide
Carlos Tejada
School Aide
Jaqueline Perez
Bilingual Speech Pathology
Alyssa Schioppo
Speech Pathology
Physicial Education
Dan Manfrates
Physical Education
Entrepreneurship
JoAnn Peterson Hawker
Entrepreneurship / Gardening