2015-2016 Blackboard Award Honoree: Marlon Lowe

Editor’s note: To read profiles of all 2015-2016 Blackboard Awards honorees, click HERE!

Mott Hall II
Principal: Marlon Lowe
6-8
234 West 109th Street
Award: Outstanding Principal

Describe your school’s core educational philosophy.

Mott Hall II is a small and progressive school located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Our school’s motto is “Today’s Scholars, Tomorrow’s Leaders.” Scholars are challenged to question, anticipate, and solve problems, assume personal responsibility, and emerge as enthusiastic life-long learners and independent thinkers motivated by the pursuit of academic excellence and social responsibility.

Tell us about a few of the school’s achievements or distinguishing programs.

Mott Hall II has had a lot to celebrate over the past few years. We were designated as a Reward School by New York State because of the performance of our scholars on the New York State Assessments. Mott Hall II was acknowledged for overall proficiency and for closing the Achievement Gap amongst the various constituencies we serve. Also, Mott Hall II has been recognized for providing high quality support to our scholars with disabilities.

Marlon Lowe. Photos by Marcus Photography.

What’s new?

For the first time, Mott Hall II offers Latin to all scholars. This addition is important as it was borne from a collaboration between parents, teachers, and the administration. Mott Hall II is also able to offer music for the first time in years. All scholars receive instruction on piano or keyboard and singing. Afterschool offerings have expanded exponentially. In addition to Mott Hall II’s afterschool program which includes competitive sports, science enrichment, tutoring, etc., Mott Hall II also partnered with Sheltering Arms afterschool program. This partnership allows us to offer parents an afterschool program five days out of the week. Finally, Mott Hall II has led the effort to use Google Chromebooks to support learning. By the end of the 2015-2016 school year, Mott Hall II will have a Google Chromebook available for all scholars.

What do you love about your school?

Mott Hall II is a truly special place… I went to schools where most of the adults didn’t know who I was. Mott Hall II is the exact opposite. We prioritize the needs, interests, and pursuits of our scholars. We make sure they are known and we afford them a warm, welcoming and nurturing environment where they can thrive. It is incredibly validating to hear scholars express how much they love the school and appreciate the environment we offer them.

Mott Hall Charter School

Located in the Morrisania neighborhood of the South Bronx, the Mott Hall Charter School is a middle school for grades 6, 7 and 8. In its 12 th year, Mott Hall continues to live by its motto &ldquo;RISE to the Challenge&rdquo;; and through these RISE core values - Responsibility, Integrity, Scholarship, and Excellence - scholars are taught the character skills to overcome obstacles and are introduced to these attributes from the moment they walk through the door and reinforced throughout their time at Mott Hall. The Mott Hall Charter School teaches for the 21st Century through its unique approach to learning, providing a holistic educational experience grounded in evidence-based research on how students learn best. Mott Hall accomplishes this through a whole child approach, not merely addressing content but focusing on the key elements of mind, body, character, and social emotional health. Its distinctive mission prepares scholars to succeed in top high schools, colleges, and careers, becoming inquisitive, open-minded, and compassionate citizens of the world. Mott Hall Charter School offers a rigorous academic program grounded in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. Scholars are required to take three years of foreign language, coursework in the arts, and have the opportunity for Regents level classes in mathematics and science in 8th grade. All classes integrate technology and utilize elements of the AVID College and Career Readiness program to provide scholars with the organizational, time management, and study skills they need to succeed. Mott Hall Charter School&rsquo;s programs include access to community-based organizations focused on mentoring, adult civics classes, adult ESL classes, computer science classes, engaging online platforms to increase student learning, after school and Saturday tutoring, art, music, softball, basketball, and much more! Mott Hall is now offering a 6/7 Bridge 12:1:1 self-contained classroom: 1 classroom, 12 scholars, 1 educational teacher, and 1 full-time Special Education teacher.

Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter School

An academically rigorous K&ndash;5 curriculum including intensive instruction in the Hebrew language. A diverse student body develops a strong sense of social and civic responsibility across the curriculum.

The Parkside School

Empowering Students with Language-Based Learning Differences Through Comprehensive Education and Support The Parkside School offers a comprehensive and nurturing educational experience for students with language-based learning differences and disabilities. Our program is designed to support the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of each child, empowering them to thrive in a structured yet flexible learning environment. At the heart of Parkside&rsquo;s approach is a robust curriculum that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, all tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles. Our team of dedicated teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and counselors collaborate closely to provide individualized instruction and therapeutic support, ensuring that each student receives a holistic education. Small class sizes enable our staff to build strong relationships with students, fostering a deep understanding of their strengths and challenges. Parkside&rsquo;s multi-disciplinary team utilizes evidence-based interventions such as The Zones of Regulation and executive functioning strategies to promote self-regulation and problem-solving skills. Our occupational therapy program supports sensory integration and fine motor development, while speech and language services target communication skills, helping students express themselves more effectively and build stronger connections with peers. Beyond academics, Parkside emphasizes social-emotional learning through a community-centered approach. We provide students with a safe, supportive space to build self-confidence, social skills, and independence. Our inclusive community is further strengthened through partnerships with families, who are encouraged to take an active role in their child&rsquo;s educational journey. At Parkside, we are committed to helping children discover their potential, preparing them not only for academic success but also for meaningful, fulfilling lives.