Dear P.S. 84 Community,
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year. This is a year of new beginnings, our homecoming. I hope you had an enjoyable summer filled with rest, relaxation, and much needed time with your family. It is truly an honor for me to start this school year as your new IA Principal. I am extremely grateful to begin the next chapter of my career in the place that I call home and in the community that I love. As most of you know, I have been very proud to serve the Steinway community for the last 13 years, 8 as your Assistant Principal and 5 as a teacher. I will always find a way to show my #SteinwaySWAG, and I will continue to ensure that we create meaningful memories for you and your children.
I am privileged to work with an outstanding staff and together we will guarantee a smooth transition back to school during this uncertain time. Additionally, I want to give a special thank you to the entire P.S. 84 community. You truly are the backbone to our success. I believe that a strong home-school connection is essential to the success of a child. With that being said, I welcome you to participate in your child’s educational journey. It truly takes a village, and we are all in this together.
During my time in education, I have placed a strong emphasis on Social Emotional Learning in addition to setting high expectations and standards for all of our students. It is my belief that it is our responsibility to educate the whole child in preparation for not only college and career, but for life.
To accomplish this, our students need to be prepared with skills that include creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, technological understanding, and cultural awareness. It is our goal to continue to build on these ideas and to elevate Steinway Elementary to the next level.
As we begin to embark on yet another historic year, I want to reassure you that we’ve been working hard all summer to plan for a safe opening of school. We will continue to implement all of our safety protocols to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19. We will continue to follow physical distancing guidelines, universal mask wearing, deep cleaning, disinfecting and random COVID-19 testing.
As we continue to navigate the uncharted waters of the COVID school year, I want you to remember the 3C’s:
- Communicate – Communication is essential. I promise that we will communicate with you every step of the way. I plan to hold monthly town hall meetings, (coffee with the principal) and weekly updates known as “Steinway Snippets.” I encourage you to continue to ask questions and keep the lines of communication open. Feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas on how we can better serve our community.
- Collaborate – I believe that collaboration and teamwork are two of the best resources for any educator. We will work together as a team to ensure the safety and the success of your child. I value our sense of community, and I want to continue to make meaningful connections and create an environment where the community comes together as one.
- Children – You have my word; we will always do what’s right for the children. They will always be in the forefront of every decision that is made. They are our future, and we will invest in them.
Finally, I want you to feel comfortable emailing me at darmano@schools.nyc.gov or calling me at 718-278-1915. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of knowing that your child is in a safe, supportive, nurturing learning environment. I’m here to support you and to serve our community.
I hope you enjoy the remaining days of summer. I’m looking forward to working with you and to a successful upcoming school year. Please remember, my door is always open to you and your children.
Sincerely,
Dominic Armano
Principal, IA
Steinway Elementary School, P.S. 84, Q.