Manifestations for the Future

susie nordenger , Jones’ former ljcds teacher, saw that joy and happiness in action during a January 2023 trip to New York City. Passionate, dedicated teachers were leading engaged students in classroom discussions and activities. Artwork dotted the walls. On a bulletin board, eighth-graders shared their “manifestations for the new year.”

“I will…get into [the] high school I want,” one wrote, including a drawing of a cat.

“In the name of God, I wholeheartedly manifest that I get better academically,” wrote another.

“I want to manifest…celebrating being a working mom. Have lots of guilt of not being able to do it all, but what I can do is enough + amazing,” wrote Jones, who had her second child in April.

Nordenger has followed Jones’ journey as she has built a school from scratch. Remembering Jones as a student, she’s not surprised by her accomplishments.

“It filled my heart with so much joy because that’s who she is,” Nordenger said of her visit. “She’s in the center of things. That’s how I remember her—she made things happen; she was a positive influence. I can’t even imagine all that it took to create this amazing school…I’m not surprised, but I’m so impressed.”

For Jones, there’s plenty to do, including the daily work of running a school and discussions about its future growth. Jones is excited for both of her children to attend. And at some point, she expects to step away from the daily operations, but not anytime soon. Maybe she’ll help other schools with similar missions become successful and sustaining. But for now, there are kids to teach and a school to grow.

Last year, Brooklyn Independent hosted it’s first whole school student performance since the pandemic, and it was an unusual opportunity for Jones to stop and take in everything she’d helped to create.

“When I looked around the room at the faces of our students, family members, teachers and staff members, I saw such joy and pride. In that moment, I thought about all the grueling years it took Gaby and I to get Brooklyn Independent off the ground, the challenges of getting through COVID and growing our school and realized how special it is to see your dream come to life. There is so much more work that needs to be done and so many more students to serve, but I am so proud of the school we have built.” ■