Hellenic Classical Charter School - Park Slope (HCCS-PS) recognized as National Blue Ribbon School Left to right: Hellenic Classical Charter School Principal Natasha Caban-Vargas, Superintendent Christina Tettonis, and Chief of Operations Joy Petrakos. Photo: Courtesy of Hellenic Classical Charter School
The U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced that The Hellenic Classical Charter School is being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. It is of 19 schools from New York State to be recognized and one of the 362 schools nationwide. The recognition is based on the school's overall academic performance. “I'm pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School," said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. "We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs." The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 37th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition to high performing schools. On November 14-15, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate the HCCS achievement at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. 22
OCT/NOV 2019
NEWS & NOTES
The Hellenic Classical Charter School Park Slope opened its doors on September 6, 2005 and celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. HCCS provides students in grades prekindergarten through eighth with a rigorous, classical education, rich in challenging content. The education model uses a standards-based curriculum, coaching, and intensive academic support to promote intellectual curiosity and independent learning. Supported by an exemplary teaching “We are receiving this staff, students are prepared to succeed at the award as an Exemplary best high schools in New York City upon High Performing School. graduation. HCCS is among New York State’s highest performing The culture of the school and philosophy of schools. This is truly an student learning ensures high-level critical honor to have our school thinking and communication skills. Students selected among the best in in all grades regularly participate in Paideia the nation. This National (Socratic) seminars in which they have Blue Ribbon designation conversations developed by open-ended acknowledges the hard questioning, respecting their peers’ thinking, work and team effort being building on others' ideas, listening closely, and performed at HCCS-PS by responding to viewpoints other than their our faculty, staff, students own. Students study the language, history, art, and families,” said Board and other cultural aspects of Greece. Middle C h a i r C h a r l e s School students receive Latin language instruction as part of their classical education. Capetanakis, Esq.
Superintendent Christina Tettonis stated, "We are thrilled to receive this incredible recognition from The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Our goal is to build upon this success and continue preparing all of our students to succeed at the best high schools in New York City and contribute to the global community as responsible citizens. Our children, families, and faculty are amazing - we applaud them for their hard work, team spirit, and dedication. Congratulations to our entire HCCS family."
Also, an Ancient Greek Theatre Program has been initiated in which students study Ancient Greek literature and perform Ancient Greek plays. Other enrichment programs include a history fair program where students travel to Greece to research topics connected to the history of Greece and annually compete on city, state and national levels. “Our work celebrates a classroom that is diverse and representative of the district. The families of our students are a strong part of our fabric and are highly involved in school events,” added
" We a r e e x t r e m e l y elated, humbled and honored to be a National Blue Ribbon School! We will continue to fulfill our promise to provide a rigorous learning curriculum in a safe and creative environment for all children," said HCCS Chief of Operations Joy Petrakos. “It is truly an honor to receive this nationwide recognition validating the teamwork and tireless efforts of our faculty, students and families. Everyone at HCCS is beyond excited,” commented HCCSPS Principal Natasha Caban.
Joy Petrakos. HCCS has been designated by New York State Education Department as a high-performing, recognition, reward school and has been granted an approval to replicate in Staten Island.