CHMS
CLINTON HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
02
Message of Gratitude
11
Spotlight: Ms. Jones
03
Campus
13
Spotlight: Mr. Madyta
04
Scholar Photos
15
Notes of Appreciation
07
Notes of Appreciation
19
Staff Love from CHMS
09
Scholar Photos
20
Scholar Photos
THE STUDENTS AND STAFF OF CHMS PRESENT THIS BOOK AS A TOKEN OF OUR GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION FOR ALL YOU DO!
CLINTON HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” – Karl Barth
“The root of joy is gratefulness.” - David Steindl-Rast
We Appreciate your HARD WORK
We Appreciate you BEING ALL HANDS
To the world you may an educator, and school leader, but to your students you are a HERO!
“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.” – Flora Edwards
Dejeunee Fields Dear Jody, I am so glad that we have this time to take pause and honor you. It truly is such a privilege to work under your leadership. You approach each day with such tenacity and zeal. The work you do is truly admirable. You embody the mission and you have made it your life’s work. You may not be the mushiest person, but you love is truly felt. I am so glad that I have gotten to know you. The world needs people like you. My life has been shaped by strong Black women like you. I live by the quote “Strong women: may be know them, may we be them, may we raise them.” When I think of some of the qualities I want my daughter to have as she grows, you posses them. I want her to be proud of her voice; I see that each time you lead circle in front of our entire community even when we have visitors. I want her to be bold and take up space; I see that each time you enter a room and people’s demeanor change. I want her to have passion; I see that each morning when you greet out students and help launch them to a strong day. And I want her to be dedicated; I see this when you show up each day, no matter what is going on at home, despite what you may be dealing with in your body—and you give it your all. Thank you for all you have poured in to me so that I am able to pour into our students. If ever there was a phenomenal woman, Jody Jones, it is YOU!
JoAnn Juzefyk
Dear Frank, You are an amazing person and professional! Your knowledge of teaching, technology and management is of the highest caliber and greatly appreciated. Beyond your careful planning you get out ahead of everyday issues as well as unexpected and challenging issues. I, personally, am grateful for your grounded and pleasant response to personal as well as school-wide issues. Your stately demeanor and kind smile convey confidence and ground all those around you.
Nicholas Mele
Jody, From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for your guidance, mentorship and constant motivation. Nearly a decade ago, I walked into this organization with a very limited set of skills as an educator, just a simple love for children and learning. Since then, you have taught me so many valuable lessons about both of those things. You taught me to see the absolute best in our children, even when they could not see it in themselves. You taught me to be a lifelong learner, and to never get complacent or comfortable. I have learned so much just by simply being around you! But that is what you do. You change the lives of not only our students but every single person that you encounter. Today we appreciate you for the amazing person and principal that you are! Happy Leadership Day!
Shawna Akene “I try to make it look easy, but the behind the scenes stuff is the challenge” -Stephen CurryFrank, thank you for the work that you have done to ensure that CHMS continues to power on throughout the many days that we are faced with. Your work and dedication to the mission is visible as you have navigated your first year as a DOO. I know that we can’t even imagine the hoops you have to go through but I know the force is with you. But one thing I can say is we appreciate what you have done and we are utterly grateful
Equel Easterling Thank you Ms. Jones for all that you do and will continue to do! Often times I refer to the example you set as a school leader as a source of inspiration each day. It still amazes me how you accomplish all that you do and continue to grow in your greatness. Your are an example for educators and school leaders not only within North Star but across this country as well. I am very fortunate to begin my career in education with a role model like yourself. I look forward to seeing how your legacy continues to grow!
Sonia Agokeng
Dear Frank, You are one of a kind! You always find the best ways to say things and the best ways to be yourself, and I admire that about you. It’s such a beautiful quality that I know you will pass on to baby Madyta. I also want to thank you for all of the hard work that you do every single day, it is no small feat to run an entire school, especially one that runs as well as Clinton Hill! Thank you for the efforts you put everyday into being better than the last, I appreciate your inovative mind, your fun and loving spirit and I appreciate your leadership!
Dennis Reilly Dear Jody, When I walk into our school every morning, I know that I will be supported and our students will thrive thanks to the hard work you’ve done. You always build up our buddies’ confidence, treat us teachers with kindness and fairness, and maintain a positive atmosphere throughout the building. (And now, a positive atmosphere throughout our homes!) I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to continue learning from you next year and I appreciate all the effort you put into helping me realize my potential to continuously become a better educator.
We Appreciate Your KINDNESS & SMILE
We Appreciate You MAKING US FEEL HEARD
“A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.” – William Hazlitt
"The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them." — Ralph Nichols
We Appreciate Your "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." LEADERSHIP -John C. Maxwell
We Appreciate Your STRENGTH
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve
MS. JONES, WE APPRECIATE YOU “At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer
MS. JONES WE APPRECIATE YOU
“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind.” – Lionel Hampton
MR. MADYTA WE APPRECIATE YOU “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – Gilbert C. Chesterton
MR. MADYTA WE APPRECIATE YOU
“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” – Henri Frederic Amiel
Dennis Reilly Dear Frank, Whether it’s a quick laugh in the Teacher Work Room, discussing Bocca on E 19th Street, or your constant availability to answer my questions, our interactions always brighten my day. Whenever I need help answering parent questions or finding supplies, you’re just always ready for it! I don’t know how you do it. The ship always looks like it’s running smoothly and you truly make us feel valued as teachers. Thank you so much for all that you do.
Aiesha Smith Olamiju Dear Mr. Madyta, You have been a blessing to our community. Thank you for attentiveness to our staff, students, and family’s needs. We appreciate the tireless work you do each day. Being a DOO is not easy, yet you hold this position with such positivity and grace. We appreciate the joy you bring to our community. Your work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your leadership. Happy Leadership Appreciation Day!
Rida Hasan Dear Frank, Happy Leadership Day! This is supposed to be a letter telling you why you make a wonderful DOO, but I am so excited to also tell you why you make a wonderful coworker and friend. You have brought so much color and life into Clinton Hill, figuratively and literally. I appreciate your consistent joviality, your unwavering composure, your insights, and your brilliance when it comes to things that we less-than-tech-savvy layfolk can only guess at. The difference there has been in just one short year since you’ve been with CHMS is amazing. It’s almost like we missed you before we knew you. Thank you for your hard work, commitment and dedication – your service to the kids, to the school, and to the staff is never less than your very best. Can’t wait to be back in Oz under your guidance, Wizard.
Mahmoud Abouelmakarem Dear Frank, I believe it takes a lot to become a leader of something as big as Clinton Hill! While we make sure to take care of a class or a whole cohort, you take care of everyone in the building including the kids and staff. Many say that it’s the teachers that mold and shape the students, but we wouldn’t be capable of remotely doing anything without you. To this day, I am still surprised by what you are capable of especially when I am at a complete loss on who I should talk to when in need of help. You’re like the jack of all trades! Not only are you a great person to work with professionally, but also someone who is sympathetic to both the staff and students. I only wish that the students and parents could fully grasp how much you do for us and them. I truly appreciate you and how you and your team are always so point with everything. From ensuring we have all necessary supplies to resolving emergency projector meltdown, you and your team are always ready! Also, I admire your bow ties!
Erin Dillane
Dear Frank, Thank you for ALL you do to make CHMS run smoothly. Much of what you do is behind-the-scenes, but it definitely does not go unnoticed! You’ve streamlined systems, you’ve completely redesigned the TWR, you’ve given up days off to oversee necessary building repairs to ensure not a moment of instruction is interrupted, you’ve answered countless questions about everything and anything, and so much more, all with a smile on your face and an eagerness to keep making CHMS the best of the best.
Vy Graham
Frank, you have been such a wonderful addition to the Clinton Hill community! I remember the first time we met- I immediately thought, “This man is going to bring some JOY!” And you DID! On top of co-leading the school, responding to constant requests and concerns, organizing the community, and doing ALL the things that help us function, you always do your work with joy. It’s incredibly inspiring to watch you multi-task and manage the school, while always maintaining a smile on your face. Thank you for all the warmth and humor you’ve brought into our community.
Larica Rose Hello Frank, the work that you do to ensure that teachers and students have the resources and support required, is deeply appreciated. You have gone beyond the call of duty to ascertain that in the face of uncertain challenges, the mission of CHMS is realized. The charisma that distinguishes your personality is that of patience, resourcefulness, politeness, humorous, empathy and articulate. These are the attributes that makes you a successful leader. Therefore, CHMS has been enriched by your talents which you utilize effectively and efficiently to fulfil our daily operational needs . You are skilled at your task and is always willing to assist those who require your service. Your Friendly approach is welcoming and embodies the spirit of UBUNTO. I salute you on Leadership Day and thank you for making CHMS hospitable and the best !
Lauren Masco
Dear Jody, joining Clinton Hill has forever changed me as an educator. I’ve never been surrounded by a more inspiring, hardworking, and committed staff and leadership team. When the days get long and the work gets difficult, I can always draw strength from watching you. You always keep pushing, keep fighting, and make every second of your day matter. You are so in tune with the pulse of your staff, students, and the culture of the school and you always try to make all of us feel seen and heard. You have seen and fostered strengths in me that I didn’t know I had. Thank you for always bringing out the best in me and our team and working tirelessly to build such an empowered community.
Aiesha Smith Olamiju
“There is no magic to achievement. It’s really about hard work, choices, and persistence.” - Michelle Obama
Dear Ms. Jones, this quote embodies who are you and the life long lasting impact you made on the entire staff, teachers, students, and families. Ms. Jones, you are an extraordinary person who I truly admire. Thank you for being the rock of our school. It has truly been an honor to work under your leadership for the past 7 years. You go above and beyond your call of duty with our students, staff, and their families. You are humble and never look for any glory based on the work you do. You are dedicated and work tirelessly. We are greatly appreciated of the work you do each day. Thank you for always holding the team accountable and setting the bar for Clinton Hill. Thank you for ALWAYS modeling what a great Leader should be! You are an inspiration to us all. We are so blessed to have you and I am so grateful you are our Principal. Happy Leadership Appreciation Day!
Vy Graham
To my fearless leader, Simply put, you are endlessly amazing and inspiring. It has been such a privilege to work for you and to have the opportunity to learn from you. I watch you day in and day out- everything you say and do is with the intention of providing support, love, and guidance. Because of this, you have been able to bring out the best in both students and teachers. You consistently maintain high expectations and remind our community of our ultimate goal- to close the achievement gap and pave the way for our buddies to go to college. However, while driving everyone to meet our goal, you never forget to show compassion, kindness, and love. Whether it be a simple 2 worded email, a warm smile, or a call to check in, you always seem to know what each individual in the community needs. Your intuition is mind blowing! Thank you for always knowing what to say and what to do and for building the magical village of Clinton Hill.
Carleta Garnett Jody, Every year we talk about how much growth I’ve made and how we are working on other aspects of my career. However, more than I always appreciate the levels to this great bond we continue to build. I value you in so many ways and I’m grateful to have you as my leader. I’m a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason. It was part of divine purpose for you and I to meet and for me to begin my journey as B.J (baby Jody – yes, people on staff call me this haha). I am grateful for stumbling upon this job and for being able to grow under your guidance with a career that I was meant to do! There are times when I become so frustrated by the nuances of our job and become flustered with confusion, but you are always there to guide me and to direct me. From our 4:30am check-ins to our in the hallway glances, I know that I am supported and loved by you and this makes all the difference. I know people sometimes still see me as a firstyear teacher, but you have always seen my potential and that is why I am where I am today. Jody, regardless of where the path of education takes me , I am so grateful for the many years I’ve spent with you at Clinton Hill. These moments have changed my life and my future. I walked in a very naive college grad and due to your diligence and patience , I am now a leader, a great teacher, a support system, and a stronger women. Thank you for being you and for never giving up on me. I love you, Jody, always!
Larica Rose First, let me start by saying Happy Leadership Appreciation Day! I could not have asked for a more inspiring leader to look up to. I just want to express my sincerest gratitude for taking a chance on me and giving me the opportunity to land my FIRST teaching opportunity. Being a woman of color, who will also become a principal one day, I can truly say I am being taught to lead by the BEST. Your attention to detail, the way you balance a firmness with our students but at the same time they know that you love them and care for them, are just somethings about you that I appreciate. I can only hope to become a portion of the leader you are one day. I have grown so much in the time I have been at Clinton Hill, and that is largely due to your guidance and impact. The way you have molded or have assisted in molding every teacher at Clinton Hill is undeniable. If it were not for you, I would not have had the chance of learning and being mentored by Ms. Masco! So, I say all of that to say, I appreciate you, we appreciate you and I hope you know we couldn’t do this job (at the level we are doing it) without you!
“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” – Karl Barth