NYC Department of Education - District 15 Superintendent
NYC Department of Education - District 15 Superintendent
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  • More
    • Home
    • Letters from Our Leaders
      • Letters from Supt. Skop
      • Letters from Chancellor
      • DOE Family Updates
      • Press Releases
    • D15 Celebrates
      • Black History Month
      • Women's History Month
    • District 15 Team
    • Principals Conference
    • Re-Opening/COVID Updates
    • Thank You!
    • D15 Schools
      • Elementary Schools
      • Middle/High Schools
      • Pre-K Centers
      • Virtual Tours
    • Leadership
      • DOE Leadership
      • Brooklyn North Leadership
      • CEC15
      • D15 Parents Rock!
    • PAR Process
    • D15 Diversity Plan
    • Teachers' Page
    • Resources & Links
      • Setting Up Lessons
      • Designed for Parents
      • Early Childhood/ELL/Sp Ed
      • Reading & Writing
      • Math/Science/Soc. Studies
      • Culturally Responsive
      • Yoga & Movement
      • Mindfulness/Mental Health
      • Music/Crafts/Art
    • DOE Programs in D15
      • Special Education
      • Multilingual Learners
      • Dual Language Program
      • Gifted & Talented
    • Family Welcome Centers
    • Photo Gallery
      • 2020
    • Important Information
      • DOE Calendar 2019-2020
      • Working Papers
      • Respect for All
  • Home
  • Letters from Our Leaders
  • D15 Celebrates
  • District 15 Team
  • Principals Conference
  • Re-Opening/COVID Updates
  • Thank You!
  • D15 Schools
  • Leadership
  • PAR Process
  • D15 Diversity Plan
  • Teachers' Page
  • Resources & Links
  • DOE Programs in D15
  • Family Welcome Centers
  • Photo Gallery
  • Important Information

(718) 935-3424

Welcome to School District 15

Welcome to School District 15Welcome to School District 15Welcome to School District 15

A Heritage of Excellence for All Children

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IMPORTANT UPDATES

District 15 Temporary Number

Wednesday, March 24 – Friday, April 9: Blended Learning Opt-In Window for Families

Wednesday, March 24 – Friday, April 9: Blended Learning Opt-In Window for Families

Our District 15 Office is temporarily closed due to the current pandemic.  If you need to reach us by phone please call 201-731-6507.  You may also email us at NYCDOED15@gmail.com

Wednesday, March 24 – Friday, April 9: Blended Learning Opt-In Window for Families

Wednesday, March 24 – Friday, April 9: Blended Learning Opt-In Window for Families

Wednesday, March 24 – Friday, April 9: Blended Learning Opt-In Window for Families

  • Families requesting to change from 100% remote to blended learning should complete and submit the Learning Preference Survey during this window. Families can also call 311 to complete the survey over the phone. Schools are encouraged to reach out to all 100% remote families for whom it is unclear whether they plan to opt in to blended learning or remain in remote-only learning to complete the survey. If a family that is currently opted into remote learning does not complete the survey indicating a preference for blended learning during this opt-in window, their student will remain fully remote.
  • Updates can be found at schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus.
  • As indicated in the survey, families that are interested in opting-in to blended learning in this upcoming window must submit student consent for mandatory weekly Covid-19 testing.

Keeping Our City Schools Safe with Weekly Testing

Parent University, New Online Resource for Families

Parent University, New Online Resource for Families

·  Weekly Testing: All schools will have 20% of students and staff randomly tested on a weekly basis.

·  Student Consent: All students in grades 1 and higher are required to provide consent for testing by their first scheduled in-person learning day. Families can submit consent using NYCSA or this updated paper form.  Students who do not submit consent will be transitioned to remote only learning.

Parent University, New Online Resource for Families

Parent University, New Online Resource for Families

Parent University, New Online Resource for Families

Schools Chancellor Carranza launched Parent University, a new online platform that offers a centralized catalog of courses, life events, and activities to help connect with families and support students.


Families can visit Parent University at https://parentu.schools.nyc/

D15 Districtwide Calendar - April 2021

Download PDF

District 15 Calendar 2020-21

No upcoming events.

D15 Town Hall in Support of Our AAPI Communities

Share your story. Show your support.

Friday, April 16, 2021

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. via Zoom


Please reach out to your school's Parent Coordinator for the Zoom link.  The link will be shared with D15 schools before the event.


Interpretations in Mandarin and Spanish will be available.

Download PDF
Download PDF
Download PDF

D15 Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

The Autism Rights Movement (ARM) 4/1/21

The Autism Rights Movement (ARM) 4/1/21

The Autism Rights Movement (ARM) 4/1/21

The Autism Rights Movement (ARM) is a branch of the neurodiversity movement that advocates for autism awareness and the eschewing of the medical model. The medical model focuses on finding a “cure” for autism, as well as implementing treatment programs to teach people with autism to act neurotypical.

Learn more: http://understandingtheurban.qwriting.qc.cuny.edu/2017/03/09/autism-rights-movementneurodiversity-movement/

Ryan Lowry (4/2/21)

The Autism Rights Movement (ARM) 4/1/21

The Autism Rights Movement (ARM) 4/1/21

A soon-to-be high school graduate started his job search in a unique way -- he wrote a candid open letter and posted it on LinkedIn. Ryan Lowry has autism and wants future employers to understand that while he may learn in a different way, he is worth taking a chance on.

Read about it here: https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/16/us/man-autism-linkedin-cover-letter-trnd/index.html 

Exceptional Minds (4/3/21)

The Autism Rights Movement (ARM) 4/1/21

Exceptional Minds (4/3/21)

Exceptional Minds’ three-year, full-time flagship Professional Training Academy is unique in that they combine the skills of artists, instructors, technicians, and behaviorists into a completely articulated curriculum based on idiographic, empirically validated principles of instructional design. They are the only autism education organization that provides technical instruction in the digital arts while fully integrating behavioral training into the curriculum. Their Employment Support Program provides work readiness training, job coaching, placements, troubleshooting, and employer education. 

Learn more: https://exceptional-minds.org/generalinfo/ 

Jesse Saperstein (4/4/21)

Jesse Saperstein (4/4/21)

Exceptional Minds (4/3/21)

Jesse A. Saperstein is a best-selling author, autism advocate and motivational speaker.  He is considered one of the most respected leaders in the Anti-Bullying movement of his generation.  Jesse also has a form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome (AS).  Individuals with Asperger’s are impaired by a profound lack of social skills, common sense, and resistance to change in routine.  But they are often enhanced by empathy, intellectual gifts, and morality.

Learn more about Jesse: https://www.jessesaperstein.com/ 

JT FireStarters (4/5/21)

Jesse Saperstein (4/4/21)

JT FireStarters (4/5/21)

JT FireStarters are a great way to light a fire in your fireplace, grill, wood stove, campfire, chiminea, or home fire pit! Each firestarter is handmade by Daniel, an adult with autism. Each purchase helps Daniel in "Taking My Own Path" towards independence. Daniel also hopes to employ more adults with autism in the future. 

Learn more: http://www.justtoops.com/ 

Anthony Ianni (4/6/21)

Jesse Saperstein (4/4/21)

JT FireStarters (4/5/21)

Anthony Ianni is one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country. At the age of 4 Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete and would likely live in a group institution with other Autistic kids for his adult life. His family was devastated but pledged they would help Anthony be successful no matter what. Anthony graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in sociology in 2012 and was a winner of various awards during his time as a basketball player. Learn more: https://raind.msu.edu/people/anthony-ianni 

DaniMation (4/7/21)

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (4/9/21)

Alexis Wineman (4/8/21)

DaniMation Entertainment is a cloud-based autism talent development company that produces original and contract Animation, Illustration, and Graphic Arts. Founded by Dani Bowman at age 14, the company has produced nine animated shorts, a PSA, and a Music Video premiering at San Diego Comic-Con, has illustrated 6 children's books available on Amazon and numerous commercial work. Bowman also travels around the country, teaching animation to teens and young adults with autism at summer camps, and speaking at autism and neurodiverse conferences about "Autism and the Importance of Inclusion of Neurodiversity in the Workforce". Learn more: https://danimationentertainment.com/ 

Alexis Wineman (4/8/21)

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (4/9/21)

Alexis Wineman (4/8/21)

Alexis Wineman is an autism advocate who was named Miss Montana 2012. She won the "America's Choice" award at the Miss America 2013 pageant and is the first known autistic contestant to compete in the Miss America pageant. When she made it to Miss America, she realized she wasn't just representing Montana, there was a much larger community, who like her longed to prove to others that their autism doesn't limit who they can become. She did not win Miss America in 2013, but she walked away with so much more--a purpose. With the scholarship dollars from Miss Montana and Miss America, she eventually graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL with a degree in Art and thanks to so many she continues to tour the United States speaking, advocating and showing the world that a label does not define autistic people. 

Learn more: http://www.alexiswineman.com/ 

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (4/9/21)

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (4/9/21)

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (4/9/21)

The mission of Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) is to provide community, support, and resources for Autistic women, girls, transfeminine and transmasculine nonbinary people, trans people of all genders, Two Spirit people, and all others of marginalized genders.  AWN Network is dedicated to building a supportive community where Autistic people can share their experiences in an understanding, diverse and inclusive environment. AWN is committed to recognizing and celebrating diversity and the many intersectional experiences in the Autistic community.

Learn more: https://awnnetwork.org/  

Temple Grandin (4/10/21)

Popcorn for the People (4/11/21)

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (4/9/21)

Dr. Temple Grandin is well known to many for her trailblazing work as a spokesperson for people with autism and her lifelong work with animal behavior. Dr. Grandin has been with Colorado State University (CSU) for over 25 years. Grandin has been referred to as the "most famous person working at CSU" by her peers. Her life’s work has been to understand her own autistic mind, and to share that knowledge with the world, aiding in the treatment of individuals with the condition. Her understanding of the human mind has aided her in her work with animal behavior, and she is one of the most respected experts in both autism and animal behavior in the world. Grandin shares her wealth of knowledge with her classes at CSU where she teaches the Graduate Animal Behavior and Welfare program and continues her research. She has no plans on stopping anytime soon.

Learn more: http://www.templegrandin.com/  

Popcorn for the People (4/11/21)

Popcorn for the People (4/11/21)

Popcorn for the People (4/11/21)

POPCORN FOR THE PEOPLE is a nonprofit established to create meaningful employment for individuals with Autism and disabilities. They aim to combat the current 80% Unemployment Rate in the Autistic community with the training and hiring of adults with Autism to create, cook, package, and sell uniquely flavored gourmet popcorn.

Learn more: https://www.popcornforthepeople.com/ 

Stephen Shore (4/12/21)

Popcorn for the People (4/11/21)

Popcorn for the People (4/11/21)

Dr. Stephen Shore is an autistic professor of special education at Adelphi University. He has written books that include: College for Students with Disabilities, Understanding Autism for Dummies, Ask and Tell, and Beyond the Wall.  Currently, he serves on the board of Autism Speaks, and is one of the first two autistic board members in its history, looking to improve the potential of those on the autism spectrum. He once headed the Asperger's Association of New England and was on the board of the Autism Society of America.

Learn more: https://drstephenshore.com/ 

The Asperger/Autism Network (4/13/21)

The Autism Community in Action (4/15/21)

The Asperger/Autism Network (4/13/21)

The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) helps people with Asperger's or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives.  The organization provides individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy — all in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect.

Learn more: https://www.aane.org/  

Kerry Magro (4/14/21)

The Autism Community in Action (4/15/21)

The Asperger/Autism Network (4/13/21)

Award Winning and Breakthrough Advocate Kerry Magro knew early on that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Kerry was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) a form of autism, at age 4. Growing up Kerry’s future was very uncertain. Today however, after countless hours of therapy and the support of a loving family, Kerry has conquered many of his challenges. Now as an adult Kerry is a professional speaker, best-selling author, movie consultant and non-profit founder.

Learn more: http://kerrymagro.com/  

The Autism Community in Action (4/15/21)

The Autism Community in Action (4/15/21)

The Autism Community in Action (4/15/21)

Formerly known as Talk About Curing Autism, The Autism Community in Action (TACA) is a non-profit organization. It provides education and support to individuals and families living with autism. According to its website, the organization’s vision is “for every individual diagnosed with autism to lead an independent life.”

Learn more: https://tacanow.org/ 

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu (4/16/21)

Autism National Committee (4/18/21)

The Autism Community in Action (4/15/21)

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is an educator, writer, public speaker, parent, and global advocate. She is passionate about human rights, justice, and inclusion. She is involved in various social justice advocacy endeavors including HIV awareness, learning via technology, research, gender, disability, and racial equity and other issues. A prolific writer, Morénike has written for and/or been featured in numerous blogs, abstracts, magazines, books, and other platforms, often drawing from her personal experiences as a late-diagnosed Autistic adult woman, a person of color, an Autistic parent of Autistic and non-Autistic children, and a survivor of intimate partner violence. 

Read more: https://morenikego.com/ 

Amy Gravino (4/17/21)

Autism National Committee (4/18/21)

Autism National Committee (4/18/21)

Amy Gravino is a certified autism specialist, college coach, speaker and author, amongst other things. Amy’s work particularly focuses on how autism affects women. She is heavily involved in ongoing autism research and is dedicated to supporting adults on the spectrum as they navigate their symptoms.

Learn more: https://www.amygravino.com/ 

Autism National Committee (4/18/21)

Autism National Committee (4/18/21)

Autism National Committee (4/18/21)

Autism National Committee (AutCom) is the first autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Autistics" through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. The organization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism and related differences of communication and behavior. 

Learn more: https://www.autcom.org/ 

DOE Teach-In: Segregation in our NYC Schools

Invite your friends and family to this eye-opening series of three sessions hosted by Brooklyn North CECs.

Register with this link: http://bit.ly//cec2021_teachin


Session 1 - April 5 @ 3pm

Session 2 - April 12 @ 3pm

Session 3 - April 19 @ 3pm

CEC15 Candidate Forum

Hosted by District 15 Presidents' Council

Meet the candidates running for your Community Education Council


Different candidates at each event - attend all forums

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm


Register here: https://learndoe.org/cec/candidateforum/

Download PDF

District 15 is Proud to be Part of:

The NYC Department of Education

The NYC Department of Education

The NYC Department of Education

NYC DOE Chancellor Richard A. Carranza

DOE Website

The Brooklyn North Office

The NYC Department of Education

The NYC Department of Education

Executive Superintendent Karen Watts

Brooklyn North Website

Our Superintendent

Anita Skop, District 15 Superintendent

Anita Skop has served as the Community Superintendent for District 15 in Brooklyn, NY, for the past ten years and has been an educator in the New York City school system for the past 35 years.  She has worked in a wide range of educational settings, having held teaching and leadership positions in early childhood, elementary and middle school educational programs. 

Your D15 Support Team

Meet Our Team

Back row, left to right: Cynthia Lascano, Christine Farrell, John McLaughlin, Maggie Desir-Hart, Ursula Koffer, Francisca Andino, Brenda Diaz, Gina Keller

Front row, left to right: Anita Skop, Kelly McGuire

D15 News to Celebrate

Please join us in congratulating Julie Cavanagh as the new Interim Acting Principal at P.S. 15

Julie began her service to PS 15 as special education teacher in 2001, where she eventually became a model classroom as part of city-wide program and helped to found the ACES program, a program for children with intellectual and multiple disability.  Today, ACES is a community schools based city-wide program that has expanded to include a fully inclusive program first piloted at PS 15.  In 2017, Julie became PS 15’s assistant principal under the leadership of then principal Peggy Wyns-Madison, her mentor over the course of her career at PS 15.  In January 2021, Julie became the Interim Acting Principal.  Julie believes in an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Justice, and Liberation Framework for teaching and learning.   


I believe in cultivating a climate, culture and community of healing, connection, and support.  I believe in student centered; student directed classrooms where children are leaders of their own learning.  Magic and joy are my mantra!  I am deeply honored to be able to serve the PS 15 and the Red Hook community in this new role.

Please join us in congratulating Lisa Pagano as the new Interim Acting Principal at P.S. 295

I am so proud to have been given the opportunity to become the Interim Acting Principal of PS 295. I started my career as a Kindergarten teacher and taught for 16 years in grades K, 1, and 3, before I moved on to becoming the Assistant Principal of PS 295. Being in the position to lead PS 295 during these difficult times and beyond is an honor that I don’t take lightly. I look forward to continuing the focus of building a school community that welcomes and celebrates all identities. My belief is through modeling and use of a more culturally responsive framework, we can work together to provide the best educational experience for all our children and help them to appreciate diversity and be leaders of change in the future.

Please join us in congratulating Neal Singh as the new Principal at M.S. 51

Neal Singh served as Assistant Principal of S.T.E.M at the Brooklyn High School of the Arts where he introduced numerous programs that prepared students for some of the most prestigious academic institutions and conservatories in the country. Previously, Mr. Singh taught for over 23 years on the elementary, middle, and high school levels where he was recognized for his passion and focus on holistically educating students.  

  

“I am so excited to get to know the students, parents, and staff of M.S. 51,” said Neal Singh “This is one of the most critical school years in our history and I am ready to jump in and get to work alongside the incredible educators of M.S. 51.” 

Please join us in congratulating Wanda Lopez-Ramirez as the new Principal at P.S. 1

I have the privilege of leading P.S. 1 The Bergen School as the IA Principal for this new school year 2020.  I am a multilingual language learner who attended P.S. 169 and P.S. 94 in Sunset Park.  My passion for working with young students led me to pursue a career in teaching.  I began my career as a substitute teacher and then pursued a teaching degree in bilingual education.  As the years passed, I wanted to have a greater impact on a larger number of students and teachers; hence, I pursued an administrative degree.  In 2014, I joined P.S. 1's administrative and instructional team.  I look forward to continuing being an advocate for all our students.  Currently we are dealing with unprecedented times in the world and in education.  I am confident that my team and I will be able to provide the support that our school community and our families need to make any transition less stressful.  Thank you for allowing me to support all efforts and work towards a better tomorrow.

Please join us in congratulating Maria Diaz as the new Principal at P.S. 24.

It is an honor for me to be serving as Principal of PS24. I have dedicated the past eighteen and a half years to serving the PS24 community as a parent, advocate, teacher and literacy coach. Throughout my tenure at 24,  I have built lasting relationships with my students' families and the Sunset Park community. I believe that people learn from those they know care about them and respect them. I will continue to ensure that we nurture the whole child and that all of our students have an equitable education. We got this 24!  - Maria Diaz, Principal P.S. 24

Please join us in congratulating Stephanie Parsons as the new Principal at P.S. 130

Stephanie Parsons is the principal of PS 130, The Parkside School, in Brooklyn, New York. She has been an assistant principal, literacy coach and teacher in New York City public elementary and middle schools, as well as an independent literacy consultant and a staff developer with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project and LitLife.

Flow Yoga for NYCDOE Employees & Families

Join D15 TDEC Ursula Koffer

Wednesdays from 7:30 am to 8:15 am

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82311248325?pwd=WTFkZlRlV1FqOG4vOFVxSzhJUCtGQT09  

 Meeting ID: 823 1124 8325 Passcode: 203616 

Mommy and Me Yoga Wednesday 2:30-3:00 PM

Meeting ID meet.google.com/ike-doso-aoy

Free Mommy & Me Yoga Wednesday 2:30-3:00 PM

Mommy and Me Yoga will meet every Wednesday from Oct. 21 until Winter Break from 2:30-3:00 PM 

Link below:

Meeting ID meet.google.com/ike-doso-aoy  


Phone Numbers (‪US‬) ‪+1 970-400-1388‬ PIN: ‪525 822 739#‬.

District 15 SLT 2020-21 Meeting Dates

Download PDF

Community Take Out Meals in NYC

Currently, the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS) offers  take - out meals to Student Remote Learners from 9 – 12PM and Community Adult meals from 3-5PM.  


Find a Take-Out Meal Location Near You 

Find a Take-Out Meal Location

What's on the Menu·  

See what's on the menu for free breakfast and lunch this month.·  Dates, locations, and menus are subject to change. 

Download PDF

Contact Us

NYC DOE District 15

131 Livingston Street - Room 301

Brooklyn, NY 11201

(Between Smith St and Boerum Place)

A, C, F, R to Jay St./Metrotech

4, 5 to Borough Hall 

Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


(718) 935-3424

Hablamos español


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