A diverse large middle school on the upper east side in a great neighborhood. A school in transition. After some great years under Principal Wittikind, this school declined under Principal Penzel and now is under Principal Rehn. Students are fortunate if they can get into the music program which is excellent. Few students are in the 'general' classes, most qualify for the 'sp' or special progress classes. Quieter students are easily overlooked. Parent-Teacher conference days are a complete zoo. Classes are too large, teachers can be overwhelmed though some are dedicated and experienced with handling large numbers of adolescents. Guidance counselors are excellent and accessible and really listen to parents' and student's preferences and try to guide you to the right match. Students are allowed to go out for lunch but when they don't get back to school on time, latenesses accumulate on report cards. Maybe they should try a new policy where the kids could enforce themselves - late once, no outdoor lunch for a week; late the 2nd time, no lunch out for a month; late 3rd time, no more outdoor lunch.
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