Simone says:

By Denae Brewer
Editor-in-chief

Mary Simone walks through the halls of C.E.S. 73 as if she has been there for years. Greeting everyone with a smile and a hearty hello, she stops only briefly to collect her papers before continuing her morning rounds. “This is a hectic job,” she confides. “I am rarely in my office and I love it.”

Ms. Simone enjoys the almost frantic pace her job presents. The newest member of the Highbridge community, she takes her role as interim principal at C.E.S. 73 very seriously. “I’m not just here from 9 to 5, I’m here all of the time.”

Establishing an “open door policy” early on, Ms. Simone believes that everyone is responsible for a child’s educational success. “I am here for the parent, children and staff alike,” she said. “I like to think of this as more then just a school. It’s a community—an extended family.”

Hand picked by District 9 superintendent Dr. Stanley Mims last June when Principal Linda Irrizarry resigned, Ms. Simone brings over thirty years of experience in education. In years past, Ms. Simone has been a teacher, a parent liaison, and helped train teachers who administer the English Language Arts exam to fourth and eighth graders.

“I have worked in all aspects of education, which gives me a greater understanding of all angles.

Dr. Mims touts her commitment. “She’s professional yet able to bring compassion to her job,” he said. “I know she’s the right fit for 73.”

Ms. Simone is hesitant in accepting praise all for herself. With absolute modesty, she said, “I owe a lot of how I do my job to Mr. [Louis] Ramunni,” principal of C.E.S. 163, where Ms. Simone worked for 27 years. “He had a very ‘hands on’ approach that richly affected my life,” she said. She also credits her mother for sculpting the concept of community support in all she does. “To this day my mom serves the community in which she lives,” Ms. Simone said. “She knows involvement is key to success.”

Ms. Simone intends to bring her past achievements to the school. C.E.S. 73, along with one-third of other city schools, is considered failing by educational standards. However, on last spring’s state and citywide math and reading tests, the children’s performance improved. “This is a new beginning with a new focus,” Ms. Simone said. “I would never ask someone to do more if I am not willing to do it myself. I have every intention of working hard towards success.”

Instead of the old “sink or swim” policy, District 9 now assesses each individual child’s needs. Ms. Simone applauds the approach. “Each child is different. If we can look at what works and what doesn’t, I’m sure this school and district will improve greatly.” She also feels that parental involvement is important. “I want to work in partnership with parents.” Citing the need for communication and understanding on all sides, she added, “It’s all about a support system. If one piece falls, then there’s someone there to pick it up.”

So far, parents embrace her “open door” policy. “She’s great,” said Olga Santos. “She’s out here everyday speaking to the parents and welcoming the children. That’s a different approach and I like it.”

It’s not just parents who feel at ease in Ms. Simone’s atmosphere. Everyone from support staff to teachers feel that the school will benefit in her hands-on approach. Commenting on Ms. Simone’s dedication—arriving most days hours before school begins and leaving way after it ends—Queenie Davison, a school aide, said, “I admire her dedication. She makes me feel that she really wants to be here and do the right thing for these children.”