Introduction Letter from Principal Glowacki and Assistant Principal Pena

Principal Glowacki Letter to Students and Families

Dear Students and Families,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your new Principal of Gidney Avenue Memorial School. It is an honor to become your Principal. I accepted this position with the understanding it comes with great responsibility. 

My teaching career began in Hawaii where I assisted in cultivating a more inclusive learning environment by implementing Integrated Co-Teaching at the school. I later gained great teaching experience as a Special Education teacher and founding member of the Peck Slip School in New York City.

My introduction to the Newburgh Enlarged City School District came when I was hired as a Supervisor of Exceptional Learners. It has been a privilege supporting our students with disabilities in Newburgh. As a Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education, I have focused on high quality, data-driven, dialogue with parents and guardians. My goal is to ensure these families understand the special education process, are aware of their child's strengths and weaknesses, and comprehend the instructional strategies being implemented by our team.   

Over the previous four years, I served as the Principal of Horizons-on-the-Hudson Magnet School. As a result of consistent, data focused and systems-oriented leadership, I was able to restore and improve the culture of the building for all stakeholders. Through collaboration with the stakeholders, we were able to decrease disciplinary referrals and improve student achievement on both local and New York State Assessments. 

In order to shift to a culture centered on the needs of all children, I have been strategic in creating time in the master schedule to meet with teachers to discuss scholar’s strengths and areas of improvement. In addition, I created multiple tools to monitor, assess and engage teachers in data-driven conversations.

Throughout my time in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, I have had the opportunity to spend time at Gidney Avenue Memorial School and have witnessed and felt a deep belief that all students can and will learn. I am beyond excited to get to know all of the amazing families and students and am looking forward to establishing a wonderful working relationship. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out at any time.

Assistant Principal Pena Letter to Students and Families 

Dear GAMS Families,

My name is Rosalie Pena and I am the new Assistant Principal at GAMS. I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to the 2022- 2023 school year. I am very excited to join the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. I am transitioning from NYC, where I served the New York City Department of Education for over fifteen years. A little bit about myself: I was born in Puerto Rico but moved to the Bronx at an early age. There I encountered many wonderful teachers who inspired me to get into the education field. I truly love working with children and their families to bring wonderful and enriching learning experiences like the ones I had growing up. I am a wife and mom of three wonderful children. I love spending time with my family and reading great books. 

I have been spending this summer at GAMS getting acquainted with the building and settling in. Our Principal Mr. Glowacki and I have been working very hard on getting things ready to welcome back our students in September.

I cannot wait to meet and begin working with all the students and families. I believe in the importance of working together. Therefore, please expect opportunities for you to join me and the staff in various activities throughout the school year. 

In the meantime, please enjoy the rest of the summer. Make sure you do something special for yourself and make wonderful lasting  memories with your family. 

I look forward to seeing you soon.