By: Helen Grenade
November 23, 2021
The past has been written, the present designed, and the future is devised around Kerry Powers, Assistant Principal of the Manhattan School for Children, PS 333 in Manhattan, New York. Miss Powers believes that if life for her students is to be meaningful, if freedom to education is to have any substance, if opportunity is to have any promise in life in a complex community in this beautiful country and education is to have any quality, we as educators must make it possible for our students to begin fashioning rational responses to issues affecting them in this beautiful country.
According to Assistant Principal Powers, “Our students are the leaders of tomorrow, and my job is to assist in the advancement of their lives.” She is determined to implement a framework for the development of her students and her prodigious talent has made her somewhat of a legend in national education, and as a result she is transforming the lives of her faculty, support staff, students and parents, because she is committed to involving young people in meaningful decision making. Her destiny has called on her to do her best and she is delivering.
Miss Powers has often said “Every now and then we may meet a roadblock in our lives, but roadblocks make the prepared person work even harder, pushing to excel well above what’s expected of them. She definitely knows how important it is to keep her students organized and well informed in their class work and also in their communities and beyond, recognizing that the students must be equipped with the right tools to be successful. Her highly skilled support team is made up of people of excellence, who are influential in the success of her junior high school from kindergarten to eight grade, people who motivate and give her the support and encouragement to create a positive momentum for her staff and students. The hardworking professionals at The Manhattan School for Children PS 333 deserve the highest accolades for the support and inspiration they have given to Assistant Principal Powers over the years.
There is always hope, and Assistant Principal Powers gives her students hope, and is a strong influence on what her students have achieved, she has the true characteristics and qualities of a good educator. She does not make idealistic promises but realistic ones and her students see her as someone who cares. She is the perfect example of an effective leader. Even though some things have changed significantly for women, who are qualified and are trying to achieve positions of leadership in the field of education, there is still significant challenges the difference when they participate in educational decision making. A good and accountable person Miss Powers is always ready to render accurate accounts of how the school resources are used and the outcomes and output of such utilization, her integrity is above reproach. Woman educators, for reasons we don’t understand, find it is so very difficult to become major stakeholders in educational leadership.
Assistant Principal Powers, has addressed the educational and socio-economic challenges facing teachers, students and disadvantaged groups with the view to decreasing this serious dilemma to enhance their educational interest. She is so energized and has gone on to set a solid foundation that has started a movement that is making a difference and has started the transformation, where every student will benefit. Miss Powers along with Principal Claire Lowenstein, is having a transformative influence on the student’s, they stand together and their achievements contributions have a major impact on the lives of the students and the community. This exceptional Principal and Assistant Principal are recognized by the faculty and students for their contributions to education and the community, they are giants in the field of education, and they stand apart due to the extent of their achievements.
The students of the Manhattan School for Children, PS333 during this Covid-19 pandemic, are displaying a depth of commitment to their education. Though disheartened by the effect of the Pandemic and the untimely death of countless teachers and staff, due to the Pandemic throughout this difficult period, Miss Powers understands that the educational system and educators require commitment and sacrifice. This Covid-19 Pandemic has affected everyone, and she is doing everything she can, from whatever positions to find ways to help those who are suffering because of the Covid-19 virus.
Assistant Principal Powers, is the epitome of a patriot who believes in giving back to her community and these past few months have certainly deepened and broadened her understanding of all the challenges that we face here at the school that effects the community. She admonishes her students “To listen to counsel that could be beneficial to them in the long run, especially as they begin their journey into adulthood, and strive to be more diligent in what they want to accomplish in their lives”. It is rare to find a person who exhibits such conviction and a willingness to listen to others, she actually listens and responds to all the concerns of her students. Miss Powers is both pragmatic and realistic, she has a pretty good idea of the educational challenges that are facing this beautiful nation.
Miss Powers is about representing her school, whether it means getting funds to help students; implementing programs for the young and elderly; spending hours on conference calls; or spending time with various groups in the community, she works tirelessly on issues pertaining to education. She is an articulate and passionate spokesperson for the view that schools cannot continue to try the same failed strategies and expect a different result, instead, she advocates for a new paradigm that might generate better results. In her years as an Assistant Principal, she has distinguished herself by energetically and intelligently contributing her insights, time and efforts in support of educational associations and varied other initiatives.
Her passion, knowledge and leadership skills have been invaluable to this community.
In recognition of her contributions and achievements, Miss Powers has been the recipient of numerous accolades for her professional accomplishments and her clear determination to be an independent voice and watchdog for her community. She believes that in today’s world, no country can prosper or advance without an educated population, therefore, no child should be denied access to quality education. We have to remember that education is the responsibility of the family and the school and it is imperative for families provide a nurturing and supportive environment for all children. We all have to be involved in strengthening our young people who, in future, will have the daunting task of governing the world.
Helen Grenade is a contributor to the Caribbean Magazine Plus and a Grenadian living in New York City.
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God bless the entire staff at MSC 333 who make it happen for the students.