The+Renaissance+Leadership+Academy+(MS+322)

Erica Zigelman is an absolute dynamo!!! Now commencing her 34th year with the New York City Department of Education (and 9th year as principal at MS 322), she has demonstrated herself to be a true professional in everything she does and has had a positive influence in the school. A graduate of the NYC Leadership Academy (Cohort 2), Ms. Zigelman was selected to mentor a future principal this year from The Academy (Cohort 11).

The wall space is well used for school policy promotion in an artistic and colorful manner. Corridors display boards with student work which are a pleasure better to read, and show pride in the schools achievements and goals. Students wear a school uniform throughout the campus wear to differentiate students in each school from each other.

In 2001, schools in the NYDOE enrolled up to 2500 students, and were led by a Principal and 6 Deputies. Jeff Piontek lead a change that has proven very effective. The schools were divided up, with a separate school and Principal allocated to each floor. They shared the cafeteria and lifts, entrances and schoolyards). Deputies were done away with, and schools became small communities of approximately 500 students.

MS 322 is expanding their ELL services. MS 322 was awarded a $20,000.00 grant to expand their Bilingual Programs. In September 2012, the school opened a Dual Language Program which services a diverse population of ELLS. Furthermore, during the 2011 - 2012 school year The Renaissance Leadership Academy (MS 322) was fortunate enough to receive a $240,000.00 Reso A Grant from City Councilman Ydanis Rodirguez. The monies were used to purchase the remaining SMARTBOARDS for every classroom as well as laptops. There is now a SMARTBOARD in every classroom. Every core academic content area now has a laptop cart specifically for student use. There is even a wireless; laser printer attached to each of the carts fix the new carts. September shall be an exciting time with parents, supporters and former teachers and students may now print their work when their assignments are completed. Additionally, state of the art iMAC desktop computers were also purchased for our Special ELL Program. For the 2012-2013 school year, The Renaissance Leadership Academy (MS 322) will be part of the iZone, allowing our students to take part in real life, hands-on learning. Through multiple resources available, students discover learning and self-manage their classroom knowledge. Nine additional laptop carts are available to the entire student population. It has been an exciting experience working with izone implementing the blended learning model through the use of the iLearn Platform. Students are being readied for college and their future careers.

What is great about this school:


 * MS 322 offers regents classes to our Distinguished Honors and Academic Scholars Program. In the eighth grade, students take the Living Environment Regents, Integrated Algebra Regents and Italian Proficiency Exam.
 * Film making club, technology club, as well as Girls and Boys Basketball Teams, Cheerleading, Dance, Soccer and Track and Field are part of our extended day enrichment activities. Students absolutely love participating in these activities. We are also part of Model UN Program and Global Partners Junior. Students are provided the opportunity to compete at the United Nations against other schools. Our Mock Trial Team competes at the Bronx County Courthouse.
 * We are the recipient of a $12,000.00 grant from Italian American Committee of Education (IACE) to further expand our Italian Program.
 * Students are given opportunities to improve their ability through: weekend programs (Saturdays 9-1), extended day programs, and summer sessions. Recently for the 2013 school year, MS 322 was the recipient of a three year 21st century grant which will continue through 2015-2016 school year. This grant allows MS 322 to partner with such organizations as Urban Arts, NY Hall of Science and so forth as well as provide additional after school enrichment activities.