Bronx Charter School for Better Learning

Last month at our graduation ceremonies, BBL had the opportunity to commemorate the cornerstone of our success and our enriched partnership with Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene (BBCN). We are forever grateful that BBCN provided us with a home 20 years ago when we housed our initial class of 50 students in their basement, our first students educated by four founding teachers: Dr. Ted Swartz, Dr. Daniel Tamulonis, Dr. Paula Hajar, and Mr. Shubert Jacobs. From the outset, BBCN believed wholeheartedly in our mission to provide students with a solid foundation for academic success through our unique learning approach. Their involvement is embedded in Bronx Better Learning’s DNA, forming a vital part of the foundation of our community-based educational organization. As a token of our sincere appreciation, we presented Bronx Bethany Church with a plaque expressing our gratitude for their immense support and collaboration over the decades. What better way to celebrate BBCN’s 60th Year Milestone and its tremendous commitment to our community? Thank you, Dr. Richard Griffiths and Pastor Joy, for delivering inspirational messages to our graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their educational journey—middle school! First photo, left to right: Mr. Bernie Ramirez, Director of Development, BBL Dr. Amanda Santos, Assistant Principal, BBL2 Dr. Richard Griffiths, Pastor, Bronx Bethany Church Mrs. Anne Clarke-Raysor, Principal, BBL2 Mr. Shubert Jacobs, Executive Director, BBL Second photo: Mr. Bernie Ramirez presenting Pastor Joy of Bronx Bethany Church with a plaque

The Bronx Charter Schools for Better Learning offer scholars a learning-centered, caring, rigorous academic experience -- and we're enrolling for the 2024-25 school year! Our learning-centered approach combines genuine love and care with the expectation that our students are more than capable of academic excellence; our students come to us with innate brilliance. Teachers are trained to become expert observers, assessing progress both in students and in themselves. We teach with the understanding that worthwhile learning does not always follow a straight line. That's why our classrooms use carefully designed instructional experiences to ensure coursework resonates meaningfully. You can find out more about our schools and the application process by following this link: https://lnkd.in/ecrimcwB

This past Saturday, July 6th, BBL hosted an Alumni Luncheon to reconnect with our former scholars. BBL educators and alumni, ranging from class years 2009 to 2019, were thrilled to have the opportunity to reconnect and celebrate successes, create new connections, and learn about BBL’s latest initiatives to increase community engagement. It was truly memorable to hear from former students and learn about their post-BBL endeavors. The afternoon was filled with nostalgia, words of admiration and encouragement from founding educators Dr. Daniel Tamulonis, Dr. Paula Hajar, and Pastor Joy, networking icebreakers, and to conclude the afternoon, with Mrs. Griffiths’ BBL pop quiz for giveaways. Thank you to our Guidance Department, Maureen Griffiths, Salian Guerrier, LaChandra McPherson, who spearheaded this initiative! In addition, a special thank you to Principal Mrs. Anne Clarke-Raysor, Assistant Principal Kiesha Comerie, and Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Stephanie Poillucci for sharing their heartfelt messages. We want our alumni to know they will always have our support as they embark on their endeavors in life. Stay tuned for more alumni engagements!

Bronx Better Learning and NineDot Energy discuss partnership at the Urban Future Forum: Equity in Piloting Climate Solutions held at NYU Executive Director of Bronx Better Learning Shubert Jacobs, together with Adam Cohen, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of NineDot Energy, this past week discussed the profound impact of their authentic collaborative partnership on the BBL Community and NineDot Energy. It was all part of the Urban Future Forum: Equity in Piloting Climate Solutions held at NYU's Civic Hall. Their discussion took place during the Pilots and Community Engagement panel, moderated by Sara B. Chandler, Managing Director of Equity & Access at Elemental Excelerator. Described as a "heaven-sent partnership," the collaboration stemmed from a shared mission focused on early childhood education and sustainable energy projects. It was sparked by a phone call in 2022 from Marilyn Maye, a member of the Board of Trustees, who was intrigued by a construction project near Bronx Better Learning. Adam Cohen highlighted NineDot's dedication to investing in the neighborhood for the greater community's benefit, particularly through enhancements to the local power grid. Mr. Jacobs emphasized the alignment of purposes and the development of their Enrichment Program, which offers STEM-focused educational opportunities. BBL's Karlene Buckle, who serves as the school's STEM Enrichment Manager, played a crucial role in spearheading this initiative, facilitating a creative and collaborative relationship between Bronx Better Learning and NineDot Energy. This partnership also fostered volunteerism among NineDot Energy employees who engaged with students to share the project's vision and collaborate on creating an Art Mural. This initiative significantly enriched community engagement, leaving an indelible impression on parents, students, faculty, and staff alike.

Calling our college graduates and young professionals who attended Bronx Charter Schools for Better Learning as kids! We want to reconnect with you this summer! Please join us for an Alumni Luncheon on Saturday, July 6th from 11am-1pm at the BBL 1 Campus located at 3740 Baychester Ave. If you can make it, please sign-up via the link below. We look forward to seeing you this summer and hearing about all of your wonderful post-BBL endeavors! #bxlearningalumni Please use this link to RSVP: https://lnkd.in/ePekhgpG

Calling our college graduates and young professionals who attended Bronx Charter Schools for Better Learning as kids! We want to reconnect with you this summer! Please join us for an Alumni Luncheon on Saturday, July 6th from 11am-1pm at the BBL 1 Campus located at 3740 Baychester Ave. If you can make it, please sign-up via the link below. We look forward to seeing you this summer and hearing about all of your wonderful post-BBL endeavors! #bxlearningalumni Please use this link to RSVP: https://lnkd.in/ePekhgpG