PS 191

October 2, 2019

Dear families,

I am pleased to introduce myself as the Principal (Interim Acting) for the Riverside School for Makers and Artists. I could not be happier to be joining such a wonderful school. I would like to thank Ms. Keville for helping with my transition in so many important ways. My hope is that I am able to continue to build upon the strong school that Ms. Keville entrusted me.

I am a husband; a father of 7-year-old twins (a boy and a girl); a stepfather of a 26-year-old; a "father" of two guinea pigs, one fish, and one dog (my children would want me to include them in this note). I was born and raised in Staten Island, left only for college and then returned, until four years ago when I moved to Manhattan with my family and we live in an apartment in Stuyvesant Town (yes, with all those animals). Having helped raise my step son starting in middle school and having two children now in 2nd Grade, I have an appreciation for parenting and schools from both the educators' and the parents' perspective. That dual perspective influences who I am as a school leader.

Prior to joining the RSMA community, I served as a teacher, or administrator, in every level of education from nursery through higher education. Most recently, I was Assistant Principal of Middle Grades at NEST+m in Lower Manhattan. Before joining the NYC DOE at NEST+m, I spent 14 years in Catholic Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. In the Fall of 2018, I completed my doctoral studies at Seton Hall University in K-12 Leadership, Management and Policy.

What my experience and education has taught me is that good schools come from good relationships. Good relationships for everyone: students, teachers, and families. It is important to me that each person in our community is loved and cared for, and as we get to know each other better I hope that you will see that love and care in my actions and words.

I was so very excited today to meet your children and some of you! We will have more opportunities to get to know each other, and I'm looking forward to that. I hope to see you at the RSMA Cafe on Friday!

Steve Hernon
SHernon@schools.nyc.gov