Building citizens & scholars

By Destinee Geffrard There’s a difference between you and IYou live in the momentWhile life passes me byIndulging in your guilty pleasuresAs I scrape up an alibi Your skin gives you immunityMy skin is a death penaltyYou’re safe in your communityWhile I live in mine dreadfullyYou can question authorityBut me? I’d be beaten brutally Your pain is empathizedMy pain is criminalizedYour intelligence isn’t questionedYet, mine is always a surpriseYour youth screams innocenceWhile mine is sexualized You’re young & free spiritedI’m fast & too grownYou can voice your opinionWhile I hear “Lil girl you need to watch your tone”Everywhere is your safe placeBut my home is not even my own You’re respectedI’m neglectedYou’re protectedI’m suspectedYou’re acceptedI’m rejectedYet, no matter how resentedMy spirit will never be effectedAnd that’s the difference between you and I

By Becky Marder Education has always been more than just a career for me—it’s a calling. For as long as I can remember, I have loved teaching and learning. Now, for the last six years, I’ve had the privilege of working at PAVE Academy where my journey has taken me from teaching first grade to kindergarten, and now to my current role as K-2 Academic Dean. Through each phase, my passion for fostering academic growth, emotional resilience, and a love for learning has only deepened. Discovering My Passion for Education Growing up, I was inspired by teachers who believed in me and pushed me to reach my full potential. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be the kind of educator who could inspire that same sense of possibility in others. You can ask my sister – I used to force her to play endless hours of “school” with me! When I joined PAVE Academy as a first-grade teacher, I quickly realized that teaching wasn’t just about delivering lessons—it was about creating an environment where children could thrive both academically and emotionally. Every year, from Swarthmore Phoenix to Juicy Oranges, each student brought a set of strengths to the classroom, and my job was to help them recognize and build upon those strengths. I learned that success in the classroom often isn’t just about what students learn academically; it’s about creating an environment that supports their emotional growth and resilience. Every breakthrough, no matter how small, reminded me why I became an educator in the first place. Transitioning from First Grade to Kindergarten After several years teaching first grade, I transitioned to teaching kindergarten. The shift came with its own set of challenges, but it also deepened my understanding of the importance of early education. Kindergarten is a time of significant growth—both academically and socially—and it was during this period that I truly grasped the significance of laying a strong foundation. As a Syracuse Juicy Orange, I focused not only on teaching basic academic skills like reading and math but also on helping students navigate their emotions and build social skills. For many children, school is the first place they learn how to interact with their peers, manage frustrations, and follow routines. The emotional growth that happens in those early years is just as critical as the academic development, and I learned the importance of creating a safe, nurturing space for children to explore their world and their feelings. What I also learned during my time in kindergarten was the crucial role of family engagement. Parents and caregivers play an essential part in a child’s educational journey, and building strong partnerships with families helped us meet the needs of our students more effectively. Whether through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, or workshops, I learned how vital it is to make families feel connected to the school community. Moving into Leadership: Becoming an Academic Dean As I gained experience, I was given the opportunity to take on more leadership roles, and this year I transitioned into the position of K-2 Academic Dean. This role was a significant shift for me, moving from direct classroom teaching to supporting the broader school community. Now, my focus is on helping teachers develop and implement a curriculum that is both rigorous and culturally relevant while ensuring all students have the resources they need to succeed. Becoming an Academic Dean has been an incredibly fulfilling challenge. In this role, I have the opportunity to mentor teachers, lead professional development, and advocate for school-wide policies that promote our PAVE Core Values. I’ve also had the chance to shape school-wide initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes, including creating systems to address achievement gaps and promote a positive school culture. The shift from teaching individual students to supporting an entire school community has been eye-opening. I’ve learned that a thriving school is built on collaboration, where teachers, staff, and leadership work together to meet the needs of every child. The Importance of Relationships Throughout my time at PAVE Academy, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of relationships. Whether as a teacher or now in my leadership role, the relationships I’ve built with students, families, and colleagues have been at the core of my work. Education is about much more than just content—it’s about connection. Students thrive when they feel seen, heard, and supported, and this applies to teachers as well. At PAVE Academy, we’ve worked hard to create a culture where relationships matter. As an Academic Dean, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with teachers, offering support and guidance as they navigate the complexities of their classrooms. When educators feel supported and empowered, they can provide better learning experiences for their students. The same goes for families: when parents and caregivers feel involved and heard, their children benefit from that connection. Looking Ahead My journey at PAVE Academy is far from over. As I continue in my role as Academic Dean, I’m excited about the future of education and the role PAVE Academy will play in shaping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. I’m passionate about ensuring that all students, regardless of where they start, have access to a high-quality education that sets them up for success. Education is a dynamic, ever-evolving field, and I’m committed to continuously growing, learning, and adapting to meet the needs of our students and educators. The work I do is grounded in the belief that education has the power to transform lives, and every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Ultimately, it all comes down to one simple truth: a belief in the transformative power of education. That’s why I show up every day—whether in the classroom or in my leadership role—ready to give my best for the students of PAVE Academy and for the future of education.

By Margaret Bates-Hunt Director of Student Support Twelve years ago, I walked through the doors of PAVE with an open heart and a deep commitment to supporting every student’s success. Today, as the longest-serving staff member, I reflect with immense pride on my journey here, the growth I’ve witnessed, and the values that have made this school my home away from home. PAVE is not just a place of learning; it’s a community where every child, no matter their needs, is celebrated and empowered to thrive. At PAVE, our core values—Bright Starts, Vibrant Futures; Love is Justice; More Than a School; No Limits; and Lift Every Voice—guide everything we do. These principles resonate deeply in my role as Dean of Student Support Services, where I oversee the programs and practices that ensure all students, especially those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), receive the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to shine. Bright Starts, Vibrant Futures Every student deserves a strong foundation, and at PAVE, we take that responsibility to heart. Our educators work tirelessly to create bright starts for our scholars, understanding that the skills and confidence built today shape their vibrant futures tomorrow. For students with IEPs, this means crafting individualized plans that honor their unique strengths and address their specific challenges. From small-group instruction to tailored accommodations, our team ensures that every child begins their day with the support they need to succeed. As a leader, I’m privileged to guide this work by coaching our incredible ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching) teachers, related service providers, and SETSS (Special Education Teacher Support Services) instructors. Together, we collaborate to implement strategies that are research-based, inclusive, and, most importantly, student-centered. Watching our students grow—academically, socially, and emotionally—is a constant reminder of the power of intervention and intentional support. Love is Justice At PAVE, we believe that love is justice. When we approach education with love, we affirm the dignity, worth, and potential of every child. This value is especially poignant in our work with students who learn differently. By fostering an inclusive environment where differences are celebrated, we give our students the message that they belong and are capable of greatness. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless moments where love translated into life-changing progress for our students. Whether it’s a teacher’s persistence in finding the right strategy for a struggling reader, or a social worker’s dedication to helping a child find their voice, these acts of love remind us that education is not just about academics; it’s about humanity. More Than a School PAVE is more than a school; it is a second home for our students, families, and staff. For me, this community has been a place of profound connection and growth. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of building relationships with families, advocating for students, and witnessing the transformative power of partnerships between school and home. Supporting students with IEPs often requires collaboration that extends beyond the classroom. Our team works closely with families to ensure they feel informed, empowered, and included in their child’s educational journey. Together, we celebrate milestones, navigate challenges, and share in the joy of our students’ successes. These partnerships are a testament to the belief that we are stronger together. No Limits At PAVE, we refuse to place limits on what our students can achieve. This mindset is the driving force behind our approach to special education. We believe that all students, regardless of their needs, can excel when provided with the right support and high expectations. We want to ensure that every student has access to the tools they need to become confident, capable readers. By equipping our teachers with evidence-based strategies and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we’re breaking down barriers and opening doors for our scholars. Lift Every Voice Finally, we are committed to lifting every voice. At PAVE, we recognize the power of student agency and the importance of listening to the voices of those we serve. For students with IEPs, this means creating opportunities for self-advocacy, building their confidence, and ensuring their perspectives are heard and valued. In my role, I strive to amplify the voices of all students by fostering an environment where differences are celebrated and where every child feels seen, heard, and respected. Whether it’s through classroom discussions, schoolwide events, or one-on-one conversations, we work to empower our students to take pride in who they are and to embrace the limitless possibilities before them. A Home Away from Home As I reflect on my 12 years at PAVE, I am filled with gratitude. This school has been my home away from home, a place where I’ve grown alongside our students and staff, and a community that has shaped me as an educator and a person. I am proud to be part of a team that works tirelessly to ensure that all students—no matter their needs—are given the opportunity to thrive. Thank you, PAVE, for 12 incredible years. Here’s to continuing our mission, lifting every voice, and creating bright starts and vibrant futures for every scholar who walks through our doors.