June 8, 2026

Dear Families,                             

On Monday, shortly before dismissal, our superintendent, Dr. Kristy De La Cruz, sent a letter naming an interim acting principal for Central Park East I. 

The superintendent’s letter contains key information.  This letter is just an extra welcome to CPE1’s next principal, Sandy George.

Sandy comes to CPE1 after four years as assistant principal of another East Harlem school, PS 7.  Prior to that, Sandy worked as a special education teacher in Brooklyn.  She has specialized experience teaching autistic students – vital expertise for any public school, including CPE1.       

Around our district, Sandy is known as a calm, purposeful listener who connects well with families.  Starting in July, Sandy will begin forming those connections at CPE1.

Sandy’s first, official day will be my last.  Before then, I will prepare extensively for a smooth transition.  I plan to provide detailed information that any new principal would need for summer, the start of school, and beyond. 

Sandy continues to work as assistant principal of a larger school.  Before July 1, her first obligations remain with PS 7.  She will be invited to visit CPE1 if her schedule allows, and to spend time after the final day of school getting up to speed on CPE1’s budget, curriculum, outdoor space, classroom space….

I am grateful to our district leaders, Dr. Kristy De La Cruz and Dr. Lisa Reiter.  Their one, strictly bureaucratic requirement was to name an interim acting principal by July 1.  They did much more: surveying the community about hopes for the next principal; meeting repeatedly with staff and families; allowing candidates to visit informally to confirm interest in the school; and eventually, supporting a careful transition by announcing the interim acting principal early.  

Now, it’s a delight to welcome that interim acting principal.  I am happy to support Sandy’s start, and to wish her lots of success at CPE1.

Community Coffee on Friday

This Friday morning at 8:30, please come to June’s community coffee.  Join other families in the library for coffee, conversation, and community.

Final Sing and Goodbyes

Next Monday, June 15, will be the final All-School Sing this school year.  Per school tradition, everyone who will not return in September is invited to stand as we sing “When I’m on My Journey”.   I will stand with fifth graders.  Some younger students will stand, too.

If you know your family will not return in September, please tell your child’s teacher this week.  Each child deserves a proper goodbye.   An emotionally complete sendoff means your child would go home with a portfolio of their work, and would have classmates share what they’ll miss about your child.

Informing the school is especially important if your child is currently in pre-K.  We still have some current pre-K students on the waitlist for kindergarten, so if you have a pre-K child who will not return in September, please let us know as soon as possible.

In the meantime, try to make it to June 15’s All-School Sing.  It’s moving to see children stand (and cry) for “When I’m on My Journey”.  We close out one year together before Love Grows again in September.

I will see you at our parent association meeting this Tuesday morning at 8:30, and community coffee on Friday at 8:30.