July 22, 2026

“Education is about helping children find their voices, and helping them to learn to listen to the voices of others.” - Deborah Meier

Dear CPE 1 Families, 

My name is Sandy George, and it is with great gratitude and excitement that I introduce myself as the Interim Acting Principal of Central Park East 1. I am honored to join this community. As I step into this role, I do so with deep respect for the school’s history, a commitment to listening and learning, and an appreciation for the trust this community has placed in me. 

I have had the privilege of serving students and families as a special education teacher, instructional coach, and Assistant Principal. In each of these roles, I have been committed to creating learning environments where children are known, valued, challenged, and inspired. Along the way, I have learned that children learn best when they are actively engaged, taking ownership of their learning, and experiencing joy throughout the process. 

These beliefs are what draw me so strongly to Central Park East 1. For decades, CPE 1 has stood as a model of progressive education, grounded in the belief that children learn most deeply when they are active participants in their learning. One of the traditions that resonates more with me is work time, which is the dedicated part of the school day where students engage in sustained inquiry, pursue meaningful projects, explore ideas, collaborate with peers, and develop questions worth investigating. Work time reflects the kind of educational experience I wished for as a child and have strived to foster throughout my career.

In the coming months, my first priority will be listening. I look forward to hearing your hopes for your children, learning more about the traditions that make this community so special, and understanding how we can continue to strengthen the experience of every learner at CPE 1. I am inspired by the school’s history and energized by the opportunity to work alongside this community as we continue its story together. By honoring the principles that have guided CPE 1 since its founding while remaining responsive to the needs of today’s children and families, we can ensure that this magical school in East Harlem continues to flourish. 

Thank you for welcoming me into this extraordinary community. I am excited to learn alongside you and honored to begin this next chapter. 

With excitement, 

Sandy George
Interim Acting Principal
Central Park East 1