The Harlem Link Ink.
Fall 2016 quarterly newsletter of Harlem Link Charter School
Special Times and Special Guests at Harlem Link!
Ms. A'Leila Bundles entertained and inspired at our June 2016 graduation ceremony as she made parents laugh with light banter, and gave students the charge to see themselves as future Supreme Court Justices and world leaders. Ms. Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter of Madame C. J. Walker, is a renowned journalist, historian, author, and former producer and executive with ABC News.
Harlem Link Ink caught up with her to reflect on the graduation as the school year began. Check out her reflections below.
What do you remember most about the event?
"The spirit of the students! I understood the sacrifices that the families made to get the students to where they were. I remember watching the confidence of the students as they gave their speeches. I could tell how devoted the teachers were; each child is so valued by the teachers and staff, it was very special!"
What drives your interest in education?
"I have benefited greatly from having a great education. I believe that society needs good elementary schools. It's important for everyone to know what's happening in education".
What do you think makes Harlem Link different?
"I was impressed with the founders and teachers, and their obvious dedication to students and families. I admire them deeply".
In speaking with Ms. Bundles it's clear that she is more interested in talking about educational access for all, our school and students than about herself and her wonderful accomplishments. Ms. Bundles was just lovely, and we hope that she will visit us again soon!
For more on Ms. Bundles, check out this article, where she was featured in the Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/black-wealth-racism-and-the-legacy-of-the-legendary-madam-cj-walker/2016/08/31/50783e3a-5905-11e6-9767-f6c947fd0cb8_story.html!
Derek & Mame present a memento
The crowd was inspired and entertained
Ms. Bundles addresses the graduates
Click here to donate to our program!
After All After-School Program-- Harlem Links meets the needs for our families and students!
Making after-school exciting, engaging, and enriching...
The After All after-school program offers academic enrichment and recreational opportunities to students in K-5th grade. It serves as an extension of the school day, allowing for students to continue learning, have fun, and feel supported in a familiar and safe environment.
In addition to a range of fun classes like drumming, comic book club, and mixed sports, After-all participants will also receive homework support, and attend anti-bullying workshops. For more information visit our website at http://www.harlemlink.org/afterall.html. You may also contact, After All, Executive Director, Eugene Campbell at ecampbell@harlemlink.org.
Arts & Crafts
Movement & Dance
Extracurricular Physical Education
Spotlight On Alumni... Meet Amaya!
Alumni Profile: Amaya Santiago
“Harlem Link is honestly the best place ever because they helped me become a person. I wouldn’t be the person I am now if it weren’t for Harlem Link.” Amaya Santiago shared this sentiment at her 8th grade alumni reunion last fall.
In June, her grandmother Marilyn Raymo-Rahmsat, emailed Mr. Evangelista the second picture below letting him know that Amaya was valedictorian at the graduation of Summer on the Hill, a seven-year long summer and Saturday program at the prestigious Horace Mann School. “Just wanted to thank you and the teachers at HLCS for Amaya’s beginning,” she wrote. “We couldn’t have done it without your visions for the scholars at HLCS and for this I am truly grateful.”
Harlem Link encouraged Amaya and Link classmate Lamarr (pictured) to apply for the program when they were second graders. When they were fourth graders, Harlem Link teacher Jennifer Holliman coordinated their application to the Center School, a selective, progressive public middle school on the Upper West Side, along with two other Link students. They have been challenged and thrived.
This fall, Amaya begins high school at the highly sought-after Beacon School. She is also applying to become an After All after-school Program Aide at Harlem Link.
This is what our Start to Finish alumni program is about – always thinking about our students’ futures and always providing opportunities to give back. We are proud of you, Amaya!
Spotlight On Staff... Meet Mr. Group!
We are so lucky to have the staff that we do at Harlem Link. EVERYONE who works here is dedicated to students and families, committed to his or her fellow colleagues, and extraordinarily talented! To write this issue's staff spotlight I was able to catch up with one of our top team players, a staff member that is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty!
Staff Spotlight - Andrew Group, Director of Operations and Human Resources
How long have you served at Harlem Link?
"I am currently in my 2nd year!"
What does your day to day look like? What are you responsible for?
"I oversee enrollment, main office, school facilities, building council, purchasing, ordering, just to name a few. I also work closely with the attendance team!"
Why Harlem Link?
"Harlem Link offers a great environment with great individuals who share my drive to reform public education."
Can you share a memorable "Harlem Link" moment?
"I remember enrolling the 84th student in Kindergarten last year. The expansion of Kindergarten last school year created additional seats for our K class. The day we enrolled the 84th student and could officially close the grade was a true success! It was a big accomplishment that a lot of people helped to achieve."
What was your favorite subject in school?
"History. Always history. Loved Social Studies and was a History major in college."
Mr. Group is super fun, helpful, and resourceful! If you have any questions about enrollment, operations, or human resources, you can email him at agroup@harlemlink.org.
Thank you for all that you do, Mr. Group!
Harlem Link Holiday Extravaganza and Exhibition
Join us for an exciting event that will be fun for the entire family! Come out to learn more about the After All After-school program, see our students perform, and have a festive beverage or treat! This event will be free to the public but we are requesting a $25 donation and are looking for sponsors!
For more information contact After All Executive Director Eugene Campbell via info@harlemlink.org.
Thursday, Dec 1, 2016, 05:00 PM
Dwyer Cultural Center, Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY, United States
Harlem Link Charter School
Email: info@harlemlink.org
Website: http://www.harlemlink.org/mission-and-vision.html
Location: Harlem Link Charter School, West 112th Street, New York, NY, United States
Phone: 212-289-3249
Facebook: facebook.com/harlemlink
Twitter: @harlemlink