A Bronx junior high school has had a rough existence until Shimon Waronker became the principal. In just two short years the school had seen six principals come through its doors when finely they got a seventh who was determined to help these kids. This school had a long history of gang violence with numerous people being hurt and threatened on a daily basis at the time.
Shimon Waronker is a member of the Chabad-Lubavitch sect of Hasadic Judasim as well as being a Latino. Many warned that Mr. Waronker was a cultural mismatch for a mostly minority school, but he has persevered. Not only has he stuck in there, he has also made huge changes to the school. The school now has an A on its new school report card, the school is no longer on the city's 12 most angerous schools, and attendance has risen to 93 percent. Mr. Waronker found ways to connect with the kids. One major way was his Latino background and that he was able to speak spanish.
From watching the video linked to the article and reading the article, I believe he went into this school with a positive attitude really looking for the good in these kids and expecting them to show it. When these kids did not live up to their potential he showed them he cared by giving them consequences. He also shows he cares by teaching leadership classes encouraging the kids to be their best. Most children and people just need someone who believes in them for them to bring their best to the table. He also stays connected to the teachers and helps them perform at their best.
Our schools should be on our top priority list in this country but sadly they are not. Our children spend more waking hours at school then they do at home. With that being said the largest influence for them comes from the school. We need more people who are involved in the students life. We need leaders and people willing to listen to our students and Mr. Waronker seems to be doing just that.You can find this article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/08/nyregion/08principal.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
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