By: BHS News Staff
January 30, 2024
Hello, Brooklyn! As we are quickly approaching the end of January, our Hurricane Heritage Week is coming up in less than a week.
In order to get more information for next week’s event, the BHS News Staff sat down for an interview with Mrs. Supriya Culliton, the Director of Student Programs for the Brooklyn City School District.
She was very gracious with her time, so here is what you need to know for next week.
*Question 1: First off, give us a little background information of yourself.
“I came to the United States at 11-years-old and knew no English. I then finished high school and went to Cleveland State for my Bachelor’s in Education. Then, I taught grades 4-8 in all subjects but mostly math and English for 22 years. Then, I got a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Instruction & Principal’s Administration and became a school principal. Three years ago, I joined the Brooklyn team and became the Director of Student Support Programs and Engagement.”
*Question 2: Explain your roles.
“I work with English Second Language (ESL) students, gifted students, and programs such as the Brooklyn Career Pathways. I develop the programming for all assessments from Pre-K to Grade 12 (test prep and management). I’m also a part of the Chamber of Commerce. I mainly work in student engagement across the district.”
*Question 3: How did Hurricane Heritage Week come about?
“One of the teachers brought up how a long time ago, we had a cultural event, and from there, the new ideas for the Hurricane Heritage Committee were created. It was thus broken down into committees with a collaborative effort from teachers. Now, the project has grown, and our Brooklyn community outside of the schools has gotten involved including the Brooklyn Library Branch, which is incorporating the cultural events into after school activities. A huge thank you to the teachers who put together instructional materials and activities. They really bring all of these ideas together!”
*Question 4: Why is showcasing this event so important?
“It is really important, especially now, to appreciate the differences in each other and to learn to respect one another. The hope is that this event enlightens, empowers, and strengthens students to be sensitive to where others came from.”
*Question 5: How can we as students be more engaged in this activity?
“High schoolers should connect with teachers and participate! We love seeing the engagement in our community, and it sets the example for the younger students. Meeting with the Foreign language teachers who assist in spirit week and announcements also greatly helps in putting this together.”
We would like to thank you, Mrs. Culliton, for your time and effort in bringing our diverse and growing school community together!
Hurricane Heritage Week will include multiple crafts, crowns, various activities featuring multiple aspects of different countries, door decorating in the elementary school, and a spirit week in the high school. The parade is extended to both schools to bridge the gap between our younger and older students.
Next week will be fun and educational. A big thank you to all involved for bringing this event to life.
To wrap up this week, below is your upcoming calendar:
- January 30: Boys Basketball Home Game vs. Oberlin at 7:00 p.m.
- January 31: Girls Basketball Away Game at Lutheran West at 6:00 p.m.
- February 5-9: Hurricane Heritage Week
- February 6: Senior Night for Girls Basketball at 5:30.
- February 7: Senior Night for Boys Basketball and Cheerleading at 6:30
{To stay updated with the Brooklyn City School District, make sure to click here weekly.}
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 