CPE1: Central Park East 1 Elementary School

CIRCLING AROUND CPE My name is Catlin and I have joined the CPE 1 teaching community this year as the 1st-2nd grade classroom teacher. For the last five years I have been teaching 2nd grade in Hoboken, New Jersey at the Elysian Charter School.

I am really glad to be here at CPE 1 in part because I feel like I have been circling CPE 1 for a long time. When I first came to NYC after living in Brazil in 1999 I wanted to find out about teaching in public schools and how I could get involved. My mom’s friend had an ex-boyfriend from her growing up years. This ex-boyfriend’s wife worked in schools in NYC. My mom gave me the wife’s number; her name was Jane Andrias. I called her and asked about working in schools and she said she would send my resume to the district office so I sent it to her and that was that for about a year.

I landed at Boys’ and Girls’ Harbor Charter School right around the corner from CPE 1 and right across the street from CPE 2. There I worked with a staff developer named Vivian Wallace. She had been a founding teacher at this place called Central Park East, and she told lots of stories about the school. It sound like a cool place for kids to learn, but I could not imagine it. Kids got to choose their work. They chose the books they would read. They read actual books. I did not go to school like that! I was fascinated to learn more.

Vivian gave me a number to call to arrange a visit to CPE. “Call this number,” she said. “Ask for Jane.” It was Jane Andrias again.

I visited CPE on March 11, 2002. It was a memorable date for being the 6 month anniversary of the September 11 attacks. A music teacher led the kids and staff in songs that spoke to the sadness and hope of that day. I sang along, immediately joining in the spirit of the community. It was so welcoming, so easy to join!

Well, now I have joined you all in a more whole-hearted and official and permanent way. Don’t forget to say “hi!” if we pass in the hallway. Introduce yourself, I am meeting a lot of people, and I will soon learn your name. If you call me Caitlin I will correct you, and I will forgive you. Or you could stop by my classroom anytime- I am all the way at the far end of the hall across from Sally and next to Cordelia.

In any case, I’ll be seeing you around CPE 1.