South Cove NYC is a vibrant community nestled in the heart of Battery Park City, resident to talented individuals, thriving businesses, and caring families. In this dynamic neighborhood, education plays a pivotal role, shaping the minds of young learners and molding them into responsible members of society. At the heart of this educational endeavor stands PS/IS276, and its founding principal, Terri Ruyter. With over 36 years of experience as an educator, her passion for fostering curiosity and cooperation in children shines through her vision for the school and the community.

Principal Terri and her team believe that taking care of children is the cornerstone of building a better future. As she puts it, "the school is the lynchpin place to profoundly impact people." For her, patience is an invaluable virtue that parents and teachers must embrace to nurture the growth of young minds. Creating an environment that allows children to explore their curiosity and be fascinated by the world is a cornerstone of the Battery Park City School's curriculum.

The school's core philosophy is centered around fostering a sense of curiosity in its students. The emphasis on curiosity empowers children to be competent, capable, and caring individuals. Principal Terri envisions these qualities as the stepping stones toward becoming responsible members of society.

In this tightly-knit community, the school and its staff are committed to doing their best for the children. Principal Terri urges the community to recognize that different families may have diverse approaches to raising their children. Despite these differences, the end goal is universal - to raise kind, successful, and confident adults. The community is exceptionally generous in supporting their children's exploration of social change, creating an open-minded and accepting environment.

In South Cove, embracing diversity is not just a buzzword; it's a way of life. Families acknowledge and celebrate the unique qualities of each child, fostering an inclusive and judgment-free atmosphere. When faced with challenges like hate crimes, the community rallies together to reject such behavior and uphold the values of compassion and acceptance.

Principal Terri recognizes that schooling is inherently political. Decisions made within the educational system carry value and can influence the trajectory of a child's life. Whether it's choosing which books to include in the curriculum or deciding on school policies, these decisions have far-reaching effects. Embracing the reality of the political nature of education allows for more informed and constructive discussions about shaping the educational landscape.

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At PS/IS276, teachers play a crucial role in fostering curiosity and cooperation among students. The school offers various extracurricular activities, including debates, Fablab, clubs, and design projects, to engage children's minds and empower them to solve real-world problems. A testament to the students' ingenuity is the third-grader's project to support migrants, creating a bilingual Spanish-English dictionary with voice recordings to aid language learners.

Despite their dedication and passion, Principal Terri dreams of better funding for schools. She emphasizes the importance of adequate government support to ensure every child receives a high-quality education. Additionally, she proposes a change in the New York State cut-off date for kindergarten admission to provide children with more time to develop academically and personally.

Principal Terri firmly believes that school is not about competition but cooperation. While acknowledging society's emphasis on competition, she encourages using it to our advantage while nurturing the spirit of collaboration among students.

In conclusion, Principal Terri Ruyter and her team's vision for PS/IS276 and the South Cove/Battery Park community revolves around cultivating curiosity, fostering cooperation, and embracing diversity. By providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for children, this exceptional community sets an inspiring example for the world beyond. Through understanding, compassion, and a commitment to education, South Cove NYC stands as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more united future.

Terri Ruyter