Academic Program

Message from the Principal

Dear Families,

Welcome and welcome back to the Special Music School. We are delighted that you have chosen our school in your quest to provide a truly unique educational experience for your child. I believe the Special Music School is a place where children have the potential to achieve greatness in many ways. Our small learning community has the ability to provide a holistic academic program for every child. We have the innate ability to work with each student individually- crafting academic goals in each content area that go well beyond the standards-based education many other schools provide.   Our faculty is dedicated to academic richness which is integrated, inquiry-based, and implements a truly accelerated curriculum.

We at the Special Music School approach a child’s learning not only in terms of academic achievement but also the importance of self-esteem as fundamental in our pursuit to provide a truly exceptional education. We are conscious of a young child’s need for play, to have choices, and to balance the curriculum between child-initiated and teacher–directed activities. We later value the more mature child’s need for expression and independence. We consider the child’s social growth as important in a school that fosters performers and is committed to high academic achievement. Above all, we value each child as being unique and valuable to our community.

This school would not be possible without the work of our predecessors – who had the vision to create a music school which believes that music instruction should never be an add-on; rather direct music instruction along with an equally rigorous academic curriculum is a powerful combination in a child’s development and growth in becoming exceptional.

Again, thank you and welcome (back) to the school. I look forward to watching and supporting your children grow and develop into young musicians, future authors and inquisitive learners. I look forward to our continued partnership.

Thank you,

Katie Banucci Smith, Principal

Academic Faculty & Staff

Kindergarten: Rebecca Mintiens

1st Grade: Marisa Bolsen

2nd Grade: Abby Rapoport

3rd Grade: Alyssa Chapados

4h Grade: Pat Martinez

5th Grade: Kerri Hook

Middle School ELA: Gordon Van Owen

Middle School Humanities: Kristen Palmieri (*Middle School Coordinator)

Middle School Math: George Tsugranes

Middle School Science: Daniel Piloff

CLUSTER TEACHERS:
Physical Education:  Lynn Jenkins

Visual Arts: Ilona Moaraf-Fins

STAFF DEVELOPMENT:
Math Staff Developer: Stephanie Slabic

Curriculum Staff Developer: Francesca Ciotoli

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS & SERVICE PROVIDERS
ESL Library: Sarah Anderson

Physical Therapist: Dan Roth

Occupational Therapist: Elise Henry

SETTS: Sarah Stimson

SBST-PS199
Psychologist: Katrina Peterson

Social Worker: Corrine Schlam

School Aide: Diana Ruiz

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Principal: Katherine Banucci-Smith

Business Manager: Leah Ross (part-time Mondays) and Alexandra Dunbar (part-time Tuesday-Friday)

School Safety Officer:  Officer Myrna Goodwine

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Academic Office Main Phone Number: (212) 501-3318