Nominees for the Bronx Science PA Executive Board and School Leadership Team (SLT) Election Oct 18, 2023
Parent Rep on the SLT (3 candidates)
Helen Goldman, SLT
I’m excited to nominate myself for a Parent Representative position on the SLT. As a proud parent of a 9th grader and a resident of Riverdale, Bronx Science holds a special place in my heart, with my husband being a 1997 alum. We also have a younger child, who is in 3rd grade at PS81 in Riverdale. While I’m originally from Ukraine, I’ve been a New Yorker for 30 years (including 18 years in the Bronx). I have a BA in Psychology from Columbia University, and I work in Human Resources. In my most recent positions as an HR business partner, I’ve actively collaborated with stakeholders of all levels while navigating complex organizational challenges and served in an advisory role to senior leadership. I believe this experience equips me with the ability to work closely with diverse perspectives and contribute effectively to the SLT’s mission to promote academic excellence. I am committed to fostering open communication, active collaboration, and consensus-based decision making within the SLT. I am honored to be a part of the Bronx Science family and aspire to contribute to the SLT through establishing strong partnerships with fellow team members while working on enhancing our children’s educational experience.
Christine Nuzum, SLT
I am very excited to join the Bronx Science community. I have met so many energetic and welcoming people while helping out with merchandise at the parent orientation and Project Accepted and I can’t wait to get more involved. I would welcome the opportunity to be a strong voice for Bronx Science families on the SLT. I just completed a 2-year term on the SLT at my younger child’s elementary school, P.S. 166, where I successfully advocated for a return to a full year of weekly music classes after they had been cut to one semester. I attended several training sessions by District 3 and by the UFT and I am experienced in analyzing surveys of students, families and teachers to help determine what concerns to bring to SLT. I know how to ensure these family concerns and priorities are reflected in the Comprehensive Education Plan that is crafted together with administration and faculty representatives. I am ready to work hard for Bronx Science families on SLT and I thank you for your vote!
Nikos Papageorgiou, SLT
Driven by excellence and meritocracy, I am bringing my desire and determination to get things done and deliver results. While at Wagner MS167, I led an unrelenting fight after the school canceled a very successful 6th and 7th grade honors math program. To advocate for the program, there was a petition signed by 750 people, interviews in newspapers and on TV, and discussions with DOE leadership and politicians (including Chancellor Banks and Mayor Adams). After that, not only was the 6th and 7th grade honors math reinstated at Wagner, but it is now mandated at all middle schools in District 2. I want to make myself available at Bronx Science to help address any academic issues, including how we can navigate the effects of the smaller class size mandate that is coming up.
PA Executive Board – Member at Large (4 candidates)
MaryAnn Carlese, Member at Large
I am the parent of an incoming ninth grader. My child Leo graduated from Lab Middle school, where I served on the Parents’ Association for two years, including as Co-Assistant Treasurer and Co-President. On the Lab PA I ran the annual pie sale, organized fundraising events, student events and family workshops. I have coached soccer with Downtown United and baseball with GVLL. At Columbia, where I work, I am one of the leaders for our LGBTQ employee resource group, which raises awareness about LGBTQ inclusion. I would like to serve on the Bronx Science PA to help the school and the PA continue its long tradition of successful events and support for the teachers, staff, students and families. I find joy in building community, valuing differences and making all people feel welcome. I believe my prior experience would be an asset, along with my commitment and passion for service to our school community.
Helen Goldman, Member at Large
I’m excited to nominate myself for a Member-at-Large position on the PA Executive Board. As a proud parent of a 9th grader and a resident of Riverdale, Bronx Science holds a special place in my heart, with my husband being a 1997 alum. We also have a 3rd grader at PS81 in Riverdale.
While I’m originally from Ukraine, I’ve been a New Yorker for 30 years (including 18 years in the Bronx). I have a BA in Psychology from Columbia University, and I work in Human Resources. I’ve spent about a decade specializing in university recruiting, collaborating closely with career centers, conducting workshops on resume building and interview skills for college students, and overseeing internship programs. As a Columbia alumna, I’ve also partnered with Columbia’s admissions office in interviewing prospective students.
I am honored to be a part of the Bronx Science family and aspire to contribute to the PA’s goals of promoting education and student well-being, building a great partnership between parents and staff, and providing support and resources for the benefit of our students. I am excited to work together with other parents to strengthen our children’s educational experience, preparing them for their bright futures.
Tobias Schaefer, Member at Large
My name is Tobias Schaefer. I grew up in Germany and, after finishing my Ph.D. in theoretical physics in 2001, I came to the United States as a research fellow at Brown University in Rhode Island. In 2004, I joined the City University of New York where I am currently a tenured full professor of mathematics with a strong interest in applications and data science.
Our son Benjamin just joined Bronx Science, and as a father of an incoming 9th grader I am excited to see all the possibilities that Bronx Science has to offer to students. I truly believe that parent participation is key in making any school a successful and unique place.
Aside from my scientific background, I have extensive experience in grant writing and data analytics. I enjoy working in a team and I am looking forward to being part of the Parents’ Association to help all our children excel at Bronx Science.
Arthur Wong, Member at Large
Arthur Wong is father to Bronx Science student Suri Wong. Arthur was the vice president of the Parent Association for 8 years at Suri’s previous school, Hudsonway Immersion School. He was instrumental in establishing many of the processes and procedures used by the association today including the class parent system which helped to maintain a consistent classroom experience for students across all languages and ages. Arthur works at IBM on the mergers and acquisitions team and the family lives together on the Upper West Side. Arthur is eager to learn all about Bronx Science and to serve the Bronx Science community.
Date Posted: October 4, 2023