PS/MS 95, the Sheila Mencher School, is nestled in the shade of the huge welcoming trees on Hillman Avenue just south of Van Cortlandt Park. Principal Serge Marshall Davis, who is beginning his ninth year as head of the school, has been recognized on both the State and Federal level for his work. During his tenure he has implemented award winning programs and opportunities for student growth and expression at the school.

Despite the many changes with the New York State Standardized exams, the school has maintained its Good Standing status on the New York State Accountability report. PS/MS 95 cultivates a professional learning community where all adults are fully committed to developing student proficiency

in all subject areas. The curriculum is rigorous, cohesive and engaging and staffers care about the students. Students benefit from the well-constructed curriculum to challenge them to make significant academic progress.

The school takes a holistic approach and every adult plays an active role in fulfilling each student’s unique potential.

Teachers work hard to ensure that there are “entry points” into each subject for all students.  Thus, each child can participate in a way that is effective for them to learn. Teachers strive to make concepts and skills “accessible” to students, so that each will have the interest and confidence to try challenging tasks and move toward engaging in higher order thinking. Administrators guide in these efforts.

Educators actively observe, engage, and assess students by using formal and informal methods. Teachers get to know the students. By analyzing the data obtained from tests and by adapting the teaching methods, teachers differentiate instruction to meet the individual academic and social needs of the various kinds of learners. Comprehensive information on student learning outcomes is used to identify trends, strengths, and school needs.

Colleagues confer regularly, communicating with different grade levels to discuss and demonstrate best practices, designed to reach different levels of learners.

Families are regularly invited to school decision-making bodies and activities of interest, as well as conferences with teachers regarding students’ progress.

The school has developed partnerships with outside organizations as well as student support services to accelerate the academic and personal growth

of students. Parents also enjoy many exciting events such as student shows, concerts, art exhibits, wellness activities, or parent classes in subjects ranging from management of household finances to zumba or to cooking delicious food.

Students have the opportunity to be on teams and clubs, to play a musical instrument, to sing in a chorus or to be on the Student Government Council.  The school is currently the Bronx Writes Poetry Slam Champions as well as the Dancing Classrooms Citywide Ballroom Dancing Classrooms Champions.