TYWLS Staten Island Kicks Off With Community Affirmation Event

The new school year will mark another important milestone in SL Network’s history. Our newest TYWLS will be opening on Staten Island which means TYWLS is now represented in each NYC borough! TYWLS Staten Island will officially open its doors for the 2022-23 school year with a founding class about 60 sixth graders. To kick off, the community came together for an affirmation event to usher in this exciting new chapter with positivity and inspiration. It’s clear that TYWLS Staten Island has a deep groundswell of support, and it was exciting to see so many attending the event including Staten Island’s school superintendent, Dr. Marion Wilson, as well as community members, elected officials, students’ parents and families, and staff from TYWLS and SL Network.

Highlights of the event program included a student dance performance set to Beyonce’s girl-power anthem ‘Run The World (Girls)’ and the reading of affirmations such as “I can use love to change the world” and “I turn obstacles into opportunities.” As a surprise, the students also received their first uniform shirt! We are proud of TYWLS Staten Island Principal, Aisha Shepard, and community partners for their tireless work in making the new school a reality for the young women and gender-expansive youth of Staten Island–and we are ready to support and be part of this exciting journey.

Click through the slideshow to see highlights from the TYWLS Staten Island community affirmation event:

TYWLS Staten Island hosted a Community Affirmation Event ahead of the new school year on August 18, 2022

Students created affirmation boards in a Summer Bridge program prior to the Affirmation Event

Adult mentors and students take turns speaking their affirmations such as “I can create anything I imagine!”

Students perform a dance piece set to Beyonce’s girl power anthem “Run The World (Girls).”

Principal Aisha Shepard high fives one of the school’s biggest champions

Staten Island Superintendent, Dr. Marion Wilson, speaks passionately about single-gender education and the impact of TYWLS.

New friends embarking on an exciting new chapter together.

One of the founding educators pauses for a picture with one of their students

A group from the founding class are eager for the journey ahead.

Parents sign up for PTA while students go straight for the cupcakes!

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