TYWLS Staten Island: Community Beyond School Walls
One year after launch, The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Staten Island has planted deep roots in the community with its student-led and community-first approach. Launched in Fall 2022 to advance equity in girls’ education and help alleviate the borough’s school overcrowding, the public school for girls and gender-expansive youth is poised for exciting growth as it welcomes new and returning students this school year.
Students Lead with Integrity, Innovation, and Impact
A signature element of a TYWLS education is the creation of opportunities to develop leadership skills at all ages. One example is the Student Led Conference that replaces traditional parent-teacher conferences. Students tell their families about their progress and goals, receive their report cards as a family, and complete a school survey. They also channel their interests into organizing extracurriculars such as Student Council and social media club. At the school’s one year celebration, a sixth grade student summarized her experience with a recitation of the school motto: “I have Strong Integrity. I am a Successful Innovator. I will have a Sustained Impact.”
When folks are seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are, the bounds of what can be achieved is truly inspiring.
Principal Aisha Shepard, TYWLS Staten Island
Community Starts Here
TYWLS Staten Island’s community extends beyond the walls of the school. Community Affirmation events take place each summer to welcome new families and start off the academic year with inspiration and positivity. The three day program explores integrity, innovation and impact, with a focus on integrity and identity. During the third day students read their “I am” poems, present a dance that they create with facilitation by Arts Ignite, and receive their class uniform shirts and affirmation mirrors. This summer, some of the incoming sixth grade students received their mirror from their older leaders who are rising seventh graders.
Students also have opportunities to model leadership and impact through direct service, such as volunteering with local elementary schools for Read Across America Day. TYWLS parents are active community partners as well. The Parent Teacher Association coordinates Field Days, Teacher Appreciation lunches, and other culture builders at the school.
Recognition of the school’s impact and its leadership are already evident in the first year. New York City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks and New York State Assemblymember Charles Fall honored Principal Aisha Shepard as one of 14 distinguished Black educators of Staten Island this past spring.
Reflecting on successes and learnings from the first year, Principal Shepard spoke about the power of this community: “When folks are seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are, the bounds of what can be achieved is truly inspiring.”
Congratulations to the TYWLS Staten Island community on its one year anniversary! The entire Student Leadership Network team looks forward to supporting its continued growth and success.
About The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Staten Island
Staten Island was the final borough to establish a TYWLS presence. Starting with an inaugural class of approximately 60 sixth graders in 2022, TYWLS Staten Island will expand with one additional grade each year through grade 12 for girls and gender-expansive youth. Student Leadership Network supports the public school’s initiatives with funding for college and career exploration, summer enrichment programs for students, professional development for educators, and a dedicated college counselor.
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