By Helen Klein
Members of the District 20 educational community cheered as two popular administrators were appointed to area schools. Margaret Choy-Shan has been appointed the principal of Public School 164. At the February meeting of the district’s Community Education Council (CEC), held at the school, 4211 14th Avenue, colleagues and parents expressed their support for the decision. Choy-Shan, said UFT Chapter Chairperson Patricia McGloin, has been, “A constant positive presence in our midst,” in the six years she has been at the school. She is, “The best and only one to fill the principalship in this school,” added Ann Marie Gillen, the school’s former principal. “We worked side-by-side. In name, we were principal and assistant principal, but in reality we were co-principals In addition, Jessica Riccio was appointed the assistant principal of Public School 205, 6701 20th Avenue. Riccio, noted school Principal Beth Grater, had been her recurring choice. “When I was looking for an assistant principal with a deep knowledge of balanced literacy,” she told the audience, “Jessica Riccio kept coming to mind.” Riccio, added PTA President Peggy Borgeson, “Quickly won the hearts of both parents and children. She proved she can not only roll with the punches, but she can deal with children crying first thing in the morning.”
