Another “A” is in the bag for P.S. 46.
According to progress reports released by the Department of Education (DOE), the Alley Pond School in Bayside received another “A” this year, making it the number one school in the leading district in Queens.
District 26 — which P.S. 46 falls under — was the highest academically performing district in the borough, according to the report. Serving the northeast area, the district covers Bayside, Oakland Gardens, Fresh Meadows, Douglaston, Little Neck, Glen Oaks, Floral Park, Bellerose, Jamaica Estates, Jamaica Hills, Hillcrest and parts of both Hollis Hills and Holliswood.
The annual progress reports award public schools letter grades from “A” to “F” based on student progress and performance, attendance and school environment. They also take into account academic progress made with students with disabilities and, new this year, the progress of black and Latino male students.
“I’m really happy. We’re very proud of all the hard work by the administration, the teachers, school staff, parents and students. It’s a very good feeling,” said Principal Marsha Goldberg.
The straight-A school scored an overall total of 83.7 percent, placing it in the top 98th percentile in the city. Not only is the school a top contender in the borough, it ranked 16th citywide out of 1,148 elementary and middle schools.
“It just validates that we’re on the right track. We’re doing what we think is right, and it appears to be working,” said Goldberg, who celebrates her 10th anniversary as principal this year.
The school has maintained its good standing and a straight-A rating since the grading system began in 2007.
But what really sets the school apart from others is its strength and background in special education. Goldberg previously served as the District 26 supervisor for special education.
P.S. 46 was one of the first schools in the district to have “inclusion” classes, and it currently accommodates a substantial special education population. In those classes, children receiving special education services are integrated into regular classes with two teachers and two aides working together.
In addition to a gymnasium, library and auditorium with a wheel-chair accessible stage, the school has an entire corridor dedicated to support services for those with special needs — including an elevator and a physical therapy room filled with professional-grade equipment.
Overall, Goldberg said the school’s success lies in working hard and working together.
“It really comes from having an open door policy and working side by side with the school community,” she said. “We’re really supportive of each other.”
