OUR SCHOOL HAS BEEN RANKED AS ONE OF THE BEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN AMERICA FOR 2023
HOME OF THE 2024 BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS... THE BALLERS
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Principal: Dora Danner
Our Principal, Dora Danner has served New York City Public School Children, Families and Staff for over 20 years. Her diverse professional experience includes teaching grades PreK-6, working as in Academic Intervention Teacher, serving as a UFT Chapter Chair, as a Math & Literacy Staff Developer, as a Data Specialist Teacher. Prior to coming to PS 234Q The School of Performing Arts and Technology, she served as the Assistant Principal at PS 17Q-The Henry David Thoreau School. Dora Danner’s academic experience consists of a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Women’s Studies, a Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Science Degree in School Administration & Supervision and a Master of Science Degree in Teaching Literacy from K through Adult. Our Principal has also received a certificate of completion from the Executive Leadership Institute, The Teachers’ College Assistant Principal Institute and The Leadership Academy Intensive Program for Principals. Our principal strongly believes and commits to academic excellence as further evidenced in becoming a 2020 Cahn Fellow Alumni. Principal Danner is committed to the students, staff, and our school community of families and community organizations. Dora Danner credits much of her leadership style and passion for the craft to two former NYC School Principals who served as her mentor while she was a teacher, Edsel Philip & Carol E. Pertchik. Both extraordinary Principals who believed in treating families, staff and children with respect and integrity.
Assistant Principal: Peggy Papathomas
Ms. Peggy Papathomas has been the Assistant Principal at PS 234Q The School of Performing Arts and Technology since its doors opened in September 2003. Prior to that she worked as a teacher at PS 17 for six years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education as well as Reading, a Master's Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Professional Diploma in School and District Administration. Mrs. Mouzakitis works closely with the community, parents, staff and students to effectively ensure a positive home-school connection with open communication.
Assistant Principal: Panayiota Karaiskos
Our Assistant Principal, Panayiota Karaiskos has served as an Assistant Principal for over 10 years. She has dedicated her career to the academic and social development of students in the NYC Public School System. Ms. Karaiskos holds BA in Elementary Education/Sociology with a Master of Science In Literacy. Ms. Karaiskos attended PS 17Q and IS 126, both District 30 schools as a student. Her commitment to District 30 is notable in all she does.
Guidance Counselor: Olga Papadopoulos
Mrs. Papadopoulos has been a guidance counselor at PS 234Q The School of Performing Arts and Technology for twelve years. Prior to this assignment, she worked as a teacher for 9 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education and a Master's Degree in guidance counseling. Mrs. Papadopoulos works together with administration, staff, students, and parents to improve student academic achievement and to provide a safe, positive, and nurturing environment where students are supported in becoming lifelong learners.
Parent Coordinator: Jabari Brown
Mr. Brown is the Parent Coordinator of P.S. 234Q. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Mr. Brown works with the administration as well as the school staff in order to encourage and promote active involvement by parents in their children’s’ education. Parent involvement is an essential part to making PS 234 a productive learning environment and a great place for your children. Mr. Brown serves as a point of contact for families providing information about available services and resources on multiple topics. He also regularly share news between the school and home through multiple streams of communication as well as organizes, supports, and facilitates family workshops and meetings to help you support your child’s education, and offer enjoyable opportunities for family involvement.
social worker: candace a. johnson
Candace Johnson is our School Social Worker. She motivates and coaches our students, through the facilitation of various social emotional learning workshops and activities on a weekly basis. Mrs. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, from the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communication, at Hampton University in Public Relations, which aided in her development of our photography club, and ‘The PS 234Q Tea’, which is our school newspaper. Mrs. Johnson earned her Master of Social Work degree from the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, which initially led to her becoming a SAPIS within the NYC Department of Education for 4 years, while also working within the non-profit sector, prior to joining our team in 2021. In this capacity, her intention is to support and encourage our students and staff to commit to fostering a healthy environment for all of us.