I hope you have had a healthy and uplifting start to 2025! As we return from the mid-winter break, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for your hard work and dedication throughout the first part of the school year!
As we reflect on our accomplishments and growth thus far, I want to share an exciting initiative that will help us to continue to build on our continued success – a new UCHS student recruitment campaign,”We Ask More.”
Why “We Ask More”? Because we see the extraordinary potential in every student. We challenge them to think critically, ask bold questions, and apply their learning to real-world challenges. We also ask more of ourselves as UCHS educators—because we see every day in our classrooms that exceptional teaching has the power to change lives.
This month, you’ll see our “We Ask More” campaign in action on local radio, TV, and digital media, reaching families who are searching for a high school experience that is rigorous, innovative, and future-focused.
And here’s where YOU come in! As a valued member of the UCHS community, you can help us grow by spreading the word. If you know a family looking for an outstanding high school experience, please encourage them to visit unitedcharter.org and click “Enroll Now.”
Together, let’s welcome more bright, curious, and ambitious students to UCHS!
Warmest regards,
Dr. Curtis Palmore
CEO United Charter High Schools
UCHS is taking a bold step into the future by embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance educational services and drive student success. As part of this commitment, UCHS is excited to participate in Education First’s AI x Coherence Academy, a new initiative that will support school leaders in thoughtfully integrating generative AI across teaching, learning, and system-wide efforts.
UCHS's HUM II is already leading the way in AI adoption, breaking down language barriers and creating an inclusive classroom for multilingual learners. HUM II is among 19 schools in the School Teams AI Collaborative, which brings together school-based teams to experiment with AI-enabled instructional practices, share what they learn, and refine promising practices for real-world application.
The Collaborative aims to help educators explore the possibilities of AI, not just as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for deeper learning and student engagement. And at HUM II, they are doing just that. “One of the values we've held [in the AI Collaborative] is to dare to experiment,” says HUM II Visual Arts teacher Marquitta Pope.
UCHS is taking a bold step into the future by embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance educational services and drive student success. As part of this commitment, UCHS is excited to participate in Education First’s AI x Coherence Academy, a new initiative that will support school leaders in thoughtfully integrating generative AI across teaching, learning, and system-wide efforts.
UCHS's HUM II is already leading the way in AI adoption, breaking down language barriers and creating an inclusive classroom for multilingual learners. HUM II is among 19 schools in the School Teams AI Collaborative, which brings together school-based teams to experiment with AI-enabled instructional practices, share what they learn, and refine promising practices for real-world application.
The Collaborative aims to help educators explore the possibilities of AI, not just as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for deeper learning and student engagement. And at HUM II, they are doing just that. “One of the values we've held [in the AI Collaborative] is to dare to experiment,” says HUM II Visual Arts teacher Marquitta Pope.
HUM II Visual Arts teacher Marquitta Pope leverages AI tools to transcribe YouTube videos into students’ primary languages, providing bilingual captions that allow them to engage with lessons independently and at their own pace.
“It’s like creating individualized stations,” Marquitta explains. “They can pause, process, and respond in their own time.”
By incorporating students’ primary languages into instruction, Marquitta supports their understanding of the material and fosters a deeper connection between their linguistic strengths and new learning as they deepen their understanding of the English language and progress within their English as a New Language class and beyond. It also creates an inclusive learning environment where multilingual learners can engage with the same materials as their peers.
By embracing AI, Marquitta ensures her students are not held back by language differences, creating opportunities for meaningful and equitable learning experiences.
AI tools like Brisk also help Pope generate quizzes in multiple languages from videos incorporated in her instruction that can be viewed in students’ native language. This saves valuable time while ensuring that her students’ academic abilities are accurately assessed, avoiding a common misinterpretation of a language difference as an academic gap.
As a result, Marquitta has been able to develop a more complete picture of student understanding and allow for more informed instructional decisions, and says, “This application allowed me the opportunity to do that, and I'm grateful to be able to share it with others.”
What started as simple daily Zoom announcements at UCHS’s AMS IV has grown into AMS IV TV—a dynamic, student-produced news program streaming live on Instagram and YouTube. More than just a way to share school updates, this initiative is giving students real-world media experience and valuable career skills that will serve them well beyond high school.
From operating cameras, lighting, and audio equipment to taking center stage as news anchors, students are getting hands-on training in media production. But that’s not all—they’re also building essential skills in public speaking, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving as they work together to create professional-quality broadcasts.
Watch AMS IV TV live weekdays at 10:30 AM—or catch archived episodes anytime—at www.youtube.com/@unitedams4.
What started as simple daily Zoom announcements at UCHS’s AMS IV has grown into AMS IV TV—a dynamic, student-produced news program streaming live on Instagram and YouTube. More than just a way to share school updates, this initiative is giving students real-world media experience and valuable career skills that will serve them well beyond high school.
From operating cameras, lighting, and audio equipment to taking center stage as news anchors, students are getting hands-on training in media production. But that’s not all—they’re also building essential skills in public speaking, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving as they work together to create professional-quality broadcasts.
Watch AMS IV TV live weekdays at 10:30 AM—or catch archived episodes anytime—at www.youtube.com/@unitedams4.
AMS IV shares a campus with six other schools but lacks access to a public address system, making school-wide announcements a challenge. To bridge this gap, Principal Claubentz Dieujuste launched daily Zoom broadcasts in 2023, ensuring that students, staff, and parents stayed informed.
For the 2024-25 school year, Technology Specialist Mario Mendija and Technology Assistant Alan Taylor took the program to the next level—turning it into a fully equipped news studio. With professional lighting, audio systems, and camera equipment, plus a dedicated student production team, AMS IV TV is now a polished, engaging platform that keeps the school community connected while showcasing the school’s unique identity.
By blending technology, creativity, and communication, AMS IV TV isn’t just reporting the news—it’s preparing students for exciting careers in media, broadcasting, and beyond.
Let’s give a big shout-out to the Class of 2025! 100% of the senior class at UCHS’s AMS III have applied to CUNY schools! We recently celebrated our seniors with a brunch for submitting applications to CUNY schools before the deadline.
A special thanks goes out to our 2025 cohort leads, senior advisors, college counselors, and the staff who continue to show up for our students and celebrate these moments with them. And, a hat tip to our seniors who helped decorate, especially to Eyvette H. and Savanna C. for their beautiful college banner wings display!
“We understand the importance of recognizing our students for the steps they take towards their postsecondary readiness,” say Ms. Althea Green and Ms. Octavia Jordan. “They have been following through with all of their plans and college applications and showed dedication throughout this tedious process.”
This milestone is just the beginning of an exciting journey. We can’t wait to see all that the Class of 2025 will accomplish in the years ahead!
In November, Assembly Member Chantel Jackson visited UCHS’s HUM II for an exclusive sit-down interview with student reporters from the school paper, The Knightly News. Students Deandra Beckford, Brian Premchand, and Ja’nasia Perrin led the conversation, tackling critical topics like education, homelessness, housing, and school funding.
Beyond policy discussions, students also asked for advice on leadership and personal growth. Jackson encouraged them to embrace their potential, saying, “Keep reading, keep writing. Everyone has a story to tell and a unique perspective; the world needs to hear it.”
Founded in September 2022 by two dedicated HUM II teachers, The Knightly News was created as a platform for students to share their voices and express themselves. Covering everything from art and music to sports and theater, the paper fosters collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking among its young journalists.
Click here to read The Bronx Daily’s coverage of Assembly Member Jackson’s visit.
Under the leadership of new Coordinator of Student Activities Ms. Le’Shea Jones, student engagement at USCH’s HUM IV has reached new heights. By revitalizing student government and fostering a culture of school spirit and inclusivity, she has helped student leaders turn their ideas into action, leading to two standout programs: Talk That Thursday and Freestyle Friday.
Throughout December, these student-led events created exciting spaces for discussion, creativity, and self-expression. Talk That Thursday encouraged open conversations on issues affecting youth, from local transit changes to gun violence and the new federal administration. Meanwhile, Freestyle Friday transformed the school’s music and dance studio into a high-energy showcase for karaoke, spoken word, and instrumental performances—including a special guitar set from beloved teacher Mr. Steven Chovnick.
These initiatives energized the student body, boosting participation and strengthening unity and joy at HUM IV. With student leaders at the helm, the future of student engagement looks brighter than ever!
In November, USCH’s AMS IV launched the Scholar Leadership Opportunity, a new initiative recognizing and cultivating student leaders. Teachers selected one scholar per class period to serve as a co-teacher, leading discussions, assisting peers, and supporting classroom activities.
This program wasn’t just about participation—it was about empowerment. Students gained real-world skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving while strengthening connections with their classmates and teachers. Each scholar received a Star pin, symbolizing their leadership and commitment.
In November, USCH’s AMS IV launched the Scholar Leadership Opportunity, a new initiative recognizing and cultivating student leaders. Teachers selected one scholar per class period to serve as a co-teacher, leading discussions, assisting peers, and supporting classroom activities.
This program wasn’t just about participation—it was about empowerment. Students gained real-world skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving while strengthening connections with their classmates and teachers. Each scholar received a Star pin, symbolizing their leadership and commitment.
The Scholar Leadership Opportunity was a resounding success, fostering a stronger sense of community, engagement, and ownership over learning. Thanks to the dedication of teachers and the leadership of Ms. Kareen Sookoo, the event made a lasting impact.
By giving students meaningful responsibilities in the classroom, AMS IV is shaping future leaders and reinforcing the power of student-driven learning. This initiative has the potential to grow and inspire even more students, serving as a model for schools looking to empower young scholars.
AMS IV is proving that when students are given the chance to lead, they rise to the occasion—benefiting themselves and the entire school community.
We are so proud of these young leaders!
National School Counseling Week 2025 was held February 3-7. This year’s theme, “School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive,” highlighted the vital role our counselors play in guiding students toward academic success and future careers. We are grateful for their unwavering commitment to our students’ well-being and success. Thank you to all of our amazing counselors for everything you do!