About Us

SCHOOL OVERVIEW: Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 109 provides accessible, high quality, future-oriented education and community service through a variety of academically rigorous classes. We serve the diverse needs of all learners in this ever-changing local, regional, and global economy. In an atmosphere of free inquiry and technological innovation, we deliver quality instruction, programs, and activities that give students transferable education, skills, and personal social enrichment. When students graduate from Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 109, they will have had enriching experiences that encourage lifelong learning.

​EDUCATIONAL FEATURES: We provide a quality education that maximizes student potential by: supporting the standards driven instructional programs for all students; fostering positive self-images, respect, and the development of social skills in a nurturing atmosphere; encouraging awareness and appreciation for a culturally diverse environment; supporting a variety of academic programs and services which help to build excellence; using a diagnostic prescriptive approach at meeting individual needs; preparing students to compete in highly technological societies. We offer our students NYS standards based core curriculum in English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies. In addition to the core academic subjects the following are also provided:

CURRENT STRENGTHS & GROWTH: We offer a full complement of Special Education programs and have a history of success with moving students to less restrictive classes. In addition, we had 100% passing rate in our Algebra 1 Regents class. The majority of our classrooms integrate the use of technology to reinforce the academic learning process: Promethean Boards, iPads, ChromeBooks and laptops are incorporated in the lessons to engage, motivate, and provide multiple entry points for all students.

CURRENT CHALLENGES: Our students continue to work towards improving their skills needed for High School; however our self-contained students continue to struggle in ELA and math. We hope that through the addition of our Saturday Success Academy and our Max Scholar, Imagine Learning, Rewards reading program and First In Math, which supports reading and math in the content areas that we can further close this achievement gap.

INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS:

1. Using formative and summative assessment to further improve the quality of instruction for all students.
2. Student Engagement-all students will engage in accountable talk and group activities in their content area classes.
3. Multiple Access Entry Points – Students will be based on their individual abilities by differentiating supports that are evident in the teachers planning and classroom observations.
4. Writing across the content areas that is informed by data.

We offer a one-year Academic Prep Class specifically geared to equip 6th and 7th graders with the needed skills to increase their scores on the NYC Specialized High School exam given in October of their 8th grade year. This program will help to increase the amount of students that are accepted to Specialized High Schools.

PBIS (POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS): Promotes school-wide systems to improve student behavioral outcomes. PBIS is based upon ensuring that all students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and behavioral practices and interventions possible.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

1. Arrive promptly to all classes with all necessary supplies
2. Complete all work by the specified due date
3. Abide by uniform code at all times.
4. Assume responsibility for keeping the school clean by picking up after oneself, by seeing that others do not damage the building or property, and by leaving other people's belongings alone.
5. Be kind and considerate and avoid settling disagreements by force or with hurtful words. Respect teachers, classmates, and the rights of others to learn, to participate, and to work.

PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS:

1. Be supportive of the school, its programs, and its teachers.
2. Monitor their children's progress through reports and conferences initiated by both parent and teacher.
3. Monitor their children's punctuality, attendance, and adherence to the schools uniform policy.
4. Support appropriate student behavior. Communicate any concern to their children's teacher or guidance counselor.
5. Attend Parent Teacher Association Meetings when possible

FINE ARTS PROGRAMS:

1. Visual Arts: Students in Art classes follow the NYC Art blueprint which includes: media perspective, painting, drawing, sketching and artistic design. Students’ artwork is displayed throughout the building which helps to build students’ self-esteem and school pride.
2. Music: Students in Music classes follow the NYC Art Blueprint which includes: play a melody with simple harmonic accompaniment, read and perform sophisticated rhythmic phrases, demonstrate knowledge of musical elements such as dynamic, tempo, and articulation through performance.
3. Dance: Students in Dance classes follow the NYC blueprint which includes: exploring, creating, replicating and observing dance, students build their artistry and unique personal voice in dance and experience the power of dance to communicate. They will learn the universal language and legacy of expression in every culture.

REGENTS LEVEL PROGRAMS: ​ We offer our students who qualify the opportunity to earn High School credit by taking the following Regents and proficiency courses. By providing these courses in middle school, our students are a step ahead when they enter high school. We have a high success rate for passing these exams, which affords students in the 12th grade to take college-credit courses:

• United States History & Government
• Living Environment
• Common Core Algebra 1
• Partnerships

​Monthly College and Career Readiness Activities:

Each month our students are engaged in different activities based on the focus for the month in relation to college and career readiness. All students participate in these activities each month to support college awareness. Last year teachers and administrators decorated their classroom and office doors to highlight the college they attended. This helped to generate excitement amongst students and to open up opportunities for conversations about different colleges and the programs that are offered.

AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS:

• Music Club: we offer a music club where students can start their own band, featuring instruction on "Modern Band" instruments through the "Little Kids Rock" methodology.
• DJ & Music Production Club: students learn the fundamentals of mixing and scratching records, as well as learning how to sample to arrange their own songs. ​
• Grade 8 Science Prep Class: to help prepare students for the Living Environment Regents
• Multi-Cultural Club: where students will learn about various cultures. Students will attend Broadway plays and Restaurants to experience cultural foods and arts.
• Debate Team: obtained 60 awards overall, as a team 3rd place in school performance and have had 1st place in team performance as well.
• Co-Ed Track Team: has won over 50 Medals and 2 Trophies throughout the years.
• C.A.S.A. Program: introduces our students to Theatre by teaching students how to write a script and other aspects of theatre which include acting, movement, voice and scene studies.
• Sunshine Chorus: students who have a passion to express their vocal abilities have the opportunity to join the Sunshine Chorus.
• Boys-to-Men: a character development program to positively impact the lives of our young men. This encompasses mentoring our young men and fostering trips to a host of places which includes and are not limited to: Basketball games, Theatre, and a variety of cultural restaurants.
• Arts Club: we offer arts enrichment programs to help students develop their artistic skills.
• Boys and Girls Mentoring Clubs: where students learn about various cultures, build self-esteem, leadership skills, community service and social skills. Students will also attend Broadway plays and restaurants to experience cultural foods and arts and take additional educational trips.