P.S. 171 Patrick Henry

I am 18 years old now , I graduated from P.S 171 in 2009 . I must say that from my experience there I could not have been more grateful for what I learned there. Most students may complain about how they have to do this and that , but in all honesty there complaints are coming from not wanting to put the time in to do the work assigned. Mr.Pantelidis is a WONDERFUL principal . Til this day my mom can walk in there and talk to him . He may want a "A" for the school , not for profit of his own , but for the better sake of the school . Every since I could remember all he wanted to do was give the kids a better playground. The year I graduated they were fixing the roof. In the office was a outline of all the new things they wanted done for the school. He is a wonderful principal. Although, Some teachers were truly a pain , but over all they should not even be compared to the others at different schools. This school is not one to complain about it . It is the only middle school I know that would take time out to hear what you have to say as a teacher, as a student and as a parent. till this day I miss that school . - submitted by a former student ( Andrea Espeut )

Mr. Pantelidis is the most dedicated educator I have ever encountered. He has an open-door policy for parents, so if you have been a parent at 171 for years, why not ask to speak to him instead of posting something negative here. To say all that he cares about is an "A" and the banners/posters is unfair and completely untrue. He wants the students and staff to have pride in 171 and to love their school. He would never want any child to be unhappy, ever. The common core learning standards are rigorous and demanding. He wants 171 students to be prepared for their future so, teaching and learning in the classroom, must also be rigorous to meet the demands of these standards. He believes in real-life learning, not test-prepping students in order to pass a test. If your child is ever unhappy or you have any concern about your child's experience at 171, you should speak to their teacher and/or Mr. Pantelidis. There is a solution to every problem if people come together as a community. It's important that students are happy to come to school and that the school prepares them to be life-long learners. Anyone who thinks all Mr. Pantelidis cares about is an "A", doesn't know him at all.
—Submitted by a teacher

MY CHILD CRIES and SAYS I DON'T WANT TO COME TO SCHOOL. I been a parent of PS 171 for over ten years and yes it's an A school that all the principle cares about but my child used to love to read REALLY HATES it now because all they do is test packets all day long. TAKING THE FUN OUT OF LEARNING My kid cries every monday morining. Even the teachers tell me all the principle wants is an A, so they gotta do this. WHY should my child suffer so the principle gets a bonus for himself not his teachers and make another big poster and brag he got the best best school. Gimme a break Mr Pantalidis the school is not gonna be great if the kids don't like to read or learn.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in PS 171 since pre-k. The principal Mr. Pantelidis is a very dedicate person. I never know a leader working the way he is. He really believes in our children. Our district 04 needs a leader like him. Unfortunately, we don't have leaders like him. We need more Pantelidis in our community. One day, I want to see him in charge of our DOE. He is the only one who can save our education system. I hope the next mayor will pay more close attention to this wonderful man.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent of a student that attends P.S.171 I love this school, but the only thing that's killing me is this pretest that they are giving to my child and the rest of the students, to prepare them for the state test, that's fine, but they are over doing it. My child that loves to read doesn't want to do no reading any more because of the pretests that they are having every single day since November, this is an over kill for these children and not only my child is complaining I hear it from all the students and parents. Okay it's.important but come on you are over killing our children.
—Submitted by a parent

I am 19 years old and I attended this school from pre-k - 6th grade. It is an absolutely great school with great people in it! I thank my parents for sending me to such a great school. The teachers are fabulous and the Principal Mr. Pantelidis is just great!!! Overall great place for an education.

P.S. 171 is the best school. This ending school year was my daughter's first year. She was in Kindergarten and is moving to the first grade. All I can say is kudos to this school. I never had a complaint everyone is so welcoming and its a family atmosphere. My daugther reading improved tremendously due to the excellent academic program. What I really love about the school is the family involvement ,which allowed my daughter and I to share some memorable moments together on many activities. Not only was Mr. Pantelidis a great principal but Ms. Hernandez the assistant principal was great and Mrs. Selling was an amazing teacher. We are looking forward to the upcoming school year.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest son attended P.S. 171 from Pre-K until he graduated from 8th grade in 2009. He is now a junior in High School. I currently have my 8 year old enrolled there and am trying to enroll my 5 year old ther as well. The school as a whole is amazing. The principal, Mr. Pantelidis is an amazing person as well as his staff. In my opinion, P.S. 171 is the BEST school in all of Spanish Harlem. I am extremely happy to have my children be a part of such a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

P.S.171 Is the best of the best. Best Principle ever, He is the best leader for our kids, making sure his students are getting the best education any child should have...I wish they would have high school so my daughter could stay there... P.S.171 is the best thank you Mr. Pantelidis May god bless you now and always......
—Submitted by a parent

Omg this school is a dream come true! The principle goes above and beyond his duties he's absolutely amazing more principles should be like him. My son is currently in kindergarten reading second grade, what I love about this school is that the challenge my son at the level he is in within the kindergarten curriculum. The school is a safe school which is extremely important & there is a no bullying policy. I only wish I would of known about this school when my daughter was my sons age but she will be attending for jhs. It's one of the best schools manhattan has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

for my child attends a school year and so far I have not had any problems, the principal is very aware of each student attending and especially attentive to the parents. teachers are friendly as well as also the office staff, I recommend this school to all parents who want their child to succeed. great school!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Since the pre-school program within school district 2 is non existent, I had the worst time getting my son into a school. In October, we were extremely lucky to find PS 171 (school district 4). The school is very organized and the teachers are wonderful. It is one of the few public schools to have the students wear uniforms; and my son gets more homework than my daughter (she is in the first grade at another school)! His teacher, Mr. Fryman is fabulous. He encourages parent participation and I always know how well my son is doing. The only draw back to the school is that PTA meetings are held at a very inconvenient time. There was never an opportunity that I could attend a meeting at 2:30 p.m. With respect to the school; faculty was always responsive to issues; but there were no community/school events and there is no fundraising.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school, I also had 1 daughter graduate from the school and I have 3 that still attend and i think this is an excellent school
—Submitted by a parent

I have had such a bad experience with this school. My son who has an LD was treated unfairly and my other 2 children have been constantly singled out. I find the school to be too strict and the children are not allowed to be just that - children. I am currently in the process of transferring all my children out.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a new-comer to PS 171, but I have an older child in another UES public school. My youngest is in Pre-K at PS 171. From the moment I walked into the school to register, I felt welcome. I am so impressed with the positive energy, and the seriousness of purpose at PS 171. It is exceptional. The principal is ever-present, setting the tone. My daughter's teacher has 11 years of teaching experience, and it shows. She's learning fast and loving it.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow i love this school. I feel good to know that my son is not only learning with the best teachers, but i can go to work and know that he is safe. I can't believe when i enter the building how quiet it is in the halls, are students in the building. It's just too bad that it only goes to the 8th grade. Keep up the fantastic job principal pantelidis. And staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Not only did I attend this exemplary school, but all my siblings, as well as all of our kids. It has maintained academic excellence since the 1970's. It's about time it gets acknowleged as such!
—Submitted by a parent

THe principal and staff are committed in providing a safe and productive environment. Kids get along like a family and are motivated 2 learn. Thye offer extracurricular activities as well as academic services afterschool to help kids in need and strengthen kids skills. Teachers also attend constant training to support their students. Mr. Pantelidis the principal is always looking for ways to help his kids grow. This school has also rewarded for closing achievement gaps with a progress report grade of A. My son always looks forward to going to school and I cant wait until my daughter turns 4 so she can also join the Patrick Henry family. I this this is the best school....
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been @ PS 171 since Pre-K and they have done a great job in both challenging him and bringing out the best in him both socially and academically
—Submitted by a parent

This school offers opportunity for all kids..
—Submitted by a parent