I am a parent whose children have gone to, and still attend the Queens High School of Teaching. My older daughter Kristina was a part of the school’s first graduating class in June 2006. My son Daniel just graduated this June. I am now left with my youngest daughter, Stephanie, who will be a sophomore this year.

Ever since Kindergarten, Daniel was never comfortable in school. He was constantly abused by his peers. He says that it's because he's short and quiet. Daniel had ADHD and didn't have many friends. His teachers didn't understand how to deal with his condition, or perhaps, as in many cases, were ignorant about it. To sum it all up, he hated school and it showed in his grades.

The moment he first attended QHST, with his older sister, Daniel found his niche. The school did not make him feel uncomfortable, or stupid, or anything else. He made lots of friends, and his teachers encouraged him when others from other schools only complained about his lack of attention. His grades got a lot better, and he got involved in fencing and golf. His self confidence was born there.

I have a lot to be grateful for at QHST. The faculty are the most caring, and they’re our own cheer leaders for our kids. Mr. Pugh, the principal, is a wonderful leader. He has never, not even once, ignored one of my many e-mails to him. He is an exemplary principal, and we greatly value him and his hard work for our children.

My older daughter now attends college at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology). She also says that QHST has been the best school ever, especially the basketball team she was on. Ms. Selip cared for and encouraged them, both on court and in the classroom. My son's favorite teacher is Mr. Jerome. He believed in my son, and Daniel soared in math and confidence because of teachers like Mr. Jerome and Mr. Contreras.

I am without a doubt comfortable that my youngest daughter, Stephanie, will do the best that she can, because she cannot fail with all the support from QHST. The school is different by design and is unique in it's successful ways of teaching.

Submitted by Moira Galea, Parent, Queens High School of Teaching