THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Stuyvesant High School

345 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10282?1099
Telephone: (212) 312-4800 Facsimile: (212)587?3874

 

ERIC CONTRERAS
Principal

August 27, 2018
Dear Stuyvesant Community,

I write to share that have accepted the position ofSenior Executive Director of Curriculum,
Instruction and Professional Learning at the New York City Department of Education. In this role I
will support work in STEM, arts. literacy. social studies and civics for our New York City Schools.

It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve the Stuyvesant Community. The students, staff.
families and alumni members ofour community have enriched my life professionally and personally.
and I can only hope I have done the same for you. We frequently tell students that Stuyvesant
transforms them. I have learned that it transforms all of us by making us better scholars and citizens.
I enter my new role better positioned to serve the students. staff and families ofNew York City,
because I have learned a great deal from these community members at our school.

This decision has been a very difficult one. We have worked closely on a number ofinitiatives and 
have been inspired and energized by your work. talent, and ideas. Together we have expanded the
arts and music programs, strengthened the engineering curriculum. added course offerings in
computer science and robotics, opened a new state-of-the?art Innovation lab and writing center,
implemented a support program for new teachers. established freshman seminars and new grade
science offerings, and worked with the Alumni Association to expand a tutoring and mentoring
program for students at middle schools underrepresented at Stuyvesant. This summer we launched a
Discovery prOgram, a civil engineering program and a science research program. You have been at
the forefront ofthis workawe ofour community and what we can
achieve together. The narrative of vision and action is longstanding at Stuyvesant, and will remain
because you make this work possible. I am humbled to work with colleagues, students and parents
who own with diligence and enthusiasm our great work.

I will remain principal until an interim acting principal is named in collaboration with the School
Leadership team and the superintendent. I plan to remain for as long as I am needed. I also plan to
put in place distinct transition conversations with students. staff and families on key initiatives that

are ongoing and planned.

I love the students and community at Stuyvesant and am incredibly grateful for my experience at the
school, and will continue to support the community into the future as parent and educator.

With gratitude.



Eric

Voice: (212) 312-4800 0 Fax: (212') 587-3874