CLUSTER SPECIALISTS

Ms. Angelica Cassimiro | Physical Education, Grades K — 5

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of the mind body connection. A healthy body fosters a healthy mind. Teaching what I am passionate about is a big gift to me and that is what I share with our students. We will learn fitness concepts, movement skills, muscle groups, nutrition, mindfulness activities and responsible behavior. We engage in a variety of activities and small sided games to put skill into dynamic practice. We focus on practice over results. We prioritize enjoyment of moving our bodies.

Mr. David Chung | Dance, Grades 3K — 2

I’ve been a dancer and dance therapist for 20 years. I’ve trained and taught gymnastics, yoga, and martial arts. I’m self-taught in house and street dance. The 2022-2023 school year will be my 7th year teaching at PS20. I also help with assemblies, Movie Night, Rainbow Club for our LGBTQ+ community, and School Leadership Team. I host Thriller Dance every year for Halloween and also the School Talent Show.

I enjoy singing, writing, bicycling, nature, and activism. I’m on the board of the AAPI Employee Resource Group for the NYC DOE.

Mme. Valerie McIntosh | French, Grades 3 — 5

I am one of the two French as a second language teachers at PS20 and I primarily teach Upper Grades (3-5). I see most classes at least twice a week. Students will learn:

• Dialogue: Basic conversational skills.

• Grammar: Basic rules of French grammar, with an emphasis on gender and how that affect word structure

• Poems/Songs will be used to develop vocabulary, rhythm, pronunciation and comprehension.

• History/Culture: Students will learn about countries in the world where French is spoken and the customs of francophone peoples.

Mr. Andrew Ortner | French, grades Pk — 2

Bonjour! My name is Andrew Ortner or simply Mr. O. I grew up in the city, but lived in France during the summers in my childhood and later studied in the South of France in high school and college. I teach French as a second language for pre-K through 2nd grades as well as a 4th grade class. My classes engage students in French learning through music, art, and science. This year I will introduce the wonders of the undersea world in the French language through Jacques Cousteau and his works as well as sharing videos of my own diving experiences. We will learn about the delicate environments and how to protect our waters and earth. In doing so, we will practice new vocabulary as well as verbs and adjectives. We will also explore writing and reading in French.

I love to scuba dive, ride my bike, practice yoga, play the drums, and admire my two cats, Cosmo and Poly.