Ms. Gesai Courtenay-Aponte
Assistant Principal
Hello
As the Assistant Principal, I wanted to take this opportunity to share a little bit about who I am, my educational journey, and plans for my new role here at M.S. 419. I look forward to sharing this experience with you...
September 2023
Dear students and families of MS 419,
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year. I hope that you all had a great summer. It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal of MS 419 at the Tommie L. Agee Educational Campus. My name is Gesai Courtenay- Aponte, and I started my work with NYC youth about 18 years ago working with non profit organizations in Brooklyn, NY. It was through hot days in summer camps, tiresome after school programs and parent filled creative art recitals, that I found my passion for working with children. Through my success in these programs, I was referred and accepted into the NYC Teaching Fellows program and began my Education Career in Bushwick, Brooklyn. For the past 10 years, I have served there as a teacher, teacher leader, instructional coach and assistant principal.
Separate from the professional world, I am a chocolate lover, M&M fan (yellow bag only), bike riding fanatic, and most of all a family girl. I grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, but my mother’s Panamanian side and my dad’s Belizean side brought a lot of diversity to our family traditions. My work is a high priority, but it could never replace the quality of love and time spent with the friends and family that keep me filled and inspired to give the work the best that I have.
This school year, I begin my journey at MS 419. During my first few visits to the school, I have been able to meet with teachers, staff, and see families; it is clear to me, the partnership between all members of the school community are working together to provide an exceptional educational experience for all students. As a mother, I envision the school that I would love for my daughter and MS419 feels like that place. It is my honor to join such a team. I look forward to working together with all faculty to provide an outstanding learning experience for each student.
I am eager to meet with and get to know all of you! Getting to know your histories, identities and all that makes up your tiger stripes as a whole makes me excited. I hope that you are also looking forward to this coming school year. It is going to be a fun year of learning together. I look forward to celebrating our collective successes during the 2023-2024 school year.
Let’s go tigers!
Sincerely,
Gesai Courtenay-Aponte
Assistant Principal, I.A.
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
332-262-2861
Mr. Dexter Hannibal
Assistant Principal, I.A
Hello
It is with immense joy and a heart full of optimism that I step into the role of your new Interim Acting Assistant Principal at Middle School 419, the proud home of the BRAVE Tigers. My name is Dexter Hannibal and being entrusted with this position fills me with gratitude and excitement, for which I am eager to immerse myself in the vibrant spirit of our community here at M.S. 419.
Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,
It is with immense joy and a heart full of optimism that I step into the role of your new Interim Acting Assistant Principal at Middle School 419, the proud home of the BRAVE Tigers. My name is Dexter Hannibal and being entrusted with this position fills me with gratitude and excitement, for which I am eager to immerse myself in the vibrant spirit of our community here at M.S. 419.
My journey in education has been one of passion, learning, and collaboration. Starting as a Supplemental Education Service provider with the Princeton Review, I had the privilege of closely collaborating with students, their families, and educators to tailor individual instructional supports aimed at enhancing academic achievements in core subjects. In my most recent role I served as an Advanced Placement United States History and Government teacher which has been profoundly rewarding and has reinforced my commitment to education.
My personal journey, from my early education in the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago to adapting to a new life and schooling in the United States at 14 years old, has taught me the importance of a supportive and nurturing educational environment. It is this understanding, coupled with my professional experiences, that I bring to M.S. 419, with a commitment to fostering a culture of care, encouragement, and excellence.
Outside of school, I treasure time spent with my family and embrace the joy of learning new things. From conquering my fears of swimming to mastering the skill, I eagerly anticipate new experiences and believe in embracing life with enthusiasm and an open heart.
As I join the M.S. 419 community, I do so with a spirit of adventure, ready to learn, to challenge and be challenged, and most importantly, to collaborate with all of you in shaping a transformative and enriching educational experience for our scholars. I am here to support, to listen, and to work alongside each of you as we strive towards our shared goals and dreams.
Thank you for welcoming me to the M.S. 419 team. I am truly excited about the journey ahead and the endless possibilities that await us.
Warmest regards,
Mr. Dexter Hannibal
Assistant Principal, I.A.