What began as a passion grew into a lifelong calling for Ivette Medina. A former Children’s Aid student from Inwood Heights, she is now the community school director at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School, a Children’s Aid community school. In this role, Ivette makes sure that students, families, and staff feel seen, supported, and heard every day.
Ivette grew up attending Children’s Aid’s schools – P.S. 5 and Salome Ureña Campus, later moving on to high school in downtown Manhattan. While in high school, she applied to work for a summer youth program and was placed at P.S.5, the same elementary school she attended years prior. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher, though at one point she considered becoming a detective.
While earning a degree in criminology from John Jay College, Ivette continued working with students at P.S. 5 in an after-school program. After graduation, she decided to follow her passion for education instead of her initial plan to become a detective. Ivette began as a teacher’s assistant in the Head Start program at P.S. 5 and was promoted to lead teacher, educational coordinator, and program director, building long-lasting relationships within the school community.
In 2022, a position for program director opened at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School in the Bronx. Ivette loved working at P.S. 5 and built her career there for 16 years. But she knew she wanted a change. Just two months into the role, an unexpected opportunity arose; the community school director position became available, and she was asked to serve as an interim director. “I was nervous because this was something I never saw coming,” she said. “But I believe in taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves”
She stepped in as interim director and eventually assumed the position full-time, where she continues to thrive.
Her day starts with greeting students as they enter the building, checking in on staff, and making herself visible throughout the school. She builds relationships with her students, collaborates with teachers, and fosters partnerships with families and local organizations to make sure students have the support they need to succeed.
Every day, Ivette watches her students grow – from receiving college acceptance letters and scholarships to celebrating prom and graduation – these milestone events are some of her most fulfilling moments. “Seeing them live up to their potential is what makes this work meaningful” she said.
Challenges come with the territory. Ivette and her team work to tackle the persistent challenge of chronic absenteeism. “Finding patterns and putting systems in place” has been a part of Fannie Lou’s journey to decrease chronic absenteeism, she said. Last year, they were able to reduce absenteeism by 10 percent. “The small wins create such a big impact,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ivette hopes “for the community school to still be of service and to grow within the city.” Knowing the importance and impact of community schools makes it crucial for this work to continue for years to come. “My goal is to continue to receive more resources and more grants so we can continue to support our families,” she said.
From student to staff member to community school director, Ivette’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of the mentorship, opportunity, and dedication that she received from Children’s Aid programs and staff. She invests daily in her students and their families, nurturing the next generation, including her daughter, now a Children’s Aid student.
