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As we begin our 13th year, we look forward to serving even more families when we open our second elementary school, BBL2. With over 2,300 new applications this spring, our community's need for a second BBL charter school is clear. 

We also receive positive feedback from parents and community members who appreciate our services. Please take a moment to read an example of one parent's response. It is with deep pride that we present to you the following letter from Eunice Poku, parent of Emmanuel (future student at Mount St. Michael Academy).


Eunice Poku and the Offei-Omenako family
Dear Mr. Jacobs and the BBL Family,

I wish that as you read this letter, it had the power to leap off the page and embrace you in a hug. To state it simply, I am grateful to BBL for our journey together. At Emmanuel's graduation I saw him become a confident middle grade scholar.

Over the years at BBL, Emmanuel had many obstacles and achievements. He struggled through his homework and classwork. I recall numerous meetings with Mr. Jacobs, Dr. Remy and Mrs. Barnes about ways to improve Emmanuel's academic performance and behavior. We were grateful for these meetings because they showed us that we were not alone on this journey. My husband and I would comment that we were becoming part of the staff, due to our constant visits. No matter how many meetings we attended at the school, we were grateful.

I am grateful to have found teachers who assisted us in our journey. I am grateful to Mr. King for his help. If I had a question regarding homework and assignments, Mr. King would return my emails during school breaks and even on weekends. I am grateful for Ms. Caronia, who assisted Emmanuel in small groups during classwork and prepped him for exams. I am grateful to Ms. Brophy for updating me on Emmanuel's reading log when he would sometimes come home with "unicorn stories." I'm sorry I can't list all of Emmanuel's wonderful teachers at BBL, but if they come across this letter, please know that I appreciate you for being part of this journey.

I am grateful for the PTA. These wonderful parents with cheerful spirits always embraced me warmly, whether it was at a BBL gathering or another event outside the school. During our personal crisis, they offered me clothes for my children and a book bag for my son.

Emmanuel, 5th Grade
I am grateful for the many opportunities BBL held throughout the school year where parents and teachers could interact. Whether it was Reading and Math Night or a request made by Mr. Jacobs for participation to paint the school, it was encouraging to know that BBL wanted us to be a part of itsfamily. What I know for sure is that a child's educational journey is not the sole responsibility of one teacher or one parent. Raising a child is an alliance among multiple people -"teachers"- inside and outside the home.

As I reminisce over Emmanuel's graduation and hearing him read his poetry, I am grateful for my son's transformation. This was a testimony of a confident young man who is realizing his potential.

With the personal struggles we've endured, I am reminded once again of people's generosity and wonderful nature. Through it all we are grateful. Emmanuel's journey does not end here. I am confident that he will return one day and speak about his challenges and triumphs to a group of young eager students. Thank you again, BBL, for taking this journey with us and extending your arms to our family.

With bountiful appreciation,
Eunice Poku and the Offei-Omenako family

Support our efforts to give more children like Emmanuel enriching opportunities.


Bronx Charter School for Better Learning

718.655.6660 | 718.655.5555 | [email protected]