My daughter Yasdavis Hall was a student of Ms. Waters during her seventh and eighth grade years. One of several aspects that stood out to me when she had Ms. Waters was when she learned about the scientific research of scientists examining the bones of both races (blacks and whites) to prove that blacks were lazy and inferior. While discussing this with my daughter she informed me about the term “cognitive dissonance,” which allowed white society to feel justified by their unjust actions. I was intrigued by this information as well as joyous that my daughter was exposed to such content and becoming more knowledgeable about her culture. Ms. Waters has greatly broadened my child’s horizons beyond what textbooks and standards dictate.
I honestly wish she could have a teacher like Ms. Waters in high school, but rest assured, the two years she spent with Ms. Waters has consistently placed her at a higher level in her current classes in high school. With that, Yasdavis has had the fortune to take the junior English regents and pass with a 93 as a freshman and is now in a junior honors English course as a sophomore. I know Ms. Waters has challenged my daughter to analyze her experiences and expand her perceptions about herself and the world.
~ Mrs. Yajaira Hall
Ever since my son Khalill Lewis participated in Ms. Waters class I’ve experienced him being more analytical. He began thinking from the eyes of others and had more compassion to gain an understanding about how people become who they are. Additionally, his reading comprehension, and analytical thinking have developed and are blossoming. He’s also matured a great deal and since then has become an avid member of the community, dedicating his weekends to feeding the homeless along with other community oriented volunteer work. Khalill’s growth and development makes me truly grateful that he was able to meet Ms. Waters.
~ Mrs. Migon Colin Lewis
Ms. Waters is an amazing and caring person. She has helped my daughter Guitania in numerous ways. At first my daughter struggled with accepting Ms. Waters persistence about her high expectations of Guitana. Ms. Waters was consistent in holding Guitania to a standard of excellence and teaching her to think critically. The critical thinking processes supported Guitania in expanding her thinking and gaining depth about content and her personal experiences. Ms. Waters broadened Guitania’s exposure to new learning, which supported her achievements in high school. Guitania became open minded and more focused about her work. She increased her comprehension and her ability to analyze the world around her. Ms. Waters has developed a meaningful rapport with my daughter, which is why Guitania continues to maintain contact and keep Ms. Waters abreast of her developments.
~ Mrs. Geraldine Joseph
After my son, Isaiah Royal engaged in Ms. Waters critical thinking collaborative discussions, I observed his ability to be more insightful about himself and the world. Also, I noticed that his interest in his grades increased. Ms. Waters set a standard for Isaiah to think and examine his perceptions and the world. In short, Ms. Water’s collaborative discussions were the stepping stone for molding Isaiah into the analytical person he is today.
~ Ms. Gretel Dyer
Ms. Waters’ approach is one of skill, intellect, integrity, and compassion. She embodies a standard of excellence that is consistently evident in her instructional support and teaching. Throughout our one-to-one collaborations she has supported me in gleaning a broader understanding of developing a reflective practice that assesses and enhances student learning.
Observing Ms. Waters modeling lessons and our debriefing processes have enlightened my understanding and ability to effectively implement instruction. Additionally, during our teacher team meetings she has facilitated and supported teacher development through curriculum planning, differentiation of student learning, and planning and implementing our new reading program.
~Flavia Cummings