OUR MISSION

I.S. 429 will provide students with a rigorous and joyful learning environment focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. We will foster a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and intellectual risk-taking. Our students will change the world using their academic and character skills.

OUR VALUES

Our core values resonate in who we are, what we do, and how we do it. All students and staff at our school will R.I.S.E:

RESPECT

We let our light shine by being kind and encouraging to others. We show compassion and help others who need help.

R

INNOVATION

We use our imagination to come up with new solutions. We share our ideas and seek feedback from others. We take responsible risks and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact.

I

SCHOLARSHIP

We bring our best selves to school daily and strive to achieve the highest standards.

S

EXCELLENCE

We set goals and pursue them tirelessly; we bring an A+ attitude to school.

E

Meet our Superintendent

Lisa Hidalgo has more than three decades of experience in New York City Schools, starting her career as an elementary school teacher in Bushwick. She continued her work in this district as an ESL Coordinator and spent several years in a leadership role as an Assistant Principal.

Lisa moved on to become a principal of an elementary school in District 30 Queens, a position she held for 9 years. Most recently, Lisa was the Deputy Superintendent in Community School District 32 in Bushwick.

Learn more about District 30

Meet our Principal I.A.

Ms. Marisa Castello is a visionary educational leader with an exceptional track record, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to her role as Principal, I.A. of I.S. 429. Growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ms. Castello developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. Her upbringing instilled in her a commitment to equity and inclusivity, guiding her educational philosophy.

Ms. Castello's educational journey attending public school in the Bronx allowed her to witness the impact of dedicated educators firsthand. This experience shaped her commitment to public education and fueled her determination to provide every student with a nurturing and rigorous learning environment.

Ms. Castello's commitment to equity is evident in her work. She believes that each child deserves access to an exceptional education, regardless of their background or circumstances. Her advocacy for inclusive practices, diverse perspectives, and personalized learning experiences is a foundation for creating an educational environment that celebrates uniqueness and drives excellence.

Ms. Marisa received her B.A. in Communication Sciences from the University of Vermont, her M.S. in Childhood Education and Special Education from St. John's University, and Ed. M. in Educational and Building Leadership from Teacher's College, Columbia University.

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Meet the Teachers

Science

Jayde Fuentes

Ms. Jayde Fuentes graduated from Queens College and earned her Bachelor's in Education and Psychology. She is also working toward her Master's in Education at Brooklyn College. Jayde believes the classroom should be where children want to be. She fosters young, inquisitive, lifelong learners who wish to challenge themselves to continue to learn and improve. In this science class, expect your children to have a hands-on, collaborative learning experience.

Jayde loves to spend time with her family and pets outside the classroom. She loves going on road trips, exploring different states, and getting lost in a good book.

Social Studies

Tyler Schon

Mr. Tyler Schon is the social studies teacher at I.S 429. Mr. Schon has taught social studies since 2019 and is incredibly excited to work with you all. He graduated from St. Joseph's College with a specialization in history secondary education and a master's degree in special education specializing in severe disabilities.

When not teaching, he loves traveling and enjoys as many outdoor activities as possible, such as playing basketball, running, or relaxing in the sunlight.

Special Education

Elizabeth Jannazzo

Ms. Jannazzo has been teaching in NYC for ten years, teaching Science as the Special Education teacher at a middle school and working with the families as the IEP Coordinator. She studied education at Dominican University for her undergraduate and graduate degrees and is now an adjunct professor in their Graduate Program for Education.

She lives in Astoria with her dog, Jolene, and cat, Nola. She loves to travel, having been to Australia, Scotland, and parts of Europe, and is looking forward to more travel soon. Other interests are music and theater, hiking and nature, and reading. She is excited to be a founding teacher at IS 429 and for the upcoming school year!

Physical Education

Mark Yaeger

Mr. Mark Yaeger is the physical education teacher at IS 429. Mark received his Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and his Master's degree in Athletic Coaching Education from Ball State University. Mark's teaching philosophy is that all students, no matter the skill level, can succeed in the physical education environment. Mark's goal is to ensure that every student feels welcome and excited to participate in class and instill a love for fitness and physical activity that spans his students' lives beyond IS 429.

Mr. Yaeger is an avid sports fan and has been passionate about sports and physical activity all his life. He grew up playing baseball, basketball, and soccer. Mark competed in track and field as a short-distance sprinter in high school and college. He enjoys watching his favorite sports, football, baseball, basketball, and hockey in his spare time. Mark is excited to share his passion and knowledge of these sports with the school community.

English Language

Elias Nash

Ms. Nash Elias is incredibly excited and honored to be a part of the I.S.429 Founding Team! As a lifelong Queens resident, she is passionate about giving back to the community. Ms. Elias graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Arts in Adolescent Education, and a middle school extension. She has been in the middle school setting for about three years and feels incredible joy in what she does.

In her free time, she likes to read, write, draw, sing, listen to music, try new foods, snuggle with her orange tabby cat Gene (who loves watching movies/shows with her!), and spend time with her loved ones.
Ms. Elias looks forward to teaching our incoming 6th grade this year and working alongside our families to ensure they have the most enriching educational experience!

Mathematics

Sameer Javaid

Mr. Sameer teaches mathematics. He was raised in New York and attended St. Mary’s High School where he played basketball for 4 years. Mr. Sameer obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Pure Mathematics from Hunter College and master’s in education from Western Governors University. This is his 9th year teaching and is excited for the new school year as well as meeting all of you.

In his free time, he likes to play sports, try different foods, and hang out with friends/family.

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. "