In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, a New York City Council Member paid a heartfelt visit to PS 244, engaging a group of second graders in a powerful conversation about identity, immigration, and the importance of Asian American history in schools.

“As part of the school’s AAPI Heritage Month events, I visited PS 244 to speak with a group of 2nd graders about my experiences emigrating to the United States, learning a new language and customs growing in Flushing, and the role models and experiences that led me to becoming a City Council member,” the Council Member shared.

Drawing from personal experiences, the lawmaker recounted the challenges of adapting to a new country, navigating cultural shifts, and finding inspiration in community role models.

The message to the young students was one of perseverance, pride, and the power of representation.

The visit also served to spotlight PS 244’s pioneering work in promoting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history. The school, under the leadership of Principal Robert Groff, has become a model for inclusive education in the city.

“When I was in school, we didn’t learn about Asian American history in the classroom,” the Council Member said, reflecting on the past lack of cultural representation. “Principal Robert Groff and PS 244 is at the forefront of trying to change that.”

In 2023, PS 244 adopted a new AAPI history curriculum developed by The Asian American Education Project. This initiative saw staff and teachers attend workshops for hands-on training in the new content. By the start of the 2023–2024 school year, the curriculum was officially rolled out into classrooms, giving students a richer and more diverse understanding of American history.

“It’s a model I would like to see replicated at schools across NYC!” the Council Member emphasized, praising the school’s commitment to diversity, education, and inclusion.