Skip To Main Content

Families tour Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School ahead of student transfers

Mrs. Marrow and Assistant principal.
Families tour Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School ahead of student transfers

Parents got their first look at their new school Wednesday morning, as Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School hosted a tour for families of students transferring into the school for the 2025-2026 school year as a result of the building reorganization. They also met the incoming principal, Danielle Davis-Marrow, who welcomed families to the school. NMHZ will be a grades preK-6 school in the upcoming school year.

“I want parents to know that my philosophy of education is centered around student success – supporting teachers, a positive learning environment, academic success and safety,” said incoming Principal Marrow. “I want parents to know that when they turn their children over to us, they’re in good hands. We’re supporting their children; we’re supporting their needs, and I look forward to working with every single family in the fall when they arrive.” 

Families received folders with information about the school as well as a small gift bag with contact information for the parent liaison, Pamela Valdovinos, who supports parents throughout the school year. 

Parents asked questions about the school after meeting their new principal, learning about what they should expect at NMHZ next school year. 

Eighth grade student ambassadors then led the families on a tour, showing them around the entire school and answering questions. Assistant Principal Tanganyika Linder-Brown joined in on the tours and even entered a classroom with parents to demonstrate a math game with current NMHZ students.

The tour served as an initial welcome for families, who will be invited back for orientation at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.

Schedule of remaining school tours:

Graham School: 9 a.m. on Friday, June 13
Lincoln School: 9 a.m. on Friday, June 13
Denzel Washington School of the Arts: Auditions at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. Tour at 9 a.m. on Monday June 16
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy: 9 a.m. on Monday, June 16
Grimes School: 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17
Pennington School: 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18
Rebecca Turner Academy: 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20
Hamilton School: 9:30 a.m. on Friday, June 20
Traphagen School: 11 a.m. on Friday, June 20
Benjamin Turner Academy: 9 a.m. on Monday, June 23
Edward Williams School: 1 p.m. on Monday, June 23

Mrs. Marrow and Assistant principal.
Student directing parents.
Mrs. Marrow speaking to parents.
Playing math game with students.
Parent liaison handing out folders.
Parents looking into classroom.
Parents looking into classroom.

 

Students on the 100th day of school.
1st Grade 100th Day Activities at NMHZ

First Graders at Nelson Mandela Hosea Zollicoffer School celebrated the 100th Day a little early, but in style! Scholars had the option to dress as 100-year-olds, and some definitely dressed the part.

Students stand in front of displays
Cyberbullying is real: Nelson Mandela students learn about online responsibility

Students at Nelson Mandela / Hosea Zollicoffer School were reminded of a simple but powerful message: Cyber bullying is real The school hosted a cyber bullying awareness assembly February 26 for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade scholars, focusing on the responsibility that comes with social media and digital communication. In an age when technology is always within reach, Assistant Principal Tanganyika Lindner-Brown said it is easy for students — and adults — to forget that every click carries weight.

A group of people, both adults and children, are seated around a table in a school gymnasium, enjoying a meal together.
Mindful Workshop Activity: Wind Chimes & Yoga Class

Families had the opportunity to participate in a relaxing and creative mindful workshop Tuesday afternoon hosted by Parent Liaison Pamela Valdovinos, along with school counselor & yoga instructor Ms. Trombetta. Families designed and decorated their very own wind chimes, adding personal colors and styles before taking them home. Parents also enjoyed a calming yoga session focused on deep breathing and stress relief.

Group shot of students and teachers with gingerbread houses.
NMHZ students create gingerbread houses after reading about them

After completing a weeks-long study of gingerbread-themed books, Simone Oliver’s second grade class at Nelson Mandela/Hosea Zollicoffer School celebrated with a gingerbread house making party. The children were excited to bring the stories to life by designing and decorating their own gingerbread houses. 

Group picture of students in Christmas clothes.
NMHZ pre-K celebrates "12 Days of Holidays"

This season, the pre-K class at Nelson Mandela/Hosea Zollicoffer Elementary School is lighting up with festive cheer through their unique celebration of "The 12 Days of Holidays." Created by Pre-K Director Dr. Gayle White, this special event is designed to immerse young learners in the joy of the holidays through themed story days and creative projects.