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Mandela Falcons RISE: Building a positive school culture together

Student raising hand and waving to Falcon mascot
Mandela Falcons RISE: Building a positive school culture together

Last Monday, the Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School community came together for a powerful PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Assembly that celebrated the values guiding their journey toward a positive and supportive environment. NMHZ’s rollout of PBIS has been deliberate and intentional, ensuring that every step connects meaningfully to students’ daily experiences.

During the assembly, staff helped students link the words of their daily pledge—challenging them to RISE (Responsible, Integrity, Safe, Exceptional)—to the expectations that shape school culture. The space was vibrant with artwork created in art class, featuring inspiring messages like “Be Kind,” “Peace,” “No Bullying” and “Encourage Others,” reflecting the spirit of the school community.

Students reviewed the core purpose of PBIS: celebrating positivity, believing in themselves as scholars and individuals, and understanding that while expectations matter, recognition and rewards are part of the journey. Highlights included the Sixth Grade Players, who used role-play to demonstrate both poor and positive examples of behavior, and a surprise visit from the beloved mascot, the Falcon!

Students and staff left the assembly energized and united, confident that the Falcons will continue to RISE to every occasion as they move forward into the rest of the school year.

Mascot walking into assembly
NMHZ students at assembly
Student raising hand and waving to Falcon mascot
Group of students sitting around table/
Teachers and assistant principal together


 

 

NMHZ pre-K celebrates "12 Days of Holidays"
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.

Mandela Falcons RISE: Building a positive school culture together
Mandela Falcons RISE: Building a positive school culture together

Last Monday, the Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School community came together for a powerful PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Assembly that celebrated the values guiding their journey toward a positive and supportive environment. NMHZ’s rollout of PBIS has been deliberate and intentional, ensuring that every step connects meaningfully to students’ daily experiences.

Student Ambassadors Shine in Pre-K Classroom
Student Ambassadors Shine in Pre-K Classroom

At Nelson Mandela/Hosea Zollicoffer Elementary School, we are proud to celebrate the dedication and kindness of three remarkable students from Ms. Vetere's 4th-grade class. These students have taken on the role of student ambassadors, going above and beyond by sacrificing their recess time to make a positive impact in the Pre-K classroom.

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

County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels visits NMHZ
County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels visits NMHZ

Last Wednesday afternoon, middle school students at the Nelson Mandela/ Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School engaged in an exclusive assembly and Q&A with Westchester County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels. Students got insightful answers from Legislator Woodson-Samuels on local politics and future careers.