In September 2017, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) published a new edition of the citywide school discipline code for students K-12. The DOE sent letters to families encouraging them to read the whole 80-page document of rules, regulations, and new policies. What are the standards of student behavior? What are the consequences? Who decides?

In the spring of 2018, CUP collaborated with Teaching Artist Nupur Mathur and public high school students from the KAPPA International High School in the Bronx to dig a little deeper into school discipline. To investigate, students got out of the classroom to survey their school community on student rights and responsibilities, and interview key DOE staff on school safety. Students created The Good, Bad, & Unknown to break down the 80 pages of the Discipline Code and imagine the future of their school.

Students debuted their project at the 2018 KAPPA Awards Ceremony, where they presented their newspaper and shared the creative process.

Get your own booklet here!

What People Are Saying

“It was very interesting learning and meeting with people who decide what discipline codes should be in place.” – Jenebu Jabbi, student

“I really enjoyed [the program] very much and was able to express myself artiscally while learning about something new and relevant to my life as a student.” – Lucy Funes, student

Resources & Links

Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy International High School (KAPPA) is a small public high school in the Bronx dedicated to preparing its students for success in college. KAPPA offers the International Baccalaureate program for all interested and on-track Juniors and Seniors.

Funding Support

Major support for this program was provided by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Additional support was provided by Council Member Ritchie Torres.

Special Thanks

Alisa Besher, Hollie Kulago, Chelsea Shibley Bruck, Debbie Sonu, Sada Spence

Participants

  • CUP
  • Teaching Artist
  • Nupur Mathur
  • Project Lead
  • Jenn Anne Williams
  • Teaching Artist Assistant
  • Gifty Boanoh
  • Project Support
  • Clair Beltran
  • KAPPA
  • Students
  • Alejandro Carrillo
  • Amaya Hunt
  • Avree Downing
  • Blake Coniglio
  • Brianna Douglas
  • Jaslyn Sarante
  • Jenebu Jabbi
  • Lucy Funes
  • Manuela Castillo
  • Pedro Millan
  • Sanjeeda Tanne
  • Principal
  • Panorea Panagiosoulis
  • Assistant Principal
  • Casey Smith