Community Education Council District 6 - Empowering Our Community Through Education

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Engaging parents effectively during Community Education Council meetings can significantly influence decision-making and improve local schools. To maximize participation, it’s essential to communicate clearly beforehand using various channels such as emails, flyers, and social media. Parents should be encouraged to prepare questions or topics they care about, which helps create a more focused and productive meeting. Additionally, providing childcare or scheduling meetings at convenient times can remove barriers to attendance and broaden involvement.<h3>Strategies for Effective Participation</h3>During the meetings, it’s important to foster an inclusive environment where every voice is valued. Utilizing tools like roundtable discussions or breakout groups allows parents to express concerns and ideas in smaller, less intimidating settings. Recording key points and follow-ups ensures accountability and keeps communication transparent. These approaches help build a stronger, more connected community dedicated to improving education at the district level.

Maximizing Parent Engagement in School Meetings: A Practical Guide

Community Education Councils (CECs) across New York City are evolving to better address the needs of diverse student populations. One rising trend is the increased use of digital platforms for virtual meetings, which has expanded accessibility for parents who previously faced challenges attending in person. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on equity-focused initiatives that aim to close achievement gaps by tailoring resources to underserved communities within districts.<h3>Technology and Equity Shaping Future Directions</h3>Another significant trend is the integration of data analytics to assess program effectiveness and student outcomes. Councils are partnering with local organizations to provide workshops on digital literacy and mental health awareness, reflecting a holistic approach to education. These innovative strategies signal a forward-thinking shift in how community stakeholders collaboratively enhance educational environments and student success.

Emerging Trends in Community Education Councils for 2024

Behind every successful Community Education Council initiative is a dedicated team working diligently to meet community needs. In District 6, planning begins with gathering comprehensive feedback from parents, teachers, and students to identify priority areas such as school safety, curriculum development, and extracurricular programs. This collaborative process ensures that the council’s efforts are aligned with the community’s most pressing concerns.<h3>The Collaborative Process Behind Our Success</h3>The council then convenes regular strategy sessions where members analyze feedback and develop actionable plans. These meetings often include presentations from education experts and local leaders to inform decision-making. By fostering open communication and transparency throughout the process, District 6 builds trust and empowers stakeholders to contribute meaningfully toward creating better educational outcomes.

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Inside Look: How Community Education Council District 6 Plans Its Impact

At the Community Education Council District 6, we are dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for Community School District 6 students. Our mission is to foster community engagement and advocate for quality education in our schools. Join us in making a difference in our children's future!

Empowering Our Community Through Education

We organize community events to foster engagement and collaboration among families, educators, and local organizations. Participate in our activities to strengthen our community bonds.

Community Events

We offer various volunteer opportunities for community members to get involved in supporting local schools and educational initiatives. Your time and skills can make a significant difference in our children's lives.

Volunteer Opportunities

We provide a variety of educational resources, including guides, materials, and links to helpful websites for families. Our goal is to enhance learning opportunities for all students in our community.

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Educational Resources

We advocate for the needs and rights of our schools and students at the district level. Join us in our efforts to ensure every child receives a quality education.

School Advocacy

Our monthly calendar public meetings provide a safe space for parents to connect, share experiences, and find solutions to common challenges. Together, we empower each other to navigate the educational landscape.

Monthly Public Meetings 

We offer engaging workshops for parents and community members, focusing on education-related topics and resources. Join us to learn and share valuable insights to support our children's education.

Parent Workshops

Our Services

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Saturday. Summer. Beautiful sunny day, so my friends and I decided to make a picnic and watch the sundown. Pretty fun and relaxed day.

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Taken in Chupah district, Gialai province Vietnam.

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Luis Camilo has served 8 years of experience in CEC 6, and four years on the D6 Presidents' Council, three as President. Luis focuses on community engagement and helping to craft educational policy at the district level. Luis is a proponent of STEM Education, and has invited the director of Columbia University STEM Program, the director of Fordham University STEP Program, and AMNH Director of Education and others to present at several CEC 6 calendar meetings. Most recently he helped organize a Spring Parent Academy with workshops for parents.

Luis Camilo

CEC 6 President and IEP Rep

Caroline Jose is a native of Washington Heights and a proud graduate of D6 schools. She is a dedicated parent of two children currently attending PS&nbsp;4 Duke Ellington School and The Mott Hall School. Since 2022, Caroline has served as a parent leader in multiple capacities — as a four-term PTA President at P.S. 4, a three-term President of the District 6 Presidents’ Council, and now a two-term Vice President of CEC 6.Professionally, Caroline is a Technical Designer in the fashion industry for over 15 years&nbsp;and an life-long&nbsp;active community advocate committed to strengthening family engagement and advancing equitable access to high-quality education. Her focus areas include literacy, inclusion, and fostering meaningful partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations.Deeply rooted in the Washington Heights community, Caroline is passionate about celebrating culture and creating spaces where families feel empowered to lead and collaborate. Outside of advocacy, she enjoys creative design projects, organizing community events, and exploring local art and bookstores with her children.

Caroline Jose

CEC 6 Vice President

Rosanna Diaz is a lifelong Washington Heights resident and proud graduate of Community School District 6 schools. She is the parent of a student at a District 6 school, where she actively serves on the PTA and School Leadership Team (SLT). As CEC 6 Treasurer, Rosanna is committed to transparency, strong family engagement, and advocating for resources that support student success. She works to empower families and strengthen the educational community of Washington Heights.Rosanna completed the training as a NYC Reads Ambassador, as well as NYCPS Family Connector. This is her 5th year serving on CEC 6.

Rosanna Diaz

CEC 6 Treasurer

Nicole L. Lorenzetti, Ph.D. is a mother of two District 6 students at Castle Bridge Elementary where she serves as the Chairperson of the School Leadership Team, and she is a proud product of public schools herself, including The City University of New York. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology in the School of Education at The City College of New York and does community organizing though various formal and informal organizations. Nicole's passion is education justice for all New York City Public School students, with a focus on antiracism, disability justice, and special education by seeking equitable access to accommodations and supports for all students — and families, too! In her free time, she loves to read and craft, and she cooks a fantastic spaghetti marinara.&nbsp;

Nicole Lorenzetti

CEC 6 Recording Secretary

Noemí Díaz serves as the Manhattan Borough President’s appointee and Chair of the Community Engagement Committee for the Community Education Council (CEC). Born and raised in Washington Heights and a proud former District 6 student, she has been a dedicated parent leader since 2023, continuing a lifelong commitment to serving her community.&nbsp;With over 18 years of experience in education, Noemí holds a Master’s degree in TESOL and a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education. She is a former DOE educator, seasoned youth advocate, and founder of initiatives centered on civic engagement, family engagement, and student empowerment. Through her work, she connects families with the information, resources, and networks needed to support student success. She also created a dedicated Instagram page to help parents stay informed, reflecting her belief that communication and access are key to educational equity. In 2025, she was honored by the New York State Assembly and New York City Council.

Noemi Diaz

CEC 6 Member and MBP Appointee

Daphna Ezrachi is the Manager of Sustainability Programs at NYC’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development where she focuses on climate local laws and solar programs. Upon joining HPD, Daphna completed her Masters in Urban Planning from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service. Before pivoting to urban planning and housing policy, Daphna was an educator in Jerusalem, where she grew up. She received a BA from Hebrew University in European History. In her spare time, she volunteers as a CEC District 6 member, at her synagogue, the Fort Tryon Jewish Center, and for climate change activism. She lives in Washington Heights with her husband and their three children.

Daphna Ezrachi

CEC 6 Member

Danushi Fernando brings a unique blend of professional expertise and powerful lived experience to her role. As an Inwood mom, she is personally invested in the success of District 6 schools. Professionally, she is a higher education leader,currently a Dean at Columbia Engineering—and a licensed mental health clinician. Danushi’s career in higher education leadership and mental health work has equipped her with crucial skills in navigating complex bureaucratic systems, managing policy and equity challenges. She is a skilled bridge builder who believes in leading with consistency, and compassion.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a CCEC member, Danushi advocates for a curriculum that not only delivers strong academics but is deeply grounded in&nbsp;empathy and community building. Her vision is shaped by her experience as a new American citizen and a survivor of conflict in Sri Lanka, which taught her the profound importance of mutual respect in a polarized world.&nbsp;

Danushi Fernando

Lenise Dazzel-Harris is a mother, educator, and advocate for inclusive, culturally relevant education. As CEO of&nbsp;We Create Shop, she designs innovative programs that strengthen schools through leadership coaching, teacher development, and student self-discovery. With experience as a Strategist, Entrepreneur, and Holistic Coach— and as a parent of a twice-exceptional child—Lenise brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her role. Guided by her ABC Principles for School and District Success, she is committed to fostering collaboration, improving communication, and creating positive learning environments where every child can thrive

Lenise Harris

Rafael Landeiro has lived in District 6 since 2012 and has supported his local public schools through participation in PS 153's Parent Association and SLT teams. In 2024 Rafael was appointed to the CEC6 b the Manhattan Borough President, and was elected to the Council in 2025.In addition to his volunteer work with schools, Rafael was also a founding board member of the Queensborough Dance Festival, and am currently also on the board of an affordable housing non-profit in East Harlem. Rafael's work is primarily in paid search advertising, working with Dentsu and Brainlabs media agencies. He's also worked with artists in theater production, technical design, and other live art installations.

Rafael Landeiro

Tamara Naparstek is the mother of three District 6 students. Professionally, Tamara started her career in education in the NYCPS as an ENL teacher and now currently works as a Bilingual Speech and Language Pathologist, with a strong passion for appropriately identifying and providing supports to multi-language learners with disabilities. As a parent, Tamara has served and is currently serving as a parent leader on the CEC and SLT. As a lifelong educator, her interests include fighting for high-quality and evidence-based curriculum and rigorous expectations and equal opportunities for all students. In her spare time, you'll find Tamara propagating her plants, strength training at the gym, or hiking.

Tamara Naparstek

Juan Carlos Ozoria-Carmona

CEC 6 Member and ELL Rep

Team

cec6@schools.nyc.gov

CoShawn Holmes, CEC 6 Admin. Assistant

917-521-3793

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<h3>Our Commitment to Excellence in Education</h3>Community Education Council District 6, located at 4360 Broadway, New York, NY 10033, serves as a vital link between the community and New York City's public school system. Our council is dedicated to advocating for high-quality education, ensuring that the voices of parents, students, and educators are heard and represented. We focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment that promotes academic achievement and personal growth for every student in District 6.<h3>Comprehensive Services for the Community</h3>Our services include organizing workshops, forums, and meetings that encourage community involvement in school governance and policy-making. We provide valuable resources and information to help parents navigate the complexities of the educational system, from enrollment processes to academic programming options. Additionally, we collaborate closely with schools and district officials to address concerns and implement initiatives that enhance the educational experience for all stakeholders.<h3>Why Choose Community Education Council District 6?</h3>What sets us apart is our deep-rooted commitment to community engagement and transparency. We strive to build strong partnerships with families and educators, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of our diverse community. By prioritizing open communication and active participation, Community Education Council District 6 plays a crucial role in shaping the future of education in our neighborhoods, making us a trusted and indispensable resource for all those invested in the success of our students.

Empowering Education in District 6: Community Education Council NYC

<h3>Championing Local Voices in Education</h3>Community Education Council District 6, located in the heart of New York City at 4360 Broadway, NY 10033, serves as a vital bridge between families, schools, and city education authorities. Our council is dedicated to ensuring that the unique needs and voices of District 6’s diverse community are heard and addressed within NYC’s public school system. We actively engage parents, educators, and community members to collaboratively shape policies and initiatives that enhance educational outcomes and foster inclusive environments for every student.<h3>Expertise in Advocacy and Educational Support</h3>With a deep understanding of the NYC Department of Education’s framework, Community Education Council District 6 offers expert guidance and support to schools and families navigating the complexities of public education. Our services include advocacy for equitable resource allocation, assistance with school safety programs, and organizing forums for open dialogue on critical educational issues. Our commitment to transparency and collaboration ensures that stakeholders are well-informed and empowered to participate meaningfully in shaping their children’s education.<h3>Unique Community-Centered Approach</h3>What sets Community Education Council District 6 apart is our unwavering dedication to community-centered solutions. We prioritize culturally responsive approaches and recognize the distinct characteristics of our district, which includes a rich tapestry of cultures and languages. Through targeted outreach and inclusive programming, we foster a sense of belonging and partnership among students, parents, and educators. Our council is not just a governing body but a proactive advocate for the betterment of education in District 6, committed to building stronger schools together.

Building Stronger Schools Together: The Role of Community Education Council District 6

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Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria - 23rd June 2021: A non-profit organization visits the Community Secondary School in Oginigba Community, Port Harcourt for an educational charity donation event.

Teacher Engaging with Students During Interactive Learning Session in Rural Classroom

Picture taken by Ezechiel Djenontin during a ResKP tour // www.reskp.fr

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Community Education Council District 6 plays a vital role in bridging the gap between families, schools, and the broader New York City Department of Education. Located at 4360 Broadway, New York, NY 10033, this council serves as a platform where parents, educators, and community members collaboratively influence decisions that affect local schools. By participating actively in council meetings and initiatives, stakeholders ensure that their unique perspectives contribute to policies that enhance the educational environment and student outcomes. This democratic involvement strengthens the community's voice in shaping a responsive and inclusive education system.<h3>Supporting Student Success Through Community Collaboration</h3>At the heart of Community Education Council District 6’s mission is the commitment to support student achievement and well-being through community collaboration. The council organizes outreach programs, workshops, and forums aimed at empowering parents with resources and knowledge to advocate effectively for their children. Additionally, the council works closely with school leadership to address challenges such as resource allocation, curriculum development, and safety concerns. By fostering transparent communication and mutual respect, District 6 exemplifies how community-driven efforts can lead to meaningful improvements within New York City’s public schools.

Empowering Local Voices: The Role of Community Education Councils in Shaping NYC Schools

Stay updated with the latest news, events, and insights from the Community Education Council District 6, empowering NYC's educational landscape.