The 2025-2026 school year is here and HS223 welcomed nine new staff members who joined our community.

Two of the new faces that you might see in the hallway include Mr. Franklin, the 11th grade counselor, and Mr. Skali, 11th grade math teacher.

Students already are seeing the effort being put in by these new staff members. 

“I think (Mr. Skali) is a good teacher for being young…he’s good at getting the class’s attention and helping you when you ask” said Ashley Hernandez (class of 2027). 

She also feels similarly about Mr. Franklin. 

“I feel like especially because I’ve already had a few meetings with (Mr. Franklin) I feel like I’ve already had those opportunities to be able to speak to him” said Ashley. “I feel like as long as you feel open to him he’s going  be open to you. You’ll be able to talk to him and communicate with him with whatever you feel like communicating with him.” 

Mr.Skali is from right outside of Boston, Massachusetts and went to Amherst College, where he majored in math. After graduating he realized he wanted to leave and ended up in New York. He applied to teach at this school and had an immediate connection to the school. 

“I also had a really good time during my demo lesson. And I felt like the kids were like, you know, good learners, so to speak, like excited to learn” said Mr. Skali. 

When asked to describe himself as a teacher, Mr. Skali felt that his ability to relate with students is his greatest asset. 

“I’m good at connecting with students on like a six-seven level and curious because I like hearing what students talk about” said Skali

He has been having an “amazing experience” at this school when it comes to the students and it is a good fit. He hopes to be able to connect to students on a relationship level and learn to become a better teacher. 

“I feel like teaching and being a student is like a two-way street. Being a teacher comes with the role of understanding one-another” said Mr. Skali.

Mr. Franklin, the new 11th grade counselor at HS223, is not new to the counseling profession but appreciates the environment here at HS223. From the very start he has felt very welcomed into the school.

“It’s honestly been really great. I think that when you enter a new work environment, it really matters if people make you feel welcome. People acknowledge you and say, Hey, you’re new here. I want to help you out, and they’ve done an amazing job of doing that.”  said Mr. Franklin.

Mr. Franklin believes that HS223 is a special place.

“I’ve worked at other schools where it’s more disorganized, it’s a little more chaotic,” said Mr. Franklin. “Maybe it feels chaotic at times to you all, but it’s not compared to other places. So I think it surprised me just how tightly organized everything is.”

The new staff members are able to make the students feel comfortable and build a relationship with them. 

Jonathan Marquez (Class of 2027) feels like he has  instantly connected with the new staff. 

“You could tell they want students to succeed and that’s what I like about them.” said Marquez. 

So let’s welcome both Mr. Skali and Mr. Franklin to the HS223 community. Say hi when you see them in the hallway!