The FDR Family got bigger this year! We have three new Assistant Principals for the 2019-2020 school year. Our new Assistant Principals of Instructional Support Services are Lauren Urrico and Adam Goldner, and we also have a new Science Assistant Principal, Catrina Williams. The New Dealer will be interviewing each of them over the next three editions. This edition we were lucky to sit down with Adam Goldner, to find out how his transition to Cougar Nation is going!

Q:What position did you hold in the DOE, before you came to FDR?
A: “I was the Director of Special Populations with the Office of School Wellness Programs. I led Adapted Physical Education for all 32 community school districts in NYC.”

Q: Why did you decide to come work at FDR?
A: “I always considered myself an advocate for kids. I saw FDR as a great opportunity to become involved with amazing kids, and I couldn’t pass it up. It was also an opportunity for me to interact with high school students more often.”

Q; What are some challenges you are facing here at FDR?
A: “I’m still getting to know everybody. Time management has been an issue for me, as anything random can come up at any time. Also, getting adapted to the landscape in the school has been a challenge recently.”

Q: What are some of your goals for the ISS Department?
A: “One of my goals is to create a Special Olympics program. In addition, I want to continue to increase opportunity for all FDR students, not only ISS students. Promoting fields of learning is another goal of mine. I hope to impact the school’s climate and culture as well.

Q: What has impressed you about the students at FDR?
A: “Their diversity and the willingness to embrace their culture has impressed me a lot about the students at FDR. The number of languages spoken in the building has also blown my mind.”

Q: What are some things that you like to do in your free time?
A: “I’m an avid Fisherman! Fishing has always been a passion of mine. I also have three kids who take up most of my free time when home.”

Q: Lastly, do you have any message for the Cougar Family?
A: “My message is thank you for being so welcoming! Everybody at FDR is so kind, and I appreciate that.”

A big Cougar welcome to Mr. Goldner! We are very happy to have you here at FDR!