Room 421
Biography
Because we disagreed with Cuba’s Communist regime, my family immigrated to the USA in 1962. My whole life was turned upside-down: I left behind a large house, an extended family, and a warm climate and came to live in an apartment, away from my family, in the cold, snowy climate of NYC. I was raised on Amsterdam Ave. and 139 St. I think that my experience has given me an understanding of what some of our students go through, and a greater empathy for P.S. 51’s immigrant families.
My parents could not afford a private college tuition, so I probably would have attended one of the City Colleges. However, my grades earned me a full academic scholarship to Iona College in New Rochelle. I graduated Cum Laude, but since NYC was then in the midst of the 70’s fiscal crisis, it took two years for the Board of Education to require my services as a bilingual teacher.
I was appointed and arrived at P.S.51 on April 19, 1977. Once here, I continued my post-graduate studies at Fordham University. During the past 31 years I have seen many changes, both in the neighborhood and in the school. The methodology changes, staff comes and goes, but one thing remains constant: my devotion and dedication to this school and its families.
10 responses so far ↓
1 LISA // Jun 28, 2009 at 9:34 am
WHEN I WAS IN 51 YOU WERE THE 6TH GRADE TEACHER. I REMEMBER US ALL BEING AFRAID TO HAVE YOU AS A TEACHER. LOL BUT YOU WERE JUST PASSIONATE ABOUT TEACHING. I APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE AND I RECENTLY BOUGHT A BOOK THAT YOU READ TO OUR CLASS. HATCHET. I WILL READ IT TO MY DAUGHTER. I MISS YOU VERY MUCH. HOPE ALL IS WELL. XOXO
2 Maria Perlas // Jun 28, 2009 at 7:54 pm
OMG! Lisa, I LOVE that book & I am thrilled that you are reading it to your little one. And yes, I am aware of my reputation as a ‘tuff teacher’, but I loved/still love my job & I look forward to staying at 51 for a couple more years!
Thank you for your kind words. It’s comments like yours that keep teachers going!
3 Jenny Colon // Aug 24, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I also had you for 6th grade. I remember you reading the book Hatchet. I think the way you read out loud, with passion is what made a lot of people interested in the book. I purchased the book and have been reading it for years. I even recommended the book to my 15 year old stepson, and he loved it. Thank you for everything.
4 Genesis Torres // Oct 23, 2009 at 12:15 am
Greetings Ms. Perlas!
I’m hoping that you remember me. You were my sixth grade teacher, and math was not my strongest subject (unfortunately, it still isn’t). However, when I was your student, you brought out this confidence in me that allowed me to feel capable about my own math skills….even if it was difficult for me. I didn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask you for help, and I didn’t feel bad for having the wrong answer. No other Teacher or Professor could ever come close to the individual attention and compassion that you gave me. I still think about walking down the stairs, and hearing your voice telling us to slow down in Spanish, and your Monopoly phrase….”Do not pass go, do not collect $200″. I also remember giving you a Baby Shower when you were expecting your son. I am a Preschool Teacher now, and I hope that I can be as wonderful of a Teacher as you are. Thank You so much for everything, you have truly made an impact in my Life!
Sincerely,
Genesis Torres.
5 Lisa Perez // Dec 7, 2009 at 11:19 am
Hello Mrs. Perlas. I was curious if you had any of our class pictures or any photos from the graduation. It would really be nice to see some of those photos from the picture slide. Some of my best memories were in that school and in your class. E-mail me if anything comes up. Thank you sooooooo much and have a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!!! XOXO. You are truly missed.
6 Christina Cruz // Dec 15, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Hello Mrs. Perlas. You were my 6th grade teacher at 51. It was the year you were pregnant. We threw a baby shower in class and a welcome back party. I remember you being so upset the day you came back from your maternity leave because we behaved so badly when you were gone. But by lunch time when we surprised you with a welcome back party you seemed a lot happier. I’m sure you remember me :o) ….I also remember the pictures you had up of Mel Gibson in your cabinet in class (I think it was Mel). Anyway, just wanted to let you know that you were one of the best teachers I ever had and I will never forget the year I was in your class.
Your Student,
Christina Cruz
7 Lissette Dominguez Levine // Feb 4, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Just happened to be looking for my old high school chum, when I came across this terrific website. Maria Perlas, it was truly a pleasure to see how your students admire you and appreciate your devotion and dedication. There’s nothing like it and I know how fulfilled you must be. You and I were “singing” buddies and I see that you have brought your love of music into the classroom. That’s awesome! Keep up the good work and keep in touch…Lissette (Suprised, huh?)
8 Maria Perlas // Feb 6, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Yes, girls, I remember all of you (the mind has not gone yet!). Jenny, I think you also had Mrs. Lawrence, no? Christina, your brother was Albert, yes? Also I think I have a pix of you from Halloween. And you go, Genesis! Teaching is a truly wonderful and noble calling, not for the weak-hearted, that’s for sure! All you girls please email me–I’d love to hear more from you.
9 Jennifer Rosa // Apr 30, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Hi Mrs. Perlas (Oh Wonderful One),
I can honestly say I am not surprised to see how much we all still love you. Everyday I think of that one special teacher from P.S 51 that gave me that motivation and confidence to do my best and strive for whatever it was that we wanted to do. Yes at that age we were all scared of that one strict teacher, but at the end we ended up loving you so much. I hope you remember me because I have never forgotten you.
Jennifer Rosa
10 Maria Perlas // May 19, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Thanks, Jen, it is comforting and reassuring to be remembered fondly. And weren’t you the Jennifer with the short, chin-length haircut? You made a duck clay sculpture in Jerry James’ art class, did you not? Goodness, I hope I am remembering the right Jen!
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