‘From the classroom to the community’: How a comic book store recently engaged S.I. students | In Class column

IN CLASS: This article highlights the different activities that involve school communities and is a part of a continuing education section.

New York’s Staten Island. Recently, a neighborhood store donated comic books to middle school students as part of the new reading program implemented by Staten Island schools.

Earlier this month, on a Saturday, students from Paulo Intermediate School (I.S. 75) traveled to Newbury Comics, which is situated at the Staten Island Mall in New Springville.

Inside the store, teacher Ryan Murphy strikes a pose with a pupil. (Photo credit: Ryan Murphy)Murphy, Ryan

Using the new Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) curriculum, instructor Ryan Murphy came up with the concept after pointing out that the students had recently finished reading a graphic book called Monster by Walter Dean Myers in their English language arts class.

Murphy claimed that after realizing how much the students enjoyed this genre, he made the decision to contact Newbury Comics. He contacted Anthony Lewis, the store manager, who was in favor of the partnership.

The comic books were given to the students on a special outing to the Staten Island Mall. (Photo credit: Ryan Murphy)Murphy, Ryan

According to Murphy, it was a lovely way for the community to give back to our young people and a fantastic method to connect what we learned in the classroom with the outside world.

According to Murphy, Lewis gave the seventh-grade students free comic books that were brand-new and sealed. Superman, Batman, and The Punisher were all featured in comics. Lewis said that Newbury Comics’ goal is to support youngsters and always encourage literacy.

Murphy remarked, “We are really grateful that Newbury Comics helped us connect literacy in the community and in the classroom.”

Additionally, students had the opportunity to socialize, peruse graphic novels, purchase music records, and purchase Funko Pop merchandise.

Bryan Harrison, a seventh-grader, commented, “I liked how polite everyone was and there was a great selection of comic books for me to choose from.”

Following their completion of a graphic book in English language arts class, the students went on the trip. (Photo credit: Ryan Murphy)Murphy, Ryan

As part of the partnership with Newbury Comics, new comic books were distributed to the students. (Photo credit: Ryan Murphy)Murphy, Ryan

ACHIEVED PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIPS

Two students were been named the 2024–2025 Michael Gordon Foundation Inc. Scholarship Award winners by Staten Island Academy.

Jenna Ruiz, a 2025 graduate, and Daniel Nowak, a 2026 graduate, were recognized by the Todt Hill school on Tuesday, November 12.

The honor is given to high school students who excel academically, make excellent leaders, and exhibit good community citizenship.

According to Michael Mazella, Jenna’s senior adviser, she is one of the most involved student leaders in our senior class and brings a contagious energy to school every day. This community values her warmth and friendliness just as much as her exceptional grades and leadership positions. Jenna is one of those students who improves our community because she is responsible, considerate, and selfless. She completely commits herself to clubs, athletics, and extracurricular activities, and she consistently makes an impression on both her professors and peers.

Daniel is the epitome of a student-athlete, according to Mazella, who has also coached him on the varsity basketball team.

In the classroom and on the court, he is among the most modest, unassuming superstars, and he undoubtedly embodies all the ideals that our school espouses, Mazella added. He sets the greatest standards for class and character, and he leads by example as much as word. Danny is highly regarded by everyone in our community, and it is easy to identify him as one of Staten Island Academy’s top student-athletes.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, the late Michael Gordon learned handbag manufacture in France. He finally became well-known worldwide for his designer handbags after relocating to the United States.

He founded the Michael Gordon Foundation Inc. in 1991 with the goal of assisting youth in the fields of welfare, health, and education. Gordon passed away in 1998, but his foundation continues to carry on his legacy.

The organization accepts grant applications from schools, and the money given to students is given out as scholarships.

CONTACT US WITH YOUR STORIES

Do you have any ideas for stories for the section on in-class education? Annalise Knudson, education reporter, can be reached by email [email protected].

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