Principal's Message
To the Midwood High School Staff, Students, Families, Alumni, and Community Partners,
My name is Dr. Robert J. Quinlan and it is my pleasure and honor to serve as Midwood High School’s ninth principal. I am extremely excited, fortunate, and proud to lead the Midwood school community! One of my passions here is immersing myself in the storied history, culture, traditions, and world-class programs offered at Midwood, along with its ample offerings of arts, athletics, and after-school clubs within such a diverse student population. The Midwood pillars of Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility align to my core values and I know that they are the ingredients to a strong educational foundation.
I have very specific goals as Principal of Midwood High School at Brooklyn College. Firstly, I will always have an Open Door Policy for All Stakeholders at Midwood and exemplifying honesty, responsibility, and respect to all. These are the Midwood core values that we want to embed in our students in addition to a strong academic foundation when they embark into the world after Midwood. Whether they take an academic, CTE, military, or whichever path they choose, we want the collective Hive of students of past, present, and future to conduct themselves with these foundational values.
Secondly, I want to continue to foster excitement and school spirit through clubs, events, including but not limited to highlighting students and staff via social media. This is something we are known for, and I want to continue to showcase all the wonderful things going on at the Hive!! Our “@therealmidwoodhs” on Instagram and Facebook consistently features our amazing Hornets’ achievements, accolades, and involvement!
Thirdly, prioritizing teacher support through enhanced professional development opportunities through the Teacher Center, School-Based Staff Development Committee ("PD Team"), professional development “by teachers, for teachers,” and fostering a sense of collaboration between colleagues. I believe that all the adults at Midwood are leaders of learning!
Fourthly, focusing instruction, pedagogy, and instruction, specifically on literacy strategies, implementation of new curricula aligned to NYSED standards, and implementing Artificial Intelligence, for educational purposes, to build schoolwide capacity. Ensuring students have access to high quality education, relevant curriculum, rigorous content- and standards-based lessons and units, and persistent progress monitoring will lift student achievement across the Hive. With that being said, emphasizing MTSS (Multi-Tiered Student Supports) in all subject areas with a focus on using multiple data points to target interventions, as well as enhanced screeners and programs to support struggling learners.
Fifthly, I would like to continue to enhance parental involvement and engagement as partners in their child’s educational journey. Whether it be through Coffee with the Principal, Breakfast with the Counselors, College and Career Night, AP Information Night, monthly parent newsletters, you name it, we want to support and involve our amazing Midwood parents and families!
I am approachable, personable, and passionate about working with students, educators, and families each day to support rigorous and fruitful high school experiences for students. My style is one of support, optimism, listening and engaging in conversation with all stakeholders, and getting out there in the community. Some of my best memories are from my high school years, a school very similar to Midwood, where I was a scholar athlete (soccer and lacrosse), AP student, and National and Foreign Language Honor Society member. I believe that ensuring all students are involved in a combination of Academics, Activities, Arts, or Athletics will develop a well-rounded, unforgettable high school experience that will best prepare them for a successful future.
I look forward to working with each of you during these next 720 days on your journey through the Hive here at Midwood!
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert J. Quinlan
Principal
