Dear P.S. 185 Community,

As I prepare to retire after 22 wonderful years at P.S. 185—11 as Assistant Principal and 11 as Principal—I find myself filled with deep gratitude and emotion as I say goodbye to a place that has truly been my second home.

Serving this incredible school community has been the honor of a lifetime. From my very first days as Assistant Principal to these final moments as Principal, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary group of educators, staff members, families, and community partners who care deeply about our children.

The relationships I have built here will stay with me forever. I leave not just with colleagues, but with lifelong friends—people who have supported, inspired, and walked alongside me through every challenge and every triumph.

At the heart of every decision I made was always one guiding principle: our children come first. Their academic success, their social-emotional well-being, and their sense of safety were always my top priorities. I believed, and continue to believe, that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive—whether they are above average, developing at grade level, students with special needs, or English language learners finding their voice in a new language.

My goal was always simple yet profound: to ensure that every child at P.S. 185 received what they needed to succeed, to feel valued, and to grow into confident, capable individuals. I am proud of the inclusive and nurturing environment we have created together—one that celebrates diversity, supports every learner, and places compassion at its core.

To our teachers and staff—thank you for your unwavering dedication, your professionalism, and your love for our students. You make P.S. 185 the special place that it is.

To our parents and families—thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your constant support. Together, we have built a strong and vibrant community centered on our shared commitment to children.

To our students—you have been the greatest joy of my career. Your laughter, curiosity, resilience, and kindness have inspired me each and every day. Watching you grow has been the greatest reward.

While it is difficult to say goodbye, I leave with immense pride in all that we have accomplished together and with full confidence that P.S. 185 will continue to flourish.

I will miss each and every one of you—the teachers, the staff, the students, the families, and the broader community—more than words can express.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives and for making these 22 years so meaningful. P.S. 185 will always hold a very special place in my heart.

With heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes,

Rena A. Goudelias

Principal, P.S. 185