The Proud Principal’s Message

A Message from
Our Proud Principal

Greetings, Proud Lions!

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!

The doors of P.S. 143Q are open once again, and my heart is bursting with excitement as we reunite for another year of learning, growth, and community.

There is no place like our school, and there are no students like ours. You are fierce, brilliant, multilingual, and ready to take on the world!

It has been my great honor to serve as your proud Principal for over six years, and I continue to be in awe of the love and dedication that fuels our school. Here, at the Louis Armstrong School, we don’t just educate; we celebrate LOUD and PROUD. We celebrate languages, cultures, and the incredible diversity that makes our community shine. Our multilingual scholars are the heartbeat of this school, and we stand as fierce advocates for English Language Learners and multilingual education because we know without a doubt that language is power. And our students? They’re powerful.

Our kids are in the most loving, nurturing, and skilled hands within our P.S. 143 village, and that fills me with endless pride. Our teachers and faculty are truly exceptional. I have inherited and recruited passionate and dedicated individuals who are unwavering in their commitment to our students’ success. Together, we have created a school filled with love, collaboration, and excellence. The educators and staff at P.S. 143Q are nothing short of superheroes (minus the capes—but I’m working on that). They bring passion, expertise, and an unstoppable commitment to our kids every single day. They go above and beyond, and I am endlessly grateful for their dedication.

To our parents, thank you for trusting us with your most precious gifts. Your voices matter. Your perspectives shape our work. Please, never hesitate to reach out to me with your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. This school belongs to all of us and is designed for your child!
As we embark on this journey, know that your children are not just yours—they are mine too. Their safety, well-being, and growth academically, emotionally, and socially are my priorities. I am committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and celebrated in our hallways and classrooms.

If you ever need support, whether it’s a question, a concern, or just a listening ear, please reach out. We are here for you. And if English isn’t your primary language, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! With translation services, multilingual staff, and a commitment to breaking down language barriers, we will make sure every family feels heard and valued.

So let’s make this year one for the books! A year of learning, laughter, and unstoppable success. Thank you for being part of our incredible community. I am honored to serve you, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.

With love, pride and gratitude,
Justine Lucas
Proud Principal of P.S. 143Q

Email
jlucas5@schools.nyc.gov

The Louis Armstrong School
ps143q.org
Home of the Proud Lions 🦁