A Word from Principal Vil

August 2023

Dear Parents,

My name is Gasner Vil, and I am greatly pleased to be part of the Challenge Charter School family and serve as the Middle School Principal.  Our school community is recognized for its dedicated and talented staff members, who are committed  to doing what is best for our scholars. We will continue to put scholars first at CCMS and work diligently to ensure their success. 

My professional background is rooted in education and leadership. I  was born and raised on the beautiful Island of Haiti, where I taught Mathematics for over ten years. In December 2017, I accepted a Math Teaching Assistant position at Challenge Charter Middle School, beginning my teaching career here in 8th grade Mathematics and Algebra. Since then, I have been in love with the organization and the community. 

In the 2021-2022 school year, I served as the Math Instructional Coach for grades 6-10, freshly minted as a credentialed Certified Masters Math Education Teacher from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). That same year, I was afforded the opportunity by Challenge to undergo training and professional development as a cohort member of TNTP Leaders--a national organization known for developing upcoming leaders in education with a focus on Charter School Leadership. Currently, I am working on the completion of a dual masters and advanced certificate in school leadership at the building and district level at St. John’s University. Last year, I served as the Assistant Principal for grades 6-8 and Math Coach for 6-11.  

Aside from my professional achievements, my family is my greatest accomplishment. Thank you for the love and support of my wife, who is a medical provider and a mother of two amazing boys, Jason (11) and Shiloh (3). As a parent, I always want what is best for my children and I will work tirelessly to ensure that your children have the best possible experience at Challenge Charter Middle School.

This summer I worked closely with Principal Gordon, Dr. Lyle, and the leadership team to ensure our smooth transition and I will continue to work under Principal Gordon’s leadership to ensure our school’s success.  I am committed to embracing the positive traditions and practices that are already in place at CCMS and I believe all children at CCMS will continue to receive a first class education as our mission statement states. As a team, we can help our children excel and provide them with an education that is second to none.  

Having understood the work and the mandate of this work from Ms. Gordon. As the Principal and the   Senior Director for Secondary Teaching and Learning, she has invited the leadership team and now our scholars and parents to journey under this banner: Upholding the tenets of Authentic Compliance to continue developing Student Agency and promote College and Career Readiness. This theme encompasses our past work and continuing efforts to serve our scholars, families, and the Far Rockaway community at large. 

I am honored  and humbled to serve as the new principal for Challenge Charter Middle School and look forward to meeting our children, teachers, parents, and the community members. Challenge Charter School has an open door policy, and I will continue in the same way. My door will always be opened to you, and I sincerely welcome your support. I am excited about all we will accomplish together for our children in Far Rockaway and look forward to celebrating our collective success this school year. Let Challenge Charter Middle School reflect the vision of our CEO Dr. Mullings for the community.

Though heavy is the responsibility, we know that the task remains achievable when we have our scholars repeat the mantra: Teach Me. Prepare Me. Challenge Me. 

In Authentic Compliance,

Gasner A. Vil

Principal 6-8