The Root of CSH
“To Mr. Noah, I’d like to say: I know you may get tired of me running my mouth in AP Comparative, but I do it out of love. I don’t say this to many people, but you inspire me a lot. You helped me realize that education is an unlimited thing.”
I remember once in AP Comparative, Mr. Noah walked in with a fresh cut before he could even get a word out, and we had already burst out clapping just to be funny. In a normal class you would expect to be told to be quiet or stop disrupting; however he did not do that. Mr. Noah did the complete opposite. He thanked us and laughed with us.
Eight years before that moment, after Donald Trump won the 2016 election, Mr. Noah scratched that same head, unsure of what direction his life would take next. He was a man who had spent many years in both educational roles and as a lawyer. He wanted to be inspired, he wanted to be motivated, and he wanted another job.
Having many connections within the workforce, he met Kristin Kearns-Jordan who is now a member on the board. She introduced Mr. Noah to Urban Assembly, which would helpComp Sci High become a reality. They needed someone who they knew could plan a school, had the right connections, and would ultimately get the job done. Even though Mr. Noah was hesitant at first because he had just had a child, he realized that the members of Urban Assembly saw a spark in him in that moment he had not seen it himself. Many people told him about the hardships that came with building a school but he did not let those words discourage him.
Mr. Noah was originally a managing director at Success Academy Charter School. At that time, Comp Sci High to Mr. Noah was just a distant dream and aspiration to him. After years of law and teaching, Mr. Noah decided to show many people that the impossible is always possible even when people are in doubt. Mr. Noah is a father, a husband, a teacher, and most importantly he is also an inspiration.
During his journey in planning the school, it was a struggle. They had to fight the city for space, get funders to donate to a school that was just a blueprint. Before there was a building, Mr.Noah was already outside going to different organizations,middle schools, and community centers to introduce people to CSH. In an interview online with Mr. Noah, they asked him why he chose to create this school in the South Bronx, and his response was “many new immigrant families deserve the best schools, the best educational opportunities. I hope to contribute to that kind of opportunity in the Mott Haven community. Second, there are a lot of assumptions about what kids can-and especially can't-do in places like the Bronx or Harlem. It is important to challenge those assumptions with real proof points.”
He motivates the students to pursue their goals with determination. His personal experience of making a difference shows that success is possible, and that hard work, and perseverance will always lead to excellent outcomes. Mr.Noah’s leadership and vision fosters an environment where both students and staff can thrive.
Mr. Noah is a role model to both the students and teachers at CSH. Mr. Noah is in charge of everything at CSH from finances, to having the final say in so many decisions being made. Ms.Alder, Ms.G, and Chief Kale report directly to him. He also works on the financial aspect of the school; he raises money and reports to the state and authorizer. He makes sure that our school is not being exposed to legal or educational risks. He is not just the “executive Director” of the school; he is also our teacher, our mentor, and someone alot of us look up to.
When I think back to that moment in AP Comparative, I think of how it was meaningful because it showed to me that Mr. Noah wasn't just all about us getting an education, he genuinely cares for us. I know there are many students who admire Mr. Noah when he isn’t giving us a one hour lecture, but we also have to remember that he listens to all of our concerns and ideas and finds the best solutions for us. He is able to connect with us through various ways, sometimes turning those long conversations into the most meaningful ones.
Mr. Noah is walking proof that anything can be accomplished with patience. Mr.Noah’s influence on the school and the students is shown in various ways. He shows a vision of excellence and opportunity which emphasizes that every student regardless of our backgrounds, past, and culture we are all entitled to a high quality education. His commitment to making sure that each student at CSH gets the best education that they deserve benefits the entire school.
I spoke to Ms. Alder who works closely with Mr. Noah, and she expressed her gratitude to him. She said “Mr. Noah is my favorite second boss, he's thoughtful, he's smart. He never approaches the job like he knows everything, and I’m always learning new things from him.”
Ms.Liani, who also works closely with Mr. Noah, had some remarks about him: “Mr. Noah is the smartest person I have ever met. He has one of the biggest hearts. He genuinely cares about staff and students. He is the person I know I can text whenever I’m in need of something. I can trust that he will give me advice not for his self interest, and he pushes me to see other sides. He created an environment where kids feel comfortable to be themselves.”
To Mr. Noah, I’d like to say: I know you may get tired of me running my mouth in AP Comparative, but I do it out of love. I don’t say this to many people, but you inspire me a lot. You helped me realize that education is an unlimited thing. There are always new things to learn. I've learned to become humble, I've learned to reflect, and push myself in ways that will only make me better. I never leave Mr.noah’s class empty minded, I leave with curiosity and new ideas.