Meet Our Administration
Principal Tripoli
As the founding principal of PS 58 The School of Heroes, we opened the doors to this brand new building in 2002 right after 9/11. We are a community of diverse backgrounds where we are presented with the educational task of providing students with worthwhile, meaningful learning experiences that would be necessary to become productive citizens. PS 58 The School of Heroes is located in Maspeth, Queens and is the cornerstone of honoring, as well as mirroring, the heroic efforts of our 9/11 uniformed first responders, encompassing NYPD, FDNY, EMS and Port Authority officers. Since the opening of our school in 2002, we have recognized leadership and heroic characteristics, which fosters an environment for our students to live, learn, and practice on a daily basis. Our focus is to ensure that all students and teachers become effective leaders.
We will continue to build upon students’ present and personal experiences (social and emotional) to provide a safe learning environment. In turn, teachers will make a concerted effort to ensure opportunities and culturally responsive teaching and learning for all students to be reflective dreamers becoming peacemakers.“Every Journey Begins with a Dream! My dream is that each PS 58 family member see in themselves the values that I see in them. Therefore let us begin our journey in making history by teaching, guiding, and creating future dream makers who will become our world’s peacemakers.
Living, learning, and leading by example as our children will lead the way!
Ms. Arundel - Assistant Principal
I have been an Assistant Principal for several years at PS 58Q. I love my job and working at PS 58 with our amazing staff and administration as well as interacting with the students. Prior to this position, I was a teacher for 11 years. I have NYS Teaching Certificates in Elementary Education, Gifted Education, Special Education, School Building Leadership and School District Leadership. I have masters degrees in Elementary Education and School Administration.
In my role at PS 58, I supervise or participate in overseeing teachers and classrooms, Special Education and The School Based Support Team, safety, admittance and discharge of students, promotion and summer school, scheduling, discipline, parent involvement, school planning and more. The Leader in Me program has helped me build my leadership skills and our students to achieve deeper learning and understanding. The program helps guide all of us to reach our best potential.
Ms. LaBabera - Assistant Principal
I serve as Assistant Principal at PS 58, overseeing Literacy and ENL programs, professional development, and Leader In Me initiatives that promote peace leadership and academic excellence. My responsibilities include supervising instructional practices, managing technology implementation and curriculum integration, and making school procurement decisions to ensure resources align with student success and instructional goals. I work to create a culturally responsive environment where teamwork, collective decision-making, and equity are central to our mission.
My commitment is to cultivate lifelong learners by fostering voice, agency, and engagement within our school community. Through collaboration with parents, students, and staff, I provide opportunities for students to tap into their inner resources and become autonomous learners. By aligning our core values with the district mission—“culturally responsive education so that all stakeholders have a voice and feel empowered”—I ensure that every member of our community feels valued and invested in the success of our children.
Ms. Johnson - Assistant Principal
I serve as an Assistant Principal at PS 58 The School of Heroes. In my role at PS 58, I supervise and participate in overseeing teachers and classrooms, discipline, parent involvement, school planning, Social Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning, and more. As a leader, I work collaboratively to support our school community in moving forward toward a healthy and progressive learning environment. My goal is to create a supportive and engaging environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. I believe in strong collaboration between staff, students, and families, and I’m committed to fostering a culture of respect, learning, and growth.
