Last week, Assistant Principal Joel Lowy announced to students that he had accepted a new position as principal for the Lower Manhattan Arts Academy (LoMA). Monday, October 31, was his last day.

Mr. Lowy worked at NYC Museum School for 22 years, first as a Spanish teacher, then as an assistant principal. He taught many different modules throughout his career and is responsible for making the module curriculum what it is today. 

Since the student body heard of Mr. Lowy’s departure, there has been a shared feeling of gratitude and sorrow. Kym Smith, a senior, said, “It’s bittersweet. I’m going to miss him at our school. He’s part of the reason I went here.”

Mr. Lowy has played a huge role in shaping our school community, stating, “The main thing I’m going to miss is the culture here of caring, friendliness, and connectedness…. anytime the spirit of Museum School is evident, and the kids are loving what they’re doing are my favorite memories.” Junior Jimmy Ruan validated Mr. Lowy’s kind nature and said, “Mr. Lowy is always saying ‘hi’ in the hallways and making kids feel special.”

Leane Romeo, a parent to a Museum School junior, has experienced Mr. Lowy’s direct impact on families.“It has always been clear to us that Mr. Lowy really cares… we felt immediately that Mr. Lowy was there to support us during this very important transition to High School.” Sophomore Imanol Ventura said that during the “first couple weeks of school, [Lowy] pulled me aside and asked me how I was doing.” 

Ms. Ng, an 11th-grade English teacher, agreed. “One of the greatest attributes Mr. Lowy offers our school community is his compassion for teaching and learning and understanding of people and cultures.” 

Throughout his years at Museum School, Mr. Lowy has shown students that he wants the best for everyone. Sophomore Viola Lehnert said that “[Lowy] made sure to take care of the kids who were made fun of” when there was an incident in her grade. 

LoMA is a small, art-focused school. Mr. Lowy is “looking forward to creating or re-creating an environment that is similar to Museum and an outgrowth of who [he is] as a person and who [he wants] to be as a leader; so a really warm and exciting place, and vibrant- full of arts, diversity and academic success.” 

Mr. Johnson, an 11th and 12th-grade history teacher noted that “Mr. Lowy does a lot of things behind the scenes. It’s going to be a big loss.” Ms. Benjamin, a science teacher who has worked with Mr. Lowy for the past 21 years, said, “We wish [Lowy] much luck and an amazing new adventure at the new school.”  

As much as Museum will miss Mr. Lowy, Mr. Lowy will miss Museum. He said, “Even if I spend ten years at this new school, and it will be wonderful too, the jewel of my crown, I couldn’t be more proud of what our school has become.”

According to Principal Rodrigues, “There are no plans to replace Mr. Lowy yet. It’s definitely a challenge mid-year, but student involvement will be considered once we have the candidates.”