P.S. 242 - Young Diplomats Magnet Academy

Dear Young Diplomats Magnet Academy Families and Community,

It is an honor and a homecoming to serve as the new Principal of the Young Diplomats Magnet Academy, here in the heart of Harlem, the community that raised me. As a proud Harlemite and resident, I am thrilled to bring over 15 years of experience in education back home to the neighborhood that shaped who I am today.

At Young Diplomats, our vision is clear: We are “Cultivating tomorrow’s leaders to build bridges, break barriers, and create lasting solutions for our interconnected world.” This vision comes to life every day as an International Baccalaureate (IB) school that prides itself on teaching students to utilize their voices for agency, empowering them with the confidence and skills to create the world they want to live in.

This work is made possible through the dedication of our staff, who are committed to setting high academic expectations while nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in every child. We believe that excellence and care go hand in hand, and that every student deserves to be both challenged and supported as they grow.

As I transition into this role, I want you to know that my door is always open to you. I value your voices, your stories, and your ideas. A strong partnership between school and home is vital to our students’ success, and your involvement is key. Together, we can ensure that every student at Young Diplomats Magnet Academy feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach new heights.

I am looking forward to the possibilities ahead and all that we will accomplish as a community. Thank you for welcoming me home. I look forward to seeing where this journey takes us!

With pride and partnership,

Dr. Olinka Crusoe

Principal, I.A.  

Dear YDMA Families & Community, 

It is an absolute joy to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal, I.A. of PS242 - The Young Diplomats Magnet Academy. I am honored to join this community and am deeply committed to building strong, genuine partnerships with our families and wider community. Your insight, your stories, and your trust shape the heart of our school, and I look forward to getting to know each of you -- whether that is at arrival, dismissal, in classroom celebrations, or at community events! 

My career has been rooted in creating joyful, rigorous learning environments where every child feels known, challenged, and supported. I bring experience leading and teaching in various International Baccalaureate (IB) schools across the US, and I am eager to bring that lens to YDMA. The IB Programme promotes inquiry, student voice, international-mindedness, and authentic learning experiences that support children as they grow into passionate, confident critical thinkers. I have seen first-hand the power of IB-For-All programs in helping students to achieve their dreams, and I am excited to continue that work here at YDMA. 

Most importantly, I believe deeply in the strength of school-family partnerships. I want you all to know that I am always here to listen, to learn, and to work alongside you to ensure that every one of our students thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. Please don't hesitate to reach out, say hello, or share your ideas -- I can't wait to build this next chapter together. 

With warmth and excitement, 

Taylor Panzer

Assistant Principal, I.A.