Angel LaBoy

Unofficial results show the winner is either Angel LaBoy, vice principal of School 11, or Kenneth Lucianin, a construction firm manager.
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In May, LaBoy spoke publicly during a council meeting about the salaries. He estimated that council members earn close to $1,000 per meeting, based on a calculation that divides the salary by 24 â€" the approximate number of council meetings a year. LaBoy said the council should meet more often considering the compensation.

Angel LaBoy, an assistant principal at School 11 in Passaic, uses music and dance to encourage children to read during a performance for those attending the Quality of Life summer program at School 9.

PASSAIC - Angel LaBoy is not your average school administrator.The educator raps to Dr. Zeus'ABCs and reggaetones about reading.Unabashedly, LaBoy flaps his arm like a chicken.

The 46-year-old assistant principal at School 11 wants students to keep reading throughout their summer break.

And to drive home the importance of reading, LaBoy is taking his message on tour - that is, in Passaic - in a summer musical extravaganza for city children called "Angel LaBoy Summer Literacy Tour 2007."

On Monday, he performed with a keyboard for about 200 elementary school students participating in the Passaic Recreation Department's summer camp and the Quality of Life afterschool program in the gymnasium at School 9.

LaBoy will take his act today to School 11 on Gregory Avenue in the cafeteria, and on Wednesday he plays at School 6 in the gymnasium on Hamilton Avenue.Both of LaBoy's concerts will start at 10 a.m.; they are free and open to the public.

Wearing sneakers and jean shorts, LaBoy taught the children the lyrics to his original songs during segments of his 90-minute performance."I have a book in my life; Yo tengo un libro en mi vida," he bilingually crooned to the children, who in turn clapped their hands and jumped up to dance.

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LaBoy, a trombonist, began teaching in Passaic public schools as a music instructor in 1986, and became an assistant principal in 2003.He began his literacy tour three years ago to promote the candidacy of his friend Peter Rosas, who was running for the Board of Education.

At the time, LaBoy was interested in research related to reading techniques as he began studies for a master's degree, concentrating on literacy, at William Paterson University.LaBoy said he realized that motivating children to read would help them in their ability to read music.At the same time, Passaic schools began emphasizing literacy, especially with the large influx of English as a Second Language students in the community.

LaBoy has incorporated some of the literacy strategies he's learned into the lyrics of his songs, as he notes in one tune dedicated to the process of visualization.

"When I read and see the pictures in my mind; It's like I'm watching movies all the time; Stories so great that I don't even want to blink; Sometimes I even take my time to stop and think."

LaBoy said he believes that while the program won't teach people to read, it will jumpstart a student's enthusiasm.And of course actions do speak louder than words.As LaBoy performed, the children were mesmerized by his moves and they mimicked every dance step, hanging on every word.

"Don't just sit there, snap your fingers!"he urged, and all of a sudden their little fingers started to click.He later instructed the youngsters to "raise the roof!"
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The children squealed with delight as LaBoy led everyone in a line dance called "Get your funky on."

Angel LaBoy is not your average school administrator.
...
Unabashedly, LaBoy flaps his arm like a chicken.