(I) I.S. 181 - Pablo Casals Middle School

I have fond memories and not so fond memories of my time in Middle School or as my school was called - Intermediate School.  This school is located in Co-Op City in The Bronx, New York.  It goes from grades 5 - 8.  It's sister school is I.S. 180 Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Middle School, also located in Co-Op City in The Bronx.  The reason there were two middle schools were the development was so large, it needed two middle schools and three elementary schools.

I made a lot of great friends in this school, most of us went on to the same High School (which was also in Co-Op City).  I was also bullied in school.  I learned how to play the Viola in the 5th grade and played it up until 10th grade in High School.  We performed concerts and played at occasions.  There was also a band.

Looking at the photo, I'm getting anxiety.  I can't say I miss being in school, any school.

When I was attending it was still pretty good. That was from 1978-1981.

Things seemed to have changed since those days.  The school now services 6-8th Grade only.  This school was given the grade of "B" which is not bad for a Public School in The Bronx.

Things that haven't changed...there is still an orchestra. My orchestra teacher was a great man. His name is Robert Silberbush.  He taught me the viola from 6th to 10th grade.  He is still a music teacher but no longer teaches at this school.  I wrote him some time back and he actually remembered me.  It was nice to talk to him.  He also plays the trumpet.

Robert Silberbush is the tall man on the left.