All About Dr. Bee

Akua-Kissiwaa Amoako, PhD, affectionately known as Dr. Bee is a proud Ghanaian American educator whose journey reflects the power of education to transform lives. Born and raised in Ghana and later in the Bronx, Dr. Bee immigrated to the United States as a child into a working-class household. She learned to speak English at age 11—an experience that profoundly shaped her understanding of what it means to navigate school while balancing language barriers, cultural transitions, and the search for belonging.

These lived experiences inform Dr. Bee’s deep commitment to educational equity and her belief that every scholar deserves to be seen, affirmed, and nurtured as a whole person. For her, equity means creating access, representation, and opportunity—ensuring that all children, especially Black scholars, have what they need to thrive, not just survive.

Dr. Akua-Kisiwaa Adefope

With more than two decades of experience in education, Dr. Bee has served as a classroom mathematics teacher for students with different abilities, a Senior Director of Instruction, an Assistant Principal, and an Adjunct Instructor. Across all these roles, she has centered inclusive, liberatory, and culturally responsive pedagogies that celebrate the brilliance and resilience scholars bring into the classroom.

Dr. Bee earned her Ph.D. in Urban Education—Language, Context, and Culture from the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, and her B.A. in Sociology from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo.

Dr. Bee is also a mother, sister, daughter, amazing friend, and auntie who finds joy in family, laughing, dancing, storytelling, and community building. She's led The Weeksville School with a clear purpose: to co-create a village where every scholar is seen, supported, and celebrated for the unique gifts they bring.

Love and liberation,
Dr. Akua-Kisiwaa Adefope

A Message to Families From Dr. Bee

Dear Families and Students of P.S. 243 The Weeksville School,

It is with immense joy and enthusiasm that I extend a warm welcome to you as we unveil our new website. I am Akua-Kisiwaa Adefope, PhD honored to serve as the principal of P.S. 243, and I am thrilled to introduce you to this exciting online space that reflects the essence of our vibrant school community.

Our new website is more than just a digital platform; it is a gateway to the rich tapestry of learning, growth, and shared experiences that define P.S. 243. As we navigate the digital landscape, we aim to create an online presence that mirrors the warmth and inclusivity that our school is known for.

At P.S. 243, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. Ourcommitment to academic excellence is coupled with a deep understanding of the importance of fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. This website is designed to be a valuable resource for families, providing insights into our curriculum, extracurricular activities, and the many exciting events that make our school community special.

As we embark on this digital journey together, I encourage you to explore the various sections of our website, from announcements and calendars tocurriculum highlights and student achievements. This platform serves as abridge between school and home, and we hope it strengthens the connection between our dedicated educators and the families we serve.

I am here to support you every step of the way, and I welcome any feedback or suggestions you may have as we continue to enhance The Weeksville School community. Thank you for being an integral part of the P.S. 243 family, and I look forward to the opportunities for collaboration, growth, and success that this year brings.

Love and liberation,
Dr. Akua-Kisiwaa Adefope