“Talk and taste your tongue” is just one of many interesting expressions that Bronx Science School Aide Mr. Paul Ogilvie says throughout the day. During a typical day at Bronx Science, Mr. Ogilvie can be observed chatting and laughing with students as they swipe in and out of the building in the morning , during lunch periods, and after school. Known for his sense of humor and vibrant personality, Mr. Ogilvie has been brightening the days of Bronx Science students for many years. 

School aides support the smooth operation of the school and help provide a welcoming and safe environment by performing duties that help staff, teachers, and students. Duties can include helping out in classrooms, the office, the lunchroom, and assisting with tasks throughout the building.

Mr. Ogilvie was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. He moved to the United States in 2014 and started working at Bronx Science soon after.. “I wanted to work with students and was interested in the job at Bronx Science,” Mr. Ogilvie said. 

In addition to all the students he oversees at Bronx Science, Mr. Ogilviehas six grown children of his own, who live in Jamaica and the U.K. A lot of the lessons he taught to his children at home in the past are similar to the ones he teaches to students today in the Bronx Science cafeteria. “I try to always make sure the kids clean up after themselves, throwing out their garbage, and taking their caps off at the table,” Mr. Ogilvie said. 

A fixture at Bronx Science, Mr. Ogilvie said.  has made an impact on many students, who enjoy both his personality and his spirit. 

“Mr. Ogilvie is my favorite faculty member at Bronx Science. He’s funny, and I enjoy talking with him,” Iskander Khan ’22 said. 

“Mr. Ogilvie is definitely a character. He’s one of the most interesting people at Bronx Science,” Andrew Edelmann ’22 said. 

Mr. Ogilvie attributes his signature wisdom and humor to his childhood in Jamaica. “Growing up in Jamaica, my teachers in school and the elders in my community always had these sayings and quotes, so I think I just adopted them in my vocabulary,” Mr. Ogilvie said. Mr. Ogilvie’s favorite saying is “stand up and show up,” which means to be bold and stand for what you believe in. 

In addition to welcoming students into the school, Mr. Ogilvie also takes the safety of our students very seriously. “My favorite part about working at Bronx Science is interacting with students and keeping the school safe,” Mr. Ogilvie said. Ensuring that every student swipes in and out of the building helps the school community to make sure that only authorized persons enter the building and enables Bronx Science to account for every student in case of an emergency.

Chris Song ’22 recalled his first interaction with Mr. Ogilvie in October of his ninth grade year. “I had ninth period free and wanted to go outside, so I exited the building through the cafeteria and did not swipe my ID card as I should have,” Song said. “Two seconds after I stepped outside, Mr. Ogilvie came running through the exit saying ‘Hey, get back inside, you forgot to swipe your I.D!’” 

Mr. Ogilvie said his favorite Bronx Science memories have been chaperoning the Bronx Science prom, participating in karaoke at lunch, and the annual Halloween party. “His favorite karaoke songs are ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond and ‘Redemption Songs’ by Bob Marley. 

In his spare time, Mr. Ogilvie enjoys listening to music. “My favorite genres are reggae, funk, and American pop,” he said. 

Mr. Ogilvie’s favorite sport is cricket. Other games that Mr. Ogilvie enjoys are soccer and dominoes, which he plays with his own children when they visit. 

To many students, Mr. Ogilvie is known by his signature bullhorn, which he carries around and uses to let students know when it’s time to clean up after lunch. “Mr. Ogilvie would not be Mr. Ogilvie without his bullhorn,” said Benjamin Golden ’22. Many students would be surprised to find out that Mr. Ogilvie only got the bullhorn recently. “About three years ago, the school got rid of the PA system in the cafeteria when they did a refurbishing. I had no way to make my voice loud enough for the students to hear me. So, I went out and got a bullhorn!”

During a typical day at Bronx Science, Mr. Ogilvie can be observed chatting and laughing with students as they swipe in and out of the building in the morning , during lunch periods, and after school. Known for his sense of humor and vibrant personality, Mr. Ogilvie has been brightening the days of Bronx Science students for many years.