The Principal’s Newsletter October 27, 2014
Volume VII, Issue I
A Message From Dr. Woodberry Hello High School East Community, Welcome back to High School East for the 2014-2015 school year! School has been in session for about two months now and there are already a number of fun, interesting, and exciting things to share. This year, like most of our prior years, is off to a really fast start. Homecoming was very early this year. There were a variety of festivities that took place that weekend celebrating High School East and highlighting our school spirit! All of the outcomes from the pep rally to the football game were positive. There have also been numerous other assemblies, sports competitions, academic accomplishments and altruistic activities occurring during the early part of this school year, which you will read about in this issue. It has been a pleasure welcoming the Freshman class of 2018! They are a terrific group of young students who are intelligent, enthusiastic and exhibit great character. They are an excellent addition to our school. I want to encourage them and all of our students to make High School East not just a place to “go to school” but more like a second home where they further develop their lives. Parents encourage your children to become a part of the school and make it their own.
Principal’s Message.....Page 1 Scholar Students..........Page 2 Homecoming 2014.......Page 3 “The Arts” News.....Pages 4-5 Care to be Clothed.......Page 6 The Thunderbolt..........Page 7 H.S.E. Goes Gold.........Page 7 Training with Bolt.......Page 8 iPads In Action............Page 8 Cultural Exchange......Page 9 Math Honors................Page 9 Fall Sports..................Page 10
We will all do our best to continue the tradition of excellence for which High School East is known. Remember Respect, Responsibility and Excellence in all you do! I wish everyone a great school year! Dr. J. A. Woodberry Principal
Page 1
Perspectives: The Principal’s Newsletter
Volume VII, Issue I
Nationally Recognized Scholar Students at High School East
The 2015 H.S.E. National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Grant M. Berland Judy M. Chen Justin T. Estreicher Jacob S. Goldberg Zachary Goldstein Anja S. Kenagy Suzanne M. Norris Heesu Shin Jenny T. Truong Joanna Y. Wang Akash Wasil Michelle M. Zhao
The 2015 H.S.E. National Merit Scholarship Commended Students Nathaniel Bear Cheryl Feig Luke Longo Daniel Testa Jonathan Bodian Jared Gershowitz William Ma Jennifer Wang Catherine Costanzo Lisa Giris
Cole Mantell Michael Weymouth Karishma Daibee Jordyn Isikow Nicholas Petosa Tiffanie Yang Benjamin Edwards Brandon Kaplan Divya Rao
About 1.5 million juniors take the PSAT each year. In September of their Senior Year, 3% qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program. The majority of these students receive letters of commendation. The top 1% become semifinalists and continue in the competition. The finalists will be notified in February. Congratulations to the students listed for these honors! The National Achievement Scholarship Program honors the highest scoring Black Americans requesting entry in the program. The top 3% are named outstanding participants. Congratulations to Liana Taylor for this achievement!
The 2015 H.S.E. Outstanding Participant in the National Achievement Scholarship Program
Liana Taylor
Page 2
Perspectives: The Principal’s Newsletter
Volume VII, Issue I
HOMECOMING 2014
On Saturday, Sept 20th, High School East celebrated its annual Homecoming with a flurry of festivities that started with a pep rally Friday afternoon, and ended with Competition Night on Saturday. At the halftime celebration, the Homecoming King and Queen, Yolanda Jean-Baptiste and Luke Longo, were crowned. Thanks to the hard work of Student Government and H.S.E. staff, the weekend was a huge success. Students decorated floats, created dances, and showed their pride by purchasing over 300 class shirts. It was a great weekend from start to finish! Homecoming Game Results:
Hills East Thunderbirds 31, Copiague 8
Derek Merckling ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries, and Nick Dipietro added 90 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries to lead Hills East in a Suffolk Division II game against Copiague. Malik Williams-Wells led Hills East with 134 rushing yards on 14 carries. Cornerback Eric Glasser returned a fumble for a 7-yard touchdown to give Hills East a 14-0 lead with nine minutes left in the first quarter. Middle linebacker Blaise Spinelli had a game-high 12 tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception.
Page 3
Perspectives: The Principal’s Newsletter
Volume VII, Issue I
“THE ARTS” NEWS Student Musicians Excel This year, a large number of talented High School East students have been choosen to represent our school at the All-National, All-State, and All-County music festivals. Congratulations to all the participating students! All-National Participants Joshua Karmel (Choir) Marshall Kearse (Selected 1st Chair Trumpet) Heesu Shin (Choir) All-State Participants Nathaniel Bear, Brian Rhee, Maurice Grossman, Katherine Thompson, Brandon Kaplan, Tiffanie Yang, Scott Landman (not pictured), and Judy Chen All-County Participants Brynn April, Zachary Goldstein, Scott Landman, Isabella Sofroniou, Carson Barnes, Andie Goodman, Lauren Leibowitz, Elizabeth Thompson, Nathaniel Bear, Stefanie Grafstein, David Lerner, Katherine Thompson, Jacob Bezner, Cassandra Grello, Annie Levine, Elana Vingan, Angela Bruzzi, Maurice Grossman, Anna Levy, Joanne Voyard, Melissa Carfagno, Emily Hein, Nicco Mazziotto, Michael Weisman, Michelle Carfagno, Erica Hellman, Adara Mifsud, Teddi Weiss, Hannah Der Aris, Allie Henner, David Morales, Elee Wolf-Sonkin, Nicholas Farrauto, Brandon Kaplan, Brian Rhee, Michael Worshoufsky, Matthew Gacek, Joshua Karmel Nicolette Schepis, Tiffanie Yang, Collin Giuliani, Philip Kronenberg, and Heesu Shin
Page 4
Volume VII, Issue I
Perspectives: The Principal’s Newsletter
Embracing Our Differences Art Contest
Winners: Marc Amorello, Angelina Craig, Diana Dinowitz, Lexie Reiffman, and Rebecca Kreutz
In April and May of 2014, Mr. Petrucci’s Studio in Art class embarked on a mission, to enter the upcoming Embracing Our Differences Art Show. Each student was encouraged to use a variety of media to accomplish their artistic goal. Students focused on how to creatively convey the message of “the struggles and joys of living in a diverse community, the impact of prejudice/ hatred on human dignity, and the varied people, cultures and perspectives in our world.” The five winning students artwork will be showcased at the 8th Annual Embracing Our Differences Exhibition at Suffolk County Community College. -Article Submitted by Mr. Petrucci
National Art Honor Society Gives Back
The National Art Honor Society strives to aid members in attaining the highest standards in art scholarship, character, and service, and to bring art education to the attention of the school and community. Recently, the NAHS, under the leadership of Ms. Allyson Uttendorfer, volunteered as a group at the Wyandanch food pantry. While there the group assisted the center by filling shelves, organizing supplies, and unpacking boxes full of food for those who are less fortunate.
Page 5
Perspectives: The Principal’s Newsletter
Volume VII, Issue I
Student Led Community Outreach: Care to be Clothed Last year through community service, students at H.S.E. had the opportunity to work with The Mercy Inn Soup Kitchen, a non-for-profit organization that services the homeless and working poor in the area. Through this connection they became aware of a community outreach program called Long Island Food NB, which advocates that community members take care of the community in solidarity not charity. This organization shares hundreds of thousands of groceries each month along with other necessities like clothing, school supplies, toys and toiletries. The student led group decided that they would continue their efforts with the help of our own high school. The students received permission from Assistant Principal, Mr. Ben Wiley, and Principal, Dr. Woodberry, and decided to call their project “Care to be Clothed”. In August, the group collected several large bags of unclaimed clothing from High School East and brought it to the laundromat to be cleaned and dried. The following Tuesday, students brought the clothes to be distributed to a long line of various people from the community. (their ages ranging from children to seniors) The program was so successful that not even a single item of clothing was left. The group also assisted other volunteers in distributing food, school supplies and toys. According to the students involved, it was a privilege to participate with this active community dedicated to improving the lives of people on Long Island. The student group’s experience was both rewarding and enlightening. There are many people who are hungry and in need in our own backyard. They hope to continue their project of “Care to be Clothed” and other community service projects throughout their high school years. Hope is not a tangible thing, yet looking at the grateful faces of the community opens the mind to new horizons of aspiration and ambition to truly make the world a better place. Article Submitted by Brianna Serra, Jessica DeVilla, and Melanie Cassino
Page 6
Perspectives: The Principal’s Newsletter
Volume VII, Issue I
Athletic Statue Unveiled: The Thunderbolt
The 2014 High School East Football program is proud to announce the donation of a monument to High School East in honor of all past, present and future Thunderbirds. This monument will be forever displayed at the High School East turf field. Although the project was spearheaded by the H.S.E. Football program, multiple volunteers and patrons of the community helped construct this wonderful addition. The spirit, energy, and strength of the Thunderbolt will give teams the power to perform for many years to come. On behalf of the H.S.E. Administrative Team, we would like to thank everyone who was involved in this monumental project.
H.S.E. Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness As you all know, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. This September, with the help of Key Club, High School East raised $1,791.00 for the Spencer Reid Foundation by selling GOLD bracelets throughout the month. This foundation was created in honor of a little boy from Melville who was diagnosed with Leukemia at 17 months.The Spencer Reid Foundation helps families impacted by cancer with gas expenses, food bills as well as medical expenses. They provide fun filled family days in a safe, germ free environment. Pediatric cancer research gets less then 4 % of the national funding for cancer research. Under the advisement of Mrs. Kramer, Key Club set out to change this trend here at High School East. Thank you for your support this September! The club looks forward to suporting childhood cancer awareness next year, and many more years to come! GO GOLD! - Article Submitted by Jordan Belous & the H.S.E. Key Club
Page 7
Perspectives: The Principal’s Newsletter
Volume VII, Issue I
H.S.E. Student Trains with the World’s Fastest Man Taylor Parkinson, a 10th grade student at High School East, spent time this summer training with the World’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, at the Racers Track Club Camp. The camp’s mission is to provide opportunities for athletes to realize their full potential, while promoting healthy minds and bodies, in an atmosphere that encourages discipline, fair-play, hard-work and respect for all. The camp was directed by world-class trainer Glen Mills, and was located in Kingston, Jaimaca. Taylor spent three weeks completing drills, speed workouts, and endurance training. Upon entry, she was asked to record her fastest 100 meter and 200 meter times. At the conclusion of the camp, her time had decreased close to one whole second in each event! Her most memorable moment was when Usain himself corrected her technique while running, as well as getting asked to speak for Jamaican press regarding the camp. While away from home, Taylor was able to meet new friends and top-level coaches to keep in touch with throughout the year. She hopes Congratulations to Taylor on her accomplishments! to use what she learned from Usian Bolt during her We look forward to seeing Taylor upcoming track season at High School East this year. reach her goals this year!
iPads In Action: Senior Experience News The iPad program has been a welcome addition to the Senior Experience Internship program. Students can now use their iPads for such activities as journal entries, time logs, as well as to take pictures. Student photographers and videographers are using their iPads to document their most recent field trip to New York City and they will be reading their first iBook version of a novel over the course of this semester. Ultimately, the iPads will be used to create a video documentary of their entire internship process. So far, the Senior Experience classes are very excited about their iPads. We hope to continue the program each year. -Submitted by Mr. Joe Cappiello and Mr. Patrick Breig
Page 8
Volume VII, Issue I
Perspectives: The Principal’s Newsletter
The South of France Comes to H.S.E. Every Monday, the High School East AP French Class communicates with first-year university students in Perpignan, a town located in the South of France! The first video of the year is typically “Full Class” which follows with small groups of students debating with students from Perpignan on AP topics such as: global warming issues, how each country celebrates their holidays, and the American school system versus the French school system. Students are required to prepare for their video debate and are asked to write a report the following day about what they have learned from their conversation with the French students. The students communicate in both French and in English. So far, the program here has been a wonderful success. - Article Submitted by Ms. Sophie Sirulnick
Math Honors at H.S.E.
Ray Chang Alia Rizvon Ann Marie Tehn-Addy Anton Wu
The Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY College at Old Westbury has proudly named these four High School East students Long Island Young Scholars of Mathematics. These students were also accepted by the Institute to pursue mathematics and mathematical science applications. To qualify for this honor, the 84 total students who were selected competed against approximately 600 of the top ranking students nominated from school districts on Long Island. Selection by the Institute implies that a student is among the top one-tenth of five criteria: nomination, school transcript, teacher recommendation, a brief statement written by the student and a rigorous entrance exam. Each student is expected to now spend 60 hours in class over the course of twenty Saturday mornings, and on related outside projects. Over the years, many of the Institute graduates have gone on to win prestigious awards, including national and international math and engineering contests. Congratulations to these four outstanding students: you make High School East proud!
Page 9
Perspectives: The Principal’s Newsletter
Volume VII, Issue I
FALL SPORTS UPDATE
Half Hollow Hills High School East 50 Vanderbilt Parkway Dix Hills, NY 11746
It has been a productive and successful fall season for the Thunderbirds. Our football team is currently 4-2 with a playoff berth on the horizon. The girls varsity swim team enters the final week of the season with a record of 4-2 and an excellent shot of finishing 6-2. Girls tennis is currently 13-0 and Ester Chikvasvili has won the Division One singles tennis title. Boys golf finished 2nd in the county and will compete in the state tournament in the spring. Girls gymnastics is currently 5th in the county and will qualify for the Suffolk County team championships. Boys soccer has clinched a playoff berth and is currently 8-4-1. Girls volleyball is currently 5-6 in the league and girls soccer is currently in fourth place in League II and heading towards the playoffs with a 8-4 record. Boys cross country is 4-2 and the girls cross country team is 3-1, both having numerous runners competing at Divisional Championships. Field hockey continues to work hard on the field and have been involved in many close contests throughout the season. Boys volleyball is once again one of the top teams on Long Island with a record of 11-3.
Principal’s Newsletter Volume VII, Issue I Produced by: Mr. Ben Wiley Assistant Principal High School East bwiley@hhh.k12.ny.us Phone: 631.592.3115 Fax: 631.592.3454 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR STUDENT ATHLETES!
Interested in submitting an article to Perspectives? Want to share wonderful news about High School East?
Go to the High School East website, click on the Newsletter Tab found in the left column, and follow the link to submit. You can also email Mr. Wiley directly. All prospective articles and ideas will be reviewed, but not all submissions will be published.
Page 10