Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspectives The Principal's N ewsletter A M ESSAGE FROM DR. WOODBERRY Hello HS East Community, We are approaching the halfway point in the 2015-2016 school year very rapidly. There is a lot of good news to share about our students and staff here at HS East, as you will see in the following pages. Our teachers are engaging students in meaningful, unique learning experiences which are preparing our students to be ready for college and careers. Students are excelling in academics, the arts and athletics! Also, as is always the case, our extracurricular clubs and organizations are providing opportunities for our students to develop into well-rounded, contributing members or society. A number of years ago, we created a vision statement for our school, which you can see here. Recently we have been meeting with faculty, staff, students and parents to renew the statement. Our goal is to ensure that the statement reflects the ideas and beliefs of the current school community. We have discussed elements that should possibly be added and those that we might consider obsolete. From the data gathered thus far, it appears as though there will be a few additions but the foundation will stay intact. We plan to finish the update by the end of the school year. Stay tuned! As always we thank the Board of Education, the Superintendent and Central Office Staff, the High School East PTSA and of course the parents of our community for making it possible for us to provide the best educational experience for our students. Remember: Excellence!
Respect,
Responsibility
and
J. A. Woodberry 1
Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
Hills East Welcomes Chinese Educators On December 2, High School East welcomed several educators from China into our school. The principals and teachers were from the city of Qingdao, in the Shangdong Province. The visit was coordinated by Professor Tian-Lih Teng, from the Department of Technology and Society at SUNY Stony Brook. The group was interested in learning about the structure, leadership and day- to- day operations of successful American schools. The day started with a presentation by High School East administrators, followed by a tour of the school, visits to classrooms, and ultimately a question and answer period. The presentation focused on the structure of the school day, course offerings, graduation requirements, teacher preparation, staff evaluation, organization of administration, student and staff motivation, educational vision, achievement, extracurricular opportunities, parent-school relationships, facilities and securing resources. The administrators led small groups on a tour of the facilities. The guests were interested in every aspect of the school, even things we typically would not consider noteworthy, like the water fountains. They were very impressed with areas such as the huge auditorium and the extraordinary Planetarium. Coincidentally, this group was among the first to experience the new upgraded projector system and equipment in the Planetarium. The Planetarium directors did a great job demonstrating this resource. The teachers and students in classes, computer labs, the library and other places were impressive as well. One of the visiting teachers, who teaches Physics in China, commented about the high level of work in which the students were engaged in the AP Physics class he visited. Another visitor questioned a student about work she was completing in the library. The student eloquently explained her work process and how she conceptualized her role as a learner. She offered that she was analyzing an author?s work and formulating her own views and thoughts on it. It was clear from conversations and observations that students were involved in rigorous studies. High School East is an exceptional school and it was evident from the reaction of our visitors that they would agree. We were happy to host them and share our experiences with them. They extended an invitation for our educators to visit their homeland and learn from their practices as well. 2
Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
Nous Sommes Tous Franรงais In memory of the victims of the previous terrorist attacks on Paris, as well as everyone who has been affected by terrorism throughout the world, French club has come together to raise money and awareness. ?Nous Sommes Tous Franรงais? means we are all French. This symbolizes that although we may come from different backgrounds, we are able to unite and stand together against terrorism. French club has designed t-shirts and sold them to students and faculty members throughout the school. We have raised more than $900 which will go towards families of the victims of terrorism around the world. Everyone can make a difference and we are proud of the difference we are making. - submitted by Alyssa Steinberg
Exploring Cultures; Supporting Charity Every year, the language clubs and honor societies get together to raise money for a great cause and eat amazing food. This year, over $850 was raised for the Cody Byrnes Scholarship Foundation. Students enjoyed a multicultural feast with pizza, pasta, chips, salsa, crepes, and cake. It's safe to say that everyone left the international banquet with light hearts and heavy stomachs. Overall, the event was another success for the High School East language department. -submitted by Katherine Thompson
Every Little Bit Counts A very special club at High School East is Animal Friends and Advocates. Our club advocates and brings awareness to issues that affect animals. Unfortunately, helpless animals do not have a voice of their own. The main purpose of our club is to bring awareness and raise money for these unfortunate animals. Our recent fundraiser was for The Town of Huntington Animal Shelter. Our club was able to fundraise money, blankets, cat & dog food, dog toys, collars, etc. to donate to the shelter. We visited the shelter on December 10th to donate all items that were collected. We enjoyed meeting our ?new? friends. It was with great pleasure that we presented the shelter with a donation of $150 dollars! These funds are used for expensive surgeries for the homeless animals if needed. Please remember to keep this great shelter in mind when you are thinking of getting a dog or cat or when we fundraise in the near future! -submitted by Ms. Grasso 3
Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
Constitution Team Experiences Living History On October 14, our ?We The People? Constitution Team was privileged to attend a field trip to Stony Brook University where two well-renowned historical figures were to speak. Prior to the experience, Korematsu and Tinker were simply names we had memorized in our US History textbook with regard to their relation to watershed Supreme Court cases. While the team naturally understood the significance of their names from a historical perspective, they knew them as little more than mere facts in black-lettering. Upon the team's arrival at Stony Brook, though, history came alive. They had the opportunity to meet Karen Korematsu and Mary Beth Tinker face-to-face. Both figures were incredibly dynamic in their uniqueness. Mrs. Korematsu illustratively conveyed the story of her life to us- a tale of a young girl who went to history class and was taught about a controversial Supreme Court case, Korematsu v. United States, that lead to a clearer understanding in the US of what truly ought to protect a person from oppression: not his ethnicity, but his innate personhood. Despite the case?s clear magnanimity, Karen?s father had kept her and her older brother completely in the dark about the proceedings as a whole. When Karen asked her father about the case upon her arrival home from school, he downplayed it, claiming that he was just one of many who agreed with the same cause. It was not until almost 20 years later, when her father was invited to The White House to receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998, that she fully understood the degree of his accomplishments. In addition, Mary Beth Tinker charismatically relayed to us her involvement in Tinker v. United States, a monumental case which led to expanded liberties and freedoms of expression. As a high school student, she refused to abstain from wearing a black armband as a demonstration against US involvement in the Vietnam War. Soon after, upon being suspended from her high school, she filed a lawsuit against the school district, that reached the Supreme Court. Ultimately, she won; but the successes that ensued stemmed far beyond the parameters of the courtroom. She taught us the significance of taking a stand to uphold our First Amendment rights as citizens and the importance that we have in the realm of civics. Overall, this trip was far more than a surreal manifestation of our history textbook- - it was also an immersion into various perspectives from a diverse array of lenses, in turn, exemplifying the nature of an important truth: history is ongoing. - submitted by Mr. Pitman 4
Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
Hills East Means Business The HSE business students competed in the 13th Annual Business Leadership Competition on December 2, 2015 at Saint Joseph?s College in Patchogue, NY. The business competition was sponsored by the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Chamber of Commerce. The competition challenged the students to create viable business solutions for existing businesses and gave the students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge through presentations in several business categories. The students competed either as a team of two or individually in the business events. There were over 300 students who competed from the following schools: Commack, Connetquot, Farmingdale, Garden City, Half Hollow Hills East, Half Hollow Hills West, Harborfields, Kings Park, Milliken Technical Center, Northport, Oyster Bay, St. Dominic?s, Syosset, Walt Whitman, Wantagh and Wilson Tech. There were 33 HSE students who participated in the event. There were 13 HSE students who placed in their competitions. There were five students who received first place, one student who received second place, and seven students who received third place. We are very proud of all our HSE students who took on the challenge to compete in this event. - submitted by Ms. Southard and Ms. Cappiello Ashley Rodriguez & Matthew Shumer
First Place
Entrepreneurship
Zayan Ahmed and Parker Siegel
First Place
Not-for-Profit Fundraising
Natasha Bajaj
First Place
Job Interview (Grade 11/ 12)
Bradley Weltmann
Second Place
Job Interview (Grade 11/ 12)
Michael Sivin and Max Goldberg
Third Place
Graphic Design
Nicholas Southgate and Sean Pomboza
Third Place
Hospitality Services
Reed Fitterman and Alec Friedman
Third Place
Sports Marketing
Shane Southgate
Third Place
Job Interview (Grade 9/ 10)
Model UN Club Takes on the World On November 21st, students from the school?s Model United Nations Club traveled to Columbia University with their club advisor, Ms. Merejo, to compete in an aggressive battle of nations. The day consisted of sessions filled with heated debates about the future of various world nations, namely the Central African Republic, Puerto Rico, and Argentina, along with more creative debates like that about Avatar and about the Iroquois Convention. During the tournament, delegates declared war, assassinated others, invented the Macarena, seceded from the Union, actually made world peace and so much more. For many in the club, this was their first time participating in a Model United Nations tournament; however, the newcomers, along with the experienced members, did phenomenally. - submitted by Jamie Miller Congratulations to the delegates that received awards: Natasha Bajaj (Outstanding)
Mashell Rahimzadeh (Honorable)
Vaidehi Patel (Most Improved)
Antonio Cruz (Most Improved)
Marc Klinger (Most Improved)
Rachel Anszelowicz (Most Improved)
Jamie Miller (Verbal Commendation) 5
Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
Wi nter Pep Ral l y
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Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
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Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
A Visit to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island A few weeks ago, the Senior Experience class went on a field trip to see Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty. After a very enjoyable bus ride, the class got on a ferry and headed to the Statue of Liberty. Once we landed on Liberty Island, the class split off into groups and walked around the island. The museum at the statue tells the story of the statue, from its proposal design, to its construction, to its restoration. We climbed to the top of the pedestal, a small, cramped platform where we enjoyed fantastic views of the beautiful statue and the majestic Manhattan skyline. It is very cool to say that we went up The Statue of Liberty, even if we didn't go all the way to a crown, which requires a special pass. After we finished looking at our big green friend, the class got back on the ferry and headed to Ellis Island, which is now a museum. Once we got off the ferry, we went into the museum, and in true high school student fashion, almost everyone immediately headed to the food court. After an adequate lunch (P.S. never get a burger at the Ellis Island museum), we headed out to explore the museum. The museum was very cool. It had a lot of exhibits on Photo courtesy of David Cisneros immigration. There were even a few rooms that still had the original furniture from back when Ellis Island was an immigration center. It was like walking into that past. It was very interesting. Overall, it was a very fun field trip, and we got to see a lot of amazing sites and learn a lot about America?s past. -submitted by Aaron Charlack
The Taste of Immigration Food Fest Senior Experience held its annual pre-Thanksgiving food fest on Wednesday, November 25th in the cafeteria. As part of a unit studying immigration, students created dishes inspired by their ethnic heritages. The result was a great combination of different ethnic foods and drinks, to go with some good background music. The event was a big success. Everyone made a sign for his or her dish and gave a brief presentation. Students spoke about the importance of the dishes to their families and the reason they decided to make it. The class learned a lot about each other?s ethnic backgrounds and a lot about how food reflects those backgrounds. It was also a great opportunity for everyone to sit back, relax, and eat together. We all sat at the table together and everyone shared what they were thankful for. Mr. Breig, Mrs. Scully, and Mr. Cappiello did a great job of setting everything up and they were able to make it a fun experience. At the end, we took a group picture together as a family. Senior Experience offers the food fest, and many other things that are not offered in any other class in High School East. It was just one of what will be many great experiences that we have together as a class and as a family. -submitted by Samuel Ferbin
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Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
The Experience of a Lifetime On October 21, 2015, the Senior Experience Class of 2016 took a grand leap into the Lower East Side of Manhattan on their first field trip. The goal of this trip was for students to be able to absorb all the rich history of the Lower East side with its immigration, lifestyles and living conditions. This trip was a Food Tour around the Lower East side of Manhattan that included nine different delicacies, each from a distinct place. Foods included beef jerky from Malaysia, cannoli from Italy, pickles from European descendants, and plantains from the Dominican Republic. Attention was paid to the sights, sounds and smells of the city. The walk began in the Lower East Side, went through China Town, and ended it in Little Italy. Everything along the route was an absorption of knowledge as our two groups' tour guides stopped at various points throughout the Lower East Side and shared its history with us. For example, we learned how the ?Jewish Forward Building,? engraved with the faces of Karl Marx and other Communist leaders, was converted into a church. Also, we learned how, for over one hundred years, one Italian Bakery has been standing proudly and specializing in cheeses and other Italian treats. It was a breath-taking experience because we had learned history by actually viewing, tasting, and hearing it rather than by reading it in a textbook. My tour guide, Aya, who was super-pumped to tell us about the bygone days, stopped in front of various buildings to educate us on how people lived. When immigration to the Lower East side was most prominent, living conditions were horrendous. Multiple people crammed into a single tenement with few windows and ample dirt and disease lingering throughout. From Columbus Park, in China Town, we were able to see the tenement buildings and their current conditions. Of course, Photo courtesy of David Cisneros modern day conditions are better; however, there were still no windows on one of the buildings, showing that even when conditions started to improve, it wasn?t an automatic drastic change. Many people still had to live in mucky, unwashed, crammed buildings, often with only one bathroom per floor. While waiting for the bus we stood in the middle of Little Italy, we began reflecting on how thankful we were to be given this opportunity to be able to eat, see, walk through, and experience history. This trip truly was an experience of a lifetime as it was an astonishing educational experience that allowed us to be in the center of New York history. History is important to not only learn, but to reflect upon, because as the saying by philosopher George Santayana goes: ?Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.? - submitted by Ellary Mischel
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Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
Creativi-Tree Takes Root The HSE Art Department hosted an informative Arts Advocacy Day to discuss art and create a collaborative art project: The Creativi-Tree. One goal of this Arts Advocacy Day is to clearly define the new district-wide diploma program designed to recognize student commitment and achievement in the Visual Arts: HHH Visual Arts Conservatory. The program includes academic, leadership and portfolio-based components connected to the Visual Arts curriculum. The Conservatory further assists students in the development of the 21st century skills necessary to compete in a global job market, which now demands a workforce of creative problem solvers. This program has many requirements and requires 4 years of commitment. Every art student that attended created a leaf for the Creativi-Tree. Amanda Greenfield, Grade 12, designed the tree at Art Club and students designed the leaves to reflect themselves as artists. The leaf shapes represented the variety of art mediums and experiences that we offer at HSE. Shapes included an artist palette, mouse, t-square, high heel and camera, among others. The tree became a symbol for the art department, each and every art student, and all of the courses that we offer. It is currently on display outside of the weight room, in the hallway that connects the two areas of art classrooms.
NAHS Brightens the Day at Sunrise Day Camp The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) hosted several arts and crafts stations at the Sunrise Day Camps 'Family Day' last month. The Sunrise Day Camp?Long Island is the world?s first full- summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, provided completely free of charge. The fun, friendship and smiles continue year round through various camp-like programs and in-hospital services like this one. The NAHS's treasurer, Paige Weiss, Grade 12, volunteers there year round and thought it would be a perfect community service opportunity for NAHS members. NAHS club members must earn art-based service hours monthly to prepare for induction in April. This collaborative event was an excellent way to bring art fun to local children and families. The NAHS board members developed several art projects based on the theme of Fairy Tales and we brought everything needed to create over 200 art projects. NAHS volunteers shared drawing and painting skills with at tendees and guided children during the creation process. Mrs Uttendorfer, club advisor, is always looking for local opportunities to spread the clubs artistic passion and creativity. The day was a success and NAHS was proud to be a part of such a special event. NAHS is already planning to return for the next family day. -submitted by Ms. Uttendorfer 10
Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
4H Collaboration Picks Up Steam HSE has a longstanding partnership with the Heckscher Museum of Art, and each year together they continue to inspire students in creative ways. This year the 4H (HHH + Heckscher) are using STEAM concepts to analyze the words Reflection and Energy. Ms. Nelkin's Media Arts classes and Ms. Uttendorfer's AP 2-D Photo students collaborated on reflective photography and will continue to work on exploring reflection as it relates to each student individually. Additionally, Otsego 4th graders are exploring the same word in relation to science, math, literature and ultimately art. Recently all of the students involved in this unique collaboration visited the Heckscher and toured the Museum's special exhibition 'You Go Girl'. High School students led discussions and group activities and further explored reflection in art. In upcoming weeks, the Museum staff will visit Otsego, and then the 4th graders will visit HSE to work in the digital art lab and the darkroom. The culminating artwork and achievements will be celebrated at a community reception for all of the students and families involved in the project later in the school year.
Paint Night
10 Year's of Art History
The HSE chapter of National Art Honor Society wanted to have a unique winter fundraiser. Larissa Dale, the club's Vice President, came up with the wonderful idea to host a 'Paint Night'. Painting nights have become very popular more recently and take place at local stores, restaurants and even in people's homes. These events provide people with the opportunity to get together with friends and create a finished masterpiece in about two hours. The instructor provides a step by step tutorial and walks everyone through the process. The NAHS event took place on December 3, 2015 and hosted 40 people, a full house in the schools library. Allyson Uttendorfer, club advisor, led the event and recruited art club advisor Janice Nelkin for assistance. The group was divided into two classes, some painting winter road and some winter sky. Attendees included parents, teachers, and elementary, middle and high school students. It was a perfect community collaboration. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Gerald J. Ryan outreach cenOn November 25th, about 20 HSE alumni came to support ter's holiday the project and help plan. Each of the 9 years will be repretoy drive and sented by three 'book columns' symbolic of the year. Books NAHS scholand literacy will be explored in literal and abstract ways arships. which is why this year's installation will take place outside - all articles of the library. At the conclusion of the installation, the submitted by Ms. books will be closed and stored in a time capsule and in anUttendorfer other 10 years we will do this all over again highlighting not just 10 years, but 20!
Each annual art history installation marks more than another years project. These large scale works of art recorded information about the school community and current events from the time, and this 10 year anniversary will do that and more. From the first year's The Courtyard Wrapping in 2006- 2007 to last year's Mirror, Mirror these projects introduced many people to art. 2016's Cover to Cover will highlight each of the 9 chapters leading up to this year and highlight the past installations, pop culture & world events for the corresponding year as well as events from the graduating class. The best part is that art history students from each of the 9 years will be returning to mentor the current class.
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Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
Matthew Flax
2015 Student-A th l ete Si gni ng Day
Richard Hogan
Binghamton University Soccer
University of Tampa Lacrosse
Casey Barone
Tyler Spellman
University of Pennsylvania Soccer
Binghamton University Soccer
Samantha Francucci American University Soccer
Joseph Tesoriero
Joseph Wulforst
University of Hartford Lacrosse
Colorado Mesa University Lacrosse
Congratul ati ons and Good Luck A t Col l ege! Andre Gomez
Nicholas DiPietro
Bryant University Lacrosse
Syracuse University Lacrosse 12
Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
Winter Sports Report The winter season is underway at High School East. The Thunderbirds are once again looking to make noise in all sports and have started in the right direction. Boys wrestling won the Sprig Gardner Tournament and had five champions: Jonathan Spadafora, Philip Spadafora, Michael Abidin, Griffin Arcuri and Jacob Kaufman. Boys basketball is off to a hot start at 2-0 and are predicted to be one of the best teams in Suffolk County. Girls basketball has started the season 1-1 with Mesha Rivers, Jessie Maurer, and Jessica Womble leading the way. The fencing team had a favorable showing at the Brentwood Holiday Fencing Tournament with numerous top 20 finishes in each weapon, including Taylor Harden, Casey Chung, Sophia Lettieri, Alexandra Luongo, Jason Chen, and Gary Armyn. A promising start by all teams should lead to an exciting winter season!
Swimming for a Cure Swimmers from around Suffolk County came together in the fight against cancer for the 5th Annual "Swim Across America." Participants raised funds for cancer research and volunteered to swim one mile in the High School West Natatorium. High School East junior Kelly Lennon created the event after a family friend passed away from cancer and Kelly felt she "needed to do something." Kelly raised $6,000 towards last year's $50,000 total. Team Suffolk Swimming, who sponsors the event, says they are still receiving donations for this year's swim, but the team has raised over $43,000 so far. 13
Issue 2 | Volume 8 | 2015-2016
Perspect ives - The Principal's Newslet t er Half Hollow Hills High School East
A w ards and Honors
The Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY College at Old Westbury has selected Danielle Luntz and Mark Gandolfo among this year's 84 LI Young Scholars of Mathematics.
High School East is proud to announce Brian Dice and Julia Stewart as the recipients of the 2015-2016 Suffolk Zone Senior Award. This award recognizes students for outstanding physical performance, scholastic ability, and leadership qualities.
USA Swimming has honored Alexander Park as a 2015 Scholastic All-American swimmer.
Leah Pesso and Touhidul Haque have been named October's Students of the Month. Great jobs demonstrating respect, responsibility, and excellence!
Guadalupe Pedraza and Matthew D'Alessandro have been named November's Students of the Month. Thank you for always demonstrating respect, responsibility, and excellence! 14
Great j ob by al l f or demonstrati ng th e v al ues of Hi gh Sch ool East!