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Gerald Garfin, Principal PRINCIPAL'S NEWSLETTER #8 January 13, 2023 � Friday, January 17- English, Math, ESL, Business, Health, and Music (Essay Portion ONLY) � Tuesday, January 21 - Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language, Technology and Art (Essay Portion ONLY) � Wednesday, January 22- English, Math, ESL, Business, Health, and Music � Thursday, January 23� Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language, Technology and Art � On Friday, January 24, a 10-point question MUST be given. This portion must be a text- based question. It could be an interpretation of a reading passage, graph, chart, cartoon or an essay based upon a reading. It must be a full period assignment. REGENTS EXAM SCHEDULE AFTER SCHOOL AND SATURDAY TUTORING We will continue to offer tutoring after school and on weekends through Final and Regents Exams. The schedule is as follows: After School Tutoring: Monday � Friday January 13 � 24 from 3:05 � 5:30 Saturday �January 18 and 25 from 9 � 12 Noon POSTING FOR THREE DEANS FOR SPRING SEMESTER We are filling the gaps for two Deans that were not filled this past term due to budgetary constraints. We are also replacing a dean who could be going on Sabbatical. If you are interested in any one of these positions, please review the official posting in Room 137. Applications are due in the Principal�s office no later than noon on January 21. STAFF RECOGNITION DAY � JANUARY 31, 2023 � On Friday, January 31st, we will hold our Annual Staff Recognition Day and Faculty Luncheon. On that day will be presenting plaques to the outstanding members of our staff and will be selecting the Outstanding Teacher, Guidance Counselor and Supervisor Awards. This will be followed by a school-wide luncheon jointly sponsored by the UFT and the Administration. � The luncheon will be held in the library. A flyer with more details will be forthcoming. COLUMBUS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE P.A.S.S. REVIEW � During the month of February, we will again conduct a P.A.S.S. Review. The purpose of the review is for our school to conduct an internal review of the many different aspects of school life, from the physical environment, to classroom instruction, to student services, and school effectiveness. This one-day review will include the interviewing of many school staff members, classroom visits and a closing session involving the Bronx High School Superintendent. � This entire process is to prepare the school for the writing of the Comprehensive Educational Plan for 2003 � 2004. � If you want to be part of the P.A.S.S. Review process, please drop me a note ASAP. LIMITED CERTIFICATE FOR UNCERTIFIED TEACHERS New York State approved a �Limited Certificate� for all uncertified teachers. The requirements are as follows: � Worked satisfactorily as a teacher for the entire 2002-2003 school year. � By September 1, 2003, has passed all State certification exams normally required for professional � permanent certification (LAST, ATS-W and Content Specialty Exam). � May still have academic and/or professional education coursework deficiencies. � MUST sign an affidavit that they will complete these requirements by August 31, 2004. � Limited Certificate is valid for one year. � For more information see official notice which you will receive in the mail. The next test date for the LAST, ATSW and CST exams is March 1, 2003. Registration deadline is January 17, 2003. For registration or other information, go to the NYS Education Department website at http://www.highered.nysed.govt.cert TEACHER OF TOMORROW GRANT AWARDS The Department of Education is again participating in the TEACHER OF TOMORROW GRANT AWARD Program. This program: � Is for newly hired certified, incumbent and preparatory provisional teachers of SURR and designated high need schools � Columbus is classified as a �high need school� � Teachers are eligible for grants up to �$3400� for up to 4 years to reimburse current coursework tuition and or repay outstanding loans for coursework taken toward earning a Master�s degree to achieve NYS permanent certification � Participants MUST remain in the �High Need� school/district for one full year with a satisfactory rating to receive the total award for that year � Applications are available from the Department Assistant Principals � Application deadline is February 3, 2023 � Funds are limited � must apply early ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM � The Bronx High School Superintendent will again sponsor a special Assistant Principal Apprenticeship Program for aspiring Assistant Principals. This program is intended for tenured highly motivated teachers or counselors who have State Certification as School Supervisor and Administrator or will complete an approved certification program no later than August 2003. � If you meet these guidelines and are interested in being nominated for this program, please submit a resume and a letter of interest to me ASAP but no later than January 21. TWILIGHT CENTERS OPENING IN THE BRONX � As of February 2003, there will be 4 Twilight Centers to educate students whose social behaviors have resulted in an alternative placement. The centers will be located at Morris, Kennedy, Evander and Truman High Schools. Positions are now being posted for: � Supervisor � Per Session � Guidance Counselor � Per Session � Teachers � Full time If you are interested in any of these positions, please refer to the official postings that will be available soon. DONOR WEB SITE FOR TEACHERS AND GRANTS There is an outstanding site for grants and aid for the classroom teacher. Over the past two years over $215,000 have been given to teachers for classroom supplies. Please contact www.Donorschoose.org ATTENDANCE UPDATE Our attendance for the month of December continues to be strong in spite of the difficult days of the month that included December 5/6 snow days and December 16 the possible transit strike. MONTH 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003 %Change SEPT 77.8% 75.3 83.3 +8.0% OCT 82.6% 82.7 86.3 +3.6% NOV 82.4% 84.7 87.1 +2.4 DEC 83.2% 85.6 85.5 -.1% Please encourage all students to come to school daily. We need to continue to re- enforce to our students that they cannot pass if they are not in school. NEW YORK STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR The New York State Teacher of the Year nomination form is in the school. If you want to nominate someone for this prestigious award, please pick up the nomination form in the Principal�s Office. GILDER LEHRMAN INSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN HISTORY SUMMER SEMINARS The Gilder Lehrman Institute is offering 13 free summer seminars to NYC teachers of history, social studies and English. These seminars are offered throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Selection includes a stipend, room, and board, in-service credit. Applications are due by March 3, 2003. Applications are available online at www.gilderlehrman.org or by calling (646) 366-9556. NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS ATTENDANCE/TESTING 1. Our attendance rate for the month of December was 85.5%. Last year�s December attendance rate was 85.6%. There is insignificant change between last year�s December figures. Taking into account that two of December days were low attendance days this year due to the near transportation strike and also due to the weather and the projected snow-storm, this represents an improvement. 2. The Perfect attendance winners for the month of December are: OPRAH PHILLIP K32 BUS & TECH GIFTI GETACHEW G7A GLOBE INT PRINCE ELTOSAM J31 LAW & JUST RASTA BAKER P12 PELHAM PREP JANET HERRERA M11 MSI YING FUNG OI V53 COLLEGE NOW LAUREN BOWER W31 PATH FINDERS JOHN CORDERO Y11 COM & MED These students are only 8 of the many students who had perfect attendance for December. Congratulations to these students and the many others who had perfect attendance for the month of December ENGLISH � The Regents team, Ms. Yaffe, Mr. Manolios, Mr. Gribetz, Mr. Hubbs, and Ms. Citrin, have been meeting every Wednesday to discuss best practices, strategies, and methodology for Regents preparation instruction. � The following teachers are providing Regents/RCT and homework tutoring: o Mr. Wade - Tuesday and Thursday from 4:45 PM � 5:55 PM in room 443 o Ms. Colton - Saturday from 9:00 AM � 12:00 in room 233 o Ms Walker � Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:55 PM- 5:25 PM in room 348 � The curriculum team has been meeting every Monday to revise the English curriculum, beginning with the 9th grade. The committee consists of Mr. Manolios, Mr. Hubbs, Mr. Molloy, Ms. Colton, Ms. Turk and Ms. Chiarovano. The team has agreed to implement Literature Circles in the ninth grade and collaborated on the purchase of over ten high-interest, young adult books for that purpose. � The EARS/SED program, which teaches students violence prevention and life skills, is currently active in over six classes. � The AD 101 program, which teaches students decision-making and life skills, is currently active in over five classes. Discussions are currently taking place to see the program return in the Spring term. � Mr. O�Brien is currently participating in the Arthur Vining Davis Partnership, a program funded by the Foundation for Excellent Schools in which a high school teacher and college professor enter into a collaborative venture. � Ms. Chiarovano�s helped Natasja Rudge, one of her students, apply for the Master Class for Creative Writers. � Mr. Wade, Ms. Callan, and Ms. Fink helped greatly with the publication of the first issue of the Teacher Center newsletter. They wrote articles for and helped with the editing and layout of the newsletter. � On January 7th, Mr. Manolios and Ms. Turk participated in a workshop on curriculum alignment and benchmarking. � On January 9th, Mr. O�Brien, Ms. McCandlish, and Ms. Silva attended a workshop on assessment strategies given by Lila Rieman, former A.P. of English. � On January 10th, Ms.Colton participated in a TIPS workshop, which focused on incorporating technology into classroom instruction. HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION � The Health & Physical Education Department would like to congratulate Ms. J. Absolam on the birth of a healthy baby boy. � We had a beautiful and successful staff development day this Friday, with the non-physical education teachers joining us. They were very impressed with the amount of work we engaged in. They enjoyed the workshops immensely. We want to thank the academic teachers that participated in our workshops. MATHEMATICS � Ms. Rivas, Mr. Salazar, and Mr. Tmimi presented the second part of the joint workshop with Math and Science teachers. Special Ed teachers also attended. This workshop concentrated on implementing the MST Standards in both teaching and assessment. Ms. Rivas, Mr. Salazar, and Mr. Tmimi modeled activities that can be used in both Math and Science classrooms. � As part of the curriculum development, Ms. Auslander, Ms. Dacillo, Ms. Epstein, Ms. Hans, MS. Weiner, Mr. Escudero, , Mr. Genovese, Mr. Gerold, Mr. Kosack were selected to continue working on Math A curriculum. � Ms. Auslander modeled to the entire Aathematics teachers as well as Special Ed teachers a Unit lesson on quadratic equation using the Understanding by Design methodology. � Mr. Mihalcsecu and Dr. Buono attended the team-teaching workshop conducted by Mr. Kaplan. � As part of preparing for the Math A Regents Examination. Mr. Tmimi conducted a grading activity with the entire Mathematics Department using a rubric. � Ms. Epstein presented to the entire Mathematics Department an overview of a unit lesson on transformation geometry. She demonstrated the advantages of using the overhead projector and transparencies in the classroom. � Mr. Kosack modeled a lesson to the entire Mathematics teachers. He demonstrated an easy way to introduce the exponential decay using �hands on activity� and also showed how to integrate the use of the technology �TI 83 Graphing Calculator� in the lesson. � Mr. Genovese attended the Physical Education workshop � Many thanks to: Ms. Auslander, Ms. Epstein, and Mr. Kosack for their presentations on Staff Development Day. � Ms. Taylor, Mr. Harris and Mr. Simcoe attended a Prentice Hall workshop for New York Math A and A/ B curriculum Saturday December 14 at Stevenson High School. � Mr Sabky attended a Prentice Hall workshop for New York Math A and A/ B curriculum Tuesday January 7 at Stevenson High School. � Ms. Auslander attended the Peer Coach meeting January 8, and � Cohort 2003� workshop, January 9. SCIENCE � Congratulations to Maudi Rodriguez and Colleen Frisch for winning a mini grant. The grant comes from The United Way and Con Edison to foster scientific research, community projects, and science fairs. � Special acknowledgment for Laverne Williams. As an outgrowth of her Academic Improvement Class and in partnership with Mrs. Rodriguez, Pathways for Youth, Laverne has started the Cohort 2006 Science Club. The club will start meeting Jan. 13th, from 4:00 PM � 4:45 PM. � We welcome Daniel Kim, student from Amherst College, who will be part of our department during the month of January. � Sucre Rosario, Ann Marie Maudio, Elvis Rodriguez, Eva Lee, Rita Levin and Leonard Barrett attended a TIPS (Teaching Interdisciplinary Problem Solving) Workshop. � David Griffin organized a visit to the Einstein Exhibit at the Museum of Natural History Saturday, Jan. 11th. � Condolences to Rebecca Malloy in the lost of her grandfather. SOCIAL STUDIES � January 15, 2003- Mrs. Badamo will be inducted into the Educational Honor Society, Kappa Delta PI, Omega, Chapter 21 at Manhattanville College. Kappa Delta PI is a professional fraternity for educators. � Mr. Dalglish and Mr. Weiner attended TIPPS workshops at Lehman College. � The department has also finalized their book selection for next semester�s new literacy program that will run for all freshman, sophomores, and juniors. The books were, The Prince and The Pauper, for freshman, The Children of the River, for sophomores, and Fallen Angels, for juniors. These books fall into the appropriate time periods in both Global and United States History that the students are taking next semester. SPECIAL EDUCATION � Several faculty members for the Special Education Department have attended training on The New York State Alternative Assessment during the week of January 6th. � Ms. Villaran and Mr. Rajkowski received twenty-three free tickets to go The Lincoln Center Theater on January 23, 2003. Five students from Pathfinders House will go along with fifteen students from Christopher Columbus to experience Mr. Kevin Kline�s performance of The Shakespeare Thing. � The students involved in the �Council for Unity� picked out names from the 34th Street Needy Christmas List. Each student brought a present and personally delivered the gift to the child �s home. Nice going Mr. March. � Mr. Sam De Veaux is recovering from his operation and he is doing well. If you are interested in contacting him, please talk to Mr. Kaplan. � This month, Ms. Linda Scott will celebrate the graduation of her two sons from the University of West Virginia. Their names are Kwane Z. Scott and Kush M, Scott. � Alumni News- Joseph Lekutanovic was honored by the recommendation of Vinny Prezioso, President of the Northeast Bronx Association with $500.00 scholarship check from the New York Yankees and Community Board 11. NEWS FROM THE HOUSES COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA � The Communications and Media House welcomes Adam Holguin, one of the interns from Williams College who is visiting Columbus during January. Adam has been touring the building, visiting classes, and shadowing teachers and students. Adam, who is pursuing a career in film and video, also helped to locate a glitch in the system in our TV studio (Way to go, Adam!). He will be available to meet with and tutor students during periods 4 � 7 starting on Tuesday. These lunch-time tutoring sessions will take place in room 321. � As part of Ms McBride�s Participation in Government class, several students attended a meeting with Chancellor Klein, held at MS 74. Some of our interested students had the opportunity to discuss policy concerning the Chancellor�s new �Children First� Initiative. COMPUTER BUSINESS � Our Science Club members will receive tutoring Mondays through Fridays beginning Jan. 13th. � This Monday Jan. 13th, 11th period, the Science Club members will watch an entertaining video on Global Warming, that should help them with finals. � CBT House Monitors have called the homes of ninth graders advising parents of finals and tutoring available to help raise student averages. LAW AND JUSTICE � The Law House team will be meeting on Wednesday, January 15 during the 4th period in room 137. � The Law House is offering tutoring for final exams and Regent. Please see Mr. Vint for details. � Representatives from the Law Firm of Belovin and Franzblau will be presenting to seniors during the month of March. MATH SCIENCE � Mrs. Trapido is organizing a trip for MSI seniors and others who have completed their regents exams to the hit Broadway show "La Boheme". It is scheduled for Wednesday January 29, 2003. � The college application process is almost over and our students are now beginning to receive acceptances. Congratulations to: Celia Smith for her acceptance to The Fashion Institute of Technology. Jerome Fierson for being chosen as a "Posse Scholar" to Brandeis University � We are also very proud of Linda Okreye and Amanda Price for their acceptance to the competitive Bronx Zoo Program. � We would like to thank all of the MSI teachers who have shared their expertise with Hector Lugo and Jin-Young Kim, our Amherst College interns. This excellent program enables our students to have direct contact with very successful young people. Both our MSI students and the Amherst students are learning a great deal about education. PATHFINDERS � Forty-two students in the Pathfinder House made the Honor Roll for the First Marking Period. Forty-three students in the Pathfinder House made the Honor Roll for the Second Marking Period. PELHAM PREP � A second Celebration was held to honor all students who achieved the Honor Roll status and those students who passed all of their classes for the second marking period. Donuts and hot chocolate was served to the students. They received congratulations from all of our staff on their achievement. � We are very proud of the Article posted on the FES web page discussing Reaching out to Parents. It can be found at www.fesnet.org. It discussed the 90% attendance at Open School Night and our Path to Success dinner. � Rose LoBianco has been attending the TIPS training and is helping Pelham Prep students to access the Internet. � An early college awareness workshop was held for parents in conjunction with MS 45 and Belmont Academy. A representative of the University of Vermont and Union College conducted the workshop. Dr. Donald Comras served as the Coordinator NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE OFFICE � Congratulations to Jerome Frierson. He was awarded a full scholarship to Brandeis University through the �Posse� Foundation. � On January 16th we will hold a Financial Aid Workshop at 7 PM in the auditorium. Guest speakers from the University of Vermont and Columbia will be presenting on the various types of financial aid. Students and parents/guardians are strongly urged to attend. NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT PARTNERSHIP � Representatives from the Official of Financial Aid will be speaking to the Parents Association on Thursday. January 16. KEY DATES IN THE FALL SEMESTER Jan. 13 - Faculty Conference Jan. 13 - ARISTA Induction Ceremony in Library � 7 PM Jan. 15 - Ethnic Evening in Library Jan. 17 - 24 - Final Exams (see separate schedule) Jan. 20 - No Classes � Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 25 - Last session of Saturday Tutoring for Fall Term Jan. 27 - 30 - Regents/RCT Exams (see separate schedule) Jan. 31 - Last Day of Fall Semester - Presentation of Staff Members of the Year Awards - End of Term Party Feb 3 - 1st Day of Spring Semester Previous Newsletter Home Page |