April 25, 2024

Civics Fair is a Lesson in Engagement and Involvement

New Rochelle High School students challenged visiting local leaders at the school’s inaugural Civics Fair on April 12, grilling panelists on issues at the forefront of the current public discourse.

About 50 students participated, with Manhattanville College Professor and author Amy Bass moderating a discussion with New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, Metro-North Railroad Director of Government and Community Relations and 2006 NRHS graduate Andy Buder, and Manhattanville College Assistant Professor Dr. Samantha White. Civics Week founder, former New Rochelle Mayor, and Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni from the NRHS Class of 1973 also attended.

The event, themed “Federal Policy on a Local Level,” was sponsored by the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence through a gift from the NRHS Class of 1973.

Topics discussed included gentrification, the impact of an ideological balance shift in the U.S. Supreme Court, term limits, the effects of Federal Reserve Board policy on New Rochelle, the rising cost of college and the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid, and the impact of social media on governing.

Mayor Ramos-Herbert advised the students to look deeper into the sources of information they find on social media to verify their accuracy and credibility. “You don’t want to retweet or repost without knowing more about what you’re doing,” she warned.

The event was led by NRHS Social Studies teacher Tim Kuklis, who is the coordinator for the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness.

More than 50 students are working to earn the Seal of Civic Readiness on their diplomas this year - the first time it is available to NRHS students. They enrolled in civic-minded courses at NRHS, including AP US Government and Politics; AP Macroeconomics; Sports and Social Justice; Criminal Justice and Government; Government and Social Issues through Film; Songs, Social Movements, and Government; Women in American History, Civil Rights, and Government; African American Studies; and Latino Studies.

“Being the first class at New Rochelle High School to receive the Seal of Civic Readiness excites me because we get to highlight how important it is to be involved within the community, and how easy it is to make change that can impact the people around you,” said senior Jordyn Ghiggeri. “The Seal of Civic Readiness will reward students who not only learn about the political state of our country but also do something about it.”

The students created posters advocating for a local, state, or federal policy change, which were on display at the event, and which they discussed with experts who participated and provided feedback on the students’ work.

Below: Senior Michael Rokoff with his project, “Ending Constitutional Carry”

Students Celebrate LatinX Culture with Youth Leadership Conference

The high school’s Hispanic Culture Club and the United Cultures Club presented at the 11th Annual LatinX Youth Leadership Conference on March 20. Guests came together to celebrate culture, leadership, and empowerment.

The event, following the theme “United by Cultures, Empowered by Voices,” was funded by a grant from the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence.

About 300 students listened to an engaging and invigorating keynote address from New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert, who proudly identifies as Afro-Latina and shared that her grandparents immigrated from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Twelve workshops covered a range of topics designed to give students insight into college and careers, practice self-care, and learn about their LatinX culture. Workshops included, Music and Latinos, LUCA - Latino U College Access; Breathe for Change: Intro to Mindfulness; What to Expect from High School; Letters of Love; Si Se Puede - AP Classes at NRHS; Boys and Girls Club; Info on Military Opportunities; Navigating Career Choices through Naviance, Job Opportunities for Summer; and From High School Soccer to DI Student-Athlete.

District Superintendent Dr. Corey Reynolds shared his family’s background and surprised the audience with his Cuban roots.

“His inspirational persona was felt throughout the auditorium,” said English Teacher Olga Locke.

At the end of the school day, the high school’s DJ club, with club advisor Kevin Austin, facilitated a celebration with music and snacks.

Autistic Advocate and Author Visits Jefferson

In recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Hammond, who describes herself as an autistic mother, advocate, and storyteller, visited Jefferson Elementary earlier this month. She read aloud with grade 4 and 5 students, followed by a Q&A of her book, “A Day with No Words.”

The book invites readers into the life of a family with autism, which communicates just as the child does, without spoken language, using a tablet.

The visit was coordinated by Italian FLES/ENL teacher Marianna Trombetta after she came across Hammond's book on the internet.

"We were super fortunate to have such a special author visit at Jefferson,” said Ms. Trombetta. “I wanted the students to listen to a story that might provide some insight into what life looks and feels like for an autistic person, especially one who is non-speaking. My hope is that they left the event with a greater understanding, acceptance, and empathy for others," she added.

"I loved the book because it shows that even though you may be different, people shouldn't treat you wrongly,” said Terriann Brown, a grade 5 student in Theresa Rizzuto's class. “They should accept you for who you are."

Miandra Goci, also a fifth grader, commented, "I thought the visit was very touching, and a great way to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month."

Below: Tiffany Hammond reading to the fourth grade

Ward Conducts English Language Learner Parent Workshop

Parents of English Language Learners (ENL) met for an informational workshop at William B. Ward Elementary School last month to learn about the many opportunities available to them.

ENL Teachers Donna Salerno and Ashley Ranje hosted the event and spoke to the parents about the importance of reading and also shared information about New York State testing. Parents received books and other resources for their children.

A representative of the New Rochelle Public Library shared information about the valuable resources the library offers families, such as English as a Second Language class for adults. Parents were able to sign up for library cards on the spot!

Ward Students Make Music

It’s been a busy time in the music department at Ward Elementary School under guidance from music teacher Robert Flanz:

The Ward School Chorus recently performed at the board of education meeting at Ward School, singing "Banaha," a folk song from the Republic of Congo, and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears.

During music class, students were taught the fundamentals of making drum beats on a drum machine in a hands-on experience that gave students the opportunity to create their own compositions while exploring music theory, technology, and self expression.

During Black History Month, Ward students explored music from all over the world. This experience has allowed students to sing and move to a range of multicultural music, exploring instruments that have African origins and can be heard in Western and pop music.

Every year 3rd grade students learn the recorder, an instrument that reinforces music concepts previously learned and gives many students their first experience as ensemble members. Basic music fundamentals are learned while students have a chance to play a melodic instrument.

Webster Students Sample Gardeners’ Harvest

Webster students got to taste the arugula and lettuce crop from Webster's grade 4 and 5 gardening clubs when the young farmers hosted a “Farmer’s Market” last week to share their harvest.

Gardening clubs, which use hydroponic techniques, will continue to grow vegetables that will be served during the fit fair in early June.

Ward Kindergarteners Take to Nature

After learning about what animals do during the winter months, Ward kindergarten students visited Ward Acres for a hands-on nature experience.

They participated in a scavenger hunt and, with the help of volunteers from the Community Garden, made pinecone bird feeders, which they hung on the surrounding tree branches.

Reading Shared at Ward

At Ward Elementary School, second graders in Randi Kamer’s class recently celebrated the publication of their nonfiction expert books by sharing their work with Jennifer Hofstetter’s first grade class. The second graders had just completed a unit on writing nonfiction from the heart about things that are meaningful.

“During the unit, students are encouraged to write about things that are important to them as opposed to surface-level topics,” said Mrs. Kamer. “This fosters a desire to want to write nonfiction books and show their expertise on topics they know and care about,” she added.

The older students read their stories to the first graders, who were drafting their own nonfiction books and were thrilled to share what they had written so far.

“It’s always great to have reading buddies amongst different grade levels so that we can learn from one another!” said Mrs. Kamer.

Stuck on You!

Trinity Elementary School students earned 10,000 "PAWS" for demonstrating the three R's: they are Ready, Responsible, and Respectful. As a reward for all that good behavior, they got to engage in a little mischief and tape Principal Hilderbrand to the cafeteria wall. Mrs. Soto’s second grade class had a great time and took a photo to commemorate the event!

Congratulations to Our Newly Tenured Teachers!

Announced at the April 2 Board of Education meeting at Jefferson Elementary School:

L to R: Jefferson Assistant Principal Sal Spataro, Foreign Language Teacher Hilaire Escaladas, Teaching Assistant Monique Brickle, ENL Teacher Monica Argentina, Principal Kimmerly Nieves.

Announced at the April 16 Board of Education meeting at Ward Elementary School:

L to R: Ward Teaching Assistant Safoora Syed, Second Grade Teacher Allison Haimeck, Fifth Grade Teacher Kaitlin Ratigan, Second Grade Teacher Amanda Albanese. Not pictured: Fourth Grade Teacher Kellie Catullo.