Saluting Valley Stream's high schools

Students, parents, residents and Valley Stream Central High School District officials came together to commemorate the National Education Association’s 89th annual American Education Week with a breakfast and open house at each of the district’s four schools from Nov. 16-19. This year’s theme, “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility,” was talked about as each school showed off what makes it special.

Nov. 16 – North High school

North High School Principal Cliff Odell called the American Education Week open house a great success. Guests were greeted in the library by the orchestral performing group, the Breakfast Club

The program highlighted the technology department at North. Michael Paolillo, a technology teacher, discussed the courses offered, and introduced eighth-grade students Olukemi Adebanjo, Rishi Dutt, Michelle Dziedzic, Elena Hobbs and Nick Rossetti. Paolillo and the students then worked with the guests on a group project, to design a foundation that could support the teacher a few inches above the ground using only a sheet of paper, 12 inches of tape and a platform. This activity was a simulation of the many hands-on projects used in the engineering design unit of the Technology 8 course. 

Guests were also treated to a first-hand experience of how this course and these types of projects address the 21st Century skills of technology, innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication and leadership. The morning concluded with remarks by Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein and a tour of the facility led by Odell.

“The open house gave an opportunity for people to visit North and hear the beautiful music played by Ms. Hayden’s orchestral performing group,” Odell said. “In addition, our guests learned about some of the 21st Century skills our students are learning on a daily basis in our technology courses taught by Mr. Paolillo. It was a very positive morning.”

Nov. 17 - Memorial Junior High School

The school library was packed with many smiling faces during Memorial’s open house. Before going up to the library, guests were greeted by the select chorus and jazz band playing in the school lobby.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to show their best work to the community” said Amy Pacifici, social studies chairwoman at Memorial, before the program officially began. “They show you the innovative things they are capable of doing in the classroom.”

Several students showed off their projects, research and artwork for attendees, which included administrators and board members. There were many individual presentations and displays featuring students as well. Students talked about using Microsoft Excel to display math data, 21st Century skills in social studies and bully prevention. Three students also discussed their research about communication on social networks in their ninth-grade science research class

Seventh grader Jesenia Adamson, 12, talked about using the computers and her school experience so far. “I am kind of nervous, but I feel glad to be here,” she said. “I like different activities and the things I get to learn like how to be a better person.”

During a brief presentation by Principal Anthony Mignella, many attendees sat down to hear about all the educational activities students are involved with.

“I am very proud of the fact that Memorial provides a warm, caring and supportive environment as well as a rigorous academic program for our students,” Mignella told the audience. “Here at Memorial, we have a laser focus on construction. We offer students a very challenging academic program. Our dedicated staff works closely with students to help them excel in their studies.”

Mignella broke down each of the individual groups presenting and displaying artistic work around the library in his presentation. And Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein gave final remarks. “The whole program was excellent,” he said. “The students gave me ideas and great descriptions. To parents, your kids are in good hands. They are learning the right type of things and they are challenged.”

Nov. 18 - Central High School

Central High School’s program last Thursday featured more than two dozen alumni in the audience, many of whom graduated in the 1940s and ’50s. Principal Dr. Joseph Pompilio encouraged them to talk to the students about what they have been learning in school.

Pompilio gave a “State of Central High School” address and talked about the challenges facing each grade level, including the many Regents exams and Advanced Placement courses that students take. He also said that many seniors recently took part in on-site admissions for three area colleges, with many accepted and some even offered scholarships.

The morning program featured breakfast prepared by students in the culinary arts program, music from the orchestra and a display of student artwork. There were also presentations for English, social studies, math, foreign language, business and physical education.

To wrap-up the program, there was a celebration of performing arts in the Keller Auditorium. The new gospel choir delighted the crowd with three selections, followed by a performance from the dance class. It concluded with a medley from the musical theater students.

Student Council President Chandrapaul Latchman said he appreciates all of the opportunities that students have at Central High School. “It helps us decide what we like,” he said, “and what we’d like to do career-wise.”

Nov. 19 - South High School

South’s school culture was on full display during its open house, with a handful of diverse presentations made to attendees.

Starting off the program were students Amanda Einemann and Zoey Carpentiere, who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“There are lots of great clubs here and the culture shows in different languages,” said Carpentiere, a senior who has attended the annual celebration for three years. “It feels great to be here.”

Principal Maureen Henry welcomed attendees and hosted the program, as many different groups of students presented what they are learning. From Spanish folktale by members of a ninth-grade Spanish class, to a video showcasing the student chefs who prepared culinary treats for guests, to a modern rap about Dr. Jerkyll and Mr. Hyde by a group of male students dressed in suits, there were many unique learning displays. Several students made use of Microsoft PowerPoint to share information with the audience.

For example, several students in a Project Citizen group gave a presentation on texting while driving. “We feel this is really important,” said senior Frankie Haggerty. “People don’t understand dangers it can cause on the road, which is why we spread the message.” Haggerty added that South stresses independence to the students.

“It was a culminating event that reflects the hard work of the students and staff of South High School,” Henry said. “I am very proud of their ability to showcase their presentation skills and use of technology.”

Henry said that preparing for American Education Week is an ongoing process from one year to the next. She reaches out to staff members to collaborate with them on what students are learning.

Parent Angelo Lugo said he was very impressed with what he saw not only at South, but the three other schools as well. “Each school is different — South’s presentation was more technology based,” he said. “There were animals at Central. By hook or crook, I will come to open house and I will go in late for work.”

And Board of Education Trustee Frank Chiachiere shared thoughts about the program as well. “They did a good job at reflecting the culture of the high school,” he said. “Each of the buildings is different and that was reflected in the way they did their presentations. As always, we are never satisfied with the turnout. We would like to see the room full of parents, but we understand they are working and have other commitments. We want to showcase the wonderful things going on in our high schools and this is a great opportunity to do that.”