Yonkers Public Schools - A District of Excellence

Currents
The Community Newsletter of the Yonkers Public Schools

News Archive

Valedictorians and Salutatorians Honored at Annual Dinner
Ten accomplished and inspiring members of the Class of 2008 were the guests of honor at the Yonkers Public Schools annual Valedictorian - Salutatorian dinner Tuesday. The dinner, steeped in ceremony and touched with heart-felt emotion, honors both the students and their families.
>> More

Champions at Work: Roosevelt Student Takes Top Spot in SkillsUSA Competition
Mercedes Ruiz articulated her job skills to a panel of judges so convincingly that she won First Place honors at the NY State SkillsUSA competition.
>> Read more

Saunders Rookies Top Bots
Team and "Linda" to Compete in US FIRST Nationals
Entrepreneurial spirit, extreme practice, and high speed pit-stops provided the winning combination for the Saunders Droid Factory Team 2344, the Rookie All-Stars of the US FIRST Robotics New York regional competition. The team’s success earned it a bid to the national championship in Atlanta April 17-19.
>> More

EPA Grant Helps Clear the Air
The Environmental Protection Agency presented Yonkers with a $300,000 grant that will help reduce harmful emissions by retrofitting aging school buses. The funding came from the Clean School Bus USA grant, with the application spearheaded by the city’s Green Policy Taskforce. The EPA's Walter Mugden dramatically demonstrated the difference retrofitting will make in the air our children breath. Watch the WDMC produced video to learn more about this initiative.

Saunders Rookies Top Bots
Team to Compete in US FIRST Nationals

Entrepreneurial spirit, extreme practice, and high speed pit-stops provided the winning combination for the Saunders Droid Factory Team 2344, the Rookie All-Stars of the US FIRST Robotics New York regional competition. The team’s success earned it a bid to the national championship in Atlanta April 17-19. (Photo Credit: Discover Magazine)
>> More

Business Smarts Earns Two Lincoln Students Entrepreneurs of the Year Award
Maurine Koranteng and Neville Green earned the 2008 Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship for their plan to create a company that helps low income individuals develop custom resumes.
>> More

Business Savvy Transports Roosevelt Students from Classroom to Boardroom
“Whoever said that the best business plans are created in a boardroom never enlisted the help of Roosevelt High School students,” claims RHS teacher Sylvia La Rue Branchcomb. A team of Roosevelt students took on the challenge of creating a business plan for the Westchester based Internet company, Zoomnia, in its From the Classroom to the Community Challenge. The students' market analysis and recommendation was so impressive, they earned a third place award in a nine-week competition against eight other high schools from across the county. Watch this WDMC TV produced video to learn about the students and the program.

"Engendering" Leadership at Lincoln High School
Calling on the wisdom and guidance of community leaders, Lincoln High School held parallel assemblies for its young men and young women, designed to motivate students to look for the excellence within themselves. Said one student, "it made me want to do more." Many of these young people were inspired to the same insight, as you will see in this WDMC TV produced video.

Relay for Life
The Yonkers Council of PTSAs is once again taking a leadership role in mobilizing the entire Yonkers community in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This important event takes place June 6-7 at Gorton High School.

Trustees, Superintendent & Mayor Advocate for our Students in Albany
Superintendent Recommending Straightforward Plan to Close Budget Gap
More than 400 Yonkers Public Schools employees will be laid off and millions of dollars cut from student programs if the Executive Budget is enacted by the State legislature. Board of Education President Bernadette Dunne, Vice President Debra Martinez, Superintendent of Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio, Mayor Philip A. Amicone, union officials and other advocates for children once again traveled to Albany to make clear to decision makers that the proposed budget reduction cuts more than money, it cuts into the heart of our school system.
>> Read more

May I Have This Dance?
Good manners are never out of style and neither is ballroom dancing, the hot, hot, hot after school program at Westchester Hills School 29. Now in its second very successful year, the youngsters learn the moves from Physical Education teacher Maritza Fasack. They also learn about respect, grace and, of course, music. Enjoy a pictorial of these irresistible children. Charmed, we are sure!

Paying for College: Save This Date!
A free workshop on planning and paying for college is being presented by the SallieMae Fund at the Riverfront Branch of the Yonkers Public Library at 6:00pm, Wednesday, April 9th. This workshop is a must for parents and families of college bound students -- of all ages. So, take a second to mark your calendar, now. It is definitely not too early to plan!

Saunders Trades and Technical High School Students Serve Pi for Einstein’s Birthday
Students from School 5 and Westchester Hills School 29 were guests at Saunders Trades and Technical High School for a celebration of Pi Day, commemorated by math enthusiasts around the world on March 14th to pay homage to the special number 3.14, also known as Pi.
>> Read more!

Top Prize to School 32 in Regional History Day Competition
District Earns Two Berths in State Competition
Going head-to-head with more experienced competitors from school districts in the Lower Hudson Valley, Family School 32 won first place for its Group Exhibit and PEARLS Hawthorne School won second place for an individual exhibit in the regional National History Day Competition held at St. Thomas Aquinas College. These students now advance to the statewide competition in Cooperstown May 2.
>> Read more!

President's Volunteer Service Award to Two Students
Sierra Bangari, a 9th Grade student at Riverside High School and Kimberly Spence a 6th grade student at School 29, have been honored by the President of the United States for their exemplary volunteer service.
>> Read more

Two Gibran Fifth Graders are Published Poets
Lizard Wizard and Boy Rising from a Volcano, poems written by Thomas Papaionnou and Desiray Reyes, 5th grade students in Kathleen Gallagher’s class at Kahlil Gibran School were selected for publication in the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans.
>> Read their poetry

Sportsmanship Award to Yonkers High School Varsity Basketball Team
Congratulations to theYonkers High School Varsity Basketball Team for a magical and valiant season. In regular play, they led the league in blocks, rebounds, steals and assists. These determined athletes, their inspirational coach, Nick Parashis, and the school's Athletic Director, Joan McKee, have been honored with the Dennis T. Hurlie Sportsmanship Award for their hard work, fair play, cohesiveness, team spirit and sportsmanship.

College Board Academy to Open in September
With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and in collaboration with the College Board Association, the Yonkers Public Schools will open a grades 6-12 College Board School in September. The College Board Academy is the first such school in Westchester and will provide exciting and creative initiatives that prepare students for college success.
>> Read more

How Can Pastries and Orange Juice Help Parents Prepare and Save for College?
Parents from seven district elementary schools will find out how items they purchase on a regular basis can help fund a college savings account at a unique adult education program on Saturday, March 8, 2008. Information about New York’s 529 college savings plan is just one of fifteen workshops being offered in the first of a series of free one-day Parent University programs to be held through 2009.
>> Read more

Sneak Peek of Currents - The District's Award Winning Community Newsletter
This issue of Currents highlights some of the valued and valuable community partnerships that are essential to our students' learning experience. These partnerships provide innovative classroom opportunities, educate for enlightened citizenship, and reinforce learning. Download a preview now.

International Baccalaureate Organization Authorizes Pulaski School Primary Years Programme
The Casimir Pulaski School has become the second elementary school in Yonkers to be authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Pulaski joins the Rosemarie Ann Siragusa School as two of the six schools in New York State to hold this elite designation.
>> Read more

You Can't Spell Saturday Without SAT
We found the secret to getting hundreds of teenagers out of bed and in school by 7:30am on a cold, Saturday morning: the chance to take a 12 week SAT preparatory course given by Kaplan Test Prep at no cost, or at greatly reduced fees -- with thanks to Yonkers Partners in Education.
>> Take a look!

Love is a Chemical Reaction at School °5
Spoiler alert! Parents of School 5 fifth graders may want to wait until after Valentine’s Day to read this. We’ll try not to give too much away before the link, but…The students will be learning how the chemical reaction between a bouquet of flowers and spices and a precise amount of Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen produces… Have we said too much already?
>> Read more

Conflict & Compromise in History
To Understand any Conflict or Compromise,
One Must Know the History
Middle and High School students are conducting historical inquiry and analysis as they prepare to enter their scholarship in Yonkers History Day, the first tier of the National History Day competition. The theme, "Conflict and Compromise in History", asks students to investigate, analyze and present events of historical significance, even if they have never been resolved. Students will present their projects for judging on February 11 and 12. Winners will advance to the National History Day Regional Competition in March.
>> Read more

Yonkers College Board Academy to Open in September
Withfunding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and in collaboration with the College Board Association, the Yonkers Public Schools will open a grades 6-12 College Board School in September. The Yonkers College Board Academy is the first such school in Westchester and will provide exciting and creative initiatives that prepare students for college success.
>> Read more

NY State Education Department Features Junior Docent Program
The Junior Docent program that was honored at a White House ceremony last week is also featured on the NY State Education Department website. Please follow this link, then scroll down to P-16 Partnerships/Hudson River Museum & Yonkers Riverside High School Partnership to view the video presentation.

Laura Bush Honors Partnership Between the Yonkers Public Schools and the Hudson River Museum
First Lady Laura Bush honored the partnership between the Yonkers Public Schools and the Hudson River Museum at a White House Ceremony Monday morning. The Museum is the recipient of the "Coming Up Taller Award" for its Junior Docent Program, which trains District students to serve as guides who lead tours of the museum’s many exhibits, and run family oriented workshops. Saunders High School student Stephy Sunni was at the White House to accept the award with Rebecca Kraus the Museum's Manager of Youth and Family Programs.
>> Read more

Red Carpet Treatment for Student Animators
Getting the "star" treatment at the Jacob Burns Theater is an exciting perk for the fourth graders participating in this valued cultural partner's Animation in Motion arts residency. Learning to harness their creativity using math, language arts and science skills is part of the bigger plan.
>> Read more

Roosevelt & Saunders in Overdrive to Become RoboTop
A $40,000 Grant From the Andrew and Judith Economos Foundation Gets Them in Gear
Two teams of students from Roosevelt and Saunders High Schools have just a few more weeks to transform an identical jumble of motors, batteries, automation components and a control system into a fully-functioning robot that can race around a 27x 54 foot carpeted track, while knocking down and moving 40 inch inflated trackballs, passing them over or under a 6 foot 6 inch overpass, then returning them to their original position in 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
>> Read More

Education Summit Inspires Collaboration
A groundbreaking Education Summit sponsored by Yonkers Partners in Education in association with the Yonkers Board of Education, attracted hundreds of business executives, community members, educators, parents, and elected officials to a new level of collaboration on behalf of the City’s public school students.
>> More

Lincoln & Saunders Seniors Earn AP Scholar Status
The AP Scholars Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through AP courses and exams.
>> More

Two Lincoln High School Seniors Honored for Going Above & Beyond
Neville Green and Maurine Koranteng are both recipients of the Westchester County Youth Board’s Youth Recognition Award.
>> Read more

Yonkers Philharmonic Shows Emerson Student Some Brass
Emerson students were encouraged to put down their headphones and pick up an instrument when a Yonkers Philharmonic Brass Quartet showed them how to make their own music.
>> Enjoy

Scholarship Handbook: Must Reading for Seniors and Their Parents
This 100+ page guide is brimming with information about many of the scholarships available to the Class of 2008. Learn about selection criteria, application procedures, the sponsoring organizations and so much more.
>> Scholarship Handbook (large download)

Commerce Middle School Students on Career Fact Finding Mission
With With stars in their eyes, Commerce Middle School students met with real people in real jobs at the school's annual career day. The young ladies pictured to the right learned about the hard work, education and dedication it takes for a career in broadcast journalism from WDMC TV Channel 75 news anchor Maura Pheney. stars in their eyes, Commerce Middle School students met with real people in real jobs at the school's annual career day.

The eager young ladies and the gent pictured to the right learned about the hard work, education and dedication it takes for a career in broadcast journalism from WDMC TV Channel 75 news anchor Maura Pheney.

The annual career day helps young students focus on future goals, and what it takes to achieve them.

US News & World Report Ranks Saunders and Yonkers High Schools Among America's Best
In its first US News Medal ranking study of American high schools, US News and World Report rated Saunders Trades and Technical High School and Yonkers High School among the best of more than 18,790 schools in 40 states. Both schools were among just 1,086 high schools awarded bronze status for serving all students well, their college readiness programs, and for student performance on standardized tests.
>> US News Profile of Saunders HS
>> US News Profile of Yonkers HS

Realtors Breakfast Strengthens Partnership
"Everyone saw today that tremendous progress has been made in this school district, " said the CEO of the Westchester County Board of Realtors, P. Gilbert Mercurio. He was one of more than 80 real estate professionals who came to Yonkers Middle/High School for a briefing and a bite yesterday morning.
>> Read more

$3.8 Million Advances Mathematical Thinkers
The New York State Education Department awarded $3.8 million to the Yonkers Public Schools to help improve mathematics performance across grade levels.
>> Read more

Applications for Academically Talented Programs Accepted Through December 20
Information Meeting November 29
Applications are being accepted now through December 20th for students interested in entering Academically Talented programs in September 2008.
>> Link to Details

Everyday I Learn Something New
ConEd Chief is a Hero and Leader at Mark Twain
You could almost see the light bulbs go on over their heads as students at Mark Twain Middle School met Kevin Burke, the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Edison yesterday. After all, he is in charge of the company that brings them what we take for granted – the light in the room. As a special guest of the school’s Heroes and Leaders program, Mr. Burke shed some light on a key to success: life-long learning.
>> Watch!

The Power of Editorial Cartoons
A sixteen panel exhibit of editorial cartoons published in the late 1930's and early 1940's that alerted the American public to the Holocaust and the plight of European Jews was the backdrop of a workshop for Gorton High School students.
>> Read more

Building on a Tradition, Students Mark School Board Appreciation Week
From palm-print posters thanking them for their helping hands to a creative anagram that spelled out a tribute, students from throughout the District honored the service of the nine volunteer members of the Yonkers Board of Education.
>> Read more

High School Students Set the Example During Red Ribbon Week
Lincoln, Roosevelt and Saunders High School students are joining millions of their peers nationwide in support of a drug free lifestyle during Red Ribbon Week.
>> Read more

Three Yonkers High School Seniors Recognized for Excellence
Mogana Jayakumar received the Rensselaer Medal from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was named a Commended Student in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Napier Lopez was recognized by the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program. And, Ralph Esposito is the recipient of a $50,000 scholarship from the Generoso Pope Foundation.

Code Pink: SHS Students Turning Heads for Breast Cancer Research
The coolest heads in town are showing off pink hair extensions woven for a cause by the cosmetology students at Saunders High School. If you are passionate about pink, or passionate about helping to find a cure for breast cancer, your five dollar donation for a fabulous hair extension goes directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
>> Learn more

Miss Joy is the Employee of the Year
It wasn't until Clara Chiusa was named the Yonkers Public Schools Civil Service Employee of the Year that people realized that her name was not in fact, Miss Joy. The Yonkers Board of Education honored her distinguished and loving service to the children of the District with this annual recognition given in association with Soroptimist International.
>> Read more

Board of Education Stated Meeting Wed 10/17
Clara “Joy” Chiusa to be Honored as Civil Service Employee of the Year
The Yonkers Board of Education will hold its Stated Meeting Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at Saunders High School. Comments from the Community are welcome at 7:00pm, and the Stated Meeting begins at 7:30. Mrs. Clara "Joy" Chiusa will be honored as the Civil Service Employee of the Year. All are welcome to meet the lady who never heard of the word "no."
>> Agenda

Attention Class of 2008
Free Ride to the 10/15 College Fair
Admission staff from more than 300 colleges and universities interested in meeting students from the Yonkers Public Schools will be at the Westchester County Center College Fair, Monday October 15th. We’ll get you there -- and back --by bus, totally free of charge. Pick-up and drop-off is in front of your high school. You need to sign-up in the Guidance Office of your school, today.

Superintendent's Community Forums
A series of Superintendent's Forums will be held throughout the month of October for parents and residents to learn about the exciting and bold plans for the future of our school district, and to ask questions directly of Superintendent Pierorazio. The first forum is at 7:00pm Tuesday, October 9th at Saunders High School.
>> Learn more

Two Board of Education Committees Meet Tuesday, October 9
The Instructional Affairs Committee meets at 4:30pm and the Audit, Budget & Finance Committee meets at 5:30pm. Both meetings have interesting agendas and can be watched, live online.
>> More information

High School Information Night For Parents of 9th Graders
4 Year Plan for Success and College Entrance
Do not miss this all important panel discussion that could make a big difference to you and your child. It takes place from 6:00-8:00pm Tuesday, October 9th at Riverfront Library.
>> See what's on the program

The $27,625 Dinner
Peter X. Kelly, the Yonkers native and reigning Iron Chef with a golden heart, celebrated the grand opening of his newest restaurant by raising $27,625 for the Saunders High School Culinary Program. X2O Xaviars On The Hudson opened its doors on the Yonkers Pier early this summer to an eager and generous crowd of patrons whose enjoyment helped provide such a tremendous gift to our students.
>> Read on

YPS Receives $3 Million Smaller Learning Communities Grant
The United States Department of Education awarded the Yonkers Public Schools a $3 million competitive grant that helps the District continue developing the smaller learning community model in our high schools. The District’s ongoing initiative features an interdisciplinary approach to instruction with an emphasis on personalizing the learning environment.
>> Learn more

Governor's Visit to DiChiaro School Highlights the District's Model PreK Program
The Yonkers Public Schools was one of the first school districts in New York to embrace Prekindergarten education, now available as a full day program in each of our elementary schools. So when Governor Spitzer wanted to visit a PreK program, his Assistant Secretary for Education said, “Let’s visit Yonkers.” And they did. Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio and Patricia A. DiChiaro School principal Patricia Langan welcomed the Governor, state, city and district officials for a delightful and informative visit.
>> See for yourself!

District's Communications Initiatives Honored
The Yonkers Public Schools website and the annual school calendar and handbook earned the highest honor possible in the 28th Annual New York State School Public Relations Association Communications Contest. Both received the Award of Excellence from a panel of judges in one of the nation’s largest and most competitive communications contests. The WDMC TV produced video “YPS Stays ConnectEd”, which introduced the school-to-family messaging system to the public, earned an Award of Merit. >> Read more

Red Carpet Treatment as Students Return
We couldn't have said it better than Roosevelt High School Assistant Principal Robert Vicuna, "I love the kids, so it's good to see them back." The 25,000 students of the Yonkers Public Schools were greeted by the "wow" factor as they began a great school year. Our WDMC TV crew captured the day.
Watch it!

Safety First is the Lesson for First Time Riders
The District's youngest students and their parents took a practice run to school during the popular First Time Riders Bus Safety Program last week. Their important and fun experience is captured in this WDMC TV produced video.
Watch it!

Out of the Mouths of Babes
Kids are smart, but you don't need to take our word for it. You can see for yourself, as some very wise boys and girls share their best back-to-school tips in this WDMC Channel 75 video clip.
Watch it!

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Together We Make A Difference
Banners Herald an Optimistic School Year
At an early morning briefing with school administrators, Superintendent of Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio presented school banners to Roosevelt High School principal Jade Sharp, Mark Twain Middle School principal Eileen Rivera, and Fermi School assistant principal Magdaline Delany.
>> More

What Does "A Community of Learners" Mean to You?
You will hear a lot about the Yonkers Public Schools community of learners in the days and months to come. We would like to know what this means to our broad community of learners: students, teachers, support staff, administrators, parents, and friends.
Please follow this link to share your thoughts.

Failure is Not an Option for This Community of Learners
District Administrators Begin the School Year
With fire in their bellies, Yonkers Public Schools central office and building administrators got a jump-start on the school year at an all day Leadership Institute led by Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio. Watch this WDMC TV Channel 75 video to learn more.

Do You Know A School-Age Child in Your Neighborhood Who is Not Yet Registered for School?
We want every child to have a great start to the school year. If you know a child who is not yet registered, will you help us out by asking his or her parent/guardian to contact the Information Center at 376-8050? Thank you!
>> Enrollment Information

Take the Bus to School? You Need to Know This
What time to be at the bus stop, safety for our younger students and high school transportation information details are here.

Triumphant Walk Across the Stage for 133 High School Graduates
Perseverance, determination, and a can-do spirit paid off with high school diplomas for 133 students from Gorton, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Saunders, and Yonkers High Schools as they officially graduated as members of the Class of 2007 Wednesday. Following an arduous summer of study, study, study, these graduates got their well-deserved wings in front of a beaming audience of families, friends, teachers, Board of Education members, the Superintendent, and administrators from throughout the District.

Annual Calendar & Handbook in the Mail to YPS Families
This gorgeous showcase of student art is also the District's award winning annual calendar and handbook. Its 36 pages are packed with information you need and use all year. May we suggest a magnetic clip to keep it on the fridge?
>> Get a sneak peek

Mayor Appoints Board of Education Trustee
Richard Greco, Jr. was appointed a Trustee of the Yonkers Board of Education by Mayor Philip A. Amicone. Mr. Greco, a former Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy, is a principal of Filangieri Capital Partners, the private equity firm. Mr. Greco was introduced at a City Hall ceremony on Thursday, and was enthusiastic about his future service on behalf of the children of Yonkers. Board of Education President Bernadette Dunne, Vice President Debra Martinez and Trustees Trevor Bennett, Lisa Perito and Reverend Gerald Sudick, as well as Superintendent Bernard P. Pierorazio joined in the ceremony. Mr. Greco will take the oath of office at the September 26th Stated Meeting of the Board of Education.

Audit Budget & Finance Committee to Meet
The Committee meets Tuesday, August 7th at 5:30pm in the 4th Floor Board Room at One Larkin Center.
>> More information

Public Hearing on SAVE Legislation and Revisions to Code of Conduct
The Yonkers Board of Education will hold a Public Hearing on SAVE Legislation and Revisions to the Code of Conduct at 6:00pm Wednesday, August 15, 2007 in the 4th Floor Board Room at One Larkin Center. The Board will hold its regular Stated Meeting immediately after the Hearing.
>> More information

How They're Spending Summer Vacation
For 27 Yonkers Public Schools teachers, it's studying the legacy of the Dred Scott decision, which declared that African Americans could never be citizens. These teachers are participants in Project Preamble, a three-year professional development program that supports the teaching of the Constitution.
>> Learn more

New Student Registration
Families new to the Yonkers Public Schools or families with youngsters preparing for their first year of school in our District must make an appointment to register at the Information Center, 28 Wells Avenue, Building 2. The telephone number is 914 376-8050.
>> Learn more

Be our Guest for Lunch
All youngsters under 18 years of age are invited to enjoy a nutritious lunch at no charge Monday through Friday through August 17th. Stop by either the Hostos School or the Cedar Place School between 10:45am and 1:00pm.
>> More details

Summer Transition Program
For Students Entering Grades 6 & 9
This unique program for students and their parents takes place August 21 - 23.
>> English Brochure
>> En Español

District Wins Top Communications Prize
The National School Public Relations Association awarded Yonkers Public Schools the top prize in its annual communications contest. The Award of Excellence was earned by the 2007-2008 School Programs Catalog in the Publications & Electronic Media category. The catalog is an information rich resource for parents and students about the District’s schools and programs. The District also won three honorable mentions: The Budget edition of "Currents" in the finance publications category, the WDMC produced video "Focus: Yonkers Public High Schools" in the public service category, and the District's Annual Calendar and Handbook in the calendar category.