Yonkers Public Schools - A Vibrant Community of Learners

YPS Video Vault 2007-2008 School Year

	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.
	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.
	Behind the Scenes: 4MAT Training Organizing instruction around the diversity of learning styles is the goal of the 4MAT Training professional development program of the Yonkers Public Schools. Implemented in classrooms throughout the District, 4MAT has made an impact on the success of educators and students alike. This video gives you an inside look at the process from the perspective of teacher and student.
	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.
	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.
	Yonkers 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 Yonkers College Board Academy is the first such school in Westchester and will provide exciting and creative initiatives that prepare students for college success.
	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 in January. 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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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. 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.
	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.
	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.
	Back to School Tips From the Experts Frankly, you just have to watch this one!
	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.