While many students and faculty members used this April's break as a way to rest and recharge for the final weeks of the 2017-2018 school year, some of WHSAD's community members continued learning. WHSAD students Adria Lee, Trevon West, and Juan Valencia, accompanied by Freshman teacher Ms. Sandra Spaziana, attended Dr. Matthew Costello and Heather Butts' lecture, "Living and Dying in the White House: Treating America’s First Families," at Columbia University. The program provided students with the opportunity not only to learn more about United States' history but also to reconnect with Dr. Costello who provided a White House tour for this same group of students during the February break. Below, Heather Butts and Trevon West share their … [Read more...]
Tahmidul Haque-Class of 2020
Tahmidul Haque is the Sophomore of the Month for April. Throughout the course of the year, Tahmidul has exhibited a tremendous work ethic, a readiness to share his ideas, and a reflective thoughtfulness that has helped him progress in his classes. His modesty and kindness allow Tahmidul to serve as an adept collaborator and improve the academic experience for himself as well as his peers. Ms. McCollum, Tahmidul’s Algebra II teacher, had this to say about him:“Tahmidul is extremely thorough in his work. He is able to convey his thought process to peers, providing both verbal and written explanations. He also always seems to be in a good mood. What a guy!!” Below, Tahmidul provides student correspondent, Antonio Perez, with some thoughts … [Read more...]
WHSAD’s Male Scholars Enjoy High Tea and Learn about Financial Literacy at The Williamsburg Hotel
On Friday, March 23, students from WHSAD’s Male Scholars Group attended a high tea financial literacy presentation at The Williamsburg Hotel. Students were regaled with tasty delicacies and classic tea flavors in an environment that exemplifies sophistication. Together with NYPD police officers, students learned about various aspects of financial planning, including bank accounts, credit scores, and identity theft. The presenters were well-versed in the financial concerns of teenagers and provided insights for those just starting to work and beginning to think about what to do with those paychecks. Thank you to Dana Rachlin from NYC Together, The New York City Police Department, and HSBC bank for making this experience possible. … [Read more...]
WHSAD Sophomores Attend Museum of Jewish Heritage
During a visit to the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust students were taken on the school/youth group tour Meeting Hate with Humanity: Life during the Holocaust. Museum educators led students through an exploration of the impact of World War II and the Nazi genocide on Jewish lives and communities in Europe. Students were able to view meaningful artifacts that allowed them to engage in discussion, make connections to prior knowledge, and further enhance their understanding. Afterwards, students also visited sculptor Andy Goldworthy's remarkable memorial Garden of Stones. They were immersed in discussion while analyzing the meaning and symbolism behind the … [Read more...]
Tyler Ng-Class of 2019
Tyler Ng is the Junior of the Month for March. Time and again Tyler has proven himself a student with a tremendous work ethic, an original manner of thinking, a supportive personality, and a modest demeanor. All of Tyler's current and past teachers believe that he has an exciting and successful future ahead. Ms. Connors, his AP Geography teacher, says Tyler is “incredibly hardworking, extremely involved in class, and an asset to peers.” Below, Tyler provides student correspondent, Antonio Perez, with some thoughts about WHSAD and why he believes he was nominated. My main goal in WHSAD is to graduate and eventually achieve the role of senior valedictorian. This is an important achievement for me, while it is a major … [Read more...]
David Segarra-Class of 2015
WHSAD graduate David Segarra, from the class of 2015, reached the status of Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 26. In order to reach this status, David used strategies he learned from his internship at Greenwood Cemetery and lessons from his architecture classes. David’s project was to lead a restoration of St. John’s Lutheran Church, which had suffered years of water damage and neglect. David’s project was to lead a team to paint and plaster the walls and focus much of the team’s effort to repair the damaged vestibule. Prior to getting to the repair portion of the project, David had to develop a budget and raise the amount needed to complete the project. Specifically, David was able to use the skills he gained during his … [Read more...]
Male and Female Scholars Groups View “Baltimore Boys”
Monday, March 12th, students in WHSAD’s Male and Female Scholars Groups, a partnership between NYC Together and NYPD police officers who serve as mentors to select students, took a trip to ESPN studios in Manhattan to view the film, “Baltimore Boys.” The film documented how a simple game can be so much more to society as it explored the impact the renowned Paul Laurence Dunbar High School basketball program had on the city of Baltimore. After suffering through the riots that followed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination in the spring of 1968, Baltimore, along with hundreds of cities throughout the United States, needed some hope. The Dunbar basketball team would prove to provide the beacon for not only the city but also for the … [Read more...]
WHSAD Students Meet and Learn from Christine Jones
An education in Architecture and Design can lead in many different directions. Designing buildings, city infrastructure projects, aesthetic details, and electrical systems are all some of the aspects WHSAD students learn in their classes. But when students see how their design educations can mesh with the concepts they study in a class outside the architecture and design realm, they recognize how diverse the future possibilities could be. One such instance occurred when Senior English teacher, Mr. James Powers, developed activities that had students constructing set designs for the play they have been reading: Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. Some students really took their work to another level and garnered the … [Read more...]
WHSAD Students Visit Washington D.C.
In her famous autobiography, Dust Tracks on a Road, Zora Neale Hurston wrote that her "Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to 'jump at the sun.'" One major point of learning in a WHSAD student's education is knowing that they will be granted opportunities to "jump at the sun" if they seek out such chances. An array of internships, after-school activities and partnerships, learning journeys, and other avenues for possibility await those who will take advantage, thus enhancing their knowledge of the world beyond high school. Such an opportunity presented itself to a trio of WHSAD students when they traveled to Washington D.C. over the February recess. Senior Adria Lee and Juniors Trevon West and Juan Valencia accompanied Heather … [Read more...]
Harold Reinoso-Class of 2018
Harold Reinoso is the Senior of the month of March. Harold's responsibility and sense of self makes him a leader among his fellow upperclassmen. Due to his maturity and autonomy, Harold exhibits the essential characteristics of what makes a WHSAD autonomous learner as he intelligently and clearly communicates with his teachers and peers, exhibits punctuality and adherence to project deadlines, and examines concepts through various critical lenses. Harold's English teacher, Mr. Powers, says, "Besides the fact that Harold portrays most, if not all, the attributes of being an "autonomous learner," he makes it look easy." While Mr. Codio, Harold's Architecture teacher, says that Harold is "a leader in the classroom who helps others become more … [Read more...]