The Column

Every year WHSAD students have the unique privilege of working with teaching artists from Park Avenue Armory. This experience provides students with opportunities to explore art connected to a current production taking place at the Armory. Starting in late February, sophomores began working with Armory theater and visual art teaching artist, Leigh Apoulos, and WHSAD alum and visual artist, Shar Galarza, on a stop motion project based on the production of "Illinoise", which is inspired by Sufjan Stevens' award-winning album of the same name. Stayed tuned for another story about the students' project. For now, what follows are some of the attending students' reflections on "Illinoise". The show “Illinoise”, ahh what an experience, … [Read more...]

In early March, some WHSAD Juniors had the opportunity to further their knowledge of college environments and standards through an overnight trip into New England, starting in Boston, hitting Boston Architectural College and MIT, then heading down through Rhode Island for Roger Williams and Brown. All of these schools were uniquely different in the programs offered, campus, and student life. With such a diverse selection, students had the opportunity to learn more about the kind of school they hope to go to, small or big, urban or suburban, relaxed or intense. Additionally, it helped inspire students to work for the future they desire.  After a lengthy bus ride and a pitstop for lunch, the group arrived at Boston Architectural College. … [Read more...]

Related is a multi-billion dollar developing real estate company spanned across 25 different states — half of the U.S. — and is the largest owner of affordable housing in the country. But, that’s only the exterior. During career discovery week a group of students along with Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Codio, and Mr. Auffrey got to take a look at the interior of the company. Physically and metaphorically.  Down at the heart of Hudson Yards — a neighborhood on the West Side of Midtown Manhattan and the last stop on the Manhattan bound 7 train — lies the headquarters of Related. However, Hudson Yards isn’t just the location of their headquarters, Related owns and develops that plot of land. Related is an in-house developer that oversees the … [Read more...]

Last Wednesday a group of 11th grade students went to see Hamilton live on Broadway! This was a rare and wonderful opportunity made possible by Gilder Lehrman and the Rockefeller Foundation. In addition to the show, students were able to participate in a Q&A with the cast and crew afterwards. It was truly a wonderful experience, from the performance to the knowledge that came with it.  In order to participate in the event, students were required to create a short video based on the founding era. Attending student, Olivia Sokolowska, described the project as a learning experience:  “Through the project I learned more than I previously knew about founding era history.” Students had to do their own research, and find their own primary … [Read more...]

“A  life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” The great Jackie Robinson, the breaker of the color barrier.  Going on trips such as the one to the Jackie Robinson museum is important because they hold historical significance. The museum commemorates the life and achievements of Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in professional baseball. Visiting the museum provides an opportunity to learn about his impact on not just his baseball legacy but his advocacy and business as an African American. These trips also help preserve his legacy. By visiting this museum, we plant the legacies of Jackie Robinson in our minds which preserve and keep his work from being forgotten. There is a lot that we can learn from … [Read more...]

Freshmen in high school find themselves in brand new environments that are often overwhelming and intimidating. Meeting new peers, navigating a new environment, and gaining more advanced knowledge are not easy tasks. However, at WHSAD there are many opportunities for freshmen to gain a solid foothold that will assist and inspire them over the course of their four years. One such opportunity is visiting the different architecture firms with which the school is in partnership. Through such excursions, students not only get a chance to interact in a more relaxed setting but also enjoy exposure to experiences that could inspire their future decisions when it comes to study and career. In the following narratives, two WHSAD freshmen offer … [Read more...]

Thank you to artist Mr. Milosz Koziej Ms. Maja Steczkowska, Deputy Director of the Polish Cultural Institute New York for providing WHSAD students with this opportunity. We would also like to thank Heather Butts and HEALTH for Youths for donating the supplies that were used during the workshops.  The Polish Cultural Institute New York came to WHSAD for a workshop on Venetian Plaster, an ancient technique commonly used to mimic marble. This was part of a series titled “Dare to be Copernicus”, made to inspire students to go against the status quo and follow their passions. Nicolaus Copernicus was a man of many hats, being secretary, doctor, diplomat, law maker, economist and a translator; however, he is most famous for his hobby of … [Read more...]

We would like to thank Karen Lerman, Mrs. Lichtenstein, and Project Witness for making this happen.  On December 14, 2023 our students took part in Project Witness: A Better Tomorrow Program. The goal of the program is to have young people spend time with Holocaust survivors and learn more about their experiences and learn from their examples of resiliency and hope for a better tomorrow.Jack Tavin, Toby Levy, Hadassah Carlebach, and Sarah Chaikin spent some time discussing their experiences, but most of the afternoon was spent with the young people chatting with the survivors about the holiday season. Students learned about Hanukkah traditions and shared with the survivors their future goals in academics and career. The time together … [Read more...]

Freshman, Alison Sanchez, wrote this article with contributions from freshman classmates and Freshman English teacher, Ms. Ortiz-Feliciano. On December 4, freshman students of WHSAD traveled to Park Avenue Armory to view two performances:  The Rite of Spring and common ground[s].  Before the performance began students were taken into the Veterans’ Room where they were introduced to teaching artist, Marsh Swiney, who provided students with a brief introduction to both performances, as well as a set of guidelines they would follow as audience members. Students would then remain in the Veterans’ Room waiting to be seated for the performance. It was during this time that students were then asked to share any questions they had … [Read more...]

Freshman, Alison Sanchez, wrote the introduction to this story. On November 16th, a select group of 9th grade students were chosen to participate on a trip to the Tenement museum as a part of their ELA unit’s essential question- “What does it it means to be ‘American?’” Students were also encouraged to gather insight on the lives of immigrant families which opened a window to the American story.  The tenement museum is located on 103 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. This museum allows visitors to explore the historically recreated homes of immigrant, migrant, and refugee families who lived in the city tenements between the years of 1863 and 1935.  The tenements were once home to an … [Read more...]