High School Corner
High School and Middle School Open House on January 20th 2010. To print out the flier click here. For information about the first open house click here
HIGH SCHOOL HERE WE COME!
November 2009
The Middle School parents were invited to come to school to see what Legacy is all about, and what a surprise they got - they saw a real High School
Maari, Vishu (High School Coordinator) and Kristyn (Guidance Counselor) introduced Legacy to the parents. Different from Elementary and Middle Schools in that the emphasis, in addition to academics, is helping the student advocate for themselves, make decisions using critical thinking, and seeing the consequences of those decisions. Electives, internships and our entrepreneurship programs all enhance our curriculum. Rounding out the program is the social skills component entwined throughout the day. Key to all of this, understanding oneself so that the student is confident and can relate to others.
Maari views Legacy as the last intervention before students leave us and go out on their own, either onto college or out in the work place. Our mission has always been to give each student the tools that they need to be successful, regardless of the path they find themselves on.
Back to academics, Vishu explained that at the beginning of the year, each student is accessed and a program is tailored to their individual needs. All Legacy students take the regents exams and depending on their marks, they will qualify for a Regents or Local diploma. A round of applause greeted Kristyn’s news that last years class of 33 graduates saw 28 go on to college.
Later on the eighth grade students had their chance to visit Legacy. They were so excited by what they saw – they couldn’t stop asking questions. Before High School was a dream, now it’s a wondrous reality - something that they can’t wait to join.
Parents, if you could not make the day time meeting, come to the evening meeting, you will not be disappointed.
HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009
from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
NY Cares Youth Service Club
October 2009
Legacy had 9 students participate in our 1st NY Cares Youth Service project on Friday, October 23, 2009. The group went to the NY Cares office in mid-town and helped out with the “Winter Wishes” program. They read through and helped to organize hundreds of letters to Santa that had been written by kids from shelters and after-school programs throughout the city. We are so proud of our students for working together and supporting each other to get the job done, and done well. Some of our students wanted to take another step towards helping these kids and went above and beyond by volunteering to donate gift items that had been requested in the letters. All of the students who participated left with a positive feeling, knowing that they made a difference in the lives of these kids!
Our next project will take place on Friday, November 13th. We will go to a Senior Center in the Bronx and help out however we can. Anyone interested in participating please see Kristyn for more information.
News from Sandy and Vishu
Senior Trip Updates
May 2009
Cruise on the Norwegian Dawn
We have been busy exploring beautiful Bermuda. Never have we seen such beautiful sand. The students will tell you that it isn't exactly pink but when you see the expanse of beach it is a salmon color and so fine that it is good on the feet. The water is clear blue and it is peppered with rocks and coves. On an exploration, we walked the beach to find a washed up Man of War - that attracted a lot of attention. We learned the birds are called Long Tails. They resemble Gulls but are sleeker with tail feathers the length of their body. One Long Island woman stopped me to ask about the "group of boys" she had noticed at the beach and around the ship. She complimented us on their behavior and I could only agree. We really have the best kids. We have seen a magic show, heard a calypso band, visited several clubs for late night music and dancing, and karaoke.
Another wild day . . .
The weather went from cool to cool rain yesterday, so we left the pool behind and took part in ship activities. A group went to the gym to learn to use the equipment while another group went to the ship's library. Yes, you heard right. We found a quiet spot and students enjoyed various activities. At the end of the evening we divided into groups again. Some students just hung out while others went to the arcade and early to bed. Another group decided to go to the Disco.
At the beginning of the trip, we had the awsome experience of passing the Statue of Liberty at sunset but the most fun was going under the Verrazano Bridge. It appeared out of nowhere and all at once it was "in our face." After the great send off we ate dinner and went to see a comedy show.
April 2009
Dear Parents,
More is accomplished in Senior Service than just a thank you to the people who have contributed to students' education. Under Vishu's guidance, the students have learned to plan different types of events. By varying the types of events students learn to handle themselves in different settings. Leadership skills are developed, the students bond, and social skills are honed.
For Maari, what else could the Seniors do to express their appreciation, but a Tea Party! Maari always has a cup of tea nearby so our Senior Service learned another definition for "biscuits" (cookies) and presented Maari with a High Tea complete with a silver tray, teapot, china cups and saucers.
All of the Senior Service students joined her with their own cups of tea and finished off their platters of biscuits much quicker than the adults that were present. Our young men and women were surprisingly comfortable in this formal setting . . . but then they always surprise us. They are so terrific. Stephon G. and Johnathan M. welcomed Maari with words of thanks from the heart while Marquise W. orchestrated the event. Thanks to Matthew F. who kicked off the planning, and thanks to the teachers and the students who contributed refreshments.
Senior Service students have also been busy showing appreciation for Administrative Assistants! Because they are so involved in our students lives, the Seniors wanted to do something extra special to show their appreciation. Vishu worked with the class until they came up with the perfect plan. They decided to use their talents to bake a take-home treat and to write a rap as a serenade.
The Senior students who are in the Home Economics class, Tiffany, Patsy, Alexa, Julian, and Max, worked with Sandy to bake four apple nut breads for Lalig, Carmen, Idali, and Ivan. Sandy says that food presentation is important so the students baked the bread in a tin can and decorated the can with a pink label, placed it in a cellophane bag and tied it with a pretty ribbon. Beautiful!
Stephon, Johnathan, and Marquise volunteered to write a rap, while Vishu worked with the remaining students on other projects. The big day arrived. The students sat - quietly? - in the Commons with the lights off. Seren was the hall watchman while Vishu gathered the Admin in the front lobby. They were mislead into believing that "the food safety inspectors" wanted to meet with them. Carmen even came prepared with the food thermometer in case Island House did not have one.
Were they ever surprised! The Admin walked into Commons and were greeted by yells of "SURPRISE!" It was worth it all to see Lalig's reaction. Then just as she settled down, in walked our musical trio, voices booming in the rap rhythm and arms waving to the beat.
While the students glowed with pride because of the success of these recent events, we, who are privileged enough to work with them, glowed with pride also. It was a good day.
March 2009
Dear TCS/Legacy Parents,
My fondest memory of my son's first year at The Child School in sixth grade was the weekly notes that came home from the senior students. For fundraising on Fridays they provided ice cream sundaes on Fridays; nail polishing and hair brushing; dress down days without uniforms, and whatever else they could offer. I remember admiring their spirit and feeling good about the connection between the students of different grades and of different ages. This was really a community.
I am not the type to be a social events chairperson. I don't crave dances and chit chat. I am not a natural when it comes to organizing activities. I got involved only because I witnessed the joy and spirit the students have, when they get together, dance, eat abundant food, fool around with their teachers and are accompanied on the dance floor by staff, parents, and faculty. It's priceless, I tell you. The D.J. at the last dance remarked that he has never seen such a spirited and joyful group, as he watched our sons and daughters dance and mingle with the staff.
Until arriving at The Child School, I never heard of parents from other grades helping out another grade, as we help our seniors every year. We have had years when seniors' parents stepped up and helped a lot. We have had years when seniors' parents did not step up and help at all. And through the years the Parents Association has always stepped up and supported these children equally, despite whether or not their parents were ready and able to do so.
My son is graduating this year. To the parents of those remaining students, I promise you that if you will get involved in carrying on the tradition of parents helping with Legacy social events/fundraising, you will never regret the experience. To my fellow seniors' parents, please consider coming to help out and watch your children enjoying themselves at their final dance. But fair warning: don't' be surprised, when you find yourself out on the dance floor.
Karen D'Attilo
January 2009
Electives and Uncommon Wednesday Specials:
When students transition from middle school to high school, more than a building change takes place. Freshmen enter the program as children and leave us in four short years as young men and women. It is our job as educators to create the kind of environment which provides the student with opportunity to discover themselves, take risks, and make mistakes in a safe space. During their four years of high school, students have the opportunity to take 6 Electives and 8 Wednesday Specials, so eventually, all students will have the opportunity to explore current interests and be exposed to new ones.
With second semester quickly approaching, it is time for Sophomore, Junior and Senior students to register for their new Electives. Freshmen take the state mandated elective of Art. All High School students choose Wednesday Specials.
For both Electives and Wednesday Specials, students are given the form and asked to select four preferences. We want them to consider their abilities and interests, then make their choice. In reality, what happens is very different. Sometimes the choice is based on a selection made by a peer so they can be in the same class. Sometimes the selection is made so they can work with a favorite teacher. Sometimes the selection is made because it is a popular class that everyone wants in. And sometimes, a student has unrealistic expectations about the class or about themselves.
For example, a very athletic young person decided that Tai Chi was the perfect special. She marked it as her first choice. Luckily, the class that could accommodate her schedule had space and she was placed in it. Sometimes it isn't so easy. Sometimes the class has too many students or it is offered during the wrong period so a student cannot take the class.
Since the special seemed a "perfect fit" for this student and since there was an opening, the problem is solved. Right? It is never that easy. After a few classes, the student realized that while she loves athletics, she only likes active sports. Tai Chi may be physical but it requires slow moves and calmness.
Turns out, this class accomplished lots. The student learned to make choices. She also had to negotiate with adults because she wanted to be removed from the class. We were able to help her understand why she disliked her original choice, and with our support was encouraged to remain in the class. In just a few short weeks, she has learned valuable lessons: Self-understanding, Negotiating skills, Accepting consequences, Discipline, Perseverance in addition to the basics of Tai Chi!
An Overview
Wacky Wednesday Specials:
• Chess
• Yoga
• Debate
• Oral Story Telling
• Tai Chi
• Lego Bridge Engineering
• Travel Training (if interested please call)
• Playwriting
• Walking Social Group
• Sewing
• Knitting
• Hallie's Angels
• Spanish for Spanish Speakers
• School Store (Year-long course, students currently enrolled will be continuing)
Electives:
• Greek Mythology
• Home Economics - Food
• Home Economics - Life Span Studies
• Journalism / Tiger Times Newspaper
• Library Assistant
• Power of Thought
• Student Assistant
• Technology
• Spanish I (year long course, students currently enrolled will be continuing)
Last semester, we were able to assign all students to 2 of their top 4 choices. This semester, we hope to achieve similar success. This means that students are likely to get enrolled in all 4 of their favorite choices over the course of the entire year.
Parents were mailed a sample form last week. For more information consult the Curriculum Guide distributed at Parent's Curriculum Night. Any questions, call Vishu and Sandy at 212-223-5057.
November 2008
Dear Parents,
Our Fall Masquerade was such a success! There were orange balloons with streamers dangling from the ceiling, cob webs gracing the doors, and the random boney hand reaching around corners. The table was filled with snack foods and the stack of pizza boxes seemed endless. No one went away hungry. The music was just as it should be - LOUD.
This fantastic evening was provided by you - our families. All the Legacy staff had to do was show up and have fun with our kids. We can't thank you enough for all of the support and work that you did to make this evening a success for your children.
A special thanks to Karen and Joe D'Attilo who have earned the reputation as Dance King and Queen for all of the work they do to make us "dance happy". We also thank all of the parents who contributed food or donated cash. Thank you to Elvie Roman, Carolyn Fragoso, Vickie Hage, Elise Feinman, and Mia Brandt. If we have left out any of you, please forgive us. We are grateful for you all.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Vishu, Sandy, and the "Legacy Crew"
