MCSM Parents' Information Center

Public Benefits Program

2009-11-17T17:55:00.000-08:00

Public Benefits Program
156 West 164th St.
Bronx, New York 10452

The Bridge Builders/CPI Access NY Public Benefits Program is offering screening for more than 35 different programs that are available to you in your community, such as Cash Assistance, Child Care Subsidy, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), etc.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call Dora Morillo, Zoe Flores, or Shelby Harris at (718) 293-4352 or fax (718) 588-1965.

Manhattan Parent Center without Walls

2009-05-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Manhattan BP Scott M. Stringer
and
Advocates for Children of New York
Present

Manhattan Parent Center without Walls

-- Is your child struggling in school?

-- Has your child been suspended and you want more information about the process?

-- Would you like to learn more about your rights to participate in your child's education?

Join Advocates for Children and the Office of Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer for a 3-part training series for parents.

Thursday, May 7: Special Education Process

Thursday, May 14: Suspensions

Tuesday, May 19: Know Your Rights in NYC Public Schools for Parents and Students

Time (all meetings): 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Location: Manhattan Borough President's Office

1 Centre Street, 19th Floor

Please RSVP to events@manhattanbp.org or call 212-669-4465 and specify which session(s) you wish to attend.

For more information about Parent Centers without Walls and other services of RCSN, please click on the following: RCSN Services.

2009-05-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

Parents’ Association (PA) Meeting Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 6:00 PM

Con Edison Presentation of Recommendations for Dealing with the Toxic Contaminants Beneath Our School Building and Grounds

At the MCSM PA’s regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 PM, representatives from Con Edison, NY State Departments of Health (DOH) and Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the NYC DOE will hold a public comments meeting and present their recommendations concerning cleanup of the toxic contaminants located under our school building and grounds. In addition, the Parents' Association's own independent consultants, Peter Strauss and Lenny Siegel, will be there to speak on our behalf and present their views of the proposed solutions.

This is a public meeting, open to Isaac Newton parents and staff as well as members of the East Harlem (and Pleasant Avenue) community. All parents and community members will have the opportunity to ask questions, express their concerns, and otherwise reassure themselves that their children’s (and the community’s) health and safety are well-protected and being given the highest priority.

After roughly 30 days, Con Edison’s plans will be finalized, and they will begin moving forward to implement the accepted recommendations. Whatever happens as a result of these meetings will be the "solution" at MCSM for the next 20-30 years or more, so this is our one and only chance to SPEAK UP for the future health of our children and their teachers.

This is a VERY important meeting, critical to the future of your children’s school. We encourage all MCSM parents to attend, ask your questions, and make sure you understand what is being planned.

Con Edison Recommendations for MCSM Building Site Released

2009-05-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

A new report detailing Con Edison’s analysis and recommendations for dealing with the toxic contaminants buried beneath our school building and grounds has just been released, along with a preliminary plan for long-term management of our site. You can now obtain copies of these documents for yourself from the Internet -- see the information at the end of this posting.

The new Analysis of Alternatives Report (AAR) contains six major recommendations for dealing with the contaminants left over from a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) that used to operate on our school building site from the late 1800s to the late 1930s:

1. Do not remove any of the coal tar from the holding tank or soil beneath the school building, since no cleanup technology exists that will remove most of the contaminants without suspending school operations for up to two years or demolishing the school building.

2. Since all indoor air tests to date have shown no harmful vapors entering the school from the contaminated soil beneath, install a sub-slab depressurization (vacuum) system underneath the basement floor to vent any harmful vapors rising through the soil to the outside air. The school’s concrete basement floor has already proven to be an effective barrier; this new vacuum-style system provides an extra level of protection for the children and their teachers.

3. Build an impermeable barrier along the eastern edge of the school property, alongside the FDR Drive, to prevent the contaminants that have migrated below ground in that direction from moving any farther toward the Harlem River. The barrier will prevent the contaminants from passing through, and a series of collection wells will trap and hold them for periodic removal.

4. Excavate and remove the toxic soil from the southeastern corner of the school yard (next to the FDR Drive and the basketball courts)and replace it with clean fill.

5. Leave the contaminants that have already migrated under the Harlem River bed in place and monitor them. At present, they do not appear to pose any threat to the fish or other biological entities in the river since they are 15-25 feet below the river bottom.

6. Implement management control and monitoring plans to ensure these systems operate correctly and effectively and that future excavation does not take place without proper precautions and controls.

These documents are available for downloading in both summary and detailed form by going to Con Edison’s website, www.coned.com/mgp, or you can click on the following: Con Edison AAR and CSMP Reports. MCSM’s reports are listed under “115th Street Site” (the first address tab on the left). The summary documents (Fact Sheet and Draft Decision Document are available in both English and Spanish). The Analysis of Alternatives (AAR) and Conceptual Site Management Plan (CSMP) are lengthy, detailed documents explaining the results of Con Edison's analysis (AAR) and their preliminary site management plans (CSMP) once their recommendations have been implemented.

PA Meeting on April 7 -- Hands-On Computer Night

2009-04-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever used the MCSM Parents’ Information Center blog, or taken advantage of the many links it provides to other education-related sites?

Have you ever used the new MCSM.net site or taken advantage of its many useful links?

Would you like to know more about how to make effective use of the Internet to assist with your child’s education? (For example, have you ever heard of the Jefferson Map Project?)

Do you know anything about your child’s use of the Internet, such as MySpace or Facebook?

Do you have other questions about the Internet: how to use it, how to search (there are better ways than Google!!!), how to control it and protect yourself from problems?

Then come to our PA meeting on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:00 PM. We’ll have a full set of Internet-connected laptops available. We’ll put every person in attendance on their own computer and show you how to make better use of the Internet!

Call for Nominations

2009-04-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

Nominations are now open and sought for all officer positions in the MCSM Parents’ Association for the 2009/2010 school year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010). Open positions are PA President, Co-Vice President (2), Secretary, and Treasurer.

Nominations are also being sought for all Parent Representative positions on the MCSM School Leadership Team (SLT) for the 2009/2010 school year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010).

All current members of the MCSM Parents’ Association who will be continuing as members during 2009/2010 are eligible for any PA officer or SLT position.

PA officers are responsible for guiding and administering the Parents’ Association’s activities and finances. They are expected to attend regular monthly PA meetings plus one PA Executive Board (planning) meeting each month.

Parent Representatives to the SLT meet once each month with the Principal and teacher, staff, and student representatives to discuss school policy and direction and to help formulate the school’s annual Comprehensive Education Plan (CEP).

PARENTS!!! AN ACTIVE AND INVOLVED PARENTS' ASSOCIATION AND PARENT INVOLVEMENT ON THE SLT ARE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESS OF YOUR CHILDREN'S SCHOOL!!!

WE NEED MORE PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED!!

COMMIT YOURSELF TO YOUR CHILDREN'S SCHOOL, REPRESENT ALL MCSM PARENTS, AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!

IT'S TIME TO STEP UP!!!!

GREAT JOB OPPORTUNITIES!!

2009-04-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Wanted: Parent Leaders.

Positions: Parents’ Association Officer (President, Co-Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer) and/or Parent Representative on the School Leadership Team (SLT)

Qualifications: Must be a parent or guardian of an MCSM student.

Position Requirements: Desire to help with the education of your child and all his or her classmates at MCSM. Willingness to give a small portion of your time (one or two early evening meetings per month) to make MCSM a shining educational star among New York City’s high schools.

Compensation: The personal satisfaction that comes from being an active and involved parent in your child’s school and education – priceless.

How to Apply: Come to the regular Parents’ Association meeting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7 or Tuesday, May 12. You can nominate yourself or another MCSM parent/guardian for any position, or you can ask another MCSM parent to nominate you.

Selection: Elections for PA Officer positions and four of the six SLT parent representative positions will take place at the PA meeting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 9.

Tried MCSM.net Yet???

2009-04-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

MCSM has begun implementation of a full-fledged school website: www.mcsm.net. Over time, it is hoped that this site will help improve communication with parents about school programs and events. As more teachers come onto the system, you will also be able to monitor your child’s homework and project assignments and communicate more actively with your child’s teachers.

If you haven’t visited MCSM.net yet, please do so (just click on this: MCSM.net). Try it out! Click on the different links, see what’s there, and then let Principal Jimenez know what you think and what you’d like to see!

Parent Commission Report on School governance and Mayoral Control

2009-04-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

As you may know, the law that created the current version of mayoral control over the NYC public schools is scheduled to “sunset” in June 2009. Soon, the State Legislature will be considering legislation to extend, modify, or end the Mayor’s control of our schools.

Many aspects of the current mayoral control arrangement have unsatisfactory to large numbers of parents and numerous public officials, including Borough Presidents, the NYC Public Advocate, and members of the New York City Council. A group of VERY dedicated parents have been working for months to solicit a wide range of parent input and develop recommendations for changes and improvements in the current system of school control.

If you have children in the NYC public school system at ANY level from Kindergarten to the end of high school, these matters have a direct impact on your family and your community. You have a responsibility as a parent to know what’s going on, and you have the right to be involved and have your voice heard.

If you’d like to know more about the Parent Commission’s or read of copy of their final report, go to www.parentcommission.org or click on this link: Parent Commision on School Governance and Mayoral Control.

DOE Parent Survey

2009-04-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

PARENTS!!!

Exercise your voice!
Help your school!
Have a chance to win a laptop computer or other prizes!!

All you have to do is complete and mail the DOE’s Learning Environment Survey, then fill out the tear-off raffle eligibility form you received in a separate mailing from MCSM. Your survey response provides the DOE and your child’s school with valuable input about how you believe the school is performing on your child’s behalf. In addition, these survey responses make up a part of the “report card” the DOE issues for our school every year.

If you have not yet received your Learning Environment Survey in the mail (it should have come in a bright green envelope), please call the DOE at 1-800-690-8603. They will ask you a few simple questions to verify your identity as an MCSM parent, then give you an eight-digit Reference Number. You can then go online at www.nyc.gov/schools/surveys, choose the language you want, and complete the survey. You will need the Reference Number you received on the phone in order to submit your finished survey.

You can also access this site by going to www.mcsm.net and clicking on the Parent Survey link. When your finished, go to www.mcsm.net and click on the link for “Parent Environmental Survey Raffle” to enter your name, your child’s name, and your Reference Number in order to be eligible for a raffle prize.

Con Edison Update (March 2009)

2009-04-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

Con Edison, the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation, and the New York State Department of Health are still working to complete their Analysis of Alternatives Report (AAR) for the next phase in the toxic contaminants clean-up process at MCSM. We anticipate that the AAR will be formally released sometime in April, with the public comments meeting likely to take place at our regularly scheduled PA meeting on May 12.

When the AAR is publicly available, it will be posted in full at the Con Edison website www.coned.com/publicissues/manufactured_gas_plants.asp. Efforts will be made to publicize the report’s availability to parents and distribute a summary version by mail.

Links to the AAR on Con Edison’s website will also be provided on a future posting at this site.

Lady Rams Basketball Team Topples the Unbeatable Bergtraum!

2009-04-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

MCSM’s Lady Rams basketball team accomplished the near-impossible on February 18 when they visited the Murry Bergtraum gym. The MCSM Girls Basketball had already lost to Bergtraum at home, back on January 7, by a score of 66 - 59. By the time their February 18 rematch had rolled around, Bertraum was on a 73-game win streak, not having lost since the 2006 NY State Class AA finals game against Christ the King. Even more intimidating for the Lady Rams, the Bergtraum basketball machine had not lost a game at home, in their own gym, since 1999. Ten consecutive years without a single home loss!

As they say, all things must come to an end. On February 18, one of those things was both Bergtraum win streaks. Led by Aziza Patterson’s 22 points, China Crosby’s 15 (on a tender ankle, badly sprained two weeks earlier against Midwood), and Nijah Lacourt’s 10, MCSM’s female David’s knocked down Bergtraum basketball Goliaths by a final score of 61 – 54.

Congratulations to the Lady Rams for making some NYC basketball history and making MCSM proud of your dedication and effort! Below is the game story as reported on ESPN.com. Click on the article title below to be directed to the online story.

Big win boosts Manhattan Center's stock

By Mindi Rice and Glenn Nelson
ESPN HoopGurlz

Coaches and players have said it before this season -- Murry Bergtraum (Manhattan) is beatable. Virginia-bound China Crosby and her Manhattan Center teammates knew it earlier this year, but weren't able to do it at home in January.

The odds certainly weren't in Manhattan Center's favor Wednesday, as the Blazers, sporting a 73-game win streak and a spotless home record since 1999, played host to their New York City public school league rivals. Add in the uncertainty of star point guard Crosby, who had injured her ankle four days prior, and it would have been hard to blame the Rams if they were overcome by nerves.

After gearing her teammates up to play with or without her come Bergtraum, Crosby readied herself on game day and came prepared to play. Once on the court, with a confident, calm Crosby running the point, the Rams upended Bergtraum, 61-54.

Manhattan Center became the first team to beat then-No. 5 Murry Bergtraum at home since 1999, when A.P. Randolph beat the Blazers. Bergtraum's last loss before the 73-game streak was to Christ the King in the 2006 state Federation Class 'AA' title game.

"We really made history," Crosby said by phone Monday. "It felt good, but it really didn't sink in as much as it did for some of the other girls. If we win it all, maybe then."

The win, Crosby's first against Bergtraum in her career, was a huge boost into the postseason for Manhattan Center, which, four days earlier, didn't know when, or if, Crosby would be able to return to the court. In Feb. 7's loss to Midwood, Crosby turned her right ankle and went down in agony in the final minutes.

"I knew it was bad," Crosby said. "I heard something crack. … But I did some physical therapy and constantly iced it, then the day of the Bergtraum game, I strapped up and started to play."

Not certain if her ankle would hold her for an entire game, and knowing Bergtraum would key in on herself and junior Aziza Patterson, Crosby and her teammates talked about sharing the ball. She made sure the other guards knew there were going to get looks -- and to take them.

Patterson led the way with 22 points, but fouled out in the final three minutes and was left to watch from the bench. Crosby added 15, while junior forward Nijah Lacourt added 10 for the Rams.

In early January, Center seemed poised to snap the Blazers' streak at 64, with a home-court advantage and no fear or intimidation from Bergtraum's history of 10 consecutive public school titles or nearly three-year winning streak. A late 15-4 run by the Blazers kept the streak alive, but the Rams were paying attention for February's rematch.

"We know Bergtraum is a fast-break, running team," Crosby said. "So we didn't pressure. If we missed a shot, we got back on defense immediately."

That took away some of Bergtraum's break-neck pace and let the Rams control, at least partially, the game's tempo. A four-point halftime lead swelled to 13 for a stretch during the second half before the final seven-point margin.

Bergtraum has plenty of time to bounce back from its first loss since 2006. The Blazers' next game is March 3 in the second round of the public school Class AA playoffs. Crosby also has plenty of time to rest her ankle, as Manhattan Center next plays the same day.

January PA Meeting to Address College Financing, Military Services

2009-01-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the MCSM Parents' Association, will take place on
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 6:00 pm.

We are pleased to announce two guest speakers for the evening who will address issues related to college financing. Our first speaker will be a representative of Making It Count, an organization that sponsors presentations around the U.S. advising parents on various aspects of college financing. We hosted a Making It Count presentation two years ago at MCSM, and their program was very informative and extremely well-received by the parents in attendance.

Our second speaker will be a representative of Students or Soldiers?, an organization that advises parents on the legal issues of military recruiting on high school campuses. More relevant to our meeting on January 13, their representative has agreed to discuss the U.S. military services program to finance college education for young men and women who have entered and completed their military service commitments. As you will learn, the military service program for college financing is not so simple and clear-cut as you might think.

We look forward to seeing you there on January 13. Please join us!

PA Addresses Traffic Concerns to Local Community Board

2009-01-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

As many of you may be aware, a new shopping complex called East River Plaza will be opening sometime in the next twelve months. This mall will provide over 500,000 square feet of retail space and parking for 1,250 cars, as well as significant truck and van traffic for store deliveries and pick-ups. The Plaza's operation will certainly change the nature and quantity of traffic around our school and the surrounding neighborhood. We can easily anticipate much more traffic on 116th Street between First Avenue and the FDR Drive, but we can also foresee substantially more traffic leaving First Avenue at 114th Street, cutting across the north side of Jefferson Park, and turning left onto Pleasant Avenue to pass by our school's front doors on the way to the mall.

On Tuesday, December 2, the MCSM Parents' Association presented a letter (see below for full text) to the chair and vice-chair of Community Board 11's Transportation Committee at their public meeting that evening. The letter expressed, among other things, the PA Board's concerns about the lack of school zone signage, marked crosswalks, and traffic controls on Pleasant Avenue between 114th and 116th Streets. It is our hope that the opening of East River Plaza will provide an opportunity for us to obtain substantial traffic control and student safety improvements from the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) as they study the area and determine the types of traffic controls they will be installing.

We received a fully supportive hearing from the CB 11 Transportation Committee, whose members promised to arrange a follow-up meeting with a representative of the mall developer, DOT, and members of the local community such as residents of 117th Street. No date has been established yet for this meeting, but we will advertise it to MCSM parents when we have a firm date. Parents who wish more information or would like to be actively involved should contact Steve Koss by email at mathman180@aol.com.

The complete text of the letter from the PA Executive Board to CB 11 follows:

December 2, 2008

Mr. Derrick Taitt
Ms. Cora Shelton
Community Board 11
1664 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10035

Dear Mr. Taitt/Ms. Shelton,

We, the Executive Board of the Manhattan Center for Science & Mathematics High School (MCSM) Parents’ Association (PA), submit this letter to the Transportation Committee of Community Board 11 on behalf of the 1,650 students of MCSM and their parents as well as the 350 students of Isaac Newton Middle School (INMS) and their parents.

As you are aware, the neighborhood in the Pleasant Avenue area of East Harlem is today largely residential. Pleasant Avenue itself begins at 114th Street, at the north end of Thomas Jefferson Park, and runs to 120th Street, terminating alongside the P.S. 206 and River East Elementary Schools. The MCSM school building is located on the east side of Pleasant Avenue between 114th and 116th Streets, where its north side faces the planned East River Plaza shopping complex directly across 116th Street. Most students enter the school building between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. and leave between 3:00 and 4:00 pm. Many students who participate in after school programs such as sports and clubs do not leave until 5:30 or 6:00 pm. In addition, MCSM maintains an open campus, meaning that the majority of high school students leave the building during their lunch periods, running from approximately 11:00 am to 1:30 pm daily.

Traffic flows along 116th Street east of First Avenue are currently light to moderate, except during morning and evening rush hours when 116th Street provides a southbound exit/entrance from/onto the F.D.R. Drive. However, eventual completion of East River Plaza will likely substantially change the character and traffic flow in the entire Pleasant Avenue neighborhood from 114th to 118th Street and beyond. With over 500,000 square feet of retail space and parking for 1,250 vehicles, major change is inevitable.

We are aware that the NYC Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) has begun traffic surveys in the area, and it is our understanding from Mr. Josh Orzeck that D.O.T.’s traffic management plans will be presented for discussion at a future C.B. 11 Transportation Committee meeting. In the meantime, however, we would like to take this opportunity to express some of our major concerns and wishes related to signage and traffic flows now and once East River Plaza comes on stream, as follows:

1. At present, no yellow warning signs (such as school zone, student crossing, or slow) have been installed anywhere in the MCSM building area to indicate that drivers should reduce speed or at least be aware that children may be crossing.

2. The crosswalks in all four directions at 116th and Pleasant Avenue (both are two-way streets) have been so worn away over time as almost not to be visible.

3. The street light at 116th and Pleasant Avenue allows no Walk time when all traffic is stopped so students can cross.

4. Opening of East River Plaza will very likely lead to significant change in the traffic patterns along 114th Street (one way, eastbound) from First to Pleasant Avenues, and on Pleasant Avenue from at least 114th to 116th Streets, as northbound drivers look to “short cut” their way from 1st Avenue into the shopping center. There are no school zone or other warning signs on 114th Street, and the crosswalk at 114th Street and Pleasant Avenue (alongside Rao’s Restaurant) has been worn away nearly to invisibility. A Stop sign is in place at 114th and Pleasant Avenues, but it is routinely ignored by drivers.

5. Related to #4, there are no speed bumps or Stop signs in either the north- or southbound directions on Pleasant Avenue at 115th Street (directly across from the front door of the MCSM school building), nor are there any painted crosswalks leading from MCSM across to the beginning of 115th Street (one way, westbound).

6. We are not aware of the plans for how shoppers’ vehicles will enter and exit from East River Plaza, nor how box vans and tractor trailers will enter and exit for deliveries. These arrangements may further affect traffic flows along 116th Street and northward on Pleasant Avenue from 116th to 118th Streets and beyond in ways we cannot yet anticipate. We are also concerned that these vehicles may have a deleterious impact on air quality in a neighborhood already subject to high incidence of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

7. To whatever extent the new shopping complex includes fast food operations, students during their lunch periods may create a new pedestrian crossing of 116th Street mid-block between Pleasant Avenue and the F.D.R. Drive. This creates serious safety concerns in a high traffic, high speed area.

The items above are suggestive of our present concerns; others may arise as we obtain a better understanding of East River Plaza’s planned operation and the D.O.T.’s traffic management program.

We wish to thank the Transportation Committee of Community Board 11 in advance for its efforts and support in these matters. We ask that the Committee adopt a resolution calling for pedestrian safety initiatives and truck calming measures as part of any future development plans for East River Plaza. We also request that the MCSM/INMS parent community be notified in a timely manner when the D.O.T. finally brings the East River Plaza traffic management issue before the Committee so that the 2,000 students and their families can be represented in the discussion.

Sincerely,
Executive Board, MCSM Parents’ Association
Steve Koss, President
Deirdre Rose, Co-Vice President
Loisen Harris-Jacobs, Co-Vice President
Tara Joshua, Secretary
Nevis Almeida, Treasurer

Soccer, Volleyball Lead Fall Sports Successes

2009-01-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

The Fall Sports season has been an eventful and successful one at MCSM. The Boys Varsity Soccer team won their Manhattan B-III division championship with an impressive 9-1-2 record. Their only loss, a 3-2 heartbreaker, came at the hands of division rival Eleanor Roosevelt after beating them earlier in the year by a 1-0 score. In the Class B playoffs, the Rams lost their own match to Campus Magnet by a final score of 2-1. Coach Peter Schmidt-Nowara’s team was led in the regular season by Juniors Joseth Leon (47 shots on goal, 8 goals, 3 assists) and Richard Bempong (34, 10, and 1) and Sophomore Mohamed Barry (35, 7, and 4) backed by the steady goal-tending of Junior Emman Kamara (85 saves, 13 goals allowed, 5 goals scored). Heavily loaded with Juniors and Sophomores, the Ram booters will certainly be front-runners next year.

On the Girls Volleyball front, Coach Brenda Jenkins led her lady diggers and spikers to an impressive 10-2 regular season record, finishing second in the Manhattan 8-B standings to George Washington HS. Both of the team’s losses came at the hands of that same George Washington team, but the Lady Rams tasted sweet revenge in the playoffs. Seeded 7th in Division B, MCSM opened with a two sets to zero victory over Campus Magnet and followed that with another 2-0 (25-18, 25-16) stomping on November 18 of their arch-rivals from George Washington, the second-seeded team in the tournament. On November 20, the Lady Rams playoff run unfortunately ended with a two sets to none (20-25, 18-25) loss to tournament third seed Benjamin Banneker.

The Girls Volleyball team was led this season by Seniors Jennifer Perez (51 aces, 82 service points, 7 assists, 5 blocks, 11 digs, 81 kills), Antoinette Nery (31 aces, 54 service points, 71 assists, 31 kills), Denae Howard (23 aces, 42 service points, 7 digs, 7 kills), Herminia Thabet (10 aces, 17 service points, 11 digs, 4 kills), Stephanie Lawrence (11 aces, 21 service points, 6 digs, 21 kills), and Venus Escobar (3 aces, 11 service points, 20 assists, 10 digs, 10 kills). Sophomores Christine Roundtree (14 aces, 20 service points, 13 digs, 37 kills) and Zi Qian Ng (26 aces, 61 service points, 11 assists, 8 digs, 6 kills) supported those six seniors in their successful season.

Congratulations are in order as well to the boys and girls who so ably represented MCSM this fall by participating on Coach Randolph Cantor’s Boys’ Bowling team (6-4 season record), Coach Mitchell Weinfeld’s Girls’ Bowling team (3-9), and Coach Luis Almanzar’s Cross Country team.

National Magazine Ranks MCSM in Top 3% of U.S. High Schools for Second Straight Year

2009-01-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

The national magazine, U.S. News & World Report (USNWR), has just released its second annual ranking of the top U.S. high schools. For the second consecutive year, MCSM was awarded a Silver Medal, signifying its rank among the top 3% of all high schools in America. Congratulations to all the students, teachers, and staff who made this accomplishment possible; all should feel proud to be placed in such lofty company.

This year, USNWR reviewed a wide range of statistics from the 2006-2007 school year for more than 21,000 public high schools in 48 states. Their approach begins by determining whether each school's students were performing better than statistically expected for the average student in the state. The analysis also factors in the percentage of economically disadvantaged students and whether those students are performing better than average for similar students in the state before finally looking at college readiness measures such as Advanced Placement participation and test scores.

The top 100 schools are awarded Gold Medals. The next 504 schools receive Silver Medals, putting them in the nation's top 3% of public high schools according to this ranking methodology. NY State claimed 21 of the nation's 100 Gold Medal winning schools, including in NYC, Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, Staten Island Tech, and Townsend Harris.

There were 27 NY State Silver Medal winners. In addition to MCSM, other NYC Silver Medalists included Baruch College Campus HS, Eleanor Roosevelt, LaGuardia HS, Frederick Douglass Secondary School, Environmental Studies, Fashion Industries, and NEST+M.

To see more about USNWR's high school ranking, you can access their website by clicking on the following test: USNWR High School Rankings 2008/09. To see just the list of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal winners in New York State, click on the following text: New York State Medal Winners.

MCSM Gets Its Second DOE Report Card

2009-01-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

MCSM was awarded an overall B letter grade on its second annual report card (School Progress Report) from the DOE. While this assessment represents a decline from last year’s overall grade of A, a closer examination shows that the drop is not nearly what it seems.

DOE report cards grades are based on a 100-point numerical rating system. Once a school’s numerical rating is calculated, the score is translated into a letter grade based on a scale determined each year by the DOE. Last year, MCSM earned an overall score of 67.6, the lowest possible score to earn an A grade. This year, we achieved a total score of 63.7, which left us just one-half point short of the 64.2 minimum score for an A on this year’s conversion scale. In other words, if the DOE added pluses and minuses to its letter grades, MCSM would have earned the lowest possible A- last year and almost the highest possible B+ this year.

Furthermore, and counter-intuitively, MCSM’s latest report card actually shows gains in almost all areas. Our School Environment score increased from 6.9 to 7.0 out of a maximum possible 15 with Daily Attendance increasing from 93% to 94.2%. Our Student Performance score increased from 50% of the maximum possible (15.0 out of 30) to 56% (14 out of 25). Our Student Progess rating decreased slightly from 63.9% of the maximum possible (35.2 out of 55) to 62.9% (37.7 out of 60), but it still rated an A on the DOE’s measurement scale. MCSM actually improved in most subcategories of Student Progress compared to last year.

The biggest single reason why MCSM did not earn an A again this year was a category the DOE refers to as “Extra Credit,” a category that measures the performance of a small group of our students. Last year, we earned 10.5 extra credit points compared to just 5.0 points this year. That difference accounts for more than the drop in our Overall Score, indicating that in the rest of the categories combined, MCSM actually increased its rating score.

New Curriculum Approach to U.S. History Adopted

2009-01-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

This year, the Social Studies Department has begun implementing a significant change to our U.S. History and Government curricula. In past years, and in most NYC public schools, students take U.S. History in Grade 11, take the NYS Regents exam in June of that same year, and then take a class in Government for one semester of Grade 12.

After a great deal of internal discussion among our U.S. History teachers and departmental and school administration, the decision was made to adopt a new approach. Under this revised curriculum, the formerly separate U.S. History (Grade 11) and Government (Grade 12) classes will be combined into a three-semester program. The new course will enable our U.S. History teachers to better integrate the material from both courses and foster deeper exploration and classroom discussion. In addition, the Social Studies Department anticipates that Regents exam pass rates (already 81% for 2006-07) will increase, particularly the percentage of students scoring greater than an 85 (what NY State calls “mastery level”). A similar program has been implemented at Brooklyn Tech with tremendous success. Their over-65 pass rate for 2006-07 was 99%, and an impressive 85% of their students scored better than 85. By comparison, only 15% of MCSM students scored better than 85 that same year.

A big change for Grade 11 students is that they will not take their U.S. History Regents exam until January of their Senior year. Each semester successfully completed will still earn one credit, with a total of three for the full course just as students now earn for the separate U.S. History and Government courses.

Ashley Farms Fall Fundraiser a "Sweet Success"

2009-01-03T13:06:00.000-08:00

This fall’s second-ever Ashley Farms fundraiser has grossed over $5,600, more than doubling our first effort last spring. While those who purchased items from their Broadway Café product line are enjoying tasty cheesecakes, cookies, pizza rolls, and other assorted goodies during the Thanksgiving holidays, the PA and the school will benefit to the tune of more than $2,000.

Thanks to all parents, teachers, and staff who participated, especially to those parents who solicited sales from outside the MCSM community. Special thanks once again as well to PA Co-Vice President Deirdre Rose who single-handedly organized this program and coordinated with Ashley Farms to make it happen.

Independent Consultant's Report on MCSM Indoor Air Quality Tests

2009-01-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

Our independent environmental consultant, Peter Strauss, distributed a letter report addressing the latest Con Edison indoor air tests conducted in August at the November PA meeting and summarized its findings for the parents who attended. Below is a copy of his letter report's contents.

From: Peter Strauss
Re: MCSM Testing Results
Date: November 14, 2008

I have reviewed the October sampling results, as preliminary preparation for the meeting next Tuesday. Accompanying this memo, as I did previously, is a spread sheet that I hope makes it easier for you and the community to understand. I have excluded most data on chemicals that do not have any significant result. As I did in my last memo, I’ve added columns that provide the Regional Screening Levels for air (previously preliminary remediation goals or PRGs) for three EPA Regions: III, VI, and IX, the NJ Screening Levels for residential indoor air, and the DOH outdoor air. I did this because there are no standards for most chemicals in the air; this is intended to give the Parents Association something to gauge the results. NY State uses a matrix for only a few chemicals, which considers both concentrations in air and soil gas. I have highlighted in red results that are above the approximate 50th percentile of NY DOH background indoor air samples. This does not mean it is an immediate health concern; only that approximately 50 percent of the buildings have background that is less than that measured at the sampling points.

I’ve also added a few new chemicals to the list; these are highlighted in green. The chemicals that were added are ethylbenzene, naphthalene, styrene, and TCE. I’ve added these because I think that the data is relevant to any remediation at the site. The first three chemicals may be related to MGP residual wastes, and naphthalene is often thought of as a signature for the presence of MGP wastes. I’ve also added TCE. This chemical, unrelated to MGP operations, is a solvent found in many soil and groundwater contamination sites around the country. It has recently undergone a revision in its health risks, which could lead to significant lowering of acceptable levels in the air. It may be related to the dry cleaning industry, but is found in many other types of industrial applications.

One of the problems I have had with this review is that the sample locations are labeled differently then they were previously. Based on the Figures showing the sample locations, I was not able to correspond the locations of the samples to the previous samples. Thus, I was unable to analyze any trends. Also, this is the first time I’ve reviewed the soil vapor samples side by side with the indoor samples.

As I mentioned in my previous memo to about this site, there is not an immediate hazard to health. However, levels of benzene, toluene and xylene, all of which are endemic in the environment should be continually monitored. One basement sample warrants extra attention (ia05) because almost all contaminants listed were measured at fairly high levels. The Evaluation of Results indicates that this sample was taken from an equipment storage room. It also concludes that based on soil vapor sampling in a similar area, a subsurface pathway is not likely. I agree with this conclusion, although I recommend that this room should continue to receive heightened attention. In addition, as I noted in my last memo, the HVAC system around this area should be checked to make sure it is operating properly, and consideration should be given to removing some of the equipment to out-of the room to a different location; preferably not within the school building. Soil vapor samples indicate that there is a large amount of PCE in the underlying soil. This chemical is usually related to dry cleaning establishments. This should also be followed closely, and is likely to require some type of mitigation.

Con Edison Update from November PA Meeting

2009-01-03T12:51:00.000-08:00

At our regular Parents’ Association meeting on November 18, representatives of Con Edison presented an overview of their plans for addressing the coal tar contamination beneath our school building and grounds. Parents listened intently as the Con Ed spokespersons described the results of their August indoor air quality tests along with their plans to install a depressurization system, something like a vacuum cleaner, underneath the basement floor of the school building. This new system will reduce air pressure beneath the building and vent any chemical vapors rising from the contaminated soil away from the building and into the atmosphere. In addition, Con Edison will install a barrier system to control further movement of coal tar toward the Harlem River.

Con Edison personnel were joined by William Ottaway from the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Dawn Hettrick from the NY State Department of Health. In attendance as well were the PA’s independent environmental consultants, Lenny Siegel and Peter Strauss, and our legal representatives from NY Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI), Gavin Kearney and Dawn Phillip. Bernard Orlan from the DOE, Yvonne Przybyla from State Senator Jose Serrano’s office, and Shanifah Riera from Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer’s office were also present; the PA is grateful for their continued support. Mr. Siegel summarized Con Edison’s formal presentation in plain English, stating that the air quality in the school building is safe (at least no worse than that outside the building and around NYC) and that Con Edison’s approach to this project has so far been professional.

Con Edison will release their formal Analysis of Alternatives Report (AAR) in January or February, after which the public will have 30 days to comment. A public meeting will be convened during that 30-day period to receive public input and address questions. The PA will look to Mr. Siegel and Mr. Strauss for their technical evaluations of the AAR and anticipates that they will be involved in the public comment process. Copies of Con Edison’s November 18 slide presentation are available through the PA.

PA Donates 150 NY Times Day-After-Election Newspapers to Students, Teachers

2008-11-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

Anyone who tried to buy a newspaper around NYC on November 5, the day after Barack Obama's Presidential election victory, knows it was a nearly impossible task. Everyone wanted a piece of history, something to save for themselves and their children, so the local newspapers sold out almost immediately.

Fortunately, the NY Times reprinted the entire November 5 newspaper last weekend and put them on sale outside their building at 41st and Eighth Avenue. MCSM parent leaders Steve Koss and Deirdre Rose took this unique opportunity on Saturday (November 8) to purchase five strapped bundles of 30 newspapers each (a total of 150 copies) of the Times' day-after-the-election newspaper and donate them to MCSM on behalf of the Parents' Association.

The PA Board has expressed its wishes to Principal David Jimenez that the five bundles be allocated as one bundle each to Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, and one bundle to the teachers and staff. It is our hope that the 30 newspapers in each student grade bundle be made available in some form of random drawing for students who express an interest in commemorating this momentous event in America's history by having and saving a newspaper announcing it.

Con Edison to Present at November 18 PA Meeting

2008-11-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

IMPORTANT NOTICE!!

Representatives from Con Edison, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and NYS Department of Health (DOH) will be previewing their site remediation plans at our next regular PA meeting at MCSM on Tuesday, November 18 at 6:00 PM. This is an important chance to hear Con Edison’s (and New York State’s) plans for our school building site, ask questions, address your concerns, and express your opinions on a matter that concerns the health of our children.

Con Edison and DEC will discuss the results of their August, 2008 indoor air quality testing and provide an overview of their anticipated program to address the coal tar contamination beneath our school site. Their presentation is being made in advance of the formal release early next year of their Analysis of Alternatives Report (AAR) which, upon release, will have a thirty-day period for public comment before finalization.

The PA has invited the parents and staff of Isaac Newton Middle School to join us for that evening’s meeting. Representatives of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) will be attending, as will our independent environmental consultants, Lenny Siegel and Peter Strauss. We are also reaching out to local politicians like City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito, State Senators Jose Serrano and William Perkins, and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum to invite them or their staff representatives to attend.

Our children’s health and well-being in their school is a serious issue of great concern to us all. We can best demonstrate our concern with a good turnout. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact any of the PA Executive Board members. We hope to see at the PA meeting on November 18.

MCSM Students Lead Greenhouse Re-Opening

2008-11-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Parents!!! If you want to see your kids and teachers at work beyond their classrooms and textbooks, please come to MCSM on Thursday, November 13 at 3:30 pm to see the GRAND RE-OPENING of our school’s greenhouse.

Perhaps you didn’t know that MCSM had a greenhouse! Perhaps you didn’t even know that MCSM has a fourth floor! Well, there is indeed a fourth floor and there has long been a greenhouse that had lain dormant until late last school year. Now’s your chance to find out more about both and celebrate the student-led work of the new Project Greenway at MCSM.

Please join the students and teachers for this exciting event on November 13th and learn more about how our kids are joining the Green Revolution.

Thanksgiving Dinner at MCSM

2008-11-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

Hungry for turkey? How about an ethnic food Thanksgiving? How about just a nice, casual pre-Thanksgiving celebration with your sons or daughters and their teachers and school administrators?

On Tuesday, November 25, the Children’s Aid Society will be hosting their Second Annual Thanksgiving Dinner from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. Parents are welcomed to attend. This is a great chance for a family activity with your child, and one where you can meet and mingle with other parents and MCSM teachers.

Children’s Aid Society asks that you bring a food dish or beverage item if you can, but it is not a requirement for entry. Just show up and join the party!

For more information, please contact Ms. Elizabeth Blanco, CAS Director, at 212-423-9630.

Ashley Farms Fundraiser – A BIG Success

2008-11-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

This fall’s fundraiser with the Ashley Farms cheesecake and dessert product line has broken all MCSM records (certainly at least those within recent memory). Thanks to the indefatigable efforts of PA Co-Vice President Deirdre Rose, we’ve passed the $5,000 mark in the gross total of our food orders. That total is more than double our first Ashley Farms product sale last spring!! Thanks to all who participated, and especially to those who reached out to friends, family, and co-workers to sell on behalf of our school.

All orders will be received together in a single delivery from Ashley Farms to MCSM sometime on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 18. Each person’s combined order will be boxed and sealed separately, so they will be easier for you to carry home. You can arrange for pick-up any time after 3:00 on November 18, up to and through the Parents’ Association meeting that evening.

Many, many thanks to all the parents and friends of MCSM who participated, and especially to those who reached out to friends, family, and co-workers to sell on behalf of our school. They will soon be able to enjoy the delicious Ashley Farms products they ordered, and at the same time, the PA will be able to add roughly $2,000 to our bank account, funds that in one way or the other will go back to the school to help our kids.

If you missed out on this fundraiser, we are planning to have a second Ashley Farms sale in the spring, in time for delivery on Tuesday, April 7. So you will have a second chance to order cheesecakes, cookie doughs, apple cakes, pretzels, pizzas, and other frozen food goodies. Let’s shoot to set another school fundraising record in the spring!!

Ashley Farms – “How ‘Bout Them Cheesecakes!”

2008-09-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

After last year’s successful and much-praised first time sale of frozen food items from Ashley Farms, the PA is once again sponsoring Ashley Farms product sales this fall and again next spring. Ashley Farms offers a great line of frozen cheesecakes, pizzas, cakes, cookie doughs, and pretzels. Parents who purchased items from Ashley Farms last spring raved about their taste and quality – their cheesecakes, for example, are the equal of those at the Cheesecake Factory but cost significantly less.

All items ordered will arrive frozen at MCSM and will remain frozen for about six hours. They can be refrozen without any loss in quality and can remain frozen for months! All order forms and payments must be turned in to the PA by October 14, the night of our next PA meeting. Checks and money orders should be made out to MCSM PA. The items ordered will then be delivered for our PA meeting on November 18.

If you are unable to make it to the October 14 PA meeting (College Night -- you really don't want to miss it ), our Parent Coordinator, Julia Valentin, has graciously agreed to keep a supply of Ashley Farms' beautiful brochures in her office for anyone, including your child, to pick up and bring home to you.

You can also see the delicious products Ashley Farms has to offer in this sale by clicking on the following text: Ashley Farms Broadway Cafe. Please note that this sale only includes the Ashley Farms items shown on the Broadway Cafe menu. If you would like to order any of these items, please contact Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin (by phone at 347-563-5163, by email at jvalentin2@schools.nyc.gov) or PA Co-Vice President Deirdre Rose at birdrose12000@yahoo.com.

This is a great opportunity to ask family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, your hairdresser, auto mechanic, mail carrier -- anyone and everyone -- to support your child's school by purchasing a product that you won't be embarassed about on the date of delivery! You will be giving them a product they will ask you about in the future, if past fundraisers with this company are any guide. So remember that the holidays are coming up, and that these products freeze and keep very well for an extended period of time. Stock up, and tell others to do the same!

Please do not allow your child to do any door-to-door selling alone, without an adult. We know they seem to be able to take care of themselves, BUT they are still children, and we do not want any of our children put at risk.

This is a great fund raiser for the PA to help benefit our school and our kids. Please participate and sell lots of goodies! You’ll be helping MCSM and enjoying some really great desserts and pizzas, too!

Four Parent Committees Established for 2008/2009

2008-09-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

The PA has established four working committees for the 2008/2009 school year:

-- Fund Raising – organizes and conducts fund raising activities and events to earn income that can be used to further PA programs and/or be donated to the school to meet unexpected needs, support new or existing programs or facilities, and enrich the overall learning environment for our children.

-- Membership and Communication – reaches out to MCSM parents to increase their involvement, solicits dues donations, and provides multiple vehicles for communication such as the existing Parent Newsletter and Parents’ Information Center website.

-- School Safety – works with the Principal and school safety personnel to review school safety and security policies, address safety and security-related problems, relay information to parents, and build a working relationship with the local NYPD precinct.

-- Parent Education and Resources – works with the Parent Coordinator and CAS to develop educational programs and purchase educational materials for parents on a wide range of parenting and personal improvement topics.

In addition, parent volunteers will be needed this fall for C-30 committees for Assistant Principal (AP) positions.

Anyone interested in joining any of these committees or participating in an upcoming C-30 (dates to be determined) should contact PA President Steve Koss (mathman180@aol.com), PA Co-Vice President Deirdre Rose (birdrose12000@yahoo.com), or PA Co-Vice President Loisen Harris-Jacobs (loisenj@optonline.net).

Three More Parent Representatives Added to SLT

2008-09-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

At the September 9 meeting of the Parents’ Association, Deirdre Rose, Isabella Moreno, and Jimmy Mui were elected as parent representatives to the MCSM School Leadership Team (SLT) for the 2008/2009 school year.

The full complement of parent representatives to the SLT for 2008/2009 consists of the following:

Nevis Almeida
Sherrand Hawker
Steve Koss
Rosalind Lee-Nelson
Isabella Moreno
Jimmy Mui
Deirdre Rose

In addition, Jimmy Mui was elected by show of hands to the position of Title I Parent Alternate. In that capacity, Mr. Mui will work with Title I Parent Representative Lore Barcelona to inform the MCSM parent community about Title I initiatives in our school, especially the planning for and use of the government-mandated 1% minimum set-aside for parent education.

Congratulations to Ms. Rose, Ms. Moreno, and Mr. Mui on their new roles as parent leaders. Many thanks as well to those other parents who offered to serve: Yorda Bermudez, Warnise Holloway, Esperanza Ramirez, Dharma Reyes, Angela Russell, Patricia Smith, and Suzette Williams.

PA Begins New School Year with a Bang

2008-09-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

The MCSM Parents’ Association’s 2008/2009 school year began with a bang on Tuesday evening, September 9, as more than 100 parents attended the year’s first PA meeting. Parents filled the Library to overflowing as they listened to speakers while enjoying chicken and rice from La Nueva Caridad, fresh fruits generously donated by parent Yrma Molina (thank you!!), and a sheet cake proclaiming, “Welcome MCSM Parents, 2008/2009.”

Parents were introduced to this year’s PA Executive Board members, after which Principal Jimenez offered his welcoming remarks and introduced Michael Salek (AP, School Safety), Bruce MonteLeon (AP, Instructional Support Services), Karen Bonnick (AP, English and Foreign Languages), Charles Kwan (AP, Math), Ms. Peralta-Garcia (AP, Social Studies), Arleen Milton (Interim AP, Science), and Felicia Bray (Interim AP, Operations). Next came MCSM’s new Director for the Children’s Aid Society, Elizabeth Blanco, followed by a presentation from MCSM Senior Ysmeli Rosa of a new, student-based initiative called Project Greenway.

Steve Koss (PA President) brought parents up to date on Con Edison, the updated review of MCSM on Inside Schools, the current bylaws review process, asbestos tile removal in the basement, a new $200,000 computer lab in our school, and upcoming C-30’s. These items were followed by a brief Treasurer’s report and then elections for three open positions on the SLT and the open position for Title I Alternate (see posting on new parent representatives). Deirdre Rose (PA Co-Vice President) then addressed parents concerning the upcoming Ashley Farms fundraiser and the formation of parent committees for the coming school year (see separate Ashley Farms and PA Committee postings).

Tuesday’s meeting gave parents a chance to hear from school administrators and meet new staff members, and it also gave parents the opportunity to participate and vote for parent leaders to represent them on the SLT and with regard to Title I funds. In addition, the PA received dues donations totaling just under $400 that evening. Many thanks to all those parents who donated to one of the most worthy causes of all – their children’s school!

PA Executive Board Meeting Dates

2008-09-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Parents’ Association Executive Board holds monthly meetings to discuss association business and plan future activities, events, and PA meeting agendas. These meetings are open for parents to attend and observe. However, attendees may not participate since these sessions are working business meetings of the Executive Board. In addition, the Board produces minutes of its meetings which are available to parents upon request.

For the 2008/2009 school year, the MCSM PA Executive Board will be meeting on the 4th Monday of every month except December (no meeting planned – if a meeting is held, notice will be sent in the preceding Parent Newsletter and also posted on this site) and May (moved to the 3rd Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday). More specifically, these meetings are currently scheduled to be held at 6:00 pm in the school Library on September 22, October 27, November 24, January 26, February 23, March 23, April 27, May 18, and June 22.

CALLING ALL PARENTS - FIRST PA MEETING OF 2008/09 ON SEPTEMBER 9

2008-09-01T14:19:00.001-07:00

CALLING ALL PARENTS! Our first Parents' Association meeting of the new school year will take place on Tuesday, September 9 in the school library.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR A POSITION AS A PARENT REPRESENTATIVE ON THE MCSM SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM (SLT), PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND. WE WILL BE TAKING NOMINATIONS AND HOLDING AN ELECTION FOR THREE OPEN SPOTS ON THIS YEAR'S SLT.

We plan to begin the year with a special welcome to our new 9th Grade parents beginning with a casual buffet dinner any time after 5:00 p.m. New 9th grade parents can meet school administrators, teachers, and staff, parent leaders, and even get to know one another. Upper grade parents can help welcome our newest parents and answer their questions.

The regular PA meeting will begin this month at 6:30 instead of the usual 6:00. In addition to the SLT election noted above, we will be electing a Title I Alternate to work with our Title I Representative in developing new parent education programs and resources. You will also have an opportunity to meet our new director of the Children's Aid Society (after-school) program as well as new staff members and teachers, hear about upcoming fund raising programs and initiatives, help us form working committees for the coming year, and learn more about exciting new programs involving our roof-top greenhouse. Time permitting, we hope to have Principal Jimenez lead us on a first-time ever parents' tour of the greenhouse (and perhaps weather station) on our school roof.

Hope to see you there on Tuesday, September 9th!!

New MCSM Report on Inside Schools Website

2008-09-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

The most highly respected parent guide to NYC public schools, Inside Schools, recently published an updated review of MCSM based on its consultant's visit to our school last June. The write-up is highly favorable about our school's students, teachers, and programs, noting about the PA that:

"Unlike some selective high schools in Manhattan that are awash in resources funded by hyperactive PTAs, Manhattan Center primarily serves students from low-income families and for many years did not have a lot of parent involvement. Things are changing. Though modest by comparison, the MCSM parent association has raised several thousand dollars for the school and started its own blog, (an impressive source of information on school events.)"

We strongly encourage you to check out the Inside Schools report. You can access it by clicking on the following phrase: MCSM page on Inside Schools. You can also see our Inside Schools page any time by simply clicking on the link to Inside Schools provided on this page, on the lower right side. It's the fifth link item in the list under the heading, "Other Websites of Interest."

As an additional support to our school, we also ask parents and/or students to consider posting a comment about MCSM on Inside Schools. To leave a comment is, unfortunately, rather more complicated than it should be. Once you're on the MCSM page, you can click on "POST YOUR COMMENT." At that point, they ask you to register yourself with a User ID and password and provide some minimal information about yourself. Once you have registered, you have to log yourself in using your User ID and password and re-choose our school (put in a Zip Code of 10029 and choose "High Schools" to get a short list that includes MCSM or, if you want to search by "Name or Number," just enter 435). Select MCSM from the list of schools and, after our page reappears, click again on "POST YOUR COMMENT." This time, you will finally see a text box for you to enter your comments.

Con Edison Commits Up to $20,000 to Fund Independent Environmental Consultants to Represent the MCSM Parent Community

2008-09-01T12:21:00.001-07:00

On August 4, Parents' Association Board members Steve Koss and Deirdre Rose attended a meeting at East Harlem Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito's office at her invitation. Also in attendance were three representatives of Con Edison -- Laura Mascuch, Fernando Perez, and Yelena Skorobogatov -- and Ms. Elsie Encarnacion from Ms. Viverito's staff (and a 1998 MCSM graduate!).

In short order, Ms. Viverito relayed the very welcomed news that Con Edison had agreed to provide funding of up to $20,000 to the MCSM Parents' Association to engage independent environmental consultants to represent the MCSM community with regard to its MGP brownfield remediation and monitoring issues. This groundbreaking arrangement will help ensure that MCSM parents and students have access over the coming months and years to independent technical expertise, guidance, and representation during the State's 30-day public comment periods as Con Edison and NY State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) move forward with ongoing air quality testing, release of their Analysis of Alternatives Report (AAR) this fall, and future plans for site maintenance and monitoring. The availability of such consultants makes truly meaningful the notion of public comment on matters where parents do not have nearly sufficient expertise to question such technical data and plans.

Con Edison outlined the nature of the proposed agreement on August 4 and promised to return with a more formal contract document for the Parents' Association after Labor Day. We are delighted to observe that this agreement serves the health and safety interests not just of our children but also MCSM's teachers and staff, the full Isaac Newton Middle School community, and even the nearby East Harlem residential community. In addition, we would be remiss not to take special note of the "behind the scenes" role played by Ms. Viverito and to express our sincere gratitude for her concern and efforts. We have also received strong and often first-hand support from State Senator Jose Serrano, State Senator Bill Perkins, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum and their respective staffs, for all of which we are equally grateful.

Parents' Association Ends Year on a Positive Financial Note

2008-06-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

The PA ended the 2007/08 school year on a very positive financial note. During the 9th Grade Orientation Night on June 3, the PA received $723 in dues donations from new parents. In addition, we sold $260 worth of school logo items such as the string closure gym bags and ballpoint pens. Many thanks to volunteers Oriel Sanchez, Maria Tejada, Latchman and Noemi Harrilal, Tara Joshua, and Nevis Almeida for helping welcome the new parents.

That success was followed on Saturday, June 7 when the PA hosted a table at the 116th Street Festival. The Festival was a wonderful chance to extend MCSM’s reach into the East Harlem Community, connect with former students, and even raise money by selling bottled water and sodas to the tune of $260. Thanks again to event organizer Deirdre Rose and volunteers Mark Davis, Adriana Martinez, and Noemi and Latchman Harrilal and their super-salesman son (and future MCSM student?) Matthew.

By the end of June, the PA had donated to the Senior Yearbook (a half-page ad for $175), awarded its two annual scholarships of $150 each, and made four mini-grants of $400 each to the Science Department, the Math Department, the Advanced Science Research Program, and the Library. Even after these donations back to the school, totaling nearly $2,100, the PA ended the year with over $2,500 in the bank. This is undoubtedly the PA’s best financial standing in a decade, but we’re looking for even more and better in 2008/09.

PA and SLT Election Results

2008-06-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

As a consequence of the May 13 PTA election being ruled invalid by the District Family Advocate for District 4, a revote was held at the June 12 Parents’ Association meeting. The PA Executive Board for 2008/2009 school year will consist of the following parents:

President – Steve Koss
Co-Vice President – Deirdre Rose
Co-Vice President – Loisen Jacobs
Secretary – Tara Joshua
Treasurer – Nevis Almeida

Following that vote, another election was held to choose as many as four of the six elected parent representatives to the SLT (School Leadership Team) for 2008/2009. Five parents were nominated, but due to a tie for the fourth spot, only three representatives were chosen: Sherrand Hawker, Rosalind Lee-Nelson, and Nevis Almeida. The remaining three spots will be voted upon at the September 9 PA meeting. While any MCSM parent can run for membership on the SLT, the vote in September will give interested incoming 9th grade parents an opportunity to be represented. All are welcome.

One additional election took place that evening. By unanimous voice vote, parents approved the designation of Ms. Lore Barcelona as MCSM’s Title I parent representative. A required Title I Alternate will be sought at the September 9 PA meeting.

The PTA Is Now a PA (Parents' Association)

2008-06-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

The June 12 PTA meeting opened with a discussion of the future direction of the Parent Teacher Association. Co-Vice President Deirdre Rose explained that the Executive Board at its May 29 meeting had addressed this question and voted in favor of converting the current PTA to a PA, or Parents' Association. She further explained that the only substantive difference between the two organizations is that, under a Parents' Association, only parent members (including guardians and other caregivers) are considered voting members of the association. Under a PTA, parents and teachers are both permitted to vote on most matters other than parent representation on the SLT.

Following discussion among those present, Mr. Larry Davis, the District Family Advocate for District 4, administered the voting by paper ballot. By a vote of 22 – 9, parents approved the conversion of the PTA to a PA. Effective immediately, the parent organization at MCSM is now a Parents' Association. Bylaw changes will be prepared over the summer and presented to the parent membership in September.

Independent Consultant's Review Gives MCSM Air Quality a Thumbs Up

2008-06-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a $5,000 legislative grant from State Senator Jose Serrano, NY Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) has engaged Peter M. Strauss & Associates on behalf of MCSM parents (with the approval of the Parent Association) to review as independent consultants the December 2007 and February 2008 air quality test data previously reported on by Con Edison and the NYS Department of Health (DOH). In a memo dated June 23, 2008, Mr. Strauss reported the qualified good news that, in his judgment based on the data collected by Con Edison and the DOE, “there is not an immediate hazard to health.”

While parents, students, and teachers can breathe easier based on Mr. Strauss’s review, his evaluation is not without concerns. To begin with, he noted that, “While there is not immediate risk to occupants of the school, these data do signify the sad state of the air we breathe, both indoors and out of doors.” He continued by noting that Con Edison’s tentative plans to install a sub-slab depressurization system rather than removing the contaminants means that, “inspections and air monitoring should take place so long as the building is occupied.” Unlike previous presentations from Con Edison and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Mr. Strauss also expressed concern about the presence of coal tars spreading from under the building out below the school grounds and beneath the Harlem River. This will likely be the subject of further discussion in the coming months.

The Parent Association anticipates that Mr. Strauss will provide further comment on Con Edison’s plans once they have released their formal remediation analysis and recommendations in September or October. His June 23, 2008 memo will be made available to all MCSM parents at the September 9 PA meeting or upon request from any interested parent. A copy of this memo is also available for downloading from this website by clicking on the “Information for MCSM Parents” link.

MCSM Captures Two Spring Sports City Championships!!

2008-06-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Spring sports season brought Manhattan Center two amazing and hard fought City Championships this year, one for Girls Varsity Softball and the other in Boys Tennis. Both teams worked their way through very successful regular seasons on their way to the playoffs for the City’s championship rounds.

The Girls Varsity Softball team, seeded fourth in the Division B tournament, batted aside Washington Irving in their opening playoff game by a score of 13 – 2, following that with a 19 – 1 shellacking of Brooklyn Tech, a nailbiting 9 – 8 victory over the HS for Construction, and an upset, 6 – 4 win over top-seeded Forest Hills HS. That win set the stage for what turned out to be a three-game playoff against #3 seed Flushing HS. The Lady Rams knocked off Flushing by a 14 – 4 score, but the Queens representatives came back as winners of the losers’ bracket to face MCSM again in the finals on June 8. That morning, the Flushing girls pulled out a come-from-behind, 6 – 5 win over MCSM, setting up the afternoon game taken by the Lady Rams, 11 – 4.

Junior Herminia Thabet had a simply awesome year, recording a .500 batting average for the season as well as pitching her way to a 14 – 0 record with a 2.57 ERA and 118 strikeouts in just 68 innings. She was backed up with an amazing offense led by Celia Soto (So., .700 BA, 7 Hrs), Thay Ling Moya (Sr., .636 BA), Jennifer Perez (Jr., .614 BA, 6 Hrs), Astrid Cruz (Jr., .576 BA, 1 HR), Tiffany Kennedy (Sr., .560 BA, 1 HR), Emeline Rivas (Sr., .563 BA, 3 Hrs), Jasmine Osorio (Sr., .548 BA, 1 HR), Nuris de la Cruz (Jr., .533 BA), Sirina Nagi, (Sr., .500 BA), and Ernestine Grant (Sr., .450 BA). The team’s eagle-eye award goes to Jr. Antoinette Nery who had four hits in ten official at bats while collecting an astonishing 18 bases on balls. Congratulations to Coach Randolph Cantor and the entire Lady Ram softball team.

The Boys Tennis under Coach Mitchell Weinfeld experienced equal drama in reaching their Division B City Championship. After successive dominating 5 – 0 playoff wins over Newtown and Dewitt Clinton, the MCSM team eked out a tough 3 –2 win over Jamaica HS to reach the City final showdown against William C. Bryant, played at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Erick Fuentes, playing at #1 Singles, opened the match with an easy 6 – 1, 6 – 3 victory over his Bryant opponent, giving MCSM a quick 1 – 0 match lead. At #2 Singles, Do Hyun Kim lost a hard fought 6 – 2, 2 – 6, 4 – 6 match to tie the match score, but Russell Bari, playing at #3 Singles, reclaimed the lead for MCSM with a 6 – 2, 6 – 1 demolition of his Bryant opponent. When Qi Guan and Jeremy Mathias at #1 Doubles fell 6 –2, 6 – 2 to Bryant, the stage was set the deciding match at #2 Doubles. Rahul Patel and Pias Malaker claimed the opening set at 6 – 0, dropped the second set 3 – 6, and finally came back to claim the third set at 6 – 3, giving MCSM a 3 – 2 match victory and the City’s B Division Tennis Championship. Congratulations to Coach Weinfeld and his players for a great season.

PTA Meeting - Date Change, PTA Elections

2008-06-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

PTA MEETING
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
6:00 P.M.
(Please note change of date from Tuesday, 6/10 to Thursday, 6/12)

1. DISCUSSION AND VOTE ON POSSIBLE CONVERSION FROM A PTA (PARENT/TEACHER ASSOCIATION) TO A PA (PARENT ASSOCIATION)

2. ***** REVOTE OF PTA ELECTION *****
(Mr. Larry Davis, District Family Advocate for District 4, instructed us that last month’s vote was invalid.)

3. ELECTION OF SLT REPRESENTATIVES FOR 2008/2009

4. ELECTION OF TITLE I REPRESENTATIVE AND ALTERNATE

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE
TO THURSDAY, JUNE 12
(Moved due to conflict with Senior Awards Night. There will be no PTA meeting on Tuesday, June 10.)

Election of PTA Officers for 2008/2009

2008-05-01T13:21:00.001-07:00

A reminder that we will conduct an election at our next regularly scheduled PTA meeting on Tuesday, May 13 for next year's PTA officers. These are the candidates as nominated at our last two PTA meetings:

For President:
Steve Koss

For (2) Co-Vice Presidents:
Sherrand Hawker
Loesin Jacobs
Don Redish
Deirdre Rose

For Secretary:
Tara Joshua

For Treasurer:
Nevis Almeida

Each candidate will have the opportunity to speak briefly before the vote is taken. Voting will be done by secret paper ballot. Votes will be counted and the results announced that same evening. The election process will be administered by parent volunteers Nancy Lopez and Latchman Harrilal.

We will also be looking for at least two parents to act as our Title I Representative and Alternate for 2008/2009. Your main responsibility would be to work with the PTA and Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin to plan, budget, and coordinate the use of roughly $8,000 in Title I parent education funds during the 2008/2009 school year for resources, speakers, activities, and/or programs to enhance parent education. If more than two parents are nominated, the candidates will have the option to speak before a vote. We will conduct a paper ballot election as needed for Title I Representative and/or Alternate.

Timothy Ramirez Is Golden

2008-04-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Big congratulations are in order to junior Timothy Ramirez, but not for a reason you would typically expect for an MCSM student. The reason? On Thursday, April 18th, young Mr. Ramirez became a Golden Gloves boxing champion in the 106-pound novice division with a 3-2 decision over his 20-year-old opponent, Jordan Rodriguez. Amazingly, Timothy has only been boxing for about one year. His background in martial arts helps explain his sudden success, and as he told the New York Daily News, he's a quick learner.

Two days earlier, the Daily News ran a fascinating profile of Timothy. His path to the Golden Gloves championship, and even his path into and through MCSM, has not been an easy one. He readily admits to being a troubled youngster in the past, involved in fights, skipping school, arguing with his family, getting suspended or having to change schools, and generally heading in the wrong direction. Now he's a student in good standing at MCSM with an 84 grade point average.

What turned him around? In part, MCSM. In part, boxing. But to hear Timothy tell his story, the biggest part of his about face has been his girlfriend, Kayla Colon. As he told the Daily News, "I'm like, 'Wow, if I had known that I could have met someone like her, then maybe I would have started going to school earlier. I've completely changed," he went on. "I really love her. I'm into her. We understand each other. I don't fight anymore or argue anymore because of her."

Look for more on Timothy Ramirez in the next Parent Newsletter. We'll be doing our own story on him. In the meantime, if you want to read the Daily News profile story, just click on this: "A kinder, gentler Timothy Ramirez chases Golden Gloves title on Thursday."

Greening MCSM's Greenhouse?

2008-04-28T16:33:00.001-07:00

Did you know MCSM had a greenhouse? If you didn't, it's probably because you've never seen it, and you've probably never seen it because you've never been on the school's fourth floor roof.

Well, it turns out that MCSM does have a fairly spacious greenhouse, but it hasn't been in use for several years. The tables and some equipment are still there, but nothing has grown during that time except perhaps for some cobwebs.

Thanks to new teacher Peter Mulroy (Environmental Science) and Assistant Principal for Science Irma Garceau, our greenhouse may soon start becoming green again. Mr. Mulroy and Ms. Garceau are exploring the creation of a Greenhouse Club, and a number of students have reportedly already expressed interest. Mr. Mulroy is even considering ways to tie the greenhouse into his Environmental Science course.

To get things started, the PTA has agreed to donate $400 "seed money" (get it? SEED money??) so the Science Department can purchase needed equipment or supplies to get the Greenhouse Club going and bring the greenhouse back into operation.

Who knows? Maybe one of these days, students will be sampling MCSM greenhouse tomatoes in the cafeteria, or maybe Mr. MonteLeon's office will be decorated with some plants first grown on our rooftop. In addition, the greenhouse may one day be part of the school tour for prospective students, giving them one more reason to make MCSM their first choice!

PTA RECEIVES $5,000 GRANT FROM NY STATE SENATOR JOSE SERRANO!!

2008-04-25T13:01:00.001-07:00

On April 9, we learned the happy news that NY Lawyers for the Public Interest(NYLPI) -- requesting on behalf of the MCSM PTA -- has received a $5,000 legislative grant from the office of New York State Senator Jose Serrano. The purpose of this grant is to provide funds through which NYLPI can engage an independent environmental consultant to review air and soil test results taken by Con Edison and the NY State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH). Additionally, these funds will allow MCSM parents to have the consultant review Con Edison and DEC's plans for site remediation and offer independent, object advice to parents as to the merits and possible deficiencies or unresolved questions in those plans.

Our original request (submitted by NYLPI on our behalf) was $20,000, but this amount was estimated to cover the cost of an independent consultant through the end of the site remediation and development of the ongoing maintenance and monitoring plan. Regardless, Senator Serrano's grant of $5,000 will enable MCSM parents to access a qualified independent consultant for the next stage of this project, after which we can re-assess our needs and seek an additional grant to cover later stages of the remediation.

We are anticipating that Con Edison and DEC/DOH will be releasing their formal written plans in September, once school has resumed. They will be available to present and discuss those plans with parents at a PTA meeting and will provide a 30-day period for public comment. With NYLPI's assistance, the PTA Executive Board will look to engage an environmental consultant to help us through these next steps.

MCSM parents should know that Senator Serrano's office has monitored this issue closely since it first arose last October and November. Senator Serrano has been represented for every Con Edison presentation at MCSM by his staff, either Ms. Yvonne Przybyla or Mr. Brian Levinson. We are grateful for their continued involvement.

Senator Serrano represents the 28th Senate District, which includes Roosevelt Island, East Harlem, Randall's Island, and (in the Bronx) Mott Haven, Port Morris, High Bridge, Mount Eden, and Morris Heights.

Con Edison Previews Toxic Remediation Plans for MCSM

2008-04-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

As part of their presentation at the Isaac Newton MS PTA meeting on April 16, representatives from Con Edison, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and NYS Department of Health (DOH) previewed their plans for remediation of the toxic contaminants left buried under our school building from the manufactured gas plant that used to operate on our site.

After analyzing several of the alternative technologies currently available for removing the coal tars beneath the building, these organizations have concluded that no technology exists that can remove enough of the contaminants to eliminate the problem. By their estimation, any effort to extract these contaminants would leave half or more of them still beneath the school and with them, the same ongoing concerns for toxic vapors to enter the school building's indoor air. Removing the coal tars would require puncturing the holding tank beneath our school building in order to attempt vacuuming out those materials. In the DEC's judgment, doing so would risk making the contamination problem worse. As they stated in their presentation, "Any complete removal would require relocating the school." Consequently, they are "currently not planning on any source removal under [the] school."

This conclusion suggests that the toxic contaminants will remain on site, under the school building, until either a new removal technology becomes available or until our school building is closed and/or demolished.

According to the DEC and DOH, recent indoor air quality tests have suggested that the school basement's concrete floor has been working as an effective barrier against chemical gases entering the school. Con Edison and NYS are therefore proposing to leave the contaminants beneath the school building for the foreseeable future. However, to strengthen the barrier against vapor intrusion, they are proposing to install a "subslab depressurization" system during the next year. This system will create a vacuum area beneath the school's concrete basement floor. Any chemical vapors in the soil would then be pulled into this vacuum and vented away from the school, into the outdoor air.

Con Edison is currently preparing an Alternatives Analysis Report describing these findings and recommendations. This document will probably be presented in the early Fall and will include presentation at a public (PTA) meeting and a public comment period. A copy of their presentation to the Isaac Newton PTA on April 16 can be found on the Con Edison web site (www.coned.com/publicissues/manufactured_gas_plants.asp) or through the link on this website entitled "Information for MCSM Parents."

Con Edison Air Quality Testing Update

2008-04-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, April 16, representatives from Con Edison, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and NYS Department of Health (DOH) presented the results of their air and soil tests taken during the mid-winter recess (February 18 - 23). They found potentially toxic chemical vapors in the soil beneath our school building (not a new fact) but no such chemicals in the indoor air of our school building that could be attributed to the coal tars left beneath the school following the closure of the manufactured gas plant that used to operate on our site until the late 1930s.

Air samples were taken from multiple sites around the basement and first floor of our building to evaluate the indoor, winter season air quality, while soil samples were taken at several locations through the basement's concrete floor to evaluate the level of chemicals and chemical vapors beneath our school. The air quality tests were primarily seeking the presence of certain dangerous chemicals called BTEX -- benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene -- that are often associated with manufactured gas plants. Only one location in our school building was found to have an unusually high level toluene, and that is a basement storage room where gasoline-powered equipment is kept. The DOE has already promised to add ventilation in that storage room to direct any such vapors outside the building.

Con Edison and DEC concluded therefore that "none of the detections of [chemicals] in the indoor air can be directly attributed to the contamination below." They further stated that "there is strong evidence that concrete floor is an effective barrier" to preventing chemical vapors in the soil below the school from entering the building's indoor air.
MCSM and Isaac Newton parents asked a number of questions during and after the presentation. We (MCSM PTA) anticipate having further review of these test results and their interpretation by an independent outside consultant.

MCSM Title I Program Converts to Schoolwide Program

2008-04-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

On Monday, April 14, MCSM teachers and DC-37 support staff voted by a 69 - 25 margin (73.4%) to convert our Title I administrative approach from the current Targeted Assistance program to what is known as the Schoolwide Program option. This followed by one week the parents' unanimous, 25 - 0 vote at our regular April 8 PTA meeting in favor of the same conversion (the third consecutive year the parents have voted unanimously for the Schoolwide option). Now that both parents and teachers have approved the conversion, MCSM will implement Title I under the Schoolwide Program beginning next September. Since the legislation governing Title I states that this conversion can only take place once, no more annual votes will be required.

Under the Schoolwide option, our school's administration and teachers can now work together to apply resources and develop programs to support any student deemed to be at risk of failing. Previously, under Targeted Assistance, our Title I funds could only be used for students who entered MCSM with a 1 or a 2 on their eighth grade ELA or Math exams or who had already failed a Regents exam. These guidelines are very strict and subject to audit, and because only about 15% of our school's students have qualified for targeted assistance in past years, MCSM has been forced to return unused money to the government every year since we became a Title I school in 2004 (a total of about $750,000 returned through the end of this school year). Now that we can convert to Schoolwide Program, our Principal, Assistant Principals, and teachers will have enough flexibility to ensure that all our Title I funds are used to support our children's academic needs.

We wish to express our gratitude to the 69 teachers and staff members who voted for the Schoolwide Program, a change consistently unanimously desired by parents and one that will benefit our school and many students who need extra academic support but were not previously eligible. We parents are grateful that Title I funds can now be used to help students before they fail rather than having to wait for them to fail first, as we have had to do until now.

Barnes & Noble Book Fair, April 3 - 6

2008-03-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

MCSM’s second annual Barnes & Noble Book Fair will take place from Thursday, April 3 through Sunday, April 6.

This is a great opportunity for you to buy books, cards, and other items you need or want and support the MCSM PTA at the same time!

Just go to the Barnes & Noble Book Store on East 86th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, between April 3 and April 6 (you must go to that store location only). Take the book fair coupon with you that you will be receiving from MCSM in the next week or so. Turn in the coupon to the cashier as you make your purchases, and MCSM will get credit for whatever you’ve bought.

Depending on our total purchases, the PTA will receive a cash rebate of 10 – 15% from Barnes & Noble that we can use to support our school programs.

Next PTA Meeting: College Financial Planning

2008-03-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

At our next PTA meeting on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:00 pm, we will welcome guest speakers from Citibank and AXA Financial Advisers to address several topics related to college financial planning. Among other things, our speakers will talk about family financial planning options for college, financing alternatives, and how to help your college-aged child deal with his or her own money management problems, such as credit cards.

This meeting promises to be highly informative for parents, regardless whether your child is a freshman or a senior. It's never too soon to start planning, and never too late to learn more.

During the meeting, we will be voting as a PTA membership on whether to remain a Title I Targeted Assistance school or convert to the Schoolwide Program option. In addition, we will be electing a new Title I Representative and Alternate for the 2008/2009 school year.

We look forward to seeing you at the next PTA meeting on April 8. Please come out to support your PTA and your son's or daughter's school.

Parent Teacher Conferences April 3-4

2008-03-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Don't forget!

This spring's Parent Teacher Conferences take place on Thursday, April 3 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm and Friday, April 4 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

While you're there, please stop and chat with us at the PTA table! We'll have lots of information for you there.

Con Edison to Present Latest Findings at MCSM on April 16

2008-03-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT MEETING -- APRIL 16, 6:30 P.M.

Representatives from Con Edison, the NY State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, and the NYC Department of Education will present preliminary findings from their February indoor air and soil sample testing and preview their plans for removal of the contaminants buried beneath the school building at the Isaac Newton Middle School PTA meeting on Wednesday, April 16, at 6:30 pm in the school library. All parents of MCSM students are invited to attend and have their questions answered.

As you know from previous reports, Mr. Bernard Orlan of the DOE conducted preliminary air quality tests on December 22. The purpose of these and Con Edison's February tests has been to assess the school building's indoor air quality during the heating season when windows are not open and the heating system creates negative pressure which draws air inward from outside or upward from beneath the ground. Mr. Orlan’s presented results of his December tests at our January PTA meeting. They showed no toxic chemicals in our school building’s air and no cause for health concern. Two independent environmental consultants have since reviewed the air sampling data at the request of NY Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI), the legal services organization that is helping the PTA work with Con Edison on this issue. They reached the same conclusion – no apparent cause for concern at this time.

Con Edison's tests, performed while the students were on break from February 18-22, were more extensive and included soil samples drilled through the basement floor of the school building. While the final written report may not be ready by April 16, representatives from Con Edison and NYS Department of Health (DOH) and Environmental Conservation (DEC) will discuss the data and findings expected to be included in the report when it becomes available. In addition, Mr. William Ottaway from NYS DEC will present an overview of the process by which they and Con Edison have been evaluating site remediation alternatives (that is, removing the coal tars and any other toxic materials from beneath the ground).

Mr. Ottaway's discussion will essentially preview the more formal Site Remediation Plan that Con Edison will publish later this spring or summer. That document will be available to the public (including all MCSM and Isaac Newton parents), and its release will be followed by a period of public comment and at least one planned meeting at MCSM where Con Edison, DOH, and DEC will present the plan and address community questions and concerns. The dates for these events have not yet been established but are likely to take place in September or October 2008 when school resumes after the summer break.

Stay tuned to this site for more information and watch for announcements from the school and in the Parent Newsletter.

LADY RAMS VIE FOR CITY BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

2008-03-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning, March 16, marked the return of the Manhattan Center Lady Rams basketball team to the PSAL Class AA City Championship game at Madison Square Garden against perennial NYC powerhouse Murry Bergtraum. Despite being forced to sit behind a basket at the end of the court rather than in the middle, MCSM students, parents, and teachers arrived in force and cheered on their favorite high school hoopsters enthusiastically.

Coach Jaywana Bradley’s Lady Rams looked ready for the challenge of stopping a Bergtraum team that was seeking its tenth consecutive PSAL championship. The Lady Ram starting five – Aziza Patterson, China Crosby, Shantale Bramble Donalds, Jessica Gatling, and Sindy Ismael -- charged hard out of the gate, taking their game right at the Lady Blazers with aggressive defense and an attacking style against Bergtraum’s full court pressure. Their fast start slowed a bit, plagued by missed layups and free throws. Meanwhile, Bertraum forged ahead with its scoring machine in high gear, led by strong guard play, good shooting from their forwards, and the presence of a center who could only be described as “Lady Shaq.”

By the end of the first quarter, the Lady Rams already sat at the short end of a 19 – 9 score. The deficit grew to twenty by halftime as Bergtraum’s steamroller basketball team was on its way to its tenth consecutive PSAL championship by a final score of 85 - 47. Shantale Bramble Donalds led the scoring effort with 17 points, while China Crosby added 11 points and a half-dozen floor burns.

The Lady Rams made their fans proud, never giving an inch and leaving everything they had out on the basketball floor. Special recognition to Seniors Shantale Bramble Donalds, Jessica Gatling, and Chidima Uchendu who were each playing their last game for MCSM, and to China Crosby (winner of the game’s Sportsmanship Award) and Aziza Patterson for their incredible effort. China spent as much time diving and sprawling on the floor as Allen Iverson does for the Denver Nuggets and bounced right back after being badly shaken up on one play under the basket.

With China and Aziza returning to next year’s team along with six other players from this year’s team -- and a Girls JV Team that went 11-0 this season -- Coach Bradley and Lady Rams fans have good things to look forward to. Meanwhile, rumor has it that Murry Bergtraum is moving up to a higher league next year, although DOE officials have not yet revealed whether that will be the NCAA or the WNBA.

Congratulations to Coach Bradley and to all the Lady Rams players for their hard work and sacrifices this year and for their success as a team. Most important, many thanks to each and every player for representing Manhattan Center with dignity, pride, and sportsmanship. You are the best of what scholastic sports is all about, and you are each winners in our book, regardless of the final score. This year’s PSAL Championship Team roster:

Seniors - Shantale Bramble Donalds, Jessica Gatling, Chidima Uchendu
Juniors - Allana Beddoe, China Crosby, Astrid Cruz, Nylisha Gilbert
Sophomores - Sindy Ismael, Nijah Lacourt, Aziza Patterson
Freshmen - Kiarah Dunlap, Sonata Mallory

Title I Vote at April 8 PTA Meeting: Targeted Assistance VS. Schoolwide Program

2008-03-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

For the third consecutive year, parents will be asked at the April 8 PTA meeting to vote whether to continue with the Title I Targeted Assistance program or convert to the Schoolwide Program option.

Under Title I, MCSM receives federal government funds to assist students at risk of failure. These funds are provided in addition to the school’s regular budget from the DOE, and MCSM qualifies because over 60% of our students’ families fall below a family income level designated by the U.S. government. This year, MCSM received approximately $850,000 in Title I funds.

When a school first qualifies for Title I moneys, it must operate for the first year of that funding under what is called Targeted Assistance. Under this option, the school can expend its Title I funds on programs, activities, and resources that must be limited to students who satisfy targeted assistance criteria established by NY State and NYC. Currently, students only qualify for targeted assistance if they scored a 1 or 2 on their 8th grade Math or ELA State exams, or if they have failed a Regents exam. Roughly 200 students (about 14-15%) at MCSM qualify for targeted assistance. With so few eligible students, MCSM has in the last three years returned about $400,000 in unused funds to the government. The figure promises to be another $300,000 - $400,000 for just this school year alone.

Every year after the first year, parents can vote through the PTA to convert their Title I program from Targeted Assistance to the Schoolwide Program. This second option allows the school administration to use Title I money on programs, activities, and resources directed toward ANY student the school deems to be at risk of failing, even if they have not yet failed a Regents exam. Teachers and school staff vote separately for this conversion, but it only takes place if both groups vote to make the change.

In the past two years, parents have voted unanimously at PTA meetings to move from Targeted Assistance to the Schoolwide Program option. However, teachers have either elected not to vote or the majority have voted against the change. We are cautiously optimistic that this year’s vote will lead to MCSM finally adopting the Schoolwide Program option.
Please come to the April 8 PTA meeting and register your vote in favor of the Schoolwide Program option of Title I.

Title I Vote at April 8 PTA Meeting: Title I Parent Representatives

2008-03-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

A second vote at the April 8 PTA meeting will be conducted to select a Parent Title I Representative and a Parent Title I Alternate. These two individuals will represent the MCSM parent community’s interests during school discussions about Title I, help plan and oversee the expenditure of parent education funds (about $8,000) that are mandated to be set aside for that purpose by the Title I legislation, represent MCSM parents at district or regional Title I meetings and information sessions, and report to parents at PTA meetings any news or information about the Title I program in general or specific to MCSM.

During the last year, Mr. Donald Redish served as MCSM’s Title I representative, with Ms. Rajinder Singh as his Alternate. Nominations will be taken at the March 11 and April 8 meetings, with the vote itself planned for April 8.

DOE Reports Building Air Quality Is Safe

2008-03-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

At our last PTA meeting on February 12, Mr. Bernie Orlan reported to parents from MCSM and Isaac Newton Middle School that this winter’s first round of indoor air quality tests, conducted on December 22, showed no evidence of harmful chemicals in the building air.

Mr. Orlan is the Director of Environmental Health and Safety for the DOE’s Division of School Facilities. Back in November, it was determined that the time it would take for Con Edison to secure the necessary permits from the DOE central office for indoor air and soil sampling would probably not allow those tests to be conducted until the mid-winter recess. In response, Mr. Orlan committed the DOE to overseeing the performance of preliminary air quality tests during the first days of the winter recess that began on December 22. He coordinated his efforts with those of Con Edison and the NY State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) to ensure that his tests would be performed in the same locations Con Edison would do their later tests, thereby allowing successive test results to be compared to one another.

Mr. Orlan described the results of these tests to parents at the February 12 PTA meeting as “truly, truly excellent.” All the test results came back without any indicators for the chemicals associated with manufactured gas plant (MGP) contamination. One chemical indicator did show up that is not normally associated with MGP sites, so NYSDOH recommended taking a second reading in the area of the building where that reading was found. Mr. Orlan indicated that the air in this area (the Print Shop) was resampled and nothing was found. NYSDOH and NYSDEC had no issues or concerns with these test results.

Mr. Orlan’s test results were also reviewed in brief by independent consultants at the request of David Palmer of NY Lawyers for the Public Interest. NYLPI, as they are known, have been acting as advisors to the MCSM PTA on the issues related to the toxic contaminants under our school building and the plans for their removal by Con Edison. After reviewing the test data, Mr. Palmer’s consultants also indicated that they saw no evidence that the school’s indoor air quality represents a health hazard.

Con Edison has since conducted another round of indoor air quality tests as well as taking soil samples from beneath the school building (by drilling through the basement floor in selected locations). These tests were performed during the midwinter break (from February 18-22) and were completed early the following week. We are awaiting the results and report of these tests and will report on them here once they are available.

City Council Representative Viverito Speaks to Parents

2008-03-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

The MCSM PTA welcomed Melissa Mark Viverito, City Council representative from East Harlem, as a special guest speaker at our February 12 meeting. Ms. Viverito expressed her concern regarding the toxic contaminants remediation project at our school, noting that she has visited the school several times in the past. She indicated that she will be sending a letter to Con Edison from her office in support of the PTA’s request for funding to assist the parent community in engaging independent environmental consultants.

Ms. Viverito discussed her concerns over the impact of the DOE’s recent budget cuts on the schools in her district. She and others on the City Council and State Assembly are pushing back on the Mayor and Chancellor to reduce or reverse these cuts. Ms. Viverito also addressed the issue of school closings in East Harlem/District 4; her district has had more closings this year than any other in the City. Her office is working closely with the community to ensure that no children are in fact left behind as new schools are opened. She also indicated the possibility of organizing a community forum on such school issues as closings and Mayoral control.

ASR Program Requests Parents’ Help

2008-03-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

Ms. Charlene Chan-Lee, Program Advisor for MCSM’s Advanced Science Research program, spoke to parents at the February 12 PTA meeting. She described ASR as a three-year science research program for which students must apply at the end of their 9th grade year. Students who are accepted choose a topic for research in their first ASR year, and they must find a mentoring scientist to guide their research for the next two years.

Three students from MCSM’s ASR program received awards this year from the American Chemical Society competition. In addition, both MCSM students who participated in this year’s New York City Science and Engineering Fair have been named finalists, and all 24 students who are participating in 13 separate projects in the Young Science Achievers Program (sponsored by Alcatel/Lucent, formerly known as Bell Labs) have been fully funded and will receive mentoring from Alcatel/Lucent.

Ms. Chan-Lee presented a list of supply items and other needs that ASR faces this year, along with their estimated costs. Some of these items include foam poster boards, assorted color papers, copy paper, GBC Velo Bind System, laser printer ink cartridges, and assistance in funding transportation to Liberty Science Center, field research and observatory sites, and Alcatel/Lucent in New Jersey.

She appealed to the parents of the PTA for assistance either by donating some of the needed items (perhaps through their employers) or providing contacts and other sources for funding. She hopes to develop a fund-raising collaboration with the MCSM parent community this year and beyond. Parents who can help are encouraged to contact Ms. Chan-Lee at MCSM or anyone from the PTA Executive Board.

EXCITING NEW FEATURE FOR PARENTS!!!!

2008-02-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

BIG NEWS!!!

As of today, you can now connect from this MCSM Parents' page directly to another Internet site that will contain information and documents of interest to all parents. By clicking on the line that says "Information for MCSM Parents" in the gray-blue box on the lower right of this screen, you will be linked directly to a Yahoo Groups site containing archives of PTA meeting minutes, documents relating to the Con Edison toxic contamination removal project, past MCSM Quality Review, Parent Survey, and School Progress Reports, and many other items as we can add them.

To download and read these documents, simply click on the Information for MCSM Parents menu choice. When the Yahoo Groups screen appears, type mcsmparent into the Yahoo ID box and 260pleasant into the Password box. Do not use any capital letters! Most likely, the next screen that appears will be the home page for a Yahoo Group called mcsm-parents. At the upper left side, click on the menu choice called Files and you will see a long list of documents we have placed there for your convenience.

We hope to make this location a one-stop shop for parents to obtain many different kinds of news and information about MCSM.

You will also note that this blue-gray section of the page includes links to other websites that may be of interest to you, from the MCSM webpage maintained by the NYC Department of Education to blog sites of parent advocates for improved public school education. Check some of them out!

Parents Invited to Join Students for Inspirational Speaker (March 4, 10:30 A.M.)

2008-02-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

Parents are invited to join MCSM students for a special guest speaker presentation by Erik Weihenmayer on Tuesday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m. in the school auditorium. Mr. Weihenmayer is known around the world as the first blind person to climb Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain. He is also the only blind person ever to have climbed the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.

Health Corps’ Samata (Sammie) Kamireddy has been instrumental in bringing Erik Weihenmayer to MCSM to speak to the students. She has also secured several hundred copies of Mr. Weihenmayer’s memoir, “Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man’s Journey to Climb Farther than the Eye Can See.” Many MCSM students have been reading the book in class in advance of our guest speaker’s arrival.

By all accounts, Erik Weihenmayer is an extraordinary inspirational speaker with an important message for our kids about persevering and achieving great things even against seemingly impossible odds. The back cover of his book tells part of his story:

“Mr. Weihenmayer was born with retinoscheses, a degenerative eye disorder that would leave him blind by the age of fifteen. But Erik was determined to rise above this disability and lead a fulfilling and exciting life. [In his book,] he shares the struggle to push past the limits imposed on him by his visual impairment – and by a seeing world….[H]e tells the story of his dream to climb the world’s highest peaks and how he is turning that dream into an astonishing reality – something fewer than a hundred mountaineers have done!…this is a story about daring to dream in the face of impossible odds. It is about finding courage to reach for that ultimate summit and transforming your life into something truly miraculous.”

Many thanks to Ms. Kamireddy and Health Corps for their diligent efforts in making this inspirational presentation possible. Parents who would like to read Mr. Weihenmayer’s book in advance of his talk can obtain a free copy by contacting Steve Koss at mathman180@aol.com.

Nominating Process Begins at March 11 PTA Meeting for Next Year's PTA Officers

2008-02-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

At our next PTA meeting on March 11, we are required by our Bylaws to form a nominating committee of 3-5 parents in support of the spring election of PTA Officers for the 2008/2009 school year. The responsibilities of this committee are to solicit candidates for each position, distribute notices of upcoming meetings pertaining to the nomination or election process, ensure that all members have an opportunity to make nominations (including self-nominations), prepare ballots and tally sheets, supervise the election, count the votes and report the results, and have the Principal certify the results following the election.

If no such committee can be formed, the full committee can be replaced by two PTA members NOT running for office to conduct the nominations and election process. These two individuals must be approved by a vote of the membership present at the PTA meeting.

On March 11, we must either create a nominating committee or the two-person committee to administer this Spring’s PTA officer nominations and election. In addition, we will begin taking nominations for each officer position on March 11 and again at our April 8 regular PTA meeting.

This year’s PTA elections will take place at our regularly scheduled PTA meeting on May 13, 2008 (6:00 in the MCSM Library).

PTA Plans Database of Parent Email Addresses

2008-02-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

In order to improve communication with our school’s parent community, the PTA is planning a new initiative to collect parents’ telephone numbers and email addresses. At all future PTA meetings and other events where parents are present, such as Parent Teacher Conferences, we will be asking you for this information so we can create a database of parent contact information. We will also be asking what grade your child currently attends so we can take your name off our list when he or she graduates.

Please be assured that this information will only be used for school-related communications and will not be made available for any outside use. We hope that by having this information, we can better keep you informed of school news that may affect your child, update you on school events, distribute requests from school administrators and teachers for parent assistance, and provide you with announcements about upcoming PTA meetings, parent/teacher committee meetings, and other events open for parent participation.

Communication with parents is an essential part of making MCSM work for you and your child, and the MCSM PTA plans with your help to take a lead role in increasing this communication.

Ashley Farms Fundraiser, February 12 - 25

2008-02-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

MCSM PTA is kicking off its first fundraiser of the new year with premium baked goods from Ashley Farms at our next PTA meeting on Tuesday, February 12. Samples of several Ashley Farms products were distributed to parents at January's PTA meeting for a tasting, and the verdict was a BIG thumb's up!

These baked goods arrive on the date of delivery frozen and will remain frozen for about six hours. They can be refrozen without any loss in quality and can remain frozen for months! Ashley Farms' products include stacked pizza, NY cheese pretzels, cookie doughs, cakes, pies and their renowned cheesecakes, to name a few things offered. All order forms and payments must be turned in to the PTA by February 25; checks and money orders should be made out to MCSM PTA. The items ordered will then be delivered for our next PTA meeting on March 11.

If you are unable to make it to the February 12 PTA meeting (and you really don't want to miss it -- we have two important guest speakers that you really need to hear), our Parent Coordinator, Julia Valentin, has graciously agreed to keep a supply of Ashley Farms's beautiful brochures in her office for anyone, including your child, to pick up and bring home to you.

You can also see the delicious products Ashley Farms has to offer in this sale by clicking on the following text: Ashley Farms Broadway Cafe. Please note that this sale only includes the Ashley Farms items shown on the Broadway Cafe menu. If you would like to order any of these items, please contact Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin (by phone at 347-563-5163, by email at jvalentin2@schools.nyc.gov) or PTA Co-Vice President Deirdre Rose at birdrose12000@yahoo.com.

This is a great opportunity to ask family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, your hairdresser, auto mechanic, mail carrier -- anyone and everyone -- to support your child's school by purchasing a product that you won't be embarassed about on the date of delivery! You will be givng them a product they will ask you about in the future, if past fundraisers with this company are any guide. So remember that the holidays are coming up, and that these products freeze and keep very well for an extended period of time. Stock up, and tell others to do the same!

Be sure to remind the people you approach to buy these products that MCSM was recently awarded a Silver Medal Silver by U.S. News & World Report magazine as one of the top 3% of high schools across the United States, putting our school in the top 500 from over 18,000 schools surveyed. We need to keep our school strong, especially with Mayor Bloomberg's recent 1.75% budget cuts in education that will cost MCSM approximately $140,000.00. So sell, sell sell! SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S SCOOL - SUPPORT YOUR PTA!

Please do not allow your child to do any door-to-door selling alone, without an adult. We know they seem to be able to take care of themselves, BUT they are still children, and we do not want any of our children put at risk.

Sell lots of goodies and help your PTA help support the programs and efforts of our school!

IMPORTANT NEWS!! NY City Councilperson to Speak at February PTA Meeting

2008-02-06T12:44:00.001-08:00

East Harlem City Council Representative Melissa Mark Viverito will be a guest speaker at a joint MCSM/Isaac Newton PTA meeting on Tuesday, February 12 at 6:00 pm. Ms. Viverito, who happens to be a member of the City Council's Environmental Protection Committee, will address the Con Edison toxic contamination issue at our school's building site and answer parent and community questions on this matter.

In addition, Mr. Bernard Orlan from the DOE's Division of School Facilities will present the results of preliminary air quality tests he conducted at MCSM on Saturday, December 22. Mr. Orlan will explain the testing that has taken place so far, describe additional testing planned for the February midwinter recess, and answer parent questions. He will also discuss past reports of asbestos contamination in our school building.

Principal David Jimenez will be on hand to discuss issues relating to the recent DOE school budget cuts and our efforts to requalify as a Title I school.

This is an important meeting for all parents, and it is your chance to meet with and express your concerns to our local City Council Representative. Having met Ms. Viverito previously, this writer can attest to her concerns over brownfield contamination issues in New York City as well as her for the health and well-being of Manhattan Center and Isaac Newton students, teachers, and staff.

Please plan to attend.

Be informed -- voice your concerns -- get your questions answered.

Meet Our New Principal

2008-02-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

Now that David Jimenez has been officially appointed Principal of Manhattan Center, this seems like an appropriate time for a fuller introduction. Even if you have had the pleasure to meet and chat with Mr. Jimenez, you may not know much about his background.
Mr. Jimenez brings with him an academic and professional background well suited to the educational focus of MCSM, beginning with his Batchelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from City College. He began his education career as a math teacher and attendance coordinator at Manhattan’s High School for Fashion Industries.

Ten years later, he moved on to the High School for Environmental Studies on West 56th Street in Manhattan, where he served as Assistant Principal for Mathematics, Physical Education, and Special Education from 2001 to 2007. Most notably among his accomplishments at Environmental Studies, David oversaw a math department whose student passing rates in Math A Regents exams increased from a dismal 38% in 2001 to 98% in 2006 and from 48% in Math B (2001) to 88% (2006). His first experiences as a Principal came at Environmental Studies in the Spring of 2003 when he served as Acting Principal during the Principal’s medical leave.

Mr. Jimenez brings to MCSM strong convictions about putting children’s education first and a solid track record of educational accomplishments in racially mixed school settings. As if his commitments to children’s education were not already time-consuming enough, David also serves as an elected member of the School Board in Leonia, NJ where he resides with his wife and family. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to stop and introduce yourself to Mr. Jimenez the next time you visit MCSM. You can reach him by email at djimene2@schools.nyc.gov.

Three Seniors Win Posse Scholarships

2008-02-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

Three MCSM seniors -- Andy Sanchez, Christine Valentin, and Rukshana Tuli -- have earned Posse Scholarships to three prestigious private colleges. Mr. Sanchez will be attending Brandeis University in Boston, Ms. Valentin will matriculate at the idyllic campus of Vermont's Middlebury College, and Ms. Tuli will study at New York's own Hamilton College. Posse Scholarships are sponsored and funded by the Posse Foundation, a national college scholarship organization headquartered here in New York City.

For those who never heard of Posse Scholarships, the following description is excerpted from their website (www.possefoundation.org):

The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits and trains student leaders from public high schools to form multicultural teams called “Posses.” These teams are then prepared, through an intensive Pre-Collegiate Training Program, for enrollment at top-tier universities nationwide to pursue their academics and to help promote cross-cultural communication on campus. The Posse Program has exhibited great success over the past 18 years placing 1,850 students into colleges and universities. These students have won over $175 million in scholarships from Posse partner universities and are persisting and graduating at 90 percent—a rate higher than the national averages at institutions of higher education. Posse currently has sites in six major cities across the United States: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C. and its newest site in Atlanta.

The concept of a Posse works for both students and college campuses, and is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a Posse—carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for increased individual and community development. As the United States becomes an increasingly multicultural society, Posse believes that the leaders of this new century should reflect the country’s rich demographic mix, and that the key to a promising future for our nation rests on the ability of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop consensus solutions to complex social problems. One of the primary aims of the Posse Program is to train these leaders of tomorrow.

Students and parents interested in learning more should see Mr. Winston in the College Office (Room 126) or click on the following text: Posse Scholarship .

Ling Lin Is NY Times Scholarship Semifinalist

2008-02-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

Senior Ling Lin was named in January as a semifinalist in the New York Times Scholarship program. From nearly 1,400 applications citywide by high school seniors, the Times chooses roughly 150 semifinalists who are then narrowed to some twenty finalists. Those so honored will receive four-year college scholarships, summer internships, mentoring, and introductions to cultural and civic activities.

Congratulations to Ms. Lin from the PTA and best wishes for her success in becoming a finalist.

DOE Performs Air Quality Tests in Building

2008-01-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

At our meeting with DOE and Con Edison representatives on December 17, Bernie Orlan from DOE committed to performing a series of near-term air quality tests prior to those Con Edison plans to perform in February as part of a broader indoor environmental assessment. As a representative of the DOE's Division of School Facilities, Mr. Orlan could gain immediate access to our school building and take air samples that would help us gain quicker feedback on the school's heating season air quality, rather than having to wait for Con Edison to secure the necessary access letter from the DOE's central office.

Students began their winter break at the close of school on Friday, December 21. The next day, before the custodians began major cleaning, Mr. Orlan arrived at MCSM with summa canisters (see picture above) to take air quality samples around the building. He sampled at various locations that had already been agreed upon by DOE, Con Edison, and the NY State Department of Health when they met at MCSM on December 17. Once Con Edison has returned in February for its air and soil gas tests in our building, we will be able to compare results from the December and February tests taken in exactly the same building locations.

Air quality samples must be sent to a technical laboratory for analysis, after which a report will be prepared. As soon as results are available, we will present them at the first available PTA meeting, post them to this site, and report on them in the Parent Newsletter.

Stay tuned for more.

J. David Jimenez Appointed Principal at MCSM

2008-01-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday afternoon, January 8, we received official word from High School Superintendent Francesca Pena that J. David Jimenez, our Interim Acting Principal since September, has been appointed as MCSM's permanent, full-time Principal, succeeding Ms. Corinne Vinal. Mr. Jimenez's appointment comes in part as a result of the recent C-30 process in which parent, teacher, staff, and student representatives interviewed candidates and submitted their consensus recommendations to Ms. Pena.

Congratulations to Mr. Jimenez on his appointment. With new leadership in place, MCSM is poised to move forward toward even bigger and better things and more and greater recognition for the accomplishments of its students and teachers. Parents, please support your school and Mr. Jimenez's efforts to help bring a world-class education to your children.

Barnes & Noble Book Fair

2008-01-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

MCSM’s second annual Barnes & Noble Book Fair will take place from April 3 – April 6, 2008. This is a great opportunity for you to buy books, cards, and other items you need or want and support the MCSM PTA at the same time!

Simply go to the Barnes & Noble Book Store on East 86th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, between April 3 and April 6 (you must go to that store location only). Take the book fair coupon with you that you will be receiving in March. Turn in the coupon to the cashier as you make your purchases, and MCSM will get credit for whatever you’ve bought. Depending on our total purchases, the PTA will receive a cash rebate of 10 – 15% from Barnes & Noble that we can use to support our school programs.

U.S. News & World Report Magazine Gives MCSM Silver Medal!

2008-01-01T08:08:00.000-08:00

In November, U.S. News and World Report unveiled its list of the top public high schools in the United States. After analyzing data from 18,790 high schools, the news magazine announced its 100 top schools as Gold Medal winners and another 405 schools as Silver Medal winners. Together, these 505 schools represented the top 3% of the nearly 19,000 schools surveyed, and MCSM as a Silver Medal winner, is one of them!

This year’s list was created by analyzing each school’s total student performance on state tests relative to other schools in that state, adjusted for economically disadvantaged students. Performance of minority and low income students was also measured relative to other schools in the same state, and a final factor looked at the school’s performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Only 42 public high schools in New York State (only 16 of them in NYC) rated a Gold or Silver medal, including Baruch College Campus (Silver), Bronx High School of Science (Gold, #20), Brooklyn Tech (Gold, #39), LaGuardia (Silver), Economics & Finance (Silver), Marble Hill HS for International Studies (Silver), NEST+M (Gold, #74), Staten Island Tech (Gold, #22), Stuyvesant (Gold, #15), and Townsend Harris (Gold, #45).

For more information, click on the following highlighted text: U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools 2008.

DOE Report Card Gives MCSM an "A" !!

2008-01-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

MCSM scored an A rating in the DOE’s first-ever Progress Report. This new system uses a variety of factors to assign a single letter grade, from A to F, to every public school in NYC. For high schools, these grades are based on a combination of last spring’s parent, teacher, and student surveys, average daily attendance rate, four- and six-year graduation rates, Regents exam pass rates, and the percentage of students accumulating ten or more course credits each year. Citywide, 22.3% of all schools received an A rating.

Getting an A is always great, but a close look at MCSM’s report card shows that we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. There is plenty of room for improvement, especially considering that MCSM’s underlying score was 67.6 out of a possible 100, the lowest possible score to still earn an A grade.

To see MCSM’s Progress Report on your computer, click on the blue text below or type it, exactly as shown, in the address line at the top of your browser page: http://schools.nyc.gov/schoolportals/04/M435/default.htm.

Then click on the word “Statistics” on the left side of the screen, then click on the blue words “High School” (2006-2007) where the next screen says Progress Report. This will allow you to download MCSM’s Report Card onto your computer.

A detailed explanation of the MCSM Progress Report will be available to parents as a hand-out at every PTA meeting. Those wishing to receive a copy by email should contact Steve Koss at mathman180@aol.com.

C-30 Update

2008-01-01T08:01:00.001-08:00

The C-30 Committee met for a second time on the evening of December 10, 2007 to interview candidates for Principal at MCSM. A panel of parents, teachers, staff, and one current student listened to each candidate’s answer to a set of questions developed by the Committee at its earlier meeting on November 29.

Following the interviews, the panel discussed the candidates, rated each one, and made its recommendations. This information will be presented to High School Superintendent Francesca Pena who will conduct further evaluations and background checks before making a final appointment. We anticipate a decision by early January.

On behalf of MCSM’s parents, we would like to thank our network manager, Ms. Sanda Balaban, for leading the C-30 meetings and making a conscientious effort to ensure that parent and staff concerns about the selection process were properly addressed.

Con Edison Update - 12/17/07 Meeting

2008-01-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

Following up on their presentation to MCSM and Isaac Newton parents at October’s PTA meeting, representatives of Con Edison, the DOE, and NY State Department of Health returned to MCSM on December 17th for further discussion of the issue of toxic contaminants (specifically, coal tar from a former coal gasification plant) buried under the school building and grounds) and Con Edison’s remediation plans. MCSM was represented by Principal David Jimenez, Assistant Principal Devorah Zamansky, and 10th grade parents Deirdre Rose, Don Redish, and Steve Koss. Also in attendance were David Palmer of NY Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI), Simeon Banister from NYC Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum’s office, and Yvonne Przybyla from State Senator Serrano’s office.

The main purpose of this meeting was to discuss next steps following upon the October PTA meeting, with particular focus on environmental safety testing. Everyone at the meeting agreed that indoor air quality and soil gas testing during the heating season is essential for monitoring environmental safety at the MCSM site. Con Edison has committed to conducting indoor air and soil gas tests, working with the NYCDOE and NYSDOH, during the mid-winter school recess in February and again during the summer break and the following winter (heating) seasons. Results of these tests will be made available to the MCSM school and parent community in written and electronic form.

Because Con Edison cannot enter a NYC public school without a signed access agreement letter from the DOE, Bernie Orlan from the DOE’s Division of School Facilities committed to conducting similar air quality tests during the winter holiday break (December 22 – January 1). Results from these tests will give MCSM parents earlier feedback on the winter season air quality in the building and provide an early alert in the event of negative readings.

Con Edison offered at the December 17th session to meet with parents, teachers, and other members of the community upon request, as reasonably needed, to assist them in understanding the site remediation plans, processes, and results. However, in response to a request from NYLPI for funding to enable the community to engage an independent consultant to review the testing data and remediation plans, Con Edison indicated that it is not their corporate policy to provide such funding.

Remembering MCSM’s Founder – Colman Genn

2008-01-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

This 25th Anniversary year for MCSM gives us an opportunity to look back at the extraordinary life of our school’s founder and first Principal, Mr. Colman A. Genn. Most of us have probably never heard of Mr. Genn or know that his picture can be found on a memorial plaque on the wall next to the entrance to Room 126, the College Office.

One of five children in a Brooklyn family, Genn grew up as a Bensonhurst “tough,” looking for gang fights and being, by his own admission, a “very poor” student. After getting a Bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Brooklyn College and a Master’s degree in the same area from Michigan State, he began his education career in 1958 as a math teacher at Brownsville Junior High, eventually moving on to teach social studies and physical education in East Harlem.

By the 1980’s, Mr. Genn had begun actively working with local superintendents Anthony Alvorado and Carlos Medina to help found three alternative, public choice schools in East Harlem: the Academy of Environmental Sciences, the Harbor School for the Performing Arts, and MCSM. Genn and Alvorado were early supporters of the small school movement for NYC. From 1982 – 1986, Mr. Genn was Principal of the newly-founded MCSM, operating in the old Benjamin Franklin HS building where typical daily attendance was below 50% and graduation rates below 10% before that school was closed. Mr. Genn led MCSM’s first class, the 143 students from the Class of 1986, to a 100% graduation rate that earned our school a front page story in the New York Times.

By all accounts, Mr. Genn achieved his greatest fame as a witness to the Gill Commission, formed by Mayor Koch to investigate fraud and illegal activity in the public school system. While working as Superintendent of District 27 in Queens, he wore wires to record meetings over a period of eight months in which school board members discussed creating phony jobs and filling them with friends. His testimony before the Gill Commission made him a star witness in disclosing to the public the pervasive corruption that permeated the City’s community school boards. His courage in speaking out against corruption won him the great honor of being profiled on a 60 Minutes story.

Even after he retired as a school superintendent in 1991, Mr. Genn remained active in education as a senior research fellow at the Center for Educational Innovation, where he continued to support school reform and helped found more small schools in NYC, Chicago, Baltimore, and Newark. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 68. The NY Times (June 30, 1986) described Colman Genn’s dream for MCSM: “what Cornell University was for Ithaca, N.Y., his high school would become for East Harlem.” It’s up to all of us to make and keep our founder’s dream a reality.

Con Edison Representatives Attend November PTA Meeting, Address Parents about Toxic Contaminants at MCSM

2007-11-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday evening, November 13, representatives of Con Edison, the NYS Department of Health (DOH), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the NYC Department of Education (DOE) appeared before an audience of MCSM and Isaac Newton parents concerning the toxic contaminants known to be buried beneath the school building and grounds. Also in attendance were representatives of the UFT (teachers’ union), the NYC Public Advocate’s office (Ms. Betsy Gotbaum, Public Advocate), and Mr. David Palmer from New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI). Earlier that day, the same Con Edison and NYS representatives had met with MCSM teachers and staff as well as the School Leadership Team to make the same presentation and answer questions.

Three different Con Edison representatives – Laura Mascuch, Horace Davis, and Elena Skorobogatov – spoke about the history of the MCSM building site, the role of manufactured gas in the 1800s and early 1900s, the types of chemicals and toxic substances associated with manufactured gas plants (MGP’s), and the testing and remediation planning that Con Edison has performed to date. They noted that Manhattan alone contains 24 MGP sites, with another 27 sites located in outer boroughs and Westchester County and over 200 Statewide. In 2002, Con Ed reached a voluntary agreement with the State of New York under which the company would work with State agencies to remediate (that is, clean up) each of these sites to the greatest extent possible. Depending on the site, remediation might mean full excavation and removal of the toxic wastes, or it might mean partial removal by excavation or other technologies combined with methods to cap, control, and monitor whatever remaining contaminated materials could not be removed.

In MCSM’s case, Con Edison first came to the school in 2002 to determine the extent of the problem in response to an agreement on cleaning up MGP sites they had reached with the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health. They found toxic waste material, mostly in the form of coal tar, beneath the school building and underneath the school grounds at the rear (FDR Drive side) and south sides of the building.

According to Con Edison, these wastes were found between six and forty-one feet below ground. No toxic materials were found at the surface where anyone could come in contact with them. Con Ed also determined that there were no unacceptable toxic chemicals in the air around the building or inside the school hallways. They conducted limited further tests in 2003 and 2004, in part to begin planning a remediation program to either remove or cap the toxic materials found in the ground beneath the school property. Their 2003 and 2004 studies were also intended to check sediments in the Harlem River as well as the boundaries of the MCSM property on behalf of the residences along Pleasant Avenue and 116th Street. They did indeed find coal tar related substances in the Harlem River sediments. A report of Con Edison’s findings can be found on the company’s website, or you can click here: Con Edison Remedial Investigation Report.

The three Con Edison representatives were followed by Mr. William Ottaway of the NY State DEC and Ms. Dawn Hettrick of the NYS DOH. DEC’s role is to oversee Con Edison’s plan and work on behalf of NY State citizens, while DOH’s role is to monitor the public health and safety issues related to chemical contaminants from MGP sites. Dr. Mark Wilkenfeld, a paid consultant to Con Edison, addressed parents' questions about health and medical concerns.

Con Edison and their consultants have not returned to the MCSM school site since 2004. They have been working on a draft report that proposes several different alternatives for remediating the toxic chemicals under the MCSM site. The company now states that they will need to pilot test one or more methods of removing the coal tar before deciding on their final remediation plan. Once that is approved by the State DEC and DOH and then by the public, they can go forward with actual remediation. They will also need to prepare a plan for ongoing monitoring and maintenance if any of the contaminants cannot be removed. Based on statements presented at the PTA meeting, it appears likely that the toxic contaminants will not be removed from MCSM’s building site for at least another 4-5 years, and quite possibly longer.

Parents and the PTA Executive Board are asking Con Edison and the DOE for updated and continuing environmental assessments of the school building and grounds, beginning as soon as possible. No further tests have been performed since 2004, despite substantial renovation and reconstruction in and around the school building and major excavation, foundation setting, and construction at the River East Plaza site directly across 116th Street. We as parents of MCSM and Isaac Newton students are demanding of the City that a new, updated environmental assessment take place in light of all this activity and that the results be made public. We are demanding further that regular, continuing assessments take place with public disclosure of results until such time as Con Ed has completed their site remediation work. These environmental assessments must continue on a scheduled basis in perpetuity if some toxic substances remain on the site and cannot be removed with damage or destruction of the school building.

Con Edison representatives stated publicly on Tuesday night their agreement that more interim testing and monitoring needs to be done at MCSM. As more definite statements of their plans and intentions become available, we will post updates on this site. Please check here periodically to learn more as this story develops. If you have any questions, you can post them as comments on this site or you can contact Steve Koss, PTA President, at mathman180@aol.com, Deirdre Rose, PTA Co-VP at birdrose12000@yahoo.com, or Don Redish, PTA Co-VP at dredish.mcsm@hotmail.com.

FOX NEWS STORY ABOUT TOXIC CONTAMINANTS AT MCSM

2007-11-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, October 30, Fox 5 News reported that MCSM (along with Beacon HS in Manhattan and the Mott Hall II site in the Bronx) was one of three New York City schools located on brownfields, sites known to contain toxix substances underground.

Parents who want to view the full video of the Fox News report can see it on the Fox News website. I have tried repeatedly to set up a link from here directly to that story, but it does not appear that Fox is making it directly accessible from outside its own site. Instead, please follow the directions below. READ ALL THE DIRECTIONS BELOW BEFORE CLICKING ON THE LINK

First click here: FOX NEWS REPORT. This will take you to the Fox News website. Then, on the top left of the screen where it says SEARCH, type in the words "toxic school sites". A list of Fox News stories will automatically appear in red letters beneath the white SEARCH box. As of today, five stories will appear. The story that includes MCSM is the fourth story, the second one from the bottom (note, this could change, so in the future, you might have to click on a couple of them to get ours).

To learn more about Con Edison's presentation at the November 13 MCSM PTA meeting, read the posting PARENTS DEMAND REGULAR AIR QUALITY TESTING AT MCSM on this blog site.

EMERGENCY DISCUSSION OF OUR SCHOOL'S ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY AT NOVEMBER 13 PTA MEETING -- PLEASE ATTEND!!!

2007-11-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

For the sake of your child’s health and well-being, please make every possible effort to attend the November 13 PTA meeting. We will be holding an important emergency discussion of our school site’s environmental safety. Representatives of Con Edison, the DOE School Construction Authority, the DOE Office for Health and Safety, and the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Occupational Health will be present to discuss a serious health concern at our school.

On Tuesday, 10/30, Fox 5 News reported that MCSM was one of three New York City schools located on brownfields, sites known to contain toxic substances underground. Fox News stated correctly that the MCSM school building site formerly contained a coal gasification plant beneath which are buried industrial contaminants called coal tars. These substances are chemically similar to the cancer-causing tars found in cigarettes.

Since that report aired on Tuesday, we have learned that the shopping plaza construction site directly across the street was once the location of the Washburn Wire Factory. The current contractor at that site has determined that the soil there also contained industrial contaminants that had to be removed during their excavation work. We have also discovered that the MCSM site was reported to have been a swamp back in the 1880s, at the time the coal gasification plant was opened.

Air and soil quality testing have been conducted at MCSM in past years, most recently in 2002 and 2004 under the authority of Con Edison, our school site’s former owner. Although additional air quality tests have been made inside the school building last year and again just this week through the teachers’ union, no comprehensive air, groundwater, and soil tests have taken place since the construction and renovation.

As of Friday, November 2, there has been no response from the NYC DOE and no attempt has been made by the DOE to reach out to the MCSM parent community. Consequently, the MCSM PTA Executive Board, in conjunction with the Isaac Newton PTA, will be delivering a letter on Monday to Chancellor Klein demanding that a comprehensive and independent environmental site assessment be conducted immediately and the results made public. Copies of this letter will be sent to the Mayor, the Manhattan Borough President, two City Council members, the President of the Teachers’ Union, the NYC Public Advocate’s Office, the local Community Board, and others.

If you have not seen the original Fox News report, you can do so on the Internet. Go to www.myfoxny.com and click on the red News button at the top left of the screen. Then click on the last blue button, Education, on the left side of the next screen. Under Top Education News, click on “View More Education News” and look for the story “Fox Investigates: Toxic School Sites, Part 3.” The full story lasts about 8-9 minutes; MCSM’s portion is roughly in the middle. While in some parts of the Fox story are sensationalized and appear to be factually incorrect, the existence of coal tars under the building and grounds is a documented fact.

School Calendar through January

2007-10-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

October

8 (Monday) School closed for Columbus Day, no school
9 (Tuesday) School Leadership Team meeting, 4:00 pm.
9 (Tuesday) PTA meeting, 6:00 pm – COLLEGE NIGHT
12 (Friday) End of first marking period
17 (Wednesday) PSAT Day (10th and 11th Grades), College Day (12th Grade)
24 (Wednesday) Report cards distributed
25 (Thursday) Parent Teacher Conferences, 5:30 – 8:00 pm
26 (Friday) Parent Teacher Conferences, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, no afternoon classes
31 (Wednesday) Halloween (Captive lunch for all students)

November

6 (Tuesday) Election Day, no school
12 (Monday) Veterans Day, no school
13 (Tuesday) School Leadership Team meeting, 4:00 pm
13 (Tuesday) PTA meeting, 6:00 pm in the Library – CURRICULUM NIGHT
22 (Thursday Thanksgiving recess, no school
23 (Friday) Thanksgiving recess, no school
28 (Wednesday) End of second marking period

December

10 (Monday) Report cards distributed
11 (Tuesday) School Leadership Team meeting, 4:00 pm
11 (Tuesday) PTA meeting, 6:00 pm in the Library – HEALTHY HOLIDAYS
24 – 31 Winter recess, no school

January

1 (Tuesday) New Year’s Day, no school
2 (Wednesday) Classes resume
8 (Tuesday) School Leadership Team meeting, 4:00 pm
8 (Tuesday) PTA meeting, 6:00 pm in the Library – SCHOOL SAFETY/SECURITY
21 (Monday) Martin Luther King Day, no school
22 –25 (Tues.-Fri.) Regents Examinations, no regular classes
28 (Monday) Rating Day, no school
29 (Tuesday) Chancellor’s Conference Day, no school
30 (Wednesday) Second semester begins, full day of classes

Four New Committees

2007-10-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Based on parent sign-ups to-date, we have formed four working committees for the 2007/2008 school year.

Fund Raising -- Co-chaired by Deirdre Rose and Don Redish, the Fund Raising Committee is charged with planning and arranging parent and/or parent-student events designed to generate funds for the PTA. This year's Fund Raising committee will include grant writing, purchase and resale of school logo items, and activities related to MCSM's 25th Anniversary celebration.

Membership and Communication -- Chaired by Steve Koss, the Membership and Communication Committee will focus on building and improving parent communication as well as collecting PTA dues donations. Such varied activities as the Parent Newsletter, this blog site, and parent phone or email masters fall under this committee's responsibilities.

Parent Education and Resource Center -- Co-chaired by Patricia Huggins and Steve Koss, this committee will address programs, activities, and resources for parent education. Topics could range from legal, immigration, and social services to money and credit management, teen health, parenting skills, computer training, or cultural activities. One aspect of this program will be working with Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin to initiate a new Parent Resource Center in Room 152, funded by a $5,000 grant from Lowe's Corporation.

School Safety and Security -- Chaired by Jayne M. Hunt, this committee will work with MCSM School Safety and local Police Precinct personnel to communicate parent concerns about student safety and explore ways in which the parents and PTA can help improve our children's security in and around their school.

Parents interested in participating on any of these committees should contact Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin at jvalentin@schools.nyc.gov or Steve Koss at mathman180@aol.com.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

2007-10-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 25 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm and Friday, October 26, from 1:00 - 3:00. Parents, come to meet and talk with your child’s teachers and learn more about how your child is doing in each class. As parents, this is your best chance to identify and address any problems your child is having while the year is still young.

When you arrive at MCSM, you will be given a copy of your child's report card and instructions as to which classroom you can find each of your child's teachers. In the front lobby of the school, the PTA will have a table with more information for parents as well as coffee, donuts, and school logo items for sale.

Please stop by and visit us at the PTA table during the conference days. We would love to meet you.

Special Election at November 13 PTA Meeting

2007-10-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Due to a resignation, we will be holding special elections at next month's PTA meeting on November 13, 2007 at 6:00 pm to fill two vacancies: PTA Secretary and a parent representative spot on the School Leadership Team (SLT).

Any parent interested in being on the SLT or serving on the MCMS PTA Executive Board as PTA Secretary should plan to attend the November 13th meeting. We are obligated by the Chancellor's Regulations to fill both positions as timely as possible, so will take nominations at the meeting and hold any necessary votes at that time.

Parents wishing to serve in either position but who are unable to attend the PTA meeting should contact Steve Koss at mathman180@aol.com to express their interest.

Is There School on Halloween Day?

2007-09-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

In response to a parent question, I obtained the following information about school sessions for Halloween Day from Principal David Jimenez and Assistant Principals Mike Salek (School Safety) and Devorah Zamansky (Operations).

Wednesday, October 31 is a regular school day with a regular class schedule, ending after 8th period with rapid dismissal. Under rapid dismissal, all students must be out of the building within about 10 minutes of the end of 8th period classes, and there are no after-school programs or activities. No costumes or masks are permitted to be worn in school that day. In addition, the school safety officers check all student backpacks on the way into the school building in the morning, and students will not be allowed to leave the building for lunch. They must stay in the cafeteria.

In the end, parents must decide whether they want to send their children to school, but classes will be meeting that day. For what it's worth, my son went to school on Halloween last year as a 9th grader and encountered no problems. He will be at school again this year on Halloween Day.

New School Leadership Team Members

2007-09-14T12:17:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to the following parents who were elected as representatives to the MCSM School Leadership Team (SLT) at the year's first PTA meeting on Tuesday, September 11:

-- Nevis Almeida

-- Sherrand Hawker

-- Patricia Huggins

-- Rosalind Lee-Nelson

-- Yara Rodriguez

-- Yolanda Varona

The School Leadership Team consists of the Principal, the UFT (teacher's union) chapter leader, the PTA President, and representatives of the Assistant Principal, teachers, para-professionals, parents, and students. Their purpose is to discuss issues concerning school direction and learning atmosphere, new instructional initiatives, budgeting, and preparation of the annual, DOE-mandated Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP). Parents with issues or concerns they wish to voice through the SLT are welcomed to attend the meetings or contact one of the parent representatives to speak on their behalf.

SLT meetings are held monthly at MCSM from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the second Tuesday of each month.

An Exciting Year Planned by the PTA

2007-09-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

Parents, we have an exciting year planned for 2007/2008. We hope you will join us for PTA meetings to learn more about your children's school and how you can help them succeed. We meet every second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm in the school library. Light dinner and refreshments are served, and Spanish translation is available.

Following are the monthly programs we are currently planning.

September 11, 2007 – Meet the new Interim Acting Principal, J. David Jimenez, and MCSM’s new H.S. Superintendent, Francesca Peña.

October 9, 2007 – COLLEGE AND GRADE ADVISOR NIGHT
Get important college planning information and hear presentations with Q&A from MCSM grade level advisors. Parents will meet in smaller groups according to their children’s grade level: 9, 10, 11, or 12.

November 13, 2007 – CURRICULUM NIGHT
Assistant Principals summarize the curriculum and policies in their respective departments.

December 11, 2007 – HEALTHY HOLIDAYS
Celebrate the end-of-year holidays with ethnic foods and demonstrations from MCSM’s new, full-time nutritionist about healthy cooking.

January 8, 2008 – SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY
Hear from MCSM Assistant Principal for School Safety, Michael Salek, and representatives of the local NYC Police Department Precinct.

February 12, 2008 – HANDS-ON COMPUTER NIGHT FOR PARENTS
Set up your own email account, learn how to use the DOE website, find out how to research colleges for your child, and more!

March 11, 2008 – TEEN HEALTH NIGHT
Learn from professionals what parents should know about teen health issues and how to communicate with your teen-aged child.

April 8, 2008, May 13, 2008, June 10, 2008 – TO BE ANNOUNCED

School Calendar -- September/October

2007-09-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some important dates for September and October (M=Monday, T-Tuesday, W=Wednesday, R=Thursday, F=Friday):

September 4 (T) -- First day of school (early dismissal)
September 11 (T) -- PTA meeting (6:00 pm)
September 13 (R) -- No school (Rosh Hashanah)
September 14 (F) -- No school (Rosh Hashanah)
October 8 (M) -- No school (Columbus Day)
October 9 (T) -- PTA meeting - College Night and Grade Advisors (6:00 pm)

We'll be adding more details soon.

HS Superintendent Francesca Pena to Speak at September 11 PTA Meeting

2007-08-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

The year's first PTA meeting on Tuesday, September 11 at 6:00 pm in the school library promises to be an important and informative event for at least three reasons.

First, MCSM parents will have a great opportunity to learn more about the many changes taking place in the NYC Department of Education and how they might affect MCSM. Joining us as a guest speaker will be our new High School Superintendent, Ms. Francesca Pena. Ms. Pena will help us understand some of the many changes the DOE has implemented or is planning to implement and will answer parents' questions.

Second, parents will have their first opportunity to meet and hear from MCSM's new Interim Acting Principal, Mr. David Jimenez.

Third, parents will be asked to vote for six parent representatives to MCSM's School Leadership Team (SLT). Any parent wishing to know more about SLT or interested in being nominated as a candidate for the SLT can post their questions on this site, send them by email to Steve Koss at mathman180@aol.com, or contact Julia Valentin, MCSM's Parent Coordinator.

New Interim Acting Principal

2007-08-28T12:11:00.001-07:00

You may recall that a C-30 committee was formed last June to select a new Principal to succeed Corinne Vinal. This committee included seven parent representatives. Two finalists were chosen from that meeting, but subsequent events eventually led to neither of the two candidates being hired. As a consequence, MCSM's new High School Superintendent Francesca Pena has named Mr. David Jimenez as our Interim Acting Principal.

Mr. Jimenez will serve as MCSM's Acting Principal until such time as a permanent Principal can be hired. We anticipate that a second C-30 committee will be formed in the early fall to interview prospective Principal candidates. Parents interested in participating in that C-30 meeting can contact Steve Koss at mathman180@aol.com or Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin at MCSM.

PTA Meeting Schedule for 2007/2008

2007-07-06T07:51:00.001-07:00

The MCSM Parent Teacher Association meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm in the Library. All parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Dinner and refreshments are served at each meeting, and Spanish translation assistance is available as well.

Listed below are the anticipated PTA meeting dates for the coming school year.

September 11, 2007
October 9, 2007
November 13, 2007
December 11, 2007
January 8, 2008
February 12, 2008
March 11, 2008
April 8, 2008
May 13, 2008
June 10, 2008

Parents: So Many Issues, So Little Time

2007-07-06T07:50:00.001-07:00

The 2007/2008 school year promises to be a momentous one for MCSM. At the same time our school will be celebrating its 25th anniversary as a high school, we will be searching for a new Principal, trying to figure out how to operate in an empowerment network of 20 schools, and working to requalify as a Title I school. Remember, the Region 9 office no longer exists – MCSM will work through a new DOE superintendent of high schools named Francesca Pena and a network coordinator named Sanda Balaban. MCSM parents still face continuing issues as well with school safety and the Title I program management approach (Targeted Assistance versus the Schoolwide Program option).

As if these changes weren’t substantial enough by themselves, MCSM will be trying to educate children at the same time Mayor Bloomberg and Chancellor Klein are introducing or continuing enormous changes to the school system. Some examples of those changes?

1. Fair Student Funding – which promises to reduce MCSM’s budget by over $425,000.
2. More Standardized Tests – which would force our children to take five more standardized “progress monitoring” exams per year in Math and English, with five more each in social studies and science in another year or two. That’s 20 more standardized exams each year!
3. Pay for Performance – the Mayor wants to pay students $500 or more per year for showing up to school on time, passing Regents exams, and getting high grades on their standardized tests.
4. ARIS – a new, $80 million IBM computer system designed to track every student’s standardized test results.
5. School Report Cards – a new system intended to compare each school to other, similar schools and give each school a letter grade ranging from A to F.
6. Continuation of the cell phone ban and planned introduction of kiosks in which students would presumably leave their cell phones in small rented lockers outside the school building.
7. Criminalizing the classroom – a recent ACLU study and editorials by Bob Herbert have made it clear that the NYPD has introduced an entirely new level of abusive police enforcement behavior in NYC schools, especially in schools populated by children of color.

If these items are unfamiliar to you and you want to learn more, or if you want to participate in discussion with our new principal and other parents about how we should deal with them, please come to the MCSM PTA meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm.

How Would Chancellor Klein's Fair Student Funding (FSF) Proposal Affect MCSM?

2007-07-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you have never heard of Fair Student Funding, or FSF? It is the name Chancellor Klein has given to the DOE’s Children First program to change the way budgets are determined for all of the City’s public schools. The old budgeting program was very complex, and few people understood it. The DOE has claimed that the old system was unfair, that similar schools with similar numbers of students often did not receive the same budgets. The new program bases each school’s budget more strictly on the number of students in the school, their family income backgrounds, and whether they are regular education students, special education, or English language learners.

Chancellor Klein has approved this new budgeting system, but he does not plan to implement it until 2009. In the meantime, however, the DOE has begun recalculating what each school’s budget would have been under this new system (even though the old budgets will still be used for one or two more years). So what would happen to MCSM’s budget under of the program?

To understand the effect of FSF, it helps to know that MCSM’s operating budget for 2006/2007 was nearly $9,100,000. About $920,000 of this money came from sources outside the NYC DOE, mostly from the Federal Government under the Title I and Title III programs. Thus, MCSM’s budget allocation from the DOE was about $8,200,000.

Under the Chancellor’s FSF budgeting rules, MCSM’s budget for 2007/2008 would have been cut by $426,649. In other words, the DOE is saying the MCSM has been being overfunded by this amount (5.2% of our 2006/2007 budget allocation from DOE) and getting more money than it deserved! The same result is occurring in a number of District 4 (East Harlem) schools.

What does this mean for MCSM? It means that none of the billions of dollars awarded to New York City schools from New York State as a result of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit will go to MCSM in the next two years. Those funds will supposedly go instead to schools whose budgets appear underfunded based on the FSF rules. According to the Chancellor, schools like MCSM whom the DOE says are overfunded will be “held harmless” for the next two years, meaning that their budgets will be left the same as before, without the “overfunding” being taken away. Note, however, that the Chancellor has said nothing about what will happen in 2009/2010 and beyond. Under the FSF formulas, the DOE could reduce MCSM’s budget later by at least the $426,000 (depending on the school’s student population two years from now). That’s the equivalent of salaries and benefits for somewhere around 5 – 7 full-time teachers.

Our budgetary situation is potentially further complicated by the fact that we are required to requalify as a Title I school this fall. In 2004, MCSM families were required to fill out family income forms and 62% of our families qualified under the Title I guidelines. Since 60% was the minimum level for our school to qualify, we did not have much room to spare. If this fall we fail to have enough qualifying families to continue in Title I, MCSM will lose over $880,000 more from its annual budget. Thus, depending on how the DOE plans to implement FSF in 2009/2010, our school could be operating with $1.3 million less than it does now – not a bright prospect.

Parents, you need to stay aware of this issue. We will try to keep you informed on this blog site and through the Parent Newsletter as more news comes out of the DOE.

A Victory for MCSM Parents and Teachers, but Only an Interim Acting Principal in September

2007-07-05T12:36:00.001-07:00

On July 3, Francesca Pena, a high school superintendent from the NYC Department of Education, sent an email to the members of the C-30 Committee announcing that Jolanta Rohloff had withdrawn her candidacy for Principal at MCSM. The NY Daily News reported the next day that Ms. Rohloff would remain at the DOE central office and will spend the next year preparing plans for a new school for which she will be the principal.

Since the second finalist from the C-30 meeting apparently “did not clear the reference check,” an Interim Acting Principal will be named for our school for September. In the early fall, a new C-30 Committee will presumably be convened to restart the search for a permanent principal.

This is clearly a case of parents and teachers making their voices heard, with the help of the local newspapers and Internet sites such as NYC Public School Parents and NYC Education Group, at the DOE central office on Chambers Street. Many thanks to all who helped. Next time around, this PTA will make sure that parents in the C-30 understand their rights and have their voices heard in a meaningful way.

Letter from MCSM PTA to Chancellor Klein

2007-07-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

In protest against the deceptive manner in which Jolanta Rohloff was presented as a candidate for MCSM Principal at the C-30 meeting on June 11, the PTA Executive Board sent the following letter to Chancellor Klein on June 28.

Chancellor Joel I. Klein
NYC Department of Education
52 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007

Dear Chancellor Klein,

It is with deep concern that we, the Executive Board of the Parent Teacher Association at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics (MCSM), write this letter to state our very strong opposition to the candidacy of Ms. Jolanta Rohloff as a replacement for our outgoing Principal, Ms. Corinne Vinal.

Ms. Rohloff was presented on June 11 to a C30 Committee convened at MCSM for the purpose of conducting the Level 1 review of five principal candidates. The process was administered in such a way that no one present was allowed to ask any direct questions of any of the candidates – no questions specific to each individual, no follow-up questions, and no opportunity to explore each candidate’s background and resume in more detail. Only six pre-written, generic questions, prepared so as to be equally applicable to each of the five candidates, were permitted. Those on the Committee barely had time to read the candidates’ resumes before the interviews began. They were also never permitted to see the applications of the 21 other candidates who had already been screened out of this process. Having subsequently spoken with parents at other schools who have participated in a C30 process, we believe our committee members were guided through an improperly and unnecessarily restrictive candidate review that appears, in hindsight, designed to prevent Ms. Rohloff’s background from being brought to light.

As no one present at the meeting (seven parents, two students, and school representatives of the UFT, DC37, and CSA) knew Ms. Rohloff or her recent background at Lafayette High School, they were all effectively misled about that individual’s qualifications. Had this readily known information been disclosed, a far different discussion would doubtless have ensued. Failure to disclose this information, coupled with Regional Superintendent Heaney’s failure to engage in further discussion with parents or school staff has only served further to inflame the situation and give it an even greater appearance of a secretive, “back room” deal.

Please understand that we hold nothing against Ms. Rohloff personally. Had she been presented as the candidate she is and given the chance to tell her story and answer questions, parent representatives on the C30 would certainly have given her fair and responsible consideration. Instead, the DOE pursued a process that hid her true background and apparently sought to co-opt parents’ legitimate role in the selection process. Thus, instead of giving parents a responsible voice in choosing our children’s next principal, that voice was effectively silenced. This is not, in our judgment, the right way to go about forging the partnership with parents that the DOE regularly asserts it seeks to do. Nor is it an appropriate way in which to introduce a principal candidate known by the DOE to be controversial into a school community.

We recognize that as of the time of this writing, no formal decision has been announced regarding the Principal position at MCSM. As elected representatives of that school’s parent community, however, we strongly urge you not to appoint Ms. Rohloff to that position. In our view, such a decision will be self-defeating from virtually the moment it is announced. At this juncture, we would prefer that an Acting Principal be named and a new and more open C30 process be convened in September.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Respectfully submitted,

The PTA Executive Board of Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics

Stephen Koss, President
Deirdre Rose, Co-Vice President
Donald Redish, Co-Vice President
Yara Rodriguez, Secretary
Nevis Almeida, Treasurer

cc: Randi Weingarten, President, United Federation of Teachers
Robert Jackson, New York City Council, Chairperson, Education Committee
Melissa Mark Viverito, New York City Council, District 8

Looking for a New Principal

2007-07-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

The last days of June and the first days of July were an extraordinarily busy and unsettled time. While the events that took place were disturbing, the final result was a triumph for MCSM parents and teachers alike, as both the PTA and the UFT collaborated and made their voices heard all the way to the top of the DOE.

Here’s what happened. Following the unexpected resignation of Principal Corinne Vinal in May, the Regional Superintendent authorized a C-30 process to search for a new principal. The C-30 Committee, which included seven parents, met on the evening of June 11 to interview five candidates who had been selected as finalists from a larger pool of 26 applicants. By the end of the evening, two of the five individuals were chosen for further evaluation by the Regional Superintendent and his staff.

Several days later, members of the teachers’ union and the MCSM PTA each separately discovered that one of the two finalists, Jolanta Rohloff, was the former principal at Lafayette HS in Brooklyn. Ms. Rohloff had been forced to leave her previous position in March amid a huge public outcry rose against her from Lafayette’s students, teachers, parents, and even alumni and local politicians. Not one word about Ms. Rohloff’s previous troubles had been mentioned in the C-30 interviews, a meeting in which parents and teachers alike were told they were not allowed to ask any direct questions of any of the five candidates.

On June 18, PTA President Steve Koss sent a private email to Regional Superintendent Peter Heaney expressing concern about Ms. Rohloff as a finalist for the MCSM Principal’s job. The email explained that the C-30 Committee members felt that they had been misled and asked Mr. Heaney for an opportunity for MCSM parents to meet with him and discuss Ms. Rohloff’s candidacy further. No reply to the email was ever received.

By the following week, news of Ms. Rohloff’s candidacy had become public, appearing first in the New York Post and, several days later, in the Daily News. Randi Weingarten, president of the teachers’ union, spoke out publicly against Ms. Rohloff’s candidacy. In addition, the PTA Executive Board quickly drafted a letter of protest and delivered it to Chancellor Klein’s office.

New 9th Graders' Orientation a Big Success

2007-07-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

In place of our normal meeting on the evening of June 12, the PTA welcomed the incoming class of 2011 and their parents at MCSM’s New 9th Grader Orientation session. Turnout was excellent and, despite the heat and humidity, the new 9th graders received a very good introduction to the school, including a chance to get lost trying to find their assigned rooms. They filled out necessary information forms and got their summer reading assignments.

This year, the PTA took its most active role ever in greeting the new students and their families. A welcome letter, a survey of parents’ interests for future PTA meeting topics, and several pages of useful information were included in the usual MCSM orientation folder. In the entrance lobby, across from the auditorium, the PTA displayed its new “Welcome/Bienvenidos” banners and maintained an information table with MCSM logo gym bags, CD cases, and ballpoint pens for sale. In the process, parents had a chance to meet and chat with Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin and four members of the PTA Executive Board -- Nevis Almeida, Deirdre Rose, Don Redish, and Steve Koss – along with parents Oriel Sanchez and Clemence Henry.

Don Redish and his 10th grade son Deane, Oriel Sanchez, and Steve Koss were back again Saturday morning when the new 9th graders and their parents returned for math and Spanish language placement exams and had their pictures taken by Ms. Warner for the school ID cards they will receive in September. PTA members helped parents with their forms and answered numerous questions about the school.

Something new was also added for this coming year and beyond – a request for a PTA dues donation. Incoming parents were asked to make a donation of $20.00 to cover all four years, just $5.00 per year. The PTA plans to continue this policy and will make the same request for dues to parents of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Between Tuesday and Saturday alone, the PTA received over $1,000 in dues donations from our incoming class of 2011. They and their families are already making they mark as MCSM enters its Jubilee 25th Anniversary year. Many thanks to those families and to all the parents who volunteered time to make our new students and parents feel welcomed at MCSM.

Parents Needed for C30 Interviews for New Principal on June 11

2007-06-03T16:59:00.001-07:00

At 4:00 on the afternoon of June 11, Local Instructional Superintendent Jill Myers will convene a C30 meeting to select a new principal for MCSM in accordance with Department of Education guidelines. From 4:00 - 5:30, the C30 committee of parents, teachers, school staff, UFT representatives, and students will develop a list of interview questions to be presented to the four or five candidates to be presented by Ms. Myers. From 5:30 on into the evening, the candidates will be interviewed one-by-one by the C30 committee and offer their comments and advice to Ms. Myers. Dinner will be served during the meeting.

Four to seven parents are needed to represent the MCSM parent community on the C30 panel. Anyone interested should contact Steve Koss as soon as possible by posting a comment to this blog entry, or by emailing him at mathman180@aol.com. Parents can also contact Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin at MCSM to express their interest in being part of the C30 committee.

Chancellor Klein Announces More Standardized Tests

2007-06-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

On May 31, the New York Times published an article by Julie Bosman about the DOE's plans to add another group of annual standardized tests for all NYC public school students. The first three paragraphs of this article are shown below.

"Schools Chancellor Joel Klein announced yesterday that the city school system would spend $80 million over five years on a battery of new standardized tests to begin this fall for most of New York City’s 1.1 million public school students.

The contract awarded to the testing giant CTB/McGraw-Hill will involve a significant expansion of exams, known as periodic tests, which monitor students’ progress and are supposed to help predict how students will perform in the annual state exams. Mr. Klein’s announcement immediately rekindled the debate over whether such testing is emphasized too much or is even a useful tool for teachers.

Pupils in Grades 3 through 8 will be tested five times a year in both reading and math, instead of three times as they are now. High school students, for the first time, will be tested four times a year in each subject. In the next few years, the tests will expand to include science and social studies."

If this article is correct, MCSM students will be required to take eight standardized tests next year, four in English and four in Math. Worse, in a few more years, the DOE plans to double this testing program by adding science and social studies exams. Thus, in addition to PSATs, SATs, SAT IIs, NYS Regents, and AP exams, our children will be taking the equivalent of about one extra City-mandated exam every two weeks! Of course, this means our teachers will also need to worry about preparing students for these exams as well, since regardless what the Chancellor says about how the exams will be used, they will undoubtedly be factored eventually into teachers' and principals' evaluations and school report cards. These extra exams will also foster another boomlet in tutoring services, cram classes, and study aid books like those from Barron's and Kaplan.

These new standardized exams are just one of the important issues that will be facing MCSM's students, teachers, and parents in the coming year. Many of these issues will doubtless be topics for next year's School Leadership Team (SLT) meetings, one of the few places where our principal, teachers, parents, and student representatives can convene to discuss these issues and how they will be addressed or implemented. The SLT has openings for six parents to meet on a regular monthly basis to help set the direction and educational philosophy of our children's high school. Parents interested in serving on the SLT next year, or for those seeking more information, can contact Steve Koss at mathman180@aol.com. Elections for the six parent representatives on the SLT will take place at the first PTA meeting of the new school year, on September 11 at 6:00 pm.

Principal Corinne Vinal Resigns to Take New DOE Post

2007-05-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

The School Leadership Team was convened for an emergency meeting yesterday, May 16, by Local Instructional Superintendent Jill Myers. The reason for the meeting, sadly, was to announce that our Principal, Ms. Corinne Vinal, has resigned her position to accept an exciting new opportunity with the DOE's central office. In her new position, she will work as a mentor to as many as 30 school principals around the City.

While Ms. Vinal will continue as MCSM's principal through the end of this school year, we must begin immediately to search for a new principal. Jill Myers will lead this search on the school's behalf, but her initial role will be to obtain and review candidate resumes and select 4 - 5 individuals for further interviewing. Ms. Myers' plan is to have selected a new principal by June 29th.

This process of selecting principals for their school positions is called a C30. A group of teachers, parents, and two students make up a C30 committee. They will interview the principal candidates as a group and advise Ms. Myers regarding each candidate. We will need 4 - 7 parent volunteers for this VERY important committee, since we will be deciding on our school's leadership for the coming years. If you are interested in participating in this C30 process to help select our next principal, please contact Steve Koss at mathman180@aol.com or Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin at jvalentin2@schools.nyc.gov as soon as possible.

MCSM Gets Its Report Card from the DOE

2007-05-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

This year marked the first time the NYC Department of Education evaluated its schools under the proposed new "report card" system. Each school is placed in a group of about forty schools, called a "peer group," chosen by having similar types of student populations according to their middle school scores in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Each school is then evaluated in a number of different categories by how it compares to the rest of the schools in its peer group.

Much to MCSM's credit, it belongs to a peer group with many of NYC's highest performing schools, ranging from Lab, Baruch, Beacon, School of the Future, Eleanor Roosevelt, Millenium, Pace HS, Laguardia HS, and NEST+M in Manhattan to Midwood and Edward R. Murrow in Brooklyn, and Cardozo, Bayside, and Francis Lewis High Schools in Queens. Parents should feel proud that MCSM has been grouped with such exclusive company -- this fact alone speaks volume about MCSM's academic standing in New York City.

All schools are evaluated according to daily attendance, graduation rates, percentage of 11th and 12th graders taking the PSAT and SAT, percentage of students earning 10 or more credits each year, and Regents exam pass rates. Next year, results from parent, student, and teacher surveys will also be included. This year's Report Card was not really official, but it gave each school a chance to see how it would have done. Next year, for the first time, the DOE will include all of the planned components of the evaluation and assign each school a grade from A to F, just like students receive. To get an A, a school must get a score of at least 85, meaning that it is doing well enough to be in the top 15% of its peer group.

So how did MCSM do this year, based on last year's information? Even though we did not receive a letter grade, we received a score of 84.5. That means we missed getting what would be an A grade next year by just 0.5!! According to Principal Corinne Vinal, our huge improvement in daily attendance alone this year (up from last year's 89.9% to about 93%) would likely put MCSM's score high enough to get an A.

The message? MCSM is likely to be an A-rated school in what is probably the strongest peer group of high schools in New York City. We should all be proud of our school, its teachers, and our students, and we should all do whatever we can to encourage our kids to continue working hard and attending school EVERY day, even rainy Fridays and days when Spiderman movies are opening. In addition, we should all do whatever we can to support our school and its teachers. Let's work together to make MCSM #1 in the City's best peer group!!

Meet Your New PTA Executive Board

2007-05-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

At the PTA meeting on May 8, the parents in attendance unanimously approved the three proposed changes to the MCSM PTA Bylaws (see "Proposed Changes to PTA Bylaws" posted on April 15, 2007). Following that vote, the membership elected the following individuals for positions on the PTA Executive Board for 2007/08:

President -- Steve Koss
Co-Vice President -- Deirdre Rose
Co-Vice President -- Don Redish
Secretary -- Yara Rodriguez
Treasurer -- Nevis Almeida

The incoming Board members are eagerly looking forward to an exciting year for next year's PTA and wish to thank the current Board members -- President Bozena Kopczynski, Vice President Alejandro Ramirez, Secretary Nevis Almeida, and Treasurer Clemence Henry -- for all their hard work this year.

Anyone wishing to contact the PTA can do so by contacting Parent Coordinator Julia Valentin at jvalentin2@schools.nyc.gov or calling her at MCSM.

Teachers Reject Title I Schoolwide Program Option

2007-05-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

At the PTA meeting on April 17th, the parents once again voted overwhelmingly (in fact, unanimously) to approve a change in MCSM's Title I program that would convert the program from Targeted Assistance to the Schoolwide Program option. As explained on this blog on April 2, the Schoolwide Program option would give our school administration much greater flexibility in applying our $875,000 in annual Title I funds to assist students at academic risk. It would also virtually ensure that MCSM would no longer face the prospect of having to return Title I funds unused back to the Federal government.

Conversion to the Schoolwide Program option is also favored by the school administration. At both the School Leadership Team and PTA meetings on April 17th, Principal Corinne Vinal outlined a thoughtful program for how the Title I funds would be used if the parents and teachers both voted to change from Targeted Assistance to a Schoolwide Program. A few days later, a petition with 60 parent signatures asking the teachers to follow our wishes and adopt the Schoolwide Program option was delivered to Principal Vinal to be presented to the teachers.

During the week of April 23rd, MCSM faculty members and paraprofessionals held their vote on the same question. Regretably, slightly less than half of those who voted chose to stay with the Targeted Assistance option. As a result, MCSM will once again be a Targeted Assistance school for 2007/2008.