Message from House Principal- Mr. Peter Parisi

Over the last few months the GE House Psychologist, Mr. Rafael Medina, and Social Worker, Mr. Nate Wylie, have been working with students from all houses in the Peaceful Warriors Boxing Club. This unique organization is dedicated to improving the academic standing and the emotional health of students who have encountered significant barriers to their success as students in high school. The club provides our students with heavily supervised physical activity, membership in a positive peer group, hard work, self-discipline, and an opportunity for positive risk taking. The club welcomes all students to join, however those students who become members must demonstrate a commitment to both academic and behavioral improvement if they wish to remain part of the club. This important and positive student activity could not exist without the dedicated and enthusiastic support of community member Mr. Vincent Kittle, owner of the Boxing Center. Mr. Medina, Mr. Wylie and Mr. Kittle- Thanks for helping our kids!

Quote of the Month:
“Richness of the soul is found in a sound mind and a sound body.”

Students of the Month

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH:
January:
9th Aridessa Samuria
10th Megan Harrington
11th Screll Royal
12th Mackenzie
February:
9th Farishta Sehat
10th Dana Mancini
11th Thai Do
12th Donald Coons

GE 9th grade 2nd Assembly– features Ex-gang member

On March 26, 2009, nationally acclaimed speaker and former gang leader, Dr. Joseph Jennings, talked to 9th graders. Dr. Jennings, who was burned, stabbed and shot many times shared his story and talked to students about the dangers of drug use and gang activity. He delivered a tough message on violence, drugs, responsibility, change, and the importance of making good decisions. He also handed out brochures and special prizes like a cuddly teddy bear.

Dr. Jennings grew up in the projects of South Bend, Indiana and was the oldest of 13 children. Now, as an international anti-drug/anti-gang speaker, he travels the world to share his story and to inspire teens to develop values, character, and take the right path. Dr. Jennings served as the National Youth Advocate on President Bush’s Advisory Council on Prevention of AIDS/HIV in America and is the president and founder of Second Chances Outreach Inc., which offers an alternative to gangs.

Dr. Jennings has written several books including “Prisoner of The American Dream,” “Black Man White Man: A Tale of Two Friends,” and “Bad Boy Turned Good.” He has also recorded several CD’s.

The Counselor's Corner

Seniors-
●Make sure you have filled out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete it online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. See your Guidance Counselor for the paper application. You should do this ASAP. After you are done with the FAFSA, be sure to apply for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). If you qualify, this program provides money to help pay for college.

Juniors-
●There will be a College Fair on Wednesday, May 6th at Hudson Valley Community College. The College Fair is an opportunity to speak with representatives from over 200 colleges and universities. We will be taking two bus loads of students to the morning session. Stay tuned to the morning and afternoon announcements so that you hear when permission slips will be available to pick up. There is also an evening session from 6-8 pm where you can go on you own.

●Upcoming SAT at Schenectady High School is on June 6th. The deadline to register is May 5th. You can register online at http://www.collegeboard.com/ or pick up the paper application in the Guidance Office. Cost is $45. You can get a fee waiver if you receive free or reduced lunch. See your Guidance Counselor for the fee waiver.

●Upcoming ACT at Schenectady High School is on June 13th. The deadline to register is May 8th. You can register online at http://www.actstudent.org/ or pick up the paper application in the Guidance Office. Cost is $46. You can get a fee waiver if you receive free or reduced lunch. See your Guidance Counselor for the fee waiver.

Sophomores-
●Why not explore careers at http://www.nycareerzone.org/? Now is a good time to start thinking about what careers you may be interested in. Go to the website and explore the careers you are interested in. You can see job descriptions, tasks of the job, skills needed for the job, education needed, wages earned for the job, and the job outlook of that career.

Freshmen-
●Make wise use of the remainder of the school year. Do your best to bring your grades up. The only grades colleges will see for your 9th grade year is your final marks. Now is the time to work hard and finish the year on a good note. Summer is way too much fun to have to go to summer school. You can do it!!!

FCCLA

FCCLA Team WINS NY State Competition! Two high school students competed at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) New York STAR (Students Taking Action for Recognition) Events competition on April 3rd at the hudson Valley Resort in Kerhonkson, NY. Meranda Bell from the School of Clobal Commerce and Johanna Stone of the G.E. School of Humanitites and Culture teamed up to compete in the Applied Technology event. And, they WON! Meranda Bell and Johanna Stone won the gold medal in the Junior Division and the opportunity to represent NYS at the National Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee in July. The two prepared a slide show featuring child development theories on guided learning. Their presentation included photographs taken of them with young children participating in an activity. They photographed older students demonstrating to the younger ones how to turn pages of a book and write their names. Both cases show that following the hands-on demonstration, the young children can engage in an activity without assistance.

GE in Washington

GE Scholars Shanice Robinson and Shaleek Smith were among those students who traveled to Washington, D.C. on March 27, 2009 to perform on the Kennedy Center Stage, saluting the “Big Band Era.” The performance can be seen at the official Kennedy Center website: http://www.kennedy-center.org/. Friends of Music, a volunteer organization of parents and teachers who want to support music programs in the Schenectady City School District, is conducting a quilt raffle to help defer the costs incurred by this trip. GE’s Chief Jayne Thompson generously donated a full size quilt. Tickets cost $2 each, 3 for $5 or 8 for $10. They can be purchased by contacting Mr. Steve Weisse at (518) 345-4266 or email sweisse@nycap.rr.com. If paying by check, please make payable to Friends of Music and send to Schenectady High School, c/o Ms. Rachel Gayne, 1445 The Plaza, Schenectady, NY 12308. Tickets are on sale through the end of April.

GE House Spirit

Above: GE Staff participate in Faculty Basketball game.
Below: GE Staff wear Hawaiian shirts while participating in a bowling event. Both events raised money for charity.

Career Day

GE School Team 12 will be hosting a career day for upper class GE scholars on April 23, 2009. It will be in the HS commons from 12:00-3:00. Juniors & Seniors have an opportunity to meet potential employers. Several local entrepreneurs as well as Schenectady ARC, Sunmark FCU, Schenectady Fire Department, and other local and municipal agencies will be present. It is a great opportunity for prospective employers and employees to get a head start in the process.

GE Seniors

GE Seniors Dante Shafer and Ryan Zielinski are the varsity baseball captains. They attended the Capital District Big Ten media night on March 24, 2009 representing SHS. They were interviewed by local news outlets– Channels 6, 9, & 10 and treated to a Buffet Dinner.

Key Club

The Key Club raised $350.00 for Muscular Dystrophy by selling shamrocks which were displayed around the Main Office.

JROTC

Eight AFJROTC cadets (Glen Butler, Michael McLean, Andrew Teeluck, Shane Batease, Kaylee Barbalace, Jeff Spring, Kamanzi Munroe, and Alex Rosa) flew with Civil Air Patrol pilots out of Schenectady County Airport. The flights were “fantastic!” Prior to flight all were briefed on flight safety, the aerodynamics of aircraft, takeoff and landing procedures, and some Federal Aviation Administration and runway procedures.

C/Capt Glen Butler, Corps Commander, briefed the area manager, Colonel Chilicott, on unit achievements and goals during our inspection. He is looking forward to returning to Schenectady in 12-18 months for the evaluation!

Naytia Robinson and Michael McLean attended Leadership Challenge Weekend at Norwich University, Vermont. The training was fun, intense, and all too short before it was time to head back to Schenectady High. Great experience for both!!!

The unit performed a Change of Command 20 March – C/Capt Glen Butler passed the banner of command responsibility to C/2Lt Andrew Rosa. Glen Butler, Michael Gonzalez, Andrew Rosa, Michael McLean, Marcel Parsons, and Devin Berman-Weatherby attended the Rensselear Polytechnic Institute Drill Meet 21 March. Interaction with college students and cadets, observing the drill and fitness competition made for a Saturday well spent!

Rapper Shawn Mims

Rapper, Shawn Mims, was on hand to entertain students while they ate lunch on March 26, 2009.

2nd Annual Black History Night Celebration

On February 26, 2009, Associate Superintendent, Mr. Gary Comley welcomed students, their families, and members of the community to celebrate Black History Night. Mr. Wes Holloway, Vice President of Diversity was the featured speaker. Performances were provided by the Schenectady High School Step Team, students of Mr. Gleason on the Diembre Drums, Ameya Johnson reciting a Langston Hughes poem, Kathryn Cooper reciting a poem by Maya Angelou, the Hamilton Hills Arts Center Steel Drum Band, Creative Expressions, and the SHS Inspiration Choir. A great selection of foods to sample afterwards were donated by teachers and community members.

Great Job to GE Students

Julian Delgado and Nicholas Ottati! Both were recognized as YMCA Outstanding Student Achievers for their hard work and dedication to volunteerism and leadership in their community.

Stephanie Alston Nero

Poet, Artist, and Historical Activist Stephanie Alston Nero visited SHS during Black History month to continue her work in bringing the heart to American History. Several GE students and staff participated in the workshop. She shared short films that explore race, class, stereotypes and issues around slavery. Thanks to all those who participated in this event.

GE College Visit

GE Students attending college visit at the College of St. Rose on March 3, 2009.

GE Senior Samara Bulter

Samara Bulter was selected for the Girls Section II All-tournament team. In addition, she was invited to play in the exceptional seniors’ game between the Big Ten Seniors and the Suburban Counsel Seniors. Samara is proudly sporting a t-shirt with the name of the college she has decided to attend- the College of St. Rose! Congratulations Samara!

Consider a Donation

The FACS Department would like the thank the following people for their generous donations: Judith Beeble, Claire Covey, Patricia DeQuoy, Jane Baldauf, Cecilia Horn, Dan & Katy Leonard, and Roxana Hunziker. We are still seeking donations of old magazines like “Better Homes and Gardens” and silverware. To donate contact Mrs. Lori Rosamino at (518) 370-8191 or Mrs. Kris Foote at footek@schenectady.k12.ny.us.