Education

Staten Island school news, education forums & more

A little Broadway right here on Staten Island

by Diane Lore / Staten Island Advance

Sunday November 30, 2008, 9:00 AM

Advance photo/Nicholas FeveloCurtis High School students perform in "Seussical."

If you can't get to Broadway, just check out any one of our Staten Island high schools. You might think you really are on the Great White Way instead of in a school auditorium.

The semi-annual productions of full-scale Broadway musicals put on by public and Catholic high schools are events demanding cooperation, dedication and self-discipline on the part of students.

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Job opportunities for teachers at proposed Staten Island school

by Staten Island Advance

Tuesday November 18, 2008, 5:22 PM

Teachers looking for job opportunities are invited to an informational meeting on Staten Island this Friday about the proposed John W. Lavelle Preparatory Charter School in Sea View.

Interested candidates should have middle school teaching experience and a dual certification in an academic subject area and special education. Openings include math, English language arts, social studies, science and dance teachers.

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Staten Island high school principals rewarded

by Staten Island Advance

Friday November 14, 2008, 5:45 PM

Petrides Principal Joanne Buckheit will receive $7,000 after her school exceeded expectations laid out on the shool's progress report. (Staten Island Advance file photo)

The elementary and middle schools got their prizes in September.

And yesterday, high school principals were awarded with cash bonuses for their hard work.

As part of a pilot program launched last year, officials are doling out $8.3 million to high school teachers and principals across the city that met or exceeded expectations on their school progress reports, which were released earlier this week.

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Staten Island school battling bed bug problem

by Staten Island Advance

Thursday November 13, 2008, 1:43 PM

Associated PressIn this undated photo released by the University of Florida, a common bed bug is engorged with blood after feeding on a human.

For the last six weeks, Staten Island resident Miko Guzman has feared sending her 6-year-old daughter to school.

It's not so much what could happen to her on the way to school or in the building itself. It's what she might come home with: Bed bugs.

The creepy crawlies have been seen at PS 16 in the borough's Tompkinsville community for several weeks now and exterminators have already visited the school twice, parents and education officials said.

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See how Staten Island schools did in latest city report cards

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday November 12, 2008, 4:41 PM

Staten Island's high schools outdid themselves this year, with more earning top marks than last year in the second round of the city's A-through-F report card grading system.

According to the Department of Education, high schools across the city did better overall, with more schools earning As and Bs. About 86 of schools that earned As last year earned the same grade this year.

Here's a look at how Island schools performed:

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New York governor proposes higher public college tuitions

by Associated Press

Wednesday November 12, 2008, 11:34 AM

Gov. David Paterson said Wednesday he wants to cut the growth in school aid in the current fiscal year by just less than half and increase tuition at state colleges.

His plan to eliminate billions of dollars in deficits calls for a 5 percent increase in aid to public schools, instead of a projected 9 percent. The Democrat also proposed a $600 -- or 14 percent increase -- in tuition at the State University of New York and a $600 increase at the City University of New York, a roughly 15 percent hike.

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New elementary schools coming to Staten Island

by Staten Island Advance

Monday November 10, 2008, 2:34 PM

Three new elementary schools will be built on Staten Island if the City Council approves the Education Department's latest budget proposal.

The schools - two on the South Shore and one in New Dorp - are among 42 new buildings to be built citywide, as part of the $11.3 billion proposed capital plan for 2010-14. The location of the South Shore schools has not yet been determined.

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PHOTO SLIDESHOW: Catholic high school admission test day on Staten Island

by Staten Island Advance

Friday November 07, 2008, 3:56 PM

For many students on Staten Island, today was the day of the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS).

Here's a photo slideshow of youngsters who took the exam at Moore Catholic High School in Graniteville.

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For many Staten Island parents, private school tuition no longer a lock

by Staten Island Advance

Friday November 07, 2008, 3:51 PM

Advance photo/Jan Somma-HammelParents and students gather at McDonald's after taking the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools at Moore Catholic in Graniteville. From left are: Stacy Belmonte of Grant City; Victoria DePrimo of Great Kills; Brianna Belmonte of Grant City; Kristiana Longinotti of Great Kills; Lenora DePrimo of Great Kills; and Christina Colucci of Great Kills.

Stacy Belmonte has already taken her daughter, Brianna, to two open houses at the College of Staten Island High School for International Studies.

And she's thinking of going to a third.

Times are tough and, although 13-year-old Brianna had her sights set on attending St. John Villa Academy High School, her mother said Catholic school just might not be an option.

"Money's really tight in our household right now," Ms. Belmonte said. "Prices for everything are going up, too."

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Ribbon-cutting ceremony at school in Staten Island's New Springville section

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday October 29, 2008, 5:23 PM

Advance photo/Amy PadnaniStudents and community leaders hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Jerome Parker Educational Complex in New Springville.

Through speeches, poetry and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the students and staff at the Jerome Parker Educational Complex celebrated the opening of their school in Staten Island's New Springville section this morning.

The mood was exuberant, and at times reflective. After all, the campus was named after the former director of public relations for the city's former Board of Education, who died five years ago. Parker founded Talent Unlimited High School in Manhattan and was known for his outreach efforts for children with special needs.

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Elected officials urge parents to sign up for Universal Pre-K

by Staten Island Advance

Tuesday October 28, 2008, 1:24 PM

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and fellow Council members are encouraging parents to sign their children up for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) before the deadline Friday.

About 5,100 full-and-half-day UPK seats are available for children who turn four years old by December 31. Available seats are located at public schools, child care centers contracted by the Administration for Children's Services and community-based organizations contracted by the city Department of Education.

Parents can enroll their children in available Universal Pre-Kindergarten seats located where they live, where they work, where their kids go to school or wherever it is convenient for them.

Council members, including South Shore Republican Vincent Ignizio will hand out flyers or direct members of their staff to distribute information within their neighborhoods in the days before the deadline.

For more information about available spots, log on to the Department of Education's website or call 311 or 888-469-5999.

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Information session on Staten Island for elementary school gifted, talented admission

by Staten Island Advance

Monday October 27, 2008, 3:27 PM

Parents who want to learn more about the elementary school gifted and talented admissions programs that begin next September are invited to an information session tomorrow at PS 69 in Staten Island's New Springville neighborhood.

The hour-long presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be repeated at 7:30 p.m. An information session in Spanish will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at PS 20 in Port Richmond.

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Report: 1 in 5 Island public school kids are 'chronic absentees'

by Staten Island Advance

Sunday October 26, 2008, 8:14 PM

Advance file photoA report released by The New School says 1 out of every five Staten Island public school kids are "chronic absentees." PS 14 in Stapleton topped the Island list, with 41.3 percent of students missing 20 days of school or more during the 2007-08 academic year, according to the report.

Some come from immigrant families or live in shelters.

Others just don't feel well.

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Staten Island school evacuated over fumes will be closed tomorrow

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday October 22, 2008, 3:03 PM

Advance photo/Chris KalisakStudents are evacuated from Sacred Heart School in West Brighton.

The Staten Island school that was evacuated this morning after fumes from the boiler gave students headaches will be closed tomorrow so workers can repair the heating system, an Archdiocese spokeswoman confirmed today.

Eight students and one teacher were evaluated by medical officials outside Sacred Heart School at 301 North Burgher Ave. in West Brighton this morning. Two fourth graders were taken to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton.

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Gifted-student plan detailed by chancellor on Staten Island

by Staten Island Advance

Tuesday October 21, 2008, 8:38 AM

Smart-as-a-whip Staten Island tots will be eligible for the city's gifted and talented program a year earlier than normal and could see an elite form of the program by 2010, but parents and advocates yawned at a meeting featuring education bigwigs last night.

"It's wonderful we're getting it, but to me sixth through eighth grade is more important," said Sue Dietrich, co-president of the Staten Island Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations. "Realistically, Staten Islanders aren't going to travel to Manhattan."

Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein told the 50 or so in attendance at a Panel on Education meeting held last night at the Michael J. Petrides Complex in Sunnyside that more must be done to make the gifted education program accessible to students outside Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Advance file photoSchools Chancellor Joel I. Klein

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Staten Island 14-year-old pleads guilty to bringing gun to school

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday October 15, 2008, 11:44 AM

Advance file photoDarren Rivera, 14, of Stapleton, is escorted to a court appearance after his arrest in June.

A 14-year-old Staten Island boy who was caught carrying a handgun inside his intermediate school pleaded guilty today in state Supreme Court, St. George.

Darren Rivera, a resident of the 200 block of Broad Street in Stapleton, will be sentenced as a juvenile after admitting to a count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, meaning he'll be sent to the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn instead of going to an adult state prison until his sentencing. He can still be moved to a state prison when he turns 15.

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N.Y. college savings funds hit in market collapse

by Associated Press

Monday October 13, 2008, 1:40 PM

Many New York parents who saved for college tuition through the state's tax-free investment program haven't escaped the turmoil in global markets.

Depending on the portfolio, the performance of the 529 savings plans since January range between a 42 percent loss for the most aggressive plans and 2.48 percent gained in the most conservative options. Parents with younger children generally take the hardest hit because many of the plans are set up to be more aggressive and risky early on.

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College of Staten Island unveils new scholarship for Island's top students

by Staten Island Advance

Monday October 13, 2008, 8:25 AM

Confident it's a good fit for the borough's elite students, the College of Staten Island is unveiling a new scholarship that offers top high school graduates here a free four-year ride.

The CSI Scholarship for Staten Island High School Valedictorians and Salutatorians will be rolled out for the Fall 2009 semester, school officials said.

Eligible students will receive free tuition and fees for four years, provided they maintain a 3.3 grade-point average (GPA) each year. They can also enroll in CSI honors programs.

Staten Island AdvanceDr. Tomas Morales

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Civil liberties group warns city about arrests of school children -- including Staten Island kids

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday October 08, 2008, 6:36 PM

Kids as young as five years old have been hauled off to the police station and the New York Civil Liberties Union said it's got to stop.

After collecting data showing that hundreds of children under the age of 16 have been cuffed -- including 22 on Staten Island -- the group sent a letter to NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly asking the illegal arrests to stop, representatives said today.

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NYC elementary schools trying out low-cost laptops

by Associated Press

Tuesday September 30, 2008, 7:58 AM

Low-cost laptops, like the ones seen here at the African Refuge Youth and Family Center in Clifton, will be tested out by some New York City elementary schools. (Staten Island Advance)

Elementary schools in New York City are planning a wide test of low-cost laptops that were intended to be used by students in developing countries.

A handful of the laptops are already being tested at the Bronx's P.S. 5 and Brooklyn's P.S. 20.

School officials say some students in the district lack the kind of access to technology that you would more commonly find in countries such as Libya, Egypt and Argentina.

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Push to close New York City schools on Muslim holidays

by Staten Island Advance

Friday September 26, 2008, 3:35 PM

Advance file photoStaten Islanders pray during a Ramadan gathering at the Masjid-al-Noor mosque in Concord in 2005.

Some City Council members are urging the state to add two Muslim holidays to the school calendar, calling it a matter of religious freedom and fairness.

But their efforts appeared headed for failure, as long as Mayor Michael Bloomberg is in control of schools and the state legislature continues to stall a bill that would make the holy days official days off.

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Staten Island Catholic schools Fun Run postponed

by Staten Island Advance

Friday September 26, 2008, 12:34 PM

Advance file photoStudents from Our Lady Help of Christians School in Tottenville were all smiles at last year's Fun Run.

Well the flier says "Rain or Shine," but organizers of tomorrow's annual Staten Island Catholic schools Fun Run along the Midland Beach promenade didn't count on a tropical storm. The event was officially canceled just before noon today after Parks Department officials said the steady rain, combined with wind and high waves forecast to continue throughout tomorrow, would post an obvious safety issue for participants, including schoolchildren and adults.

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New dorm at Staten Island's Wagner College to be named today

by Staten Island Advance

Tuesday September 23, 2008, 3:01 PM

Sketch courtesy of H2L2 ArchitectureWagner College's senior dorm is expected to open in August.

Staten Island's Wagner College will name its newest residence hall for the benefactor who has recently given the institution a $5 million donation, the second-largest single gift in the college's history.

The building will be named -- and the donor's identity will be disclosed -- during an unveiling ceremony today at 3 p.m.

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Some Staten Island teachers, principals awarded cash bonuses

by Staten Island Advance

Thursday September 18, 2008, 4:38 PM

First they were rewarded with an A for their hard work.

Today some Staten Island teachers and principals got the real prize: Cash bonuses.

As part of a bonus pay program launched last year, officials are doling out nearly $20 million to schools across the city that met or excelled expectations on their school progress reports, which were released earlier this week.

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Some Staten Island teachers, principals awarded cash bonuses

by Staten Island Advance

Thursday September 18, 2008, 4:38 PM

First they were rewarded with an A for their hard work.

Today some Staten Island teachers and principals got the real prize: Cash bonuses.

As part of a bonus pay program launched last year, officials are doling out nearly $20 million to schools across the city that met or excelled expectations on their school progress reports, which were released earlier this week.

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College of Staten Island unveils 9/11 monument

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday September 10, 2008, 1:26 PM

The College of Staten Island's Alumni Association today unveiled a monument dedicated to CSI alumni who died in Sept.11 attacks. The ceremony was held on the campus of the Willowbrook school.

Staten Island Advance/Irving SilversteinJennifer Lynch, associate director of Alumni Relations, and CSI President Tomas Morales unveil the monument.

The CSI 9/11 Memorial is located on the north side of the campus. Twenty-seven names are inscribed on the plaque.

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School meal applications now online

by Associated Press

Monday September 08, 2008, 1:22 PM

New York City parents can now apply online for their kids' free or reduced-price public school meals.

City officials said today that shifting the process from paper to computer will help the environment. It also will save money for the Department of Education by reducing data entry, processing and paper costs.

And it simplifies the application process for families with children in different schools.

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A photo look at a Staten Island principal's first day on the job

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday September 03, 2008, 4:25 PM

Advance photo/Jan-Somma HammelPrincipal Margaret Annunziata smiles inside St. Peter's Elementary School.

Outfitted in a black and white dress, heels, and a delicate 3/4 length sleeve sweater buttoned modestly at her neck, Margaret Annunziata is glowing in such a way it would be impossible to know she was up at dawn and arrived at St. Peter's Elementary School in Staten Island's New Brighton neighborhood before 6 a.m.

It's the 38-year-old, former teacher's first real day as principal of the kindergarten through eighth-grade Catholic school, and she is brimming with smiles, a burst of warmth in the halls.

"I'm so excited!" she said.

For a photo gallery of Ms. Annunziata's first day at St. Peter's , click here.

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Victims of school bullies getting some back up

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday September 03, 2008, 1:49 PM

Associated PressMayor Bloomberg: "Bullying and harassment impede our students' ability to learn."

Youngsters on Staten Island and the rest of New York City who have been victimized by school bullies got some good news today:

Mayor Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein have got their back.

The trio of city officials announced a new set of initiatives aimed at combating bullying and harassment in New York City public schools during a press conference in Manhattan.

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Schools chancellor touts parental involvement during visit on Staten Island

by Staten Island Advance

Tuesday September 02, 2008, 5:28 PM

Advance photo/Michael McWeeneySchools Chancellor Joel Klein, center, talks with students, teachers and officials at PS 58 in New Springville.

The familiar sights of the start of the school year could be seen all across Staten Island today, with yellow buses rolling from one stop to the next and new Dora the Explorer backpacks gleaming in the sunlight.

And of course, the familiar sound of politics was there, too, with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein announcing a new initative to engage parents in what their children are learning at school.

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New York City schools eye math tests for kindergartners

by Associated Press

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 4:41 PM

New York City education officials are considering changing how they test students as young as kindergartners.

The initiative unveiled earlier this week could mean adding math tests for pupils in kindergarten through second grade.

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2 new schools set to open doors on Staten Island

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday August 27, 2008, 3:31 PM

Advance photo/Hilton FloresThis campus in New Springville will house two buildings, an intermediate school and a high school.

Eighteen new schools will open their doors to students citywide next week, including two on Staten Island.

A campus in New Springville will house two buildings, an intermediate school and a high school. And in Tompkinsville, PS 65 will welcome students in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade.

At a news conference today, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein said the 18 schools would create seats for 11,000 students.

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2 Staten Island schools among state's 'persistently dangerous'

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday August 20, 2008, 6:38 PM

Advance photosPS 14 in Stapleton, left, and South Richmond High School in Pleasant Plains.

Two Staten Island schools are among 19 in New York State that have been labeled "persistently dangerous" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

South Richmond High School, a school for special education students in Pleasant Plains, is one of the newcomers to the list, while PS 14 in Stapleton made the list for the second year in a row.

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City cash-for-tests program shows mixed results

by Associated Press

Wednesday August 20, 2008, 11:46 AM

A program to pay students in some New York City high schools up to $1,000 for passing Advanced Placement tests has shown mixed results.

Students at the 31 participating schools took 345 more tests this year than last year. But the passing rate dropped slightly, from 35 percent in 2007 to 32 percent this year.

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N.Y. deputy secretary of education resigns

by Associated Press

Tuesday August 19, 2008, 6:04 PM

Gov. David Paterson says Deputy Secretary of Education Dr. Manuel Rivera is resigning from his position.

Rivera oversaw the largest infusion of state aid to education in the history of New York.

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Officials try to ease crowding at Staten Island's Curtis HS

by Staten Island Advance

Monday August 18, 2008, 3:11 PM

Advance file photoCurtis High School has been hovering around 150 percent capacity for several years.

Despite her dodging and maneuvering methods in her crowded high school hallway, Amy Cilento couldn't avoid bumping shoulders with at least several people a day.

With nearly 3,000 students, that's just the way it was at Curtis High School, the most crowded high school on Staten Island. The worst was trying to get from one class to another without being late.

"It was just harder with the physical space constraints," said Miss Cilento, 17. "Obviously, with a lot of people in the hallways it took more time."

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N.Y. teachers union targets lawmakers over tax cap

by Associated Press

Wednesday August 13, 2008, 5:46 PM

New York's powerful teachers union today withheld its endorsement and support from 38 senators who voted for Gov. David Paterson's proposal to cap the growth of school taxes, which are among the nation's highest.

NYSUT put pressure on lawmakers by saying the endorsement could still be made if the lawmakers flip-flop. NYSUT will review its decisions after yesterday's special session of the Legislature called by Paterson, if the tax cap proposal comes up, or any time before Election Day.

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Health Department issues reminder on vaccinations

by Staten Island Advance

Monday August 11, 2008, 12:33 PM

With just about three weeks left until public schools on Staten Island and the rest of New York City open, the Health Department is reminding parents to get their children the required vaccinations.

Youngsters who do not meet the city's immunization requirements can be excluded from daycare, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten-through-12th-grade schools.

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Disco concert on Staten Island postponed

by Staten Island Advance

Monday August 11, 2008, 12:01 PM

With rain in the forecast, the "Concert in the Park" performance scheduled for Staten Island tonight has been postponed.

Disco group Eclypse was to perform at 7 p.m. at Sea Turtles Circle at the intersection of Capodanno Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue in Midland Beach.

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Overall New York high school graduation rates up

by Associated Press

Monday August 11, 2008, 10:51 AM

Advance file photoNew York City schools boosted their 4-year graduation rate from 46.5 percent in 2005 to 52 percent in 2007

A New York Education Department report says Hispanic and black students are graduating at higher rates than they were two years ago -- but still at considerably lower rates than whites.

The report also found that graduation rates for students with disabilities and students learning English have dropped.

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Economy slows, but N.J. college prices still rising

by Associated Press

Wednesday August 06, 2008, 9:07 AM

The cost of getting a college education in New Jersey continues to rise even in an economy that makes it harder for many families to afford.

The state's colleges and universities are raising tuition for the 2008-09 school year between 3.9 percent and 9 percent.

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Less crime at schools, mayor says; critics scoff

by Staten Island Advance

Tuesday August 05, 2008, 4:21 PM

Crime is down at schools across the city due to improved training for teachers and more guidance for troubled students, city officials said today.

Violent and major crimes decreased about 10 percent from last year, with 1,042 incidents reported during the 2007-08 school year, down from 1,166 the year before, officials said.

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Staten Island's Wagner again makes list of best colleges

by Staten Island Advance

Tuesday July 29, 2008, 6:01 PM

Advance file photoWagner College was named the fourth most beautiful campus in the Princeton Review's annual survey.

Staten Island's Wagner College has again ranked in the Princeton Review's annual "Best 368 Colleges" guide.

It was named the second best college theater program and the fourth most beautiful campus in a survey released yesterday.

"The purpose of this book is to give insight into the college process. It isn't a game of winners and losers; it's a match making process for their interests," said Robert Franek, author of the book, now in its 17th year.

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Public hearing on DOE spending tonight

by Staten Island Advance

Tuesday July 29, 2008, 12:26 PM

Parents and educators can give their input on how the city Education Department should spend millions of dollars in state funding for some of the city's lowest-performing schools tonight.

A public hearing on New York State Contracts for Excellence spending will be held at the Michael J. Petrides School, Sunnyside, at 6 p.m., the first of five hearing in every borough.

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President of Staten Island's Notre Dame Academy leaving post

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 5:23 PM

Lorraine Pasadino

She led the school through the start of a $5.6 million expansion, with new buildings for early childhood and high school students.

But after nine years of service, Lorraine Pasadino, the president of Notre Dame Academy, is calling it quits, leaving the school's educators to pick up where she left off.

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Governor backs plan for low-interest student loans

by Associated Press

Monday July 21, 2008, 11:07 AM

Associated PressGov. David Paterson speaks at the NAACP national convention last week in Cincinnati.

Gov. David Paterson is supporting a plan to create low-interest student loans for public and private universities in New York.

The proposal for a subsidized loan program financed through tax-exempt bonds comes from the state Commission on Higher Education.

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$$$ coming public school students' way

by Staten Island Advance

Monday July 14, 2008, 1:42 PM

Middle school students and participants in the English Language Learners program will reap the benefits of two new funding initiatives announced by city officials on Staten Island this morning.

The first will provide $12 million in grants to 200 of the city's lowest-performing middle schools, said Council Speaker Christine Quinn. Principals would be required to match grants with funding from their own budgets.

The second program would provide $7 million to help English Language Learners -- a program for students who are not native English speakers -- in elementary, middle and high schools, Ms. Quinn said. Schools that receive the grants would be required to provide a two to one match for that funding.

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Registration this week for new Staten Island school

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday July 09, 2008, 2:49 PM

PS 65, a new school in Staten Island's Tompkinsville neighborhood, will be registering kindergarten and first grade students tomorrow and Monday at the Petrides Complex, Sunnyside.

Parents should bring their child's birth certificate, immunization records and proof of address between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The school, also known as The Academy of Innovative Learning, will be housed in the landmark former PS 15 building at 98 Grant St. It is slated to open in September with two classes each in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten and at least one first-grade class.

-- Contributed by Amisha Padnani

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Universal pre-K deadline extended

by Staten Island Advance

Thursday July 03, 2008, 12:32 PM

Advance file photoPre-kindergartners at the Broadway Branch of the YMCA participated in their end-of-year celebrations last month.

For those of you who thought it was too late to enroll your children in universal pre-kindergarten for the fall -- think again. The Department of Education has extended its deadline for applications until July 18.

Priority will be given to students who did not receive pre-K placement during the first stage of the application process. Applications are reserved for children who turn 4 years old between January 1 and December 31, 2008.

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4 compelling examples of Staten Island grads who overcame obstacles

by Staten Island Advance

Saturday June 28, 2008, 11:41 PM

They've been coaxed to join gangs and tempted to do drugs. Some have even dealt with life-threatening illnesses.

Many Staten Island high school students have faced the tumultuous challenges that come with real life before they've even had the chance to become adults.

For those who have graduated, their diplomas are a symbol of the perseverance it took to look beyond those hardships.

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Teacher accused of punching 12-year-old student at Queens school

by Associated Press

Friday June 27, 2008, 1:26 PM

A crisis intervention teacher at an elementary school is accused of punching a 12-year-old student in the head and putting him into a choke hold.

Scott Antwork, 58, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Prosecutors said the veteran teacher also grabbed the student's right arm and pushed him onto a table during the incident last week at Public School 54 in Queens. Initial reports that the school was located in Staten Island were incorrect.

As a result, the boy suffered a cut on his chin and neck, and his arm and leg were bruised.

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School's over, but gripes are still heard

by Staten Island Advance

Friday June 27, 2008, 9:33 AM

Schools Chancellor Joel Klein celebrated the end of the school year yesterday by calling it a "very good" one with marked academic progress, but the teachers' union used the final dismissal to express its disappointment with Klein.

Among the most successful initiatives Klein cited were giving more decision-making power to school principals, encouraging school communities to work together and putting additional accountability tools in place.

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Susan Wagner High School graduates

by Staten Island Advance

Thursday June 26, 2008, 5:58 PM

During a fun-filled graduation ceremony that featured a beach ball and several ill-fated attempts at "The Wave," 618 proud falcons took flight from Susan E. Wagner High School this evening in Sea View.

"Find your niche, your happiness, and let it guide you," NYU-bound Valedictorian Lindsay Macklin said during her address to the Class of 2008.

>

Staten Island Advance/Joshua CarpMegan Barracks of West Brighton reacts as she steps up to receive the Attendance Award at this evening's Susan Wagner High School graduation.

Macklin led her audience of blue and whited robed graduates in celebrating their four years together at the Sea View school, telling them that at the end of their journey, success would not be measured by their grade-point averages.

"It is not particular grades that matter," she said. "What matters is discovering the person you want to be."

Student Orginazation President Divya Gadangi kept the celebratory atmosphere alive as she read a brief speech comprised entirely of lyrics from popular songs, motivating and cracking up her classmates at the same time.

"If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere. It's up to you New York, New York," she said, before adding. "Tell 'em Soulja Boy!"

--- Contributed by James Queally

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St. George School graduates 94

by Staten Island Advance

Thursday June 26, 2008, 5:36 PM

Advance photo/Bill LyonsGraduates from the St. George School celebrate at Brooklyn Technical High School.

GED Plus, formerly known as the St. George School, graduated 89 students during a commencement ceremony today held in Brooklyn Technical High School.

The school services students ages 17 to 20 looking to pursue a general equivalency diploma (GED).

Click here for our graduation photo gallery.

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