Ongoing District Initiatives
HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL INITIATIVE - FIRST ON LONG ISLAND
Three ninth-grade college preparatory academies have been created to join the Senior College Preparatory Academy.
The 2010-2011 school year marked a historical milestone at Hempstead High School as freshman students began their high school careers enrolled in one of three new small college-bound preparatory academies.
Freshmen now have the opportunity to become students in the College Preparatory Academy for Business and Law, College Preparatory Academy for Math and Science or the College Preparatory Academy for Music and Art. A first of its kind on Long Island, the three ninth-grade academies will be located in the high school building and operate independently from the school’s Senior College Preparatory Academy, which serves students in 11th and 12th grade.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Garcia explained that the new initiative will enable students to develop their skills and interests in specific subject areas, while they fulfill their state curriculum requirements. Each academy has its own principal, guidance counselor, secretary, social workers and psychologists as well as its own core academic course teaching staff. The three ninth-grade academy principals include Mr. Dagoberto Artiles (Math and Science), Mr. David Evans (Music and Art), and Mr. James Thomas (Business and Law).
Extensive research and analysis was conducted prior to implementing this new approach. The advantages of the new academies for students include, among other things, more personalized attention, increased opportunities to monitor student achievement, smaller and safer learning environment, more educational choices, and stronger parent/school partnerships.
“These small schools are driven by excellence and equity and each child will be prepared for college no matter which school he or she enrolls in,” Dr. Garcia stated. “The schools have the same core courses, and they are all providing the opportunity to enhance and expand the interests and skills of our students.”
This year marks the start of a yearly phase-in process at the high school where the three new academies will acquire another grade starting next year. By 2013-2014 school year, the three separate academies will be fully implemented. Administrators anticipate that the new school set up will not only increase graduation rates and reduce drop out rates, but also encourage students to begin preparing for their future at the beginning of their freshman year.
"We want our students to be successful as soon as they enter the building and this new three academies initiative is a major step in that direction," Dr. Garcia stated. "We're transforming the high school academically to help better prepare our children for college, their careers and all of their future endeavors."
A New Era For the Senior Academy
The transformation at the high school also features several new initiatives at the Senior Academy, which serves students in grades ten through twelve. The school’s administrative team now includes a Principal, two Assistant Principals, a Dean of Students and five guidance counselors.
Starting the first day and continuing throughout the school year, High School Interim Principal Chy Davidson noted that the administration intends to step up programs and initiatives that promote, among other goals, increased student success.
Starting this year:
- There will be a greater emphasis on individual student achievement and accountability.
- Additional Advanced Placement courses will be offered.
- A Robotics Elective will be offered.
- A new Theater Program will be offered.
- Students will be required to apply to at least three state colleges or universities in addition to Nassau Community College, colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions of their choice.
- Sophomores and juniors will be required to know their grade point average, Regents requirements, current number of credits earned, classes needed to complete each grade and the number of credits needed to graduate.
“We want our students to understand that they have to change the way they think about education, so they can become successful adults,” Mr. Davidson stated. “We’re going to continue to stress to our students that excellent academics, discipline and decorum are key to becoming productive citizens.”
Caption: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Garcia spoke with a Newsday
reporter about the initiatives being implemented at Hempstead High School.
Caption: The new ninth-grade academy principals are Mr. David Evans (Arts and Music), left,
Mr. Dagoberto Artiles (Math and Science), center, and Mr. James Thomas (Business and Law).
Caption: Hempstead High School ninth grader Daniel Narcisse, who is a student in the
College Preparatory Academy of Music and Art, spoke about the perks of attending a
specialize school during the Newsday interview.
Caption: Interim High School Principal Chy Davidson explained to Newsday the goals and
expectations that will guide Senior College Preparatory Academy along with the new
opportunities for student success.
Caption: The three new ninth-grade schools feature smaller class sizes such as the
one in teacher Jason Gelardi’s Global Studies class in the College
Preparatory Academy of Music and Art.