HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL

HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL
A Recognized New York State Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
A Bill and Melinda Gates Small Learning Communities Demonstration Site
National School Change Award Winner
An Educational Partner with New Visions for Public Schools
160-05 Highland Avenue
Jamaica Estates, New York 11432
718-658-5407
David T. Morrison, Principal
Volume 19 No. 2
www.hillcrestweb.com
Desiree Cameron, P.T.A. President
Fall 2014
From the Principal’s Desk
Dear Parents:
Chancellor Fariña recently released her Capacity Framework for schools, while reviewing the document I realized
that our school aligns nicely with this vision for successful schools. The Capacity Framework encourages parents
and educators to work together to improve student achievement. This is the collaborative focus that we have here
at Hillcrest to ensure that every child is consistently ready for the next grade, level, and set of challenges. Below
is a summary of the Framework:
Rigorous Instruction: Instruction at Hillcrest is customized, inclusive, motivating, and aligned to the Common
Core. High standards are set in every classroom. Students are actively engaged in ambitious intellectual activity
and developing critical thinking skills.
Supportive Environment: At Hillcrest, we have established a classroom and school culture where students feel
safe, supported, and challenged by their teachers and peers.
Collaborative Teachers: At Hillcrest, the teachers are committed to the success and improvement of their
classrooms and the school. They have the opportunity to participate in professional development within a culture of
respect and continuous improvement.
Effective School Leadership: At Hillcrest, the leadership leads by example and nurture the professional growth
of teachers and staff, developing and delivering the instructional and social-emotional support that drives student
achievement.
Strong Family-Community Ties: At Hillcrest our Small Learning Community Directors and Parent Coordinator
bring resources from the community into the school building by welcoming, encouraging, and developing
partnerships with families, businesses, and community-based organizations.
Trust: Everyone at Hillcrest works toward the shared goal of improving student outcomes, preparing students for
success in school and beyond. Across the school community, there is respect. School staff, parents, students and
administrators value each other.
I hope to see you at Parent Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 from 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
and Friday, November 7, 2014 from 12:45 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.
Remember to email me at dmorris4@schools.nyc.gov if you have any questions or comments.
Yours truly,
David T. Morrison
School Directory
David T. Morrison, Principal
Dmorris4@schools.nyc.gov
1462
John Michalos, A.P. Guidance
jmichal@schools.nyc.gov
1100
Eliot Finkelstein, A.P. Security
efinkel@schools.nyc.gov
1181
Deborah Ziozis, A.P. Organization
dziozis@schools.nyc.gov
1440
Justin Follyga, A.P. LOTE; Music; Art; Theatre; Business
Jfollyg@schools.nyc.gov
1165
John Binet, AP English
jbinet@schools.nyc.gov
1163
Stacie Sugarman, A.P. Intervention Specialist Support
ssugarm2@schools.nyc.gov
1166
Jose I. Rios, A.P. Mathematics
jrios7@schools.nyc.gov
1173
Tarek Ali, A.P. Health & Phys. Ed / Tech.
tali@schools.nyc.gov
1020
Amar Nepal, A.P. Data Analyst
anepal@schools.nyc.gov
1042
Russell Wasden, A.P. ESL
rwasden@schools.nyc.gov
4871
Pedro Cubero, A.P. Social Studies
pcubero@schools.nyc.gov
1162
David Ricaurte, A.P. Science/Health Sciences
dricaurte@schools.nyc.gov
1167
Salima Khan, Director
Public Service & Law Institute
skhan4@schools.nyc.gov
4301
Cristina Piccirillo-Ganesh, Director
Pre Med Institute
cpiccirillo2@schools.nyc.gov
3881
Christine Peterson, Director
BizTek Institute
cpeterson3@schools.nyc.gov
2801
Maureen Reilly Gasior, Director
CTE Programs
stargasior@gmail.com
3620
Kevin Meichsner, Director
Theatre Institute
kmeichsner@schools.nyc.gov
2081
Aarti Bhanot-Haque (Guidance Counselor)
Teachers of Tomorrow Institute
ABhanotHaque@schools.nyc.gov
3341
Bibi Nazila Ramjan, Director
Newcomers Institute
bramjan@schools.nyc.gov
4803
Gloria Zotti-Meltzer, Director
Health Sciences Institute
gzottim@schools.nyc.gov
3620
Brian Panepinto, Director
Academy of Media, Arts & Music
bpanepinto@schools.nyc.gov
3802
Ena Baxter, Director
iZone Senior Academy
Henretta11@aol.com
2530
Claude Ertel
Guidance Counselor, Pre Med
certel@schools.nyc.gov
3871
Judy Cancel-Valerio
Guidance Counselor, Public Service/Newcomers
jcancelvalerio@schools.nyc.gov 4421
Regine DeJean
Guidance Counselor, Academy of Media, Arts & Music
rdejean@schools.nyc.gov
3780
Habeebullah Hussaini
Guidance Counselor, I.S.S.
hhussaini@schools.nyc.gov
3630
Natalie Hiller
Guidance Counselor, I.S.S.
nhiller@schools.nyc.gov
3522
Cassandra Johnson
Guidance Counselor, Health Sciences
cjohnson@schools.nyc.gov
3512
Jamie Olechowski
Guidance Counselor, Newcomers
jolechowski@schools.nyc.gov
4871
Audra Manganiello
Guidance Counselor, Theatre
amanganiello@schools.nyc.gov
2010
Anthony Rico
Guidance Counselor, BizTek
arico@schools.nyc.gov
2880
Aarti Bhanot-Haque
Guidance Counselor, Teachers of Tomorrow
ABhanotHaque@schools.nyc.gov 3341
Aralis Adames
Attendance Teacher
1164
Maria Santos
Transportation
1570
Bilquees Akhtar
Parent Coordinator
1161
Deborah Ziozis
A.P. Organization
Breakfast/Lunch Program
Has your child submitted a lunch application? We urge you to submit a lunch application to ensure on-going
educational benefits for our students. Due to the submission of lunch applications, we are a Title I school.
Through Title I funding, we can afford our students many avenues to enhance their education.
Applications must be submitted yearly.
Below is the website for the ONLINE SCHOOLFOOD APPLICATION. (If you apply online, please bring us a copy
of your confirmation page for our school records.) The online application will take 24 hours to process where
as the paper application will take 3-4 weeks to process.
https://www.applyforlunch.com/Application
All Hillcrest High School students have been issued a Point of Sales (POS) PIN number. This is an automated
system used in our cafeteria. The system identifies the meal status of each student. Meal status is assessed by
evaluation of lunch applications. The POS number is needed for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served daily –
free of charge.
We know that good nutrition is essential to every young person’s health and development. Although breakfast is
widely regarded as the most important meal of the day, many of our students go without breakfast. Youngsters
who eat regular, well-balanced meals are better able to concentrate and learn. Hillcrest High School distributes
“Bag and Go” breakfast in the school lobby. As students enter the building, they have access to a free nutritious
breakfast. Although breakfast is FREE, students must have a POS number in order to be eligible.
Metrocards
Students who are eligible for full and half-fare metrocards received them in the beginning of the semester.
Metrocards are valuable tools, allowing students living at a distance to travel to school for little or no cost. These
cards are extremely valuable. Please talk to your student about the importance of keeping their Metrocard in a
safe place. Thank you.
Parent Teacher Conference
Open School Evening will be Wednesday, November 5, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Open School Afternoon will be Friday, November 7, 2014 from 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
John Michalos
A.P. Pupil Personnel Services
The first marking period of the school year ended on October 24, 2014. All students received report cards on
November 3, 2014. The second marking period ends on December 5, 2014 and the second report card will be
distributed on December 16, 2014. Please be sure to ask your child for his/her report card. You should spend
some time going over your child’s grades. There is a section on the report card for teacher comments. It is
important to read what the teachers are saying about your child. If you are concerned about a class or a grade on
the report card, you should contact your child’s Guidance Counselor to discuss your concerns.
By this time, you should have visited www.nvpupilpath.com, which is your direct link to how your child is
progressing in school. This is a website that contains your child’s current program, attendance, test scores, school
transcript, and other vital information. You may contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Bilquees Akhtar at 718-6585407, ext 1161 or via e-mail bakhtar@schools.nyc.gov for further information on Pupil Path. We encourage ALL
parents to become familiar with this wonderful resource!
It is essential for students to attend school on a regular basis. Students with poor attendance generally do poorly
in class. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s attendance by speaking to their children, checking
notebooks and contacting the school at the first sign of a problem.
SLC’s are conducting Town Meetings with all students to discuss school issues, such as graduation requirements
and promotion requirements, State Regents Exam requirements, school safety concerns and other important
matters.
The guidance department is here to help you and your child. It is the beginning of a new school year, filled with
opportunities. We hope this will be a successful year for your child. As always, you may contact us at 718-6585407 ext.1120 or via e-mail jmichal@schools.nyc.gov to discuss any guidance issues.
Jose Rios
A.P. Mathematics
I trust that you had a pleasant beginning to the new school year. This is my fourth year as the Assistant Principal
for Mathematics and I continue to be excited about new initiatives that I trust will result in even stronger
mathematics achievement this year.
This year’s math classes will build off last year’s momentum and continue to push for more technology use in the
classroom, more access for students to external resources, increased focus on assessment and practice through
Castle Learning, on-line access to textbooks, and more familiarity with and use of graphing calculators by students.
Most significantly, though, is the continued role out and implementation of the Algebra I Common Core Standards
and Curriculum for incoming 9th graders, and Common Core Geometry for 10th graders.
The Common Core Standards for Algebra I and Geometry heavily streamline the traditional math curriculum, while
at the same time requiring much more though, justification and explanation by student. Each module will provide
numerous opportunities for student and group collaboration, exit tickets to provide immediate assessment
opportunities on lessons, and problem sets that provide homework and additional opportunities to better master
the standards. Learning across modules will be encouraged and expected. The Common Core initiative is meant to
improve student outcomes, and strengthen college and career readiness in the future. This effort is consistent
with the overall mission of Hillcrest High School – both this year and moving forward. For your information, the
role out of Common Core Trigonometry will occur in the 2015-2016 school year.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences. This year the conferences will be
held on Wednesday, November 5th, in the evening and on Friday, November 7th in the afternoon.
As always, I am open to suggestions. Please feel free to contact me at jrios7@schools.nyc.gov or
jrios7@hillcresths.org
Eliot Finkelstein, A.P.
Security & Student Life
Hillcrest H.S. students have both the rights and responsibilities that will provide a safe and secure surrounding in
which to learn and in which all people are treated with respect and courtesy. We are committed to working with
staff, students, parents and community organizations for this purpose. School rules and regulations have been
developed to ensure that the rights of everyone are protected. Students have received information specifically
outlining their “Rights and Responsibilities.” Please review it and discuss it with your child. It is inappropriate for
students to have large sums of money or wear expensive jewelry to school. We do not have all day storage lockers
for outer wear; therefore we recommend that students do not wear very expensive coats to school. The school day
consists of four regular entry periods. Students must arrive at the following times as they will not be allowed to
interfere with ongoing instruction if late.
Period
Arrival Time
Entry Closes
1
2
3
7:20 A.M.
8:30 A.M.
9:15 A.M.
8:20 A.M.
9:00 A.M.
9:45 A.M.
Detention will be given for students arriving after last entry. We require our students to follow all rules and
regulations. Beepers/Cellular phones and unauthorized electronic equipment and potentially dangerous items are
not permitted in school and will be confiscated. A dress code is in effect. A copy of the dress code is available
from the Dean’s office. Students are required to follow all rules and regulations:
*No hats may be worn in classrooms/offices/auditorium presentations.
*No "doo" rags/stocking caps/neck beads may be worn anywhere in the building.
*No electronic equipment including beepers, walkmen, diskmen, and cell phones may be brought into the building
and will be confiscated.
We are a zero tolerance school. We will suspend and/or arrest any person violating the law, Chancellor’s
regulations, and/or city- wide code of conduct. We strive to keep Hillcrest High School a safe and secure
environment so that teaching and learning can thrive. We need your support and cooperation.
Justin A. Follyga, A.P.
Foreign Language
Arts/Music/Theatre/Business
We in the Foreign Languages, Music, Arts, Theatre and Business Departments welcome all of our parents and
students. We hope you are all ready as we embark for the new journey that will introduce all of us to instructional
modals that will better service our students this school year 2014-2015.
Each and every student at Hillcrest will continue to receive instructions in foreign languages at his/her assigned
small learning community. We are offering Spanish levels 1, 2, 3, & 4; French levels 1, 2, 3 & 4.
In music, we will offer Band, Strings and Chorus classes and students who had taken any of these classes in Junior
H.S. should report to their guidance counselors in order to be enrolled. We are also looking for talented students
who play instruments to contact Mr. Lance, our music and art coordinator so they can be scheduled for any of
these classes. Do you love arts? Please enroll in an art class if your schedule permits it.
Ms. Boghosian and Ms. McQueen will be organizing a trip to Montreal and Quebec City, Canada in the spring 2015
(possibly May 22-25) and we encourage parents to afford their children this great opportunity to discover other
languages, people and their cultures.
As always, the Foreign Language, Music, Arts, Theatre and Business teachers will continue to dedicate themselves
to our students by providing them with a quality education that would prepare each and every one of them to
compete in today’s global economy.
Amar Nepal
A.P. Data Analyst
Did you know you can easily monitor your child’s homework assignments and quiz grades? All subject teachers will
be utilizing the Online Gradebook feature in Pupil Path. We strongly urge you to monitor your child’s homework,
classwork, and exam average in all classes.
Pupil Path is a web based system that will give you access to a variety of information on your child. Pupil Path
can be accessed from any computer or smart phone 24 hours a day. You can instantly send messages to your
child’s teacher which is the easiest and most effective form of communication. If you have not signed up yet but
would like to, please contact our Parent Coordinator – Ms. Akhtar at (718) 658-5407, ext. 1161, or
bakhtar@schools.nyc.gov
You can also log on to www.HillcrestWeb.com and click on the Pupil Path link for more information.
Special training sessions will be offered at our Parent Teacher Conference Days, Nov. 5th & 7th. Come to the
library in room 230 to register if you have not signed up for Pupil Path. The process will be faster is you sign up for
you own email account at home. For a free email account, go to www.gmail.com and click on “Create an
Account.”
Students should take advantage of our in-school tutoring on Thursdays and Fridays. For the latest tutoring
schedule, please visit www.HillcrestWeb.com and click on “Tutoring Schedule” on the Quick Links section.
If you would like to reach me, my telephone number is (718) 658-5407 ext. 1042. My office is room 104
(Attendance Office). The best way to reach me is via email: ANepal@schools.nyc.gov
Please do not hesitate to contact me for any reason.
Stacie Sugarman, A.P.
Intervention Specialist Support
The school year has gotten off to a smooth start and by now students are all working hard to receive passing
grades for the first and second marking periods. While studying and completing all assignments is a sure way to
improve academic success, sometimes we all need a little extra help. I would like to remind all students to take
advantage of the many support programs offered at Hillcrest. The Saturdays at Hillcrest program will begin in
November, tutoring is available through SLCs every Thursday and Friday, special regents preparation marathons
will be run prior to the January regents, and of course teachers and administration are always here to help and
come up with an individual plan for academic intervention. If your child finds himself/herself behind in credits
please have him/her stop by and visit me in room 116 E so that we can work together to develop a plan for
success!
Our support team in the Instructional Support Service department (ISS) continues to work with students to ensure
that they receive all the resources and support needed to ensure a successful school year. This year we have
approximately 50 classes that are co-taught with two teachers. The co-teaching model allows students to have
twice the amount of support they would normally receive in a traditional classroom. Students in these classes have
the advantage of learning the necessary curriculum from not one, but two educators. In many cases, one teacher
is an expert in the subject area while the other is an expert on teaching methodology. We believe that by creating
a class with these two professionals, we are ensuring the success of all types of learners. In addition, we have a
Resource Room with a computer lab that gives students with IEPs the opportunity to learn and practice information
from their other classes by using technology.
I look forward to meeting you during Parent Teacher Conferences on November 5th and 7th and working with you to
help your child succeed this school year!
If you have any questions, or I can be of assistance to you, please feel free to email me at
ssugarm2@schools.nyc.gov
Tarek Ali, A.P.
Health & P.E. / Technology
We need your help modeling and advocating for the benefits of an active lifestyle. Our youngsters are in need of a
major change for their sedentary lifestyle. Your encouragement is always welcome to help your child attend and
pass their physical education class. As it is a required subject for graduation and it also trains our students for
maintaining a healthier lifestyle.
Here are some of the benefits that you and your child can receive when he or she attends our PE and athletic
program.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Physical Activity include:

Causes an increase in endorphins - (the "feel-good" chemicals in the brain responsible for mood elevation,
also the body's natural pain killers)

Causes an increase in serotonin levels - (Another feel-good chemical in the brain, associated with a sense
of well-being and impulse control)
 May help prevent depression
 Decreases anxiety levels
 Releases anger, frustrations or tensions of everyday life
 Increases creative thinking and mental sharpness
 Increases energy levels
 Makes you feel good about yourself and increases your confidence
Health Benefits of Physical Activity include:
 Reduces risk of heart disease by strengthening the heart muscle










(Cardiovascular/interval training exercise a minimum for 20 minutes five times a week )
Reduces risk for stroke (brain attack)
Reduces risk of some types of cancer
Reduces LDL cholesterol levels ("bad" cholesterol)
Raises HDL cholesterol levels ("good" cholesterol)
Improves blood flow especially to your the brain ( enhance academic achievements)
Protects against osteoporosis (weakening of the bones)
Increases muscle mass with appropriate diet (body tone)
Strengthens the immune system (improve attendance)
Decreases body fat levels by conserving muscle mass and increasing the body's ability to burn calories
(Fat burning /cardiovascular exercise for a minimum of 45 continuous minutes every day)
Social Benefits of Physical Activity include:
 Opportunity to share time with friends and family
 Opportunity to participate in beneficial positive activities that replace negative pressured ones
 Opportunity to develop positive social skills to make you more popular with your peers, teachers, and
family members
 Opportunity to develop leadership skills and a positive character
 Opportunity to learn the benefits of being team players to achieve more complex goals
Our athletic program consists of 22 teams for boys and girls. The goal of the program is to provide the students
with the opportunity to acquire the competitive edge while learning the social skills to be a team player and the
discipline of playing by and following rules.
Your recognition, support, and encouragement of the children to maintain their academic excellence are greatly
appreciated. Your presence will be the highlight of their games.
Here is the link to find our games and meets schedule, and, in addition, the hyperlink for those proud students in
your class or SLC.
http://www.psal.org/profiles/school-profile.aspx#28522
http://www.psal.org/events-and-standings/school-calendar.aspx?schid=28522
Pedro Cubero
A.P. Social Studies
The Social Studies Department is excited by the start of this new school year. With the assistance of our eight
Small Learning Communities we believe we’re in a stronger position than ever to offer your child a quality
education, and we continue to strive to ensure that all students meet rigorous graduation requirements and are
College and Career Ready.
Those unfamiliar with the Social Studies requirements should be aware that all students are required to pass a full
four years of Social Studies classes. In addition to this coursework students must also pass two separate Social
Studies Regents examinations, the Global History and Geography Regents in June of sophomore year (10th Grade)
and the US History and Government Regents, which all juniors (11th Grade) take in June. Students should be
aware that these exams are cumulative and will be based on all work done in ninth and tenth grades on the Global
exam, and all work done in eleventh grade on the US History exam. Juniors and seniors (12th Grade) who have not
yet passed the Global History Regents, and seniors who have not yet passed the Global or US History Regents, will
be scheduled to take these exams in January 2015. To prepare students that have failed a Social Studies Regents
class all have been programmed to take a “Women in History” course in addition to their regular Social Studies
class to have him or her meet with success when retaking their Regents. Please check our website for when
Saturdays at Hillcrest will begin. This together with tutoring offered by the Small Learning Communities during the
school day will give your son or daughter to better chance to pass these rigorous exams. If your child is scheduled
for one of these January exams, please encourage him/her to take advantage of these opportunities.
As the semester progresses parents should be aware that report card grades are based on a standardized set of
marking rubrics used in all Social Studies classes; your child should have received a copy in his/her class at the
start of the semester. Factors considered in the determination of report card grades include class exams,
homework, participation and attendance, and required projects.
In addition to the state mandated Social Studies curriculum, our department, in conjunction with York College, is
offering History 100. Students enrolled in this class will graduate with three college credits. Those interested in
law or community service should take advantage of the many programs we offer, regardless of SLC. Last year, for
example, students volunteered to be a part of our Moot Court and/or Mock Trial teams. Students also interned at
various law offices throughout the Borough of Queens.
We are happy to have begun this school year. If you have any questions or concerns about the Social Studies
requirements or your child’s progress please do not hesitate to call us at 718-658-5407 ext. 1162.
Russell Wasden
A.P. ESL
Now in its third full year as a large SLC, Newcomers is moving forward. We have several success stories from last
year: namely, we surpassed our goal of increasing the number of students who scored “Proficient” on the New York
State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT). Over 122 students reached this benchmark
this year, and 65% of our students increased at least one level on the same test. We heartily congratulate these
students for this remarkable achievement, and we wish them well in college and in their new SLCs. They should
remember that as Former English Language Learners (F-ELLs) they are still eligible for our After School Programs
as well as extended time and use of bilingual glossaries/dictionaries on all major assessments like the Regents
exams.
All of this is very good news, and we sincerely thank the teachers, counselors, school aids, deans, and everyone
else in the building who helped us reach this goal.
Looking forward, we anticipate many more good things this year. Currently we have scheduled our Annual Family
Fun Night for the third week of November. We also will be holding a series of Town Hall Meetings to address the
needs of students who are not passing their Regents in a timely fashion and to make students in our SLC more
college ready. Finally, we are placing a major emphasis on tutoring this year. Each teacher in Newcomers will
mentor a small group of students by gathering and analyzing their data. From there, we will make changes to the
way we teach these students, which will impact the way they learn.
As always, Newcomers will have a rigorous After School and Saturday program that will address the needs of our
special group of students from other countries. We consistently emphasize to our parents, students, teachers and
support staff that in order to be successful in the United States, our students need to work twice as hard as
students who were born in this country and speak English as a first language. This is not easy. It means our
students stay after school every day. They sit for 4.5 hours on the exams instead of 3 hours. They look up words
in their dictionaries and glossaries, and create graphic organizers for themselves on the test when other students
simply answer the questions. We know that by doing these things, they will be working twice as smart. As a
faculty, we are ready to work hard and smart with our students. Their achievements are our achievements, and
we hope to see many more in the near future!
Newcomers institute is an SLC of high expectations with high support. This year in our SLC we will fully embrace
the school motto: “Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow.”
David Ricaurte
A.P. Science
The Science Department is enthusiastic by the start of this school year. Our vision is to produce responsible
learners who use science as a process to make informed decisions, solve problems, and enrich their lives. One of
our goals for the Science department this school year is to provide authentic learning opportunities that allow
students to apply scientific principles to real-life situations.
All students are required to pass at least three years of Science. All students will take one year of biological
science, one year of physical science and one year of elective science. Depending in the SLC, your child will need
additional courses and services to meet their requirements. In addition to the coursework students must also pass
a Science Regents examination. We strive for our students to obtain an advanced regents diploma and the role of
the science department is to ensure our students pass as many science regents such as Living Environment, Earth
Science, Chemistry and Physics Regents.
Students who have not yet passed a Science Regents are scheduled for Investigative Science to prepare them to
pass in January. Saturdays at Hillcrest will offer review classes for regents’ preparation, additional tutoring and lab
make-up. All Small Learning Communities offer tutoring during the school day. If your child is scheduled for one
of these January exams, please encourage him/her to take advantage of these opportunities.
Science classes that terminate in a regents examination has a lab component. All students must complete a
minimum of 1200 minutes of participation in lab to be certified to take the science regents. Students are
scheduled to attend lab once a week throughout the school year. You can track their progress in PupilPath, report
card and/or parent teacher conferences.
The Science department invites you to attend Parent Teacher Conference on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 from
5:30 pm -8:00 pm and/or on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 12:45 pm – 2:45 pm. This will be a great
opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and support our goal of sharing the responsibility for advancing our
school’s vision and producing global learners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Science requirements or your child’s progress please do not
hesitate to contact me at dricaurte@schools.nyc.gov or by phone at 718-658-5407 ext. 1167.
John Binet
A.P. English
With the words of master poet Emily Dickinson “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn.” I greet
you all and hope you are enjoying the season.
Parents, the English department is happy to announce all of our classrooms are embarking in Common Core
aligned essential questions fostering great thinking, reading , writing and rich discussions. Whether your child is
just beginning at Hillcrest or is a seasoned veteran, they will be enhancing their reading closely skills by using
reader response strategies such as Visualizing, Mark and Highlighting, Reacting and Connecting, Clarifying,
Predicting and Questioning a text.
Please be our partners in education and ask them to explain each of these strategies to you and how they work in a
close read. It is important you extend the learning at home by asking them what they learned today in their
English class. You should also model the importance of reading with them by setting aside some family time for
reading. Even if it is just for 20 minutes, the investment will do wonders for their reading stamina.
Finally, I am setting up focus groups with students to learn more about how they learn best. The goal is for me to
take this data and articulate it to my staff so we can better serve our students. Their voices are so important if we
want to be at our best.
I look forward to meeting you all during Parent Teacher meetings on November 5th and 7th.
Please feel free to email me at jbinet@hillcresths.org with any questions, concerns or even starting a
conversation about a book you are currently reading at home with your child.
Teachers of Tomorrow Institute
Aarti Bhanot-Haque (Guidance Counselor)
This fall, the Teachers of Tomorrow Small Learning Community is delighted to announce our participation in a
plethora of learning activities to promote student success and growth into dynamic individuals. Students will be
getting the opportunity to build their financial literacy with a trip to American Express in which they will learn about
personal finance and shadow a representative. Additionally keeping true to our SLC’S theme, our students will also
continue to hone their teaching skills by participating in Junior Achievement, a program which allows our students
to teach in local elementary schools for an entire day.
Our SLC is committed to ensuring all students succeed and thus we ask for your support by suggesting that you
ask your child daily what he/she learned in class. Additionally please encourage your child to attend our G.O.L.D
(Goal Oriented Learning Development) tutoring, 7th period every Thursday and Friday. In our SLC, our teacher
teams along with the director and guidance counselor, meticulously analyze our students’ data to best serve their
needs by targeting areas for growth and providing one-on-one tutoring to strengthen their academic progress.
We look forward to speaking further with you at our Parent Teacher Conference in early November.
Theatre Institute
Kevin Meichsner, Director
The Theatre Institute is so excited about this fall semester! The teachers in our Small Learning Community are
committed to providing the best possible education to all the students in the Theatre Institute. Our Institute will be
providing extra support to students this fall through our Office Hours tutoring program which we hope most
students will take full advantage of.
The International Thespian Society will continue their charity work this year with UNICEF. Last October the
Thespians raised over $400 for UNICEF! We will also continue to look for new partnerships to help give back to the
community.
This fall and winter our students will be given the opportunity to see off-Broadway and Broadway shows. Also, this
year we will continue our work with LEAP and one of our students will have the opportunity to have their original
one-act play produced on a Broadway stage.
In December look for your child in the Thespian Society production of the August Wilson classic Fences. In
addition, our Senior Theatre class will continue the tradition of the “Senior Show” by holding auditions for their
spring production of Our Town. In an effort to give all actors time on stage, our juniors and sophomores have
begun to prepare for their chance to shine in their own showcases coming in May and June! We didn’t forget about
you 9th graders—come to our monthly Poetry Readings and Open Mic Nights to show off your talents!
Students from all SLCs can audition for our spring musical in December.
The Theatre Institute will continue its partnerships with LEAP and the Shakespeare and August Wilson Monologue
competitions to bring its students numerous opportunities to advance their creativity.
Please remember to have your child come to school each day with the proper supplies- pens, pencils, notebooks,
and folders; and don’t forget their ID cards and Programs! We hope you and your child have a wonderful
school year. Feel free to call Mr. Meichsner anytime or email at kmeichsner@hillcresths.org
BizTek Institute
Christine Peterson, Director
Fall is upon us and we welcome the change of the season. Change is good in any context. We are excited to
welcome the Class of 2018 and excited about the many changes that the Class of 2014 will encounter in college,
work, and life.
Biztek looks forward to seeing all of our parents and guardians at the upcoming Parent Teacher Conferences. The
evening conference will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, from 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The afternoon
conference will convene on Friday, November 7, 2014, from 12:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Please bring any questions and
concerns you may have. Remember, we are partners in the education of your children.
Enjoy and embrace the Fall season along with the changes it will bring!
Public Service & Law
Salima Khan, Director
The Academy of Public Service & Law is having an extremely successful fall 2014. Our teachers
and Guidance Counselor have managed to create an effective learning community where three
hundred students feel connected and validated. They have significantly raised educational
standards in every single subject area. Through the use of available data and inquiry, these
dedicated professionals have changed their pattern of instruction to target the academic needs of
all students and have managed to change many students’ attitude to school. Our main goal is to graduate your
child high school in four years while facilitating a readiness for college.
Literacy is being infused in all content areas to help our students understand important academic language and to
develop essential language skills. Our teachers have mounted Word Walls in all classrooms and are infusing the
Essentials of Writing in all subject areas. Extensive tutoring is offered to all students during period four on
Thursdays and Fridays every week.
Our law program has been transformed this term into a three year sequence.
We are offering classes in Introduction to Law, Constitutional Law, Legal Studies /Mock Trials and Forensics & the
Law. We are happy to announce that several of our students were accepted as interns to the High School Law
Institute at Columbia/ New York Universities and the Quest Youth Court. We also offer Coop-Students internships
on our school campus. We celebrated Constitution Day on September 17th and our students are currently being
rigorously coached for Moot Court, and Mock Trial tournaments, which prepares them for the city wide
championships.
Our students take college classes in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Calculus, Health Science, Anthropology and
Cultural Diversity at school and at York College and Queensborough Community College. Students also take
Advanced Placement and Honors classes in all subject areas.
Many of our students were given and will be given the unique opportunity to participate in a City Breast Cancer
Walk and Christmas Walk under the auspices of the National Council for Unity. Council students in Public Service &
Law are also involved in numerous public service ventures such as Cunningham Park clean up and Clean
Environment programs. They plan to bring cheer to the babies in the LYFE Center during the Holiday season and
foster a culture of “Thankfulness” throughout the school. They also sponsor hikes, trips, dances and visits to the
opera and museums.
We are presently involved in doing rigorous outreach to parents. Hundreds of letters and phone calls have already
been made since September to target students with truancy, tardiness, academic and behavioral issues. Please log
on to https://pupilpath.skedula.com by using your password (your child has this information) to access his/her
progress and attendance.
We reward our students who do well in class, by electing Students of the Month in all the subject areas. An Honor
Roll and a Perfect Attendance List are generated at the end of each marking period and displayed throughout the
Academy in many prominent places.
We are looking forward to meet all parents at Parent/Teacher Conference on Wednesday, November 5 th between
5:30-8:00pm or on Friday, November 7th between 12:45-2:45pm. We will be extremely delighted to welcome you
to this important meeting and are quite eager to develop a partnership with you to plan for your child’s education.
Health Sciences Institute
Gloria Zotti-Meltzer, Director
Fall is always a busy time of year in Health Sciences. Our new freshmen class of 2018 attended our Freshmen
Orientation and Ice Cream Social in August; they are working hard and have become an integral part of our SLC.
During September each student cohort attended a town hall meeting with their director, Ms. Zotti-Meltzer, their
guidance counselor, Ms. Johnson, and their teachers. Our principal, Mr. David Morrison, welcomed our freshmen
and our College Office Coordinator, Ms. Feriz- Gordon, spoke to Juniors and Seniors about the tricky maze of
College applications and scholarships.
Our CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) classes continue to flourish.
We are also pleased to add to our faculty another RN Ms. Ann Utke. This month, CNA students have started
Clinicals at Margaret Tietz Nursing Home. During October, we also began recruitment for HOSA (Future Health
Professionals). Last year we had a great team that competed in the regional competition in Syracuse NY; we hope
to duplicate or even surpass our successes this year.
Our students continue to work on their required SLC and Community Service volunteer hours. Through the work of
our CTE director Ms. Reilly-Gasior, many of our students have also received paid internships in places such as New
York State VA Nursing Home in St. Albans, Queens.
On PSAT day, Oct. 15th, our seniors participated in a school trip to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not in Manhattan. On a
more serious note- trips have also been scheduled for Nov 5 to attend a college class and visit the nursing lab and
admission office at QCC. On Oct 14, QCC came to us- nurses visited our SLC and spoke to Health Sciences juniors
and seniors about domestic violence.
Reminders to all Health Sciences students:
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Parent-teacher Conferences are Wednesday Nov 5th - 5:30-8:00 pm and Friday, Nov 7th - 12:45-2:45 pm.
Students are receiving report cards on Monday, Nov 3rd.
Tutoring is school wide – every Thursday and Friday - there are teachers available for tutoring for nearly
every period. Make sure you attend!
Saturdays at Hillcrest has started and will continue throughout November and December.
Seniors, please be sure to schedule your meeting with Ms. Feriz-Gordon at the College Office; follow up on
College deadlines and keep those grades up!
We wish all of you success for the rest of the semester. Contact us if you have any concerns. Hope to see you and
your parents at Parent Teacher conferences.
Gloria Zotti-Meltzer - Health Sciences Director - GZottim@schools.nyc.gov
Cassandra Johnson - Guidance Counselor - CJohnso3@schools.nyc.gov
Maureen Reilly-Gasior - Hillcrest CTE Director - MReilly13@schools.nyc.gov
Pre Med Institute
Cristina Piccirillo-Ganesh, Director
As a new school year begins the Pre-Med Institute would like to welcome all newcomers and those already with us
as we embark on new adventures that will surely leave students with great experiences and everlasting memories.
As the year progresses the teachers will be working with students and parents to ensure success in all their
academic endeavors.
Being in the Pre-Med Institute, expectations are higher than usual but nothing the students cannot handle with the
right amount of dedication and determination. From the beginning, students are instilled with hard working ethics
executed by teachers that will surely help overcome obstacles posed by challenging classes. Such classes include:
AP Calculus, AP Spanish, AP Art History, AP Global and American History, AP English Composition and Literature,
AP Biology and Environmental Sciences, Medical Laboratory, Micro Biology, College Now courses, and many Honor
level classes. For students seeking assistance, tutoring is now available Thursdays and Fridays Period 6. There will
also be tutoring classes possibly offered on Saturdays at Hillcrest in the near future from 8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
For further information, please keep checking Hillcrest’s website for any updates: www.hillcrestweb.com
A reminder to all about volunteer hours: it is a requirement to complete a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer
service by the time the student graduates. Volunteer hours can be done anywhere the student chooses. We want
students to like where they volunteer rather than force them to do it in places of our choice. The manner in which a
student keeps a log on hours volunteered will need to be discussed with the institution they are volunteering. After
the volunteer work is completed, a letter, on letter head, needs to be provided from the institution stating:
student’s name, the hours of service, description of what their responsibilities were, a name of contact and phone
number. This letter needs to be given to Mr. Ertel or Mrs. Piccirillo-Ganesh by beginning of May during their 12th
grade year. Of course, it can be given in before as well.
It is crucial that all parents be logged onto pupilpath. Pupilpath is a system in which you, as the parent, can keep
track, daily, of your child’s: grades, attendance, assignments, and progress (college ready). This is also the system
in which you can communicate with all teachers by email. All parents have been assigned a code so that you are
able to log on (the code is different than your child’s – do not give your child your password). You must also have
an email address to link it to. If you do not have your code, please call Mrs. Bilquees Akhtar at extension 1161 to
receive your code. You can also get set up during Parent Teacher Conference on November 5 th and 7th in the
Library, room 230. Please have an email address ready in order to do so that day. It will help to facilitate all
parents getting registered.
As a reminder to all parents, the first Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Wednesday, November 5th from 5:30
– 8:00 and Friday, November 7th from 12:45 – 2:45. For more information on NYC’s academic calendar please refer
to: http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/13CCC114-2DC8-40F2-B79E8ED316C3C1F7/0/20142015SchoolYearCalendar.pdf
Expectations are high and in the Pre- Med Institute success is inevitable! Faculty and students are all optimistic for
yet another productive year. Good luck and best wishes to all!
Newcomers Institute
Bibi Nazila Ramjan, Director
With great fortitude and zest, Newcomers enters its third year as the home to all students who speak English as a
Second Language. While learning English is a challenge, the last school year was a great success as we continue to
see a marked increase in the number of students who tested out of ESL and are now with other small learning
communities. We pledge to continue the hard work as we learn today and lead tomorrow.
As always, our after-school tutoring - Passport to Success, will begin in November. Classes will be held in literacy,
and all subjects that culminate in regents examinations. We will continue to utilize the computer lab in room 460
every day so that students can do castle learning homework, research, or print materials that they need to support
their learning experience. This year, we will introduce a class in leadership - Building Leadership across Cultures
(BLAC). Students are asked to look for the schedule for all after-school classes and activities in the 480 complex.
Students are also advised to attend tutoring on Thursdays and Fridays during period five (5) or as specified on
their programs. In December, before students leave for vacation, we will have an academic challenge for students
who will be taking the regents exams in January. We hope that this will help to prepare them for the upcoming
exams, as well as build collegiality among students and staff.
During the fall semester, Newcomers holds its annual Family Fun Night in November. This is an event where
students and their families - parents/guardians, grandparents, and siblings of students- are invited to play games,
enjoy a delicious meal, and dance to ethnic music. We will take the opportunity to distribute certificates to all the
students who are on Honor Roll (90 and above), and to acknowledge meritorious students for attendance,
participation and good citizenship. The Newcomers Institute is a unique small learning community where barriers
are broken down and we are not afraid to try new things to promote good relationships among our students,
parents and teachers.
The staff of Newcomers Institute looks forward to another year of hard work and dedicated service to our
wonderful students and parents from all over the world. We plan to involve our students in a wide array of
activities that promote good relationships and work attitudes that will assist them to become productive citizens in
an ever-changing global community. We look forward to meeting parents/guardians during parent/teacher
conference on November 5th and 7th, 2014. Please check with your child and Pupil Path for time schedules.
For those of you who are new to the Newcomers community, welcome to a place where “learning today” makes
leaders of tomorrow.
Academy of Media, Arts and Music
Brian Panepinto, Director
Welcome back students and staff to The Academy of Media, Arts and Music. We have had a good first month of
classes and our teachers are motivated to helping our students succeed for the year. Our SLC is now structured to
meet the needs and talents of our artistic and creative students while still maintaining previous high standards and
rigor of academic achievement.
Our students are taking Honor classes in English, Math, Science, History and Foreign Language, as well as over a
dozen Advanced Placement courses including AP English, AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus, and AP History.
In addition to this rigorous slate of classes, our students are now engaged in their media, arts and music tracks
that invites them to explore their own creative and artistic talents.
Parents are reminded to check in on their child’s academic progress by attending Hillcrest’s Parent-Teacher
Conference, which runs on November 6 and November 7.
We are excited for our annual Humanities Week that takes place during the week of October 17. The heart of
Humanities Week includes our 8th Annual Humanities Day, in which students will partake in a variety of communitybuilding events such as an Academic Bowl, Pop Culture Bowl, and Athletic Events. The day is seen as a huge
celebration of the fun side of academics and community by our students and staff and will culminate in a Back-toSchool Dance that night in our 380 Area.
We are only one month into the new school year, and yet we have had some great accomplishments at our
institution that we wanted to share with you!
Senior Amrita Kalicharan won a business scholarship offered from The University of Ulster in Birmingham, United
Kingdom to study overseas. She will be graduating early and enrolling at the UK University in January! Her story
was published in the Queens Chronicle and Queens Press -- http://queenspress.com/senior-wins-scholarship-ingreat-britain/
Junior artist Teyanah Cleve's artwork was a winner of the New York City High School Directory Cover Competition,
and her work is the cover of the New York City Middle School Directory that every student entering middle school
receives. You can see her work at the top of the page here: http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/613553F13356-429D-8578-36517F61B007/0/MS_fairguide20142.pdf
Senior Sarah Khimjee, the AMAM Valedictorian with a near 100 cumulative average, recently introduced Melinda
Gates at the Social Good Summit held last month in New York City. Sarah was one of 20 members of the Girl Up
Organization selected from a nationwide search to attend this prestigious conference. Her blog detailing her
amazing story is located here: http://www.girlup.org/blog/let-girls-lead-social-good-summit.html
Junior Zainab Tahir, the AMAM Valedictorian of the 2015 cohort with a 98 average, was one of 20 selected NYC
students to participate in the Mock NYC City Council Project. Zainab, currently a senior member in our awardwinning Model United Nations class, will be receiving college credits and acting as a City Council Member at City
Hall. More information about the project can be found here: http://collegenow.cuny.edu/model-city/
We are also proud to announce a partnership for our Art Students with the Museum of The Moving Image. Our 9th
grade Art students will be working with experts from the museum in video game design. Students will flex their art
muscles by developing interactive games.
Not only are our students amazing in the classroom, but they love to get involved and bring fun and/or humane
projects to our community. Our Student Council has organized trips to Salem, Massachusetts (home of the Salem
Witch Trials) for a fun Halloween trip and Broadway show in December. Our council is working towards securing a
Toy Drive and book reading for Christmas at St. Luke's Children's Hospital, and a Food Drive for the less fortunate
on Thanksgiving.
As you can see, things are very busy for us here! We are excited about the new happenings in our SLC and wish
our incoming students luck and success this school year.
iZone Academy
Ena Baxter, Director
iLearnNYC @ Hillcrest High School is up and running. Our students are taking advantage of this virtual
teaching and learning system that offers online courses provided by New York City Department of Education. We
have expanded our course offerings, to assist all seniors and some juniors in all SLC’s (Small Learning
Community).
Our iZone program covers various subjects and gives our students a chance to complete courses that they need to
make up or explore courses that are not offered during regular scheduled classes. Students are able to work at
their own pace with teacher guidance. These courses are Common Core aligned and consist of instructional webbased materials that are accessible in the class and at home. They offer a variety of resources which includes text
and research options for our students to explore.
This commitment, “to prepare students for success in college and career by personalizing learning to meet the
needs, motivations and strengths of each student” (ILearnNYC), mirrors our theme for this year “learning today,
leading tomorrow”. We continue to explore options that keep abreast with the digital age.
College Office News
Norma Feriz
Parents and students are encouraged to read their pupilpath messages; important information is being shared.
Seniors should have already registered to take the October or November SAT for the last time. Seniors should be in
the process of preparing for the college application process by gathering information and finalizing their personal
statements, asking for letters of recommendations, and applying to scholarships. A message was sent to the
students with access to hundreds of scholarships.
Sophomores and Juniors are highly encouraged to sign up to take SAT preparation courses. We are finding that
students that do not complete a formal SAT preparation course are not getting the minimum required scores for
the colleges of their choice. Students that are participating in a SAT prep course are better prepared and have
more options with respect to scholarships and more competitive colleges. Juniors should take the SAT beginning in
January and again during their junior year in May or June. Students can take SAT Subject tests as soon as they
complete the coursework as early as their sophomore year, only if required by their prospective colleges.
If any students have concerns regarding their immigration status; they should meet with the college office as soon
as possible to explore the options available and obtain resources that can provide free or low cost services.
In October, the college office will provide the seniors with forms that will need to be completed in order to prepare
for the college application process. Students applying to SUNY and/or private schools should have already started
their applications. Students can visit the college office prior to submitting their application with questions and to
have them reviewed.
CUNY applications will be completed in school during the students' Senior Government classes. Students are
encouraged to prepare financially. The CUNY application fee is $65.00 and 6 schools may be selected.
Deadlines are very important, please remind your children to stay on top of their courses, regents, and the college
application process. Parents, I look forward to meeting you during parent-teacher conferences to answer your
questions about the college application process and financial aid.
Look forward to working with you and our students. If you wish to contact us sooner, please do so by sending a
pupilpath message to Ms. Norma Feriz-Gordon or by emailing nferizgordon@hillcresths.org
Parent Coordinator
Bilquees Akhtar
Parents thank you for being part of Hillcrest High School family. Please stay informed and engaged by:
o
Signing-up for Pupilpath (contact me for more information)
o
Check your email regularly
o
Get to know your child’s guidance counselor
o
Attend PTA meetings and Parent/Teacher Conferences
The PTA will conduct workshops on the new Common Core Standards (Math, English, Social Studies, and Science),
FAFSA, and other relevant topics. At every meeting, there is a theme and a guest speaker. It is very important to
be involved in the PTA. Each meeting provides wealth of information, latest updates, chance to voice your
concerns, learn about various parent and student opportunities. Monthly meetings are held on Tuesdays at 6pm.
Here are the dates for the fall of 2014:
October 21, 2014
November 18, 2014
December 16, 2014
January 20, 2015
The Fall Parent Teacher Conference is on November 5 (5:30pm-8:00pm) and November 7 (12:45pm-2:45pm).
Please attend because this is your opportunity to speak to your child’s teachers and learn more about his/her
progress in school.
“Every home is a university and the parents are the teachers.”-Mahatma Gandhi
Parent Teacher Association
Desiree Cameron, President
On September 16th, The Parents Association of Hillcrest held its first meeting for the 2014-2015 school year. It was
heartening to see the auditorium full of parents, like myself, who are involved in their children’s education. In
addition to parents, many students were in attendance. What was most impressive is the number of parents who
wished to volunteer. A BIG thank you to all who made donations!
Special thanks to Mr. Morrison for being present and for addressing questions and concerns raised by parents. We
are especially grateful to Mr. Hussaini, ISS Guidance Counselor, for an excellent and informative presentation on
graduation requirements.
We hope that future meetings will be as successful as we strive to provide parents with tools and information that
benefit students and to support the teachers and staff at Hillcrest.
On behalf of Sackelia Webb-Edwards, Regina Whitlow and Bibi Ashraf Stegger, I would like to wish students,
parents and staff a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays in December. Let’s hope the great weather continues!
IMPORTANT DATES
PTA MEETINGS (6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.)
October 21, 2014
November 18, 2014
December 16, 2014
January 20, 2015
ACT Exams
October 25, 2014
December 13, 2014
SAT Exams
November 8, 2014
December 6, 2014
January 24, 2015
QUEENS HIGH SCHOOL FAIR
Francis Lewis High School – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
October 18, 2014
October 19, 2014
OPEN HOUSE @ HILLCREST H.S. (11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
October 22, 2014
END OF FIRST MARKING PERIOD
October 24, 2014
REPORT CARDS TO STUDENTS
November 3, 2014
December 16, 2014
February 3, 2015
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE
November 5, 2014 – 5:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
November 7, 2014 – 12:45 P.M. to 2:45 P.M.