November 2012 - PTA Newsletter - Staten Island Technical High ...

Staten Island Technical High School
Parent-Teacher Association
485 Clawson Street, Staten Island, NY 10306-4254
VINCENT A. MANISCALCO, Principal, Staten Island Technical HS
DAWN LYNN MARIGOLD SUE STEPHANIE ERIN PAMELA
MACCHIA YASUDA HATGIAGELAKIS DIETRICH FERRETTI O’MALLEY KELTER
President First Second Treasurer Recording Corresponding Parliamentarian
Vice-President Vice-President Secretary Secretary
November 2013
Issue 162
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Hurricane Sandy has finally gone but its effects will long be with us. Our thoughts go out to all who have lost
anything due to the storm. I hope that everyone has fared well, with little damage to your property but most of
all, I hope that all your loved ones are safe and sound. We Staten islanders are quite a resilient bunch!
November is upon us already, report cards have been distributed, Homecoming is behind us, and the Holiday
Fair basket committee is feverishly preparing for the PTA HOLIDAY FAIR, which currently will be held on
Saturday, November 17 th from 10-4. The Fair may possibly be postponed…look for updates. With table after
table of vendor gift ideas and bargains, a full service café and over 100 baskets of incredible prizes to be
awarded, this event is not to be missed! Amongst other things, we will be raffling off a Nook Color, a Coach
pocketbook, an iPod Touch, 2 Scratch-Off ticket baskets, and designer sunglasses. There are still baskets to
be made, so please continue to send in your donations. We need new items and gift certificates for the
baskets, and also gently used items to be sold in our “attic treasures” room. Remember that all the money we
make will be used for the benefit of our students and our school. Bring your donations to the 11/6 or 11/12
basket committee meetings from 7 to 9 p.m. in the PTA room (outside the cafeteria) or leave them with the
Parent Coordinator, Barbara Malenfant. Please plan to be there, hopefully on November 17 th …you won’t
want to miss it!
Our Annual Fundraising Initiative is also in full swing. You should have received a letter this past week.
Thanks to all who have donated so far. I implore you to set aside some time to read it. I cannot stress enough
how important this initiative is to Tech are. The PTA has done so many wonderful things for the school, and
hopefully will be able to continue to do so with your generous support. Let us not forget how fortunate we are
that we are a part of this elite community of Staten Island’s only Specialized High School .… all tuition-free.
On another note, please encourage your students to take part in school activities and events. There has been
a drastic decrease in student participation in all school events including the Freshman Trip (which was
canceled), attendance at Homecoming and the Halloween Dance and a general decrease in school spirit. We
need to take pride in our school and support it in any way we can.
Special thanks to all those who supplied baked goods for High School Information Night. Because of your
generosity we were able to continue the tradition of providing refreshments for over 2,700 visitors that evening.
We would also like to acknowledge the parents who baked for and chaperoned the Halloween Dance and
those who baked for the PTA bake sale, which raised about $710. Thank you!
Have a safe, happy and restful Thanksgiving surrounded by everyone you care about.
Count your blessings and go out of your way to help those who did not fare as well during
this terrible storm. I know I will!
Sincerely, Dawn Macchia,
PTA President
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STATEN ISLAND TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Vincent A. Maniscalco, Principal
Principal’s Message
Dear Parents/Guardians,
S.I. Tech is proud of the work its teachers have completed with regard to the alignment of subject area curriculum
maps and the Common Core Learning Standards that are to be officially adopted by all NYC schools by the
year 2014.
The Common Core Learning Standards define what students “should know,” “be able to do,” and “how well” by
the end of each grade. They correspond to the College and Career Readiness (CCR) anchor standards and define
the literacy skills and understandings that all Tech students will be held responsible to demonstrate. In September
2012, Tech established an instructional team to aid in the advancement of its ongoing efforts toward aligning
instructional shifts with mandated CCLS.
Tech is currently working toward the creation of new pre-and post- unit assessments that will be instrumental in
the monitoring student performance levels and growth based on specific CCLS. You can read more about the
Common Core Standards on-line @ http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/common_core_standards/home.html.
“How Good, Is Good” is a primary question to be addressed if we intend to truly deepen our factual perceptions
of Tech’s overall instructional and co-curriculum programs. To understand Tech’s current performance and
accountability levels which will be evaluated by NYC Quality Reviewers, it is imperative that we have a clear
understanding of the criteria by which schools are judged to be “Well Developed.” Five years ago, Tech’s
Quality Review reported that the school was “proficient.” Since that time, many positive changes aligned with
the QR findings and recommendations have been implemented. The “instructional shift” that is being promoted
citywide will help our students to better meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
Tech, in its ongoing endeavor to achieve greater school-wide transparency with increased accountability,
continues to support projects and/or program enhancements based on parent and student recommendations.
The next time you log on to Tech’s website, please look at the following two sections:
• “Athletics” Section: Listed in this section’s drop down menu are two items entitled Teams and Schedule.
After viewing the information incorporated in these websites, please feel free to share your thoughts via
an e-mail with our PSAL Athletic Director, Mr. McCarthy.
• “Respect for All” Section: On the middle right side of the front page of the school website there are
• several hot buttons, one of which is entitled “Respect for All.” Please ensure that your student is aware of
the information linked to the Respect for All button. As a community, it is necessary for all of us to assume
responsibility for keeping our students safe.
Sincerely,
VINCENT A. MANISCALCO
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PTA General Membership Meeting Minutes – October 11, 2012
Meeting was called to order at 7:20PM and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Dawn Macchia, President, thanked the parents for attending. A new fire alarm system is being implemented in the
building and being tested tonight.
Karin McQueen made a motion to approve the September minutes, Marigold Hatgiagelakis seconded and minutes
were approved.
Treasurer’s Report:
Sue Dietrich gave the Treasurer’s Report – The budget was handed out and highlighted the activities since July 1,
2012. On July 1 the balance was $63,000 and as of October, 2012 balance $58,000. The fundraising letter was mailed
out and membership dues are still coming in. All Junior families are asked to donate $10 for the Graduation Reception.
The 3D printer approved last May finally arrived. The PTA was gifted approximately $3344 from Senator Lanza, as
well as other schools in his district, money is used for the school at the PTA’s direction. The PTA pays for half the
SITHS website and full Naviance.
Correspondence:
Erin O’Malley, Corresponding Secretary, read a thank you note from Mr. Maniscalco thanking the PTA for all their help,
and cookies and cakes, for the October 3 Open House. It was a very successful event. It was agreed upon that no
food will be set up for next year’s Open House, just the Freshman Acceptance Night.
Principal’s Greeting:
Mr. Maniscalo stated there is a new fire alarm system being set up in the building and they will be testing it all night.
Disregard what you read in the paper regarding the new field. The girl’s field will be refurbished, new turf on the track
and new fencing. Mr. Andrews and Mr. McCarthy are working with SCA on the field and changes in the auditorium, as
well as upgrading the overhead lighting.
SITHS is a landmark building and brick is being re-pointed. It is a 14 month project, scaffolding is up and the roof is
being repaired.
Letters are going out regarding AP classes and how students are doing. SITHS is doing very well with the AP classes.
AP teachers are rotated and sent to workshops. Regents are changing next year.
SITHS has a new CFN, Mr. Joe Zazza.
Please let the Principal know immediately regarding any bullying issues. If it occurs on Facebook or Twitter you must
report it to the police. SITHS Facebook page is just to learn info, no posts can be made there.
Suspensions are given for Facebook and/or Twitter bullying/inappropriate posts. He advised students to watch what
they post.
President’s Report:
Dawn Macchia noted that Fundraising letters were mailed out.
Donations are still needed for the Holiday Fair. Last year $10,000 was raised. All tables will be in the cafeteria.
Returning vendors will get first shot.
PTA shirts were ordered: $10 for t-shirts and $13 for the golf shirts.
The Halloween Dance is Oct. 26 th and parent volunteers are needed.
Invitation from Chris Herren, Daytop Village, to attend Dangers of Drug Use on Oct 16 at St. George Theatre.
PTA committees are set up and meet once a month. If you Chair a committee you can attend the Executive Board.
Parents were asked to cook baked ziti, sausage and peppers for the Holiday Fair and tins were given out.
Holiday Fair set up Friday, November 16 from 1-5 and November 17 help is set up in shifts to make it easier.
Everyone is invited to basket nights on Mondays to help out.
October 15 th ’s bake sale is for the PTA Holiday Fair.
SAT prep will be given in the Spring for Sophomores and Juniors at Tech. The vendors will give a discount.
Parent/Teacher Conferences: it is advised to start on the third floor and make your way down, Oct. 25 night. It is better
to go the afternoon one, Oct. 26.
Parent Coordinator Report: Barbara Malenfant, Parent Coordinator, is on vacation.
The next meeting will be in the library on Thursday, November 8 th – Executive Board 6:30 p.m.. General 7:15 p.m.
Cindy Mastrota made a motion to end the meeting at 8:15PM, Darline Woodhouse seconded.
Respectfully submitted
Stephanie Ferretti, Corresponding Secretary
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Staten Island Technical High School PTA
Treasurer’s Report
July 1 st through October 31 st , 2012
Month of
Actual
October thru 10/31/12
Income
Fundraising ($150 Donation) 11376.00 $11,526.00
Membership Dues 4280.00 4,700.00
Holiday Fair (all) 380.00 505.00
Graduation Tea Donations 955.00 955.00
Newsletter Advertisements 360.00 500.00
Bake Sale Fundraising 645.20 645.20
Bake Sale Fundraising to Holiday Fair 707.50 707.50
T-shirts 276.00 347.00
Installation dinner 43.99
Total Income $18,979.70 $19,929.69
Expenses
Naviance 2,500.00
School website 0.00 -
Gifts to School (Clickers) 0.00 -
Gifts to School (Facebook/Twitter) 0.00 -
Gifts to School (Student Planners) 0.00 -
Gifts to School (3D Printer) 0.00 1,626.00
Sports Program Support -
Bake Sale Donations 625.20 625.20
Holiday Fair Expenses (Café/Baskets) 300.00 833.60
Postage 190.00 190.00
Accounting Donation 0.00 -
Printing/Supplies 121.51 1,026.36
Hospitality 32.64 285.04
Federation Dues / Boosters / Other 0.00 175.00
Teachers' Recognition/Articulation/Homecoming 260.00 260.00
T-shirt Expense 372.50 372.50
Open House Expense 0.00 -
Advertising Expense 240.00 240.00
Freshman Parent Social 0.00 89.97
Total Expenses $2,141.85 $8,223.67
Net Surplus (Deficit) $16,837.85 $11,706.02
Beginning Cash Balance at July 1st
$63,322.45
Total Cash at End of Period 75,028.47
Operating (General Fund) Cash at end of period $75,028.47
Prepared by Sue Dietrich, PTA Treasurer
Note: Adjustment made between Hospitality and Freshman parent social since September report.
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NOVEMBER PTA MEETING AND EVENT SCHEDULE
Tues. 6 School Leadership Team Meeting (Room 110) – 4:00 PM
HOLIDAY FAIR Basket Preparation (C 54)- 7:00 PM
Thurs. 8 PTA Executive Board Meeting (Library) – 6:30 PM
PTA General Membership Meeting (Library) – 7:15 PM
Mon. 12 HOLIDAY FAIR Basket Preparation (C 54)- 7:00 PM
Tues. 13 PTA Bake Sale (all lunch periods) to benefit JV/Varsity Football
HOLIDAY FAIR Basket Preparation (C 54)- 7:00 PM
Fri. 16 HOLIDAY FAIR set up (outside student cafeteria) 1-5 PM *
Sat. 17 PTA HOLIDAY FAIR 10 AM – 4 PM –PLEASE COME!!! * *
Wed. 21 PTA Newsletter submission Deadline – 4 PM
* May possibly be postponed until Nov. 31 st .
** May possibly be postponed until Dec. 1 st .
Check your email for updates within the week.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Deadline for the December 2012 Newsletter is Wednesday, November 21, 2012.
Please e-mail all submissions to MiniMac62@aol.com by 4:00 PM.
Thank you!
Newsletter Editorial Committee
Dawn Macchia, Erin O’Malley,
Gina Angelico (proofreader)
ATTENTION SENIORS!
The Annual Fashion Show will tentatively take place on Friday, March 22 nd , 2012 at
the Renaissance. We are looking for a theme for this year’s show. In the past,
themes have been chosen by the Fashion Show Committee. This year, however,
the committee is putting it out to you. We know that you are a creative group and
we’d love to hear your ideas. Please e-mail your ideas for a fashion show theme to
MiniMac62@aol.com for consideration.
5

United Federation of PTAs Delegate Assembly
October 15, 2012
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am.
Special guest speaker, Chancellor Dennis Walcott was welcomed. He spoke about
Parents As Partners week. He also mentioned the new webinar series that begins on
October 24, which allows parents to interact with the Chancellor directly. He
complimented New Dorp High School for their impressive High School Fair. Guest
speakers Jessie Mojica and Amy Horowitz, also spoke about the importance of
parent involvement in their children's education.
Cathy Carlson, announced upcoming meetings and discussed the new Response to
Intervention Program effective 7/1/12. Today's assembly voted in support of changes
to NYS Education Laws/Chancellor Regulations with regard to EELs and the ongoing
replacement of PCB lighting ballasts. Cathy Carlson requested that all PTAs return
their parent delegate forms if they haven't already done so.
Respectfully submitted,
Roxanne Blancero, Parent Representative
***************************************************************************
Consultative Council Meeting – October 19, 2012
The meeting was called to order at
PSAT Day went as planned.
1. Upcoming events were discussed:
• Fright Fest 10/19 – Ms. Fusaro mentioned there was an initial issue as of late last night
regarding insufficient chaperones, but a Freshman parent has stepped up to resolve the
problem.
• Breast Cancer Walk 10/21 – sign up sheets are available at the S.O. Office. Registration is
at 8:30 AM, this is a Key Club Venue, you can contact Kevin Call (Key Club President) with
any questions
• Parent Teacher Conferences – will be taking place in the evening on October 24 th and
during the day
• Costume Ball 10/26 - admission is $10 and $5 if you donate 5 canned items. Ms. Fusaro
mentioned that students are permitted to decorate an area of the gym, if they want to.
Students may also stay after school to help out.
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• Due to lack of participation (only 6%), the Freshman Trip to see Wicked on Broadway is
cancelled. A letter will be mailed out to those who have already paid with information for
payment return.
2. Ms. Fusaro mentioned that she was not pleased with the general apathy of the building; i.e.
chaperones cancelling last minute for today’s class trip, the Dance Team advising they will not be
doing a routine at tomorrow’s Homecoming, etc. She feels that something needs to be done in this
regard.
3. Social Network Surveillance - Mr. Maniscalco touched on issues regarding students posting
comments on their Twitter or Facebook public walls during school hours or using the phone on
State Exams, PSAT, etc. This will not be tolerated. There are different procedures that need to be
followed, depending on the situation, e.g. alert the Superintendent, contact CFN and Legal
Counsel. If a phone is to be taken away, suspicion and reasonable cause are needed. Everyone
involved in posting negative comments on another student’s wall will be reprimanded. Students
need to report any suspicion of this wrongdoing. Be aware and watch what you put on Facebook.
It may not be your intention to do anything wrong, but it is the impact on the other person or people
involved that matters.
4. The School Wide-Mock Election Assembly will take place on November 2 nd with involve two
student “candidates” representing the Democratic and Republican candidates. The purpose is to
allow students to learn what it’s like to vote, how students’ college loans be affected by the Election
outcome and how the issues relate to and impact their lives.
5. Playing music in the hallways was discussed. Mr. Maniscalco didn’t like the idea, but was willing
to try it. It has been proven that classical music can stimulate brain development. The music will
be played between each period (four minutes). He agreed to try it once a day for a few weeks to
see how the students react to it. Ms. Fusaro will be responsible for choosing the type of music that
is being played.
6.The cleanliness of the school was discussed. Mr. Maniscalco mentioned that when he is at the
school in the evening, there is food scattered all over. He examined some of the girls’ restrooms
and although they are not cosmetically pretty, they are in good shape. One student mentioned that
all the bathrooms aren’t in good condition, i.e. no locks on stalls, etc. and hand dryers are needed.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Lombardi, Parent Representative
***************************************************************************
Safety and Attendance Meetings
September 20, 2012:
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am.
This was the first meeting for the 2012 – 2013 school year. Some of the items on the agenda that
were discussed were:
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Attendance:
- Goal is for every student to have a 95% (or better) attendance record. Attendance rate has
increased over the past few years. SI Tech is in 5 th -6 th place with other Specialty High Schools
(partly due to lasts years mild winter)
- Ways to encourage students in school after AP Exams are over & before report cards are issued
discussed.
- SITHS was able to hire (4) additional staff members at a cost of $230,000.00.
- (2) School days after Finals & Regents and before report cards, students not required to come to
school (days to be used as Teacher day only)
- Senior Showcase: Students will not be allowed to attend if they did not attend school that day
- The school will call the homes of absent students by 12 noon if the parent does not call to report
the student absent. If a student calls him/herself out, a call will be made to the student’s home to
verify the absence.
Discipline:
- The Discipline Code and the new manual was scheduled for release on Sept 25, 2012. For a
student cutting classes, the minimum would be for the parent to come to the school.
- 5 different levels of Infractions
- Principal “Must Suspend” Infractions and Policies were discussed. There needs to be a presuspension
conference with parents and the principal
*Note: That there are very few in house suspensions
Safety:
Changes have been made in the safety plan for Primary & Secondary Removal of students by
grades where 9 th & 10 th grades to nearby Elementary School and 11 th & 12 th grades to New Dorp
HS
School Safety has removed solicitors (Driver’s Education & Religious handouts) from the property
in the last school year and encourages students to bring to the attention of school safety officers
anyone that does not belong at the school
Code Blue: Respiratory/Cardiac Arrest AED available in school and personnel trained in the use of
the equipment.
Code Red: Students and staff are to await the arrival of first Responders (Police, Fire, EMS etc…)
Contractors working at the school must wear their ID at all times, They may only use staff
bathrooms inside the building, They are NOT ALLOWED to use any student bathrooms.
GRP: General Response Protocol
Lock Downs: Hard vs Soft:
Hard: Stop everything IMMEDIATELY (teaching, movement) Lights out, No students allowed in the
hallways, doors are to be locked, students and staff are to place themselves against a classroom
wall and are not allowed near any windows, no cell phone or Twitter use, total silence while
awaiting the arrival of First Responders.
Soft: No Imminent Threat, all teaching stops, await further instruction by school staff; patience,
calm and safety is of the upmost importance in both lockdowns.
*The only difference between Hard vs Soft Lockdown is the response of the Sweep and Support
Teams.
New procedure for non-verbal communication signs to be displayed on classroom doors during an
emergency: GREEN “OK” (indicates that everything is ok inside of the classroom), RED (indicates
that there is a problem) and a RED “PLUS” (indicates first aid is needed).
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Bullying
The school would like to have a guest speaker to attend a PTA meeting to inform parents in regard
to internet bullying (re: SI Tech Gossip page on Facebook and Twitter)
October 18, 2012:
Discussions included:
The use of Twitter during school hours. Mr. Maniscalco questioned a volunteer panel of six
students on the problem of sending tweets during and between classes and forewarned them of
the severe consequences of sending or responding to a tweet.
Suggestions on how best to spread the word that this practice is not only easy to detect based on
the time stamp attached to each tweet, but there can be significant consequences if caught. The
panel unanimously agreed that students believe they will not get caught because the only way for
administration to find out, is if another student “rats them out” since “approved” friends can only
receive tweets. This belief is clearly false, since information can be verbally disseminated amongst
students as well.
If students tweet during a state test like the PSAT or SAT, the test can be voided, causing the loss
of scholarship and notification will be given to each college the student applies to for admission.
Consequences will be more severe if the tweet relates to, or includes images of the exam.
Parents to explain the severity of sending and receiving tweets during school and especially during
tests. Simply reading tweet puts any student in the same jeopardy as the sender.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Prinzi, Jr. CPA, Parent Representative
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
DONATIONS STILL NEEDED!
The Holiday Fair Basket Committee is still accepting donations for our baskets and
our Trash and treasures table. We are also accepting monetary donations to
purchase items to fill the raffle baskets. Let us do the shopping for you! Gift
certificates for stores and restaurants also make great additions to the baskets and
would be greatly appreciated as well. All donations MUST be in by November 15 th .
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BAKE SALE!!!
November 13 th is the date for the PTA's next Bake Sale. Items will
be sold outside the cafeteria during periods 4, 5 and 6.
All proceeds will benefit the JV and Varsity Football Teams.
Please Contact Pam Kelter at pkelter2000@yahoo.com if your club wants to
participate in a future Bake Sale.
Please remember to send in your Fundraising Initiative contribution.
There is no deadline. We are once again counting on the generosity of our parents
to help jumpstart new SI Tech projects in order to continue improving
upon our already great school!
Thanks for your anticipated support!
*************************************************************************
HOLIDAY FAIR DONATIONS
PLEASE HELP!!!
Just an early reminder that the Staten Island Tech annual HOLIDAY FAIR will be held on
Saturday, November 17, 2012 from 10 am to 4 pm (Date may be postponed). Donations
are desperately needed. Please send any items that may be used in our baskets to the
PTA room or to Mrs. Malenfant. We are also accepting monetary donations to purchase
items to fill the raffle baskets. Let us do the shopping for you!!! Gift certificates for
stores and restaurants also make great additions to the baskets and would be greatly
appreciated as well. These may be placed in the PTA mailbox at any time. Please help
make this event a success!
Any new and gently used items are also requested for the “ATTIC TREASURES” tables.
Raffles----Refreshments----Vendors----50/50----Prizes
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ROBERT J. ANDREWS
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Health and Fitness: March 2012
Planning has already begun for the Seventh Annual Health and Fitness Assembly. We will once again be
led by the fitness and health superhero: FIT PHIL (Fitness in Tech, Physical Health in Life!) Seniors
Rebecca Drabczyk and Jessica Pomper have been selected as the overall leaders for the event. Stay
tuned for more information.
PSAL Teams Playoff Bound
The Girls golf team under the leadership of Physical Education teacher Jessica Ragucci is in the midst of
the NYC PSAL playoffs where they are seeded 5 th . Also joining them in the playoffs are Physical Education
teacher Dave Mahon and his girls volleyball team and the 9 th seeded girls soccer team.
Retired Physical Education teacher and long time kegler coach Rich Maniaci has again led the boys bowling
team to another playoff competition. In addition, the boys fencing team is currently sporting a 7-0 record!
The MSIT Varsity Football Team is having another outstanding season and is closing in on a playoff berth.
The JV Football Team is having a fantastic season winning their first six games.
Special congratulations to the boys and girls sophomore cross country teams (as well as individual girls
winner Tiffany Merlinsky) as they were victorious in the S.I. PSAL championships. Kudos to senior Kevin
Trimmer on his recent win at the Six Flags Wild Safari Invitational! Way to go Seagulls!
SAFETY & SECURITY
Secure Personal Belongings
Continue to remind your children that they should never leave their valuables on the locker room floor or
unlocked in a locker. School Safety statistics identify the loss of unattended property (including cell phones)
as the number one reported category in the entire city.
Early Release
No student may leave the school prior to the end of the school day without early release permission. To
obtain this permission, a student must bring a note from his/her parent/guardian requesting that the student
leave early. This letter is to be presented to the Health Aid in room 119. The student must be picked up at
the school by the parent/guardian who is required to sign the child out of the building for safety and security
reasons.
Lateness/Cutting
Students who miss their first class due to lateness are considered cutting. Should the behavior continue the
student will be referred to the dean for discipline. All special circumstance should be communicated
immediately to the child’s guidance counselor.
Speaking With Your Child
As parents/guardians, it is always in your child’s best interest to make time available on a daily basis to
learn more about his/her academic and social concerns. It is also advisable to inform our counselors of any
issues that may be of major concern (i.e., loss of a family member or close relation, extreme depression,
11

medical and other health related issues, etc.). Caring for your child’s health and safety is a mutual
responsibility for which we all have a degree of “ownership.”
TESTING
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT exam has been sent to the College Board to be graded. We expect to receive the exams back in
mid-December. At that time the students will receive an answer sheet listing their responses along with the
correct responses, as well as their original test booklet. This is an excellent tool for evaluating your child’s
strengths and weaknesses.
Dates to Remember
November 6
November 12
November 22-23
November 29
November 30
Election Day – Students not in attendance
Veteran’s Day - School closed
Thanksgiving Recess
World Aids Day Recognition
Second Marking Period Ends-(29 days)
Seize the opportunity to recount your blessings
and give thanks this month!
********************************************************************************************
It is the policy of the Department of Education not to
discriminate on thebasis of race, color, creed, national origin,
age, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or in its educational
programs, activities, and employment policies, as required by law.
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Mark Erlenwein ‘92, Assistant Principal
Merlenw@schools.nyc.gov
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM NEWS
– Updated from last month.
All students registered for Advanced Placement Classes are required to sit for the Advanced
Placement Exams. The cost for each exam is $89. The College Board offers a price reduction
based on income. If you feel you qualify, see Mr. Erlenwein in room 219. In November, all
students, including students who receive reduced or free lunch, will receive an invoice with the
total amount due for AP exams. Payments are made via the Online SO Store by credit card via our
school’s webpage, or in the SO Store by check made out to “SI Technical High School”. This year
we will again be charging late fees for payments past due as per the following schedule:
By Check via SO Store *SI Tech Online Store
Payments made by November 30 th $89 per exam $94 *5% service charge
Payments after November 30 th $99 per exam $105 *5% service charge
WHY SHOULD MY CHILD CONSIDER TAKING COLLEGE NOW COURSES AT CSI
What's in it for Students
By participating in the College Now program, you can reduce the time required to earn a college
degree and the cost of getting a college education. College Now at CSI provides students a true
college experience and reinforces the skills you need to progress toward promotion, graduation,
and enhanced performance on Regents examinations.
What's in it for you All of the following:
• If you qualify, you will be able to take freshman college credit courses at CSI. The college course
credits you receive at CSI can be transferred to almost any college you attend, whether it is
within CUNY, SUNY, or another public or private institution.
• You will be invited to visit the College of Staten Island, where you will be introduced to campus
programs and facilities. You will also receive information regarding the college enrollment
process and financial aid.
• You will receive a College of Staten Island student ID, which will provide you access to all of our
campus facilities and services.
The best part of all - every course you take through College Now is free, and all materials will be
provided to you at no cost.
INTERESTED IN REGISTERING . . .. PLEASE SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE NEXT PAGE
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CSI COLLEGE NOW – SPRING 2013 REGISTRATION
Don't wait until your senior year, to enroll in College Level courses that award college credit. CSI's College Now
Program is FREE and has many seats available for the Spring semester.
Spring registration will take place starting Monday, December 10 th – Thursday, December 13 th from 9:30AM – 4:30PM.
Registration will be held in building 1A room 208. Students (or parents) are required to bring the following information
when they register:
1. A copy of a current transcript (Visit SI Tech Guidance Office – Room 135/137)
2. SAT/PSAT (Visit SI Tech Guidance Office – Room 137)
3. Download and Complete the following forms for Submissions at Registration at:
(http://www.csi.cuny.edu/collegenow/forms.html)
o College Now Registration Form
o College Now Contract signed by a parent or guardian
o “Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Form”
4. Student’s SS# (If you do not have one, the college will assign a temporary ID#)
Please note that students are not required to register in person. Parents can register for their children provided they
bring the proper documentation.
CSI College Now: Spring 2012 Course Offerings
MTH 113 Introduction to Probability and Statistics with Computer Applications – 4 credits: Measures of central
tendency and dispersion, the normal curve, hypothesis test. Linear correlation and regression, basic
concepts in probability with application to problems in the social, behavioral, and biological sciences.
Statistical computer programs will be used extensively.
Days & Time: Monday & Wednesday 4:00 PM – 5:55 PM
*Prerequisite: A grade of 80 or higher on the Geometry regents and a passing score on Algebra regents
PSY 100 Psychology - 3 credits: A study of the important facts and theories concerning human behavior and its
motivation. Included will be: research methodology; at least three topics from learning, cognition, testing, physiology,
and phenomenology; and at least three topics from personality, psychopathology, emotion and motivation, history and
systems, development, and social factors. Topics will be related to major trends in recent cultural history and to
current social and moral issues.
Days & Times: Saturday 9:00AM – 11:30AM
-or-
Thursday 3:50PM – 6:20PM
*Prerequisite: A grade of 75 or higher on the ELA Regents or 480 SAT/ 500 PSAT on the Critical Reading
POL 103 Understanding the Political World: An Introduction to Political Science - 3 credits: An Introduction to
the world of politics and the fundamentals of political science. Major topics: the basics of politics: power, government,
nation, state; forms of political behavior from democratic participation to revolutionary violence; political ideas and
norms; varieties of democratic and non-democratic forms of government; politics and society; the global context of
politics.
Day and Time: Saturday 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
*Prerequisite: A grade of 75 or higher on the ELA Regents or 480 SAT/ 500 PSAT on the Critical Reading
CIN 100 Introduction to Film – 3 credits: An introduction to the terms and methods of film analysis. The course
emphasizes critical viewing and writing, with attention to cinematography, editing, sound, narrative, authorship, genre,
and ideology.
Day and Time: Saturday 9:00 AM – 12:20 PM
*Prerequisite: A grade of 75 or higher on the ELA Regents or 480 SAT/ 500 PSAT on the Critical Reading
ALL CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF January 28 th
14

COLLEGE CORNER
Liliana Leonforte - College/Guidance Counselor
Lleonforte@schools.nyc.gov
As the College Office faces the height of the application season, it was a welcome break to have
hosted our Junior Year College Planning Evening for our Juniors and their parents/guardians on
October 10 th . We hope that the information which was presented will assist in getting the students
and their families started on the college search and selection. I would like to take this opportunity
to extend my gratitude and appreciation to all those who volunteered, gave of their time and
assistance in staging this event. The evening was a success because of your efforts.
Senior Parents/Guardians:
Students with Early Action/Early Decision applications with November 1 st and November 15 th due
dates needed to have submitted their checklists (yellow sheet). We have encountered a great
number of students who did not comply. We will make every attempt to have the supporting
documents to the colleges as soon as possible. Please urge your child to submit their portion of
their applications online with sufficient time. Since the majority of applications are being submitted
electronically, there is always a possibility of an overload or sites shutting down temporarily,
therefore students should factor this into their time frame. In addition, payment and SAT scores
need time to be processed or the colleges will consider applications incomplete if all requirements
are not me.
Junior Parents/Guardians:
With the information that was given at the Junior Year College Planning Evening, I believe you
have received a clearer picture as to the college selection and application process. Once the
application submission season is over (January), I will be available to discuss college issues with
you and your Junior student. Careful planning at this time will assure a smoother less stressful
process next fall. Please avail yourselves of the opportunities to visit local colleges’ fall Open
House events to initially explore these options.
As stated in the Information Night, the central focus right now should be for students to perform
optimally in their subjects. Scheduling test prep classes should be considered for later in the
school year. The transcript which will be sent initially to the colleges will be the one which
culminates with the Junior year’s cumulative average.
Sophomore and Freshman Parents:
It is never too early to start investigating career and college choices. Please have your student
use Naviance’s college search and college match section to assist in the preliminary research of
colleges that they might consider. It always seems that this facet of the high school career is in the
distant future but those Junior and Senior years seem to “magically” appear sooner than we
expect. Gather as much information on special programs or admission requirements so they can
be satisfied with sufficient time.
Happy Thanksgiving!
15

Kristen Fusaro, ‘01
COORDINATOR OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Kfusaro@schools.nyc.gov
YEARBOOK ADS DUE
Yearbook ads are due to the yearbook staff or Ms. Fusaro by Friday, Nov. 2nd. Ads submitted after this
date will be accommodated only if space is still available. Ads can be emailed with a pre-set design or our
staff can design the ad for you: TECHYEARBOOK2013@GMAIL.COM. Link for Parent/ Guardian Ads:
http://jostensadservice.com/REF=A01000221 . If you are an underclassman, and would like to purchase a
yearbook, please follow this link: http://jostensyearbooks.com/REF=A01000221
SING
Our annual SING Performances are scheduled for Thurs., Nov. 15; Fri., Nov. 16; and Sat., Nov. 17. All
performances begin at 7 p.m; doors open at 6:30 for seating. Tickets to Thursday’s show are $5 in advance
and $10 at the door; tickets to Friday’s and Saturday’s show are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Please note that there is assigned seating by tickets. Buy your tickets early for best seats and prices.
Please join our talented students, under the direction of Mrs. Brown, for an exciting evening of competitive
entertainment.
MOCK ELECTION
The Mock Election was set to be held on Friday, November 2 nd as a 3A/3B special assembly. A new date
will be announced. Seniors representing different candidates will have a debate and offer student audiences
an opportunity to vote on issues and candidates.
SENIOR EVENT TO ORLANDO
The 3 rd payment of $500 for the Senior Event to Orlando is due in the SO Store by Thursday, November 1 st .
(If you have been paying online, please continue to pay online.)
CLUBS
SEE CLUB CHART FOR DAILY CLUB MEETINGS
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/18615004/Club%20Acceptances%202012-2013.pdf
JUNIOR TRIP
The Junior Trip deposit of $160 for the trip to Pine Grove Ranch is due on Thursday, November 1 st . The
final payment of $120 is due on November 28 th . The mandatory meeting will be held on December 4 th at
2:45pm in the auditorium.
If we do not reach a minimum number of 48 students, this trip is subject to cancellation.
PHOTOS
• Senior photo distribution will be on Friday, November 9 th during periods 4, 5, and 6, outside of the
cafeteria. Please stop by the table to pick up your senior portraits.
• Underclassmen & Faculty photo make-ups will be held on Wednesday, November 7 th during periods
4, 5, and 6 in room C-36.
FRESHMEN
• Any freshman student who is interested in running for a Student Organization Officer position must
attend the mandatory meeting on Tuesday, November 27 th , after 9 th period, in room C-40. There will
be no exceptions – you must attend this meeting to be considered for office.
16

• The freshman trip to Wicked, Ripley’s Believe-it-or-Not, and John’s Pizzeria has been canceled due
to lack of participation. Refunds are being distributed.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER CALENDAR
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/18615004/Nov%20Dec%202012.pdf
STUDENT CONDUCT AFFECTS STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Please note that the privilege to participate in student activities—athletic teams, clubs, productions, trips,
etc.—is contingent on the student’s having a good dean’s record. Students who violate the citywide
Discipline Code or any school policy (lateness, attendance, cutting, cell phones) are subject to suspension
from team or club membership and exclusion from activities such as performances and trips. Any student
who leaves the building without signing out through the main office is in violation of school and citywide
policy.
Please contact Ms. Fusaro by email at kfusaro@schools.nyc.gov for information about the above items or
any aspect of student activities.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Guidance News for Parents of Juniors
Guidance Counselors will be meeting soon with your children to discuss academics,
college and career readiness and SAT information.
We encourage you to sit with your child to begin discussing college visits. You can
make an appointment to see a college during some of the days we are off from
school or you can attend when they have an Open House.
Students should also be thinking about which AP courses they want to apply for in
the Spring. You may want to log on to the websites of the Colleges your child is
interested in and see if they recommend any AP courses. When you visit colleges,
this is also an excellent question to ask them.
Several parents have asked about when their child should be taking the SAT. We
recommend that juniors take it in the Spring term, either in March, May or June. The
SAT subject tests can be taken during those months as well. It is also
recommended that your child take the ACT exam in junior year.
We look forward to working with your children.
Sincerely,
The Guidance Department
17

[Type a quote from the document or the summary of an interesting point. You can position the text box anywhere November in the document.
2012
Use the Text Box Tools tab to change the formatting of the pull quote text box.]
SI TECH LIBRARY NEWS
485 Clawson Street Staten Island, NY 10306
Contact the library at 718-667-3200 ext.3441
What’s going on in the library
or 3442
Library Assistant Award
I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful crew of
students who volunteer their time to assist in the
library. In order to give these students
acknowledgement for their hard work, I will be
choosing a library assistant each month to receive
the “Library Assistant of the Month Award”. In the
display case at the front of the library, there will be a
section featuring these students. For the month of
September the recipients are Sharon Cherian and
Jakub Zebrowski. Congratulations and thank you!
Book Reviews
By going to the library home page, students can create their
own library account. For the user name, students will enter
their last name. For the password, they will use their OSIS.
Once they have accessed their account, they will change their
user name and password. This account can enable them to
place holds on books, renew their books from any computer,
and write book reviews. In addition to students writing
reviews for books they found personally interesting, this book
review feature may be useful for classes.
Common Core Feature – Supports W6 – “Use Technology,
including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update
individual or shared writing products…”
• If you are reading a book as a class, and you would
like students to comment on it, a book review can be
assigned.
• If students have books they are reading independently
as an assignment and you would like them to review it,
they can publish their review on our catalog.
• Students can encourage one another to read through
their commentary.
• Great for book clubs – we are using it in the Nook
Book Club!
Each review is checked first (through my account, or we can
set up one for any interested teacher) before being published.
If you would like to try this out, let me know. It’s fun and
easy!
Mrs. Noelle Sanguinedo, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Jody Cavaliere, Librarian
Volume 3, Issue 3
Scary Storytelling Contest
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s Scary
Storytelling Contest! Every story
was wonderful and the decisions were difficult. The awards go to the
following students:
• First Place: Paula Pimenta Reyes
• Second Place: Becky Cheung
• Third Place: Kevin Tan
• Honorable Mention: John Victor Moises
All students will receive a certificate of participation and a cool Tech
Library pen. Every story will be on display in the library in the Library
News Corner. Come to library and check them out!
Special thanks to student judges: Angela Chen, Danling Chen, Frances
Feng, and Alice Wu
Bookmark Contest
The 3 rd Annual Bookmark Contest will be held this month. Students
who like to draw should enter. The guidelines are
as follows:
• All work must be original.
• Bookmarks should have some sort of library theme.
• All submissions should be 8” x 2”.
• Consider that copies will probably be reproduced in black
and white.
• If you use a quote of any sort, make sure to include the
source.
• Submit an entry form (available in the library) with your
bookmark.
• Make sure that somewhere on the artwork SI Tech Library is
included. The winner’s name will be featured on the back of
the bookmark with all of the Tech database/password
information.
All submissions should be brought to the library by Monday,
December 3, 2012. Judging will be done in American Idol fashion
where 50% of the vote is from the students and staff and 50% is from
a select judging team.
"If you want your children to be intelligent, read
them fairy tales. If you want them to be more
intelligent, read them more fairy tales."
~ Albert Einstein
18
Source: http://wpb.org/librarycurrents/2011/05/read-themfairy-tales/

THE HOLIDAY FAIR BASKET COMMITTEE
WANTS YOU!
The Holiday Fair Basket Committee has been meeting every Monday evening at 7
p.m. in the Teacher’s cafeteria since September 10 th . We would love for you to join
us…just come on in! We are also accepting monetary donations to purchase items
to fill the raffle baskets. Let us do the shopping for you!!! Gift certificates for
stores and restaurants also make great additions to the baskets and would be
greatly appreciated as well.
Any new and gently used items are also requested for the “ATTIC TREASURES”
tables.
COME JOIN THE FUN!
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
FOR JUNIOR PARENTS ONLY
Graduation Reception … Please Keep the Tradition Going
Every year the parents of the Junior Class at Staten Island Technical High School
sponsor and host a reception for the graduates of the Senior Class and their families
immediately following the graduation ceremony. This Graduation Reception has become
one of the wonderful and cherished traditions here at Tech.
If you have not already done so, we are asking each Junior family to contribute $10 to
cover the expenses of this event. Please mail in your contribution to the S.I. Tech PTA
Office and mark it “Graduation Reception.” Be sure to include your child’s name as well.
You may also place it, via your child, in the PTA mailbox. (Checks should be made payable
to “S.I. Technical H.S. PTA”) Your generous contribution assists us in continuing this fine
tradition. Remember…next year your child will be a Senior. Thanks so much for your
generosity!
The SI Tech PTA
Graduation Reception Committee
19

SAT Test Prep
SAT Complete SAT In-Depth SAT Tutoring
6 Students per Class 6 Students per Class 1-on-1
18 hours 24 hours 12 hours
4 Practice Tests 4 Practice Tests 2 Practice Tests
$599 $799 $960 $860
Classes are available for every SAT date
Private tutoring is also available for Algebra, Geometry,
Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus and Physics.
Call for details.
Caddell Prep LLC
91 Guyon Ave, 2 nd FL
347-349-0422
CaddellPrep.com
20

ATTENTION: Parents and 7 th & 8 th Grade Siblings
SHSAT: Private Home One-to-One Tutoring from an Actual
Standardized Test Writer
Tutoring Also Available for
TACHS, ITBS, ISEE, HSPT, ELA and Math State Tests,
PSAT, SAT,
and Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math Regents
Customized Instruction and Strategies for Your Child’s Specific Needs with
Progress Reports as Needed
*********Call*********
Stephanie Spano (718) 668-0444
*****************************************************************
MUSIC
LESSONS
over 40 Years
of Quality
Instruction
DOROTHY DELSON KUHN MUSIC INSTITUTE
of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island
Piano • Voice • Violin
Cello • Guitar • Brass • Woodwinds
• All ages • All levels
Early Childhood Music Classes
Theory Classes • Ensembles • Recitals
Avis/South Shore
1297 Arthur Kill Road
Bernikow JCC
1466 Manor Road
Ela Seeley, Director, 718-475-5263 • www.sijcc.org
***************************************************************
NOVEMBER 6, 2012
ELECTION DAY
PLEASE VOTE!
21

WANTED…
Monetary Donations/ Gift Certificates
New Gift Items Needed
For Staten Island Tech PTA
HOLIDAY FAIR
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2012
10AM – 4PM
ADMISSION IS FREE
EVERYONE IS INVITED
INVITE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
BRING THE KIDS! FUN FOR ALL!
PRIZES…….RAFFLES…….REFRESHMENTS
Let us do the shopping for you!
The Committee needs your help with monetary donations
to purchase gift items to fill the Raffle Baskets.
We also appreciate any donations of
gift certificates and new items.
WE COUNT ON THE GENEROSITY OF OUR PARENTS TO
MAKE EACH EVENT SUCCESSFUL.
ALL PROCEEDS FROM FUNDRAISING GO BACK TO THE
SCHOOL AND YOUR CHILDREN!
Vendors: $40 per table/ $35 for multiples
Contact: Marigold Hatgiagelakis (718) 984-3359
22

485 Clawson Street, Staten Island, NY 10306
VENDOR CONTRACT
HOLIDAY FAIR
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2012
10AM TO 4 PM
NAME:______________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE:_________________________________________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS;___________________________________________________
TYPE OF MERCHANDISE SOLD:______________________________________
SPECIAL NEEDS_____________________________________________________
Staten Island
Technical High School
Parent Teacher Association
I agree to rent a 6-foot table at the Staten Island Technical High School PTA’s 2012 Holiday Fair at
a cost of $40.00 per table (two or more tables cost $35.00 per table). I understand that a
confirmation will be sent upon receipt of payment in full. Table allocation is based on a first
payment first served basis. Your table is not guaranteed until payment has been received.
Tables will not be held.
Number of Tables:________________
Amount Enclosed: __________________
Signature________________________________________
Date: ____________
Please make check or money order payable to: SI Tech PTA
Please mail your completed contract and payment to: Marigold Hatgiagelakis
361 Loretto Street
Staten Island, NY 10307
If you have any questions, please email me at marigoldmaratos@gmail.com or call (718) 984-
3359 and leave a message with your name and telephone number.
Thank you for your interest in participating in the SI Tech PTA HOLIDAY FAIR!
23

On The Fence
It’s really great to see flawless performance of our Boys Fencing team this year they’re unbeatable:
School
Wins Losses
McKee/Tech 7 0
Tottenville 4 3
Petrides 3 4
CSIHS/McCown 0 7
Congratulations with great results in city-wide individual Championships:
Season Opener – top results:
1 ST : Mitchell Revich (epee)
2 nd : Michael Gopman-Slomin (epee)
5 th : Malcolm Lewis (epee)6 th : Michael Svoysky (foil)
PSAL Invitational Championship – top results:
1 ST : Mitchell Revich (epee)
3r: Michael Gopman-Slomin (epee)
6 th : Michael Svoysky (foil)
7 th : Malcolm Lewis (epee)
This year presents a unique opportunity for our boys to win NYC with their swards - with your
support Boys will do it. Here are the remaining and Final competitions this year:
Wed, 11/07, 4:30 PM MSIT Petrides Home game
Sun, 11/11
Sun, 11/18
NYC Individual Championship (multiple carpools)
NYC Team Finals (Bus from the SITHS)
GET INVOLVED AND SUPPORT THE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR ATHLETES!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.siths.org
FOR DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Newsletter compiled by Erin O’Malley
Proofread by Gina Angelico
24