Congratulations to the Class of 2008
Assembled
in their eye-catching academic gowns, the 1,211 members of the Class of 2008 graduated in commencement ceremonies steeped in tradition and pageantry originating in the universities of medieval Europe. We bid farewell to a class of outstanding young men and women who earned more than $21 million in scholarships, acceptances at a record number of highly competitive colleges and universities, and the respect and best wishes of our entire city.
>> Media Gallery
>> Meet the Valedictorians and Salutatorians
>> Book of Honors
>> WDMC Moving Up Ceremonies & Graduations
Different Paths to the Same Destination
There's something rather special about a person who, against not inconsiderable odds, is absolutely determined to finish his or her high school education as an adult. It takes a dogged determination to enroll in a program, take and master the coursework, then take and excel on the exams when all the responsibilities of adult life compete for time and attention. The Yonkers Pathways to Success Adult Education Programs helps smooth the path to this accomplishment, and our staff matches the dedication of these students every step of the way. Bravo! Watch this, please.
Honors for Long-time Employees
Fifty five civil service employees with between twenty five and forty four years of dedicated service to the children and staff of the Yonkers Public Schools were recently honored with a breakfast at the Yonkers Education and Cultural Arts Center. Meet these terrific people!
Scores Soar on New York State
English Language Arts And Mathematics Assessments ELA scores up 9% & Math scores up 12.8%
Following Monday's release of grades three through eight English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics (Math) state assessments by New York State Commissioner of Education Richard Mills, Superintendent of Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio praised Yonkers’ students and staff for the significant increases in the percent of students attaining proficiency. “Once again Yonkers students are high performers among the big cities.” >> Read more
Manipulate Those Integers!
Given a playing card with four random numbers, could you be the first to add, subtract, multiply and divide your way to the number 24? Mathematicians from the District's elementary and middle schools gathered recently for a competition to do just that. >> Watch them play "24", it's not as easy as you may think.
Stop! Don't Buy That Book
Wait until Thursday, June 19th to get your summer reading, and 25% of your purchase will go toward buying books for Yonkers Public Schools students. Buy your books at Barnes & Noble on Central Park Avenue from June 19-22 and the bookseller will donate the 25% to the Family Literacy Program of Yonkers Partners in Education. >> Learn More
Our Eagle Has Landed Roosevelt High School Class of '79 alumnus Colonel Ronald J. Garan, Jr. and the crew of the Space Shuttle Discovery safely landed on runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center at 11:15am Saturday morning after completing a 13 day - 18 hour - 14 minute and 7 second mission to expand a global city in space. >> Learn More
Board of Education Meetings Wed 6/18 The Audit, Budget and Finance Committee of the Yonkers Board of Education will meet at 6:00pm Wednesday, June 18th in Room 236 at Saunders High School. The Board will then hold its Stated Meeting in the auditorium of Saunders Trades and Technical High School, 183 Palmer Road. Community Input is welcome at 7:00pm, and the Stated Meeting begins at 7:30. >> Agenda
Doughnuts With Dad
To honor the dads, grandpas, uncles and father figures of all kinds, Montessori School 27 welcomed guests to its annual Doughnuts With Dad. The annual tradition packs the gymansium year after year with proud pops and beaming youngsters eager to show their appreciation for their number one man. >> Take a look!
"It's An Honor To Celebrate What We Value and What We Appreciate"
In celebration of Flag Day, and in honor of the symbol of our nation, the students at Westchester Hills School 29 united to create a human depiction of the American flag. Adorned in red, white and blue, and standing shoulder to shoulder, the children personified the symbol's true meaning - United We Stand. >> Watch
Five Communications Awards to District National Recognition of Excellence
Yonkers Public Schools won four merit awards and an honorable mention for excellence in communications from the National School Public Relations Association in its annual Publications & Electronic Media contest. The District's website, two video presentations, the School Programs Catalog and the Calendar and Handbook were all judged among the best in the nation. >> Read more
Honors for Long-time Employees
Fifty five civil service employees with between twenty five and forty four years of dedicated service to the children and staff of the Yonkers Public Schools were honored with a breakfast this morning at the Yonkers Education and Cultural Arts Center. Meet these terrific people!
The Class of 2008 The graduating class of 2008 has already earned more than $20 million in scholarships, and its members have been accepted at a record number of highly competitive colleges and universities. Meet the Valedictorians and Salutatorians who will lead the Commencement processions beginning next week.
Outstanding Scholars Lead Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony The names of hundreds of high school students were inscribed in the Yonkers Public Schools Book of Honors as their academic achievements were recognized in a joyous and proud ceremony. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of this important tradition. Read about our wonderful students. We are so proud of them!
Audit, Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Cancelled
The Committee's Tuesday 5:30pm meeting has been cancelled. The Board's Stated Meeting is Wednesday, June 18, 2008.
Cooling Centers in Yonkers Open
The City of Yonkers is extending hours at four senior citizen centers for those without air conditioning. The cooling centers are open to all, regardless of age. >> List of Cooling Centers
Pathways to Success Ceremony Postponed
The end of year ceremony for Pathways to Success scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 6:30PM at Enrico Fermi School for the Performing Arts.
Hot Weather Advisory
During the unseasonable heat wave, the Yonkers Public Schools plans to operate schools with modifications to protect the health and safety of students and staff. Please note:
Parents are encouraged to send children to school with plastic bottled water or sports drinks, no glass
Dress children in lightweight loose fitting clothing
Cold water will be available at all schools to keep students and staff hydrated
Cold lunch has been arranged for students
Physical education instruction will be modified
Indoor recess will be provided unless schools have shaded outdoor areas
Nurse and main office are available as a cooling area
Health Offices are prepared to assist students and staff
School administrators will monitor building conditions and relocate classrooms, if possible
Board of Education Committee Meeting The Audit, Budget and Finance Committee of the Yonkers Board of Education meets at 5:30pm Tuesday, June 10th in the 4th floor Board Room at One Larkin Center. >> More
Yonkers Council of PTSAs Thank You Reception Postponed The event will now take place Monday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room at One Larkin Center.
"I Almost Got Stage Fright" Almost? Stage fright was simply nowhere to be found when these Martin Luther King students wowed the audience with a delicious performance of the "Jungle Book". They definitely had more than the bare necessities. >> See for yourself!
24 Game Tests Mathematical Skill
& Sharp Elbows At 3:30pm one late spring afternoon, 160 students from 15 district schools gathered at the Yonkers Middle/High School arena for one purpose and one purpose only: to knock 159 other students out of the mathematical playing field by being the first to multiply, divide, add and subtract four numbers to come up with the only answer. The magic number is 24. >> Read more
Regents Review on WDMC TV A full schedule of NYS Regents exams review is running daily on WDMC TV Cablevision Channel 75. Exams begin Tuesday, June 17. See the review schedule here. More review resources here.
Liftoff for RHS Rocket
Students Pay Tribute to Shuttle Astronaut With the skies in their sight and stars in their eyes, Roosevelt High School Air Force ROTC and Robotics students ushered the Space Shuttle Discovery to liftoff when they launched a series of model rockets in honor of alum Colonel Ronald J. Garan, Jr., one of seven astronauts who will deliver and install the KIBO laboratory to the International Space Station.
Yonkers High School Junior a Bezos Scholar Jazmin Graves is one of twelve high school juniors from throughout the country who will attend the Aspen Institute to engage in seminars and informal meetings with the international leaders, acclaimed thinkers and creative artists who participate in the annual Aspen Ideas Festival. >> Read more
Newsweek: Yonkers High School Top Tier In Top 5% of Nation's 27,000 High Schools Yonkers International Baccalaureate High School is ranked 80th on the Newsweek and Washington Post evaluation of the top 1,300 high schools in the country, moving up from 191 last year. The ranking is based on the rigorous International Baccalaureate exams taken by all students at the school, divided by the number of graduating seniors. Earlier in the year, Yonkers High School and Saunders Trades & Technical High School were both rated among the very best by US News & World Report in its inaugural ranking study of the country's high schools, and last week both were named high performing/gap closing schools by the NY State Education Department.
Fourteen Yonkers Schools Recognized for Academic Achievement
Fourteen Yonkers schools were recognized by the New York State Education Department for continuous improvements on NYS assessments. Eight District schools were named High Performing/Gap Closing Schools for meeting all New York State standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and math during the 2006-07 school year and also made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in ELA and math for two consecutive years under Federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) regulations. An additional six schools were recognized as Rapidly Improving. >> Read more
Trustees Elect Gerald Sudick President and Marlin Wiggins Vice President
In a unanimous vote at its May 13th Annual Meeting, the Trustees of the Yonkers Board of Education elected Reverend Gerald Sudick as president and Mr. Marlin Wiggins as vice president. Both will serve one-year terms in their leadership posts. Reverend Sudick has served as a Trustee since 2005, and Mr. Wiggins has served since 2006. Trustees of the Board of Education are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Yonkers. Ms. Debra Martinez took the oath of office as Trustee of the Board at the May 21st Stated Meeting.
Owanate Amieyeofori is the City's
Fifth Grade Spelling Champ
If you ask this erudite Kahlil Gibran fifth grader to spell success, don't be surprised to hear the letters "s-o-l-i-t-a-i-r-e", which she gave in the correct order to win the 44th annual Citywide Fifth Grade Spelling Bee Monday. Right on her heels were second place winner Noor Abdullah from the Andalusia School, and in third place, Roksolana Sikyrynska from PEARLS. >> More
Lincoln Choirs Win Honors in Chicago
One of the most enduring and treasured cultural traditions in our school district is represented by the student choirs of Lincoln High School. Year after year, these remarkable students earn their place in our hearts and on the scoresheets of judges in competitions wherever they go. Their recent trip to the midwest for the Chicago Heritage Music Festival is no exception. Under the direction of legendary teacher Cecilia Myers, the students were rated Excellent in each competitive category of this international festival. Congratulations to the Gospel Choir, the Women’s Choir and the Concert Choir.
Trustees Elect Gerald Sudick President and Marlin Wiggins Vice President
In a unanimous vote at its May 13th Annual Meeting, the Trustees of the Yonkers Board of Education elected Reverend Gerald Sudick as president and Mr. Marlin Wiggins as vice president. Both will serve one-year terms in their leadership posts. Reverend Sudick has served as a Trustee since 2005, and Mr. Wiggins has served since 2006. Trustees of the Board of Education are appointed by the Mayor of the City of Yonkers.
Owanate Amieyeofori is the City's
Fifth Grade Spelling Champ
If you ask this erudite Kahlil Gibran fifth grader to spell success, don't be surprised to hear the letters "s-o-l-i-t-a-i-r-e", which she gave in the correct order to win the 44th annual Citywide Fifth Grade Spelling Bee Monday. Right on her heels were second place winner Noor Abdullah from the Andalusia School, and in third place, Roksolana Sikyrynska from PEARLS. >> More
Education is Power
That was the simple message Mary J. Blige brought to the students of Roosevelt High School last week. “Education is key. Education is power,” she told them.
Leveraging her own power as a driving force in the music industry, Miss Blige is determined to give young girls and women the support and help early on to live successful and fulfilling lives. Visiting Roosevelt to announce the launch of The Mary J. Blige & Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Miss Blige gave the students an inspirational talk about her personal journey, challenging them to learn from her story. And, in partnership with the Westchester Jewish Community Services, she's giving them a helping hand. >> Read more
Financial Literacy Makes Cents
Long time community partner Junior Achievement of the Lower Hudson Valley brings its legion of professional volunteers to more than 2,500 YPS students throughout the year. Yesterday, JA volunteers from MasterCard Worldwide brought some valuable lessons in dollars and sense to students at School 5. And, just recently, JA volunteers from the US Alliance, Keane and Beane, and Reuters worked with students at the Eugenio María de Hostos Microsociety school to help them learn about free enterprise markets. The youngster were absolutely intrigued! Watch this WDMC TV produced video as JA volunteers work to inspire our students to dream and work big.
>> Watch
Saunders HVAC Students Do "Oil" Right
In a test of skill and finesse, the team of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning students from Saunders Trades and Technical High School out dueled competitors from two other schools in the NY Oil Heating Service Managers Annual Competition held earlier this week. The competition demonstrates prowess in boiler installation, burners, water feed lines and the ultimate wild card of a challenge, troubleshooting. >> More
Yonkers High School Wins Flagship Academic Superbowl
The defending champions from Yonkers High School held off a spirited challenge from Gorton High School Monday night to claim Flagship's top spot for the third year in a row. The rival teams have dominated Flagship action in recent years, with a pattern of 3 wins for Gorton, then 3 for Yonkers. Congratulations to both teams and their coaches for a great match.
Robot Recap: From a Bunch of Parts to the National Championships
Here’s an impressive fact: of the 360 robotics teams from all over the world to make it through the tough regional competitions to the US FIRST Robotics championship at the Atlanta Dome earlier this month, just 4 teams were Rookies. The Saunders High School Droid Factory was one of them. WDMC Channel 75 coverage of the championship here, our archive of previous coverage here, and some very nice Saunders coverage in Popular Mechanics here.
Summer Targeted Instruction for Elementary Students
This is an exciting, relaxed learning experience for young students currently in grades 2, 3 and 4 that reinforces reading, writing and math skills, and exposes the youngsters to enriching activities. Includes a nutritious breakfast. >> Learn more
Valedictorians and Salutatorians Honored at Annual Dinner
Ten accomplished and inspiring members of the Class of 2008 were the guests of honor at the Yonkers Public Schools annual Valedictorian - Salutatorian dinner Tuesday. The dinner, steeped in ceremony and touched with heart-felt emotion, honors both the students and their families. >> More
Champions at Work: Roosevelt Student Takes Top Spot in SkillsUSA Competition
Mercedes Ruiz articulated her job skills to a panel of judges so convincingly that she won First Place honors at the NY State SkillsUSA competition. >> Read more
Saunders Rookies Top Bots Team and "Linda" to Compete in US FIRST Nationals Entrepreneurial spirit, extreme practice, and high speed pit-stops provided the winning combination for the Saunders Droid Factory Team 2344, the Rookie All-Stars of the US FIRST Robotics New York regional competition. The team’s success earned it a bid to the national championship in Atlanta April 17-19. >> More
EPA Grant Helps Clear the Air
The EnvironmentalProtection Agency presented Yonkers with a $300,000 grant that will help reduce harmful emissions by retrofitting aging school buses. The funding came from the Clean School Bus USA grant, with the application spearheaded by the city’s Green Policy Taskforce. The EPA's Walter Mugden dramatically demonstrated the difference retrofitting will make in the air our children breath. Watch the WDMC produced video to learn more about this initiative.
Saunders Rookies Top Bots Team to Compete in US FIRST Nationals
Entrepreneurial spirit, extreme practice, and high speed pit-stops provided the winning combination for the Saunders Droid Factory Team 2344, the Rookie All-Stars of the US FIRST Robotics New York regional competition. The team’s success earned it a bid to the national championship in Atlanta April 17-19. (Photo Credit: Discover Magazine) >> More
Business Smarts Earns Two Lincoln Students Entrepreneurs of the Year Award Maurine Koranteng and Neville Green earned the 2008 Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship for their plan to create a company that helps low income individuals develop custom resumes. >> More
Business Savvy Transports Roosevelt Students from Classroom to Boardroom
“Whoever said that the best business plans are created in a boardroom never enlisted the help of Roosevelt High School students,” claims RHS teacher Sylvia La Rue Branchcomb. A team of Roosevelt students took on the challenge of creating a business plan for the Westchester based Internet company, Zoomnia, in its From the Classroom to the Community Challenge. The students' market analysis and recommendation was so impressive, they earned a third place award in a nine-week competition against eight other high schools from across the county. Watch this WDMC TV produced video to learn about the students and the program.
Valedictorians and Salutatorians Honored at Annual Dinner
Ten accomplished and inspiring members of the Class of 2008 were the guests of honor at the Yonkers Public Schools annual Valedictorian - Salutatorian dinner Tuesday. The dinner, steeped in ceremony and touched with heart-felt emotion, honors both the students and their families. >> More
"Engendering" Leadership at Lincoln High School Calling on the wisdom and guidance of community leaders, Lincoln High School held parallel assemblies for its young men and young women, designed to motivate students to look for the excellence within themselves. Said one student, "it made me want to do more." Many of these young people were inspired to the same insight, as you will see in this WDMC TV produced video.
Relay for Life The Yonkers Council of PTSAs is once again taking a leadership role in mobilizing the entire Yonkers community in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This important event takes place June 6-7 at Gorton High School.
Trustees, Superintendent & Mayor Advocate for our Students in Albany Superintendent Recommending Straightforward Plan to Close Budget Gap More than 400 Yonkers Public Schools employees will be laid off and millions of dollars cut from student programs if the Executive Budget is enacted by the State legislature. Board of Education President Bernadette Dunne, Vice President Debra Martinez, Superintendent of Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio, Mayor Philip A. Amicone, union officials and other advocates for children once again traveled to Albany to make clear to decision makers that theproposed budget reduction cuts more than money, it cuts into the heart of our school system. >> Read more
Business Smarts Earns Two Lincoln Students Entrepreneurs of the Year Award Maurine Koranteng and Neville Green earned the 2008 Global Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship for their plan to create a company that helps low income individuals develop custom resumes. >> More
May I Have This Dance? Good manners are never out of style and neither is ballroom dancing, the hot, hot, hot after school program at Westchester Hills School 29. Now in its second very successful year, the youngsters learn the moves from Physical Education teacher Maritza Fasack. They also learn about respect, grace and, of course, music. Enjoy a pictorial of these irresistible children. Charmed, we are sure!
Paying for College: Save This Date! A free workshop on planning and paying for college is being presented by the SallieMae Fund at the Riverfront Branch of the Yonkers Public Library at 6:00pm, Wednesday, April 9th. This workshop is a must for parents and families of college bound students -- of all ages. So, take a second to mark your calendar, now. It is definitely not too early to plan!
Saunders Trades and Technical High School Students Serve Pi for Einstein’s Birthday Students from School 5 and Westchester Hills School 29 were guests at Saunders Trades and Technical High School for a celebration of Pi Day, commemorated by math enthusiasts around the world on March 14th to pay homage to the special number 3.14, also known as Pi. >> Read more!
Top Prize to School 32 in Regional History Day Competition District Earns Two Berths in State Competition Going head-to-head with more experienced competitors from school districts in the Lower Hudson Valley, Family School 32 won first place for its Group Exhibit and PEARLS Hawthorne School won second place for an individual exhibit in the regional National History Day Competition held at St. Thomas Aquinas College. These students now advance to the statewide competition in Cooperstown May 2. >> Read more!
President's Volunteer Service Award to Two Students
Sierra Bangari, a 9th Grade student at Riverside High School and Kimberly Spence a 6th grade student at School 29, have been honored by the President of the United States for their exemplary volunteer service. >> Read more
Two Gibran Fifth Graders are Published Poets Lizard Wizard and Boy Rising from a Volcano, poems written by Thomas Papaionnou and Desiray Reyes, 5th grade students in Kathleen Gallagher’s class at Kahlil Gibran School were selected for publication in the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans. >> Read their poetry
Sportsmanship Award to Yonkers High School Varsity Basketball Team Congratulations to theYonkers High School Varsity Basketball Team for a magical and valiant season. In regular play, they led the league in blocks, rebounds, steals and assists. These determined athletes, their inspirational coach, Nick Parashis, and the school's Athletic Director, Joan McKee, have been honored with the Dennis T. Hurlie Sportsmanship Award for their hard work, fair play, cohesiveness, team spirit and sportsmanship.
College Board Academy to Open in September
With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and in collaboration with the College Board Association, the Yonkers Public Schools will open a grades 6-12 College Board School in September. The College Board Academy is the first such school in Westchester and will provide exciting and creative initiatives that prepare students for college success. >> Read more
How Can Pastries and Orange Juice Help Parents Prepare and Save for College?
Parents from seven district elementary schools will find out how items they purchase on a regular basis can help fund a college savings account at a unique adult education program on Saturday, March 8, 2008. Information about New York’s 529 college savings plan is just one of fifteen workshops being offered in the first of a series of free one-day Parent University programs to be held through 2009. >> Read more
Sneak Peek of Currents - The District's Award Winning Community Newsletter This issue of Currents highlights some of the valued and valuable community partnerships that are essential to our students' learning experience. These partnerships provide innovative classroom opportunities, educate for enlightened citizenship, and reinforce learning. Download a preview now.
International Baccalaureate Organization Authorizes Pulaski School Primary Years Programme
The Casimir Pulaski School has become the second elementary school in Yonkers to be authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Pulaski joins the Rosemarie Ann Siragusa School as two of the six schools in New York State to hold this elite designation. >> Read more
You Can't Spell Saturday Without SAT
We found the secret to getting hundreds of teenagers out of bed and in school by 7:30am on a cold, Saturday morning: the chance to take a 12 week SAT preparatory course given by Kaplan Test Prep at no cost, or at greatly reduced fees -- with thanks to Yonkers Partners in Education.
>> Take a look!
Love is a Chemical Reaction at School °5
Spoiler alert! Parents of School 5 fifth graders may want to wait until after Valentine’s Day to read this. We’ll try not to give too much away before the link, but…The students will be learning how the chemical reaction between a bouquet of flowers and spices and a precise amount of Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen produces… Have we said too much already? >> Read more
Conflict & Compromise in History To Understand any Conflict or Compromise,
One Must Know the History
Middle and High School students are conducting historical inquiry and analysis as they prepare to enter their scholarship in Yonkers History Day, the first tier of the National History Day competition. The theme, "Conflict and Compromise in History", asks students to investigate, analyze and present events of historical significance, even if they have never been resolved. Students will present their projects for judging on February 11 and 12. Winners will advance to the National History Day Regional Competition in March. >> Read more
Yonkers College Board Academy to Open in September
Withfunding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and in collaboration with the College Board Association, the Yonkers Public Schools will open a grades 6-12 College Board School in September. The Yonkers College Board Academy is the first such school in Westchester and will provide exciting and creative initiatives that prepare students for college success. >> Read more
NY State Education Department Features Junior Docent Program
The Junior Docent program that was
honored at a White House ceremony last week is also featured on the NY State Education Department website. Please follow this link, then scroll down to P-16 Partnerships/Hudson River Museum & Yonkers Riverside High School Partnership to view the video presentation.
Laura Bush Honors Partnership Between the Yonkers Public Schools and the Hudson River Museum First Lady Laura Bush honored the partnership between the Yonkers Public Schools and the Hudson River Museum at a White House Ceremony Monday morning. The Museum is the recipient of the "Coming Up Taller Award" for its Junior Docent Program, which trains District students to serve as guides who lead tours of the museum’s many exhibits, and run family oriented workshops. Saunders High School student Stephy Sunni was at the White House to accept the award with Rebecca Kraus the Museum's Manager of Youth and Family Programs. >> Read more
Red Carpet Treatment for Student Animators
Getting the "star" treatment at the Jacob Burns Theater is an exciting perk for the fourth graders participating in this valued cultural partner's Animation in Motion arts residency. Learning to harness their creativity using
math, language arts and science skills is part of the bigger plan. >> Read more
Roosevelt & Saunders in Overdrive to Become RoboTop A $40,000 Grant From the Andrew and Judith Economos Foundation Gets Them in Gear Two teams of students from Roosevelt and Saunders High Schools have just a few more weeks to transform an identical jumble of motors, batteries, automation components and a control system into a fully-functioning robot that can race around a 27x 54 foot carpeted track, while knocking down and moving 40 inch inflated trackballs, passing them over or under a 6 foot 6 inch overpass, then returning them to their original position in 2 minutes and 15 seconds. >> Read More
Education Summit Inspires Collaboration
A groundbreaking Education Summit sponsored by Yonkers Partners in Education in association with the Yonkers Board of Education, attracted hundreds of business executives, community members, educators, parents, and elected officials to a new level of collaboration on behalf of the City’s public school students. >> More
Lincoln & Saunders Seniors Earn AP Scholar Status The AP Scholars Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through AP courses and exams. >> More
Two Lincoln High School Seniors Honored for Going Above & Beyond Neville Green and Maurine Koranteng are both recipients of the Westchester County Youth Board’s Youth Recognition Award. >> Read more
Yonkers Philharmonic Shows Emerson Student Some Brass Emerson students were encouraged to put down their headphones and pick up an instrument when a Yonkers Philharmonic Brass Quartet showed them how to make their own music. >> Enjoy
Scholarship Handbook: Must Reading for Seniors and Their Parents
This 100+ page guide is brimming with information about many of the scholarships available to the Class of 2008. Learn about selection criteria, application procedures, the sponsoring organizations and so much more. >> Scholarship Handbook (large download)
Commerce Middle School Students on Career Fact Finding Mission
With stars in their eyes, Commerce Middle School students met with real people in real jobs at the school's annual career day.
The eager young ladies and the gent pictured to the right learned about the hard work, education and dedication it takes for a career in broadcast journalism from WDMC TV Channel 75 news anchor Maura Pheney.
The annual career day helps young students focus on future goals, and what it takes to achieve them.
US News & World Report Ranks Saunders and Yonkers High Schools Among America's Best In its first ranking study of American high schools, US News and World Report rated Saunders Trades and Technical High School and Yonkers High School among the best of more than 18,790 schools in 40 states. Both schools were among just 1,086 high schools awarded bronze status for serving all students well, their college readiness programs, and for student performance on standardized tests. >> US News Profile of Saunders HS >> US News Profile of Yonkers HS
Realtors Breakfast Strengthens Partnership "Everyone saw today that tremendous progress has been made in this school district, " said the CEO of the Westchester County Board of Realtors, P. Gilbert Mercurio. He was one of more than 80 real estate professionals who came to Yonkers Middle/High School for a briefing and a bite yesterday morning. >>
Read more
$3.8 Million Advances Mathematical Thinkers The New York State Education Department awarded $3.8 million to the Yonkers Public Schools to help improve mathematics performance across grade levels. >> Read more
Everyday I Learn Something New
ConEd Chief is a Hero and Leader at
Mark Twain You could almost see the light bulbs go on over their heads as students at Mark Twain Middle School met Kevin Burke, the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Edison yesterday. After all, he is in charge of the company that brings them what we take for granted – the light in the room. As a special guest of the school’s Heroes and Leaders program, Mr. Burke shed some light on a key to success: life-long learning. >> Watch!
The Power of Editorial Cartoons A sixteen panel exhibit of editorial cartoons published in the late 1930's and early 1940's that alerted the American public to the Holocaust and the plight of European Jews was the backdrop of a workshop for Gorton High School students. >> Read more
Building on a Tradition, Students Mark School Board Appreciation Week From palm-print posters thanking them for their helping hands to a creative anagram that spelled out a tribute, students from throughout the District honored the service of the nine volunteer members of the Yonkers Board of Education. >> Read more
High School Students Set the Example During Red Ribbon Week Lincoln, Roosevelt and Saunders High School students are joining millions of their peers nationwide in support of a drug free lifestyle
during Red Ribbon Week. >> Read more
Three Yonkers High School Seniors Recognized for Excellence Mogana Jayakumar received the Rensselaer Medal from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and was named a Commended Student in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Napier Lopez was recognized by the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program. And, Ralph Esposito is the recipient of a $50,000 scholarship from the Generoso Pope Foundation.
Code Pink: SHS Students Turning Heads for Breast Cancer Research
The coolest heads in town are showing off pink hair extensions woven for a cause by the cosmetology students at Saunders High School. If you are passionate about pink, or passionate about helping to find a cure for breast cancer, your five dollar donation for a fabulous hair extension goes directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
>> Learn more
Miss Joy is the Employee of the Year
It wasn't until Clara Chiusa was named the Yonkers Public Schools Civil Service Employee of the Year that people realized that her name was not in fact, Miss Joy. The Yonkers Board of Education honored her distinguished and loving service to the children of the District with this annual recognition given in association with Soroptimist International. >> Read more
Board of Education Stated Meeting Wed 10/17 Clara “Joy” Chiusa to be Honored as Civil Service Employee of the Year The Yonkers Board of Education will hold its Stated Meeting Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at Saunders High School. Comments from the Community are welcome at 7:00pm, and the Stated Meeting begins at 7:30. Mrs. Clara "Joy" Chiusa will be honored as the Civil Service Employee of the Year. All are welcome to meet the lady who never heard of the word "no." >> Agenda
Attention Class of 2008
Free Ride to the 10/15 College Fair
Admission staff from more than 300 colleges and universities interested in meeting students from the Yonkers Public Schools will be at the Westchester County Center College Fair, Monday October 15th. We’ll get you there -- and back --by bus, totally free of charge. Pick-up and drop-off is in front of your high school. You need to sign-up in the Guidance Office of your school, today.
Superintendent's Community Forums
A series of Superintendent's Forums will be held throughout the month of October for parents and residents to learn about the exciting and bold plans for the future of our school district, and to ask questions directly of Superintendent Pierorazio. The first forum is at 7:00pm Tuesday, October 9th at Saunders High School. >> Learn more
Two Board of Education Committees Meet Tuesday, October 9 The Instructional Affairs Committee meets at 4:30pm and the Audit, Budget & Finance Committee meets at 5:30pm. Both meetings have interesting agendas and can be watched, live online. >> More information
High School Information Night
For Parents of 9th Graders 4 Year Plan for Success and College Entrance Do not miss this all important panel discussion that could make a big difference to you and your child. It takes place from 6:00-8:00pm Tuesday, October 9th at Riverfront Library. >> See what's on the program
The $27,625 Dinner
Peter X. Kelly, the Yonkers native and reigning Iron Chef with a golden heart, celebrated the grand opening of his newest restaurant by raising $27,625 for the Saunders High School Culinary Program. X2O Xaviars On The Hudson opened its doors on the Yonkers Pier early this summer to an eager and generous crowd of patrons whose enjoyment helped provide such a tremendous gift to our students. >> Read on
YPS Receives $3 Million Smaller Learning Communities Grant The United States Department of Education awarded the Yonkers Public Schools a $3 million competitive grant that helps the District continue developing the smaller learning community model in our high schools. The District’s ongoing initiative features an interdisciplinary approach to instruction with an emphasis on personalizing the learning environment. >> Learn more
District's Communications Initiatives Honored The Yonkers Public Schools website and the annual school calendar and handbook earned the highest honor possible in the 28th Annual New York State School Public Relations Association Communications Contest. Both received the Award of Excellence from a panel of judges in one of the nation’s largest and most competitive communications contests. The WDMC TV produced video “YPS Stays ConnectEd”, which introduced the school-to-family messaging system to the public, earned an Award of Merit. >> Read more
Red Carpet Treatment as Students Return We couldn't have said it better than Roosevelt High School Assistant Principal Robert Vicuna, "I love the kids, so it's good to see them back." The 25,000 students of the Yonkers Public Schools were greeted by the "wow" factor as they began a great school year. Our WDMC TV crew captured the day. Watch it!
Safety First is the Lesson for First Time Riders The District's youngest students and their parents took a practice run to school during the popular First Time Riders Bus Safety Program last week. Their important and fun experience is captured in this WDMC TV produced video. Watch it!
Out of the Mouths of Babes Kids are smart, but you don't need to take our word for it. You can see for yourself, as some very wise boys and girls share their best back-to-school tips in this WDMC Channel 75 video clip. Watch it!
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Together We Make A Difference Banners Herald an Optimistic School Year At an early morning briefing with school administrators, Superintendent of Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio presented school banners to Roosevelt High School principal Jade Sharp, Mark Twain Middle School principal Eileen Rivera, and Fermi School assistant principal Magdaline Delany. >> More
What Does "A Community of Learners" Mean to You?
You will hear a lot about the Yonkers Public Schools community of learners in the days and months to come. We would like to know what this means to our broad community of learners: students, teachers, support staff, administrators, parents, and friends. Please follow this link to share your thoughts.
Failure is Not an Option for This Community of Learners District Administrators Begin the School Year With fire in their bellies, Yonkers Public Schools central office and building administrators got a jump-start on the school year at an all day Leadership Institute led by Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio. Watch this WDMC TV Channel 75 video to learn more.
Do You Know A School-Age Child in Your Neighborhood Who is Not Yet Registered for School? We want every child to have a great start to the school year. If you know a child who is not yet registered, will you help us out by asking his or her parent/guardian to contact the Information Center at 376-8050? Thank you! >> Enrollment Information
Take the Bus to School? You Need to Know This What time to be at the bus stop, safety for our younger students and high school transportation information details are here.
Failure is Not an Option for This Community of Learners District Administrators Begin the School Year With fire in their bellies, Yonkers Public Schools central office and building administrators got a jump-start on the school year at an all day Leadership Institute led by Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio. Watch this WDMC TV Channel 75 video to learn more.
Triumphant Walk Across the Stage for 133 High School Graduates Perseverance, determination, and a can-do spirit paid off with high school diplomas for 133 students from Gorton, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Saunders, and Yonkers High Schools as they officially graduated as members of the Class of 2007 Wednesday. Following an arduous summer of study, study, study, these graduates got their well-deserved wings in front of a beaming audience of families, friends, teachers, Board of Education members, the Superintendent, and administrators from throughout the District.
Annual Calendar & Handbook in the Mail to YPS Families This gorgeous showcase of student art is also the District's award winning annual calendar and handbook. Its 36 pages are packed with information you need and use all year. May we suggest a magnetic clip to keep it on the fridge? >> Get a sneak peek
Mayor Appoints Board of Education Trustee Richard Greco, Jr. was appointed a Trustee of the Yonkers Board of Education by Mayor Philip A. Amicone. Mr. Greco, a former Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy, is a principal of Filangieri Capital Partners, the private equity firm. Mr. Greco was introduced at a City Hall ceremony on Thursday, and was enthusiastic about his future service on behalf of the children of Yonkers. Board of Education President Bernadette Dunne, Vice President Debra Martinez and Trustees Trevor Bennett, Lisa Perito and Reverend Gerald Sudick, as well as Superintendent Bernard P. Pierorazio joined in the ceremony. Mr. Greco will take the oath of office at the September 26th Stated Meeting of the Board of Education.
Audit Budget & Finance Committee to Meet The Committee meets Tuesday, August 7th at 5:30pm in the 4th Floor Board Room at One Larkin Center. >> More information
Public Hearing on SAVE Legislation and Revisions to Code of Conduct The Yonkers Board of Education will hold a Public Hearing on SAVE Legislation and Revisions to the Code of Conduct at 6:00pm Wednesday, August 15, 2007 in the 4th Floor Board Room at One Larkin Center. The Board will hold its regular Stated Meeting immediately after the Hearing. >> More information
How They're Spending Summer Vacation For 27 Yonkers Public Schools teachers, it's studying the legacy of the Dred Scott decision, which declared that African Americans could never be citizens. These teachers are participants in Project Preamble, a three-year professional development program that supports the teaching of the Constitution. >> Learn more
New Student Registration Families new to the Yonkers Public Schools or families with youngsters preparing for their first year of school in our District must make an appointment to register at the Information Center, 28 Wells Avenue, Building 2. The telephone number is 914 376-8050. >> Learn more
Be our Guest for Lunch All youngsters under 18 years of age are invited to enjoy a nutritious lunch at no charge Monday through Friday through August 17th. Stop by either the Hostos School or the Cedar Place School between 10:45am and 1:00pm. >> More details
Summer Transition Program For Students Entering Grades 6 & 9 This unique program for students and their parents takes place August 21 - 23. >> English Brochure >> En Español
District Wins Top Communications Prize The National School Public Relations Association awarded Yonkers Public Schools the top prize in its annual communications contest. The Award of Excellence was earned by the 2007-2008 School Programs Catalog in the Publications & Electronic Media category. The catalog is an information rich resource for parents and students about the District’s schools and programs. The District also won three honorable mentions: The Budget edition of "Currents" in the finance publications category, the WDMC produced video "Focus: Yonkers Public High Schools" in the public service category, and the District's Annual Calendar and Handbook in the calendar category.
stars in their eyes, Commerce Middle School students met with real people in real jobs at the school's annual career day. 
ranking study of American high schools, US News and World Report rated Saunders Trades and Technical High School and Yonkers High School among the best of more than 18,790 schools in 40 states. Both schools were among just 1,086 high schools awarded bronze status for serving all students well, their college readiness programs, and for student performance on standardized tests. 
