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CENTRAL HS CLUBS HOST BRAINSTORMING SESSION

 

Great minds don’t think alike! More than 20 school clubs and organizations at Central High School in the Valley Stream Central High School District came together to brainstorm ideas, events and goals for the current school year. The annual event known as “Town Hall” is designed to increase citizenship, community, and cohesion amongst the organizations and clubs at the school.

 

Representatives from each of the clubs met in small groups and shared ideas on such topics as how to increase club participation, mutual fundraising efforts, how to raise school spirit, and the role of Student Council. “I think the students really have a lot of ideas and they want their voices heard,” National Honor Society and student activities advisor Jennifer Buonagurio said of the annual event, currently in its fifth year. “Student activities should be student-centered,” she reasoned.

 

At the completion of the small group brainstorming, all club representatives convened and shared their ideas with the Student Council. One idea that stemmed from this year’s Town Hall that will be implemented is the inclusion of all club meetings for the day as part of that morning’s announcements. This is designed to bolster attendance at club meetings, and ultimately membership.

 

 

BEAUTY SALON SERVICES NOW AT CENTRAL HIGH

 

 

The Valley Stream Central High School District’s Career Prep program in Cosmetology, based at Central High School, invites community residents, both men and women, to make use of its beauty salon services on Thursdays and Fridays from October 2011 through May 2012 at 8 AM.

 

 No appointment is necessary but hours are limited to the early morning and the services are free.  There is a nominal fee for products used.

 

Beauty services include permanent waves, hair color, hair cuts, shampoo and sets and blow dry styling, manicures, facials and conditioning treatments administered by senior cosmetology students from Central, North and South High Schools under the supervision of teacher Barbara Liotti. In return, the students gain valuable “hands on” experience as part of their two-year training required by the State Board for licensing.

 

For more information, call the Central salon at 561-4436.

 

Sailor Returns to Central HS

 

On Tuesday, May 11, Andrew DeMarsico, 2005 Central graduate, spent a half day at Central. Andrew addressed Participation in Government classes. He talked to students about his close friends during high school, his lack of direction while at Central and a major change he made in his life.

After spending one semester at Nassau Community College, Andrew made a firm decision to enlist in the Navy to get an education and to get training applicable to civilian life. He has not looked back. He has done three tours in Afghanistan attached to an Electronic Attack Squadron. He spoke about his positive experiences in the Navy and described the lives of the people in Afghanistan. He has received several distinguished medals for his service and is extremely humble about them. 

Andrew credits the influence of his Central teachers and the skills they provided him for getting through some very difficult times in the military. He advised students to work hard, to reflect on the directions of their lives and to pay attention to current events. Andrew recently enlisted in the Navy for another four years and will spend the next two years in the Pacific Fleet. After the two years, he will train for submarine duty.

Andrew’s classroom experience culminated with a luncheon at Dr. Pompilio’s conference table. Mr. Critchley, social studies teacher, was instrumental in planning the day and was full of pride at the sight of Andrew speaking in front of his classroom. Dr. Pompilio  thanked Andrew for his service and was extremely impressed with his presence, demeanor and accomplishments. Central has once again influenced a person who is affecting change in Valley Stream, the country and the globe.


Thank you Andrew.

 

What is the Culture of Central High School?


Culture can be defined as customs that lead to intellectual and artistic achievement. At Central, we have many customs in place to inspire achievement.  As soon as students and staff walk into the building, they remove their hats for symbolic reasons.  Faculty members consider Central a sacred place of instruction and consistently model appropriate behaviors in and out of the classroom.  The halls on the first floor are filled with motivational signs to remind students of successful habits.  College banners hang from ceilings to promote the undergraduate experience and to enlighten students to the process of applying to college.  The decorative halls of Central scream out instruction, achievement, and self improvement.

 

As hatless students migrate from place to place in the building, teachers, deans, and administrators monitor the actions and language of students.  If a student uses inappropriate language anywhere in the school, a staff member in the vicinity will address the issue.  If a student is observed demonstrating good citizenship in the halls, teachers will recommend that student to be posted on The "Strength and Honor" board, which recognizes students who perform acts of kindness by a picture and a description of the act.

 

Students are consistently applauded for their achievements.  Recently, Nicole Shere (Bowling), Nick Rishkel (Rifle), Dean Rossano (Rifle), Danielle Cuomo (Rifle), Tiffany Pesante (Rifle) and Joanne Imbert (High Jump) competed on the New York State level.  On March 17th, 120 Juniors were inducted into the National Honor Society. On March 18th, every 10th grader participated in Career Day getting exposure to guest presenters in many fields and trades.

 

School spirit at Central has recently experienced an infusion of energy from its teachers who are organizing student – teacher tournaments involving the play of pickleball, volleyball, basketball, and ping pong.  Teachers and students raised close to $3000 through such tournaments and through the sale of baked goods. When students and teachers work together for a cause outside the classroom, students see teachers as “real human beings” who have families, interests, and lives outside of school.  While walking into the gym, one can feel the fun and enjoyment students experience during a tournament.

 

The meaning of Central’s culture is most concisely communicated by recent graduates of Central. Graduates come back to Central during all times of the year to express how much they miss the school, the teachers, and their friends.  They yearn for what they now regard as the simplicity of high school as opposed to the demands of college life.  They seek comfort in conversations with former teachers and visit certain classrooms to invoke cherished memories. 

 

Central High School means many things to many people.  The administration, teachers, and support staff will constantly strive to create a culture of sophistication, intellect, and virtue by motivating the mind and spirit of Central students.

 
Last Updated on Friday, 18 November 2011 01:05