Our Blog

IMG_5387

Celebrating the Class of 2024's Heroic Literacy Achievements at MS/HS 223: The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology

In a district where literacy rates present a significant challenge, the accomplishments of the Class of 2024 at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology are significant. In District 7, only about 30% of students achieve proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) tests across various grades, according to the New York State Education Department. Despite these statistics, the students at 223 have made remarkable strides, setting themselves up for success as they transition from middle school to high school. In 2023, across all grade levels, 55% of students at MS 223 achieved proficiency in English Language Arts. This significant achievement highlights the school's efforts in overcoming the broader literacy challenges in the district.

 

Overcoming Literacy Challenges

Ms. Emily Haines, an educator at 223, has witnessed firsthand the incredible progress made by this year's graduating class. "When students arrive in the 6th grade without the ability to decode, there's a real risk they won't reach grade-level reading proficiency by graduation," she explains. "At 223, we take pride in teaching from the ground up, ensuring that no student is left behind."

 

This bottom-up approach has yielded significant results, with students like Emily Uribe and Gianni Villano, demonstrating notable improvements in decoding, reading comprehension, and fluency. Their success stories highlight the effectiveness of 223’s commitment to tailored instruction and support.

 

Building Critical Skills for the Future

Preparing students for the rigors of high school is a multifaceted process at 223. The middle school curriculum is designed to build critical thinking and essential skill sets needed to meet high school graduation requirements. One unique aspect of the preparation involves pre-Performance Based Assessment Tasks (prePBATs), which help students develop the analytical and problem-solving abilities that will be crucial in their high school years.

 

Ms. Haines notes, "Although middle school and high school are different, being part of a Consortium allows us to align our curriculum with the expectations of high school. This way, our students are not just meeting but exceeding the standards set for them."

 

The heroic literacy gains of the Class of 2024 are a testament to the dedication of the teachers and the resilience of the students at 223. As students move on to high school, they carry with them the skills, confidence, and determination to continue their academic journey successfully!

English - 08/07/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
D7 Wise Expo (SBSD export) - 104

Middle Schoolers Take Charge: Financial Literacy and Health Awareness in District 7

At the start of 2024, the D7 Superintendent announced that a W!SE Financial Literacy Program would be open to middle school students and families across the district. Eighth graders from across District 7 were invited to apply. MS/HS223 Principal Eric Lincoln invited Arete Education to provide a career connected learning internship experience modeled on the successful 10th Grade Week Without Walls partnership with RTW Charitable Foundation in January 2024. Both MS 224 and MS 343 sent middle school students to participate with MS/HS 223 students in the internship experience on Saturdays throughout March and April.

 

A total of 25 students successfully completed 4 financial literacy classes held at PS 5 on Saturdays in March and completed 20 hours of internship experiences with Arete Education and RTW on Saturday afternoons in March and all-day Saturday sessions in April. MS/HS223 faculty Quanell Lopez, Sean Robinson, and Trinese Davis worked alongside Arete consultant Sarah Benis Scheier-Dolberg to facilitate the cross-school partnership for D7 W!SE participants. In the final weeks of the internship, Industry Scholar Program (ISP) Interns with Arete’s Communications team joined the students to provide peer mentoring as the D7 W!SE students completed their social media campaigns to inform their communities in the Bronx about common diseases in their neighborhoods like asthma, diabetes, breast cancer, lupus, hypertension, and strokes.

 

On April 19th, the cohort of 25 students from MS/HS223, MS 224, and MS 343 presented what they learned through a Financial Literacy Expo held at Metropolitan College of NY - Bronx. They were supported by their high school mentors in the ISP program with Arete, 10th graders in Mr. Robinson’s finance class at MS/HS223, and the teaching team.

 

During the Expo, Arete ISP Interns had the chance to interview some participants. Essence, a MS/HS223 eighth grader participating in the D7 W!SE Financial Literacy Program, shared her insights on what she has learned through the internship portion of the program with Arete Education and RTW. When asked what she learned about strokes, she said “I learned that it affects your brain and the way it works, and if it's really serious, one part of your brain dies. I didn’t know that.” Through this internship experience, students learned about diseases that greatly affect the Bronx, and perhaps more importantly, how and why it is important to prevent them. This knowledge allowed the students to create incredible social media campaigns to spread awareness, but also to be more cautious of their own habits and prevent themselves from getting these diseases. Prevention starts with education!

 

Mr. Robinson, a finance and D7 W!SE instructor at MS/HS223, expressed the growth he has seen in the students since they started the program. “There were some young people who didn't necessarily think they were able to do this, they didn't have confidence in themselves or their ability to present, but they really did an amazing job today. I believe that it will carry on moving forward in the rest of their classes.” He highlights the benefits of this program beyond the information the students learned about common diseases in the Bronx. The students also honed in their soft skills and built habits that will help them in school.

 

Lisbeth Turbides Baez and Ariana Rianos, 2 Arete ISP Interns who attended the event, offered their perspectives on the program as mentors and observers of the students’ work. Ariana said, “When I saw how all the students were working together, I knew I would have loved working with my classmates and being able to be proud of our project. I would have enjoyed learning about these diseases and being able to help others be aware.” Lisbeth echoed this sentiment, “I would have loved to experience something like this while I was in middle school. A lot of the skills these students develop are skills that I developed in highschool.”

 

The D7 W!SE Program has been incredibly transformative for the students who participated. The students learned about common diseases in the Bronx, ways to prevent and spread awareness of them, Canva skills, teamwork skills, financial literacy, and so much more. As the students continue their academic journeys, they will be able to harness these skills and advance their learning.

 

English - 08/07/2024 - Jaymie Grant
dance class collage

Nurturing Dance and Music in Education: Highlighting Dance Clubs at Partner Sites

Programming at Arete Education’s 3 partner school sites redefines the learning landscape by integrating dance clubs into the afterschool curriculum. These clubs offer students a unique opportunity to receive dance training within the school environment. By fostering creativity, confidence, and community, Arete Education’s dance programming ignites a passion for the arts and enriches students' educational experiences!

 

At PS 59: The Dawn Best School and The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, SNS Artistry emphasizes the importance of dance and music in education. Their mission is clear and compelling: to provide students with the opportunity to receive quality training in dance and music within the school system. By doing so, they aim to ignite a lifelong passion for dance and music in young minds.

 

SNS Artistry's approach to teaching is as diverse as their student body. Catering to all grades and groups, they understand that each student is unique. The structure of their programs depends on the attention level, ambition, and enthusiasm of each group. Whether it's hip-hop, salsa, or bachata, the dance styles taught are chosen based on the students' ability to comprehend and understand timing, rhythm, and retention.

 

One of the significant incentives for students is the love for dance and music that SNS Artistry fosters through their sessions. This passion is showcased through end-of-season performances. These performances are a way for students to exhibit the skills they have learned in front of an audience, boosting their confidence and sense of achievement. Additionally, these performances are more than just a showcase of talent; they are a celebration of hard work, dedication, and community.

 

The success stories emerging from SNS Artistry's programs are numerous. Many students remain in the program throughout their school years, eventually joining dance companies outside the classroom. The program's impact goes beyond teaching dance moves; it builds confidence, emotional intelligence, and perseverance. Students learn to push through challenges, influencing a growth mindset that serves them well, not just in dance but with academic and social development. 

 

Moreover, the program promotes the development of lifelong friendships. Students from different age ranges and with varied interests come together through dance. This community helps them develop essential interpersonal skills.

 

For the instructors, Steven and Steffani, the most rewarding part of their work is watching the students grow. There is immense joy in seeing young, bright minds evolve into confident individuals. The journey doesn't end when students leave the school; many keep in touch, and teachers witness their progress as they grow older. 

 

“It's a blessing to see these young individuals become who they were meant to be!” - Steffani 

 

Through these programs dedicated to dance, students gain more than just artistic skills. They learn about determination, build friendships, and develop a love for the arts that lasts a lifetime!

English - 07/18/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
carnival and celebration of colors 2024

A Colorful June Celebration at P.S. 59: Welcoming Summer and Honoring Hard Work

In June, Arete proudly celebrated the students of P.S. 59 with two joyous events: the Celebration of Colors and a vibrant carnival. These events were not just a way to  honor the students' dedication and perseverance throughout the academic year but also to mark the beginning of summer!

 

Celebration of Colors

On June 20th, the Celebration of Colors was a lively and heartwarming event designed to  acknowledge the students' hard work in preparing for and completing major assessments and exams, celebrate the accomplishments of graduating students, and welcome the summer season. The event was filled with vibrant colors, symbolizing the diverse and dynamic community of P.S. 59. It was a time for students to unwind and enjoy the festive atmosphere after the rigors of their academic endeavors!

 

Carnival Fun

On June 10th, the carnival brought a wave of excitement and joy to P.S. 59. Students had a blast jumping inside the bouncy house, getting their faces painted with colorful designs, roller skating, and engaging in fun carnival games!The carnival also featured a variety of differently-shaped balloons, adding to the fun and playful environment. The school grounds echoed with laughter and cheer as students enjoyed the numerous activities and celebrated the end of a challenging yet rewarding academic year!

 

As the academic school year came to an end, P.S. 59 was transformed into a haven of joy and companionship, filled with smiles and laughter, as the school community came together to celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. These events highlighted the importance of taking time to appreciate and celebrate achievements, fostering a sense of unity and pride within the school!

English - 07/12/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
Screenshot

Celebrating Student Success: Films by Sebanyah Buckmire and Audrey Taveras Shine at NYC Public School Film Festival

We are thrilled to announce the remarkable achievements of two of our talented students, Sebanyah Buckmire and Audrey Taveras, whose films were selected for the prestigious NYC Public School Film Festival! Sebanyah's "In My Head" and Audrey's "It Girl" received unanimous acclaim from the festival judges and have been awarded the highest honors. These outstanding films were showcased at the NYC Public School Film Festival, an event that honors diverse student voices, hosted by The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. 

 

About the Films

"In My Head" by Sebanyah Buckmire

Sebanyah Buckmire's film delves into the complexities of mental health, exploring the anxieties and depression of youth. The film's poignant narrative and evocative visuals demonstrate how mental illnesses can be overlooked by anyone. 

 

"It Girl" by Audrey Taveras

Audrey Taveras' "It Girl" presents a sharp and insightful commentary on how oftentimes people tend to conceal their internal struggles based on social pressures, leading one to spiral into depression and loneliness. 

 

In addition to their films being recognized at the festival, Sebanyah Buckmire and Audrey Taveras were featured in an interview on CBS Mornings on May 13th. They joined Patricia Kaufman, the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for Media and Entertainment, to discuss their films and the impact of this achievement!

 

The selection of these films for the NYC Public School Film Festival and being featured on CBS is a testament to the hard work, talent, and vision of Sebanyah and Audrey. It also highlights the supportive and nurturing environment at The High School for Media and Communications, where students are encouraged to pursue their artistic passions and develop their storytelling abilities! We also appreciate the invaluable support and contributions of La Sala Talks to the success of these students. 

English - 07/11/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Arete Student Interns and Employees Learn Real World Skills

This year students across Arete's two high school campuses are engaging in real world skills through their internships with Arete.

Student employees at Media High School are engaged in a professionalism seminar where they practice and grow their emotional intelligence, expand their lesson planning skills, and reflect on their own professional strengths, goals, and growth areas. Our self-care club for students at Media High School is growing a culture of wellness among future professionals.

At The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, high school interns are working with Citizens Bank branch managers to open bank accounts and deepen their personal financial literacy skills. In our pilot ISP Internship, our Communications Interns are mentoring 8th graders to build social media campaigns to raise awareness about common diseases that disproportionally impact patients in the Bronx, conducting interviews with BioQuest STEM mentors, and publishing to Arete's social media channels.

English - 04/30/2024 - sbsd@areteeducation.org

Partner Feature: RTW Charitable Foundation

During the height of the pandemic, RTW Charitable Foundation reached out to Arete Education through President of Community Engagement Marti Speranza Wong. It was a call out of the blue offering help to students and families in the South Bronx. “What do you really need?” Marti asked. “We want to get money to grassroots organizations immediately to help families who are suffering.” After that initial call with RTW, the funding came weeks later to launch the Arete Hope Network. The program provided wraparound support for 30 families living in temporary housing during the pandemic who were facing significant barriers to accessing school. As a result all students participating in the program passed all their core classes and successfully completed the school year in good standing.

Fast forward three and a half years, and RTW Charitable Foundation is still investing in grassroots education organizations in the South Bronx through an innovative RTW BioQuest program and other innovative programs to put teens into project-based learning contexts that inspire their work as future scientists, investors, and entrepreneurs. Our students in grades 7-10 have been working alongside mentors at RTW as part of the BioQuest and Week Without Walls Programs facilitated through Arete.

RTW’s BioQuest STEM mentoring program is in its first year. Through the pilot over 50 students across Arete the Hunts Point Alliance for Children have engaged with 20 RTW mentors to learn about diverse careers in biotech. They engage in team challenges, explore career pathways into science, and visit professional settings across the city. Students have toured RTW Investments, learning how a company sets out to invest in biomedical breakthrough technologies, as well as JLABS and Weill Cornell BioVenture eLabs learning about applied careers in STEM. Through RTW’s BioQuest, students have also done scientific investigations on the BioBus and spent the day in New Jersey at the Liberty Science Center. BioQuest mentors led hands-on lab activities including extracting DNA from strawberries, team pipette racing, and a video demonstration of robotics technology used in the lab. Students got to explore the space, engage with their mentors, and meet the Head of JLABS US Northeast. This markable group of professionals across the city has invested so much in our students this year. We are so appreciative to be able to facilitate this amazing partnership into a second school year.

English - 04/27/2024 - sbsd@areteeducation.org
black voices unfiltered

Empowering Youth through the Voices Unfiltered Podcast Network

The Media Performing Arts Division at The High School for Media and Communication (HSMC), alongside Spanglish Voces, is proud to inaugurate their latest project - the Voices Unfiltered Podcast Network! This innovative platform aims to empower youth by providing them with an outlet to express themselves freely while honing their critical thinking, writing, and research skills.

The mission of the Voices Unfiltered Podcast Network is to give power to youth voices by fostering confidence and providing opportunities for self-expression. Supported by Artistic Director and Teaching Artist Zulaika Valezquez, students will share their diverse and personal stories, ideas, and perspectives. By encouraging them to pursue their passions and create high-quality content, the initiative aims to instill a sense of agency and advocacy in these young adults. 

One of the primary goals of the Voices Unfiltered Podcast Network is to amplify marginalized voices and narratives. In collaboration with HSMC students, the new podcast, “Black Voices Unfiltered," seeks to shine a light on the experiences Black youth. This initiative aims to provide a space for understanding, empathy, and solidarity within the broader community.

Through the creation of their own podcasts, students involved in this project will gain valuable hands-on experience and improve their abilities in media and communications. Furthermore, the Voices Unfiltered Podcast Network serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and community engagement, ultimately, being a powerful platform for youth empowerment and social change!

Check out the podcast here: Black Voices Unfiltered Podcast

English - 03/27/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
black history month programming

Celebrating Black History Month at PS 59: Honoring Inventors, Icons, and Activists

At PS 59, thanks to Alejandra Figueroa’s design and planning of these experiences, teachers engaged students in a diverse array of programming aimed at educating, inspiring, and celebrating Black identity and history!

The Phoenix Explorers students are delving into the realm of STEM through the lens of African American inventors. From groundbreaking discoveries to revolutionary inventions, students are learning about the various contributions made by African Americans. 

Each grade level at PS 59 has been assigned a specific theme, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of black excellence across various domains.

In the 3K and PreK classes, young learners are immersing themselves in the world of politics as they study prominent Black politicians. Through this, students gained insight into the power of advocacy and leadership!

For 3rd graders, the focus shifts to the realm of dance, with students exploring the lives and legacies of iconic Black dancers. Students celebrated the artistry and cultural significance of dance as a form of expression and resistance!

4th graders focused on the world of athletics, exploring the achievements of African American sports figures who have shattered barriers and redefined the meaning of excellence on the field, court, and track!

In the 5th grade classrooms, students learned about civil rights pioneers and contemporary advocates. They were inspired from activists who have dedicated their lives to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights. These young students are learning valuable lessons about the power of activism and the importance of speaking out against injustice!

One of the highlights of the programming for Black History Month is the Wax Museum, an interactive and educational experience where students bring historical figures to life. 

The Black History Month programming at P.S. 59 is committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. By highlighting the achievements and contributions of African Americans, the school is not only honoring the past but also motivating the future generations to fight for a better and more equitable future!

English - 03/22/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
rtw week without walls workplace challenge

Empowering Students: F&T 10th Graders Tackle Rare Diseases in Workplace Challenge with RTW Charitable Foundation

With curiosity and dedication, a group of high school students from The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology participated in an innovative initiative aimed at raising awareness about rare diseases. In collaboration with RTW Charitable Foundation and Arete Education, 10th grade students were provided with the opportunity to delve into the complexities of rare diseases and explore their creativity with science communication! Co-lead by Sarah Benis Scheier-Dolberg from Arete, Sean Robinson from The Lab School, and Sarah Garwood and Joe Katakowski from RTW Charitable Foundation, this unique collaboration was supported by The Lab School’s recent Magnet Award for Career Connected Learning.

The first workplace challenge was intended to immerse students in a thought-provoking environment where they would be able to learn about different diseases that are often overlooked. The research they conducted involved learning about signs, symptoms, and struggles that people face when diagnosed with these rare diseases. Using the knowledge they gained through the investigation process, students were tasked with creating communication materials to disseminate their findings within their community and beyond! 

As part of Rare Disease Month, RTW has featured spotlight posts on different rare diseases on Instagram. The rare diseases highlighted were Sickle Cell Disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, and Marfan Syndrome. The posts uploaded were curated by the students, showcasing the information they learned through the workplace challenge. Each post displays the students' attentiveness to learning about diseases that affect society and commitment to health advocacy. 

In essence, this workplace challenge is indicative of the meaningful knowledge students can acquire and spread. This serves as a powerful reminder that young people can have an amazing impact when it comes to various social issues when given the opportunity to engage with new topics in creative and intriguing ways. Furthermore, the graphics from the workplace challenge are also a form of motivation to inspire the general public in joining the cause of advocating for a more healthy, equitable, and inclusive world. The work that RTW does within the sciences are opportunities that allow us to continue supporting and empowering our students. With the help of RTW, we can establish new career paths, invest in science education for our students, and drive future generations of changemakers!

English - 03/20/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Recent Comments

    Categories

    footer-logo

    ABOUT US

    THE ARETÉ WAY
    MEET OUR TEAM
    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    OUR MISSION

    ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
    FACTS

    PROGRAMS

    EXPANDED DAY
    EXPANDED WEEK
    SUMMER BRIDGE

    SUPPORT

    CONTACT

    GIVING

    IGNITE WITH US

    • TWITTER

      Follow us & stay tuned

    • INSTAGRAM

      Know what we are up to

    cougar
    soft-lacross
    f-t
    summer-bridge
    hll
    ed-labs
    nyc
    expanded-schools
    hyde

    Copyright 2023  Areté Education © All Rights Reserved