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F&T Students Explore JLABS: A Day of Science, Teamwork, and Celebration

On December 10th, 32 students from The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology participated in an engaging and hands-on BioQuest trip to Johnson & Johnson JLABS and the New York Genome Center in Manhattan. The event provided students with an exciting opportunity to explore the world of science, engage with mentors, and celebrate their achievements in the BioQuest program.

 

 

A Day of Discovery and Hands-On Learning

Throughout the day, students participated in interactive lab-based activities, explored scientific concepts, and experienced the real-world environment of a professional lab. The trip began with a Team Pipetting Challenge at JLABS, where students learned how to use high-quality pipettes, timed one another to complete tasks, and got a glimpse of an active lab environment. Students also had the opportunity to speak with scientists, put on lab coats, and pose for fun lab-themed photos. At the Genome Center Cafe, the focus shifted to immersive experiments and teamwork. Students extracted DNA from strawberries during the Strawberry DNA Extraction activity. This experiment not only taught scientific concepts but also encouraged peer mentorship as returning students helped guide new participants.

 

 

Other exciting activities included Snow Making, where students explored the chemical reaction between baking soda and shaving cream to create artificial "snow," and Marshmallow Towers, a building challenge that sparked creativity and friendly competition as teams constructed the tallest structures using marshmallows and toothpicks. The day also featured a BioQuest Focus Group, where students reflected on their experiences in the program and shared ideas for future opportunities, such as internships and ambassador roles. The final activity, the Gingerbread Engineering Challenge, allowed students to showcase their design and teamwork skills by constructing gingerbread houses with an array of materials provided.

 

Building Connections and Celebrating Achievements

More than just a scientific field trip, the BioQuest JLABS & Winter Celebration provided students with an opportunity to strengthen relationships with mentors and peers. Through team-based activities, students collaborated, shared ideas, and celebrated their participation in the program. Each student received a BioQuest sweatshirt, personalized cards from their mentors, and winter-themed gifts. This incredible trip was made possible through our partnership with RTW, whose continued support helps provide these enriching experiences for our students. BioQuest continues to empower students at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology by providing trips that ignite curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to future opportunities!

English - 12/20/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
Thanksgiving Food and Go!

Grateful Gatherings: Thanksgiving Grab-and-Go Success!

On Saturday, November 23rd, Areté, in partnership with The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, hosted a heartwarming Thanksgiving Grab-and-Go Family Event for our students and their families. The event aimed to ensure every family in our school community could enjoy a fulfilling and memorable holiday!

 

We distributed bags filled with essential Thanksgiving groceries, along with take-home hot meals to help ease the financial strain of holiday preparations. Families left equipped to host their celebrations with gratitude and joy.

 

 

A special thank-you goes out to our dedicated volunteers who helped pack groceries on Friday, November 22nd, in the MS/HS 223 basement, and to those who helped distribute the hot meals and bags the day of the event. Your efforts made this event a resounding success and exemplified the spirit of community and giving that Thanksgiving is all about.

 

 

We look forward to continuing to support our school community through events like these!

English - 12/19/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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Launch of Programming at our 3 Partner Schools!

This year, we are offering a wide variety of enriching after-school clubs aimed at fostering student creativity, social-emotional learning (SEL), and academic success at our three partner schools - The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, PS 59: The Dawn Best School, and High School for Media and Communications. From middle school creative clubs to high school career-focused courses, these schools are providing a diverse range of activities aimed at nurturing students' creativity, physical health, and social-emotional development.

 

The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology

At The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, which started its after-school programming on September 9th, students have access to a robust selection of activities, ranging from creative arts to physical wellness.

 

For middle schoolers, the available programs include:

  • Anime/Manga Club
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Band
  • BioQuest
  • Creative EQ
  • Dance
  • Game Theory
  • HLAX Boys and Girls
  • Musical
  • Strength & Stretching
  • Table Tennis
  • Team Sports
  • Visual Arts

 

This month in chef academy, students dove into an exciting culinary adventure, starting with an introduction to the program during their first lesson. They explored the question, “What will we do in Chef Academy?” and kicked off their cooking journey by preparing a delicious pasta dish. In the following lessons, they focused on building foundational skills, including following safety procedures and understanding cooking terms. Students then transitioned into breakfast dishes, mastering skills like reading recipes and learning techniques such as flipping and beating while preparing vegetable omelets. They continued expanding their breakfast repertoire by making waffles using a waffle iron, and healthy muffins, where they learned how to bake.

 

As the month progressed, students tackled lunch and dinner meals, gradually developing more complex skills like altering recipes, using different kitchen equipment such as skewers and blenders, and learning cooking styles like grilling and chopping. They explored various cultural dishes, including Hawaiian BBQ chicken skewers, Mexican-style sliders, and mini deep-dish pizzas. Each lesson was filled with teamwork and hands-on learning, providing students with a diverse and enriching experience in the kitchen.

 

In the Strength, Stretching, and Flexibility club, students focused on building both strength and flexibility. Participants engaged in workouts like push-ups and sit-ups to develop core strength, followed by a variety of body stretches. The benefits of stretching are numerous, including injury prevention, improved muscle coordination, better posture, enhanced sports performance, and overall physical and mental well-being. This club helps foster a balanced approach to fitness, supporting students in achieving greater health and resilience.

 

For high schoolers, programming includes:

  • Blackity
  • Creative Writing
  • Health
  • Journalism
  • Graphic Design
  • Bridgeology/Salvadori/Game Theory
  • Studio Art

 

In Creative Writing, students have started to engage in self-expression and thinking imaginatively through various methods such as poetry, short stories, comic books, songs, and scripts. In this class, free-writing will be used as a way to brainstorm, reflect, and discuss ideas. Students will also look at art to inspire their writing, followed by creating their own art through words, rhyming schemes, and visuals. 

 

In Bridgeology, students will become exposed to the fascinating world of bridge engineering, highlighting bridges as symbols of connection and resilience. Students will explore the structural uniqueness of different bridge types, studying key components like trusses, arches, and suspension systems while learning how forces such as tension and compression support heavy loads. Through lessons on iconic bridges, participants will apply geometric principles like symmetry, load distribution, and the Pythagorean theorem to design their own efficient structures. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving, culminating in a collaborative final project where students will build a scale model of a truss bridge, merging creativity and engineering to address community challenges. This club offers an exciting blend of teamwork, geometry, and hands-on learning.

 

P.S. 59: The Dawn Best School

PS 59 began its programming on September 30th, offering a wide range of day and after school activities that aim to strengthen both academic and social-emotional skills. Some of the key offerings include:

  • Arts & Crafts: This course helps students develop a relationship with art, using various materials to create projects that reflect themes such as community and self-expression. The program culminates in a student art exhibition.
  • SEL (Social Emotional Learning): Students partake in a social emotional learning club, part of the daytime lunch program. Anchored in the Niroga Institute's Transformative Life Skills (TLS) curriculum, this course helps students practice centering, breathing, and reflection to increase focus and develop empathy. This program aligns with CASEL’s SEL framework, supporting students in building self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills.
  • Dance: Through hip-hop and Latin dance styles, students gain physical coordination, self-discipline, and cultural knowledge while working together to create choreography.
  • Sports and Wellness: This program encourages physical activity through sports like soccer and pickleball, while also emphasizing the importance of cardiovascular health.
  • Phoenix Choice & Voice: A board game club that teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills through strategic gameplay.
  • Phoenix Explorers: A STEM program where students engage in hands-on science and engineering projects, fostering creativity and innovation.
  • Phoenix Futures: A career exploration program that introduces students to various professions and helps them think critically about their future career paths.
  • Phoenix Voices: A music club that builds confidence and social connection through singing and exploring different genres of music.
  • Phoenix Steppers: A unique club that teaches students how to use body movements and rhythms to communicate and tell stories through stepping.
  • I Am Beauty Social Club: Focused on self-care and self-love, this club teaches students about different hair textures, skin tones, and hygiene routines while fostering a sense of sisterhood.
  • Phoenix Spelling Bees: A competitive club that enhances students' spelling, vocabulary, and language skills while promoting teamwork and confidence through Spelling Bee competitions.

 

High School for Media and Communications

High School for Media and Communications will start its programming on October 15th. Students here can explore a variety of creative, media-driven, and technology-focused activities that allow them to express themselves and prepare for future careers in communications. The programming includes sports broadcasting, media news, edge tech, set design, and more, ensuring that students are well-equipped with the tools they need to thrive in the world of media and beyond. In sports broadcasting, students will channel their inner ESPN to report on local sports for their classmates. Students involved in edge tech will learn about resourcefulness by creating high-quality content using everyday technology found in the average American home. In media news, students will curate, write, and present breaking stories, while set design offers hands-on experience in building the theatrical environments that bring productions to life. In addition, students can explore various clubs such as dance, art, ping pong, dominoes, guitar, and improv, ensuring a well-rounded experience that blends both artistic and technical talents.

 

With such a wide array of programs, students at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, PS 59: The Dawn Best School, and the High School for Media and Communications are being offered enriching experiences that will shape their future. These schools are investing in creativity, academic success, social-emotional growth, and physical well-being, ensuring that students thrive both in the classroom and beyond.

English - 10/21/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
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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

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
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
career day highlight

Igniting Futures: A Successful Career Day @ The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology!

On Friday, February 2, The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology hosted 68 dedicated professionals who offered a diverse array of career paths and life stories. This Career Day event proved to be a catalyst for personal reflection, igniting a sense of curiosity and ambition among the students that we believe will profoundly shape their futures.

 

Professionals from various industries volunteered their time to share insights and make invaluable contributions. Each presenter brought a unique perspective to the table, enriching the students' understanding of the professional landscape. Whether discussing the intricacies of software development or the nuances of environmental conservation, every interaction served as a stepping stone towards greater knowledge of potential career paths and aspirations.

 

Beyond simply delivering presentations, our guest speakers actively engaged with students, facilitating meaningful dialogue and forging genuine connections. This interactive approach not only enhanced the learning experience but also promoted the values of Career Connected Learning. Through these partnerships, we hope to continue collaborating, and creating internships and mentorship opportunities that will further enrich our students' educational journey. This network will serve as a valuable resource for students as they navigate the complexities of the workplace, providing them with the support and guidance needed to realize their goals.

 

We also want to thank our volunteer speakers for lending their time and expertise to inspire and educate middle and high school students. Upon reflection of the successful career day, two such volunteers, Jack Darcey and Regina Alston, shared insights into their respective careers and their experiences at the event.

 

Jack Darcey, a Transportation Planner with the NYC Department of City Planning, provided a glimpse into his dynamic role, which involves a blend of transportation policy development, analytics, and neighborhood analysis. His day-to-day responsibilities range from conducting research and spatial analyses to observing infrastructure firsthand, all with the goal of supporting policy proposals and addressing pressing transportation issues.

 

One highlight of the event for Jack was the opportunity to engage with students and witness their genuine curiosity and insights. He found it particularly rewarding to hear students' questions and comments, especially when they related to pressing issues like affordable housing and transportation infrastructure. Jack emphasized the importance of exposing youth to topics like urban planning, which may not be commonly discussed in academic settings but are crucial for understanding our built environment.

 

Jack's decision to volunteer stemmed from his passion for youth engagement and his desire to expose students to the field of planning, which he finds fascinating yet often overlooked. Through partnerships with organizations like ours, Jack aims to broaden students' horizons and inspire them to consider career paths in the built environment.

 

Regina Alston, a Mental Health Clinician with Samaritan Daytop Village, shared her experiences as a case manager working with patients transitioning out of mental health facilities. Her day-to-day responsibilities involve providing support, making home visits, and ensuring a seamless transition for her clients.

 

For Regina, the highlight of Career Day was the inquisitiveness and openness displayed by the students. She was impressed by their eagerness to learn and connect, particularly when discussing topics like mental health and the environment of the South Bronx. Regina volunteered for the event out of a sense of duty to her community and a desire to empower the next generation. She believes that investing in youth is essential for creating positive change and shaping future leaders.

 

The insights shared by Jack Darcey and Regina Alston offer a glimpse into the transformative impact of Career Day on both volunteers and students alike. Through their dedication and passion, they exemplify the spirit of community engagement and mentorship that lies at the heart of events like these!

English - 02/28/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Join us for the Citizens Bank Financial Literacy Session!

Event Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Location: Citizens, 186 E 86th St., New York, NY, 10028

 

Arete Education is partnering with Citizens Bank to provide students with financial literacy and real world experience through opening up and managing checking and investment accounts!

Arete has previously held a session with interns at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, and it was a success! This follow up event will be held on the Upper East Side (4/5/6 86th Stop) this Saturday exclusively for F&T families and staff who would like to learn more about how to open bank accounts.

Please consider joining us and learning more about finances! RSVP here.

 

Branch Event 2_10 Invite V4
English - 02/08/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz
hawa highlight (1)

Student Excellence Highlight - Hawa Fisiru

Hawa Fisiru is an outstanding senior at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology who has shown tremendous leadership and excellence with her involvement in school activities, working with Arete, and earning an apprenticeship with JPMorgan through the CareerWise Partner Program.

She first heard about the CareerWise apprenticeship while she was in 10th grade. After being accepted into the program, she commenced her work with JPMorgan in 11th grade. Her apprenticeship is expected to continue well into her first year of college.

As a senior in high school, her typical weekday models a split school-work schedule. In the morning, she attends her classes where she takes multiple Advanced Placement (AP) courses and manages to plan senior activities and meet with administration as the Class Council Vice-President. While at school, she prioritizes her academics and also takes on an additional role of advocating for students’ needs and wants.

Once the clock hits 12 pm, she heads off to work. Her role as an apprentice focuses on working in corporate investment banking, specifically with trading and foreign exchange. Recently, Hawa was shadowed in her work in Manhattan and interviewed by a production team from JPMorgan and the Atlantic to discuss her time with JPMorgan as an apprentice and learn about her story.

During this conversation, she was asked about her time as an apprentice, what she has learned thus far, the meaning of family, and what got her to where she is right now. Hawa’s poise and brilliance will be used to promote the Career Connected Learning Program.

Not only has Hawa been a proactive student in school and throughout her internship, but she also displayed excellent humility and maturity through her involvement with Arete. She worked as a tutor during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when learning transitioned from in-person to online. Every other day, she tutored two students in different subjects in order to keep them on track with handing in assignments and retaining the information during this difficult time. When schools opened back up, she remained as a tutor and took on an additional role of being a teaching assistant. Through these responsibilities, she learned to work with students of different learning levels and teaching styles. She also refined her skills of compassion, communication, and patience. Although these roles taught her that she does not want to go into education, it taught her how to communicate with others and provided her with a sense of fulfillment by patiently assisting students in need!

Currently, a lot of her time is spent going through the college application process. She is applying to various schools in the city in order to continue working for JPMorgan while also taking her education seriously. Some schools she plans on applying to are NYU, Barnard, Fordham, and Columbia University, Columbia being her dream school. Hawa expressed that even though the application process is arduous due to her various roles and responsibilities, she is still giving it her all to submit all her application materials in order to get into a good school post graduation. “It’s stressful, but I’m getting it done!”

English - 11/03/2023 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

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