2
news/features
The Classic June 2013
Mr.
Barbetta
reflects
on
one
year
at
the
helm
of
THHS by Rachel Chabin and Asmaaul Chowdhury
photo by Michelle Schweiger
In the span of one year, the sight of Principal Anthony Barbetta walking the are
part
of
a
plan
he
initiated
to
make
technology
easier
to
use
in
the
classroom.
halls, greeting students by the main stairwell in the morning, and sporting either These computers, which are newer and faster than the laptops previously issued THHS
or
Red
Sox
apparel
has
become
a
fixture
of
Townsend
Harris
life.
to
classes,
are
linked
to
the
SmartBoards
to
provide
more
efficient
use
of
class
Mr.
Barbetta
spoke
with
The Classic
about
his
first
two
semesters
as
prin- time.
cipal. In addition to revamping the techWhen he accepted the role of nology
in
classrooms,
Mr.
Barbetprincipal
in
the
summer
of
2012,
Mr.
ta has eliminated this year’s AcuBarbetta was aware of Townsend ity predictor tests, which forecast Harris’s
esteemed
reputation.
It
student
results
on
state
exams.
was, however, the school’s tradi“I try to put myself in [the tions, such as the yearly celebration students’]
position,”
Mr.
Barbetta
of Founders’ Day, that stood out to said.
“I
don’t
believe
in
testing
him as the most interesting aspects students to death, and I think much of
his
new
setting. more learning happens when the “I’d have to say one of my best kids don’t have to worry so much experiences here so far was the about
an
onslaught
of
exams.” Founders’ Day skit,” he recalled, What’s in store for the fu“but do I really have a Mediterrature? nean glow?” Mr.
Barbetta
plans
to
build
a
The biggest change for him, better relationship with Queens he contended, relates to the atmoCollege
that
will
benefit
students
sphere
of
the
halls. at
every
stage
of
high
school.
“I’m always impressed by how He wants to expand QC’s inwell-behaved the students are here,” volvement in key aspects of the he
said.
“Often
I’ll
walk
around
and
Townsend Harris experience, such as hear students say, ‘I can’t believe I clubs, academic programs, and physigot that math question wrong! I’m cal
education. Mr. Anthony Barbetta at his desk. so angry at myself!’ It’s a welcome change to His advice to students is, “Take advantage hear discussions about math tests and correct answers rather than the cursing and of
your
time
in
high
school--
it
truly
is
what
you
make
of
it.
When
I
hear
students
foul
language
I’ve
heard
in
some
of
my
previous
locations.” say they don’t enjoy their time in school, I always ask them whether they’re inIn
terms
of
bringing
changes
to
THHS,
Mr.
Barbetta
has
focused
on
the
issue
volved
in
activities,
teams,
sports,
and
clubs.
Very
often
they
say
they
aren’t.
You
of
technology
in
the
school.
have
wonderful
opportunities
here--
take
full
advantage
of
them.” The computers that were installed in each classroom over the past few weeks
Mr. Sangiorgi earns recognition at Big Apple Awards by Beata Warchol Known for his hands-on lessons and explosive antics, Chemistry teacher and Science Olympiad Head Coach Thomas Sangiorgi was recognized as a finalist of the first annual Big Apple Awards. The Big Apple Awards, an event held by the New York City Board of Education, recognizes teaching excellence throughout the city. Candidates are considered for the award through nominations, and up to eleven teachers are chosen as winners. At the awards ceremony in June, chosen teachers received a monetary classroom grant. Mr. Sangiorgi, who was caught completely unaware, only learned about the organization when a manila folder containing his certificate arrived. “I had no idea I was nominated,” Mr. Sangiorgi said. “On the whole, this happened quite suddenly.” Pleasantly perplexed, Mr. Sangiorgi chose to keep the award confidential. “While I am honored that someone thought enough of my passion for teaching to have nominated me, telling people about it is not my style,” he said. However, he expressed his appreciation for his job. “I am lucky to work with a group of dedicated teachers whose efforts have a huge positive impact on students’ educational experience. I feel fortunate to be part of that group.” While Mr. Sangiorgi doesn’t know much about the organization, he considers the importance of recognizing quality teachers in their fields. “With all the negative rhetoric regarding education that goes on in the media, the fact that most teachers are quality, dedicated professionals often goes unnoticed,” he said. The award-winning teacher also runs the Model Rocketry Club, which started last year in May as a subsidiary of the Science Olympiad Club. A childhood hobby of his, it involves a hands-on experience in building and launching rockets. Mr. Sangiorgi urges all interested students to join.
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF NEWS EDITOR FEATURE EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR COPY EDITORS
Genna Mastellone & Michael Sanchez ADVISOR Brian Sweeney Ella Leviyeva PRINCIPAL Anthony Barbetta Vanesa Martinez Dimitri Theofanis Townsend Harris High School John Indergaard & Laura Caba 149-11 Melbourne Avenue Flushing, NY 11367
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Writing Staff: Ashley Ahn, Chris Artun, Constantine Bournias, Rachel Chabin, Vincent Chu, Asmauul Chowdhury, Suswana Chowdhury, Yelena Dzhanova, Stephanie Geier, Magdalena Grabos, Andrew Eichenholz, Amy Hao, Fran Horowitz, Asiya Jaffer, Roxanne Lewis, Katherine Maradiaga, Andrew Mitchel, Shelley Mitchell, Juliet Monclova, Catherine Moskos, Frank Nicolazzi, John O’Neill, Zach Ooi, Isaac Pulatov, Daniel Restifo, Anna St. Clair, Simrankaur Wahan, Jennifer Walsh, Christina Wang, Joanna Wong Art Staff: Nadia Ali, Mei Jun Chan, Jenner Chen, Parina Kaewkrajang, Amanda Yan, Christina Wang Photography Staff: Alice Kim, Hannah Morse, Joanna Woo, Yash Sharma, Asia Acevedo, Michelle Schweiger