York Preparatory School - NYC

June 3rd 2010

New beekeeping efforts launched at York Prep by Principal Chris Durnford in partnership with Andrew Cote and the New York City Beekeepers Association.

Hardly had the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene lifted the beekeeping ban in New York City, when five packages–each with 10,000 bees and a queen—arrived at York Prep to their future home on the school’s roof.

Seniors Jake Klarberg and Lucas Tatarsky (Student Government Organization president and vice president, respectively), together with Sam Gilman-Harts, Leah Mark, John Diamond, and Erin Mackey—the main student proponents for a “greening the roof” project—welcomed the bees on April 30 and helped assemble the hives.

To provide a more natural environment, York Prep students created a rooftop garden. The 7th grade Life Science classes planted seeds which were transplanted into garden beds made by the 11th grade Environmental Science classes. The Community Service, Environmental, and Gardening Clubs also pitched in.

Principal Chris Durnford has long been interested in apiculture. “Worldwide honeybee populations are struggling,” said Mr. Durnford. “Increased pesticide use, pollution, disease, and habitat destruction are taking their toll. We want to do our part to help the environment and, as we looked at various ‘green’ options for our roof, the bee hives offered an interesting and dynamic initiative for our students. The hives are interactive; the students can be involved in their care and upkeep; we have the opportunity to work with Andrew Cote, one of the foremost bee experts in the city; and we get to make honey.”

Andrew Cote is president of the New York City Bee Keepers Association, which promotes safe apiculture in New York City. Mr. Cote has traveled to Africa and the Middle East establishing hives and restoring apiaries in war torn countries in his role as a founder of Bees Without Borders.

After attending one of Mr. Cote’s lectures on urban beekeeping in April, Mr. Durnford was convinced that York would be a great location for hives. “Our proximity to Central Park and our low sheltered roof make the perfect location for bees,” said Mr. Durnford. Mr. Cote was equally excited about the prospect of locating hives near the park. The bees will play an important part in pollinating the plants and flowers in the neighborhood and will travel all over the city looking for pollen.

As York Prep’s beekeeper, Mr. Cote works with the school’s hives and teaches students (and faculty) the fundamentals of apiculture and the importance of bees to the horticulture and quality of the environment in the City.

The bees will produce honey—an estimated 500 pounds this fall—which will be shared with the York Prep community. In addition, the school hopes to use the honey to raise money for the scholarship fund.

The school did a check for students with bee allergies and found that none of the students have a severe hypersensitivity reaction to bees. Some students displayed concern when informed there would be a hundred thousand bees atop 40 West 68th Street. “The students are more scared by the idea of the bees than they are of the actual insects; once they get up on the roof and see how passive and easygoing the bees are, they get over their fear immediately,” said Mr. Durnford. “The more they learn about them, the more they realize how amazing the bees really are.”
About York Prep School. A private coeducational and independent college preparatory day school offering a traditional curriculum for grades 6-12 with a challenging yet supportive atmosphere enhanced by the diversity of New York City. York Prep School is one of Manhattan’s top private schools encouraging diversity and academic achievement in a supportive private school environment. More information can be found at www.yorkprep.org.

Under the rubric Tech Tuesdays: Parenting in the Digital Age, York Prep Technology Coordinator Alicia Weschler designed a curriculum for parents to improve their knowledge of the cyberworld their children inhabit. These informational meetings tackled important issues confronting teens which impact their safety, education, effectiveness, and emotional well-being.

“We find that almost every student is engaged in some form of social network, but many parents are not entirely informed of the impact these websites have on their children and the consequences of participation,” said Principal Chris Durnford. “We wanted to show parents how this technology affects our students and to share with them guidelines and recommendations for prudent and productive Internet use.”

The series kicked off in October with the session “Social Networks: Friends or Foes?” After a look at how today’s new media and technology environment is so different from what’s come before, Mrs. Weschler guided parents through social networks—Facebook, MySpace, Twitter—and examined the short-and long-term benefits and dangers of membership. Parents discussed and shared tips on how to keep their children safe.

Attendees explored how to mine Google’s search engine more fully during “Google Tips and Tricks” in November. Following a brief explanation of how search engines work and how Google comes up with such relevant and thorough search results, audience members were made aware of numerous special features, sometimes hidden, which are extremely practical and enhance the online search experience.

The April gathering on “Cyberbullying” provided facts, cases, resources, and strategies to help parents recognize the forms and warning signs of electronic abuse and to guide them in how to act in case their child becomes a victim—or perpetrator—of online cruelty. Mrs. Weschler spent time highlighting the differences between traditional bullying and cyberbullying and emphasized means of prevention.

A fourth offering in February, “Superparent to the Rescue: Troubleshooting 101,” was cancelled due to inclement weather. The meeting was set to focus on computer hardware advice, suggestion for moving files between home and school, and online reference resources; most likely, it will be scheduled for the next school year. The mother of a sixth grader “won’t miss” future sessions. “I’ve learned so much from the workshops,” she said.

At York Prep, College Prep Class Equals 100% Completed Applications
York Prep Announces Successful Elective College Prep Class for Seniors

The College Guidance Office initiated a new elective class for seniors in the fall of 2009, College 12. The class was held twice per week and covered the common application form, SAT registration, individual college essays, and supplements. The class was designed to provide a formal fixed time to focus on college acceptance.

The class was led by Ms. Janet Rooney, and at York Prep we celebrate the class as it has accomplished a new record for York Prep: 100% of the seniors sent at least four completed applications out by Thanksgiving. In a class of 62 seniors, there were 45 Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) or Rolling Decision applications, which equals 73% of the class.  20/26 ED were admitted = 77%. 6/26 ED were deferred (we are still working on these!) = 23%.

This elective course has been very successful, and the seniors have been especially grateful for the time and computer space to focus and work. In addition, they always receive instant problem solving by Ms. Rooney, who has been a fantastic instructor.

York Prep’s College Guidance program, designed and directed by Mrs. Jayme Stewart, assists students in finding and gaining acceptance to a college most suited to their needs, abilities, and preferences. To achieve this goal, the College Guidance office holds individual and group meetings with parents and students on a continual basis. Mrs. Stewart is the author of How to Get into the College of Your Choice (William Morrow & Co.)

About York Prep School. A private coeducational and independent college preparatory day school offering a traditional curriculum for grades 6-12 with a challenging yet supportive atmosphere enhanced by the diversity of New York City. York Prep School is one of Manhattan’s top private schools encouraging diversity and academic achievement in a supportive private school environment. More information can be found at www.yorkprep.org.

Five Senior Scholars graduated in June 2009 having completed the rigorous and challenging Scholars enrichment sequence. By that time, most of them had taken, over the course of three years, a total of 20 special 6-session seminars in an impressive variety of subject matter. In addition, they all fulfilled the requirement of designing and completing a Scholars Thesis in their senior year. These seniors received diplomas “with honors.”

Here is a sampling of past years’ thesis topics:

·         The Wonderful World of Phi: The Golden Mean in Classic Rock Music

·         Going Home: A Cinematic Exploration of My Family History

·         Sweat for Nets: Service Learning and Its Impact on My Life

·         Through the Looking Glass and Into the Rabbit Hole: A Dizzying Exploration of Being a Buddhist in the Modern World

·         The Unaffecting Daydream: Five Scenes from a Drama

·         Grand Theft Auto III: The Art Behind the Controversy

·         Behind Closed Doors: The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

·         The Chic Shack: A Hotel Business Plan

·         Can Dogs Think? An Inquiry Into Animal Learning

The York Prep Scholars Program offers the most motivated and able students a marvelous opportunity to work in small groups to explore exciting topics that are not part of the normal curriculum. Each Scholars Seminar is taught by a faculty member who has a particular passion for his/her subject matter. This year’s graduating Scholars will have participated in a rather remarkable set of classes that has included such representative topics as Art of the Italian Renaissance (a two-part series); Fantasy, Dada, and Surrealism; Performing Shakespeare; An Introduction to Organic Chemistry; Multi-variable Systems of Equations; An Introduction to Neuroscience; Thinking Like Leonardo Da Vinci; and Topics in Philosophy (with Mr. Ronald Stewart, York Prep’s Headmaster).

York Prep remains very proud of its Scholars and continues to take great satisfaction in watching them stretch their academic and creative muscles. In addition to the intrinsic benefits of their enhanced curriculum, participants are also receiving a gratifying degree of recognition in the form of college acceptances. Scholars who have engaged the full three-year sequence are now attending such schools as Barnard College, Brown University, Cornell University, Harvard College, Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, Pomona College, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, and Williams College, among others.

This is the second year in which York Prep has expanded the program by offering an enhanced pre-Scholars curriculum to qualified 8^th and 9^th graders. They participate in a two-year pre-Scholars sequence that closely mirrors the established one for the 10^th through 12^th graders.

English teacher Paul Sturm serves as the Director of the program. He follows the progress of all participants closely; troubleshoots any problems they may be having in any of their classes; and provides support, counseling, and encouragement.

York Prep congratulates Science teacher Nicole Grimes! The Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE) has selected Ms Grimes’ research paper, “Exploring multiple outcomes: Using co-generative dialogues and co-teaching in a middle school science classroom,” for Award V: Implications of Research for Educational Practice. She received a plaque from ASTE at the 2010 Annual ASTE International Conference in Sacramento this January along with a $1,000 check.

January 26, 2010 — York Prep congratulates Science teacher Nicole Grimes! The Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE) has selected Ms Grimes’ research paper, “Exploring multiple outcomes: Using co-generative dialogues and co-teaching in a middle school science classroom,” for Award V: Implications of Research for Educational Practice. She received a plaque from ASTE at the 2010 Annual ASTE International Conference in Sacramento on January 16th, 2010, along with a $1,000 check. In addition, the paper will appear in a Springer book entitled Co-teaching in International Contexts, which is the awards issue of the ASTE Newsletter to be published this spring.

“I am beyond shocked yet thrilled at this honor,” said Ms. Grimes. Ms. Grimes looks forward to undertaking her doctoral defense in the very near future.

Ms. Grimes is an asset to York Prep School and her work in the classroom helps York Prep Students develop a competitive advantage in the sciences. Ms. Grimes received the award as part of her ongoing doctoral studies at the Graduate Center, the City University of New York (CUNY) where she is a full-time Ph.D student in the urban education program.

About ASTE. The Association for Science Teacher Education is a non-profit professional organization composed of over 800 members from countries across the globe. The mission of the ASTE is to promote excellence in science teacher education world-wide through scholarship and innovation. About York Prep School. A private coeducational and independent college preparatory day school offering a traditional curriculum for grades 6-12 with a challenging yet supportive atmosphere enhanced by the diversity of New York City. York Prep School is one of Manhattan’s top private schools encouraging diversity and academic achievement in a supportive private school environment. More information can be found at www.yorkprep.org

NY private school York Prep fared well in every sport this fall, as its boys’ and girls’ teams in volleyball and soccer all finished in the top three of either the Independent School Athletic League (I.S.A.L.) or the Girls Independent School Athletic League (G.I.S.A.L.).

Leading the way was Girls’ Varsity Volleyball, culminating three championship seasons in a row with its first undefeated season. Coach Chris Durnford attributes his players’ perfect 12-0 season to York’s annual volleyball pre-season camp—an intense week with six-hour days of conditioning, fundamental skills, and basic strategies. The camp welcomes middle and upper schoolers alike. Coach Durnford headed the camp this year, assisted by Varsity veterans who mentored newer players, thus adding a level of approachability–“kids working with kids,” said Durnford.

Boys Varsity Soccer almost claimed a championship as well. Coach Doug Hill’s team jelled in mid-season and surged to tie for first place in I.S.A.L. regular play. Closing the season with six straight victories, it lost by one goal in the championship game to Le Lycée Français de New York. Two York players, including the goalie, made the All-League selection.

As with the Girls’ Varsity team, York’s pre-season training camp proved beneficial for Middle School Volleyball. The group won seven straight before dropping games to the Dalton School and the United Nations International School. Reaching the semi-finals, the team placed third in the league with a 7-3 record.

Middle School Co-ed Soccer rebounded from a slow start to finish strong by winning the last five games. They transformed themselves into a fine team and supported each other on and off the field, achieving a third-place finish in the league.

The girls and boys in Varsity Cross-Country may have made the greatest strides of all. Most were first-time competitors, but several had an outstanding season. Four of the six runners on this co-ed team qualified for and competed in the New York State Association of Independent Schools Cross-Country Championship, featuring the top cross country runners in the state. These athletes will provide a strong foundation for York to compete in 2009.

The hidden ingredient in York’s accomplishments was the enthusiastic support of students and parents at both home and away games. “We pride ourselves in school spirit,” said Headmaster Ronald Stewart.

NEW YORK, Nov 03, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — For many children around the world, ghouls and goblins are a lot less frightening than the daily need for food and clothing. This Halloween, York Prep School helped ameliorate this real-life horror by participating in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, a fundraising campaign that assists children in developing countries who can’t afford necessities like clothing, school supplies, immunizations, and nutritional supplements. The UNICEF campaign is just one example of how year-round charity fundraising efforts create greater social consciousness among the students at York, an esteemed NY private school.

At York Prep, civic engagement is woven into the fabric of its students’ educational experience. York Prep’s community service requirement for graduation is 25 hours per year of high school attendance. Many students amass much more than the requisite 100 hours by the time they become seniors.

During November, York Prep will be participating in Common Cents’ Penny Harvest. For several years, York students have been filling up sacks with small change, with homerooms competing for a pizza party reward. The harvested coins become grant funds for community organizations chosen by the students.

Also this month, York Prep honors Veterans Day by monetarily supporting the Yellow Ribbon Foundation’s initiatives on behalf of in-need veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Students will carry out a Thanksgiving food drive and a coat donation project for the Yorkville Common Pantry, New York City’s largest community-based food pantry.

Throughout 2008, students at this private school in New York have participated in charitable projects such as AIDS Walk New York and the Revlon Run/Walk, which provides backing for the fight against women’s cancers. To raise money for AIDS relief via AVSI/Meeting Point in Kampala, Uganda, York Prep students recently paid $2.00 to “dress down” and bought AIDS Awareness wristbands and handmade necklaces made by Ugandan women. After the school matched the amount collected from the sale, the total came to more than $2,000.

About York Prep School:

York Preparatory School is a private, co-educational day school committed to helping students achieve success while upholding academic excellence. York Prep is notable among New York City private schools for its excellent college admissions record. One hundred percent of graduating classes are accepted into colleges, and more than 85% of students are admitted into their top two choices.

SOURCE York Prep School

 http://www.yorkprep.org

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