York Preparatory School - NYC

The New York Bar Association recently sponsored the Constitutional Rights Symposium for High School Students. Students from Mr. Roper’s senior Constitutional Law class and junior American History classes who attended were given summaries of current or recent Supreme Court cases in advance of the Symposium, so they could confidently discuss them and their constitutional implications. Cases involving the Fourth, Eighth, and First Amendments resulted in hot, philosophical debate that drew from research and personal experience alike.

This Friday, as our students and faculty can’t forget, is our holiday party and start of winter break (12:30pm dismissal)!  Like the holiday season, the last few days of the semester are a time to reflect on the semester. As we finish up our projects, we are simultaneously preparing to spend time with family and friends. Before you dive into your favorite holiday treats and activities, take a little time to think about the school year so far.

Is there anything you would like to have done that you didn’t? How were your classes? Did you make friends and try new things? Are you more engaged in current affairs and our community? Think about how your writing skills improved, your speaking voice, your ability to solve problems. If you’re feeling especially motivated, take your thoughts down.  Then, enjoy your break. Enjoy the cold and the spirit of the season. When you come back you’ll remember what you thought about before you left and feel inspired to grow with the new year.

Happy Holidays from York Prep!

York Prep hosted the Third Annual International Dinner Wednesday, November 16.

York Prep families brought delicious foods from their cultural heritage to the table. Dishes from many countries around the world illustrated our school diversity, as well as the cooking prowess of the members of our school community.

In addition to the food, performances inspired by a broad range of traditions were enjoyed by everyone. The Upper school students were especially involved, volunteering community service hours in order to make the gym festival-ready.

Thanks to all the cooks, singers, performers, volunteers and families who exemplify a strong international community.

York Prep history teacher Michael Roper, who recently led a group of 6^th grade students on a field trip through Grand Central Terminal, has been teaching for over 50 years. He’s been involved with many academic subjects over the years including, theology, ethics, speech, mathematics, and constitutional law. As a certified New York City tour guide, Mr. Roper is well versed in the history and color of the city, and is always prepared to share his breadth of knowledge with students of all ages.

York Prep’s Varsity Girls’ Basketball team won the 2010-11 G.I.S.A.L Championship game!

The girls played an exciting game yesterday (2.15.11) against LREI to claim the win at 51-42!  Thanks for all the support and cheers from family and friends of York Prep and the Girl’s Varsity Basketball team.

York Prep Model United Nations (MUN) students traveled amidst of a snow storm last Thursday, 1.27.11, to the 27th Annual Ivy League Model UN Conference hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Speaking for the countries of Namibia and St. Lucia, this year’s cohort impressively represented York Prep both in numbers and in performance.

In preparation for the trip, the 23 students comprising the team researched their countries as well as real life problems, including better international response to and prevention of natural disasters in developing countries, copyright infringement, the legal definition of torture, and a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue.

Every grade sent at least four delegates, making the group the most diverse to date. The team was also York’s most successful ever: 11 team members—among them, first-time attendees—received recognition for effective representation of their country’s position, knowledge of the topics debated, and understanding of parliamentary procedure. This number is especially remarkable when one considers that only 7% of the 2,200+ high school students attending from all over the world merited awards.

Most of the York Prep seniors at the conference have been involved with MUN during their entire high school years. “MUN teaches me real world skills like negotiation, public speaking, and critical thinking,” said veteran Isaac (11th grade). “The program helps me understand the world I live in.” This conference was freshman Deanni’s first MUN conference. “I never thought I could have this much fun learning,” she said. “I worked so hard to prepare for this and had equally as much fun!”

The next conference is scheduled for May 12-14 at the UN headquarters in New York City.