ALEXANDER HAMILTON

AHHS Happenings

English Department News:

Students in our English courses are busy finishing the year with independent reading, research papers, final projects, and Regents preparation.
Grade 7 students celebrated AAPI month with research projects on notable contemporary Asian-American Pacific Islanders.
Students in grade 9 are completing their reading of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with their own creative performance skits.
Grade 10 students are focusing on a final argumentative/synthesis essay generated from their reading of A Raisin in the Sun.
Students in English 11 are enjoying self-selected independent reading titles while preparing for their upcoming ELA Regents on Wednesday, June 14th.
In English 12, seniors are completing research papers and “genius hour” projects designed to encourage a love of lifelong learning and curiosity.

Social Studies Department News:

Students in grade 11 are preparing for the first administration in the United States History and Government Framework Regents examination.
Students in grade 10 are finishing up their last unit and beginning to prepare for the Global Studies Regents examination.
AP US Government students are writing their final research paper on a public policy issue of their choice.
AP European History students are completing a History versus Hollywood project.

Science Department News:

The Science Dept is gearing up for the end of the year. Regents courses are providing students with review material and review sessions. Students are encouraged to begin the preparation for the exams now to ensure that they are ready for those exams.
Ms. Puma and Mr. MacLeish finished another year as part of the Mercy Master Teachers Fellowship. This program has provided tremendous professional development and resources to both Alexander Hamilton and Alice E Grady. As the science curriculum continues its evolution to the New York State Science Learning Standards programs like this one are essential to ensure our teachers are ready.

English as a New Language:

English as a New Language students were administered the NYSESLAT (New York State English As A Second Language Achievement Test) this month. Students were evaluated on the four language modalities of speaking, reading, writing and listening. These test scores are one of the data points used to measure English language acquisition from year to year for English Language Learners.

Additionally, Newcomer English Language Learners are finishing the year with a culminating multimodal project: This School Year’s Memories. Students will use artistic and written expression to highlight areas of strength and goals for improvement. Intermediate English Language Learners are completing an End of Year Portfolio where they select work produced throughout the year to improve and reflect upon their academic growth.

Art

Studio Art students have been finishing up a unit on printmaking, where they made their own collagraph printing plates. As they finish up they will arrange their prints in compositions inspired by the late Pop Artist Andy Warhol.

Studio II students are working in groups to construct architectural pieces out of cardboard. They are learning about scale, structural integrity, and how to work through problems as they arise.

7th grade artists are finishing up NoTan collages, inspired by the Japanese design style that focuses on the play and balance between light and dark elements in a work of art. 7th grade artists are also diving into color theory by challenging themselves to mix up 100 unique colors using only the primary colors, black and white.

To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, Art Portfolio students traveled to the city to view the Yayoi Kusama exhibit: I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers, at the David Zwirner galleries. They got to experience her newest Infinity Room and view her latest sculptures and paintings.

Guidance Department:

During the month of May, the Guidance Office has been preparing the Seniors for Graduation and next year.
The counselors have also been meeting individually with the 10th and 11th grade students to choose classes for next year.

PEERS AS Leaders

We headed down to Grady during 6th period on May 23rd for a few introductory activities with the 6th and 1st period PAL classes.
On Friday June 16th, 10am-11am (time may possibly vary), the 6th graders will be coming up to Hamilton for a Q & A in the auditorium with all the PALs. This will be followed by a tour given by the PALs. Incoming 7th grade students can put their goals for their first year at Hamilton!