The voices of New Rochelle High School students were prominent and powerful during a recent Board of Education meeting, which also included news about a change in the public-comment policy.
New Rochelle High School Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles introduced several students as part of the Board’s renewed commitment to hear the student voice at every regular meeting.
Senior Nila Roper and ninth-grader Luca Lazzarini provided an overview of activities such as the FEMpowerMENt Club, which is working with high school and school district administrators to ensure a safe environment for all students; a recent job fair featuring more than 20 companies with summer employment opportunities; autism awareness; a show of support for lives impacted by the conflict in Ukraine; TheatreWorks’ recent “Theory of Relativity” musical; and Spring Spirit Week. View a video here: Facebook.com/newrochelleschools/videos/552816916074209.
Also presenting were seniors Fabian Valderrama and Barbara (Gaby) Meda, who noted the tremendous benefits in attending the student-led 9th Annual Latinx Youth Leadership Conference last month. Serving as an expression of cultural pride, the event provided a forum for teens to build skills, celebrate strengths, hear from Latinx role models, and become inspired to follow their dreams and pursue a future full of opportunities. Video: Facebook.com/newrochelleschools/videos/961389951027103.
The Board of Education also celebrated New Rochelle High School’s acclaimed Science Research Program, whose talented students again excelled at the annual Westchester Science and Engineering Fair. Out of 39 schools at the competition, New Rochelle ranked fourth-highest in honors, with 20 students taking home 24 awards.
Program Director Jeff Wuebber and students Anna Barlis and Izzy Balachandran spoke about the program and the exceptional research experiences it offers. Video of Wuebber, Barlis and Balachandran: Facebook.com/newrochelleschools/videos/2886716238299188.
The Board of Education also approved a resolution regarding public comment at board meetings. It allows for members of the public to sign up in person at the meeting. This is in addition to the current availability of signing up before 3:30 p.m. the day of the meeting. Learn more here.
The meeting was hosted by William B. Ward Elementary School, and Principal Franco Miele delivered a presentation about how the school is addressing unfinished learning – particularly in math and literacy – as well as fostering a healthy social-emotional learning environment.