A BOWLING STORY: BUILDING SUCCESS ONE FRAME AT A TIME
MEET JESSICA ELIE-PIERRE, 10th grade Fashion Design major and member of the Lady Falcons bowling team -- she came in first overall in last week's PSAL tournament, where she represented HSFI in the Manhattan Borough Individuals. This is a tournament that takes the top 15 bowlers in each borough to bowl in a three game competition.
Jessica is a junior at HSFI, and this is her second year on the Lady Falcons Bowling team. She's been invited to participate in the PSAL two years in a row, and will now move on to the city-wide individuals on November 21st at Rab's Country Lanes in Staten Island.
This post offers just a quick glimpse into Jessica's success story, which her parents have championed since the day she was born.
See the NEWS section of the website for the full article and feature interview about this high achieving superstar that HSFI is proud to call one of our own.
www.hsfi.nyc
#hsfi
#nycschools
#nycbowling
MEET JESSICA ELIE-PIERRE, 10th grade Fashion Design major and member of the Lady Falcons bowling team -- she came in first overall in last week's PSAL tournament, where she represented HSFI in the Manhattan Borough Individuals. This is a tournament that takes the top 15 bowlers in each borough to bowl in a three game competition.
Jessica is a junior at HSFI, and this is her second year on the Lady Falcons Bowling team. She's been invited to participate in the PSAL two years in a row, and will now move on to the city-wide individuals on November 21st at Rab's Country Lanes in Staten Island.
This post offers just a quick glimpse into Jessica's success story, which her parents have championed since the day she was born.
See the NEWS section of the website for the full article and feature interview about this high achieving superstar that HSFI is proud to call one of our own.
www.hsfi.nyc
#hsfi
#nycschools
#nycbowling
WELCOME TO DIWALI -- THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!!
Yesterday morning, the Desi Dance team hosted a glorious feast of delicious traditional small plates, sweet treats (and oh my goodness - the soup) in celebration of Diwali -- a five day Indian holiday that signifies the triumph of good over evil.
With all of the bountiful foods, face painting, festive music and art activities, it is important to underscore the incredible amount of historical research that went into the slide deck that was quietly scrolling on a large tv monitor in the background.
In case you didn't stand still long enough to read it, see the slide deck here. The Desi Dance team, alongside Ms. Charon Sioson, poured their devotion into creating this cultural learning opportunity for all of us so that we can gain greater understanding and appreciation of the values and heritage. In grand HSFI style, it even includes a fashion mood board, highlighting traditional attire for both men and women during this period.
Please see the News section of the website for the full article on this event.
DISSECTING A SHEEP'S BRAIN
It's one of the most fascinating cross-curricular labs you'll ever see:
Far from a weird science experiment, this lab is part of an AP Psychology course taught by Ms. Sylvia Gayatinea.
How does this dissection connect to psychology?
Ms. Gayatinea explained, "In the study of AP Psychology, it's one thing to learn about the mind, but the primary organ that is responsible for our behavior and our thinking is the brain. Part of psychology is learning about the brain and how our behavior is shaped epigenetically. This means we are not just a product of our DNA, but also of our environment. It is important to know both of those as the factors that shape who we are. We are who we are because of our brain and our environment."
To get started, students went to the front of the classroom to collect a pair of goggles, to be worn at all times.
Next, they placed their school IDs in a box before being handed a scalpel.
Students were tasked with observing top and bottom views and to identify each part before dissecting the brain hemispherically.
Can you tell the difference between the cerebrum and the cerebellum?
Can you find the olfactory bulb on each hemisphere?
Everyone was so engaged and focused that they didn't seem to mind the pungent smell of formaldehyde (used as an embalming fluid to preserve the brain) as they removed the specimen from its box.
It's one of the most fascinating cross-curricular labs you'll ever see:
Far from a weird science experiment, this lab is part of an AP Psychology course taught by Ms. Sylvia Gayatinea.
How does this dissection connect to psychology?
Ms. Gayatinea explained, "In the study of AP Psychology, it's one thing to learn about the mind, but the primary organ that is responsible for our behavior and our thinking is the brain. Part of psychology is learning about the brain and how our behavior is shaped epigenetically. This means we are not just a product of our DNA, but also of our environment. It is important to know both of those as the factors that shape who we are. We are who we are because of our brain and our environment."
To get started, students went to the front of the classroom to collect a pair of goggles, to be worn at all times.
Next, they placed their school IDs in a box before being handed a scalpel.
Students were tasked with observing top and bottom views and to identify each part before dissecting the brain hemispherically.
Can you tell the difference between the cerebrum and the cerebellum?
Can you find the olfactory bulb on each hemisphere?
Everyone was so engaged and focused that they didn't seem to mind the pungent smell of formaldehyde (used as an embalming fluid to preserve the brain) as they removed the specimen from its box.
PAUL TAYLOR SCHOOL OF DANCE WELCOMES ICONOCLAN TO LINCOLN CENTER
Is there any better way to spend a beautiful autumn Sunday in New York City than at Lincoln Center?
Yesterday, HSFI's Iconoclan dance team was thrilled to be invited by the Paul Taylor School of Dance to attend a special performance.
Shachar Paz, founder and advisor of Iconoclan shared: "This special invitation by the Paul Taylor School of Dance has become a tradition that our team looks forward to every year. Students enjoyed an inspiring performance, followed by a Q&A session with several of the dancers, giving them the opportunity to ask questions, gain insights, and learn from professional artists. It was another memorable experience for our dancers!"
Shachar Paz has been teaching math at HSFI for 23 years, and has served as the founder and advisor for the Iconoclan dance team since her first year.
PINTEREST CAREER PANEL!
HSFI's ongoing partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC continues to open incredible doors for our students. By facilitating high-impact field trips, they provide invaluable opportunities to explore dynamic career paths and connect directly with industry professionals.
Last week, 11th grade Visual Presentation and Art and Design majors visited Pinterest for an immersive career panel, mentoring session, and guided tour.
The event began with a special luncheon where students enjoyed hearing directly from an engaging career panel. Pinterest employees across various ages, backgrounds, and experience levels shared their personal career paths, offering candid advice and anecdotes about their journeys. Hearing these stories over lunch gave students real-world insight into turning education and passion into a profession.
Following the panel, students broke into small-group mentoring sessions. They had the unique chance to speak one-on-one with Pinterest employees, ask targeted questions about the industry, and receive tailored guidance on how to realize their aspirations.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of Pinterest’s stunning New York City headquarters, which was a source of inspiration in itself. Located at the iconic 11 Madison Avenue building in Flatiron, the space is designed in a modern art subway theme, filled with colorful mosaic tile artwork, contemporary light fixtures, and of course, graffiti. Every corner of the workplace thoughtfully captures Pinterest's creative company culture.
A huge thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC and the amazing team at Pinterest for investing in our students and providing such an enriching professional experience!
#hsfi #nycschools
@pinterest
@bbbsnyc
HSFI's ongoing partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC continues to open incredible doors for our students. By facilitating high-impact field trips, they provide invaluable opportunities to explore dynamic career paths and connect directly with industry professionals.
Last week, 11th grade Visual Presentation and Art and Design majors visited Pinterest for an immersive career panel, mentoring session, and guided tour.
The event began with a special luncheon where students enjoyed hearing directly from an engaging career panel. Pinterest employees across various ages, backgrounds, and experience levels shared their personal career paths, offering candid advice and anecdotes about their journeys. Hearing these stories over lunch gave students real-world insight into turning education and passion into a profession.
Following the panel, students broke into small-group mentoring sessions. They had the unique chance to speak one-on-one with Pinterest employees, ask targeted questions about the industry, and receive tailored guidance on how to realize their aspirations.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of Pinterest’s stunning New York City headquarters, which was a source of inspiration in itself. Located at the iconic 11 Madison Avenue building in Flatiron, the space is designed in a modern art subway theme, filled with colorful mosaic tile artwork, contemporary light fixtures, and of course, graffiti. Every corner of the workplace thoughtfully captures Pinterest's creative company culture.
A huge thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC and the amazing team at Pinterest for investing in our students and providing such an enriching professional experience!
#hsfi #nycschools
@bbbsnyc
MAKING THE CUT:
Mr. Kareem Knights's 12th grade Fashion Studio students cutting fabric to practice making the skirt which will include a zipper. Great job!
#hsfi
#nycschools
#fashiondesign
#fabriccutting
HSFI RUNNERS IN THE NYC MARATHON!
HSFI Faculty and Alum ran side by side in the New York City Marathon this past Sunday -- check out Ms. Alexandra Parisse, CTE Fashion Design Teacher and Textiles Coordinator (right) and Ms. Milla Krelic, Class of 2025 (left) together at the finish line!
Some great moments were captured throughout the day, including a beautiful black and white shot at the start of the race along with Kevin Krelic,( left) Ms. Krelic's dad, and the Verrazano Bridge in the background.
Go, Ms. Parisse, showing off your medal!
Ms. Megan Dixon from the English Department (right) gets cheered on by Abigail Moreira of the Admissions department (left) in a great last shot.
JOIN THE CLUB!
DID YOU KNOW? HSFI HAS 79 AFTER SCHOOL STUDENT RUN CLUBS, TEAMS AND ACTIVITIES THIS FALL!
ARE YOU IN? Which one did you join and why do you love it? Did you join more than one? Share your story in the comments on Instagram @fashionhighnyc
NOCHE DE FAMILIA VIRTUAL EN ESPAÑOL!
The Class of 2029 Wellness Team successfully connected with over 20 Spanish-speaking families during its Fall 2026 Spanish Virtual Family Night Presentation. The main focus was to provide parents and guardians with key information about their students’ sophomore year experience.
Centered around the year's theme, “Beating the Sophomore Slump: Sophomore Strategies and Sophomore Services,” the team highlighted academic expectations, graduation progress, available student support services, and strategies families can use to help their child stay on track and succeed.
Parents and guardians were highly engaged throughout, actively asking questions, and participating in meaningful discussions.
The presentation was led in Spanish by School Counselor Ms. De Leon, with the assistance of Ms. San Jorge who discussed the importance of hands-on learning experiences such as WBL and internship opportunities to begin building their post secondary pathways.
The entire Class of 2029 Wellness Team was present to provide additional support and ensure families felt welcomed and informed about the resources available to them at HSFI. Thank you, Ms. Ameh, Ms. Browne, & Mr. Powis.
Fall 2026 English Family Virtual Night will be held tonight at 6:30pm.
Families can login via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/91838761449?pwd=BjtlKHsabMB2APMvCZIbVHwdXMJOgU.1
🍌 BEE-DO! BEE-DO! The Minions Take Over HSFI! 💛💙
It was a little bananas at HSFI! The 12th Grade Wellness Team brought the Halloween spirit to life with a fun filled celebration, and this year, we went all in as the Minions! 💛💙
Our students were greeted by their favorite yellow and blue crew for a festive gathering filled with smiles, laughter, candy, sweet treats, and light refreshments. It was the perfect opportunity for seniors to take a break from their busy schedules, connect with friends, and enjoy some Halloween fun!
This event was also about creating moments of connection, fostering belonging, and reminding our seniors that their high school experience is about more than academics; it's about the memories, friendships, and experiences they create along the way.
The 12th Grade Wellness Team is here to make senior year memorable, one celebration at a time!
It was a little bananas at HSFI! The 12th Grade Wellness Team brought the Halloween spirit to life with a fun filled celebration, and this year, we went all in as the Minions! 💛💙
Our students were greeted by their favorite yellow and blue crew for a festive gathering filled with smiles, laughter, candy, sweet treats, and light refreshments. It was the perfect opportunity for seniors to take a break from their busy schedules, connect with friends, and enjoy some Halloween fun!
This event was also about creating moments of connection, fostering belonging, and reminding our seniors that their high school experience is about more than academics; it's about the memories, friendships, and experiences they create along the way.
The 12th Grade Wellness Team is here to make senior year memorable, one celebration at a time!
HALLOWEEN SHOW PHOTOGRAPHY BY ONE OF OUR SENIORS!🧡🧡
These spectacular photographs were taken by Yannis Sanchez-Garcia, HSFI 12th grade Photography major.
In still images, she captures the magic, the movement and the moments of the show that had the audience roaring for two solid hours.
Thank you to Erin Lefevre, Yannis' photography teacher, for coordinating photography for this event!
#hsfi
#nycschools
#photography
#nychalloween
PRE HALLOWEEN SHOW LOOKS!
HSFI always shows up in style -- whether in full-on Cosplay, or with simple touches of makeup and props.
AP of Climate and Culture , Marcol Rodriguez , setting the stage before the curtain opens.
HSFI always shows up in style -- whether in full-on Cosplay, or with simple touches of makeup and props.
AP of Climate and Culture , Marcol Rodriguez , setting the stage before the curtain opens.
KINETIC HALLOWEEN HALLWAYS UNVEILED ON 2ND FLOOR!! 🎃🧡
If you're into Tim Burton movies, this window display is for you -- it's full of odd characters, unique gestures, mood lighting, and imagination above all.
Stop by the teachers elevators and see the spooky, the surprising, the robotics, thhe hand painted figures and original sculptures.
This display is one of many brilliant installations by the Sculpture Club.
Stuart Rosenthal is the Founder and Advisor of this club, and has been at HSFI as Laboratory Specialist for six years.
HALLOWEEN TREAT!!🎃🧡
THE 10TH GRADE WELLNESS TEAM (CLASS OF 2029) HAS GENEROUSLY PURCHASED 30 HALLOWEEN SHOW TICKETS FOR DONATION TO HSFI STUDENTS IN NEED
Students are invited to stop by room 504 and request a ticket during their lunch period.
The door is open, and it can't be missed.
We want to ensure all interested students have the opportunity to attend, regardless of financial need." Mr. Tafari Powis, Guidance Counselor
#hsfi
#nycschools
#halloween
#halloweentreat
HALLOWEEN SHOW TODAY 4PM-6PM! GET YOUR TICKETS!
We are one day away from our spooktacular Halloween Show— a wickedly good fundraiser for the Class of 2029!
Students across a variety of clubs have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you an afternoon filled with glam and fright. 🦇✨
Don't miss out on the fun!
Check out the important details below:
• 📅 Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
• ⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Doors open at 3:30 PM)
• 📍 Location: HSFI Auditorium (225 24th Street, NY, NY, 10011)
• 💵 Cost: $3.00
• 👥 Who is Invited?
Our entire community is welcome to come out and cheer on the outpouring talent of our community!
• 🪄 What to Expect:
Prepare to be spellbound by a youth-led showcase featuring a hauntingly good opening act by the Band Club, stunning costume displays by the modeling club, and jaw-dropping performances by our stellar dance teams (2! 3! Dance Crew, Desi Dance, Iconoclan, Latin Groove Dance Team, LUMEI, and So FLY Step Team) 🕷️💫
🎟️ Grab Your Tickets:
PHYSICAL TICKETS
• At the FLY Store: Get physical tickets in front of the FLY Store (1st floor near student elevators) from 7:50 AM – 8:40 AM.
• In the Student Lounge: Get physical tickets in the Student Lounge during your designated lunch period.
• Online: Buy your digital ticket via the link below!
••• Note: Online tickets include a $0.90 processing fee for a total of $3.90. Keep your confirmation email handy to show at the door—no hocus pocus, you really need it!
• ONLINE TICKETS LINK: hsfi.ludus.com/200554552
Students across a variety of clubs have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you an afternoon filled with glam and fright. 🦇✨
Don't miss out on the fun!
Check out the important details below:
• 📅 Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
• ⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Doors open at 3:30 PM)
• 📍 Location: HSFI Auditorium (225 24th Street, NY, NY, 10011)
• 💵 Cost: $3.00
• 👥 Who is Invited?
Our entire community is welcome to come out and cheer on the outpouring talent of our community!
• 🪄 What to Expect:
Prepare to be spellbound by a youth-led showcase featuring a hauntingly good opening act by the Band Club, stunning costume displays by the modeling club, and jaw-dropping performances by our stellar dance teams (2! 3! Dance Crew, Desi Dance, Iconoclan, Latin Groove Dance Team, LUMEI, and So FLY Step Team) 🕷️💫
🎟️ Grab Your Tickets:
PHYSICAL TICKETS
• At the FLY Store: Get physical tickets in front of the FLY Store (1st floor near student elevators) from 7:50 AM – 8:40 AM.
• In the Student Lounge: Get physical tickets in the Student Lounge during your designated lunch period.
• Online: Buy your digital ticket via the link below!
••• Note: Online tickets include a $0.90 processing fee for a total of $3.90. Keep your confirmation email handy to show at the door—no hocus pocus, you really need it!
• ONLINE TICKETS LINK: hsfi.ludus.com/200554552
YOUR ATTENDANCE IS POPPIN!
The Wellness Team for the Class of 2030 is proud to announce their 9th graders achieved 100% attendance in the first marking period!
This is an extraordinary accomplishment, as there are over 400 students in the grade, and more than 35 days of school in the period.
The grade celebrated with a popcorn party 🍿Thank you @livelovepop for your donation!
In addition to being a wonderful sign that all are in good health, it also demonstrates the maturity and discipline of HSFI's youngest.
Guidance Counselor Jessica Goldberg said, "We are so proud of our students starting their high school journey strong and showing up every day. Their commitment to being present each day helps them stay on track, build positive habits, and make the most of the high school experience."
#hsfi
#nycschools
#attendance
@livelovepop
The Wellness Team for the Class of 2030 is proud to announce their 9th graders achieved 100% attendance in the first marking period!
This is an extraordinary accomplishment, as there are over 400 students in the grade, and more than 35 days of school in the period.
The grade celebrated with a popcorn party 🍿Thank you @livelovepop for your donation!
In addition to being a wonderful sign that all are in good health, it also demonstrates the maturity and discipline of HSFI's youngest.
Guidance Counselor Jessica Goldberg said, "We are so proud of our students starting their high school journey strong and showing up every day. Their commitment to being present each day helps them stay on track, build positive habits, and make the most of the high school experience."
#hsfi
#nycschools
#attendance
@livelovepop
GRAPHIC NOVELS AND THE STUDY OF BUDDHISM
The Graphic Novel, Enlightened, is being used in Ms. Michelle Duck and Ms. Alexa Anzalone's 9th Grade ICT Global History classes to learn about Buddhism.
Ms. Duck explains, "Graphic Novels are a powerful tool for engaging teenagers, particularly in a 9th grade ICT Global History classroom where students bring diverse learning strengths and needs. This combination of visual storytelling and historical inquiry makes complex ideas more accessible without sacrificing academic rigor."
The classes are using Enlightened, in particular, so students can connect with Siddhartha Gautama's journey while analyzing visual evidence, drawing inferences, and developing a deeper understanding of Buddhism.
#hsfi
#nyschools
#graphicnovels
#buddhism
The Graphic Novel, Enlightened, is being used in Ms. Michelle Duck and Ms. Alexa Anzalone's 9th Grade ICT Global History classes to learn about Buddhism.
Ms. Duck explains, "Graphic Novels are a powerful tool for engaging teenagers, particularly in a 9th grade ICT Global History classroom where students bring diverse learning strengths and needs. This combination of visual storytelling and historical inquiry makes complex ideas more accessible without sacrificing academic rigor."
The classes are using Enlightened, in particular, so students can connect with Siddhartha Gautama's journey while analyzing visual evidence, drawing inferences, and developing a deeper understanding of Buddhism.
#hsfi
#nyschools
#graphicnovels
#buddhism
KINETIC HALLOWEEN WINDOW DISPLAYS JUST UNVEILED BY THE RECYCLED INDUSTRIOUS SCULPTURE CLUB!
Members of the R.IS.C. made this entire display along with several others from 100% reclaimed materials from both the school and the City.
The installation is on the second floor in front of Room 234 -- stop by and experience the magic... and see @fashionhighnyc for the IG reel!
Stuart Rosenthal is the Founder and Advisor for this club, and has been a Laboratory Specialist at HSFI for the past six years.
Members of the R.IS.C. made this entire display along with several others from 100% reclaimed materials from both the school and the City.
The installation is on the second floor in front of Room 234 -- stop by and experience the magic... and see @fashionhighnyc for the IG reel!
Stuart Rosenthal is the Founder and Advisor for this club, and has been a Laboratory Specialist at HSFI for the past six years.
FAMILY HANDBOOKS ARE HERE!
HSFI families received a special package today that's filled with important resources and updates for the school year.
Included with the Family Handbook are the School Calendar, Staff Email Directory, Back-to-School Family Day Notice, their child's latest report card, and a letter from Principal Daryl Blank.
These packages were distributed to each student at the end of the school day to bring home to their families.
Giovanni Raschilla, Assistant Principal of Safety and Security, led this initiative. "We are proud of our partnership with HSFI families, and remain committed to keeping our community engaged, informed, and connected as we work together to support student success."
#hsfi
#nycschools
#nycfamilies
HSFI families received a special package today that's filled with important resources and updates for the school year.
Included with the Family Handbook are the School Calendar, Staff Email Directory, Back-to-School Family Day Notice, their child's latest report card, and a letter from Principal Daryl Blank.
These packages were distributed to each student at the end of the school day to bring home to their families.
Giovanni Raschilla, Assistant Principal of Safety and Security, led this initiative. "We are proud of our partnership with HSFI families, and remain committed to keeping our community engaged, informed, and connected as we work together to support student success."
#hsfi
#nycschools
#nycfamilies