RISING TO THE MOMENT
On Wednesday, October 7, HSFI celebrated its third year of what has become a new ritual: SENIOR SUNRISE.
Over 50 seniors and staff arrived at school at 6:30am to watch the morning sun rise over the City, and take in the sweeping skyline views together from the 10th floor.
Watching the sun rise is known for its powerful biological, mental, and emotional benefits, but this particular event held a figurative meaning to it.
Lativa Reyes, Assistant Principal of the Wellness department, said, "Watching the sun rise symbolizes a new dawn -- the beginning of our seniors' final year of high school and their upcoming transition into adulthood. It's a unique experience that gives them the chance to gather outside the classroom, bond, and strengthen community spirit."
#hsfi
#nycschools
#nycsunrise
On Wednesday, October 7, HSFI celebrated its third year of what has become a new ritual: SENIOR SUNRISE.
Over 50 seniors and staff arrived at school at 6:30am to watch the morning sun rise over the City, and take in the sweeping skyline views together from the 10th floor.
Watching the sun rise is known for its powerful biological, mental, and emotional benefits, but this particular event held a figurative meaning to it.
Lativa Reyes, Assistant Principal of the Wellness department, said, "Watching the sun rise symbolizes a new dawn -- the beginning of our seniors' final year of high school and their upcoming transition into adulthood. It's a unique experience that gives them the chance to gather outside the classroom, bond, and strengthen community spirit."
#hsfi
#nycschools
#nycsunrise
BRINGING ANCIENT ART TO LIFE AT THE CHINA INSTITUTE 🇨🇳
As part of Christina Gerasimovich's unit on Ancient China, her 9th grade Global History students left the classroom and went on a journey to discover first-hand one of the world's oldest collections of Chinese art and artifacts at the China Institute in Lower Manhattan.
Founded in New York City in 1926 by American educators John Dewey, Paul Monroe, and Chinese scholars Hu Shih (胡適) and Kuo Ping-Wen (郭秉文), China Institute of America is an internationally-renowned U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to deepening the world’s understanding of China through programs in art, business, cuisine, culture, and education. China Institute Gallery is one of the most highly regarded institutions for Chinese art in the U.S. that presents acclaimed thematic exhibitions of masterpieces spanning 5,000 years of China’s history, showcasing artwork rarely seen outside China.
The class went on a private, guided tour of the exhibit “China Institute Gallery at 60, 1966-2026: Selections from Three Millennia of Chinese Art." Dating from as early as 3000 BCE, the objects students examined included fine jades, rare bronze vessels, paintings, calligraphy, Buddhist sculpture, ceramics, artifacts and scholars’ objects. With the help of the tour guide and Chinese history expert, students explored the symbolism of dragons, horses, rocks, bamboo, and the use of jade in Chinese art.
After the guided tour, students created their own art. Using authentic wood blocks from China, students made wood block prints, each piece a unique interpretation of the artwork they saw in the gallery. They even made their own ink!
Ms. Gerasimovich elaborated on the connection between the trip and the curriculum. "We just learned about Buddhism, and are now learning about Ancient China. It was so impactful to see the art we have been studying right in front of us, and for so many of the ideas we have be learning about materialized in beautiful artwork from the time periods we have been talking about in class. It's magical to see the curriculum come to life in front of our eyes! Additionally, our students are so talented, so any opportunity I can engage our students in artwork is fun and heartwarming for me!"
#hsfi
#nycschools
@china.institute
As part of Christina Gerasimovich's unit on Ancient China, her 9th grade Global History students left the classroom and went on a journey to discover first-hand one of the world's oldest collections of Chinese art and artifacts at the China Institute in Lower Manhattan.
Founded in New York City in 1926 by American educators John Dewey, Paul Monroe, and Chinese scholars Hu Shih (胡適) and Kuo Ping-Wen (郭秉文), China Institute of America is an internationally-renowned U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to deepening the world’s understanding of China through programs in art, business, cuisine, culture, and education. China Institute Gallery is one of the most highly regarded institutions for Chinese art in the U.S. that presents acclaimed thematic exhibitions of masterpieces spanning 5,000 years of China’s history, showcasing artwork rarely seen outside China.
The class went on a private, guided tour of the exhibit “China Institute Gallery at 60, 1966-2026: Selections from Three Millennia of Chinese Art." Dating from as early as 3000 BCE, the objects students examined included fine jades, rare bronze vessels, paintings, calligraphy, Buddhist sculpture, ceramics, artifacts and scholars’ objects. With the help of the tour guide and Chinese history expert, students explored the symbolism of dragons, horses, rocks, bamboo, and the use of jade in Chinese art.
After the guided tour, students created their own art. Using authentic wood blocks from China, students made wood block prints, each piece a unique interpretation of the artwork they saw in the gallery. They even made their own ink!
Ms. Gerasimovich elaborated on the connection between the trip and the curriculum. "We just learned about Buddhism, and are now learning about Ancient China. It was so impactful to see the art we have been studying right in front of us, and for so many of the ideas we have be learning about materialized in beautiful artwork from the time periods we have been talking about in class. It's magical to see the curriculum come to life in front of our eyes! Additionally, our students are so talented, so any opportunity I can engage our students in artwork is fun and heartwarming for me!"
#hsfi
#nycschools
@china.institute
TALK TO YOU LATER!
CELL PHONE FREE CLASSROOMS = DISTRACTION FREE LEARNING
Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, students may not use personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day on school grounds, except in approved circumstances. This procedure supports New York State’s Distraction-Free Schools law and New York City Public Schools Chancellor’s Regulation A-413.
Each morning at HSFI, students are asked to turn in their cell phones and other personal internet-enabled devices as they enter school. Every device is scanned in and scanned out, helping the school maintain an organized and accountable process. Phones are placed in specialized protective pouches and securely stored in designated boxes during the school day, as seen here. At the end of the student’s school day, the device is returned through an established distribution process.
Giovanni Raschilla, Assistant Principal of Safety and Security, explains the positive outcomes since the law took effect. "The purpose of this policy is not simply to take phones away. It is to give our children a school day where they can focus on instruction, interact with their classmates, participate fully in school activities, and learn without the constant distraction of notifications, texting, social media, and other online activity. I am also pleased to report the wonderful spirit of cooperation, community and shared responsibility among our students!"
#hsfi
#nycschools
#schoolsafety
#distractionfreelearning
CELL PHONE FREE CLASSROOMS = DISTRACTION FREE LEARNING
Beginning with the 2025–26 school year, students may not use personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day on school grounds, except in approved circumstances. This procedure supports New York State’s Distraction-Free Schools law and New York City Public Schools Chancellor’s Regulation A-413.
Each morning at HSFI, students are asked to turn in their cell phones and other personal internet-enabled devices as they enter school. Every device is scanned in and scanned out, helping the school maintain an organized and accountable process. Phones are placed in specialized protective pouches and securely stored in designated boxes during the school day, as seen here. At the end of the student’s school day, the device is returned through an established distribution process.
Giovanni Raschilla, Assistant Principal of Safety and Security, explains the positive outcomes since the law took effect. "The purpose of this policy is not simply to take phones away. It is to give our children a school day where they can focus on instruction, interact with their classmates, participate fully in school activities, and learn without the constant distraction of notifications, texting, social media, and other online activity. I am also pleased to report the wonderful spirit of cooperation, community and shared responsibility among our students!"
#hsfi
#nycschools
#schoolsafety
#distractionfreelearning
ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST SCORES SET A NEW RECORD AT HSFI
While the High School of Fashion Industries' legacy and century-long reputation in the world of art and design education are renowned, another accolade is on the rise: its Advanced Placement academic program.
Melissa Frank, HSFI's Assistant Principal of both the Science and Advanced Placement departments, has been a keeping rock solid track record of enrollment and test score performance. Both are soaring to new heights, and she's proud to report the data over the past five years (post Covid):
During the 2025-2026 Academic Year, an unprecedented 69% of HSFI students taking Advanced Placement courses achieved the pass rate of 3 or higher.
In just five years, this score has surged from 32% in 2022.
AP testing is done nationwide each May, with a 5 being the highest score. Students get college credit when they score a minimum of 3 out of 5 on a test.
In the same year, the Advanced Placement program had its highest enrollment on record, with a total of 194 students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grade combined.
"HSFI is a dual focused school, so this is a tremendous accomplishment," Ms. Frank said. "It shows colleges that HSFI students are engaging in rigorous college level course work while they are in high school. It demonstrates a level of mastery. Colleges are looking for much more than just your GPA. SUNY and CUNY schools will advance AP students to the next course level."
There are also financial benefits to taking AP courses. Ms. Frank explained, "Students who are taking two or three AP level courses are going into college saving a lot of money. In some colleges, one credit can cost $1,000.00. In some cases, taking AP courses in high school can allow a student to finish college a semester or even a year early, and that saves a lot on tuition."
While taking three AP courses is not recommended, it is encouraged that all HSFI students take at least one.
Admission to these rigorous AP courses is based on strong academic performance, teacher recommendations, and a dedicated commitment to meeting college-level standards.
"Take your work seriously starting from Freshman year, "Ms. Frank said. "Attendance and arriving on time to school every day is greatly taken into consideration, as many of the AP courses are first period. Coursework and Regents test scores are taken into consideration."
HSFI currently offers the following 12 Advanced Placement courses across the arts, humanities, and STEM fields, each designed to foster deep critical thinking and academic excellence:
Biology
Psychology
Calculus AB
Pre-Calculus
English Language
English Literature
World History
US Government
US History
Art History
2D Art and Design
Computer Science Principles
See the link below with course descriptions:
www.hsfi.nyc/page/advanced-placement-courses
Melissa Frank is celebrating her 25th year at the High School of Fashion Industries and her and 20th year as Assistant Principal.
She has taught Elective Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching 11th and 12th grade Physics.
#hsfi
#nycschools
#advancedplacement
SHOW YOUR PRIDE!! 🌈 It's NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY and the GSA-Rainbow Club is celebrating!! All are welcome!! Grab a sticker, make new friends and show your pride as you head to class. Thank you, Mx. Meghan Dixon, Instructional Support Services (ISS) teacher and Advisor for this club!!
FOSTERING LITERACY THROUGH FASHION DESIGN
It's so much more than a pretty picture:
In this first behind-the-scenes story, we're in Belinda David's 12th grade Fashion Design classroom to learn what goes into producing a fashion show collection. Within minutes, it becomes clear that there's more than meets the eye.
Before students picked up their pencils and began sketching, they were given a rigorous assignment:
Research, write, and present a comprehensive narrative on what you want to design and why.
Articulately written and spoken language that demonstrates deep knowledge, a rich vocabulary, and fluent comprehension of the subject was required.
"Building Literacy" is one of Principal Blank's core themes of the school year, and Ms. David has fully embraced it.
"We're always supporting our academic classes in CTE (Careers and Technical Education) instilling that students are utilizing their literacy skills -- reading and writing skills -- to tie in with the artistic work that they do."
As part of the Director's Cut 2027 spring fashion show theme, Ms. David's students have selected two directors, concentrating on one film for each.
Student presentations were deep and complex.
Things got very specific, and at times, abstract. One student's focus was on "the aspect of roses."
Among the questions that were raised and explored throughout their research process:
What is the overall mood of the film and director's style?
What are the qualities and characteristics of the main character?
What are the design angles, patterns, textures, color palette, accents, and embellishments that convey this?
What is the silhouette and the structure?
Is it masculine? Asymmetrical?
What is your source of inspiration, and how do you intend to interpret it?
Students in both groups did a stellar job in presenting the two films and the direction they plan on taking with them, which for now is being kept under wraps.
Belinda David is an HSFI Alum, Class of 1993, and is teaching Fashion Design at HSFI for 27 years.
#hsfi
#thedirectorscut
#nycschools
#fashiondesign
#fashionshow
It's so much more than a pretty picture:
In this first behind-the-scenes story, we're in Belinda David's 12th grade Fashion Design classroom to learn what goes into producing a fashion show collection. Within minutes, it becomes clear that there's more than meets the eye.
Before students picked up their pencils and began sketching, they were given a rigorous assignment:
Research, write, and present a comprehensive narrative on what you want to design and why.
Articulately written and spoken language that demonstrates deep knowledge, a rich vocabulary, and fluent comprehension of the subject was required.
"Building Literacy" is one of Principal Blank's core themes of the school year, and Ms. David has fully embraced it.
"We're always supporting our academic classes in CTE (Careers and Technical Education) instilling that students are utilizing their literacy skills -- reading and writing skills -- to tie in with the artistic work that they do."
As part of the Director's Cut 2027 spring fashion show theme, Ms. David's students have selected two directors, concentrating on one film for each.
Student presentations were deep and complex.
Things got very specific, and at times, abstract. One student's focus was on "the aspect of roses."
Among the questions that were raised and explored throughout their research process:
What is the overall mood of the film and director's style?
What are the qualities and characteristics of the main character?
What are the design angles, patterns, textures, color palette, accents, and embellishments that convey this?
What is the silhouette and the structure?
Is it masculine? Asymmetrical?
What is your source of inspiration, and how do you intend to interpret it?
Students in both groups did a stellar job in presenting the two films and the direction they plan on taking with them, which for now is being kept under wraps.
Belinda David is an HSFI Alum, Class of 1993, and is teaching Fashion Design at HSFI for 27 years.
#hsfi
#thedirectorscut
#nycschools
#fashiondesign
#fashionshow
SENIOR NIGHT SOCCER ON RANDALL'S ISLAND
On October 7, the Girls Varsity Soccer team celebrated Senior Night on Randall’s Island. It was a memorable evening honoring our seniors and everything they have contributed to the team. In recognition of the graduating class, the team members created special posters featuring pictures of each senior.
All of the players started the first half of the game, making it a meaningful final season appearance for our school.
Emily Otavalo Garibaldi came through with the game’s tie-breaking goal in the first half -- what an exciting moment on the field!
CLOTHING SWAP! TRINKET SWAP! BOOK SWAP!
The lovely and lively ladies of the GREEN TEAM Club are sending you a message: "There's no such thing as garbage."
These fun "Swapping" events that the club members are planning are geared to inspire a new way of thinking about the things we no longer want or need. They also create exciting exchange opportunities where students can discover inspirational objects to use in their school projects, such as textile design and photography.
Club president Licy Chen shared why their work is important. "Our mission is to provide climate education and make people be aware what impacts our environment, because we all live in it. Even if you do some thing simple, like recycling, you can help improve our environment."
In this first meeting of the school year, club members were brainstorming and putting together rough comps for promotion posters. Here's a sneak peek.
Follow @hsfi_greenteam for event dates!
Thank you to our Club Advisors:
Ms. Teya Lucyshyn and Ms. Kaylee Santos
#hsfi
#nycschools
#greenteam
@hsfi_greenteam
BUILDING THINKING CLASSROOMS
Dr. Peter Liljedahl, a professor of mathematics education at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, and a former high school mathematics teacher, is known worldwide for his 2020 book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhanced Learning.
In his groundbreaking approach, activities are designed to help teachers emphasize mathematical thinking and student engagement in their lessons, as a pathway to deeper learning.
HSFI's Jeanne Klepacki and Rachel Goldstein, 9th grade Algebra team teachers, decided to incorporate one of these activities in a recent class.
In a Statistics Review Lesson on "Box and Whisker" plots, students worked in randomly selected groups to create a set of exactly 10 numbers that satisfy 4 conditions:
1. The MEAN had to be greater than the MEDIAN
2. The MEDIAN had to equal 6
3. The RANGE had to equal 8
4. The IQR had to equal 5
"What made it especially interesting was that there were so many different ways to approach it," Ms. Klepacki explained. "Some groups decided to start by figuring out how to guarantee a median of 6, while others started by establishing a range of 8 and built from there. They kept adjusting their numbers, recalculating, and discussing how changing one value could affect several statistics at once."
What were the results?
Ms. Goldstein said, "There wasn't one correct data set, so different groups ended up with different answers and approaches. That really got them invested in the process. It led to some great mathematical conversations, as they compared strategies and defended why their solutions worked."
#hsfi
#algebra
#nycschools
@buildingthinkingclassrooms
Dr. Peter Liljedahl, a professor of mathematics education at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, and a former high school mathematics teacher, is known worldwide for his 2020 book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhanced Learning.
In his groundbreaking approach, activities are designed to help teachers emphasize mathematical thinking and student engagement in their lessons, as a pathway to deeper learning.
HSFI's Jeanne Klepacki and Rachel Goldstein, 9th grade Algebra team teachers, decided to incorporate one of these activities in a recent class.
In a Statistics Review Lesson on "Box and Whisker" plots, students worked in randomly selected groups to create a set of exactly 10 numbers that satisfy 4 conditions:
1. The MEAN had to be greater than the MEDIAN
2. The MEDIAN had to equal 6
3. The RANGE had to equal 8
4. The IQR had to equal 5
"What made it especially interesting was that there were so many different ways to approach it," Ms. Klepacki explained. "Some groups decided to start by figuring out how to guarantee a median of 6, while others started by establishing a range of 8 and built from there. They kept adjusting their numbers, recalculating, and discussing how changing one value could affect several statistics at once."
What were the results?
Ms. Goldstein said, "There wasn't one correct data set, so different groups ended up with different answers and approaches. That really got them invested in the process. It led to some great mathematical conversations, as they compared strategies and defended why their solutions worked."
#hsfi
#algebra
#nycschools
@buildingthinkingclassrooms
PARAMOUNT MENTORSHIP FOR 10TH GRADERS HAS BEGUN!
For the first time, Paramount joins The Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Workplace Mentoring Program at HSFI, offering our 10th grade students a unique opportunity to connect and grow under the guidance of their stellar team.
Over 50 students attended the information session to learn more about how they can be part of a program that connects them with professional mentors at Paramount, the iconic Hollywood film and television studio with a cultural legacy spanning more than 100 years.
The Wellness Team is excited to welcome Paramount as a new cohort! Over the years, our students have truly thrived in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program.
Through mentorship, our students build confidence, expand their networks, prepare for college and career success, and develop valuable skills that will help them prosper in life after high school.
Students will be paired with a mentor from Paramount and meet at their office every other week.
Participating students will in engage in activities designed to help them:
Explore different career paths
Develop professional and communication skills
Strengthening your leadership abilities
Learn about college and career planning
Build meaningful relationships with working professionals
Complimentary food will be served and students are paid a $10 stipend for each session.
See the flyer for more information if you'd like to join in!
#hsfi
#nycschools
@paramountpics
@bbbsamerica
For the first time, Paramount joins The Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Workplace Mentoring Program at HSFI, offering our 10th grade students a unique opportunity to connect and grow under the guidance of their stellar team.
Over 50 students attended the information session to learn more about how they can be part of a program that connects them with professional mentors at Paramount, the iconic Hollywood film and television studio with a cultural legacy spanning more than 100 years.
The Wellness Team is excited to welcome Paramount as a new cohort! Over the years, our students have truly thrived in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program.
Through mentorship, our students build confidence, expand their networks, prepare for college and career success, and develop valuable skills that will help them prosper in life after high school.
Students will be paired with a mentor from Paramount and meet at their office every other week.
Participating students will in engage in activities designed to help them:
Explore different career paths
Develop professional and communication skills
Strengthening your leadership abilities
Learn about college and career planning
Build meaningful relationships with working professionals
Complimentary food will be served and students are paid a $10 stipend for each session.
See the flyer for more information if you'd like to join in!
#hsfi
#nycschools
@paramountpics
@bbbsamerica
SHOUT OUT to the HSFI Admissions Team and our volunteer Fashion Ambassador students! It was a fast-paced weekend for them at the annual Manhattan High School Fair, held at Fiorello LaGuardia HS. HSFI's table was packed with middle school students and their families (grades 6-8) all weekend long!
This is the main recruitment event of the year -- all 47 Manhattan public high schools participate, each with their own representatives and promotion materials.
HSFI looks forward to welcoming the next generation of students!
This is the main recruitment event of the year -- all 47 Manhattan public high schools participate, each with their own representatives and promotion materials.
HSFI looks forward to welcoming the next generation of students!
WHO WANTS TO GO TO PARIS? 🇫🇷
Room 627 was jam packed after school yesterday with more than 70 juniors and seniors attending the first meeting for the 2027 Summer Study Abroad program in Marseille, France.
At the helm was the legendary Coach Sostre-King, joined by volunteer students who attended last year's Summer Study Abroad program in Florence, Italy. 🇮🇹
The High School of Fashion Industries is the only New York City Public School with a Summer Study Abroad program. Students earn college credits. The 2027 program will be held at the American College of the Mediterranean.
Interested in joining us? Come to next week's meeting!
Wednesday, October 7@ 4pm in Room 627
Room 627 was jam packed after school yesterday with more than 70 juniors and seniors attending the first meeting for the 2027 Summer Study Abroad program in Marseille, France.
At the helm was the legendary Coach Sostre-King, joined by volunteer students who attended last year's Summer Study Abroad program in Florence, Italy. 🇮🇹
The High School of Fashion Industries is the only New York City Public School with a Summer Study Abroad program. Students earn college credits. The 2027 program will be held at the American College of the Mediterranean.
Interested in joining us? Come to next week's meeting!
Wednesday, October 7@ 4pm in Room 627
INTRODUCING THE 2027 FASHION SHOW THEME OF THE YEAR: THE DIRECTOR'S CUT!
Brenda Rojas-Hampton and Ali Rochford share the backstory and the process:
How does the fashion show theme come about?
"It starts with a very organic conversation with the students," Ms. Rochford explained. "We talk through it. It's your show. What are you thinking? What do you want? What do you envision? The fabrics? The colors?"
Trending themes begin to emerge from these discussions throughout the five 12th grade Fashion Design classes (comprised of 120 students) which includes one "full steam ahead" Fashion Design Honors class taught by Brenda Rojas-Hampton. This class is strictly limited to 25 seats. Audition in the Junior year is required.
Once the top five or six themes take form, Ms. Rochford creates mood boards that capture the overall aesthetic for each one, along with a synopsis. Mood boards are reviewed and discussed. Students then get two days to vote (in a Google form) for the fashion show theme.
"The Director's Cut" was a new theme this year and the clear cut winner, with "Candy Wonderland" coming in second, which has been a recurring theme.
Ms. Rojas-Hampton explained what comes next, along with some of the fashion show specifics that go on in her Honors class:
"I begin polling the Honors students to choose which director in their aesthetic they want to do. They do slideshows and a treatment," she explained. We deep dive to synthesize it. Absorb it. They have to absorb it and so do I. Then they do a vote on what will be the first collection. It has to be cohesive. Also! The Honors class has multiple moving parts: Junk Couture and Swarovski -- surface design with the stones for Swarovski, and sustainability for Junk Couture. Ideally, we get them to work into the theme. If they don't jive into the aesthetic, they become finale pieces. These are typically avant garde, so they often work well to finish the show."
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS KICK OFF!
The 12th Grade Wellness Team is excited for another year of the Con Edison x HSFI Big Brothers Big Sisters Workplace Mentoring program.
Students in the cohort are looking forward to activities with their corporate mentors focused on preparing for life after high school, including work place exploration with top corporations, budgeting and financial literacy, professional networking, job preparation, teamwork and understanding feedback.
There will be community adventures along the way, and a number of special events are planned, such as a VIP fireside chat. The year will culminate in a Shark-Tank-style project and presentation.
HSFI is fortunate to be part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program!
#hsfi
#mentorship
#nycschools
@bbbsnyc
@conedison
The 12th Grade Wellness Team is excited for another year of the Con Edison x HSFI Big Brothers Big Sisters Workplace Mentoring program.
Students in the cohort are looking forward to activities with their corporate mentors focused on preparing for life after high school, including work place exploration with top corporations, budgeting and financial literacy, professional networking, job preparation, teamwork and understanding feedback.
There will be community adventures along the way, and a number of special events are planned, such as a VIP fireside chat. The year will culminate in a Shark-Tank-style project and presentation.
HSFI is fortunate to be part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program!
#hsfi
#mentorship
#nycschools
@bbbsnyc
@conedison
THANK YOU, 9TH GRADE FAMILIES, FROM YOUR WELLNESS TEAM!
MEET & GREET SUCCESS! The 9th Grade Wellness Team hosted its first Parent/Guardian Meet & Greet of the school year yesterday and we had a great turn out in both sessions! A big thank you to all of the families who joined us. We look forward to our last session today at 5PM!
Creating meaningful connections with families is an important part of building a strong school community. These gatherings provide a welcoming and safe space for families to get to know our team, get to know each other, and become more engaged with our school. It allows us to exchange ideas, review caseloads, and stay aligned on grade-wide goals so our students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
It was a wonderful opportunity for 9th grade families to ask us questions and develop a deeper understanding of how each of us support their children throughout the school year in different ways. Our team also gained valuable insights into students' lives outside of school. Each one is unique!
We look forward to hosting another round of Parent/Guardian Meet & Greets in the spring!
For families unable to attend, we'll be sending a Power Point to the entire grade via email.
#hsfi
#nycschools
#wellness
#familyengagement
#community
MEET & GREET SUCCESS! The 9th Grade Wellness Team hosted its first Parent/Guardian Meet & Greet of the school year yesterday and we had a great turn out in both sessions! A big thank you to all of the families who joined us. We look forward to our last session today at 5PM!
Creating meaningful connections with families is an important part of building a strong school community. These gatherings provide a welcoming and safe space for families to get to know our team, get to know each other, and become more engaged with our school. It allows us to exchange ideas, review caseloads, and stay aligned on grade-wide goals so our students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
It was a wonderful opportunity for 9th grade families to ask us questions and develop a deeper understanding of how each of us support their children throughout the school year in different ways. Our team also gained valuable insights into students' lives outside of school. Each one is unique!
We look forward to hosting another round of Parent/Guardian Meet & Greets in the spring!
For families unable to attend, we'll be sending a Power Point to the entire grade via email.
#hsfi
#nycschools
#wellness
#familyengagement
#community
ALGEBRA 2 TAKES ON THE "LONGEST PAPER CHAIN CHALLENGE"
Tenth grade Algebra 2 team teachers Daveca Khan and Julio Monzongo Zola engaged their class in the classic longest paper chain challenge. "It's a fantastic math activity disguised as a craft," Ms. Khan explained.
Student teams playfully competed to create the longest chain possible using one A4 sheet of paper (a global standard paper that's slightly narrower and taller than US letter 8.5"x11") a scissor, and a glue stick or tape.
This highly engaging activity was done at the start of the school year for students to get to know each other and have fun. What they didn’t realize is that the longest paper chain challenge is actually a famous math problem rooted in mathematical optimization, as students must balance the thickness and number of paper strips to achieve maximum length under fixed constraints. It introduces geometry and algebraic modeling, requiring students to calculate how strip dimensions and the overlap needed for tape affect the overall length. The activity connects to measurement and data analysis when students measure their final creations and graph the results to compare team strategies.
Winning team members are featured in the two pics!
#hsfi
#longestpaperchainchallenge
#algebra
#nycschools
SENIOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT!
Senior year means big dreams and even bigger decisions.
Meagan Diaz is officially in research mode, exploring schools and finding the perfect next chapter.
The future is calling -- and she's ready to answer!
"Hi everyone, my name is Meagan Diaz and I'm a business marketing major at HSFI. Some schools that I am exploring are Binghamton University, University of Albany, Syracuse University, Babson College and University of Rochester. The perfect next chapter for me is getting into a great college, finishing my senior year festivities and enjoying my last year of high school."
#hsfi
#senioryear
#nycschools
Senior year means big dreams and even bigger decisions.
Meagan Diaz is officially in research mode, exploring schools and finding the perfect next chapter.
The future is calling -- and she's ready to answer!
"Hi everyone, my name is Meagan Diaz and I'm a business marketing major at HSFI. Some schools that I am exploring are Binghamton University, University of Albany, Syracuse University, Babson College and University of Rochester. The perfect next chapter for me is getting into a great college, finishing my senior year festivities and enjoying my last year of high school."
#hsfi
#senioryear
#nycschools
GIRLS SWIM TEAM WINS 2 MEETS IN A ROW!
Back to back victories for our girls!
Meet 1 was a huge win against Clinton High School with a final score of 25-7.
Hero High School gave the team more of a challenge with HSFI coming out ahead with a 37-24 defeat. Shout out to Jenny Wang for trying the solo butterfly.
Congratulations to Valeria Texis Olivares on becoming team captain and Beatrice Siadari for earning lifeguard certification over the summer!
Interested in joining the team?
Final tryouts are this Wednesday, September 30 at Bushwick High School. Students must be able to swim at least one lap in deep water. Medical and parental consent forms need to be submitted in advance to Mr. Mendez on the 3rd floor.
#hsfi
#swimteam
#nycschools
Back to back victories for our girls!
Meet 1 was a huge win against Clinton High School with a final score of 25-7.
Hero High School gave the team more of a challenge with HSFI coming out ahead with a 37-24 defeat. Shout out to Jenny Wang for trying the solo butterfly.
Congratulations to Valeria Texis Olivares on becoming team captain and Beatrice Siadari for earning lifeguard certification over the summer!
Interested in joining the team?
Final tryouts are this Wednesday, September 30 at Bushwick High School. Students must be able to swim at least one lap in deep water. Medical and parental consent forms need to be submitted in advance to Mr. Mendez on the 3rd floor.
#hsfi
#swimteam
#nycschools
BRIDAL SHOWCASE LAUNCH WITH ROBERT DI MAURO
Mark Centeno's 11th grade Honors Bridal class was wowed and inspired by Robert Di Mauro's high energy and high style introduction to the 15th annual Bridal Showcase.
The longest serving board member now entering his 31st year at HSFI, Mr. Di Mauro passionately and proudly shared the history of this program.
"This class was born out of a conversation in 2009 with then principal Hilda Nieto and my dear friend Mara Urshel, who owns Kleinfeld. It took a long time to plan this thing. It was introduced as an after school project, and grew into an industry partnership program." Mr. Di Mauro emphasized its uniqueness. "It is the only Bridal Design class in the United States on the high school level. It may be the only Bridal Design class in the world on the high school level."
Mr. Di Mauro continued by making meaningful connections between bridal design and costume design, and what makes them stand out. "It's not a regular garment. It's built. The inside of it is built. It's meant for one occasion, to be worn one time." He further expanded on recent developments in sustainability in both industries and their repurposing messages.
Mr. Di Mauro credited Mark Centeno for taking this class to the next levels -- "plural" -- over the years, along with citing the Bridal Council as being very supportive. "It's an amazing thing to watch this grow," he said.
There are 25 students in the Bridal Honors class. Audition is required. A panel of judges will review each of the 25 student designs and five will be selected. Students then proceed to work in teams of five, in different roles, to bring each bridal gown to life.
@robertdimauro
@kleinfeld
@thebridalcouncil
#hsfi
#bridaldesign
#nycschools
Mark Centeno's 11th grade Honors Bridal class was wowed and inspired by Robert Di Mauro's high energy and high style introduction to the 15th annual Bridal Showcase.
The longest serving board member now entering his 31st year at HSFI, Mr. Di Mauro passionately and proudly shared the history of this program.
"This class was born out of a conversation in 2009 with then principal Hilda Nieto and my dear friend Mara Urshel, who owns Kleinfeld. It took a long time to plan this thing. It was introduced as an after school project, and grew into an industry partnership program." Mr. Di Mauro emphasized its uniqueness. "It is the only Bridal Design class in the United States on the high school level. It may be the only Bridal Design class in the world on the high school level."
Mr. Di Mauro continued by making meaningful connections between bridal design and costume design, and what makes them stand out. "It's not a regular garment. It's built. The inside of it is built. It's meant for one occasion, to be worn one time." He further expanded on recent developments in sustainability in both industries and their repurposing messages.
Mr. Di Mauro credited Mark Centeno for taking this class to the next levels -- "plural" -- over the years, along with citing the Bridal Council as being very supportive. "It's an amazing thing to watch this grow," he said.
There are 25 students in the Bridal Honors class. Audition is required. A panel of judges will review each of the 25 student designs and five will be selected. Students then proceed to work in teams of five, in different roles, to bring each bridal gown to life.
@robertdimauro
@kleinfeld
@thebridalcouncil
#hsfi
#bridaldesign
#nycschools
12TH GRADE PHOTOGRAPHY WITH ERIN LEFEVRE
Photography majors in Erin Lefevre's 12th grade class are off and running with a challenging assignment: Photograph an object in 10 ways.
"I always like to give this project to my seniors to start with," Ms. Lefevre explained. "They're making 10 distinctly different images of the object. This allows me to assess how they approach photography, how they think about composition, how they use lighting, also, what objects attract them as photographers. It gives me a starting point to understand their perspective, and observe how they work through problems."
Among the objects students selected were a pair of volleyball sneakers, a pink jewelry box that was open and filled with gold hoops and necklaces, and a shiny perfume bottle. Common photography challenges the students faced were coming up with 10 unique ideas and dealing with unwanted reflection of light on their object.
Classroom 519 has two studios and is filled with top of the line MAC desktops. Some students shoot in natural light as well as using the studio sets. For seniors, everything is shot on a digital camera. Sophomores and juniors also shoot traditional film.
Ms. Lefevre encourages her students to take on challenges of their own, and further explore their creativity outside the classroom. "Students are permitted to borrow school cameras and many do take advantage of this opportunity," she said.
Erin Lefevre is an award-winning documentary photographer from New York City. This is her second-year teaching at HSFI, and her eighth-year teaching in NYC public schools.
www.erinlefevre.com
#hsfi
#photography
#nycschools
Photography majors in Erin Lefevre's 12th grade class are off and running with a challenging assignment: Photograph an object in 10 ways.
"I always like to give this project to my seniors to start with," Ms. Lefevre explained. "They're making 10 distinctly different images of the object. This allows me to assess how they approach photography, how they think about composition, how they use lighting, also, what objects attract them as photographers. It gives me a starting point to understand their perspective, and observe how they work through problems."
Among the objects students selected were a pair of volleyball sneakers, a pink jewelry box that was open and filled with gold hoops and necklaces, and a shiny perfume bottle. Common photography challenges the students faced were coming up with 10 unique ideas and dealing with unwanted reflection of light on their object.
Classroom 519 has two studios and is filled with top of the line MAC desktops. Some students shoot in natural light as well as using the studio sets. For seniors, everything is shot on a digital camera. Sophomores and juniors also shoot traditional film.
Ms. Lefevre encourages her students to take on challenges of their own, and further explore their creativity outside the classroom. "Students are permitted to borrow school cameras and many do take advantage of this opportunity," she said.
Erin Lefevre is an award-winning documentary photographer from New York City. This is her second-year teaching at HSFI, and her eighth-year teaching in NYC public schools.
www.erinlefevre.com
#hsfi
#photography
#nycschools
