News & Updates – PTA – Townsend Harris High School

The Townsend Harris PTA needs volunteers for its

Annual Phone-A-Thon

October 21-23, 2019, from 4 pm–7 pm

Sign up by clicking on this link!

Posted 10/12/19: Free peer tutoring during lunch bands

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED EXTRA HELP or is struggling in certain subjects? Maybe s/he has a teacher who doesn't explain the material in a teen-friendly manner or is too intimidating to approach? Free peer tutoring is available in many subjects for all students during lunch bands in room 115. Townsend Harris' tutoring program matches tutors and students who may need some extra help. To request a tutor, please click here.

DOES YOUR CHILD EXCEL IN A CERTAIN SUBJECT and would like to help others? Ask him/her to become a tutor by filling out this online form. Peer tutors are eligible for in-school community service hours (up to 10 hours per semester) and 0.5 club credit per semester.

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Posted 10/06/19: Volunteers needed at Annual PTA Phone-A-Thon Fundraiser

Our annual PTA Phone-A-Thon is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and it's just around the corner!
On any day from October 21-23, 2019, we need you to come to Townsend Harris, make calls to other parents, and encourage them to donate to the PTA so that we can fully fund your children's classes and extracurricular activities.
Several departments have already requested funding to purchase books, equipment, and supplies which are not covered by the regular school budget. Also, your donations will determine what activities get funded for this academic year, including SING! and Festival of Nations.
Unlike emails and paper mailings, personal calls made by parents just like you last year helped to unlock the generosity of the Townsend Harris community.
So please consider giving your time (anywhere between 30 minutes to 60 minutes) to chat with fellow Townsend parents and encourage them to support their children by making a donation.
To let us know your availability, please click on this link.

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Posted 10/06/19: For Prospective Students — Our 2019 Brag Book and Open House

If you are a prospective student or parent who is interested in learning all about Townsend Harris High School – its history, programs, athletics, and recognitions – please download and read this year's "brag book." Just click on the photo below.

And don't forget to attend our Open House for prospective students (and their parents) on Monday, November 4, 2019, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

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Posted 10/04/19: College admissions seminar in Chinese (大學入學申請講座)

Townsend Harris' school counselor Jeremy Wang will be presenting (in Chinese) a free college admissions seminar at the Taiwan Center in Queens. More more information and to register, please visit this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-admission-seminar-tickets-75057086767

大學入學申請講座

講座內容將包含:

1. 美國的大學有哪些類型
2. 大學類型各不相同
3. 大學如何選擇學生
4. 如何為升學做準備
5. 如何申請大學
6. 獎學金及助學金 ...和更多!

關於特邀演講嘉賓-王雉鶴顧問:

王稚鶴目前任教於湯森哈里斯(Townsend Harris)高中，為中英文雙語輔導老師。他在紐約市教育局供職已經超過20年，並有與初中和高中不同年齡階段青少年的工作經驗，其中八年，他任職於皇后區的216初中，九年在史岱文森擔任大學升學指導。今年是他在湯森哈里斯任輔導教師暨升學指導的第五年。

他多次受邀在紐約市教育局、紐約教師工會、華人家長會等組織，以「學生成長」、「初中升高中」、「高中升大學」為題，與同事、學生和家長分享他的經驗與心得。

他對學生的教學熱忱及對自己工作的敬業精神，王稚鶴在學生、家長和同事中贏得高度的讚譽。 2003年他獲得由紐約市教育局和紐約教師工會聯合頒發的年度「最佳輔導教師」。此外，為表彰他對華人社區的貢獻，2008年華人家長會（CAPA）授予他「傑出領導」的榮譽。

報名 & 更多資訊

電話: (718) 445-7007

email: info@nytaiwancenter.org

網站: https://nytaiwan.center/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-admission-seminar-tickets-75057086767

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Posted 10/01/19: Free access to Method Test Prep for SAT/ACT

In case you missed the message on PupilPath, Townsend Harris is excited to offer your child free access to Method Test Prep, an outstanding online SAT/ACT prep program. The program is self-paced and allows your child to focus on general or specific areas of the tests. In nationwide results, students who complete Method's online courses show strong improvements in their exam scores.

Many students created accounts last year, but if they have not done so, please visit the following link: https://app.methodtestprep.com/TownsendHarrisHighSchool/signup

Your child must use his/her Townsend Harris Gmail account. They will also need the following registration token code: 15684515

If you have any questions, please contact your child's guidance counselor.

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Posted 09/28/19: Materials from Senior College Night (Sept. 26, 2019)

Posted 09/22/19: Season opener for Townsend Harris PSAL Boys Fencing

Today was the Season Opener for PSAL Boys Fencing. The team from Townsend Harris came out in force with Coach Chris Hackney, and competed against high schools from across the city at Long Island City High School in Astoria. (The regular season starts tomorrow.) Below is one photo of a Townsend Harris team member (in foreground with blue shoes) competing against a team member from Stuyvesant.

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Posted 09/21/19: Donate to the PTA while shopping on Amazon.com

You can donate to the PTA simply by shopping on Amazon.com. See the excerpts from Amazon.com and instructions below on how to do so:

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible smile.amazon.com purchases.
Tens of millions of products are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation."
Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible to generate donations.
After you place a qualifying smile.amazon.com order, it may take several days for the amount you have generated to update.
Do NOT log into your regular Amazon.com account or the mobile app.
Instead, you MUST log into Townsend Harris High School's special link to AmazonSmile. Or click on the banner below.

ATTENTION: The name of our organization is "Parent Teacher Association of Townsend Harris High School."

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Posted 09/21/19: Materials at PTA meeting on 09/19/19

Posted 09/19/19: A Classic way of keeping up with Townsend Harris news

Townsend Harris doubled the number of teachers it hired this academic year compared to the one last year. How can you keep up with news like this? Follow the Classic, Townsend Harris' award-winning newspaper. To learn more, click here.

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Posted 09/19/19: The Phoenix — Highlighting the creative minds of our students

The latest edition of the Phoenix, the school's literary and arts journal, has fantastic illustrations, photographs, poems, and short stories — all created by our students. (See some examples below.) To learn more and to get involved, please click here.

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Posted 09/16/19: Update to PTA meeting schedule for 2019-20 (Please read!)

Please see the updated PTA meeting schedule below and be sure to mark your calendar with the new dates.

Thursday, September 19, 2019
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 (Election for PTA Executive Board)

To see detailed information on PTA meeting times and dates, please click here.

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Posted 09/15/19: Materials from PTA given to sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Posted 09/15/19: PTA packets for our sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Last week during school, all sophomores, juniors, and seniors received a packet from the PTA to give to their parents and guardians:

The materials for sophomore and juniors were identical – a Parent Handbook, a PTA welcome letter, a PTA contact list, a PTA donation form, and an envelope for donations.
The materials for seniors were the same as those for sophomores/juniors with one exception – the seniors received a list of Townsend Harris college acceptances for the Class of 2019 which you can also find on page 11 of the Parent Handbook.

To see these materials, please see the above post.

Freshmen already received these materials (and more) during the second new student orientation on August 28, 2019. See the posts from 09/02/19.

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Posted 09/02/2019: Special schedule for first 2 days of school

Below are the schedules for the first two days of school at Townsend Harris:

THURSDAY, SEPT. 5, 2019

Band 0: 7:15 am (Zero band classes will NOT meet today.)
Official class (8:00 am - 8:35 am): Your child will receive their schedules, Metrocards, locker assignments, and more.)
Band 1: 8:40 am
Band 2: 9:20 am
Band 3: 10:00 am
Band 4: 10:40 am
Bank 5: 11:20 am
Band 6: 12:00 pm
Band 7: 12:40 pm
Band 8: 1:20 pm
Band 9: 2:00 pm
Mandatory meeting for Juniors: 2:35 pm - 3:05 pm
Freshmen, Sophomores, and Seniors: Dismissal at 2:35 pm

FRIDAY, SEPT. 6, 2019

Band 0: 7:15 am (Zero bands will meet today! Go to zero band!)
Official class (8:00 am - 8:35 am): Your child may change their programs and more)
Band 1: 8:40 am
Band 2: 9:20 am
Band 3: 10:00 am
Band 4: 10:40 am
Bank 5: 11:20 am
Band 6: 12:00 pm
Band 7: 12:40 pm
Band 8: 1:20 pm
Band 9: 2:00 pm
Mandatory meeting for Sophomores: 2:35 pm - 3:05 pm
Freshmen, Juniors, and Seniors: Dismissal at 2:35 pm

MONDAY, SEPT. 9, 2019

Regular schedules begin.

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Posted 09/02/19: Handouts from second new student orientation on August 28, 2019

Posted 09/02/19: Summary of (and photos from) second new student orientation on August 28, 2019

Parents, did you miss the new student orientation on August 28, 2019? (This is for students entering as freshmen or sophomores in September 2019.) We attached the handouts distributed on that day. Click on the post above this post — just scroll up a little more.

If your child did not attend this second orientation, please don't worry! On the first day of school (Thursday, September 5, 2019), everyone must meet in the Auditorium when they arrive at school. Administrators will tell everyone the location of their official class (in other words, their homerooms). In their official classes, each student will get his/her schedule along with Metrocards (if they qualify for one), locker assignments, and other important information.

Below is a summary of what happened on that day (from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm). Here we go . . .

(1) Our incoming students arrived at the school and found a list in the lobby which indicated their assigned classroom for the orientation.

(2) In each classroom, 3 or 4 student mentors (along with a teacher or administrator) introduced themselves:

They broke up each class into groups of 3 or 4 students who then exchanged contact information with one another.
The mentors gave out a planner to each student along with several forms. (You will find these forms in the post above.)
The mentors went through a time management activity with the class, explained each form, and answered any questions from the new students.
New students did NOT receive their ID cards yet. At this point, we don't have any specific date on when the ID cards will be ready. But once they are ready, the school will distribute them to everyone.
Each student then met with their guidance counselor to go over their schedules.

(3) Afterwards, all of the new students went to the gym:

They bought their required gym apparel (a tee-shirt and shorts).
They also had the option to buy sweatpants and hoodies if they chose to do so. These items are not required.
While the students were in the gym sitting in the bleachers, the assistant principals introduced themselves and answered questions.

(4) The new students then returned to their respective classrooms with their mentors who then answered any other questions. They were dismissed at around 8:00 pm.

(5) Starting at 6:30 pm, parents gathered in the cafeteria:

Administrators gave out the login information for PupilPath. Each family received their own login information.
Each assistant principal gave a short presentation and some general advice.
The Parent-Teacher Coordinator, Ms. Dafne Manhart, also introduced herself and offered advice to parents.
The Co-Presidents of the PTA, Ms. Nan Ng and Mr. Bill Rettig, introduced themselves and explained the importance of getting involved in the PTA and making contributions.
The PTA also distributed the 2019-20 Parent Handbook (for free) to each family along with information on contributing to the PTA. Copies of the Parent Handbook will be available during every PTA meeting during the academic year.
The PTA also sold car window stickers, mugs, tee-shirts, hoodies, Metrocard holders, and other items.

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Posted 08/27/19: Second orientation for new students tomorrow!

The second orientation for new students will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, August 28, 2019. For more information, please see the letter image below.

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Posted on 08/23/19: 2019-20 Parent Handbook available at 2nd new student orientation

The Townsend Harris PTA will distribute the 2019-20 Parent Handbook free-of-charge during the 2nd new student orientation on Wednesday evening, August 28, 2019, and also during PTA meetings throughout the year. (See the cover image below.) This resource brings together important information into a single document, including test dates, grading policies, diploma requirements, the bell schedule, faculty offices, and much more.

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Posted 07/05/19: Fourth of July Weekend Trivia Quiz

Happy Fourth of July Weekend from the Townsend Harris PTA! Knowing our children, they will probably know the answers to most of the questions on an Independence Day trivia quiz courtesy of the Council on Foreign Relations. See how well you do by clicking here or the image below. Good luck!

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Posted 07/01/19: Half-Day Fridays at Townsend Harris

Here's another reason why our students love Townsend Harris – Fridays are half-days! So they will have extra time to study, relax, explore other academic and personal interests, or do a combination of all three. (After all, the school's mission is "to foster a love of learning, to instill the habit of inquiry, and to promote an awareness of beauty in nature and in the arts.") See the diagram below for more details.

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Posted 06/23/19: Photos from 2019 Annual End-of-Year Celebration

On June 13, 2018, the Townsend Harris High School PTA held its annual End-of-Year Celebration at East Buffet & Restaurant in Flushing for its members along with the Townsend Harris administration, faculty, and staff. During the festivities, which attracted one of our largest crowds in recent memory, we:

thanked our outgoing Executive Board members;
welcomed the incoming Executive Board; and
listened to remarks from Principal Brian Condon and other staff members.

We hope everyone can join us for next year's celebration!

See some photos from the event below. (Photographer credit: Frank Tsang) To see more photos, please click here.

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Posted 06/21/19: Happy first day of summer! What will our kids wear today?

Today is the first day of summer, and we're wondering what our children will wear. In case you didn't know, Townsend Harris has a dress code (see below), and it has been called everything from "sexist and discriminatory" (in the school's student-run newspaper) to "a component part of the culture" of our school (from our principal). But no matter how you see it, we can all agree that no one needs a sweater today.

DRESS CODE — Student dress is a matter of taste and judgment. However, students are reminded that school is preparation for the workplace and requires appropriate dress. To this end, we have attempted to simplify the school code regarding appropriate dress. Please follow these basic guidelines:

No head covering is to be worn.
Shoulders must be completely covered. Chest and back must be reasonably covered.
Midriff must be covered.
Shorts and skirts must be of a reasonable length (exceeds the wearer’s true arm length all around).
Students must wear shoes, and the shoes must have backs. Flip-flops and beach shoes are not permitted.
Pictures and statements on clothing must be appropriate.

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Posted 06/17/19: Monthly open mics for the creative soul

Every month, The Phoenix — the school's literary and arts journal — sponsors monthly Readings (known elsewhere as "open mics") where students read poetry, stage dramatic works, sing, and play instrumentals. Check out some highlights in the video above.

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Posted 06/16/19: Townsend Harris has a nice backyard

And it's called Queens College. (We are literally next-door neighbors.) Starting in their freshman year, our students get a separate Queens College ID card which allows them to use the facilities on this campus known as the "crown jewel" of the CUNY system. During their senior year, all Townsend Harris students — as part of what is known as the Bridge Program — take two courses at Queens College in the fall semester, and another two courses in the spring semester. To see the 2019 Bridge Year Handbook, click here. (It's a PDF document.)

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Posted 06/14/19: Today is Flag Day

The Red-White-and-Blue flies proudly in front of Townsend Harris High School.

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Posted 06/12/19: 2019 Annual End-of-Year Celebration

Just a reminder that the PTA is hosting its annual End-of-Year celebration tomorrow evening. You will find more details and sign-up information below.

DATE:
Thursday, June 13, 2019

START TIME:
6:00 pm

LOCATION:
East Buffet & Restaurant
42-07 Main St.
Flushing, NY 11355

FOR VALET PARKING:
- As you travel north on Main St, go slowly past the restaurant (which will be on your right).
- At the very first light, make a right turn onto Maple Ave.
- After the turn, you will see a parking lot on your immediate right.

RSVP DEADLINE:
Wednesday, June 12, 2019

RSVP link:
Fill out this online form.

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Posted 06/11/19: Handouts from first new student orientation on June 6, 2019

Handouts from new student orientation on 06 June 2019

Posted 06/11/19: Summary of first new student orientation on June 6, 2019

Parents, did you miss the first new student orientation on June 6, 2019? (This is for students entering as freshmen or sophomores in September 2019.) We attached the handouts distributed on that day. Click on the post above this post — just scroll up a little more.

And here is a summary of what happened that day:

(1) Our incoming students went into the gym and had some icebreakers to get to know each other. They included:

Do you prefer vanilla or chocolate?
Do you like Marvel or DC?
Do you have Samsung or Apple?
Do you like pancakes or waffles?

(2) The teachers in the gym collected the medical, academic and biographical information, and consent forms from the students. Parents who had these forms gave them to a representative at the PTA table who then delivered the forms to the guidance office.

(3) After the gym, they went to the cafeteria where several clubs had set up tables to give out information.

(4) Our students then went to the library where they:

activated their Townsend Harris email accounts;
took their ID photos (which will be given out at the beginning of the 2019 fall semester);
spoke with representatives of various sports teams (yes, this took place in the library); and
ordered their Townsend Harris tee-shirts.

(5) Afterwards, students interested in joining the orchestra and other instrumental groups had their auditions.

(6) For the over 200 parents who came to the orientation, they:

sat in the auditorium while our intrepid Parent-Teacher Coordinator, Dafne Manhart, answered questions about Townsend Harris; or
went to the lobby of the building to check their emails and take care of personal business. (No shame in that because life goes on!)

(7) A second orientation for new students will take place on August 28, 2019.

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Posted 04/20/19: Townsend Harris: The top-ranked high school in New York in 2019

In case you didn't get the memo, Townsend Harris is the best public high school in the state, according to the 2019 rankings by U.S. News & World Report. And of the over 26,000 high schools in America, Townsend Harris is ranked #11. Click on the image above or this link to see the full rankings.

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Posted 01/01/19: Kweller Prep SAT-ACT summer 2019 classes

Kweller Prep is a proud supporter of the Townsend Harris PTA. Please see the schedule below of their summer SAT-ACT classes! Also, visit their homepage to see the full schedule of prep services.