News & Updates
Please fill out the order form click here.
All cheesecakes (7" in diameter) are $20.
- ORDER DEADLINE: Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, by 5:00 pm.
- PICK-UP AT SCHOOL LOBBY ONLY: Date TBD
- PAYMENT: Bring exact change or check (payable to "THHS PTA") or Zelle to [email protected] and please include your name and email in the memo to match this form
- ALL ORDERS ARE FINAL: You are responsible for payment even if you don't pick up your dessert. (The school does not have storage for unclaimed items.)

05/03/22: THHS PTA Annual End of the Year Celebration Party - Deadline Extended until May 30th!

03/31/22: Spring 2022 Cheesecake Sale!
PICK-UP AT SCHOOL LOBBY ONLY: Friday, May 6th 2022
PAYMENT: Bring exact change or check (payable to "THHS PTA")
- ALL ORDERS ARE FINAL: You are responsible for payment even if you don't pick up your dessert. (The school does not have storage for unclaimed items.)
ORDER DEADLINE: Sunday, April 24, 2022, by 11:59 pm
Thank you again for all of your support!
11/22/21: Volunteers needed for Phone-A-Thon fundraiser

10/26/21: Answers to your Questions!
Posted 10/04/21: Shoe Drive raised $1263.60!

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Posted 09/20/21: School Spirit Wear Sale!
All shipped directly to your home.
All proceeds help the PTA support the school!

Posted 08/30/21: Welcome back to the 2021-2022 school year!

Freshman orientation will take place on Thursday, September 2nd.
Last names A - M Please arrive at THHS at 1:15 -4:15
Last names N - Z Please arrive at THHS at 1:30 - 4:30
The entrance is on 149th street.
This orientation is for students only.
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Posted 05/10/21: Townsend Harris achieves three-peat in U.S. News rankings
Posted 05/05/21: Shoe Drive fundraiser surpasses target and is still collecting shoes
- Where: Put donations in the collection box in the school lobby
- When: Mondays–Fridays from 8:00 am–6:00 pm
- Last day: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 (by 6:00 pm)
- Details: To keep things organized, please tie the shoelaces together or use a rubber band to prevent pairs of shoes from separating.

Posted 05/05/21: Our 2021-22 Executive Board
- Co-President: Supriya Purov-Fernandes (newly elected)
- Co-President: Greg Prasad (newly elected)
- Recording Secretary: Cherryl Jimenez
- Treasurer: Sanja Bogovic
- Chair of Alumni Relations Committee: Alysa O'Shea (newly elected)
- Co-VP of Fundraising: Alex Lauren (newly elected)
- Co-VP of Fundraising: Anna Tsang
- Co-Chair of Hospitality: Randi Romero (newly elected)
- Co-Chair of Hospitality: Open
- Co-Chair of Electronic Communications: Christina Deonandan (newly elected)
- Co-Chair of Electronic Communications: Ciné Ostrow (newly elected)
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Posted 04/30/21: Q&A for PTA Executive Board elections on May 5, 2021
During the regularly-scheduled PTA meeting on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
You should have received the login information in your PupilPath email account. For obvious security reasons, the login information will not be listed here.
All positions are open every year, including those that have an incumbent. (If you want to run for a position that has an incumbent, then you have to run against that person.) Below you will see the lists of the open and incumbent positions.
- Co-President
- Co-President
- Co-VP of Fundraising
- Alumni Relations Committee Chair
- PTA Hospitality Committee Chair
- Co-Chair of Electronic Communications Committee
- Co-Chair of Electronic Communications Committee
- Treasurer: Sanja Bogovic
- Recording Secretary: Cherryl Jimenez
- Co-VP of Fundraising: Anna Tsang
- Teacher Representative: Shi-Bing Shen
Please click here to see a description.
- You must be a parent, legal guardian, foster parent, or a person in a parental relationship with a currently-enrolled student. Also, you must NOT be employed by Townsend Harris.
- Any person running for the positions of Co-President, Treasurer, or Recording Secretary should have attended some of the online PTA meetings during the past year.
- Our PTA does so much for our school, and we are looking for dedicated people to help!
- We keep our parent community informed through our monthly meetings and special workshops.
- We use our donations to help fund student clubs and activities, test prep, the S!NG musical, the Festival of Nations performance, college trips, and sports that do not receive enough funding from the Department of Education.
- The Executive Board is a friendly group of 11 parents. You will make new friends and learn insights about the school.
- Send a message to [email protected] and let us know what position you are running for.
- We will place your name on the ballot.
- On May 5, 2021, you must give a short speech (2-3 minutes in length). One idea is to introduce yourself, describe your background, and briefly explain why you are running for your position on the Executive Board.
A parent, legal guardian, foster parent, or a person in a parental relationship with a currently-enrolled Townsend Harris student.
- In a word, yes!
- You automatically become a PTA member when your child enrolls at Townsend Harris.
- In other words, if you are a Townsend parent, you are also a PTA member. No paperwork is necessary!
Yes! Also, the PTA does NOT have dues. Instead, PTA funds come mainly from your donations. And if you never made a donation to the school, you can absolutely still vote. But making a donation to the PTA certainly helps our children!
Please send a message to [email protected].
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Posted 04/17/21: Shoe drive fundraiser nearing its goal
- Where: Put donations in the collection box in the school lobby
- When: Mondays–Fridays from 8:00 am–6:00 pm (NEW TIME!)
- Until: April 30, 2021 (last day)
- Details: To keep things organized, please tie the shoelaces together or use a rubber band to prevent pairs of shoes from separating.

Posted 04/11/21: Shoe Drive Update (pleased donate by the end of the month)
- Where: Put donations in the collection box in the school lobby
- When: Mondays–Fridays from 8:00 am–3:00 pm
- Until: April 30, 2021 (last day)
- Details: To keep things organized, please tie the shoelaces together or use a rubber band to prevent pairs of shoes from separating.

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Posted 03/28/21: PTA Virtual Meeting on April 7, 2021
- Message from Mr. Condon, Principal
- The role of our THHS Alumni Board and the Value of Screened High Schools: NY Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Craig Slutzkin, Selina Lee, Lara Traum, Michael Byc, Ethan Felder, Deborah Michlowitcz
- Student Report from Farah Haq, Student Union Executive Board member
- SLT Report from Karen Lin, Parent Representative on SLT Board
- Report from Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator on school news and updates
- PTA updates: Treasurer's report, fundraising, workshops, and plans
Posted 03/24/21: Shoe Drive fundraiser continues
- Where to bring the shoes: Lobby of Townsend Harris
- Logistics: Tie the shoelaces together or use a rubber band to prevent pairs of shoes from separating
- Dates: Monday through Friday through April 30, 2021
- Exception: The school will be closed for Spring Recess from March 29 - April 2
- Times: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Posted 03/08/21: Volunteers needed for our annual PTA Phone-A-Thon fundraiser!
Posted 03/01/21: Meadows Farms Fundraiser
All items will be shipped directly to your home.
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Posted 02/26/21: PTA Virtual Meeting on March 3, 2021
- Message from Mr. Condon, Principal
- Science/Math Panel: Ms. Brustein (Assistant Principal of Math, Science and Technology) and our science/math faculty (Ms. Cooper, Mr. Raghunath, Ms. Shen, Mr. Stern, and Ms. Whitman) will discuss our science and math elective courses. Several of our students will present on Robotics, Science Olympiad, and science research.
- Student Report from Farah Haq, Student Union Executive Board member
- Report from School Leadership Team (SLT) from Karen Lin, Parent Representative, SLT Board
- Message from Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator, on school news and updates
- PTA updates: Treasurer's Report, fundraising, workshops, and other plans
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Posted 02/01/21: PTA Virtual Meeting on February 3, 2021
- Welcome
- Message from Mr. Condon, Principal
- Presentation from our school Guidance Office team, Ms. York, Assistant Principal, and our guidance counselors Mr. Wang, Ms. Blakeley, Ms. Graf, and Ms. Skoda
- Student Report from Farah Haq, Student Union Executive Board member
- Report from School Leadership Team (SLT) from Karen Lin, Parent Representative, SLT Board
- Message from Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator
- Update on fundraising; PTA plans; workshop ideas; and PTA website
Posted 01/22/21: Shoe Drive Fundraiser through the end of February 2021

Posted 01/20/21: Upcoming free interview workshop for students
- DATE: Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021
- TIME: 6:30 PM
- ZOOM LINK: In the next few days, please check the "Weekly News" email sent out by our Parent Coordinator for the Zoom link. For security reasons, we will not provide the link on this page.
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Posted 01/18/21: Townsend Harris students lend a hand in clean-up




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Posted 12/28/20: PTA Virtual Meeting on January 6, 2021
- Welcome
- Message from Mr. Condon, Principal
- Presentation from Ms. Fee, Assistant Principal, on our school's budget and funding
- Presentation on the role of our Student Union from Sharon Li (SU President) and Ali Boivab (SU Vice President)
- Report from School Leadership Team (SLT) from Karen Lin, Parent Representative, SLT Board
- Message from Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator
- Update on fundraising; PTA plans; workshop ideas; and PTA website
Posted 11/30/20: School Spirit Wear Sale continues!
All shipped directly to your home.
Pre-order by December 31, 2020, for early January delivery.
All proceeds help the PTA support the school!
Posted 11/30/20: Virtual PTA meeting on December 2, 2020
- Welcome
- Overview of the school's journalism program and newspaper, The Classic, by its student editors and Mr. Sweeney (English teacher and advisor)
- The Value and Meaning of our Student Clubs and Community Service by Ms. Loew (Coordinator of Student Activities - COSA) and the student leaders of our clubs
- Report from our Student Union President, Sharon Li, and Vice President, Ali Boivab
- Announcements from Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator
- PTA budget and fundraising update; PTA plans; workshop ideas; PTA website
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Posted 11/25/20: Big success for Holiday Pie Fundraiser


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Posted 11/16/20: Meadows Farms Fundraiser
All items will be shipped directly to your home.
For most products, sales are ongoing throughout the academic year.
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Posted 11/07/20: School Spirit Wear Sale
All shipped directly to your home.
Pre-order by November 27, 2020, for early December delivery.
All proceeds help the PTA support the school!
Posted 11/06/20: Free FAFSA and CSS Profile Zoom Workshop
- Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020
- Time: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
- RSVP: Please fill out this Google form.
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Posted 11/04/20: Virtual PTA meeting
- Introduction to the Student Union
- Becoming a Medical Doctor – The Path and Challenges: Dr. Shibrah Jamil, former PTA president
- College Financial Aid Insights and Secrets: Bill Rettig, Admissions Recruiter, University of Michigan
- Remarks from Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator
- PTA business: Budget, plans, workshop ideas, PTA website, fundraising
Posted 11/02/20: Annual Holiday Pie Fundraiser

- PICK-UP AT SCHOOL LOBBY ONLY: Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 (during morning drop-off from 7:30 am - 8:15 am or afternoon pick-up from 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm).
- PAYMENT: Bring exact change or check (payable to "THHS PTA")
- ALL ORDERS ARE FINAL: You are responsible for payment even if you don't pick up your dessert. (The school does not have storage for unclaimed items.)
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Posted 10/28/20: Election results for PTA Board and SLT Parent Members
- Co-President: Nan Ng
- Co-President: Bill Rettig
- Recording Secretary: Cherryl Jimenez
- Treasurer: Sanja Bogovic (newly elected)
- Co-VP of Fundraising: Supriya Purov-Fernandes (newly elected)
- Co-VP of Fundraising: Anna Tsang
- Chair of Hospitality: Shaunda Anderson
- Alumni Relations: Irina Kimyagar
- Co-VP of Electronic Communications: Susan Gardner
- Co-VP of Electronic Communications: Michael Rhee
- Katarina Jokic
- Michelle Kiliski (newly elected)
- Tommy Koe (newly elected)
- Karen Lin
- Randi Romero (newly elected)
Posted 10/19/20: School spirit wear sale
All shipped directly to your home.
Pre-order by October 30, 2020, for early November delivery.
All proceeds help the PTA support the school!
Posted 10/09/20: Virtual PTA meeting on October 14, 2020
- PTA welcomes parents; introduction of PTA Board
- Remarks from Mr. Condon, Principal
- Remarks from Assistant Principals Ms. Fee, Ms. York, Ms. Brustein, Ms. Brandeis, Mr. Olechowski
- Remarks from Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator: welcome new parents; the role of parent coordinator
- Remarks from Jeremy Wang about role of guidance office; upcoming college deadlines
- PTA business: Upcoming PTA Board elections; PTA budget; PTA plans; workshop ideas PTA website; fundraising
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Posted 09/01/20: NYC public schools will re-open on Sept. 21, 2020
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Posted 08/14/20: Recording of DOE video on school re-opening plans
Posted 08/12/20: Updates on school reopening plans and Queens College Bridge Year program

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Posted 08/01/20: Next steps after defunding of Queens College Bridge Year program
Townsend Harris High School at Queens College
- To assure you, the school will not lay off any existing teachers.
- Also, for now, most (if not all) electives will be saved.
- Because of teacher attrition and the larger incoming freshman class, THHS will need to hire several new teachers. Savings may come from hiring teachers from the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR) pool which will not cost THHS any money at all. ATR teachers are tenured teachers who, for a variety of reasons, are no longer able to find full-time employment in the NYC school system. They would be hired on a one-year contract.
- Other options include reaching out to foundations such as Bloomberg, Gates, and Robin Hood.
- The THHS Student Union and the PTA have organized a petition on Change.org. Please sign it and add a comment expressing your feelings. We will use this petition to influence our City leaders and others to help our school.
- Write to your elected leaders. We have organized a convenient document with links to template documents here.
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Posted 07/30/20: Update on the DOE's budget cut to our Queens College Bridge Year program
Posted 07/28/20: Call to Action to Save the Queens College Bridge Year Program
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Posted 07/23/20: Summary of Fall 2020 Reopening Information Session
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Posted 07/01/20: PTA Virtual Year-End Gathering
- Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2020
- Time: 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm
- Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81636973845
- Meeting ID: 816 3697 3845
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Posted 07/01/20: Update on Yankees game fundraiser
- The money paid for the tickets will be kept on account as a credit, and can be used for tickets later this season or during the 2021 season. No action is required for those who want to keep the credit, as it will be applied automatically.
- For those who want a refund, please email [email protected]
Posted 06/25/20: Townsend Harris High School profiled in today's issue of The New York Times
Posted 06/22/20: First-ever virtual Townsend Harris graduation ceremony

Posted 05/20/20: Virtual College Fair on May 28, 2020
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Posted 05/11/20: May 2020 Virtual PTA meeting on Zoom
- PTA opening remarks
- Mr. Condon, Principal
- Ms. York, Assistant Principal of Guidance
- Ms. Fee, Assistant Principal of Organization (tentative)
- Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator
- Q&A with parents
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Posted 04/30/20: Townsend Harris Model UN Fundraiser to Support Jamaica Hospital (Deadline: May 1)
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Posted 04/21/20: Townsend Harris: The top-ranked high school in New York in 2020
Posted 04/21/20: Virtual College Fair on April 23, 2020
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Posted 04/16/20: On providing reassurance after COVID-19
- 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. - The name of our AmazonSmile organization is "Parent Teacher Association of Townsend Harris High School."
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Posted 04/15/20: Update on Yankees Game & Spring Raffle Fundraising Events
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Posted 04/06/20: PTA Spring Raffle Fundraising Event Postponed
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Posted 03/18/20: Important update on Yankees fundraiser
"When updated official information becomes available, with respect to the postponed regular season games, the Yankees will communicate it to their fans promptly and through a variety of channels, including Twitter (@yankees) and on the www.yankees.com website. We ask that everyone keep their tickets for all home games as Major League Baseball and the Yankees continue to evaluate events leading up to the start of the season."
We have been in touch with the Yankees representative who is helping us with the logistics of our April 17th outing. If the game on April 17th is cancelled, the representative said that all purchased tickets for that game can be exchanged or reimbursed. We will have more details at a later date.
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Posted 03/17/20: PTA General Meeting on April 1st cancelled
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Posted 03/13/20: Materials from PTA meeting on 03/11/20
Posted 03/13/20: PTA Spring Raffle Fundraising Event
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Posted 03/08/20: Spring 2020 Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m
- Friday, March 13, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Posted 03/05/20: March 2020 PTA meeting agenda
- PTA business: Treasurer's report, fundraising, plans for the rest of the year
- Speaker: Mr. Condon, Principal: Updates on new demerit policy, dress code and DOE new emphasis on progressive teaching methods. Q&A to follow.
- Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator: Updates and news
- Selina Lee, Co-president THHS Alumni Association: The role and purpose of our alumni organization and how it helps our school.
- Q and A with parents, ideas for future meetings and workshops.
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Posted 02/25/20: Yankees Game Fundraiser
- Main Level (Section 234) - $38.00/ticket
- Field Level (Section 134) - $53.00/ticket
- Field Level (Section 132) - $58.00/ticket
Hat Pickup: You will receive an email 48 hours prior to the event with the location of the Townsend Harris High School hat table. Hats will be available to be picked up prior to the 4th inning. Hats CANNOT be purchased separately from the ticket sales.
Ticket Delivery: You will receive an email one (1) day before the event with instructions on how to download your mobile ticket, along with Will Call pick up information, based on preference. All ticket verification QR codes will appear 48 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the game.
For questions please contact Greg Petorak at [email protected] or (646) 977-8062.
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Posted 02/13/20: Townsend Harris Science Olympiad team ranked 3rd in regional competition




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Posted 02/12/20: Materials from PTA meeting on 02/12/20
Posted 02/12/20: Hydration stations now being installed

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Posted 02/05/20: Free SAT and PSAT practice tests at Kweller Prep
- Date: Friday, Feb. 7, 2020
- Time: 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Location: 108-22 Queens Blvd, 2nd Floor (Kweller Prep’s Midway Theater building)
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Posted 02/01/20: THHS PTA Spring Raffle Fundraising Event
- If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you can help the Townsend Harris PTA make gift baskets for our Spring Fundraising Raffle event!
- Gift basket themes may include, but are not limited to, arts and crafts, bath and body, culinary, sports, games, gift cards, and much more.
- We need your donations, help, and support to make this event successful!
- By Friday, February 28, 2020, please drop off your donations to Ms. Manhart, our Parent Coordinator, in Room 334, and label it "PTA Spring Raffle." You can also ask your child to drop them off.
- We also welcome monetary donations. Please make out a check to "THHS PTA," place it into an envelope with your name and your child's name on it, and ask your child to place it into the PTA mailbox inside Room 313.
Posted 01/29/20: February 2020 PTA meeting agenda
- PTA business, including Treasurer’s Report, Fundraising, and plans for the rest of the year
- Report from Mr. Condon, Principal
- Report from Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator, on school updates and the upcoming Federal Census
- Presentation for our parents and students -- "Building Winning Student Resumes" by Shanaz Baksh, teacher at Queens HS of Science at York College.
- Q&A with parents, and ideas for future meetings
Posted 01/11/20: Materials from PTA meeting on 01/08/20
Posted 01/05/20: Principal's/Parents Breakfast
Posted 01/05/20: January 2020 PTA meeting agenda
- Ms. Brustein, the Assistant Principal of Math, Science and Technology, will lead a panel discussion on our science courses with teachers Ms. Shen, Ms. Cooper, Mr. Raghunath, and Mr. Stern. Several students will participate. Q&A to follow.
- PTA updates, Treasurer's Report, Fundraising, plans for the year
- Report from Mr. Condon, Principal
- Report from Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator on school news
- Q&A with parents, and ideas for future meetings
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Posted 12/21/19: Give thanks to our community partners for their support!
Many thanks to our local community sponsors
for supporting Townsend Harris High School!
Posted 12/21/19: Photos from 2019 Annual Holiday Luncheon for Teachers and Staff
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Posted 12/06/19: Materials from PTA meeting on 12/04/19
Posted 12/02/19: Annual Holiday Pie Fundraiser
- Print out this PDF form.
- Fill out the form and enclose in an envelope with the words “Holiday Pie Fundraiser.”
- For checks (payable to “THHS PTA”), place sealed envelope in PTA mailbox in Room 313.
- For cash (exact change only), give sealed envelope to Ms. Manhart in Room 334.
- The DEADLINE to submit your order is 12:00 pm, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.
- You or your child may pick up your pie(s) on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, from 7:45 am–8:30 am and from 3:00 pm–4:00 in the SCHOOL LOBBY.

Posted 11/30/19: College Essay Essentials Workshop
- Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2019
- Location: Student cafeteria (1st floor)
- The role of the college essay and the Story2 method: 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm
- Demonstration of the Story2 software: 6:45 pm to 7:00 pm
- Q and A: 7:00 pm - 7:15 pm
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Posted 11/30/19: December 2019 PTA meeting agenda
- Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2019
- Refreshments and mingling: 6:15 pm to 6:30 pm
- Formal meeting: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
- PTA updates: Treasurer's Report, Phon-A-Thon, Workshops, New PTA Parent newsletter, hydration station, plans for the year (10-15 mins)
- Presentation on our Journalism elective class with Mr. Brian Sweeney (English teacher and adviser for student newspaper The Classic): Five-minute video, students present on The Classic (15-20 mins)
- Presentation on guidance, electives, course selection with Ms. Veronica York, Assistant Principal for Guidance (15-20 mins)
- Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator, on school news and updates (5 mins)
- Common App and Naviance basics (the college readiness website): How to log in, main features, how it is used and works with the Common App. (Time is flexible)
- Q and A with parents, and ideas for future meetings
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Posted 11/30/19: Photos from 2019 SING!






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Posted 11/30/19: 2019 SING! video available for viewing
Posted 11/19/19: PTA merchandise available for purchase

Posted 11/16/19: Annual Staff Holiday Luncheon
- All dishes will be presented to the staff with your child’s name and grade. We will also announce your child’s name and grade in our thank-you message to the staff during the luncheon.
- If you own a restaurant and would like to donate a large amount of food, we will advertise your business.
- You and your child(ren) are invited to serve food to the teachers and staff, and also to join them for lunch.
- Bring your food to Ms. Reyes in Room 313 on Friday morning, 12/20/19, at any time between 8:00 am and 11:00 am.
- Bring cash (in an envelope) to our PTA meeting, or
- Ask your child to drop off a check with your child to PTA mailbox located outside of Room 313.
- However you contribute, make sure to include your name, email, and child’s name & grade on an envelope.
- Please make your donation by Monday, December 16, 2019.
- Whether or not you donate food (or money), we still welcome parents to help during the holiday luncheon!
- If you can volunteer to set-up, serve food, or clean up, please come to the school library (on the third floor) by 10:00 am on Friday, 12/20/19.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWbZ8mIiOXS0eull7PraF92_FdthWFKspObneDsloLpVANLw/viewform
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/ptaofthhs
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Posted 11/16/19: Founders Day 2019 full video
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Posted 11/10/19: How much money has the PTA raised this year? Not nearly enough.

- Look at the graphic on the right. That's much money the PTA has raised from our parents, friends, and supporters this year.
- While $18,856 is a lot of money, IT STILL FALLS SHORT OF THE HIGH EXPECTATIONS WE HAVE FOR OUR CHILDREN.
- For the 2019-20 academic year, the school's budget is $8.8 million. Did you know that 97% is used for teacher and staff salaries, and the remaining 3% is used for basic supplies and expenses?
- VERY LITTLE (if any) is used for student activities, theater productions, clubs, robotic competitions, college trips, and other important activities which help our students become well-rounded people.
- So the PTA plays a CRUCIAL ROLE in filling this gap every single year.
- YOU CAN HELP BY MAKING A DONATION TODAY. Just click here.
- We are also continuing our annual PTA Phone-A-Thon. This is our BIGGEST fundraiser of the year!
- On any day from November 12-14, 2019, we need you to come to Townsend Harris (anytime between 4 pm - 8 pm) to 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.
- Please let us know your availability by clicking on this link.
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Posted 11/10/19: Wall of Fame – Mr. Townsend Harris

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Posted 11/10/19: The Classic on class programming complaints

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Posted 11/08/19: Volunteers needed at Annual PTA Phone-A-Thon Fundraiser (Part 2)
- We are continuing our annual PTA Phone-A-Thon. This is our BIGGEST fundraiser of the year!
- On any day from November 12-14, 2019, we need you to come to Townsend Harris (anytime between 4 pm - 8 pm) to 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.
- Please let us know your availability by clicking on this link.
- Click on this link to see more photos from the October 2019 Phone-A-Thon.

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Posted 11/08/19: Materials and photos from PTA meeting on 11/06/19
Posted 11/01/19: Upcoming PTA meeting
- Updates on the Phone-A-Thon; test prep; workshops; College Advice newsletter; and other plans for the year.
- Welcome from Brian Condon, Principal
- School budget matters from Ellen Fee, Assistant Principal.
- Dafne Manhart, Parent Coordinator on school news and updates
- Lauren Caiaccia, Athletic Director on our PSAL team successes; role and value of our sports teams
- Choosing the College List: Strategies and insights into finding the best colleges for my child. Why a selective college? SUNY vs private colleges.
- THHS College Trips: summary and proposed new March trip to Upstate NY
- Answers to written parent questions.
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Posted 10/25/19: Parent-Teacher conferences

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Posted 10/19/19: Girls volleyball team notches a big win

Posted 10/18/19: College essay workshop cancelled
Posted 10/18/19: The U.S. President gives an art lesson (sort of) at Townsend Harris

Posted 10/17/19: New PTA Award for Students

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Posted 10/16/19: Materials at PTA meeting on 10/16/19
Posted 10/12/19: Free peer tutoring during lunch bands
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
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.
Posted 10/04/19: College admissions seminar in Chinese (大學入學申請講座)
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!
Posted 10/01/19: Free access to Method Test Prep for SAT/ACT
Posted 09/28/19: Materials from Senior College Night (Sept. 26, 2019)
Posted 09/22/19: Season opener for Townsend Harris PSAL Boys Fencing

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

Posted 09/19/19: The Phoenix — Highlighting the creative minds of our students
Posted 09/16/19: Update to PTA meeting schedule for 2019-20 (Please read!)
- 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)
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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
- 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.
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Posted 09/02/2019: Special schedule for first 2 days of school
- 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
- 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
- Regular schedules begin.
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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.


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

Posted on 08/23/19: 2019-20 Parent Handbook available at 2nd new student orientation
Posted 07/05/19: Fourth of July Weekend Trivia Quiz
Posted 06/23/19: Photos from 2019 Annual End-of-Year Celebration
- thanked our outgoing Executive Board members;
- welcomed the incoming Executive Board; and
- listened to remarks from Principal Brian Condon and other staff members.


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

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

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Posted 06/14/19: Today is Flag Day

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Posted 06/11/19: Handouts from first new student orientation on June 6, 2019
Posted 04/20/19: Townsend Harris: The top-ranked high school in New York in 2019
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