Volume 8 Issue 7 Date: March 2017
at JOHN ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL YABC Administrator’s Message
Dates to Remember March 23 Parent Teacher Conference
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
April 10 - 18 Spring Recess
Dear Parents and Guardians, March has arrived. As this is the third issue of the Parent Newsletter of 2017, I hope you all enjoyed the midwinter break with your children and that 2017 has started wonderfully. The new semester has started with a bang. In January, we had our first leadership and team-building exercises of the year, plus a Jell-O eating contest, basketball competition, pyramid building, Frisbee toss game, and Bozo Buckets. In February, we had our 12th annual February 2016 Recognition Ceremony, during which we graduated 33 students. Wow! We at the Young Adult Borough Center program at John Adams High School were proud to recognize the academic achievements of our graduates. The evening was a special event that was filled with performances, speakers, and recognition of the hard work of YABC students. We were honored to have Ms. Melanie Vargas, Owner of Half Pint Daycare, speak a few words of wisdom to our students. Mr. Andrew Marquez ended the program with some wisdom of his own. The ceremony concluded with a reception for parents and students. Winter typically brings numerous instances of inclement weather, but this year we have mostly avoided those issues. The various delays and closings can disrupt the educational process, and I was glad we could wrap up the first two months with minimal disruption for our students. HAPPY SPRING!!!!!
Learning Environment Survey YABC students and parents will have the opportunity to participate in a Department of Education survey that collects important information about YABC at John Adams H.S. learning environment. This survey helps school leaders to frame an enhanced learning environment to improve student achievement. Also, it will help build a bridge connecting staff, parents, and students. The survey will measure the extent to which our school incorporates essential elements, such as rigorous instruction, a supportive environment, strong family and community ties, and trust, that drive school improvement and develop students that can compete in the 21st century. We value each student’s and parent/guardian’s feedback and hope that students and parents/guardian will make their voices heard in the 2017 NYC School Survey.
Staff Spotlight We are pleased to announce and welcome the newest guidance counselor to the YABC program, Ms. Smith.
Ms. Smith has had a fulfilling first semester here so far. She loves the atmosphere. She appreciates that staff members care about the students and make it a priority to meet their needs. Ms. Smith majored in English at SUNY Albany and has her English teaching license. She has taught both English and drama, and she has worked with developmentally disabled adults. She attended Teachers College at Columbia University and attained a degree in school counseling. Ms. Smith works as a guidance counselor at the High School for Medical Professions in Brooklyn. In her spare time, she likes seeing live theatre, and if she could do that every week, she would! When asked what advice she has for YABC students, she responded, "Never lose sight of why you decided to enroll. You are about to step into the next chapter of your life, and YABC is the door that will lead you there. If it ever gets tough, just think of your "why"—whatever it is going to college, the military, fulltime work, etc. Never give up because you won't want to look back at this time with regret." We are glad to have Ms. Smith on our staff!! Welcome, Ms. Smith!!