MacArthur High School (New York)

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MacArthur High School is a secondary school located in Levittown, New York. One of two high schools in the Levittown Union Free School District, the high school is named after United States General Douglas MacArthur. Run by principal John Bifolco, the school has bested its cross-town rival Division Avenue High School in nearly every category annually, as shown in Newsday's high school report card [1]. In addition to the leadership by Mr. Bifolco, he is aided by two Assistant Principals: Mrs. Joan Lorelli and Mr. John Zampaglione.

The school's mission statement is "Success for Every Student," and the school's motto is "Knowledge is Power."

1 Renaissance Program
2 Music Department
3 Well Known Alumni
4 Trivia
5 External links

[edit] Renaissance Program

Adopted through a unanimous vote of the school's faculty in the spring of 1994, the Renaissance Program rewards students who excel in academics. Students who pass everything, including midterms, finals, and regents, are hosted at a semi-annual breakfast. Students receive cards in either platinum, gold, blue, or white, depending upon their grade average or status as an Honor Society member. These cards entitle the students to "special perks and privileges". The current Renaissance chairperson is Ms. Carisa Rhatigan, a 9th and 10th grade English teacher[2].

[edit] Music Department

MacArthur's band is one of the largest groups MacArthur offers. Performing at concerts as well as football games, parades, and the Newsday Marching Band Festival, the band is an integral part of the school. The band is led by Mr. Joseph Romano, as well as six student leaders. In tandem with the band performs MacArthur's very own kick line (Macettes) as well as the Color Guard. The band is also joined by MacArthur mascot, The General. In March of 2004, the marching band was accepted to play at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. When the band is not marching around getting crowds riled for games and events, they are known as the MacArthur Symphonic Band.

The MacArthur Symphony Orchestra is directed by Mrs. Iris Winter and performs not only at concerts, but also at local elementary schools and United Cerebral Palsy, mainly during the holidays to entertain students and others with well known holiday tunes. The Orchestra also performs at the New York State Schools Music Association (NYSSMA) festival as an ensemble.

The MacArthur Chorus is directed by Mrs. Paige Hardison and is responsible, along with the theater classes, for putting on the yearly musical with the accompaniment of the school's Pit Orchestra. In March 2006 the chorus and theater students put on their version of Footloose.