Beach Channel High School

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Beach Channel High School
(H.S. 410)
Established 1973
Type Public High School
Principal Dr. David Morris
Faculty 129 (2005)
Students 2,175
Grades 9–12
Location Rockaway Park, Queens, New York City, New York, Flag of the United States USA
District Administrative District 27
Campus Urban
Colors Blue, Gold
Mascot Dolphin
Website Beach Channel High School

Beach Channel High School (BCHS) (also known as High School 410 or H.S. 410), a high school in the public school system of New York City, is located at 100-00 Beach Channel Drive in Rockaway Park in the borough of Queens ( 40°35′11″N, 73°49′30″W). The school opened in 1973 and in 2006 had an enrollment of 2,175 students.[1][2] The school was built on the edge of Jamaica Bay and has a private dock. Since its inception it has offered an oceanography program, and offers a College Now program which allows students to get college credit through programs at Kingsborough Community College and Southampton College (part of Stony Brook University (SBU),[3] while LaGuardia Community College offers classes for reading skills improvement. A separate special education school is located in one wing of the campus. The present principal is Dr. David Morris.[4]

Contents

[edit] Principals

  • Dr. David Morris (2003–present)
  • Barbara Pleener (September 2003—October 2003)
  • John Marcus, Acting Principal (February 2003–September 2003)
  • Andrea Holt (2002–February 2003)
  • Bernard Gassaway (April 1997–2002)

Bernard Gassaway was principal during the late 1990s to the year 2002 and is credited with improving the school over his tenure. He went on to become a superintendent of schools.[5] In 2006, he published the book Reflections of an Urban High School Principal about his experiences.[6] He was replaced by Andrea Holt.

In 2002–2003 Claude Monereau, an assistant principal, had lobbied hard for the position of principal. Six assistant principals wrote to School Chancellor Joel Klein in November 2002 to have Andrea Holt removed. She was removed in February 2003 and John Marcus was appointed acting principal.

In September 2003, Barbara Pleener was assigned as the new principal instead of Claude Monereau. According to papers for a lawsuit filed later, in a cabinet meeting, Mr. Monereau allegedly made "threatening and insubordinate" comments to Principal Pleener. In October 2003, allegations surfaced of a 1999 incident at Jamaica High School where Pleener was then principal in which she had been accused of creating a "hostile sexual environment" though she was never charged.[7] Students and parents began a protest to have Monereau appointed principal in Pleener's stead. The result of the standoff was that Pleener stepped down from office[8] and was replaced by Dr. David Morris, a black educator. Claude Monereau was reassigned to Middle School 53.[9]

[edit] Economics

The school is well-regarded for its program in economics under teachers Ezra "I'm on the verge of a break down" Hershman and Christian "Burger Boy" Horn. On November 11, 2006, it received a "Blue Star" certification for the second year in a row for its financial literacy program. 49 of 50 students who particulated in the WISE Financial Literary Exam passed, and the school was one of 45 schools who received the certification out of 139 who applied.[10] The award, offered by the New York Financial Literacy Coalition, is a free program created to increase the number of high school students who are financially knowledgeable and literate.[11]

[edit] Music

The Beach Channel High School Marching Band, Concert Band and Jazz Bands continue to be a vital force in Southern Queens. The band is currently under the directorship of Alexander Leicht, who replaced the legendary Barry Domfort in 2004, who continued to direct the Jazz Band. It also should be mentioned that outstanding percussionist and paraprofessional Ronald Kornegay died in 2005 and was tremendous loss to the school community. In addition, Assistant Principal of Music and current Jazz Band Director Robert Comer officially retired in 2007. The band has performed at locations such as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Disney World, Kingborough Community College, Queens College, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Forest Park, Boys and Girls High School, Russo's on the Bay, Brooklyn College, and Antun's. The Marching Band has performed at various Halloween, St. Patrick's, ethnic pride and Memorial Day Parades in Manhattan and Queens. The band has also performed for many important political figures including Bill and Hillary Clinton and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The band is currently one of the most valued institutions in the school. Recent alumni are currently members of Marching Bands in Long Island, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

[edit] Arts

In the late 1970s–early 1980s, the Art Department under Renee Darvin attracted a very talented and diverse number of art teachers, including Bruce Degan who later went on to create The Magic Schoolbus series of children's books and television shows with Joanna Cole. Renee Darvin later went on to serve as Director of Art for the New York City Board of Education and to be a lecturer at the Teachers College at Columbia University.[12] During their tenure at Beach Channel, the arts program offered a wide array of near-college-level courses including an after school life drawing program for advanced students.

In 2000, artist Julie Dermansky undertook a project for the Department of Cultural Affairs for New York City and decorated the fencing and floors of the day care center with works entitled Ocean Fence and Ocean Floor.[13]

[edit] Sports

The school teams are named the Dolphins, after the school's mascot.



[edit] References

  1. ^ Beach Channel High School. Retrieved on 2007-02-06.
  2. ^ Great Schools: Beach Channel High School. Retrieved on 2007-02-06.
  3. ^ Beach Channel High/Southampton Graduate Campus An Educational Partnership. Retrieved on 2007-02-06.
  4. ^ School Profile: H.S. 410 Beach Channel High School. Retrieved on 2007-02-06.
  5. ^ Bernard Gassaway, experience. Retrieved on 2007-02-06.
  6. ^ "Gassaway Pens 'Reflections Of An Urban High School Principal'", The Wave, 2006-01-20. Retrieved on 2007-02-06. 
  7. ^ "BCHS Principal Created A 'Hostile Sexual Environment'", The Wave, 2003-10-24. Retrieved on 2007-02-06. 
  8. ^ "Klein Says He Has Ousted 45 Principals", New York Times, 2004-06-29. Retrieved on 2007-02-06. 
  9. ^ "Former BCHS Principal Sues DOE Over Ouster", The Wave, 2005-03-04. Retrieved on 2007-02-06. 
  10. ^ "BCHS Named 'Blue Star' School", The Wave, 2006-11-17. Retrieved on 2007-02-06. 
  11. ^ Blue Star Financial Literacy Certification Program. Retrieved on 2007-02-06.
  12. ^ Continuing Education: Renee Darvin. Teachers College, Columbia University. Retrieved on 2007-02-04.
  13. ^ Percent for Art: Ocean Fence and Ocean Floor, Steel Fence and Decorative Linoleum Floor, 2000 Julie Dermansky. Retrieved on 2007-02-06.