Elmont Memorial High School

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Elmont Memorial Junior/Senior High School
Image:Spartan
Location
Information
Principal John Capozzi

Elmont Memorial Junior-Senior High School (EMHS) is a co-educational, secondary public high school founded in 1956 for students in grades 7-12. It is located in the hamlet of Elmont, Long Island, New York, in Nassau County. Its street address is 555 Ridge Road, Elmont, New York 11003. It's school newspaper is known as the " Elmont Phoenix". Elmont High School's mascot is the Spartan. Its school colors are green and white. The school's current principal is John Capozzi. Elmont High School is part of the Sewanhaka Central High School District.

As of the 2007-08 school year, the school had an enrollment of 2,749 students and 120.0 classroom teachers (on a FTE basis, for a student-teacher ratio of 18.3.[1]

Contents

[edit] Awards and recognition

During the 1990-93 school year, Elmont Memorial High School was recognized with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education[2], the highest award an American school can receive.[3][4]

In 2005, Elmont High School was recognized as having the largest number of African American high school students scoring a 3 or higher on Advanced Placement examinations in the country.

Elmont HS was also recognized by the College Board as having the largest number of African American students attaining a 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement U.S. History exam in the country.[5]

Another prestigious honor Elmont Memorial has received is having an average from 1995-2006 of having a 97% attendance rate, and in 2004 achieved a 100% attendance rate. A first in the Sewanhaka Central District.

[edit] Student body

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  • Grades-7-12 GT
  • Enrollment-2,749
  • 62% African-American ( Caribbean and Black Decent), 13% Hispanic (Spanish Decent),10% Asian-American,13% White,2% other ( Indian, Native American)
  • Attendance Rate-97% (State Average-93%)
  • Limited English Proficiency-<1% (State Average-7%)
  • Students per teacher-29 (State Average-14)
  • Average Grade Size-370
  • Graduation Rate-97% (the EMHS Class of 2004 had a graduation rate of 100%, a first in the Sewanhaka Central High School District, and one of only a few middle to large schools in the nation to achieve such an accomplishment.
  • Post Secondary Pursuits-97% attend college (a national high), 3% pursue employment.

[edit] Student life

  • Elmont Memorial regularly celebrates homecoming with spirit week in which students partake in events that range from wearing pajamas to dressing in suits.
  • Regular traditions include a Senior Prank and the Toilet-Papering of school official houses before Halloween.
  • Before Christmas vacation, many students participate in the tradition of 'Secret Santas' between friends.
  • On Valentines Day many students send and receive 'love grams' from loved ones. And often wear red and pink clothing and shoes.
  • During Foreign Language Week many students participate in making posters, and hold food events to show their culture. Many students also dress and choreograph a dance that shows their heritage. Students practice for months to show their culture.

On June 24, 2007, the school celebrated its 50th Commencement.

[edit] Academics

(adapted from the Sewanhaka Central High School District Catalog of Courses)

Levels of Study

Students may pursue one of two levels of study:

  • Advanced-This is an accelerated program of instruction designed only for students of superior ability, strong motivation, and sustained interest. Students are expected to maintain an average of at least 85% to continue to the next advanced course in the sequence.
  • Regents-Students pursue courses in which the curriculum is prescribed by the New York State Department of Education.

Grades 7 and 8

  • Students are organized into "Teams" this year including the Panthers (Regular), Cyclones (Regular), and Blue Devils (Advanced and special ed) composed of students and core teachers in math, science, English, and social studies. This allows for the individual attention necessary for success at an early stage in secondary education.
  • During the Junior High School years, students further the learning skills developed during the elementary school years, as well as preparing students for the high school curriculum as well as vocational possibilities. Students pursue studies in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, Art, Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Education, Language Enrichment, and most recently, Foreign Language.
  • High School credit is awarded to 8th graders that pursue advanced coursework in science, mathematics, foreign language, and music.
  • Teams include Advanced and Regular students. Advanced students are a separate team all by themselves, but since the Regular Team is so large, it is divided into two separate teams based on your last name.

Grades 9-12

  • During the High School years, students pursue coursework required to receive the High School Diploma. Students may receive either a Regents Diploma or Advanced Regents Diploma upon graduation. Coursework is designed to fulfill requirements necessary for students interested in attending two-year colleges, four-year colleges, vocational schools, nursing programs, etc.
  • Sciences

Students must pursue at least 3 years of science coursework, and must pass one New York State Regents examination for the Regents Diploma or two Regents examinations for the Advanced Regents Diploma. Courses of study include (note that courses may be pursued at either the Regents or Advanced levels): Physical Setting: Earth Science, Living Environment/Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ecology, Marine Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Science Research.

  • Foreign Languages

Students must pursue at least two years of a foreign language, beginning at the Junior High School level. Students may pursue study up to the college level (credit offered through Adelphi University) and Advanced Placement. Languages offered include: Spanish, French, Italian. Students must pass a Foreign Language Regents for the Advanced Regents Diploma. Since the 2006-2007 school year, 7th grade students have a Mini Foreign Language course.

  • Mathematics

Students must pursue at least three years of coursework in mathematics. Students must pass the Comprehensive Math A examination for a Regents Diploma or two Regents examinations for an Advanced Regents Diploma. Coursework includes: Math A/AB, Math B, Pre-Calculus, Sequential Math III, Math 12, Discrete Math, and Advanced Placement Math AB.

  • English

Students must pursue English during all four High School years. All students must also pass the English Regents examination. Coursework includes: English 9/9A, 10/10A, 11, English AP Language and Composition, 12RX, English AP Literature and Composition, Bible as Literature, Contemporary Drama, Creative Writing, Flim Study, Mass Media, Modern Novel, Dramatics, Journalism, Public Speaking.

  • Social Studies

Students must pursue Social Studies during all four High School years. All students must pass the Global Studies and U.S. History and Government Regents examinations. Courses include: Global History I and Geography, Global History II and Geography, Advanced Placement World History, Advanced Placement European History, United States History and Government, Advanced Placement American History, Economics, Participation in Government, Advanced Placement Govt. and Politics, Contemporary World Issues, Global Connections, Psychology, Sociology.

  • Art

Students are required to pursue at least one year of art. Coursework includes: Studio in Art, Drawing and Painting I and II, Illustration and Design, Media Arts, Digital Design, Advanced Placement Art History.

  • Business Education

Coursework is offered in: Accounting, Introduction to Occupations, Business Communications, Keyboarding I and II, Business Analysis, Business Law, Speedwriting, Principles of Marketing, E-Commerce, etc.

  • Advanced Placement

Students interested in pursuing coursework at the Advanced Placement level must have at least an 85 average in their current course of study. This maintains the level of integrity of students interested in these rigorous courses. AP coursework is available in: Biology, Physics B, Chemistry, Art History, European History, American History, World History, Language and Composition, Literature and Composition, Calculus AB, Spanish, French, Italian, and Government and Politics.

[edit] Music

Students are encouraged to pursue music during their years at EMHS. A majority of students pursue work in one of the various performing arts groups. Elmont has had an outstanding Music program progressing for the past 13 years, and have an impressive marching band. Credit is also given for students in these groups. Performing Arts groups include (note that there are separate groups at each school level):

  • Orchestra (at the High School or Junior High School level)
  • Concert Band (at the High School, 9th Grade, and Junior High School levels)
  • Concert Choir (at the High School and Junior High School levels)
  • Jazz Band
  • Jazz Choir
  • String Ensemble
  • Marching Band

Students perform each year during the Winter and Spring Concerts, local events, and music competitions. Exceptional students are routinely sent on to participate in their respective musical groups at the All-District, All-County, Long Island Invitational, and All-State levels. Exceptional students are also selected to participate in the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Students may also pursue coursework in Music Theory. Each year the Music Department puts on two theatre productions: a drama (no singing required), and a musical (strong vocals for leads). Musicals in the past include Dreamgirls, The Wiz, and Once On This Island, Aida, most recently in March 2008 Les Misérables was performed.

[edit] Athletics

A large number of students participate in athletics at EMHS, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the school. Elmont is known to be very competitive and dominant in many sports. The mascot of EMHS is the Spartan. Teams are called the Spartans. Students regularly participate in sports at the Junior High, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels. Athletic teams include:

  • Basketball
  • Shooting Guns
  • Soccer
  • Baseball
  • RifleryFootball
  • Softball
  • Lacrosse
  • Gymnastics(District)
  • Swimming(District)
  • Wrestling
  • Volleyball
  • Track
  • Golf(District)
  • Gymnastics
  • Bowling(District)
  • Track and Field
  • Weight Lifing

Students from all five schools in the Sewanhaka Central High School District participate in "District Sports Night", a competition between schools. Elmont High School is also known for its outstanding football program. Being under the experienced hands of the coaches, and winning the championships many times. The Junior High achieving a 3 yr. run as the District's champions.

-The Girls Varsity Basketball team just recently suffered the loss of their coach, Gregg Petrocelli, in February 2007. The team had made it to the playoffs, but lost to the Hicksville Girls Varsity Basketball Team.

-The Boys/Girls Varsity Track team recently created a website to host athlete profiles, meet updates, photos, and competition videos. Elmont Varsity Track Website

[edit] Extracurricular activities

With over 100 active groups, EMHS is a very active school. In addition to Musical and Athletics organizations, groups include:

  • Model United Nations- EMHS has consistently been one of the top-performing schools, under the founder Mr. Lee Marcus, who first brought MUNday to Elmont High.
  • Poetry Club
  • Key Builder Club
  • Cheerleading
  • Critter Club
  • Mock Trial Club
  • Global Links**
  • Key Club
  • Foreign Language Honor Society
  • National Honor Society
  • National Junior Honor Society
  • Tri-M Music Honor Society
  • Mu Alpha Theta - Math Honor Society
  • Business Honor Society
  • Future Business Leaders of America
  • Junior High Business Leaders
  • National Art Honor Society
  • Musical Society
  • Talented and Gifted
  • Technology Club
  • Inter-cultural Society
  • Images
  • Newspaper
  • Dance Team
  • Literary Magazine
  • Mathletes
  • Peer Helpers
  • Peer Mediation
  • Operation Success
  • SADD
  • Rachel's Challenge Group
  • Drama Club
  • Spanish Club
  • French Club
  • Stage Crew
  • Science Olympiad
  • Student Council
  • Science Research
  • Yearbook
  • Student Government
  • Government Watchers
  • The Inspirational Writers
  • Foreign Language Teachers of Tomorrow
  • Latino Leaders
  • Pride Club
  • Graphic design
  • Photography and Film
  • Elmont Artisans
  • Elmont Step and Dance Teams
  • Color Guard/ Flag Squad
  • Domestic Exchange Club
  • Social Science

[edit] Notable alumni

[edit] References

  1. ^ Elmont Memorial High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed November 12, 2007.
  2. ^ Blue Ribbon Schools Program: Schools Recognized 1982-1983 through 1999-2002 (PDF), United States Department of Education. Accessed May 11, 2006.
  3. ^ CIBA cited as one of the best by Education Department, Journal Inquirer, November 16, 2006. "The Blue Ribbon award is given only to schools that reach the top 10 percent of their state's testing scores over several years or show significant gains in student achievement. It is considered the highest honor a school can achieve."
  4. ^ Viers Mill School Wins Blue Ribbon; School Scored High on Statewide Test; The Washington Post. September 29, 2005 "For their accomplishments, all three schools this month earned the status of Blue Ribbon School, the highest honor the U.S. Education Department can bestow upon a school."
  5. ^ Fischler, Marcelle S. "LONG ISLAND JOURNAL; Battling Stereotypes With High Test Scores", The New York Times, February 20, 2005. Accessed November 12, 2007. "Elmont had the largest number of black students in the country to score so high on the exam, according to the College Board, which administers the A.P. program.... Trevor Packer, the executive director of the College Board's Advanced Placement program, said Elmont leads Long Island in having a greater number of African-American students scoring three or higher across all their A.P. subjects."
  6. ^ Strickland, Carol. "Novelist Uses The Island's Gold Coast As A Setting For A Clash of Cultures", The New York Times, April 8, 1990. Accessed December 13, 2007. "Mr. De Mille was born in Jamaica, Queens, and educated at Elmont High School and Hofstra University, and so he knows the area well, although he calls himself a member in good standing of the middle class."