Murry Bergtraum High School

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Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers
Image:Mbhs logo 95.jpeg
Location
411 Pearl Street
New York City, New York, United States
Information
School number M520
School board New York City Public Schools
School district 2 (Geographic and Administrative)
Principal Barbara A. Esmilla [1]
Students 3,000
Faculty 400
Type Public High School
Grades 912
Motto Putting the B In Business
Mascot Flash [2]
Sports PSAL
Nickname Bergtraum; MBHS; Murry B
Color(s) Red and yellow
Yearbook The Montague
Newspaper The Bergtraum Voice
Established 1976 (32 Years of Operation as of 2008)
Homepage

The Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers is a public secondary school in New York City. It is located in Lower Manhattan, adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall. Bergtraum offers business oriented courses to prepare students for future careers in marketing, tourism, finance, human resources, information systems, economics, computer science, law, and secretarial fields as well as the academic preparation required for college.[3] Students are generally poised and self-confident -- perhaps because of their experiences running their own businesses and working with mentors. Students in virtual enterprise classes have formed two companies in Insurance and Publishing. Other students get retail experience in a school store (funded by benefactor Ronald Lauder, head of Estee Lauder). The goal of former Principal Grace Julian was to have every student have a mentor from a corporation such as Estee Lauder for at least part of their high school career. Students and alumni often refer to themselves as "Bergtraumites."

Contents

[edit] Background/Historical Information

The History of Murry Bergtraum High School dates back to the Thanksgiving of 1916, the birthdate of Murry Bergtraum. Murry Bergtraum High School was established in 1975, in memory of Murry Bergtraum, a former President of the New York City Board of Education who died in 1974. Bergtraum joined the Board of Education on May 20, 1969. He was then elected Vice President of the Board of Education from July 1, 1970 to June 30, 1971. His widow Edith Katz Bergtraum, a public school teacher, was also politically active and a member of her local school board for 19 years.[4] After her death in 1994, an elementary school in Queens (Public School 165 in District 25) was renamed in her memory. The name "Bergtraum" originates from the German language. In the English language, it translates to the words: "mountain dream."[5]

View of the eastern wing of the building, which oversees Pearl Street.
View of the eastern wing of the building, which oversees Pearl Street.
Maria's Tower, a part of Pace University's Downtown campus stands in front of Murry Bergtraum's North Wing.
Maria's Tower, a part of Pace University's Downtown campus stands in front of Murry Bergtraum's North Wing.

Bergtraum was the first academic comprehensive high school with business majors in New York City and one of the first in the United States. It was supported by the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association to prepare young people to enter the world of work and college.[6]

Although the school building itself is 31 years old, the school was not named "Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers" at the time of its construction. It was bestowed with the name "Downtown High School." However, it has been debated since the time of the building construction, students were relocated to a small windowless building. The name "Downtown High School" could have referred to the name that could have been given to the new high school if it were not dedicated to Murry Bergtraum.

The Bergtraum building itself has been questioned a decent amount of times. The building currently has three major staircases labeled: "A, C, E". However, the building also has two interior staircases, labeled: "B and D". B and D are the auditorium's staircases that provide a passageway from the balcony to the basement level of the auditorium. These staircases, along with the entire auditorium, are locked unless there are assemblies for the "enjoyment" of the school's faculty and students. Murry Bergtraum is one of the few schools in New York that still perform shows similar to the popular "SING!" events held at schools across the city.

Students have, for countless years, also questioned the creation of staircase F. Staircase F is a small, narrow stairwell that takes students from the 5th floor to the 6th floor gym directly from the locker room separation point. There is another way to get to the 6th floor from the main stairwells, but it has come to the conclusion that this staircase was created not only as a shortcut, but to discourage the skipping of class, and a more tangible control over where students can go.

The building is often known for its irregular shape. Unlike most buildings, Bergtraum was designed to be a 180 degree triangle. It is often ridiculed that the building was to be some sort of jail next to One Police Plaza to hold prisoners from the Lower East Side. However, the building was designed with the compliance of the Board of Education of New York (known also as the school construction authority). The design of the building was powered by the diversity of the Manhattan skyline. The building's architects wished to construct a building that would be representative of the main pillars of business: Courtesy, Professionalism, and Ethics. Thus it explains why the building has three sides and three pillars that symbolize the connection and the belief that without one side; one cannot be prepared for the business world.

The exterior main entrance has maintained its original structure since 1975.
The exterior main entrance has maintained its original structure since 1975.

[edit] Overview

There are over 3000 students at Bergtraum, and it has been ranked as a "School of Excellence" by the U.S. News & World Report for the past years since 1999. It is well known for its girls' Basketball team; having won numerous PSAL championships. Bergtraum offers majors in business that attracts students from all boroughs; receiving an average of 15,000 to 20,000 applications every year, making it one of the most popular schools in the city of New York. As an educational option school, it takes in students from all levels. The school population is structured as follows:

  • 16% of the school is formed of students who are high performers.
  • 68% of the school is formed of students who are average performers.
  • 16% of the school is formed of students who are low performers.

Bergtraum has also been known for its unusual triangular shape, which leads to only half of the school building having windows. The exterior sides of the building have windows, while the interior portion of the building does not. Despite the design of the building, it stays very warm in the winter, and very cool during the summer because of its centralized air-conditioning system.

As of the spring 2007 the school would follow a 1-8 schedule, eliminating the 3-10 and leaving very few students with a 2-9 schedule.

The Bergtraum building bears the emblem of New York City, and the emblem of the City Education Department.
The Bergtraum building bears the emblem of New York City, and the emblem of the City Education Department.

[edit] Bergtraum's Historical Principals

The Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers is also known for its history in having only female principals. Throughout its thirty year span, Bergtraum has only seen four principals.

Dr. Barbara Christen was the first principal, who established Bergtraum to be one of the most rigorous High Schools in New York City.

Elsie Chan soon succeeded after Dr. Christen decided to retire. She continued the firm line of Bergtraum excellence.

Grace Julian is often seen as the principal who gave Bergtraum its crown of glory. Julian improved Bergtraum beyond measure. While Julian was principal, the Bergtraum Lady Blazers began to conquer the New York City PSAL Basketball division.

Barbara Esmilla is currently the Principal of Bergtraum, and entered her fifth year as principal in the 2006-2007 academic year. She has tried to restore Bergtraum's glory, with some success. After rigorous testing at Bergtraum was canceled (this examination is no longer canceled and took effect once again during the 2006 year), Barbara Esmilla now tries to corporate balance and tries to make Bergtraum a sturdy school, in which she has had much success. A proud moment for her was when she pronounced the Graduating Class of 2006 as official graduates and alumni from Bergtraum. It was her first graduating class, and will not be her last since she will remain principal for the years to come.

Esmilla came to Bergtraum as a student teacher. Starting student teaching at Bergtraum was not her first choice. Esmilla wished to complete her student teaching at Julia Richman High School, but one of her professors at Hunter College advised her that since MBHS was a brand new high school there would be plenty of opportunities there.

After student teaching, she became a coach part-time for the tennis team from 1977 to 1985, gymnastics from 1981 to 1985 and volleyball from 1977 to 2000. The volleyball team was successful with Esmilla as coach. With back to back championships (1997 and 1998), Esmilla proclaimed "Success is not measured by the wins and losses, but by the number of students that become successful young men and women." Not only had she been able to conjure up a winning team, but she was able to increase her popularity with students, and even with the school's faculty. Students and teachers often shower Esmilla for praise because of her strictness and her intellectual capacity.

[edit] The Bergtraum Goal

Murry Bergtraum's 2007 graduation was held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, as it has been held in the past years. It featured key figures of the school administration and staff. In this photo taken on June 26th, 2007, it includes:  Row 1: (L to R) Faye Walsh, Retired Assistant Principal of Guidance, Barbara A. Esmilla, Principal, Caridad de la Luz, Ada Colon, Coordinator of Student Activities; Julia Taylor, Assistant Principal of Guidance; Bibiana Ammatuna, Assistant Principal of Foreign Languages; and Lilian Katz, College advisor; along with the leaders of the Senior Council and the Student Government.  Row 2: (L to R) 7th from the left, Irene Gianacoplos, Coordinator of the Administrative Assistant Technology/Human Resources Management Program; Pat Campagna, Coordinator of the Computer Science department; Mark Melkonian, Assistant Principal of Business; Barbara Cortez, Assistant Principal of English; Jose Cruz, Assistant Principal of Social Studies, Anna Kravakis, Assistant Principal of Science, and Jared Vitolo, Assistant Principal of Mathematics.
Murry Bergtraum's 2007 graduation was held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, as it has been held in the past years. It featured key figures of the school administration and staff. In this photo taken on June 26th, 2007, it includes: Row 1: (L to R) Faye Walsh, Retired Assistant Principal of Guidance, Barbara A. Esmilla, Principal, Caridad de la Luz, Ada Colon, Coordinator of Student Activities; Julia Taylor, Assistant Principal of Guidance; Bibiana Ammatuna, Assistant Principal of Foreign Languages; and Lilian Katz, College advisor; along with the leaders of the Senior Council and the Student Government. Row 2: (L to R) 7th from the left, Irene Gianacoplos, Coordinator of the Administrative Assistant Technology/Human Resources Management Program; Pat Campagna, Coordinator of the Computer Science department; Mark Melkonian, Assistant Principal of Business; Barbara Cortez, Assistant Principal of English; Jose Cruz, Assistant Principal of Social Studies, Anna Kravakis, Assistant Principal of Science, and Jared Vitolo, Assistant Principal of Mathematics.

Bergtraum's vision is to prepare its students to thrive and to flourish both academically and socially in its educational option environment while students acquire technical skills that they will need to meet the demand and challenges of the business world. The school has eight business majors, also allowing students to take CTE examinations; such as the Microsoft Office Specialist examination. In the accounting major, students who take the Advanced Accounting course can take an exam to obtain Certified Public Accountant qualifications. Bergtraum requires its students have a minimum of 12 business credits upon graduation. CTE stands for Career and Technical Education. Murry Bergtraum provides its students with what is called "dual preparation." Working in close collaboration with colleges, businesses and industries, Bergtraum offers a strong academic program which is integrated with skills, knowledge and career preparation required by high-tech industries and various career fields. Students at Bergtraum may also be eligible for State-approved and industry-sponsored career and technical education endorsements.

[edit] School Facilities

Murry Bergtraum's facilities are perhaps some of the most distinct in its field. Murry Bergtraum offers many functioning utilities essential to a student's growth as a person of society, and intellectual stimulation. Some facilities include, but are not limited to:

A. Three Gymnasiums. Two are on the same floor, but offer different electives. This two in one gym was constructed to accommodate freshmen and sophomores. The third gym, located on the sixth floor, is more of a cardiovascular gym, with machinery to assist in exercise. The use of this gym was for the juniors. The course was named "Slimnastics" since it had a reputation with teachers who did not tolerate nonsense and expected students to comply with the rigorous curriculum that comprised of weight lifting, cardiovascular exercise and personal fitness. This sixth floor gym is also used to teach dance classes. These classes teach dances such as Square Dance and Salsa or Mambo as well as Modern Dance.[7]

B. Two functioning laboratories for science. These laboratories are quite out of date, yet supply the adequate above standard for understanding scientific concepts. All biology, chemistry, physics, and marine biology laboratories are done in these two rooms.

C. A fully functional library. The Bergtraum library hosts excellent internet service, and a solid line of books, references, and career resources. The school library has an excellent section based on computer technology. Being one of the main majors at Bergtraum, students often go to these resources when referring to computer classes such as QBasic or learning the basic foundations for a MOS Certification. The library is open to all students periods 3 to 8 (lunchtime periods) and often after school period 9. The library strictly requires Identification and Program Cards to be shown upon entrance.

D. Computer laboratories never fall short at Bergtraum. An abundance of computer rooms is imperative for all students at Bergtraum. These rooms were once typewriting rooms, the old outlets on the floor mark the school's history. It is mandated that Bergtraum students know the proficient typing technique in order to succeed at Bergtraum. The vast array of computer based courses rivals those of other business high schools.

[edit] Student Body

Murry Bergtraum has 3,000 students and a diverse student body The ethnic composition is as follows[8]:

Bergtraum has been populated by more females than males in previous years. As of the 2007-2008 school year, 50.04% of Bergtraum students are female and 49.96% of Bergtraum students are male.

The building hosts students with special needs such as mental or physical disabilities, or hearing impairment. Wheelchair-bound students can sometimes be seen throughout the building. The school is only one out of two in Lower Manhattan that also gives admittance to English as a second language (ESL) students. Out of the 3,000 plus students, 12.99% are ESL students.

[edit] Bergtraum Academics

Bergtraum students have the chance to jump ahead of their counterparts in the business area. Bergtraum has more business courses with more majors than all of the Manhattan Business themed High Schools combined. Bergtraum and Norman Thomas High School are the only schools in Manhattan that allow students to concentrate with one major. Students not only choose the business area they wish to concentrate on, but students also face academic rigor in their regular New York State mandated education requirements. Students are allowed to have the standard 65 passing grade, but are encouraged to have an 80+ average. In an interview in Bergtraum's newspaper, The Bergtraum Voice, Claire Panazzolo, an Ex-Assistant Principal of Business, stated that she "[w]anted Bergtraum to be the Stuyvesant of business". Students have been encouraged by many faculty members, among them Lillian Katz, College Advisor, who claims that the graduating class of 2006 was accepted to 85 different colleges and universities across the country, including schools of Ivy League caliber.

[edit] Business Programs

The main lobby of the Bergtraum building.
The main lobby of the Bergtraum building.

Bergtraum students acquire the skills to work in a business-like atmosphere. Bergtraum is divided into 8 houses, each house representing a specific major. Students in each house, or department, study in their major for their 4 years in high school. In addition, each Student must obtain a minimum of 44-50 credits in order to graduate, regardless of house. In each department, all students are mandated to take a keyboarding/business career exploration course for one year, or two semesters/terms.

[edit] Majors

Majors at Bergtraum were once known and categorized by "Houses". However, as the school began its year of reformation, these houses were renamed to "Academies" as of September 2006. Students of the Graduating Class of 2009 will be the last graduating class to be known and categorized by individual "Houses". These new academies would have directors that would oversee the academic and social activity of students.

[edit] Finance

At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy G" Students.

In the Finance major, students are introduced to accounting, business introduction, business analysis, law and computer applications, college level accounting, taxation, and financial investments.

The director of the Institute of Economics and Finance is currently Jared Vitolo.

[edit] Accounting

At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy J" Students.

In the Accounting major, students learn basic to complex accounting. This program mocks the previous stenography major that taught all types of stenography such as Gregg Stenography, Alpha Stenography, etc.

The director of the Accounting Academy is currently Barbara Cortez.

[edit] Human Resources Management

At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy E" Students.

In the Administrative Assistant Technology major, students are introduced to Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access programs, notetaking (Shorthand), business English, internet, business analysis, and business protocols.

The director of the Academy of Human Resources Management is currently Irene Gianacoplos.

[edit] Information Systems

At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy F" Students.

In the Information Systems major, students are introduced to MOS certifications in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access programs, integrated computer applications, and desktop publishing.

The director of the Information Systems Academy is currently Annita Bonner.

[edit] Global Marketing Travel and Tourism

At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy L" Students.

In the Travel and Tourism major, students are introduced to geography, computer systems, job shadowing, paid summer internships, and participate in the virtual enterprise program. This course is tied with the previous "L House" in order to make room for "Academy G"

The director of the Global Marketing Travel and Tourism Academy is currently Mark Melkonian.

[edit] Computer Science

At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy N" Students.

In the Computer Science major, students are introduced to QBasic, C++, HTML, Javascript, web page design, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access, desktop publishing, computer graphics, and participate in mentoring programs with Lehman Brothers.

The director of the Computer Science Institute is currently Anna Kavrakis.

[edit] Legal Studies

At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy L" Students.

In the Legal Studies major, students are introduced to business law, trial procedures, general law, basic law of contracts, real estate law, urban planning, constitutional law, and participate in courthouse visits.

The director of the Legal Studies Academy is currently Jose Cruz.

[edit] Marketing, Introduction to Business

At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy M" Students.

In the Marketing major, students are introduced to the principles of marketing and advertising, retailing, insurance, business law, business computer operations, sports marketing, and participate in the Estee Lauder retail academy. This major is tied along with the previous L and M houses. Both houses now contain the same conjunct courses.

The director of the Marketing Academy is currently Mark Malkonian.

[edit] Communications/Instructional Support/Special Education

At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "I, O, or Z Academy" Students.

Students in this house must follow procedures according to their respective major, however their classes are taught differently from regular education students.

The director of these departments currently is Ms. T. Austin

Since the attacks of September 11th 2001, Murry Bergtraum High School has been barricaded by Police Plaza.
Since the attacks of September 11th 2001, Murry Bergtraum High School has been barricaded by Police Plaza.

[edit] Murry Bergtraum and September 11, 2001

Murry Bergtraum High School, along with other high schools of the Lower Manhattan area were the first schools evacuated when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Although Bergtraum is located in the Lower East Side section of Manhattan, the school administration ordered an immediate evacuation of the building. Through the efforts of the staff and the cooperation of the students, the building was evacuated in three minutes. It was the first high school in New York City that had successful evacuation of students. Students were ordered to leave the premises in order to avoid any emergencies that could occur from the terrorist attacks. The school was labeled as a "Ground Zero" school (by the NYFD)--students were relocated to the High School of Art and Design in Upper Manhattan. The Bergtraum administration were unhappy with the relocation and appealed it, and their building was re-opened and students resumed their studies within a few days.

[edit] Graduation Requirements

Murry Bergtraum High School students face the same requirements as all students in New York City do. A minimum of 50-54 credits is required to graduate from Bergtraum, however, most of the students graduate with as many as 60 credits. Students are required to study [9]:

  • 4 years of historical studies, including Global History and American History. Regents exams are taken when the student finishes each course.
  • 3 years of science. Regents courses are available for Living Environment Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Marine Biology is available as an optional course, however no Regents exam is offered. Students must complete at least 2 Regents exams if offered Marine Biology in their freshman year. (In order to qualify for a Regents exam, students must complete 30 hours of laboratory instruction.)
  • 4 years of business study. Passing all business courses is mandated in order to graduate with the Bergtraum seal. Specific business courses will depend on the department the student is in.
  • Half a year of Musical Instruction/Appreciation.
  • Half a year of Art Instruction/Appreciation.
  • Half a year of an Internship based class. Internship classes are held in the school.
  • Work-Based Business Credit. Students who work a specific amount of hours each Semester qualify to receive an elective business credit.

[edit] Bergtraum's Reforms

The Uniform Code was debated for five consecutive years, in the 2006-2007 school year--white polo shirts were introduced to Bergtraum students. For the first time since 2001, Bergtraum's rumors became a reality. Students were given these Polo shirts (starting with an alpha order of white), with an ongoing order of approximately 20,000 shirts in 27 different colors, students bought shirts like these at Murry's Place, Bergtraum's School Store. Student Government operatives commenced by wearing these uniforms on September 27, 2006 in order to show students what the new dress code would be.
The Uniform Code was debated for five consecutive years, in the 2006-2007 school year--white polo shirts were introduced to Bergtraum students. For the first time since 2001, Bergtraum's rumors became a reality. Students were given these Polo shirts (starting with an alpha order of white), with an ongoing order of approximately 20,000 shirts in 27 different colors, students bought shirts like these at Murry's Place, Bergtraum's School Store. Student Government operatives commenced by wearing these uniforms on September 27, 2006 in order to show students what the new dress code would be.

The Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers began to face new ideas of reform during the Spring Term of the 2005-2006 academic school year. Due to certain measures to improve not only performance, but also student morale, new measures and new plans began to be introduced by the Principal, and the School Leadership Team. Certain reforms include:

A. The attempt to restore the Bergtraum building after 31 years of establishment.

B. A sharp decease in the amount of students admitted into the school. Incoming freshmen classes averaged to about 900 to 1000 students. As of August 2007, that number has dwindled down to approximately 800.

C. The introduction and the projected enforcement of a new dress code. This new ordinance was implemented in order to bring out a more professional themed environment into the school. Students now follow a mandatory dress for success every Wednesday and on the other four days of the school week wear white polo shirts with dark bottoms.

D. The continuation of a more heliocentric attitude and surveliance of freshmen.

E. It has been rumored as of October 2006, that new security cameras would be installed at Bergtraum in order to increase the security in the overcrowded school. The school currently faces a 131% overcrowding rate--that is, there are 36% more students than the building was designed to accommodate. Students criticized the New York City Board of Education for allowing non-applicants to gain entrance to the school.

[edit] Courses and Programs

Bergtraum offers many courses to its students, including:

[edit] Advanced Placement Courses

Advanced Placement courses, which are eligible for college credit, include Calculus AB, English Language and English Literature, Environmental Science, Accounting, United States History, and World History.

[edit] Non-Advanced Placement Elective Courses

Bergtraum has many elective courses for students to take that tend to be more advanced in their curriculum and more rigorous in their nature:

[edit] Partnerships

Bergtraum has many sponsors, especially in the corporate field, including:

[edit] International Travel

Bergtraum is also one of the few business high schools that allow their students to travel abroad to Europe. The program is currently sponsored by EF Tours, a travel organization in the United States. These international trips occur during the Mid-winter, and Spring recess weeks. This program was created in order to give students an insight to the world, along with the opportunities that come along with it. The program has been running for a few years with Ms. Ada Colon and Mr. Jose Cruz. Each year, about 40-80 students travel to Europe. This program has started since the year 2006 and the destinations and years are listed below:

2006

2007:

2008:

In 2009 [Tentative]

[edit] PSAL Sports Teams

The school participates in the Public Schools Athletic League. The Bergtraum Lady Blazers is the second best girls' basketball team in the entire country, and the reigning ten-time city champion. Bergtraum also has other sports teams, including basketball, bowling, cross country, handball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, volleyball, softball, baseball, and soccer.

[edit] Awards and Recognition

Besides being ranked "A School Of Excellence" by U.S. News & World Report, Bergtraum has won countless awards in the sports area, The Kurt Thomas Investment Challenge, the ThinkQuest Awards, and the Lincoln-Douglas Debates.

ThinkQuest NYC Award winning teams, lead by Ms. D'Amato, Ms Ashley & Tony Cai:

[edit] Popular culture

[edit] Dress for Success Days

"Dress for Success days" are a long-time tradition started in business high schools. This provides the opportunity for students, including those of Bergtraum; to dress in business attire. The original philosophy was to have students dress appropriately for school, but over the span of 31 years, business collaboratives expressed interest in hiring students fresh out of high school. Meaning that "Dress for Success" at Bergtraum was also created to prepare students for the demands of the workforce, and in turn, students are approached and offered internships with business collaboratives or with alumni who run their own businesses.

As of August 2007, the Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers has made dressing for success a mandatory event.

[edit] Notable Alumni

[edit] Notable Faculty

  • Noreen Begley was the first woman in 1992 to coach boys basketball when she coached the Blazers to the finals in what was known during as the "B division."
  • Ed Berg, former faculty member, was the chairman of Social Science department and best remembered for having taught Advance Placement Economics competitively by expunging the students, midyear, who were performing on the lower half of the class curve.
  • Carolyn Powell, Ph.D, known to some as the successor of Ed Berg, Dr. Powell is known for having the one of the most rigorous curriculums in New York State. Her policies are tough, and it is often remarked that her classes were extremely competitive to get into and her exams were created with an approach used at colleges and universities.
  • Irene Gianacoplos is the last coordinator and one of the few shorthand supporters/instructors in the Public Education system. Out of all schools in New York City, Bergtraum is the only one in the public education system that offers the courses Irene Gianacoplos fosters.
  • Ann Marie Brown is one of the city's few Microsoft Office Experts.

[edit] Related Links

[edit] Department links


[edit] References