Academics - Clarkstown High School North

the basis for intellectual and emotional growth and development.
crucial in the development of people who become contributing members of society.
the journey, not the destination.
the shared responsibility of students, families, teachers, school administrators and the community.

We believe the staff...

promote a positive and cooperative culture where all parties are treated with dignity and respect.
promote intellectual curiosity that will inspire a personal passion for lifelong learning.
inspire students to make meaningful, real world connections with the content learned in school.
differentiate instruction and interactions with students to ensure the success of ALL students.
provide a safe and secure learning environment.

We believe students...

have different strengths and learning styles.
take responsibility for identifying their own learning styles to enhance their academic success.
learn to work collaboratively and take risks to solve problems.
value and respect their differences as individuals.
question, reflect and advocate to develop strong character and overcome challenges.
learn and grow through classroom instruction, extracurricular opportunities and activities.
use dynamic technologies to solve problems and form global connections.
apply their knowledge and experiences to foster future success.

We believe parents...

offer encouragement, support and guidance to students.
maintain a relationship with staff to ensure each student’s personal and academic well-being.

Profile of the Graduate

Upon graduation, through the guidance of faculty, staff and administration, graduates of Clarkstown High School North will be able to...

Core Knowledge

Apply mathematical and scientific concepts to everyday situations.
Communicate in a world language other than English.
Use technology responsibly as a tool to gather, process and communicate information.
Demonstrate and appreciate creativity in the arts in ways of thinking and self-expression.
Use strong communication skills to articulate a viewpoint about a specific topic through public speaking or the written word.
Recognize and analyze multiple perspectives from primary and secondary sources.
Demonstrate an increased tolerance and understanding of diverse cultures through the study of history, geography, world languages, the arts and literature.

Characteristics

Become discriminating consumers of information.
Work collaboratively with others.
Effectively manage time and demonstrate organizational skills.
Take ownership of tasks, actions and choices.
Understand and value the emotional, physical and financial benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Demonstrate responsibility by responding positively to setbacks or adversity.
Communicate beliefs in a positive, productive manner.
Identify personal strengths and weaknesses in order to set short- and long-term goals.
Develop ethical, personal and civic responsibilities.
Effectively advocate for themselves.
Become appreciative and tolerant of opinions and views that differ from their own, and be able to discuss different perspectives with respect and patience.

College and Career Readiness Objective

Objective Statement

By 2023, students at Clarkstown High School North will demonstrate increased skills and knowledge for career and college readiness beyond standardized testing as measured by...

1) At least 15% of the senior class will be enrolled in the WISE program over the 2016 baseline data

Baseline Year: 2016
Baseline Data: 64% of students believe that the school provides activities that help them learn about career opportunities. In the 2015-16 school year, 0% of students are enrolled in the WISE program.

2) At least a 15% increase over the 2016 baseline data in staff reports through the development of collaborative lessons between disciplines and grade levels that encourage a cross-curricular application of skills for career and college readiness.

Baseline Year: 2016
Baseline Data:

— 64% of staff state that the skills and knowledge of the curriculum are well-articulated and coordinated between all teachers at each grade level and by teachers across grade levels.

— 42% of staff state that elementary, middle and secondary level staff members work cooperatively to provide a meaningful and logical progression of learning activities in the curriculum.

— 54% of staff state that student interaction (synchronous and asynchronous) with the faculty and other students is facilitated through a variety of means as an essential characteristic of the curriculum

Course Catalog

Goals

Middlestates in Action

Mission

Mission Statement

Clarkstown High School North is devoted to educating, empowering and enabling all students to become caring, contributing citizens who will positively impact the local and global community. The school recognizes that achievement is the shared responsibility of students, teachers and parents, and is committed to developing the mind, body and character of all students by focusing on high expectations, and personal and academic success.

Oral Reports

PD Objective

III. Organizational Capacity Objective

Objective Statement

By the year 2023, Clarkstown High School North will enhance in-District professional development opportunities as measured by...1) Increasing the amount of professional development hours to 24 hours per school year for professional development opportunities.

Baseline Data: In the 2015-16 school year, teachers were offered 17 hours of professional development opportunities.

2) Increasing staff participation in leading professional development opportunities by 10%.

Baseline Data: In the 2015-16 school year, 4% of the staff lead professional development in the building during staff development hours.

3) Increasing the number of subject area and/or professional experts and guest speakers invited to present to staff to five per year.

Baseline Year: 2016
Baseline Data: In the 2015-16 school year, one professional expert was invited to present to the staff.

4) Increasing the percentage of staff attending out-of-District professional development opportunities by 20%.

Baseline Year: 2016
Baseline Data: In the 2015-16 school year, 40 out of 121 staff members attended out-of-District professional development opportunities (33%).

Planning Team

Dr. Harry Leonardatos

Dr. Harry Leonardatos has previously served as both a Chair and team member of Middle States accreditation teams. In March 2017, he will again be serving as the Chair of a Middle States Accreditation Team. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Policy from the University at Albany (SUNY). He has been at Clarkstown High School North for 14 years and has been in his current role as Principal for 12 years. In his 30-year professional career as an educator, Dr. Leonardatos has been a middle school English teacher in the Bronx, a Social Studies high school teacher and Chair in Queens, a Principal of a K-8 school in the Bronx, and a Social Studies Chair, Assistant Principal, and Principal here at Clarkstown North. Dr. Leonardatos believes the Middle States accreditation process is the best way for a school system to self-reflect and evaluate what it has accomplished and to develop a pathway for the future.

Ms. Amy Pages

Ms. Amy Pages has been a staff member at North High School for 18 years. Ms. Pages began her career as a Spanish teacher in 1998 and spent 7 of those years as the World Languages Department Chairperson in which she led a department of 6 languages. Ms. Pages taught all levels of Spanish during her teaching career ranging from Spanish 2 through AP Spanish Language. Ms. Pages also partnered with South High School and other schools in various districts to bring new ideas and offer enriching programs to the language department. She facitliated the implimentation of the college courses through SUNY Albany in the department and led her department in new cultural events such as Avenue of Languages. She expanded her leadership and her career in Clarkstown when she became an Assistant Principal in 2009. As a building leader, she created and supported various community projects such as Power to Learn and served as a Co-Leader in Clarkstown's Dignity for All Task Force. Her love and commitment to the Clarkstown Central School District began when she was a student at Lakewood Elementary, Felix Festa Middle School and North High School. Ms. Pages is one of the internal coordinators for the Middle States process.

Ms. Mary Patella

Ms. Mary Patella has been a staff member at North High School for eleven years, having previously taught in New York City public schools. During her fourteen years as a mathematics teacher, she taught every level of mathematics between grades 7 and 12, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses. In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Patella served as North’s Coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This fall, Ms. Patella was appointed Interim Assistant Principal and enjoys every opportunity to assist staff and students in making the most of the learning and growth opportunities offered at North.

Ms. Jaime Maire

Ms. Jaime Maire has been a teacher in the Social Studies Department for the last 16 years. She currently teaches Advanced Placement World History and Advanced Global History and Geography 9H. She has also taught various levels of United States History and Government and Global History and Geography 10 throughout the years as well. Ms. Maire has served as a new teacher mentor and has been a member of numerous curriculum writing teams. In addition, Ms. Maire has served as the co-advisor of North’s Student Council for the last 10 years. This is the second time that Ms. Maire has served as an internal coordinator for Middle States here at North High School.

Ms. Nancy Rodi

Ms. Nancy Rodi has been an employee of the Clarkstown School District for nine years, working as a secretary in New City Elementary and now as an administrative assistant at Clarkstown High School North. In addition to her employment, she is a graduate of Clarkstown North and a parent to three children, two of which are graduates of North and one who is presently a junior student at North.

Mr. Jordan Turner

Mr. Jordan Turner has been a Social Studies Teacher at North High School for 23 years, spending the last seven as Department Chair. Mr. Turner has also been the adviser to the Yearbook, Model Congress Club, Sophomore Class, and National History Day. Mr. Turner coached softball as North for 14 years and has also coached Field Hockey at Clarkstown South for 22 years

Ms. Alina Poulos

Ms. Alina Poulos started her teaching career at Clarkstown High School North ten years ago. As a Spanish teacher and the chairperson in the World Languages department, Ms. Poulos strives to create a learning environment which is student centered, collaborative, and sensitive to students' diverse backgrounds. She coordinates events that celebrate the various cultures in our community such as Avenue of Languages and the World Languages Honor Society. In addition, as a former graduate of North High School, Ms. Poulos is enthusiastic and passionate about continuing to make a positive impact in the North community.

Ms. Karen Czajkowski

Ms. Karen Czajkowski has been an English teacher at North High School for 17 years and a department chair for about 10 of those years. She teaches AP Literature and IB Theory of Knowledge. In addition to heading a department of 13 teachers, she also coordinates Sticky Notes, the English Honor Society, and TEDX Youth. North's program Sticky Notes, which is hosted by English teachers, invites area schools to participate in day-long creative writing workshops run by students and published authors. The English Honor Society honors over 100 students every year for their exemplary English department service, participation, or achievement. Finally, TEDX Youth features a round up of student and faculty speakers who talk on a chosen topic, and is hosted by Forethought, North's philosophy club, which Ms. Czajkowski also co-advises. Ms. Czajkowski lives in the district and has two daughters who will one day attend North High School.

Mr. Edward Benvenuto

Mr. Edward Benvenuto has been a member of the Clarkstown High School North staff for 13 years. Throughout his first 10 years at North High School, Mr. Benvenuto served as a teacher in the Carousel Program, North High School’s Alternative Education program. In addition, he served as a dedicated member of the North High School Athletic Department. Coach B. was a Varsity Winter and Spring Track and Field coach and a Junior Varsity/Freshman Football coach. At present, he remains involved with North football while serving as a co-coach on the Felix Festa Middle School Modified Blue Football team. Three years ago, Mr. Benvenuto transitioned to the role of Teacher-Coordinator of the North High School Achievement Center, which assists students who are in need of Academic Intervention Services (AIS.) In addition to his role in the Achievement Center, Mr. Benvenuto also serves as the North High School Advanced Placement (AP) Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator. He is responsible for synchronizing the personnel for proctoring of exams, and managing the receipt, distribution, and administration of AP Examinations. He coordinates and monitors North High School’s compliance with Section 504 documents while maintaining and preserving confidentiality and ensuring documents are current and valid. Mr. Benvenuto truly enjoys working with young adults and they can see that they are respected and valued by him on a daily basis.

Ms. Stacie Bolin

Ms. Stacie Bolin has been a School Counselor at North High School for 12 years. Of the 12 years she has been Department Chairperson for seven. Ms. Bolin also coaches the Dance Team.

Ms. Nancy Diamond

Ms. Nancy Diamond has been a staff member at North High School for 28 years. During this time Mrs. Diamond has taught just about every course in the Art department, many of which she founded (for example, Computer Graphics, Photography and Art History). Ms. Diamond has been the chairperson of the Art Department for the past 17 years and takes great pride in the department's staff and the boundless energy they devote to the students and the courses. Within her department, Ms. Diamond works tirelessly to promote the arts. Over the years this has included the development of events such as the Visual Arts Career Day, the Visual Arts College Portfolio Review Day (NHS is the only high school to host such an event), the pursuit of affiliation with Seton Hall University for the creation of 5 college level art courses in the department, not to mention the development of infinite opportunities for students to create murals, as well as showcase their work in contests and exhibits, both locally and nationally. Mrs. Diamond maintains 5 different websites within the department to showcase these activities. In addition to her passion for art, Ms. Diamond is dedicated to encouraging the school community to engage in charitable, co-operative and unifying actions. Much of this work takes place with students through, not only her classes, but also her advisement of the Art Honor Society. Additionally, Ms. Diamond prides herself on engaging in similar works with the school as a whole. Her self proclaimed title of CMO (Chief Morale Officer) has grown out of the numerous school wide initiatives where by coming together as a school we have achieved more than we could as any one individual. A few examples are the funding for the building of a fresh-water well in a community in the Central Africa Republic, the creation of a school wide art installation that wrapped mural size portraits of staff and students around the exterior of our school, and the establishment of the first high school student art exhibit at the Ellis Island Museum.

Mr. Robert Bauer

Mr. Robert Bauer has been a staff member at North High School for 28 years. Mr. Bauer spent 28 years as a Physical Education teacher and now serves as the department chairperson for Physical Education and Health. Mr. Bauer has coached football and baseball for North. He coached the only team from North that won the NY state championship for the high school in 2002. Compiling 263 - 128 -2 record, in his 16 years as the head coach. His 263 career wins are the most in the school's history for baseball. Mr. Bauer has collaborated with South High School and Felix Festa Middle School in creating the Physical Education Grading Rubric for the district. Through his guidance, the department has been moving forward with lifetime fitness activities and implementing a FitnessGram program. The program tests the students' growth in Aerobic capacity, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility.

Mr. Dennis Covert

Dennis Covert has been a member of the Clarkstown High School North faculty for 11 years. He teaches physics and astronomy and has served as the department chair for an 18 teacher science department. Mr. Covert spent 16 years working as an engineer and manager for IBM before making the career change to teaching, which he has embraced as his life's work. Mr. Covert has served as a coach in the Clarkstown North baseball program since joining the faculty, taking pride in again wearing the same Rams colors he wore as a player. Mr. Covert attended New City Elementary, Felix Festa Middle School, and Clarkstown High School North. He has a wife and two sons attending school in the district, and remains active in leadership roles in multiple community organizations.

Ms. Tara Horowitz

Ms. Tara Horowitz has been inspiring Clarkstown High School North students to love math for 18 years. In that time she has taught classes of all levels from intensive to AP. Since 2004, she has served as the Math Department Co-chairperson. Throughout the last 13 years, she has led a collaborative effort with her department to analyze and implement the various curriculum changes, including, most recently, the Common Core State Standards. She has provided professional development for her department, as well as for teachers throughout Rockland County, to help them prepare for the changes in curriculum. In addition to being an educational leader, Ms. Horowitz is the co-adviser for Mu Alpha Theta and she helps coordinate math contests for the department.

Mr. Jonathan Chernick

Mr. Jonathan Chernick has been in the field of education for over 27 years. In that time he has taught middle and high school students in both urban and suburban environments. He has taught curriculums from 6^th grade through the Advanced Placement level. He is also an experienced ACT and SAT coach. For the past 13 years he has served as the Math Department Co-chairperson. In this time, he has led a department of 15 members through multiple curriculum changes including most recently the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Mr. Chernick is the co-advisor to the Math Honor Society, one of the Contest Coordinators of the Math Department and North High School’s General Organization Treasurer.

Mr. David Tepper

David Tepper has been a staff member at North High School for 9 years where he has taught Social Studies in both regular and special education.. Previously, Mr. Tepper taught in another district for 2.5 years, where he taught in an 8:1:1 Special Education program. Mr. Tepper attended Stony Brook University and earned his Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership in 2012. From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Tepper was an Internal Middle States Coordinator at NHS.. He also organized the data collection for the Mid-term Report. Mr. Tepper collaborated with department chairs, administrators and other stakeholders to complete the report.

Ms. Kimberly Hashim

Ms. Kimberly Hashim has been a Science Teacher at North High School for the past 23 years. She currently teaches Honors Chemistry, Regents Chemistry, and Conceptual Chemistry & Physics. In addition, she has also been a coach of the Science Olympiad team for the past 20 years. Ms. Hashim helped coordinate many of the reports and data for our Middle States process.

Ms. Mary Chamberlain

Ms. Mary Chamberlain is one of the newest members of the Clarkstown North family, joining us as the Special Education Department Chairperson this past year. She has worked in the Clarkstown Central School District for the past 12 years as a special education teacher at Felix V. Festa Middle School, and eventually as their Special Education Department Co-Chair. However, her career in Clarkstown began as a kindergarten student at Strawtown Elementary School. She then went on to attend Felix Festa Junior High, and eventually graduated from North. As a former athlete, she continues the tradition and coaches both soccer and track and field teams. Once a Ram always a Ram!

Mrs. Heidi Bernasconi

Heidi has been teaching at North since the fall of 2004. Her courses include Living Environment, Marine Biology and Intro into Occupations. In addition to her teaching, Heidi had served as the XC and Track Coach for 26 seasons. Now, Heidi serves as one of the Technology Liasions for the building and is also on the District's Technolgoy Committee. At North she also runs the Wellness Committee that focuses on staff and students making healthy life choices in and out of school. Heidi also serves as a Google Certified Trainer for our local area running workshops on Google Apps, Flipping the Classroom and 20% Projects with the Classroom. Heidi has worked with Google over the past years working on pilots for products such as Chromebooks, Google Classroom, Google Forms and Google Expeditions.

Ms. Jill Spector

Mrs. Jill Spector has 21 years teaching experience. Prior to working for the Clarkstown School District she was a teacher in the Yonkers Public School system educating students Kindergarten through eighth grade. She worked at the Micro-Society and Paideia Magnet Schools concentrating on specific program initiatives. While home raising a family, she volunteered as the Co-President for the Family Resource Center. During that time, she helped to organize and implement a pre-school program at Little Tor Elementary School, which was later adopted by other elementary schools in the district. Mrs. Spector has been employed by the Clarkstown Central School District for the past 13 years. She began working at Central Office as the Teacher Liaison on the Committee for Pre-School Education. This year marks her 11^th year at North High School where she teaches Special Education students 9^th-12^th grade. She currently teaches self-contained English, co-taught English, and Resource Room. For the past 2 years she has been co-adviser for the Junior Class. She has also served as the co-adviser for the SAM Club and Kid’s Wish for Kids Club. Mrs. Spector has two children. Her son graduated in June of 2016 and her daughter is currently a Junior at Clarkstown North High School.

Mr. Dan Murray

Dan Murray joined the Middle States team in his junior year. Within his four years at Clarkstown North, Dan has dedicated countless hours outside of his class schedule to extracurriculars such as the Philosophy Club, the Rock N’ Roll Appreciation Club’s annual concert production, as well as establishing the school’s Audio Visual Department responsible for all technical matters concerning school concerts, performances, and organized events. In addition to the Middle State committee, Dan also served as a student representative for the newly inducted WISE program, which allows students to pursue internships for desired career paths. As a student in the WISE program, he is currently contacting local and city based studios for possible experience for his desired major in studio production. Dan is extremely grateful for every opportunity Clarkstown North allowed him to pursue and is incredibly thankful for the tremendous wisdom, guidance, and outstanding encouragement that the staff of CHSN has provided for him. He credits several staff members for inspiring the morals and mentality that he holds onto today.

School Pride Objective

Objective Statement

By 2023, students at Clarkstown High School North will demonstrate an increased sense of school pride in the school community as measured by...1) At least a 10% increase in the number of students who know and understand the school mission statement.

Baseline Year: 2016
Baseline Data: Result of survey shows 80% of students know and understand the mission statement.

2) At least a 10% increase over the 2016 baseline data in the number of students who report that their accomplishments in clubs, academics, athletics and community events are recognized by the school.

Baseline Year: 2016
Baseline Data: Result of survey shows that 69% of students report that the school recognizes their accomplishments in meaningful ways.

3) At least a 10% increase over the 2016 baseline data in the number of students who report that the school’s leaders maintain positive relationships with parents, students and the community.

Baseline Year: 2016
Baseline Data: Result of survey shows that 66% of students report that the school’s leaders maintain a positive relationship with parents, students and the community.

4) At least a 10% increase over the 2016 baseline data in the number of students who report that they and their families are proud and support the school.

Baseline Year: 2016
Baseline Data: Result of survey shows that 75% of students are proud and support the school.