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Seven high school sophomores and juniors recently returned from the JSA Northeast Spring State convention in Hartford, CT, with five Best Speaker awards, after a two-day event involving schools from New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. 

Junior State of America, or “JSA”, is a policy and debate organization helping students build leadership skills, learn civil debate, and strengthen their engagement through volunteering and activism. A student-run organization, JSA empowers young leaders to learn together, think critically, advocate opinions thoughtfully, respect opposing views and promote the common good.

“There were six debate blocks over the course of two days in addition to activism blocks in which students discussed important issues in society and how they can act on them,” said JSA advisor Heather Manley.

Back Row: Junior Jacob Alperin, sophomore Joseph Francois and juniors Obinna Njoku and Alpha Djalo

Front Row: Juniors Isabella Leon, Chelsea Christ, and Katalina Pimienta

“All students participate in the activism blocks. Students can sign up for as many debates as they want to be a main speaker, but typically, they only get selected for one or two.”

The debates, which run for up to an hour and in which students present a Pro or Con argument, included topics such as, “Social Media is Beneficial to the Development of Young Kids and Teenagers,” “Climate Change is the Most Pressing Issue of Our Time,” and “The United States Should Send Military Troops to Fight in Taiwan in the Case of an Invasion by China.”

The two-day event also included student-moderated Thought Talks, which are formal discussions and included topics such as, “Should the UN implement strict population caps on its member states?”

New Rochelle students Obinna Njoku, Katalina Pimienta, Isabella Leon, Jacob Alperin, and Joseph Francois won 'Best Speaker' awards in their respective debates. 

“Meeting with my fellow peers who feel as passionately about debate as I do was such a fun, educational experience. I had a great time strengthening my skills and educating myself on a variety of topics,” said Katalina. “Whether I was debating, or just listening to my fellow New Rochelle debaters, I had a rewarding experience which makes me anticipate next year even more.”

Obinna also valued the experience. “What I enjoyed most about Spring State was the opportunity to argue topics I was passionate about in a debate format, and constantly learning from the arguments of other delegates, which led to meaningful discussions," he said.

For Jacob Alperin: "Spring State was a great opportunity to debate students from other schools. We debate weekly in our club at NRHS, but it was fun and challenging to debate students from other schools, with different arguments and ideas, that we are not always exposed to."

"JSA is an amazing opportunity for students to develop as leaders, collaborate with their peers, and practice public speaking. Since it is a student-run organization, they are able to learn from one another and prepare themselves for the future. It is always exciting to see students grow and excel in these areas," said Ms. Manley. 

Jadhera Fernand learns about the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction role from CSDNR Executive Director for Educational Leadership and Early Learning Dr. Nicolas Cracco. 

Board of Education member Julia Muggia Ochs and Board of Education Vice President Adina Berrios Brooks receive policy ideas from from youth who were designated BOE members for the day.

Superintendent Jonathan Raymond gave students Jonathan Rosales, Elisandro Pulido, Andres Mendoza, and Andres Manzo a tour of school district offices, explaining each department's role in operating our school district. 

NRHS senior Elisandro Pulido was shocked to learn from Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business Carlos X. Leal that the school district budget is more than $300 million! 

Third graders and their families had two separate investigations, exploring forces and motions. They made a pendulum swing and a wrecking ball to learn how objects push each other and change motion. In the second investigation, families practiced yoga poses to discuss balance and unbalanced forces, and then built a spinner to simulate spinning motion and observed friction force.

Fourth graders and their families learned all about the crucial role of oysters in ocean health around the world, dissecting oysters that were shucked as they watched. They were able to see how the shell operates on a hinge and how tightly the shells fit together. Once opened they used a diagram to identify the oyster parts.   

They also used snap circuits, which teach basic engineering, electronics and circuitry concepts. Some of the circuits propelled a fan into the air, others had lights and made sounds. 

“What an amazing evening for Trinity staff and students,” said Ann Marie Manganiello, the STEAM Night facilitator. “Families enjoyed an evening of hands-on science, math and engineering activities. STEAM activities challenge students to think critically and find solutions to real world problems.”



Trinity teachers Ann Marie Manganiello, Johanna Vasquez, Yesenia Sanchez, Roz Costabile, Nicole Barney, Maria Torres, Denise Larkin, Adrienne Quinn, Rachel Collens, Jenny DiZenzo and Judy Ramirez were all on hand helping out. 

Brain Science Inspires Research

Junior Andreas Mulder has always been intrigued by how the brain functions, so it was relatively easy to narrow down his field of interest when he started the high school’s Science Research course in his sophomore year. 

Through a family contact, he was able to secure a mentor in Dr. Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla, a neuropsychologist and research professor at Cruces University Hospital in Bilbao, Spain and they came up with a project examining the connection between social isolation and mental health disorders in adolescents. 

“We had just gone through the Covid lockdown, and the opportunity to study isolated people on a large scale was presented,” said Andreas. 

With the help of Dr. Arango-Lasprilla, he created a survey that gathered data on adolescents’ moods, behaviors, or any other major lifestyle changes they experienced during the lockdown. Within a week he had about 800 respondents through Mturk, the crowdsourcing marketplace that science research students frequently use for far-reaching surveys.

“With this information, I was able to compare different groups of adolescents based on criteria such as their ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and age to draw conclusions on which groups might be the most vulnerable.”

The research revealed some interesting insights, most notably that those most affected by the lockdown were people who experienced a change in lifestyle. 

“Adolescents who were in small homes and couldn’t find their own space definitely experienced the steepest decline in mental health,” Andreas said. 

He also identified more mental health issues among minorities and girls. 

Andreas is not certain what topic he will pursue next year, the last of the three-year course, but it won’t be too far from what he has already worked on. 

“I’m going to look at something COVID related, and I’m definitely interested in mental health and adolescents,” he said.

He relishes the challenge that science research presents. “It’s not easy and it requires a lot of work. But as long as you find it interesting, I think it really pays off. It is so rewarding in the end to see your research concluded and that you’ve maybe come up with something that some researchers haven’t come up with yet,” he said. 

The course has enhanced his time management skills, Andreas said, and made him more disciplined. “I’ve developed a mentality to get the science research work done as soon as it’s assigned,” he said, adding, “I value the importance of creating a schedule that works for yourself instead of just studying for something like an exam.” 

One thing he will always take away from his science research experience is the presentation skills he has learned. “You have to really be prepared and know your subject.”

While he still has another year to go, the experience has given Andreas some clarity about what he is really interested in and he is considering pursuing psychology and neuropsychology, focusing on mental health disorders. 

Research at Einstein Paves the Way for Aspiring Physician

New Rochelle junior Obinna Njoku’s science research project into a gene that affects the neurodegenerative disease KAND sounds so complex that it may leave some people scratching their heads.

How can a high school junior come up with something like this? “The goal of our research was to understand a little more about the intrinsic properties of KIF1A, specifically how the specific loop of lysines (K-Loop)--found only in KIF1A--affect its motor function,” explains Obinna. 

Obinna’s is the kind of mind that the high school’s science research program unleashes, allowing students to find a topic of interest and take it as far as they can. 

Working with two mentors, Dr. Ana Asenjo and Dr. Hernando Sosa of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Obinna says his research has advanced science and has real-world implications. “It helps scientists to better narrow down possible causes for KAND. Understanding how the gene KIF1A works in terms of its ability to travel is important for better understanding several other diseases which are tied to -- or are similar to -- KAND, such as spastic paraplegia and multiple sclerosis.”

Thanks to his mentors Obinna had access to a lab at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx last summer, spending three weeks on his project.

While he has another year of school -- and science research -- ahead of him, Obinna feels his experience in the class has set him up for success. “The science research program has taught me how to really look for information – how to dive deeper than a simple Google search and to really find the answers that I need.”

Like others, Obinna acknowledges the commitment and effort required to succeed in science research. “I would say that it is a great program—but it requires a lot of will power to push through it. However, it is DEFINITELY worth it and no matter what you do if you stick with the program, you will see the benefits and enjoy it along the way.”

Obinna participated in the WESEF poster presentation competition last month, in which the young scientists are required to explain their work in an eight-minute presentation. He received an honorable mention in his category.

The program has other benefits too, he said, expanding social horizons. “It has also exposed me to new people that I most likely never would have met if I did not participate and go on competitions.”

Next year Obinna plans to continue his research in the same field. It will come as no surprise that he has his sights set on becoming a doctor, (specifically, a general practitioner), and hopes to study biology and pre-med at Columbia. 

Science Research Program Spurs Interest in Medical Career

Binghamton-bound Ariel Rosencrantz is more than ready for college, in large part, she believes, due to her experience in the high school’s three-year science research course. 

The senior will be studying biology and has been accepted into the college’s First Year Research Immersion Program (FRI), “which is ultimately a science research program in the course of three semesters,” she said. 

“I do feel very prepared. In the FRI you do research, write research papers, and present it in front of faculty and other students, which is exactly what I’ve been doing in high school. The only difference is that I will be doing biological research, which is more lab-based, while in high school, I did research in the psychological field,” she said. 

Ariel’s research at New Rochelle High School examined the connection between food allergies and anxiety, work that last year earned her a fourth place in the Behavioral Science category at the Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF), and second place in the Physiological & Experimental Psychology category at the Tri-County Science Fair. This year, with a further-refined project and more research, she placed first in the Behavioral Science category at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, and second at WESEF. 

While it is typical for students to seek out and work with a mentor, a professional in their area of research, Ariel achieved all this without an official mentor, although she said that science research teacher Jeff Wuebber helped, especially with getting her survey out to the public. 

Her work this year involved modifying an existing research tool (the Scale of Food Allergy Anxiety, or the SOFAA), so that it applied to adults and determined that her version (the M-SOFAA) was a valid measure, with real-worth implications. “It can be implemented into medical facilities to determine the presence of food-allergy-related anxiety, which can allow for a specific understanding of where the anxiety is stemming from. Therefore, food allergic individuals can create better adjustments to understand and treat their own anxiety, such as going to therapy,” she said. 

Ariel believes her Science Research experience has already had a big impact on her. “Science Research has taught me to work hard for success and has helped me grow as a student and individual. Overall, it has been a great and impactful experience,” she said. “It has helped with critical thinking, as I read many journal articles and analyzed them. I have also become a better public speaker due to the various presentations that we had to do in the program. Because of joining this program, I am now able to give a compelling and detailed presentation with confidence.”

She said that although the course is three years, from 10th to 12th grade, the ninth grade option of Pre-Science Research is very valuable. “The class helps freshmen with the basic skills that science research students use in the following years. Specifically, we did short presentations on topics we were interested in to help with public speaking skills, read journal articles to be introduced to research in the field that we wanted to study, and we completed many more assignments to better prepare for the program.” 

As she embarks on a new phase of her life, Ariel is leaving her career options open. “I’m thinking of either going into immunology (maybe a food allergist) or becoming a veterinarian,” she said. 

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) honored New Rochelle High School social studies teacher Francisco Sandoval with the Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award at a ceremony on April 25.

Susan Goldberg was a dedicated English teacher at Thornwood’s Westlake Middle School, and the award is a living testimony to her passion to eradicate hatred and bigotry through education and her personal courage to rise above adversity. 

The award, established in 2003, “is presented annually to an educator in our area who has made distinguished contributions to their school and community on teaching about the Holocaust and other violations of human rights,” a press release from the organization stated. 

Mr. Sandoval was recognized for his dedication to human rights education and for his determination to bring the lessons of the Holocaust and other human rights violations to his students. 

“This award means a lot to me. It's the culmination of all of my years of teaching and all of Professional Development I have attended since I began my career,” Sandoval said. “The Holocaust has been one of the time periods in history that I have spent plenty of time researching and teaching to my students, it's extremely validating to receive.”

A graduate of New Rochelle High School and Manhattanville College, Mr. Sandoval teaches Global and American history. At New Rochelle High School, he made distinguished contributions to his students and their families as a social studies teacher and  advisor to several student organizations. In 2020, he was instrumental in the creation of a poster exhibition that highlights the history and significant role of Latino Immigrants in the city of New Rochelle. 

“I was speechless when I heard I was receiving it (the award),” Sandoval said. “This award has been given to some extraordinary teachers since 2003, so it really is an honor to join that list of colleagues I look up to.”

Social Studies Department chairman, Gustavo Barbosa, said of Mr. Sandoval, “In the classroom, he is a passionate teacher who clearly understands the need and value of teaching his students about the Holocaust and other violations of human rights. He is a great success story and a positive role model. We hope that many of our students are inspired to emulate his work ethic and passion for social justice.”

In 2018, Francisco  participated in the HHREC Educators’ Trip to Germany and Poland. He has since joined the HHREC Educators’ Program Committee and has been instrumental in the development of new programs that further the study of the Holocaust and human rights education.   

“Francisco’s willingness to continue his education reflects his desire to provide his students with new insights and comprehension of the difficult subject of the Holocaust and its lessons” said Steve Goldberg, HHREC Director of Education. 

The award was presented at the annual William H. Donat Shoah Commemoration at Iona University on Tuesday. 

Salad in the Making at Trinity

Daniel Webster students in grades 2 through 5 performed in the KJK Productions' performances of Annie Jr. on April 23. Fourth and fifth grade students were cast members supported by second and third grade students in the chorus. The young actors rehearsed for two weeks before their two performances last Sunday. 

Christopher W., who played President Roosevelt in the production, said, "It was a very engaging and fun experience to be able to do the play with all of my friends. I really enjoyed it."

Rebecca C played Molly. She added, "It was fun to wear the costumes and learn to say the lines with feeling."

Students are already looking forward to next year's production. 

Alyssa Moran’s first grade class recently enjoyed a repeat mystery reader, Superintendent Jonathan Raymond, who stopped by the Barnard library to read “Corduroy.”  

“He was an inspiration for the children to read and they really enjoyed meeting our superintendent and having him in our class,” said Mrs. Moran. Pugal K. said " I loved it when Corduroy thought the escalator was a mountain!"

“These amazing students are exploring writing their own book thanks to our mystery reader initiative,” said Mrs. Moran.  

Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business Carlos Leal also popped into Ms. Bailey’s second grade classroom to share the book “Chato’s Kitchen,” which is about a hip cat in East L.A. who invites himself to dinner with a family of mice only to find a surprise guest when he arrives. The book is in English and infused with Spanish phrases and quotes. 

“I don’t speak Spanish, but I hear it a lot,” exclaimed one student. “It was nice to hear a story that way!” 

ATHLETICS

The New Rochelle High School Pioneers had an outstanding day of competition at Spring Games at West Point on April 22. The event was run entirely by West Point cadets. It began with a parade assembly and opening ceremonies.

The athletes, West Point cadets, and unified partners formed a special bond during the event. New Rochelle High School had four athletes competing in unified partner events: turbo javelin and 100 meter relay. Pioneer athletes also competed in the traditional 100 meter, 200 meter, shot put, and turbo javelin events.

The athletes shared what they liked most about the Spring Games:

"I enjoyed running, I enjoyed being with my friends. Thank you Coach Boychew for this experience," said athlete Anderson Alvarez. 

"I enjoyed running the 200m dash and throwing the turbo javelin. Winning 2 medals and one ribbon made me happy," said athlete Maggie Towers. 

"My favorite thing was the relay race. I got an award too," said athlete Christopher Conte.

"Being part of the relay," said athlete Giovanni Mungia.

"My favorite thing was winning a medal in the turbo javelin," said by Salvador Corona.

"I enjoyed the 100-200 meter run and the turbo javelin," said Adrian Somoza - Almeda.

Parents, other family members, friends, and teachers attended to enjoy the day and cheer on our athletes. 

Girls Track

The NRHS Girls Track team brought home five medals from the Mount Relays at Mount St. Michael Academy:

Malaya Lathan finished third in the 400M and fifth in long jump; Gabrielle Barnett placed fifth in the 400M and third in long jump;

Sophia Ochoa came in second in the high jump; Eko Dodd-Brown placed fifth in the high jump; and Alexis Smith came in fourth in the long jump.

Kylie Griffith finished first in the Triple Jump; Sabiha Dodd-Brown was second in the discus and third in the javelin; Delaney Jacobs placed second in javelin; Rosselin Parra came in fourth in the javelin; Ashley Cumberbatch came in fourth in the Shot Put.

Sophomore 4 x 100 comprised of Destiny Demonsthene, Madison Sudu, Hannah Petenkemani, and Mariana Reyes took first place.

Varsity 4 x 200 Relay Team comprised of Sharon Yang, Emily Saglibene, Sandra Botensten and Rosie Palmer took third place.

The Varsity 4 x 100 Relay Team was comprised of Eko Dodd-Brown, Alexis Smith, Kassidy Griffith, Kylie Griffith.

The Girls track team won the championship at the Fulton Invitational at Harrison High School.

Winning their events were:

Rosie Palmer - 300M

Kaitlin Casas - 1500M

Eko Dodd-Brown - 100 Hurdles

Shakiera Stupart - Shot Put

Sophia Ochoa - High Jump

Alexis Smith - Long Jump

4 x 400 Relay Team consisting of Nyah Rosado, Destiny Domonstene, Kaitlin Casas, and Kassidy Griffith

Mia Torres - Pole Vault

Girls' Softball

The Girls' Softball team defeated their league rival, Mamaroneck 11-6.

8th grader Olivia Alperin hit her first career home run at Pelham. Congratulations!

Girls and Boys Track

The girls and boys track teams continue to dominate their league rivals to win the league championship. The following athletes earned All-League for the 1st place performance:

Gabrielle Barnett in Pentathlon

Kaitlin Casas in 800M and 1500M

Samantha Delgado in 1500M Race Walk

Mia Torres in Pole Vault

Alexis Smith in Long Jump

Chris Maple-Ellis in Long Jump

Isaac Maiese om 3000M

Manasi Simpkins in High Jump

Isaac Evans in Triple Jump

Mike Godshall in Pole Vault

Boys Varsity Lacrosse

The Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team was defeated by Dobbs Ferry 7-6 as Dobbs Ferry scored the winning goal with 21 seconds left in the game. Jude Brickle and Ben Deutsch scored two goals apiece for the Huguenots and Liam Maliniak made 20 saves.

Boys' Lacrosse Team had a big victory over Harrison 6-5 as Ben Deutsch had the winning goal for the Huguenots.

Varsity Baseball

The Varsity Baseball Team is back from their spring trip to Florida.

The team had back-to-back victories over Mamaroneck for the first time in 15 years.

This week, they defeated Clarkstown South 3-2 in 10 innings.

The team was led by Anthony Mezzaucella who went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI's; Robby Glusker scored the go-ahead run; Vianny Goris went 2 for 4 and had the go-ahead RBI. Will Rangel pitched 4 no-hit innings while striking out 4 and earning the win. Pitchers Jeremiah Holder, Ethan Portnoff, Ben Cave, and Will Rangel combined to pitch 10 innings and surrendering only 3 hits! 

On Wednesday, the baseball team defeated Lincoln 13-0 in 5 innings. Ben Cave tossed a five-inning no hitter, with eight strikeouts and two walks.

https://www.nred.org/page/flyers-events

The City School District of New Rochelle is pleased to distribute this Newsletter during the academic year to highlight news, our students, teachers, staff, programs, innovations, services, and activities.

City School District of New Rochelle | nred.org