Freshman Orientation Class of 2020

Maspeth High School

Our Vision

Our vision is to prepare our children to
become leaders in all fields of personal
endeavors through academia and be
physically, emotionally and intellectually

healthy with determination and
compassion.

Our Mission

We implement a classical liberal arts and
sciences, college preparatory curriculum

that will train our students to become
critical thinkers and life-long learners with

strong character.

Our Core Values

Truth
Beauty
Goodness

English

Ms. Evangelia Papacostas

English Teacher
Email- [email protected]

9th Grade Curriculum

■  Classical Mythology
■  Global History I or AP World History I
■  Common Core Algebra or Common Core

Geometry
■  Biology, Research Biology or Honors Earth

Science
■  Latin I or Mandarin I
■  Physical Education
■  Arts: Visual Arts I / Classical Ballet I / String Orchestra I / Greco-

Roman Theater I/ Choral I

Summer Reading

9th Grade Classical Mythology Summer
Assignment: Read D’aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths,
answer comprehension questions & write essay. Due
on the first day of school. Book is available for sale
through the PTA or you can purchase the book at a
store or online.

Answers to questions can be found on
www.maspethhighschool.org.
Click Departments > Academics > English > 9th Grade
Classical Mythology

Maspeth High School ELA Skills

■  Public Speaking
■  Analytical Skills
■  Annotation Development
■  Essay Writing
■  Using Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
■  Reasoning and Logic
■  Rhetoric

Mathematics

Mr. Daniel Sepulveda

Mathematics Teacher
Email – [email protected]

Common Core Algebra

■  This course builds on the foundational
knowledge of arithmetic, number theory,
geometry, and algebra introduced in elementary
and middle school.

■  Study of expressions, equations, inequalities,
functions and data & statistics

■  Integrates Common Core standards to prepare
for Common Core Regents

Common Core Geometry

■  Study of 3D shapes, formal and informal
proofs, loci, coordinate geometry and
polygon theorems.

■  Incorporates algebraic skills to solve new
geometric problems.

Summer Bridge Program

■  July 11th - August 17th
■  Culminates in the Common Core Algebra

Regents on August 17th
■  Head start for incoming freshmen, able to

begin Geometry in September if you score
an 80 or above on the Common Core
Algebra Regents.
■  Permission Forms will be mailed to homes
based on middle school math scores.

Fine and Performing Arts

Mr. Eric Young

Department Chair
[email protected]

9th Grade Curriculum

String Orchestra I

*Learn the basics and fundamentals of
playing a string instrument, violin, viola,
cello or bass.
*Perform together in concerts
*Learn music history, starting with ancient
times
*Advanced performers may be invited to
join the advanced ensembles, which meet
after school
*Advanced ensembles perform more, go
on trips, and participate in music festivals
* Partnered with Ensemble ACJW for a
residency program for 2016-2018

9th Grade Curriculum

Choral I

-Explore the fundamentals of
vocal technique, sight singing,
and choral techniques
-Perform together in concerts
-Engage with historical texts and
repertoire
-Musical literacy and artistic
expression serve as the
foundation for building vocalists in
this program.
-Participate in after-school vocal
ensembles

9th Grade Curriculum

Classical Ballet I

-Learn the fundamentals and basics of
classical ballet
-Have performance opportunities in
school ballet productions
-Advanced students may be interested
in joining the after school program,
which puts on two fully staged ballets
a year
-Students in the program would also
have the opportunity to work with
some of the top dance companies in
the country, such as Alvin Ailey

9th Grade Curriculum

Theater:

■  -Theater History and Literature
■  -They will also learn the beginning

fundamentals of theater including acting
technique, playwriting, movement and
speech
■  -Each year the Theater Department
produces three fully produced plays and
one musical collaboration with the
dance and music department
■  -All MHS Theater students can earn an
Advanced Arts Diploma
■  -Other opportunities include Broadway
internships, Tech Theatre Club, Open
Doors Broadway mentorship program
through TDF , and the International
Thespian Society, Also opportunities for
international travel available

9th Grade Curriculum

Visual Art I

■  Learn the basics of drawing and
painting

■  Beginning techniques for 2D art,
including print making, charcoal, and
painting

■  Learn about the different kinds of art
throughout history, from Egyptian
through the Renaissance.

■  Advanced art students may enjoy the
art club, which focuses on painting and
drawing beyond the classroom

■  Students may also enjoy the ceramics
club, which focuses on more sculptural
and 3D art using clay.

Arts Endorsement

Students may earn an Arts endorsement to
the Regents or Advanced Regents Diploma if
they complete 9-10 credits in one art form
(dance, music, theater, or visual arts) and
pass the corresponding City Arts
assessment.

Classical Languages

Mr. Christopher Amanna

Department Chair
[email protected]

Languages at Maspeth

LATIN MANDARIN

Why Take Latin?

1. What you learn in Latin class relates to what you’re
learning in English, history, math, science, and art.

2. Latin makes learning Romance languages easier.
(Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Romanian)

3. Build your English vocabulary—over half of English

words come from Latin. SALVE!
4. It improves SAT scores.

5. It looks great on college
applications.

6. It’s challenging, but fun.

Why Take Mandarin?

1. Over 1 billion people speak
Mandarin Chinese—you can make
a lot of new friends!

2. Enriching cultural experiences
—music, art, film, TV, and food

3. Increase your opportunities for
travel and work.

4. It looks great on college
applications.

5. It’s challenging, but fun.

Instructional Support Services,
English Language Learners,
and Related Services

Mr. Jeremy Konar

ISS Teacher
Email- [email protected]

ISS, English Language Learners, and
Related Services

■ Maspeth High School has 9 special education
teachers, a full time speech language therapist,
a school psychologist and an English Language
Learner coordinator

■A  ll services are fully integrated with the general
education curriculum; all students are tracked for
Advanced Regents diplomas

Physical Education, Health &
PSAL

Ms. Anastasia Bitis

Physical Education Teacher
Email – [email protected]

Physical Education

P.E. UNIFORM
-  Any Maspeth t-shirt and Maspeth shorts

or sweats and sneakers with laces.

LOCKER ROOM
-  Lockers only for use during YOUR period

of P.E.
-  Do not be a victim of theft- BRING A

LOCK!

PSAL & Intramural Sports

28 PSAL Sports Teams & More

■  Varsity Girls Badminton ■  Varsity Boys Baseball
■  JV Girls Basketball ■  JV Boys Baseball
■  Varsity Girls Basketball ■  JV Boys Basketball
■  Varsity Girls Cross Country ■  Varsity Boys Basketball
■  Varsity Girls Fencing ■  Varsity Boys Lacrosse
■  Varsity Girls Flag Football ■  Varsity Boys Outdoor Track
■  Varsity Girls Handball ■  Varsity Boys Rugby
■  Varsity Girls Indoor Track ■  Varsity Boys Soccer
■  Varsity Girls Lacrosse ■  Varsity Boys Tennis
■  Varsity Girls Outdoor Track ■  Varsity Boys Wrestling
■  Varsity Girls Soccer ■  Varsity Co-Ed Cricket
■  Varsity Girls Softball
■  Varsity Girls Table Tennis
■  Varsity Girls Tennis
■  JV Girls Volleyball
■  Varsity Girls Volleyball
■  Varsity Girls Wrestling

Extracurricular Activities

Mr. Jesse Pachter

9th and 12th Grade Guidance Counselor
Email – [email protected]

Service Clubs

■ Key Club
■4  H Club
■ Red Cross Club
■ Green Club
■M  HS BuildOn
■ Future Doctors
■ Best Buddies
■L  eague of Presidents

Competitive Teams/Clubs

■ Judo Club
■ Fencing Club
■C  hess Team
■M  ock Trial/Moot Court
■ Debate Team
■ Speech Team
■S  cience Olympiad
■ Cheer Club
■ Robotics Club
■ Floor Hockey Club

Academic Clubs

■  Homeric Society
■  Band Club
■  ArgoNotes
■  Tech-Theater Club
■  Library Club
■  Mathematics Club
■  Fitness Club
■  Classics Club
■  Gilder Lehrman - History Club
■  Thespian Society
■  Unity Club
■  Student Government
■  Model United Nations
■  Science Club
■  MASA (Maspeth Aeronautics and Space Association)
■  Philosophy Club
■  Art Club
■  Junior State of America
■  Yoga Club

Honors Societies

■  National Honor Society (Arista Archon)
■  National Arts Honor Society
■  Tri-M Music Honor Society

Publications

■  Echo: School Magazine
■  Maspeth High School Yearbook
■T  he Maspeth Messenger: School Newspaper

Other Information About MHS
From Current 9th Grade
Students

Tips From Current 9th Graders
Jordan & Kacper

■  Always study because it will make class easier to
understand

■  Pay attention in class so you can be prepared
■  Have an agenda to write down all your homework
■  Always annotate because it really helps you understand

the book
■  Never be afraid to talk to your teachers because they’re

are really nice!

Tips From Current 9th Graders
Jordan & Kacper

■  Take advantage of office hours because your teachers
will really help you with homework and other material

■  Make an effort to join clubs and sports because it’s the
best way to get to know people and make friends.

■  Our guidance counselors are the best. They always
listen to what you say and try to help you.

■  Dress code isn’t as bad as you think it is

9th Grade Advisor

Mr. Evan Wichman

9th Grade Advisor & Choral Teacher
Email – [email protected]

Welcome Students and Ms. Theresa Geraci
Parents
PTA President
Class of 2020

[email protected]

National PTA’s Mission and Vision
Statement

•  The overall purpose of PTA is to make every
child’s potential a reality by engaging and
empowering families and communities to
advocate for all children.

•  Making every child’s potential a reality by
establishing the New York State Congress of
Parents and Teachers, Inc. (New York State
PTA) as the premier organization for parent
involvement and advocacy for all children.

Contributions and Accomplishments

•  Making Strides against Breast Cancer •  Science Fair
•  Flea Market
•  Thanks “For Giving” Dinner hosted •  Senior Farewell Lunch

by the PTA and Revival Club •  Donated to Athletic Club, Future
•  PSAL Judo and Volleyball Doctors Club, International Club,
National Honors Society, Art
Tournament Club, Science Club and College
•  Assisted Athletic Association at Fair Event.

Homecoming, Future Doctors Club •  Memorial Day Parade
“Relay for Life”
•  Teachers and Staff Appreciation Day
•  Free Student Savings Accounts with
TD Bank

Events

2016-2017 Added Events

•  Creation of a Student Public In order to succeed and achieve
our goals, we must as a group work
Relations Committee Club towards the following:
•  Charity and Family
•  Attend PTA Meetings
Community Event •  Participate in various events
•  Sade Hawkins Dance •  Donate various ways: monetary,
•  Animated Web Based PTA
baked goods/dish donation,
Newsletter your time
•  Alumni/Student Family •  Support MHS Students,
Teachers and Parents
Brunch

Other Important Matters

Ms. Darlene Dobbs-Harlley

Assistant Principal
Email - [email protected]

PPS Curriculum

Guidance counselors, school psychologists, and
social workers collaborate with all members of the

school community to provide comprehensive
support services with the goal of positively

impacting the academic achievement,
postsecondary preparedness, and social-emotional
development of all Maspeth High School students.

Open Lines of Communication

Maspeth High School prides itself on
keeping all lines of communication open
between the faculty members and the
parents/guardians of our student body.
We strongly encourage parental
involvement in order to ensure the
academic success of every student that
attends Maspeth High School.

Keeping Track

Parents utilize PupilPath to monitor the
progress of their child’s academic success.
Parents are able to view their child’s
grades online and see exactly what mark
the student received on a homework
assignment, test and/or project. Parents
are also able to see if their child is missing
any assignments in their classes.

Respect for All & Counseling

Mr. Justin Spiro

Social Worker
Email - [email protected]

Respect for All

Maspeth High School promotes a safe and
supportive learning environment, free
from discrimination and harassment.