Middletown High School graduation a milestone

JUNE 2008—Over 350 Middletown High School seniors graduated on Friday, June 27, at the Class of 2008 graduation ceremony. Congratulations to the Class of 2008 and their families! Click here for the list of graduates. If you would like to request a revised program, please contact MHS at 326-1600 or 326-1601. The MHS Parents Club would like to thank the businesses and several individuals for their  support of the All Night Graduation Party. Click here to view those that participated.

Honor Grads for the Class of 2008

JUNE 2008—Middletown High School has announced its honor graduates for the Class of 2008. Click here to view a photo of the group and read about their plans after high school!

Baccalaureate Dinner recognizes students receiving scholarships and awards

JUNE 2008—Over 100 Middletown High School students were recognized at the school's annual Baccalaureate Dinner on June 26 at Monhagen Middle School. Click here to view the list of those students awarded with scholarships and special recognitions.

MHS student Aarti Agarwal with Principal Alan Gonzalez.

High School honors students at 26th Annual Academic Awards

MAY 2008—Middletown High School's 26th Annual Awards Banquet was held on May 28, at Kuhl's Highland House in Middletown, to honor the many outstanding achievements of over 300 high school students this school year. Click here to view the list of honorees.

Click here for Project SUCCESS letter sent home to all parents!

Malyka Hamilton

APRIL 2008—As part of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) grant initiative, students in our district  participated in the Alcohol Awareness Month campaign this April. Activities, such as a slogan contest, a health fair, and pledge signing gave students the opportunity to get involved.

Sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Alcohol Awareness Month recognizes the serious problem of alcohol abuse in our county and tries to reach the American public with important information about alcoholism and alcohol abuse. This year's theme is “Saving Lives: Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking.”

At the high school a slogan contest was held and senior Malyka Hamilton was voted the winner. Her slogan "We are teenagers with zero proof" will be part of a school-wide public awareness campaign.
 

Middletown High School students taste freshly made couscous and sea scallops   on April 3. During her visit, Chef Hammonds (pictured at left) also spoke of the programs the Culinary has to offer prospective students.

High schoolers take on food with CIA Chef
APRIL 2008—On April 3, students in several foods classes at Middletown High School got the chance to learn all about the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), located in Hyde Park, NY, from CIA Chef Amanda Hammonds.

Chef Hammonds talked to students about the CIA's programs and offerings, and then got to work showing off her cooking skills. She prepared sea scallops and couscous for students to taste and also played a culinary trivia game with classes.

This visit is just one of many from admission professionals this school year. According to Lisa Parker, College & Career Advisor, "visits like this are a great opportunity for our students to learn about different colleges and programs that are available to them.”

Students selected to Orange County Music Educators' All County festival
APRIL 2008—The following students have been selected as members of the 2008 Orange County Music Educators' Association's Middle School All-County ensembles from MHS: Jessica Mann and Jack Rifkin.

Middletown students 'run for hope'
MARCH 2008—Members of the MHS track teams laced up their running shoes on Tues., March 11 and ran a little over a mile to Saint Teresa's Nursing & Rehab Center to deliver a little bit of hope to residents.

As part of the American Cancer Society's annual Daffodil Days, high schoolers participated in the Run for Hope—an national initiative to raise awareness about cancer and bring hope to patients and survivors.

Shop Rite teams up with Middletown football
MARCH 2008—The Middletown football team recently received a $1,000 donation from Shop Rite on Route 211 to put toward purchasing food and additional supplies for the team’s football camp this summer. “This is a tremendous offering from Shop Rite,” said Athletic Director David Coates. “We really appreciate the support.”

Joseph Abramo, MHS teacher, (right) and retired teacher Bruce Hampshire perform on March 7.

The scholarship, instituted in honor of John Brigham, a Middletown music teacher who passed away in 1991, is a scholarship awarded each year to a graduating high school senior who is planning to major or minor in music in college. Each year, Middletown music staff members host the concert to raise funds for the scholarship by putting on a variety of musical acts and this year was no exception. Staff from the high school, middle and elementary schools all participated!

According to Greg Bennett, K-12 music department chair, the recipient of the scholarship will be announced after all applications from MHS students have been reviewed.

About 450 MHS students make the grade
MARCH 2008—Students that achieved high honor roll and honor roll status, about 450 total, were recognized at the second Renaissance Breakfast held at Middletown High School on March 4. Students got the chance to win gift certificates and other prizes as part of the Renaissance raffle and the following students were honored for having the highest GPA in their class: Vaclav Barina, David McCarey, Kevin Fiero, and Michael Dinunzio. Click here to see a list of all those that made high honor roll and honor roll!

Project SUCCESS™ brings prevention education and awareness
MARCH 2008—Project SUCCESS™, a national school-based program that focuses on reducing the factors that put students at risk for substance abuse, is providing prevention education, individual and group counseling, school-wide awareness, outreach activities, and parent programs to secondary Middletown students and their families. Click here to read more!

Students in the Pipers performed for Truman Moon & Maple Hill students on Feb. 14.

The Pipers are set to compete at Disney in April and used their district-wide tour as extra practice and as a way to connect with younger students that may one day be interested in being a Piper too. After their routine, students took time out to meet students and answer some questions.

Teacher Paul Freely, at left, talks to high schoolers about what Medieval England was like in 1430.

Past revisited as kids meet William Thatcher
FEB. 2008—Medieval England visited Middletown High School when William Thatcher, Paul Freely, global studies special education teacher at the school, visited the students from the year 1430. Captain Thatcher showed students how a proper English Yeoman dressed, what chain mail looked and felt like, and how he served the Duke of Glouster as a forester on his manor of Lagrange. He also explained how Englishmen were trained to use the longbow, how to make arrows, and why arrows had different colored fletching (feathers). In addition, Captain Thatcher spoke to classes about his experience as one of the archers in King Henry V’s army at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.

Freely has been a teacher for five years and is new to Middletown after teaching in the Bronx. He loves teaching history and bringing new methods of teaching into the classroom. An actor in his spare time, Freely has been a member of the performance company of the New York Renaissance Faire for the past nine years. He has portrayed Little John from the Robin Hood legend, and Sir William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, Queen Elizabeth I’s chief advisor. He has also portrayed King Henry VIII for the past two years at the Kingston Mayfair. He is hoping this will become a continuing method of bringing the past alive in the classroom.

Graduation a milestone for high school students
FEB.2008—About 30 high school students graduated on Feb. 6—and their milestone of earning a high school diploma didn’t go unnoticed. Board of Education members, district and high school administrators and family and friends all turned out for winter commencement to cheer graduates on.

Dr. Kenneth Eastwood, Superintendent, Rose Tobiassen, Board of Education President, along with Alan Gonzalez, Executive Principal, congratulated graduates and wished them luck as they look toward the future and life after high school. 

“Learning never stops. The more you learn, the more you achieve,” said Dr. Eastwood. “Congratulations on accomplishing one of your dreams. May the rest be as successful as today.”

For many, traditional graduation season is still months away. However, Middletown holds an annual winter commencement for those students that may have needed an extra semester to fulfill graduation requirements and don’t want to wait until June to be recognized. It also gives students that have earned enough credits to graduate early the chance to do so. 

Many students that graduated are headed off to top notch colleges throughout New York State with aspirations of studying fashion, nursing, law enforcement, childhood education, social work, and TV production, to name a few. Click here for a list of graduates and photos!

Two Middletown residents receive diplomas thanks to Operation Recognition
Two Middletown residents also received their high school diplomas on Feb. 6, thanks to Operation Recognition—a program that allows veterans of World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam War, who were unable to complete their education, to be awarded their high school diploma. 

Cornelius Ware, Middletown staff member for 14 years and currently a security aide at the high school, was drafted into the US Army in 1968.  He served honorably during the Vietnam conflict and served 25 years with the State Government and retired in 2003.  He plans on attending Orange County Community College in the fall of 2008.  

Richard Gould was born at Horton Hospital and attended grade school in Middletown and then in the ninth grade Gould entered the Army. He served from June of 1967 until 1973. 

Kids hear King's message loud and clear thank to Dr. Rev. William Best
FEB.2008—Kids at Middletown High School heard his message loud and clear—all people are created equal. Although not the case in America at the time when Dr. Martin Luther King was alive, his ideas of acceptance and tolerance continue to spread like wildfire thanks to speakers like Dr. Rev. William Best, a supporter of King’s message and the district’s student support services facilitator.

MHS students take to the stage and bring poetry to life

JAN.2008—Nearly 20 Middletown High School students commanded the stage on Jan. 9 during the first annual Poetry Out Loud Recitation Contest. One by one, students looked out into the crowd and bravely recited two poems of their choice as part of the competition aimed at helping students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary works. Junior Alexandra Haines (at left) won the competition, while students Dominique Witsell and Natalie Torres placed second and third. Click here to read more!

Students honored at Excellent Attendance Ice Cream Social 
DEC.2007—It may be cold outside, but MHS students being honored at the school's first annual Excellent Attendance Ice Cream Social didn't mind. Students dug in and ate ice cream all the while being congratulated by school administration for having an attendance record of 95 percent or higher for the first marking period. Congratulations!

In January 2008, the group hopes to participate in No Name-Calling Week, during which NHS members will teach students in the elementary and middle schools about tolerance. Also in January, NHS hopes to read aloud to children in the elementary schools.

MHS makes the grade
School meets all New York State Standards for the 2006-2007 school year
DEC.2007—Middletown High School has met and/or exceeded all New York State Standards for the 2006-2007 school year. This is the first year since 2000 that the high school has met all State standards.

As the district has been reporting, the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 requires the State Education Department (SED) to annually  review the performance of each public school district that receives Title I funds to ensure Annual Yearly Progress (AYP).  Through the support of the Board of Education, the painstaking work of the faculty and staff at Middletown High School, the collaboration of district staff with the high school staff, the encouragement of our parents and, most importantly, the diligent efforts of our students, the high school is one more evaluative cycle away from being removed from the New York SED's list of identified schools.

In order for a school to be removed from the identified list, it needs to meet all State standards for two consecutive years.  With your continued support, we look with great anticipation to meeting our AYP goals for the 2007-2008 school year, which will result in the removal of Middletown High School from the list of schools in need of improvement.

Student artists show off work at Regional Portfolio Day and get accepted by big name colleges
NOV.2007—Two of Middletown High School’s advanced painting students, Jessica Freamon and Elise Anzini, participated in Regional Portfolio Day a at the Mill Street Loft in Poughkeepsie, NY.

National Portfolio Day is an event specifically for visual artists and designers. It is an opportunity for those who wish to pursue an education in  visual and related arts to meet with representatives from colleges accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.  

Elise Anzini’s portfolio was accepted on the spot to three colleges including: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Moore College of Art and Marywood. Congratulations! Below is a pen and ink illustration by Elise.

High School recognizes honor roll students during Renaissance Breakfast
NOV.2007—Middletown High School students are achieving academic excellence and the school’s Renaissance Program is recognizing and rewarding them for it. Over 500 students in grades 9-12 were recognized for making the high honor roll and honor roll this quarter at the Nov. 26 Renaissance Breakfast.

The Renaissance Program, a partnership between the educational and business communities, recognizes and rewards students for their academic achievements throughout the school year.

Students piled into the cafeteria on Monday to share breakfast with one another and some students were lucky enough to win store discount coupons and local business gift certificates as part of a raffle held during the breakfast. Click here to see a photo gallery!

District welcomes ten exchange students at Middletown High School
NOV.2007—Ten exchange students from Korea, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Norway and Vietnam were welcomed by the Board of Education at the Nov. 1 meeting. Students are part of the International Student Exchange group and are currently staying with local host families while in Middletown.

All ten students are in grades 10, 11, or 12 and are attending classes and participating in school-related activities at Middletown High School. Students will finish out the school year and then return to their home country.

Students selected to the 2008 Orange County Music Educators' Association's High School All-County ensembles
NOV.2007—Congratulations to the student members of the Middletown High School Music Department, who were announced today as being selected to the 2008 Orange County Music Educators' Association's High School All-County ensembles.  Click here to read more.

School Attendance: A high priority for Middletown
NOV.2007—Middletown City School District knows that in order for kids to learn, they need to be in school. That’s why home school liaisons at the high school, with some help from Melissa Laks, truancy-probation officer, are working hard to make sure high schoolers are making it to school on a daily basis and on time. Read more here.

Advocating success for kids
Academies celebrate 10-years in Middletown
OCT.2007—The National Academy Foundation (NAF) is in the business of helping kids succeed—and that’s just what’s happening in Middletown. The community recently celebrated students’ accomplishments in the Academies of Finance (AOF) and Information Technology (AOIT) at the Annual Internship Providers Dinner on Oct. 25. Also celebrated at the dinner was the tenth anniversary of the Academies, established at Middletown High School in 1997.

Click here to read more and view a photo gallery!

NHS members take part in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk
OCT.2007—National Honor Society (NHS) members took part in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Woodbury Commons on Oct. 21. Over 10,000 people came out for the event and $840,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society's breast cancer awareness program. NHS members at the school also promoted Breast Cancer Awareness on Think Pink Day, held Oct. 19 at the school. Kids made over 3,000 pink ribbons and distributed them to classmates and teachers at the school.

MHS AP Scholars named
OCT.2007—The following Middletown High School graduates have earned designation as AP Scholars by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college level Advanced Placement Program Examinations:

Melanie Haines has qualified for the AP Scholar of Distinction Award by earning a score of at least 3.5 on all AP Examinations taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. 

Caroline Warren has qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least a 3.25 on all AP Examinations taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. 

The College Board’s AP Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams.  Only about 18 percent of the students who take AP Examinations qualify as AP Scholars.

The search, the first of the school year, was conducted in an effort to help keep buildings, students, and staff safe. Similar sweeps have been carried out at Middletown schools periodically since the 2005-2006 school year.

K-9 units and officers from surrounding counties participated in the sweep, and additional searches are expected to be conducted this year as part of the district's ongoing safety effort. Click here for a photo gallery.

Making college financial planning count! Seminar about college finances
OCT.2007—The MHS PTO presented the second annual "Making College Financial Planning Count," a seminar for parents with kids in grades 9-12 on Oct. 24, 2007, at the school.

This year "Making It Count," a nationally renowned corporation was the featured presenters. The seminar included an overview of the college financial process for parents, and included a question and answer session as well as informational handouts.

Seminar teaches high school students to dress for success
SEPT.2007—Students enrolled in the Academy of Finance (AOF) and the Academy of Information Technology (AOIF)  attended the annual Proper Attire Seminar at the high school this fall. High schoolers got first hand advice from Jonnie Wesley-Krueger, of Orange Regional Medical Center, and Roy Thompson, owner of Foeller Men’s Shop in Wallkill, on what it takes to not only look the part when applying for internships but how to land a dream internship.

As part of the seminar, Wesley-Krueger spoke to students about interviewing techniques that students can use as they apply for internships this school year. Topics of cover letter and resume writing as well as simple interviewing tips of being on time, making a good first impression, using eye contact and having a firm handshake were covered. Wesley-Krueger also encouraged students to ask questions during the interview process and to some research about the potential company offering the position.

“It’s an intensely competitive world out there,” Wesley-Krueger said. “Each of you has a lot to bring to the table. Use the information and tips provided, and be strategic.”

In addition, Roy Thompson showed students select pieces from his Roy Fitzgerald clothing collection and how to mix and match things like sports jackets and blouses to have an office-ready look.

"I felt that the Proper Attire Seminar changed how I thought I was supposed to dress for the business world and the interviewing process, especially the paid internship that's planned for me this summer," said Devin Morales, a junior who joined the Academy of Finance (AOF) this year. "Going to this seminar has also showed me the proper attitude I should have for any interview."

Galleria Run representatives were also on hand to raffle off clothing and gift certificates for Academy of Finance and the Academy of Information Technology students donated by mall stores, including Target.

Click here for a photo gallery!