News from Central High School -- Philadelphia

We'd like to dedicate this newsletter to the Central High School faculty members who are retiring this year. Central is blessed to have an excellent, energetic, creative and dedicated faculty. The Central family will miss these fine teachers and administrators. Let's all wish them a happy and healthy future and offer them our profound thanks for all they've done for our children. We are pleased to honor these teachers in our newsletter this month. With support from you, this newsletter will help Central tap into the talents and resources of the entire Central family -- students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Tell your friends to sign up for the newsletter. Please send your comments, suggestions, ideas to centralhighschoolnewsletter@yahoo.com.

Thank you,

Jane Von Bergen and Diane Luckman, co-editors

Coming Wednesday: Vote and Party

This year's Home and School Association season ends on Wednesday, May 13, with elections and a party. Please don't miss this chance to socialize. We have a special treat planned. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Spain Conference Center. Only members will be allowed to vote, but everyone can party! Our last meeting was fascinating, with special thanks to John Frank, a Mt. Airy psychiatrist/psychoanalyst specializing in work with adolescents and their families. He talked about the empty nest syndrome and how parents can adjust to their lives as empty nesters. Parents shared their feelings and it was both poignant and informative. Our thanks to him and his wife, Elaine, a social worker, who also provided insight.

Thank

You, Good luck and Good Bye

With this issue, we'd like to say goodbye and thank you to our retiring faculty. Topping the list is assistant principal Reginald Speir who deliberately arranged to be in charge of many of the school's most fun events -- International Day and Women's Day. He runs a cadre of student aides who help with recruiting, which is one of his top priorities. Retiring from the faculty is art teacher Debra Cooperstein, who will receive the first Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts - Art Teacher of Excellence Award this month. Spanish teacher Lois Ginsberg, chairman of the World Languages department, is the Queen of International Day, one of the school's most joyous experiences. Maxine Croul also teaches Spanish and involves herself actively in the lives of students as the faculty mentor to the Student Association. Counselor Barry Goldstein started a guitar club for Central's kids. Central president Dr. Sheldon Pavel describes Dr. Joel Simon, who teaches the most advanced AP calculus and physics courses, as one of the school's most intellectual teachers. Social studies teacher Burt Fogelman is a Tuskegee Airman, one of an elite group of African-American military airmen. He has been instrumental in bringing the Tuskegee Airmen to Central to speak to students. German and English as a Second Language Teacher Janine Carazo is extremely dedicated to her subject matter, said Dr. Pavel. Social studies teacher Pat Hansbury also serves as a mentor to the mentally gifted program and has single-handedly filled the International Studies programs at many universities with Central graduates inspired to look abroad because of her popular "Conflicts" class.

A Wonderful Tapestry

Central president Dr. Sheldon Pavel says that Pat Hansbury, one of Central's true treasures and a mentor of mentally-gifted students, teaches the most popular class at Central. Over the year, the students in her "Conflicts" class examine, discuss and debate (always passionately) the politics and pressures of hot spots around the globe, using newspapers and magazines as their texts. Ms. Hansbury, who is retiring this year, said she enjoys watching her students blossom into their intellectual capacities. "Every day is filled with mini miracles." In March, Ms. Hansbury experienced her own mini-miracle when her Conflicts class attended a naturalization ceremony presided over by U.S. District Judge Louis H. Pollak, who is also the grandfather of Conflicts student Nick Dekker, 268. Judge Pollak gave Ms. Hansbury the honor of asking her to be the speaker at the ceremony. One of the 102 new citizens was a Central High School student. Here is a portion of her speech: "When I look at all of you, I see America -- this wonderful tapestry of different races, ethnicities and religions. I see it here today. I see it every day at my school, Central High School. When people think of Central High School, they usually think of our students' high academic achievements or, perhaps, our athletic successes. But ask anyone who attends Central (or anyone like me who is lucky enough to work there) and they will tell you that Central's true strength lies in its diversity. Walk through the halls of Central and you see Pakistani students who are first generation Americans working with Irish Americans whose ancestors fled the potato famine in the 19th century or African Americans whose ancestors were brought here before America was even a nation. And the amazing thing is it works. It makes everyone involved better students and better people. And so it is with America. I congratulate you, citizens. Welcome to the American tapestry."

Music To Our Ears

Central High School's choir will perform a program of world music from four centuries, including Siyahamb - South African Freedom Songs, at the high school's annual spring concert. Performing will be Central's orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band, with a woodwind quintet playing as a prelude to the program. Some highlights: one of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos and Rossini's Barber of Seville, a perennial favorite of students and director Stephen Wilensky. Senior Luke Brooks will be featured in the Hummel Trumpet Concerto. The concert takes place on Wednesday, May 27 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets are $10, and $5 for children, senior citizens and students. All proceeds benefit the Central High School Music Association, a 501c3 nonprofit that provides support for Central's music programs.

Student Scientists

On Sunday, May 17, dozens of Central High School scientists will leave for Penn State University for the final event of the science fair season. Here's a sampling of what the judges at Penn State will hear: Olivia Ngo, 271, will describe her efforts to cultivate phytoplankton in the classroom to study some of the side effects of global warming. Amy Lam, 269, will talk about her research at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is helping to develop eco-friendly solar cells using organically-based materials. And Jeffrey Simon, 268, will describe what he has learned about how cancer moves along connective tissues in the breast, based on his research at the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Of particular note is Josh Goldberg's work at the University of Pennsylvania. Josh, 270, tested the levels of lead found in the Appalachian Mountains to measure the duration of heavy metal damage in the environment. He won a first place in the category of Environmental Science at the recent Delaware Valley Science Fair competition. This is remarkable because he is a sophomore and because the category has become increasingly popular. Thomas Ly's nanotechnology project won the ASM International Foundation's prize for most outstanding exhibit in material science. Another 268 graduating senior, Rebecca Yee, won a first prize from the American Society of Microbiology for her work. Alex List, 270, won a cash prize from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Of the 31 Central students who entered the competition, 28 placed or won a special award, or, in many cases both.

Due Tell

Central High School students pay class dues to help cover the expenses of graduating from one of the city's most prestigious educational institutions. Because the vendors require advance payment, class dues are spread out over sophomore, junior and senior years. For example, the yearbook, which costs $130 per student, has already been covered with dues paid during sophomore and junior years. The dues also cover cap and gown rental, the planting of a class tree, and rental for the Kimmel Center, among other expenses. Class dues do not completely cover these costs. The Home and School Association and the Associated Alumni of Central High School both contribute generously to provide the Kimmel Center graduation. Starting next year, dues will include a DVD of Central memories. Photographers are already shooting footage for future classes. The payment schedule for 268 was $25 in 10th grade, $75 in 11th and $75 in 12th. Next year, the schedule may be reconfigured to make the smallest amount due in the senior year, recognizing that seniors have prom and class trip expenses. Dues will probably increase, in part, to cover the expense of the DVD. Each class sets up fundraisers to help offset dues. Each class also has a financial advisor. Social studies teacher Stephen Innamarato advises 268.

In Character

Capturing a person's character in an image has always been the highlight of the photographer's art. Under the guidance of her art teacher, Jude Saleet, Larissa Bilynskyj captured first place for her evocative images of Philadelphia characters -- images that also revealed their characters. Sponsored by USA Network, the contest for high school students in six cities was a component of the network's "Character Project." Larissa photographed a street musician near City Hall. "His playing was really nice. I thought he had an interesting face and he was really into his music." When she was photographing her characters, they were all in their environments. Later, though, as she examined her pictures, she saw them with a new clarity, distinct from their environments. "I learned a lot about the diversity of the city," she said. Larissa's photographs were on display at Old City's Wexler Gallery, an exhibition site for the national project. Larissa's prize was a digital camera and Mr. Saleet was awarded $500 to use in his photography classes. Larissa also won an honorable mention in the Organ Donor Gift of Life poster contest. First place was captured by fellow Central student Leah Beckhoff, 270. Both girls worked with art teacher Debra Cooperstein on the organ donor project. They were honored at a ceremony at the Philadelphia Art Museum last month.

One Teacher, Eight Arms

"You conceited, self-indulgent libertine," Marian Geiger hissed, narrowing her eyes. No, that is not how Ms. Geiger, chairman of the English department, talks to obnoxious students. It's how she models a soliloquy from the "King and I" for her public speaking class, and wins student applause at the end. It's also the kind of teaching boldness that made her one of 64 recipients of the Philadelphia School District's Distinguished Teaching Awards. She will be honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, May 12. Ms. Geiger will receive a significant cash prize from the Lindback Foundation. The Foundation typically honors top-notch college professors. This year it decided also to grant awards to high school teachers who inspire and motivate their students. Ms. Geiger, who is a musician, actress and director, told Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Kristen A. Graham that "a really good teacher needs to be a whole combination of things. You have to have eight arms. You have a good brain and you can't be afraid to take risks." Here's what school president Dr. Sheldon Pavel told the Inquirer about Ms. Geiger: "She's a quality human being who communicates that sense of character in her teaching. She inspires kids and teachers, and she's as diligent as all get-out." Ms. Geiger, a 43-year district veteran, has taught at Central for more than 15 years. Her husband is also on the faculty.

Rent

Don't miss the Performing Arts student production of the rock opera, "Rent" coming up at Central High School. Shows are Monday, May 18, Wednesday, May 20, and Thursday, May 21 at 3:15 p.m. with an additional evening performance at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side. Many of the plot elements and characters are drawn from Puccini's La Boheme.

Making It Real

To bring alive the horrors of trench warfare during World War I, U.S. History teacher Stephen Innamarato set up an experiential activity for students in the Spain Conference Center. Students assumed the roles of soldiers in the trenches, viewing images and hearing sounds of trench warfare, while reading aloud from "All Quiet on the Western Front." Mr. Innamarato provided dust masks so students would have some idea of how veterans actually felt. The activity had several "scenes" in which the class explored some of what troops endured - the fear and anticipation of shelling or gas attacks, cramped and dirty living quarters in the trenches and the struggle to maintain morale. From the exercise, students gained a greater appreciation for what veterans from World War I, and indeed from all wars, endure. Many students told Mr. Innamarato that they had a hard time lasting just 50 minutes in those circumstances and couldn't imagine enduring them for months at a time. "I like using a hands-on approach when it comes to learning about History and Government," Mr. Innamarato said. "The lessons are a lot of fun and kids remember a lot more than if I just had them read the book and then asked them questions."

Classes in Korean

Know what Central students do for fun? They study another language! A University of Pennsylvania student has been teaching beginning Korean one afternoon a week after school, pulling in about 15 students. Korean soap opera-like television dramas are a current fad among Asian students, said Social Studies teacher Ken Hung, who helped set up the language club.

Welcome 272

Some 3,888 eighth graders applied to join Central High School's 272d class, competing for limited spaces in a school with a current enrollment of about 2,200. The class of 272 will come for freshmen orientation on Thursday, May 14 at 6:15 p.m. (Editor's note: If you want to have tremendous fun, volunteer to help the Home and School Association sell baked goods. The excitement is contagious! To volunteer, sign up at the Home and School meeting on Wednesday, May 13. By the way, we also need lots of baked goods for that event. Bring them, individually wrapped. to the Home and School Association meeting.) Math and language placement tests for incoming students follow on Saturday, May 16.

Library: Knowledge is Power

Central High School's Barnwell Library and Dr. William M. King Communication, Media and Research Center is rich with resources. Each newsletter we will bring you a tip on an available resource from Loretta Burton, the librarian. Today's tip: NetTrekker, an educational search engine, organizes sites by readability level and is aligned with state standards. To access, go to http://www.nettrekker.com. Click on Login in the upper right hand corner. The user name and password is sdpnet.

Celebrate a Magnificent Gift

Try to find time to visit the fabulous gift given to Central High School of more than 250 works of African and Oceanic art, many of them hundreds of years old. You can click here to see a slide show of the collection or you can stop by the Barnwell Library and the Dr. William M. King Communication, Media and Research Center. These works will be displayed permanently at Central High School, thanks to a donation by Dr. David Rilling, 209, and his wife Karina. This is a truly wonderful gift to the Associated Alumni of Central High School and to Central High School. This superb collection includes numerous items from Nigeria, Cameroons, Cote d'Ivoire and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The Oceanic items come from various places in New Guinea. The collection was assembled over many years by the Rillings who are devoted to this field of art and to Central High School. Dr. Rilling also plans to make himself available to address art and African-American history classes at Central. For additional information, contact Debbie Zarwin Rose, Alumni Affairs Coordinator, in the alumni office at 215-927-9550 or email her at chsalumniphl@aol.com.

Help Wanted

1. Bakers (and fakers!): Please send individually wrapped baked or store-bought goodies to sell at freshman orientation on Thursday, May 14. There will be at least 1,000 people coming in the building and they'll be hungry and excited. This is a big fundraiser for the Home and School Association, so pull out that apron (or your wallet). Have your child drop off your contribution in the office on Thursday morning. Thanks.

2. An assistant reporter/editor or two for the newsletter. Should be a 269, 270, 271 or 272 parent with good writing and reporting skills. We especially need a reporter-type who can come into Central from about 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (date varies with publication schedule -- about every three weeks) to interview teachers, students and administrators and report on the news. By the way, this is tremendous fun and very gratifying. Contact Jane Von Bergen at centralhighschoolnewsletter@yahoo.com

3. The Home and School Association is looking for ideas for speakers, especially for next year. Do you know someone (maybe you!) who is an expert in a topic that would interest parents? Would that person speak to us for free (our favorite price)? Please contact Miriam Foltz, the president, at chs_hsF@yahoo.com.

Acme and Target Fundraisers

Acme will give us one percent of total receipts, so please have your student deposit Acme receipts in the Acme box in the office. Target will send us one percent of what you spend on a Target Visa Card or Target Guest Card. Apply online at Target.com or at your local store. Our ID number is 90781. Last year we raised $900 from Target. Also send in labels from Campbell's products. They donate educational supplies in return. Thanks!

Letter from the Editor!

As editor of the newsletter and the mother of two Central students, I have had the privilege of getting to know many Central teachers. I've seen the creativity, compassion and diligence in the education of my boys, Joey Bilyk, 266, and Michael Bilyk, 268. But in writing the newsletter and volunteering at Central, I've come to learn more about so many of the faculty's interesting projects -- some of which the Home and School Association helps to support. Many of you have recently received a letter from the Home and School Association asking for an extra contribution. Please give generously, if you can in these tough times, and also take the time to personally encourage the teachers. As rewarding as teaching is, it can be challenging. A little appreciation goes a long way and influences them to keep trying. (Of course that benefits our kids!) I'd also like to say my personal thanks to all the retiring teachers, but especially to Pat Hansbury, who has taught (or perhaps endured) both of my children. She has been an inspiration and comfort to them and to me. Thank you, Ms. Hansbury, and have a great life in retirement. However, I'm predicting that you and a couple of the others will flunk retirement in less than a year!

Jane M. Von Bergen, editor and parent of Joey and Michael Bilyk, 266 and 268.

Thanks

Thanks to newsletter staffers, parents Dave Kalkstein and Kate Spellissy. Dave Kalkstein contributed the items on the African Art exhibit, class dues and trench warfare. Kate Spellissy provided the items on Rent and the music concert, as well as the library research tip. Continuing thanks to Dr. Pavel, Mr. Speir, and Mr. Walsh from Central's staff, and to co-editor and parent Diane Luckman, who made this issue look great.

Do you have information for the newsletter? Send updates on events and accomplishments to centralhighschoolnewsletter@yahoo.com.

Sincerely,

Jane Von Bergen, Newsletter Editor
Central High School -- Philadelphia