On Thursday, February 27th, a group of WHSAD students attended a Black History Month function at the New York City Department of Buildings. Mr. Victor Body-Lawson, of Body Lawson Associates, provided insights regarding what it took for him to found a firm and the challenges related to succeeding in the architectural field. Thank you to Ms. Lisa Lewis from the Department of Buildings for arranging the event and making the students feel so welcome. The students' speeches are posted below. Their work in writing and then preparing to present required commitment during after-school, weekend, and holiday hours. These students demonstrate how so many of WHSAD's students are willing to go beyond regular school time in order to realize … [Read more...]

What is electricity? WHSAD students got their curiosity sparked in today's lab. By adding an electrochemical battery to a sugar and then a salt solution, they were able to tell which of the two compounds conducts electricity. Then they had to explain what about the atomic structure of ionic and covalent compounds allowed the conduction of electrons through solution. This Chemistry lesson dovetails with what the students are doing in Mr. O'Brien & Ms Moos's Building and Design class. In those classes, they build electrical circuits; in Chemistry they learn how electricity flows on the submicroscopic level.  Watch the attached videos for their explanations. … [Read more...]

From left to right: Edwin Sosa, Joshua Luna, and Xochitl Rodriguez are gaining tremendous experiences and opportunities through the Pratt Young Scholars program. WHSAD is proud of our students and how many of them take initiative in pursuing their passions in programs outside of school hours. However, such programs would often remain unknown without the insights and assistance of dedicated staff members. In this particular case, freshman architecture teacher, Mr. Ira Geringer, assisted his freshmen, who are now sophomores, to apply to the Pratt Young Scholars Program. After going through the application process, four WHSAD students were granted scholarships valued at $7,000. These scholarships provide “three years of studio instruction, … [Read more...]

The Co-op Tech program provides students such as Jessica with opportunities to explore their passions. In the following narrative, WHSAD Senior, Jessica Juarez, shares her experience in the Natural Hair Styling program at Co-op Tech. For years, the partnership between WHSAD and Co-op Tech has provided our seniors with hands-on training in career paths and, thus, opportunities to make the most of their days immediately after graduation. Look for more stories from Jessica as she highlights what other seniors are taking on in their Co-op Tech learning. The School of Cooperative Technical Education is a program that offers students the opportunity to learn skills for a specific occupation. Co-op Tech offers classes to high school … [Read more...]

Creative Connections coach, Damon Daniels, was essential in assisting 2019 WHSAD graduates get into their preferred schools. WHSAD Senior, Chandler McLaurin, conducted all interviews and wrote this article with contributions from seniors, Jonah Vazquez and Jared Ramirez. Creative Connections is an amazing program WHSAD has enrolled students in since sophomore year. In this program we learn about many different tools that will help us not only in school but also in life. For starters, we have had a mentor come in every Thursday and teach weekly lessons for the whole school year. During these sessions we go over applying to colleges, how to seek out scholarships and financial aid, and how to thrive in life after attending high school … [Read more...]

The following story is by WHSAD Sophomore, Deselle Thompson. Tuesday, October 15: The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian-Design Career Fair is a Design award show and place of learning for the future creative minds of the world at the Smithsonian Museum. There are national awards presented to high school students across the country who demonstrate true passion and creativity in design. In my attendance, along with other students, the fair was found to be a splendid educational experience, as kids from across the city gathered to learn from speakers and professionals in the name of creative career education.  Before I get ahead of myself however, it would be doing the entire experience a great injustice if I didn't primarily discuss the … [Read more...]

District 13 Superintendent, Kamar Samuels, assists in drilling together one of the Little Free Libraries. For the past two years, WHSAD has partnered with organizations such as the New York City Police Department and Health for Youths to enhance literacy opportunities in our city. Many students have had the opportunity to collaborate with not only these partners but also peers and younger students in building Little Free Libraries that will provide free book borrowing to community members. Last week, students traveled to P.S. 287 to work with elementary school students to continue the Little Free Library Project. Thank you to Executive Superintendent, Karen Watts; Heather Butts, Executive Director at Health for Youths, McGraw-Hill for … [Read more...]

WHSAD students and staff members were welcomed to the kickoff by DOE Field Support Liaison, Terrence Paulin. Last week at Automotive High School, students and staff members attended the kickoff of the My Brother's Keeper program. WHSAD students had the opportunity to mingle with students from other high schools and begin learning from mentors. These sessions will focus on providing inspiration and guidance so that the participating students gain new insights into what it takes to achieve success. The following are narratives from staff and students about the experience. On Wednesday October 2, and Thursday October 3, the superintendent’s office held kickoff meetings for the My Brother's Keeper initiative started by former … [Read more...]