Ms. Fields, AP English teacher How does it work? "Generally there are two different groups. The Socratic seminar circle that I use is called a fishbowl where the inner circle speaks first while the outside takes notes, and then it switches. The reason for the smaller groups is so that everyone has the opportunity to speak. There are about twelve students speaking, so it creates a more natural conversation. Students create their own questions that are about either the thematic elements of the text they're working on, whether it's a book, poem, or short story, or about literary, rhetorical devices that other students can respond to. But it's really just an organic conversation about the text." Why do you think a project like this is … [Read more...]

On Thursday, April 13th, seniors in Ms. Fields' ELA class showcased the work they've worked on during CUNY CAT. CUNY CAT is a program that utilizes theatre type techniques to engage students and have them develop a deeper understanding when they explore different topics. To learn more about the CAT program click here: https://creativeartsteam.org/ This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council. Additional support from the Two Trees and Walentas Family Foundation. The students' performances were live-streamed to all senior classes during 3rd period. Over the course of eight weeks students worked on monologues, dialogues, creative … [Read more...]

This holiday season students are getting festive in Mr. Codio's AutoCAD Drafting class. From ornaments to Christmas houses, students have filled the room with their creations. Using Mr. Codio's 3D printer and AutoCAD, a few students created Christmas ornaments that they have hung from the Christmas tree. Below are a few students' artist statements along with their ornament designs. Lauren Henriquez, Senior The idea of the ornament was meant to include different cultures to show the diversity of the world we live in. Although Christmas is celebrated by many, it can be celebrated differently and mean something to different people. By incorporating different languages it brings a new light to how important other people are. My … [Read more...]

Last Wednesday, December 1st, we were in a meeting with High Rock in the lab once again. We mostly learned about what an RFP meant along with what we had to do in the slides about the presentation of the trail bridges. Apparently an RFP is a Request For Proposals which helps with design, formatting, and production services. Afterwards, for the slides we had to include statements of the team's strengths and unique abilities. I was in the same group as Mahalia Saint-Eloí and Waylon Gomori, so we wrote that one can do a lot of the documentation of the project, the other does more hands-on work, and the other can also help with analyzing the area of the park. In a second slide, we did a work timeline for the project and because we had just … [Read more...]

Below is an interview done with new Freshmen architecture teacher and WHSAD alumna, Ms. Cumberbatch. Who are you? "My name is Ms. Cumberbatch. I'm a former student here that graduated in 2014. I'm currently a teacher, and I spent four years at Arcadia University studying interior design. I got to study abroad for a semester and then worked for an architecture firm for two years in the city." Tell me about your prior architecture experience. "For two years after I gradated from college I spent my time learning about the design process, not just what to do but the legal aspect-the politics. Understanding that different companies use different laws, and learning that it's not just creating homes, and there's a lot more to it. I … [Read more...]

We can all agree that the Coronavirus pandemic was a major stop in all our lives, but WHSAD made sure its students didn't suffer the consequences of not being in school or having a lack of access to design platforms as architecture students. The teachers and students had to adapt to this new layout of the school year but didn't let the circumstances stop them from striving for success. Below are the interviews from some teachers and students. Teachers: Abraham Rodriguez and Ira Geringer-Freshmen Architecture How has the layout for your class changed as a result of the pandemic? "Since we saw how the pandemic affected how and where we are located, digital literacy should be an important part of the design curriculum. The … [Read more...]

Who are you? My name is Ms. Como. I've been teaching 10th-grade global history for four years.  I attended Hunter College for my bachelor's in Social Studies Adolescence Education and received my master's degree in Educational Psychology.  History has been my favorite subject since I was a little girl, and I love teaching it to others.   In my free time, I like to cook, read, waste time on TikTok, catch up on new movies and tv shows, and spend time outdoors with my dogs.        What’s the Curriculum like? (Pre-Quarantine and Post-Quarantine). Our curriculum covers topics in world history between the years 1750 - present day.  We begin the school year with a bit of review, but our … [Read more...]

Who are you? Hi I am Ms. Moos. I am a visual art and design teacher. My interest is in helping students tap into their creative potential and see how design thinking applies to a wide range of professional opportunities. The studio is centered around the question of how to communicate ideas through different methods of visualization, digital or physical in regards to product design, fine arts or architecture. I hope to facilitate an environment where students develop their voice, their civic engagement, and understanding of sustainability. My name is Mr. O'Brien I am a Career Technical Educator specialized in electrical installation. I have been teaching since 1991. I have been working in a wide variety of educational work based … [Read more...]

This article is an overview of Freshman English class. Below, English teacher, Ms. Newton talks about what the class will cover and what to expect. Who are you?My name is Jacqueline Newton.  I am the Freshman English Language Arts teacher at Williamsburg High School for Architecture & Design.  I was born in Georgetown, Guyana South America and now reside in Brooklyn, New York.  I attended Brooklyn College (CUNY) where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communication Arts & Sciences and my Master of Science Degree in Education with a concentration in Reading. I have been teaching at WHSAD as the Freshman ELA teacher for the past 12 years. What is the Freshman English Curriculum like?The … [Read more...]