M.I.H.S. Summer School 2008 July 24, 2008
Art and Collaboration
On July 21-22, 2008, Manhattan International High School hosted the Collaborative Art Initiative (CAI). More than 20 teachers from the Academic Program, University of the Middle East Project, together with the American coordinators, and Professor Mark Cooper (sculptor and artist), animated this two-day initiative, and engaged about 35 MIHS students who were in the process of attending different summer school classes.
This became an extremely enriching temporary interruption of the progress of their class work. To quote one of the students, during these two amazing days, “we all became part of the planet earth.” A group of students attending the enrichment literacy summer course reveal their feelings in their heart-felt articles written in class as a follow up activity. They worked hard to be able to use English words that could say how they really felt. Editing their drafts with the help of teachers and peers was a necessary bridge to express themselves in English. Their still in-progress language skills allow the true feelings of enjoyment and appreciation to be perceived by the reader. (Cinzia Bontempo)
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Free Acting Classes
If you are interested in taking acting classes this summer or next fall contact the Creative Arts Team. This program is provieded through the CUNY Schools. For more information about joining the CAT Youth Theatre call 212.652.2828 or contact ourYouth Theatre Administrator at Elly.Richards@mail.cuny.edu
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Where in the World is Education Better??
We surveyed 88 students asking them to compare education in their native country with the US. Surprisingly, only 57% of the students said the US is better. The other 47% preferred the education system in their native country.
People who said that education is better in United States said that in this country you have many more educational opportunities and you can actually enjoy your education rather than just look at it as a boring task. The United States gives you the opportunity to learn things in a more fun way that makes education very interesting for young people. In their native countries students didn’t get to have a good relationship with their teachers. Many students mentioned that their teachers weren’t available to talk with them about problems inside and outside school. However, here most of the teachers are always available to talk to the students. Another thing somebody mentioned was that in the United States you are accepted for who you are and you can make the best of it. In other countries students have problems with education because teachers want them to think in only one way, but in the United States teachers are trying to find the best skill a student has and bring it up to the surface. Students here have more freedom to use the skills they have to their advantage.
The other 47% chose the education system in their native country. Most of the students said that even though here there are more opportunities, the level of knowledge in their countries was much higher. Students said that back in their countries they learned much more advanced content than here. However, we have to understand that our school is for second language students and that is a reason why it may seem easier. Other students said that learning in a second language is simply too difficult. Students also said that teachers in their native countries were stricter. Teachers kept a distance making the students work harder.
However, education shouldn’t’ be something that seems like a task but something that you want to do and, in my opinion, if teachers are so strict and they don’t care whether you learn or not then education won’t be interesting and you won’t want to learn.
Many years ago when people couldn’t be educated unless they had money, they fought for education. They wanted everyone to be able to learn and have the ability to become educated because they thought that education was a wonderful thing. If we will now make education seem as something boring and horrible then all of that effort was useless. Everyone has different opinions about where education is better, but wherever that is, it should be fun and enjoyable because education will only make our lives better.
Katerina Andreadis
People who said that education is better in United States said that in this country you have many more educational opportunities and you can actually enjoy your education rather than just look at it as a boring task. The United States gives you the opportunity to learn things in a more fun way that makes education very interesting for young people. In their native countries students didn’t get to have a good relationship with their teachers. Many students mentioned that their teachers weren’t available to talk with them about problems inside and outside school. However, here most of the teachers are always available to talk to the students. Another thing somebody mentioned was that in the United States you are accepted for who you are and you can make the best of it. In other countries students have problems with education because teachers want them to think in only one way, but in the United States teachers are trying to find the best skill a student has and bring it up to the surface. Students here have more freedom to use the skills they have to their advantage.
The other 47% chose the education system in their native country. Most of the students said that even though here there are more opportunities, the level of knowledge in their countries was much higher. Students said that back in their countries they learned much more advanced content than here. However, we have to understand that our school is for second language students and that is a reason why it may seem easier. Other students said that learning in a second language is simply too difficult. Students also said that teachers in their native countries were stricter. Teachers kept a distance making the students work harder.
However, education shouldn’t’ be something that seems like a task but something that you want to do and, in my opinion, if teachers are so strict and they don’t care whether you learn or not then education won’t be interesting and you won’t want to learn.
Many years ago when people couldn’t be educated unless they had money, they fought for education. They wanted everyone to be able to learn and have the ability to become educated because they thought that education was a wonderful thing. If we will now make education seem as something boring and horrible then all of that effort was useless. Everyone has different opinions about where education is better, but wherever that is, it should be fun and enjoyable because education will only make our lives better.
Katerina Andreadis
Volleyball Equals Teamwork
By Leo (Mingxi Jiang), Evo-A
Volleyball is a 12 man sport which needs a lot of teamwork. A regular game would have 2 teams of six players separated by an 8ft net. The six men of each team need rotate positions throughout the game. They move clockwise one spot when their own team starts serving. Each team would have a setter, passers, and hitters. The Passers’ job is to pass the first ball after the opponent serves or dig the ball when opponent hits. The setter, a team usually has 1 or 2 setters on court, needs to set the volleyball to the hitters from the 1st pass. Obliviously, the hitters hit the volleyball hard over the net and try to score. Each of the games would have total 25 points. The first team reaches 25pt wins. The whole match would be the best out of 3 games or best out of 5 games.
The most important concept of volleyball is teamwork. The players can’t hit the ball twice in a row. This means that a play in volleyball games always needs to be run with 2 or 3 players. The rest of the players also need to get ready on the defensive positions. In a game, communication is also a key to succeed. When players receive the ball, they need to communicate so they other players would know and leave the ball. The hitters need to talk to the setter so that he would know where to set the hitters. In a way, volleyball is built on communication and team work.
If any of you like sports, and are willing to train you teamwork and communication skills, you can join the school volleyball team. The season is already in progress. Feel free to join the team if you are interested. The team has practice everyday after school from 3:30 to 6:00 in the 2nd floor gym. You can also check our stat and record on the school website - School resources, sports.
Volleyball is a 12 man sport which needs a lot of teamwork. A regular game would have 2 teams of six players separated by an 8ft net. The six men of each team need rotate positions throughout the game. They move clockwise one spot when their own team starts serving. Each team would have a setter, passers, and hitters. The Passers’ job is to pass the first ball after the opponent serves or dig the ball when opponent hits. The setter, a team usually has 1 or 2 setters on court, needs to set the volleyball to the hitters from the 1st pass. Obliviously, the hitters hit the volleyball hard over the net and try to score. Each of the games would have total 25 points. The first team reaches 25pt wins. The whole match would be the best out of 3 games or best out of 5 games.
The most important concept of volleyball is teamwork. The players can’t hit the ball twice in a row. This means that a play in volleyball games always needs to be run with 2 or 3 players. The rest of the players also need to get ready on the defensive positions. In a game, communication is also a key to succeed. When players receive the ball, they need to communicate so they other players would know and leave the ball. The hitters need to talk to the setter so that he would know where to set the hitters. In a way, volleyball is built on communication and team work.
If any of you like sports, and are willing to train you teamwork and communication skills, you can join the school volleyball team. The season is already in progress. Feel free to join the team if you are interested. The team has practice everyday after school from 3:30 to 6:00 in the 2nd floor gym. You can also check our stat and record on the school website - School resources, sports.
Two Poems by Katerina
A Man Who
My mother's wedding,
will always stay in my mind,
even if I wasn't there yet.
Looking at that old picture
no matter how many years pass
the sad faces of my mom's relatives don't change.
They always have that disapproving look
that even the dust can't hide.
My mom in the center,
with her white puffy dress,
and the flower in her hair,
looking like a princess,
standing next to my father...
A man who never understood her value...
A man who took away my childhood...
A man who still instills fear in me,
every time I look at his face.
War
Open your eyes,
finally wake up!
stop talking about how dramatic your life is,
stop pretending that you are miserable.
Stand up on your feet
and look around you
You see the little girl crying?
alone in that corner of this bloody street?
Of course you do not,
your eyes can only see as much as you want them to see,
and you don’t let them see the real pain.
The pain that this boy has,
who begs for mercy from the soldier
without response,
claiming that he as well wants a family to live with,
a father to go fishing with,
a mother to wash him when he spends the whole afternoon,
playing with his friends,
and the only proof that he had fun,
will be the dirt on his face.
He as well wants to have
happy family dinners,
little brothers to share all the happy moments of his life,
and a life. A healthy life,
full of mistakes,
that will make him strong.
But you don’t see that,
so finally open your eyes,
look somewhere further than yourself,
and think what you can do about it.
And then,
when all of this is done,
you can put a smile
on your “never happy” face
and enjoy your life,
without complaints, please.
My mother's wedding,
will always stay in my mind,
even if I wasn't there yet.
Looking at that old picture
no matter how many years pass
the sad faces of my mom's relatives don't change.
They always have that disapproving look
that even the dust can't hide.
My mom in the center,
with her white puffy dress,
and the flower in her hair,
looking like a princess,
standing next to my father...
A man who never understood her value...
A man who took away my childhood...
A man who still instills fear in me,
every time I look at his face.
War
Open your eyes,
finally wake up!
stop talking about how dramatic your life is,
stop pretending that you are miserable.
Stand up on your feet
and look around you
You see the little girl crying?
alone in that corner of this bloody street?
Of course you do not,
your eyes can only see as much as you want them to see,
and you don’t let them see the real pain.
The pain that this boy has,
who begs for mercy from the soldier
without response,
claiming that he as well wants a family to live with,
a father to go fishing with,
a mother to wash him when he spends the whole afternoon,
playing with his friends,
and the only proof that he had fun,
will be the dirt on his face.
He as well wants to have
happy family dinners,
little brothers to share all the happy moments of his life,
and a life. A healthy life,
full of mistakes,
that will make him strong.
But you don’t see that,
so finally open your eyes,
look somewhere further than yourself,
and think what you can do about it.
And then,
when all of this is done,
you can put a smile
on your “never happy” face
and enjoy your life,
without complaints, please.
Hello Columbia University!
Valeri
Interview by Katerina and Luz.
Did you get a scholarship?
Valeri - Yes, I did get a full scholarship for $ 200,000. Everything is covered. So, I’ll be studying at my dream college for free.
Why do you wanted to go to Columbia University?
Valeri = Well, I actually wanted to go to Columbia University because that has been my dream since I was very young. Also, the president of my country graduated from Columbia so I always used to hear “Columbia…Columbia” all the time on TV. It was really my dream so when I came here, I joined a program at Columbia which is called “Double Discovery Center” and after I became part of the campus. I fell in love with the place. It was no longer my passion but my strongest dream and there were a lot of reasons for me to go to Columbia which helped me make the decision to apply.
Do you think this school prepared you good enough for college?
Valeri - I think that in some ways this school prepared me good enough for college. But, I also think that you need to do things outside of school and be responsible to look for different opportunities for you which I did a lot.
Which profession do you want to follow in the future?
Valeri - Well, first I want to have a major in Political science and a minor in United States history or world history. I also want to become a judge so I obviously want to go to law school. I want to work for the United Nations.
Which grade do you think is the most important?
Valeri -I think the most important year was 11th grade because it was actually the most challenging. However, every grade had its importance for me.
What d0 you think helped you to get accepted in Columbia?
Valeri = I think it was basically my academic work and the teachers were really helpful in terms of the application process. But, as I said before the extracurricular activities help you a lot. You have to find something that you really have passion in which I basically did.
Did you expect to get accepted in Columbia?
Valeri - I think that when I apply to Columbia I wasn’t expecting to get accepted, but, I was certainly HOPING. It was really surprising. I was astonished and I’m still very surprised because the dream of my life came true. It was very different because I think in that moment there was HOPE and the only thing that I think I got at the end was the thought that “It’s up to you to get into the college that you want”.
What do you think is the best thing about our school?
Valeri -The best things about our school is the diversity and representation from different countries from almost all over the world.
What do you think is the worse thing about our school?
Valeri -The worse thing about our school is the fact that we didn’t have American students so we don’t get any experiences of interacting with Americans and we don’t get to know anything about their culture.
What is one of your best school memories’?
Valeri - There are a lot of good memories and a lot of friends. But, I think the best memory that I’ve had in this school was the trip to Washington D,C because the students, including me, and teachers kind of bonded more together and got to know each other better in different ways. So, it was a chance for me to bond together with teachers and students and to have fun which was the best part of everything.
What advice do you want to give to people who want to go to good colleges?
Valeri- I would just say keep up your grades … obviously, start studying for the SAT as soon as you can because we’re at the biggest disadvantage because English is not our native language; Get involvde in different activities outside of school and inside and DON’T let people tell you that you can’t do something if you know you are able to do it.
* WRITTEN by Luz Sierra.
Featured Teacher of the Month
MR.MOSES
Mr. Moses’ Interview
Q: Why did you choose to teach at our school?
MOSES: Actually I was a student teacher in this school before I became a teacher I came to this school and worked with Mr. Michael who is the principle at Kingsborough International HS right now. I saw the population in this school and I actually realized that I was really good with students who are immigrants. Plus, I kind of understand immigrant experiences because my parents also emigrated from Korea, I know what it's like to learn a second language and to be hyphenated American like Polish-America and Korea-America.
Q: Why do you teach freshmen instead of sophomore, junior, or senior level?
MOSES: Actually, I got this job when the only opening was for 9th grade, but I like teaching 9th grade because I am really good at it. I’m loud. I’m energetic, and I think I can relate to these students maybe a little bit more than some other teachers. I wasn’t a very good student when I grew up. I was a very bad student, and I’m a little immature as a teacher. So I think in that senses I know how to have fun(you know!) and students kind of like it. Also, I like to work with 9th grade because they need to be broken in. They come here, just out of junior high, and they think that they know everything and I like to make fun of them and let them know that they don’t know everything and kind of teach them how to get through the next couple years in high school. They need to work hard because if you get them later on they just will be disrespectful. So it's better to teach them and let them know the score from 9th grade.
Q: What are the problems that you usually face teaching 9th grade?
MOSES: The problems that I face in the class come with the huge varieties of language levels. We have students that just came here like week ago with students who perhaps learned English in their native country. I have to teach students who can speak so well and their writing is so wonderful alongside students who hardly know how to speak and write. My challenges are: How do I keep everyone in the class room interested? How do I make the top student still feel like they are learning and it not too easy for them? How do I help the student who doesn’t know the language, doesn’t know how to communicate in class, or participate in class? So basically my work is to try to find a way to help all students in class and make sure that they are doing their jobs well.
Q: What are some techniques that you use to teach English language?
MOSES: The technique for this school is to teach students through content. They can learn English through Global studies, Science, or English. So students are able to learn English through the subjects that they have been taught. And all the students have problems with grammar. I teach history so most of grammar that I teach student is past tense, so this is a challenge for them. I also talk and have a meeting with other teachers every Thursday. I usually talk about the students (of course!) and discuss the issues that students have. It’s good that on Thursday we, all four of their teachers, sit and talk about kids and how to find ways to help them.
Q: What is a profile of a good student in your opinion?
MOSES: I believe that students come in different sizes, colors, shapes, and languages. For me, I can say that if there were a prototypical student I would be a bad teacher. A good teacher knows that the students come from different backgrounds and have different needs. And, therefore, my job is to be the best teacher for all the difference types of students. If I just have only one kind of good student, it would make me just a pretty simple teacher. Personally, I like to work with the students who don’t like school and will act disrespectful in other classes because, to me, it’s more of a challenge. How can I make them like school? How can I make them do my homework? What can I do to make them improve their education and want to learn? I want them to find a reason to go to school.
Q: Do you think you achieve your goal as a successful teacher?
MOSES: In some points I think I am a successful teacher for some students. However, there are also students who have fallen into the cracks and I’m not able to reach them. Now I think one thing is because of I’m in graduate school right now. I go there and I get home like 10:00pm. I spend so much time doing other work that I need to finish for my degree, that I have less time to grade their homework. I think, therefore, this effects my teaching, but I think as soon as I am done I can spend more time and focus more on my students. I’ll be done in May and I’ll be an even more successful teacher (I hope). Also, I think I’m successful at catching a student who cheats in my class( watch out people!!) and I think I’m getting better this year because this year, I have caught, at least, three studentswho tried to cheat on my tests.
Q: Where do you prefer to teach, America or Korea?
MOSES: I prefer to teach here more than in Korea because here I have an opportunity to teach different kinds of people. Also, I love different food, different cultures, and different things so that’s why I love teaching at this school.
Q: Do you think students like you????
MOSES: I think they do, but you know what, I don’t care. I don’t care that they like me as long as----actually I do care a little. Still, I think most of them like me. I know not all of the students like me and I think students like me because of the way I teach. I don’t start out as friends with everybody; it is not my job as a teacher. But if you see me teach, I’ll do whatever I can to make it interesting and fun. And that’s what makes students like me, not because I’m beautiful which I am.
BY: KEMAKORN AND MAGDALENA
Country of the Month....Pakistan!
This is Jawiria
-How long have you been in America?
4 years
-What is your opinion about US?
So far I like it, because I have been leaving here for so long so I am used to it. It's ok.
-Do you like it better here or back in your country?
I prefer back in my country because most of my people are over there but I still want to be here in US.
-So what is the main difference between US and your country?
The main difference is the way we celebrate holidays because over here we celebrate holiday in a different way. There we used to gather together, and since they are not here, there are not many people.
-So what is one thing you don' t like about your culture?
My parents are too strict. You cannot have a boyfriend. That thing I don't like.
-What do you think is the best thing about your culture? Something that is not seen very often here.
Oh, the best thing is the way we dress because it is so colorful and different.
-What are some rights that women don't have in your country?
Well I don't really know.
-Do you think that by being in this country you will forget all of your customs and traditions?
I won't because, I was living there for 14 years so I still have it in my mind.
-How about when you will have a family. Will you hold on to your traditions or you will stick more to the American way of living?
No, I will hold on to my culture because I like it
-Do you like education better here or back in your country?
over here. It is much easier. In my country it is so difficult.
- Do women have the right to have education and study in your country?
Yeah, of course. They can be teachers too.
-Do men in your country respect women? Because I've heard that in your country if you will cheat on your husband he can even kill you.
In my country cheating is not so common. Even if you will get a divorce that is a big thing . Sometime when can be disrespectful, and they pass by in the street and they hit you.
-Do you have marriages that are arranged by the parents, in your country ?
Yes. However, a lot of times the children don't agree and they just go to court and finally they get divorced.
-What is your opinion about arranged marriages?
Well, I think that as parents they have more experience and they know better than us what is better for their children.
-If there was one thing that you could change about your country, what would it be?
Something that I would change would be that people are narrow minded there and I don't like that. For example, they wouldn't approve the way I am dressed now.(modern clothes-not traditional)
-What is one thing you don't like about the United States?
Hm.the weather. When it gets too cold.
-In your country the weather is always hot?
Yes, very hot.
-Thank you
Written and interview by Magdalena Stawowy
Seniors and Freshmen: a Difference of Opinion
Do you want to know more about what students think of our school?
We asked one freshmen and senior for their opinion.
Freshmen opinion: “Yes, I think MIHS is a really good school, but the school could be better. For example teachers should find more interesting things to improve their teachings skills” he said. In the past year a person learned not so much. He said, “I think I have learned only basic things in each subject.” In his opinion the school does teach well but to could teach much harder stuff, just like in the other schools. He thinks that MIHS is a really good school, and he can succeed if teachers would give more materials. But he knows that he can go for with his education if he will try. He also likes how friendly other students and teachers are, so he’s not planning to leave the school.
Senior opinion: as a person stayed in this school for almost 4 years she tells us her opinion. She said, “MIHS is a good school because you can learn a lot of English and teachers are willing to help students with English and in other subjects that students need help with. In this school teachers give a lot of projects and essays.” In the senior year a lot of students have to work hard, especially in our school, because seniors have to create a portfolio. She has learned what to do to get into college and how to keep up her grades. She said, “Students like us can succeed in education and go to really good colleges, like a lot of seniors have.” She believes that she can go far even thought English is her second language. From the beginning she didn’t give up, and she didn’t quit. She stayed because she knew that she had to learn English and succeed in the US.
When you are freshmen you think a lot about what will happen later on in school or if this school is good enough for you to reach high universities or colleges. Later on when you are a senior, you know that the work you have done was for your own good and you will appreciate it. All the questions that you had, in freshmen year will be answered during the last years of high school. Most of the freshmen have a negative opinion about the school, but later on they will be thankful for the help and friendship that this school gave them.
By Dorota and Luz
We asked one freshmen and senior for their opinion.
Freshmen opinion: “Yes, I think MIHS is a really good school, but the school could be better. For example teachers should find more interesting things to improve their teachings skills” he said. In the past year a person learned not so much. He said, “I think I have learned only basic things in each subject.” In his opinion the school does teach well but to could teach much harder stuff, just like in the other schools. He thinks that MIHS is a really good school, and he can succeed if teachers would give more materials. But he knows that he can go for with his education if he will try. He also likes how friendly other students and teachers are, so he’s not planning to leave the school.
Senior opinion: as a person stayed in this school for almost 4 years she tells us her opinion. She said, “MIHS is a good school because you can learn a lot of English and teachers are willing to help students with English and in other subjects that students need help with. In this school teachers give a lot of projects and essays.” In the senior year a lot of students have to work hard, especially in our school, because seniors have to create a portfolio. She has learned what to do to get into college and how to keep up her grades. She said, “Students like us can succeed in education and go to really good colleges, like a lot of seniors have.” She believes that she can go far even thought English is her second language. From the beginning she didn’t give up, and she didn’t quit. She stayed because she knew that she had to learn English and succeed in the US.
When you are freshmen you think a lot about what will happen later on in school or if this school is good enough for you to reach high universities or colleges. Later on when you are a senior, you know that the work you have done was for your own good and you will appreciate it. All the questions that you had, in freshmen year will be answered during the last years of high school. Most of the freshmen have a negative opinion about the school, but later on they will be thankful for the help and friendship that this school gave them.
By Dorota and Luz
Friday, April 25, 2008
Manhattan International HS Girls Soccer Team.
Our high school, like any other, has a girl's soccer team. Players are from MIHS and Talent Unlimited High School. The girls from our school who joined the team are: Diako Fatoumata (Ivory Coast), Motta Dandara (Brazil), Stawowy Magdalena (Poland), Szulinska Dorota (Poland), Talla Fatou (Senegal), Toure Oumu (Mali), Wann Hadiatou (Guinia). Out team is in group A. Our opponents are schools like: Stuyvesant, Fiorello H. Laguardia, Lab, Museum, United, and Bard High School. Our coach is named Carlo Tramontozzi (from Italy). From my observations I can conclude that soccer is a very dangerous sport. Every move is permitted as long as the referee doesn't see it. One of our players had a little accident. It was caused by a girl from the opposite team but we will never find out if it was by accident or to purpose. Our opponents don't play fair with us so sometimes we do the same thing. A little push or hit by the elbow toward the opponent is okay. We have one player who does this job very wellJ. In our team the girls who mostly score are Dandara Motta and Oumu Toure. However everyone has their own place on the field. During the practice we make fun of each other and the way we play, but on the field we are very tough. Sometimes during the game we forget that it's not a practice and it makes our opponent confused which is very funny. Like every team, we have some bad moments. For example, lately one of our good players had a fight with the coach. It seemed like there would be a lot of blood but luckily everyone stayed in one piece. Our ideas as players sometimes don't match with what Mr.T tells us. That's why we sometimes have fights, but at least someone is brave enough to speak up. Honestly sometimes Mr.T drives us crazy and we just want to take off our shirts and leave in the middle of the game. It actually almost happened once, but the reason was one girl's boyfriend. Next time we have to kick out any guy from our school who comes to cheer us on. It's very hard to concentrate when there are handsome boys around usJ. Every game we try our best mostly because we have a prize for every win; pizza. When Mr.T is happy we kind of use him to buy us something to eat. Anyway we like our coach no matter how tough and demanding is he and we feel respect to him. He jokes and plays with us but only when we try our best. A schedule of the games iis put on the home webpage of our school (click sports on the left side of the page).
Magda
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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