Meet the Quaranteens: Tutors to the Rescue! |
|
Top row: Sierra Vacca, Jessica Shapiro, Grace Francella, Joseph Riviello; middle row: Celine Glennon, Leah Shefferman, Andy Nunez, Sabrina Lin; bottom row: Sol Zamarbide, Amanda Cao. |
|
New Rochelle High School honors student Jessica Shapiro noticed she began “falling behind a little” in spring 2020, when instruction went virtual due to COVID-19. Knowing the same must have been happening to others – especially younger students – she sprang into action.
Shapiro reached out to eight friends who shared her vision to give back to our community, and together they launched Quaranteen Tutors in May 2020, as months of virtual learning became a full year of remote instruction for 2020-21.
Now a senior at New Rochelle High School who aspires to be a pediatric surgeon, Shapiro said the free tutoring service for elementary and middle schoolers last year paired 70 high school student volunteer tutors with more than 90 local students. Though the 2021-22 school year started just a few weeks ago, more than 40 students already are receiving tutoring, with increasing demand expected over the coming weeks and months. Subject areas currently covered are science, math, English, social studies, art, Spanish and Mandarin. Students can receive one-on-one help for up to two hours per week over Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet or a similar app that makes tutoring convenient and accessible.
“Remote learning took a toll on a lot of students, especially the younger ones,” said Shapiro. “I knew that many of us in the high school could help elementary and middle schoolers manage virtual learning and increase their success in a number of subject areas.”
Due to the immediacy of the need, Shapiro and her friends spearheaded Quaranteen Tutors as a grassroots, independent effort. “We began casually, with the need for tutors and the availability of services spreading by word of mouth,” she said.
Logistics initially were worked out through text messages and group chats. Today, the program is far more organized and efficient, said Shapiro. She serves as president of Quaranteen Tutors and leads a board comprised of the original eight student volunteers, plus an 11th grader, to ensure continuity after the founders graduate this June. Their website, quaranteen-tutors.com, makes it easy for parents to request tutoring for their children, and for New Rochelle High School students to volunteer in their areas of interest.
Shapiro currently also serves as co-president of the New Rochelle High School Science Honor Society. NRHS chemistry teacher and Science Honor Society adviser Valerie Zumbo, among those who have supported the initiative from the outset, helps with outreach to potential student tutors.
“Jessica and the others who are providing this invaluable service are not only high-achieving, they’re also some of the kindest, most supportive, talented students I’ve ever worked with,” said Zumbo. “They’re not doing this to put it on a college application or resume; they just really want to do good and make sure other kids have the help and support they need to succeed.”
|
|
Superintendent Jonathan Raymond said the students who established and volunteer for Quaranteen Tutors are “outstanding leaders and a reflection of New Rochelle pride. These extraordinary young people identified a need and met it by sharing their talents for the greater good. Our elementary and middle school students really look up to these high schoolers and benefit tremendously from this additional support. This is the true meaning of community.”
Tutoring provided by Quaranteen Tutors is always free, and can be scheduled for up to two hours per week. Parents/guardians can request services for their students at quaranteen-tutors.com. Additional tutors from New Rochelle High School are needed to meet increasing demand; those in the National or Science honor societies may earn credit toward community service.
|
|
New Guide Explains Virtual Learning
During these unprecedented times, the City School District of New Rochelle recognizes and values the importance of consistency and maintaining student learning. As such, virtual learning remains an integral approach to student success when in-person instruction is not possible.
To that end, the purpose of a newly created guidance document is two-fold:
- Provide continued guidance in the event that a specific class or individual school needs to switch to virtual learning as a result of COVID-19.
- Address when an individual student must be removed from school due to a COVID-19 exposure or diagnosis, and access to virtual learning is needed.
This document contains sample daily schedules, social-emotional learning strategies/practices, curricular and instructional resources, and guidance for how district schools will facilitate virtual instruction. The contents, strategies, and tools reflected are grounded in research and effective practices. You may access the document here or via the school district's webpage.
|
|
Learn more about COVID Safety Steps
The City School District of New Rochelle knows that there are many questions regarding COVID-19 contact tracing, isolation, quarantine, and exclusion from school when necessary due to health and safety protocols. To help the community learn more, a guide has been prepared that explains each. You also can learn more in the COVID Resource Center at the school district’s website, nred.org.
|
|
Farley Named National Recognition Scholar, STOMP Out Bullying Leader |
It’s been an exciting month for New Rochelle High School junior Emma Farley.
She recently was named a National Recognition Scholar by the College Board, a tremendous honor showcasing her academic prowess. She earned this honor as part of the College Board’s National Recognition Program for African Americans.
Being named a National Recognition Scholar is “really gratifying,” she said, because it recognizes her hard work nationally and has given her extra motivation for her current studies.
“Getting this award is encouraging me to keep working hard in school and put my best effort into everything I do,” she said.
That’s not the only honor Farley has achieved recently. She also will be traveling to Los Angeles this weekend as a Youth Leader for STOMP Out Bullying, a national nonprofit organization with the aim of putting an end to bullying and cyberbullying among kids and teens. She was invited to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers at Dodger Stadium in recognition of World Bullying Prevention Month.
“Helping others is so important to me,” Farley said. “If I can reduce or prevent bullying in any way, then I can help not just friends and classmates, but also our greater community. Being part of STOMP Out Bullying made me feel more confident about speaking publicly about issues that are important to me.”
Farley’s mother, Sharon Epperson, will proudly accompany her to Los Angeles.
“My husband, son and I are very proud of Emma’s involvement with STOMP Out Bullying,” Epperson said. “She has always been committed to helping others. Promoting a message of kindness, unity and inclusivity through her work with this organization is a continuation of what she has always done with her friends and classmates.”
Farley looks forward to kicking off World Bullying Prevention Month in Los Angeles, getting the rare experience of throwing out a first pitch, and seeing friends and family members in the area who she hasn’t seen since before the pandemic.
|
|
Next Vaccine Clinic Oct. 13 |
The City School District of New Rochelle’s next free COVID-19 vaccination clinic -- in partnership with the Westchester County Department of Health -- is Oct. 13 at Albert Leonard Middle School from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
The school district advocates vaccinations as the most effective way to end the pandemic and keep children and the community safe.
Vaccinations are open to District staff and students 12 or older. Parents must accompany their children. The clinic will be held in the gym; please use the Auditorium entrance.
In addition, Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital offers vaccinations for the public. Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital offers walk-in public vaccinations for the public weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Bring a photo ID and an insurance card (not required for students). For the second dose, bring your vaccine card. Click here to sign up.
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
Oct. 1
George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School Picture Day, all day, George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School
New Rochelle High School Senior Portraits, all day, New Rochelle High School
William B. Ward Elementary School Popcorn Friday and Spirit Day, all day, William B. Ward Elementary School
Isaac E. Young Middle School Back to School Family Picnic, 5-8 p.m., Isaac E. Young Middle School
Henry Barnard Early Childhood Center PTA Movie Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Henry Barnard Early Childhood Center
Oct. 2
SAT exams, all day
Oct. 4
Albert Leonard Middle School Blue Shirt Day, all day, Albert Leonard Middle School
|
|
Oct. 4 Continued
George M. Davis Jr. Elementary Picture Day, all day, George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School
Isaac E. Young Middle School Back to School Night Grade 7, 6-7 p.m., Isaac E. Young Middle School
Oct. 4-8
George M. Davis Jr. Elementary Fall Book Fair, all day, George M. Davis Jr. Elementary School
Oct. 5
Board of Education Meeting, 6-7 p.m., Central Administration, City Hall
Oct. 5-7
Albert Leonard Middle School Photo Days, all day, Albert Leonard Middle School
Oct. 6
New Rochelle High School Financial Aid Night, all day, New Rochelle High School
Isaac E. Young Middle School Back to School Night Grade 8, 6-7 p.m., Isaac E. Young Middle School
Oct. 6-7
Daniel Webster Elementary School PTA, 7-8 p.m.
|
|
New Rochelle High Athletes Persevere Amid Challenges |
|
New Rochelle High School’s resilient athletes have persevered, and the teams have continued to be competitive, despite a series of unprecedented obstacles. Flooding at the high school, and cleanup and restoration efforts to areas including the pool and gym, have meant the girls swimming, volleyball and cheer teams have adjusted to alternate environments.
The girls swim team is having their practices at Mount Vernon High School. Despite no “home” meets this year, the team is 3-1 with several notable accomplishments. In the meet against Eastchester on Tuesday at Sarah Lawrence College, the team came back from a 29-17 deficit to defeat the Eagles. Jaelynn Taylor took first place in the 50 Freestyle with a state-qualifying time of 24.60. That places her ninth in the state in this event. Ella Harshman finished second with a season-best time of 26.5 and Sara Valerio finished in fourth place. In the 100 Butterfly, Jaelynn Taylor also took first place with her season’s best time of 1:01.7. Izzy Balachadran and Harshman finished in first and second place in the 100 Freestyle to take the lead. The team sealed the victory by finishing first and second in the 200 Freestyle Relay with a first-place time of 1:42.8. That score was good enough to rank seventh in the state in that event. The meet ended with wins for Daniella Condon in the Backstroke and Julia Yang in the Breaststroke.
The team traveled to Suffern High School Thursday to face the Mounties. While the team suffered its first defeat of the season, it was exciting to see eighth-grader Kenya Clark finish in third place in diving. This is the first time in several years that the swim team has competed with a diver. See video here. Congratulations to the team on a great start!
|
|
The girls varsity soccer team had two great wins this week. It defeated previously unbeaten John Jay High School of East Fishkill 2-0 on McKenna Field last Saturday. Goals were scored by Amalia Cardo and Leyla Selman on assists from Sydney Middlesworth and Alex Rivera. Goalkeeper Mia Fear was credited with the shutout. The team then came back on Thursday to defeat league opponent Scarsdale 2-0. Amalia Cardo scored both goals and Mia Fear earned her second shutout of the week. Congratulations on the great wins!
The football team sports a 2-1 record, having won decisive victories over Scarsdale, 26-10, and John Jay, 39-0. The highlight of the John Jay victory was the superb exploits of Jaquis Brandon, who had 15 carries for 172 years and a touchdown. The team traveled to Carmel last Saturday and was defeated by the Rams 28-0. Next up on the schedule is a home game against the Yonkers Force today at 6 p.m. at McKenna Field.
Elsewhere, there’s plenty of action:
-
The cheerleading teams are working to get ready for their competitions and also cheer at football games.
-
The girls varsity tennis team has a record of 5-2. Congratulations to Meredith Gray, Geneva Austin, Olivia Moxey and Eileen Weisner for qualifying for next week’s individual Sectional Tournament.
-
The boys soccer team plays some of the best competition in Section 1. Coach Jarohan Garcia is proud of the team’s resilience as they have been faced with a number of injuries but have continued to work hard and support one another. In addition to their practicing last week the team collected $300 among themselves and purchased 20 meals for families at the Heritage Homes who were still without gas following the storm.
-
The volleyball team has continued to work hard and support one another as they have been without a ‘true’ home court as a result of the storm. Congratulations to Kamara St. Paul for being named to the All-Tournament Teams at both the Scarsdale and Pelham Invitational Tournaments.
|
|
Congratulations to our Cross Country Medalists!
#NewRoStrong pride was on full display at the Xavier Invitational Cross Country Meet in Staten Island last week, with New Rochelle High School runners finishing strong!
Varsity medal winners were, from left to right in the first photo, Ariel Esposito, Kaitlyn Casas and Sol Zamarbide. Junior varsity medal winners in the second photo were, from left to right, Jordan Etheridge and Catalina Concha. Congratulations!
|
|
Show Your Huguenot Pride; Here's Next Week's Athletics Schedule! |
|
Please note:
Schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances.
A = Away. H = Home.
Monday, October 4
Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Pearl River (H - McKenna Field) 5:30
Varsity Volleyball vs.. Scarsdale (A) 4:30
JV Volleyball vs. Scarsdale (A) 6:00
Girls Varsity Tennis vs.. White Plains (A) 4:30
ALMS Boys Soccer vs. Mamaroneck (A) 4:30
ALMS Volleyball vs. Port Chester (A) 4:30
IEYMS Football vs. Harrison (H) 4:30
IEYMS Volleyball vs. Mt. Vernon (B.Turner) (A) 4:30
Tuesday, October 5
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Mt. Vernon (H) 4:30
Boys JV Soccer vs. Mt.Vernon (A) 4:30
Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Mt. Vernon (H) 4:30
Girls Varsity Swimming vs. Mamaroneck (A - Hommocks) 4:30
ALMS Girls Soccer vs. Port Chester (White) (H) 4:30
IEYMS Boys Soccer vs. Rye (Red) (A) 4:30
Wednesday, October 6
Girls Varsity Soccer vs.. Mamaroneck (H - McKenna Field) 4:30
Varsity Volleyball vs. Mamaroneck (A) 4:30
JV Volleyball vs. Mamaroneck (A) 6:00
ALMS Volleyball vs. Scarsdale (Maroon) (H) 4:30
|
|
Thursday, October 7
Freshman Football vs. Cornwall (H - McKenna Field) 5:00
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Scarsdale (A) 6:00
JV Boys Soccer vs. Scarsdale (H) 4:30
JV "B" Soccer vs. Horace Greeley (A) 4:30
Girls JV Soccer vs. Mamaroneck (A) 4:30
Girls Varsity Swimming vs.. Scarsdale (A) 4:30
ALMS Boys Soccer vs.. Port Chester (White) (H) 4:30
IEYMS Girls Soccer vs.. Rye (Red) (H - IEYMS) 4:30
Modified Cross Country vs. Mamaroneck (A) 4:30
Friday, October 8 - Homecoming Weekend
Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Mt. Vernon (H) 6:00
Girls JV Soccer vs. Horace Greeley 'B' (A) 4:30
Varsity Volleyball vs. Mt. Vernon (H -ALMS) 4:30
JV Volleyball vs. Mt. Vernon (H-ALMS) 6:00
Girls Varsity Tennis vs. Mt. Vernon (A) 4:30
Girls JV Tennis vs. Harrison (H) 4:30
ALMS Volleyball vs. Mamaroneck (Black) (A) 4:30
IEYMS Girls Soccer vs. White Plains (H) 4:30pm
IEYMS Volleyball vs. Rye (Black) (H) 4:30
Saturday, October 9
JV Football vs. Mt. Vernon (A) 9:30am
Varsity Cross Country - Manhattan College Invitational @ VCP 9:15am
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. John Jay EF (H-McKenna) 10:00am
Boys JV "B" Soccer vs. Mamaroneck (A) 11:00am
Varsity Football vs. Mt. Vernon (H-McKenna) 1:30
|
|
|
City School District of New Rochelle | nred.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
