New York City Department of Education
Academy of American Studies William C. Bassell, Principal 40-11 28th Street Long Island City, NY 11101 (929) 487-1910 / Fax (929) 487-1911 | Joanne Black, Asst. Principal Kimberly Castrillon, Asst. Principal Elizabeth Dudley, Asst. Principal Abdullah Ibraheem, Asst. Principal Alicia Klages, Asst. Principal Leslie Kohn, Asst. Principal Dana Szalkiewicz, Asst. Principal
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Academy
of
American Studies
Student and Guardian Handbook
2023-2024
September 2023
Dear Members of the Academy of American Studies family,
Welcome back! Welcome Home! Welcome back to school! Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year at the Academy of American studies. There are many high schools in New York City, but there are few which are as wonderful as ours. Because we are a mid-sized school, with about 1300 students, we are able to provide the intimacy and personalization of the very small schools combined with the breadth and depth of offerings that only the few remaining large high schools can offer. Thus, students at Academy have the best of both worlds, nestled in a safe, secure, warm, and nurturing environment.
I would like to share some information with you about the upcoming year.
At the Academy of American Studies, you will find high academic expectations and standards which meet students where they are when they come to us and bring them as far as they can possibly go. This philosophy, when combined with superlative teaching, a strong support system to ensure students are successful in meeting the rigor of high school, and a powerfully devoted guidance staff who nurture our students, creates an environment which fosters the highest levels of academic, athletic, and artistic success along with strong emotional growth.
I wish you a wonderful school year as we move forward in our new world of post-pandemic learning in our beautiful new building.
Sincerely,
William C. Bassell
Principal
Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year
Vision & Mission Statement
Vision:
Academy of American Studies is a college preparatory high school emphasizing American history, literature and culture through four years of American studies. We strive to build a cooperative community of life-long college and career learners through a spirited partnership among students, parents, faculty, staff and educational partners.
Mission:
Preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges by providing strategic insights into America’s rich history.
Goals:
✔ To ensure that every student has a rigorous college and career preparatory experience.
✔ To support every student in earning a minimum of ten academic credits each school year.
✔ To enrich and enhance students’ curricular and co-curricular experiences through our partnerships with the Gilder Lehrman Institute and other supporting organizations.
Academy of American Studies by the Numbers
Address: 40-11 28th St, Long Island City, NY 11101
Website: www.AcademyofAmericanStudies.com
Phone/Fax #: 929-487-1910 / 929-487-1911
Class of 2022-2023 Statistics:
• Graduation cohort (students who entered in the fall of 2019 and graduated by August of 2023): 96%
• Students who applied to colleges and were accepted by at least one college of their choice: 94%
• Graduates who went on to higher education: 93%
• Graduates with Regents or Advanced Regents Endorsed Diplomas: 100%
Colleges & Universities where the Class of 2023 are in attendance:
Adelphi University | Fordham University | New York University | Stony Brook University |
Apex Trade School | Fordham University (Lincoln Center) | NYC College of Technology | SUNY Brockport |
Arizona State University | George Washington University | NYIT | SUNY Geneseo |
Baruch College - CUNY | Hofstra University | NYU College of Arts and Sciences | SUNY New Paltz |
Binghamton University | Houston Baptist University | Oneonta | SUNY Plattsburgh |
Borough of Manhattan Community College- CUNY | Hunter College - CUNY | Pennsylvania State Altoona University | Syracuse University |
Boston College | John Jay College - CUNY | Pennsylvania State University | The New School |
Boston University | Johnson and Wales University | Queens College - CUNY | The Ohio State University |
Brooklyn College | LaGuardia Community College - CUNY | Queensborough Community College | University at Buffalo |
Buffalo State | Lehigh University | University of Connecticut | |
City College - CUNY | Lehman College - CUNY | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | University of Delaware |
City Tech | LIM College | Rochester Institute of Technology | University of Pennsylvania |
Clark University | Macaulay Honors at Hunter College | Siena College | University of Vermont |
Emerson College | Nassau Community College | St. Francis College | Vaughn College |
Farmingdale | New York City College of Technology | St. John's University | Wheaton College, Massachusetts |
Finger Lakes Community College | New York Institute of Technology | St. Thomas Aquinas College | York College - CUNY |
Communication
--Students must use their NYC Department of Education emails to communicate electronically with Academy staff and to log into any DOE application (Teach Hub, Zoom, Google Classroom, etc.). For a tutorial on how to do this, please go to www.academyofamericanstudies.com/remote_learning_help and watch the video under the box “How to use your NYCStudents.net account.”
--Students must be respectful of all members of the Academy community on social media, Zoom, Google Classroom , and other academic platforms.
--If there is a situation which impacts your attendance and class participation, students should email their teachers and guidance counselors immediately.
--Parents must fill out an emergency blue card.
--If you have a question, please ask. The entire staff is available through email to help you. Staff emails can be found on the website (www.academyofamericanstudies.com)
Electronics Policy
Students should feel free to bring their laptops or IPads to school for use in class with the permission of a classroom teacher only. All electronics must be off and away when a student is not in a classroom. Devices must be off and away in hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, and in any other non-classroom, non-teacher directed situation. If a parent needs to contact a student, they must call the school office so that we can locate the student. Devices that are visible or can be heard are subjected to confiscation. Confiscated items will be returned only to parents or guardians. Electronics may be used for academic reasons, but only as instructed by a teacher to advance the process of a lesson inside a classroom. Upon completion of a teacher-led classroom activity, the electronic device must be off and away before a student leaves the classroom. The Academy of American Studies is not responsible for the loss of any personal electronic devices.
Attendance
Accurate attendance is essential. If a student is absent, your parent/guardian must call that morning (929-487-1910) to let the school know. Students should check with their teacher to make sure they are up to date on all assignments. When a student returns from an absence, they must ask the teacher what work they have missed in order to be up to date.
Items that are Not Allowed in School
The following items are not allowed in school and are subject to confiscation if found:
*Students found to possess or use any illegal items or substances are subject to arrest.
IDs
The Academy community utilizes a school-wide identification system. All students are required to have their School Photo ID while they are on campus all day. IDs will assist in the security of everyone on campus. Ech new student will be issued a School Photo ID and all returning students will use their current IDs. A student who has lost their identification card should apply for a replacement with Ms. Galletti in the Cafeteria. Until a student receives a new ID, hard copies of program cards should be used for identification. There is no fee for a replacement ID card. IDs must be shown:
Basic Rules and Regulations
Where Do I Go If…
I become ill or injured……………………………………………………………………………………..Medical Office, Room 107
I lose my Metrocard (During your lunch period only)…………………………………….Ms.McLoughlin, Room 127
I need working papers………………………………………………………………………..Main office, Room 101 (Ms. Ortiz)
I lose my program card……………………………………………………………………………………….Main Office, Room 101
I need a lunch form……………………………………………………………………………………………..Main Office, Room 101
I lost my ID card………………………………………………………………………………….Cafeteria, Basement (Ms. Galletti)
I have questions about my program……………………………………………………..Guidance Counselors, Room 105
I have a problem with another student……………………………………………………………………….Deans, Room 314
I need a gym uniform…………………………………………………………………………...………………………Gym (2nd floor)
I have a question on classwork……………………………………………………………………………………...Subject Teacher
I want to hand in an absence note………………………………………………………………………..Main Office, Room 101
I have a question about a trip……………………………………………………………………………..Ms. Kiernan, Room 111
I need tutoring………………………………………………………………………...…………………………………….Subject Teacher
I need to speak to someone about a problem………………………………………..Guidance Counselors, Room 105
I need information about the daily announcements…………………………………………….Ms. Kiernan, Room 111
I need to call home………………………………………………………………………………………………Main Office, Room 101
I have a general question……………………………………………………………………………………..Main Office, Room 101
I want to join a team………………………………………………………………………………….Ms.Sherlock, Athletic Director
I want to join/start a club…………………………………………………………………………………...Ms. Kiernan, Room 111
I am being bullied…………………………………………………Deans, Room 314 & Guidance Counselors, Room 105
I need information about graduation requirements……………………………...Guidance Counselors, Room 105
I need to use a computer…………………………………………………………………………………………...Library, Room 106
I need information about college………….…………..Ms. Pereyra or Mr. Guilford, College Advisors, Room 225
I need information about fee waivers for SAT/AC………………………………....Guidance Counselors, Room 105
I need to email my teacher………………………………………..”About Us” Tab on AcademyofAmericanStudies.com
Feeling Stressed, Having a hard time balancing life and school, or do you just need someone to talk to…………………………………………………………………….Your guidance Counselor or SAPIS Counselor, Room 107
I need help from an administrator………………….. Principal Bassell (101A), Ms. Black (423), Ms. Klages (127), Ms. Kohn (105), Ms. Dudley (209), Ms. Castrillon (123), Mr. Ibraheem (127), Ms. Szalkiewicz (323)
IN AN EMERGENCY GO TO THE NEAREST OFFICE OR STAFF MEMBER
Campus Policies
COVID Policies:
Campus Entry:
STUDENTS MUST USE THE PROPER EXITS AND ENTRANCES.
LEAVING FROM OTHER DOORS COPMPROMISES EVERYONE’S SAFETY AND
SECURITY.
ALARMS WILL BE SET OFF IF ANY DOORS OTHER THAN THE MAIN DOORS
ARE USED.
ALL STUDENTS MUST BE ON CAMPUS DURING THE TIMES INDICATED ON THEIR PROGRAMS ONLY.
STUDENTS WHO VIOLATE THIS RULE ARE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY
ACTION.
Meal Forms
Meal forms are imperative for schools and an important component for school funding. All students must have a meal form on file. This should be done electronically by going to the following link: www.myschoolapps.com
Bus Safety
Whether you take a school bus, public bus, or charter bus for a trip, all students must be aware of the following:
Crisis Plan Protocol
The counselors will assess the students to determine the immediacy of the risk. The administration is notified. 911 is called (if the risk is imminent). The parent is contacted. If a student is hospitalized, upon return to school she/he must have a medical note and be accompanied by a parent to meet with the counselor before returning to classes. The counselor will follow up as needed with outside therapists, students and families. Communication will be on-going with the teachers in order to be aware of any changes/concerns for the student. Confidentiality will be respected and maintained. Crisis Intervention Team Chair: Ms. Klages; Suicide Prevention Liaison: Ms. Karabas.
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Policy
The Valedictorian will be selected under the following criteria:
The Salutatorian will be the second-ranked student selected under the criteria mentioned above.
In case of a tie: If two students tie for the honor of valedictorian the award will go to the student who has taken and passed the greatest number of New York State Regents. If the students are still tied, the award will be given to the student with the highest Regents average on the exams needed for a New York State Regents diploma. The student with the higher average here will be valedictorian and the other student will be salutatorian and the student with the lower average will be ranked third.
If the honor is refused the next highest ranked student by the above criteria will take that student's place.
Any discrepancies with the above policy will be handed to a panel that consists of the principal, assistant principal, senior class advisor, one guidance counselor and a dean.
Community Service
Overview and Requirements: Community service and volunteerism are significant aspects of the college application and scholarship process therefore, the Academy of American Studies as a college preparatory high school, requires all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to complete a minimum community service hour requirement. Students will benefit from the opportunity to make meaningful connections and enrich the lives of others by providing service for individuals or public organizations and teams. The Academy of American Studies Community Service Requirement will be documented on the students’’s Final Report Card and Official High School Transcript. Successful completion of all 3-year grade requirements will be necessary for a student to earn the Academy Honors Endorsement on their diploma.
The Criteria:
“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing “ - T. Roosevelt
School Wide Grading Policy (Based on the NYC Policy Toolkit and our Teacher Handbook)
40% Summative Activities (including but not limited to):
35% Formative Activities (including but not limited to):
25% Activities to support accuracy, equity, and social-emotional well-being (including but not limited to):
As an annualized school, grades students receive in annualized courses for each marking period will count for ALL marking periods. The final transcript grade will appear in the “final'' column on the report card based on the 6th marking period grade. For each semester courses, this policy applies to marking period 3 (end of fall semester) and 6 (end of spring semester)
Application of the school wide grading policy is subject to adaptation based upon the chancellor’s emphasis on creativity, empathy, compassion, and flexibility in these unique times.
Possible Report Card Grades
86-100 Grades may be given in increments of 1 (86, 87, 88, 89, etc.)
65-85 Grades are to be given in multiples of 5 (65, 70,75, 80, 85)
58 Failing with the potential to pass for the next marking period (N/A MP 6)
55 Failing grade for academic reasons
50 Failing grade for academic reasons
45 Frequently absent, failing for academic reasons
40 Has not reported the first day of school or the first day of a semester
NL New Admit; no credit granted
60 is not a valid grade at Academy of American Studies
A, B, B, D, F--Leadership
Students auditing courses will be graded the same as all other students
P or F--lab, team gym, service, or Apex
Z-lab--# of labs completed since the first day of school
Check with your individual teacher for more information.
Report Cards, Marking Periods and Conferences
Things to know…
Marking Period Ends | Grades Due by: | Report Card Day | |
1 | Friday, 11/10/2023 | Tuesday, 11/14/2023 9am | Thursday, 11/16/2023 |
2 | Friday, 12/15/2023 | Tuesday 12/19/2023 9am | Friday, 12/22/2023 |
3 | Friday, 1/19/2024 | Tuesday, 1/23/2024 9am | Wednesday, 1/31/2024 |
4 | Friday, 3/15/2024 | Tuesday, 3/19/2024 9am | Thursday, 3/21/2024 |
5 | Friday, 4/19/2024 | Thursday, 5/2/2024 9am | Monday, 5/6/2024 |
6 | Friday, 6/7/2024 | Tuesday, 6/11/2024 9am | Thursday, 6/27/2024 |
Scheduled Parent Teacher Conferences:
Fall– Thursday, November 16, 2023 6-8:30pm; Friday, November 17, 2023--1-3pm
Spring– Thursday, March 21, 2024 6-8:30pm; Friday, March 22, 2024 1-3pm
Immunization Requirements
A healthy school setting gives all students the best chance to learn and grow. Vaccines are very important to this effort. They protect children from getting and spreading diseases that can make them very sick. For this reason, we require children aged 2-months to 18-years-old who are entering or attending child care, public school, or private school be vaccinated against certain diseases. For information on what vaccines are mandated so that students are not excluded from school, please visit the following website:
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/health-and-wellness/immunizations
DOE guidance states COVID vaccines are recommended but not required for all students.
Chancellor’s Regulation & DOE Policies
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/a-831
DOE Policies
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/covid-19-flowchart-k-12
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/school-environment/respect-for-all/respect-for-all-handouts
Student Dress Code
In order to maintain a positive learning environment, it is expected that Academy students dress in a professional manner. We expect Academy students to be dressed appropriately to ensure safety and to keep the focus on teaching and learning. We would like all parents and guardians to remind students of proper protocols on campus.
Prohibited forms of dress for ALL students at Academy of American Studies include but are not limited to:
✔ Hats or Caps (with the expectation of headwear worn for religious observance).
✔ Hoods not to be worn inside the building (hooded sweatshirt or other shirts lowered).
✔ Clothing that contains references to drugs, alcohol, sex, violence, racism, our gang-affiliation.
✔ Clothing that does not provide coverage of torso, undergarments, and private body parts, including see-through garments of any kind.
✔ Flip-flops.
✔Sunglasses while indoors.
If a student comes to school wearing clothing prohibited by the Dress Code, then the student’s parents will be notified, the student may be subject to the interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code, and the student will be expected to make appropriate adjustments to their clothing to conform with the Dress Code (e.g., turning shirts inside out, borrowing temporary clothing until the end of the school day, etc)
If you are not sure if your outfit is appropriate, please ask a staff member
for their guidance.
Academy Policy on Grade Levels and Basic Credits
I am a freshman if… I have graduated from junior high school I have fewer than 10 credits My advisory class starts with the number 1 [Most freshman entered the school in 2023] | I am a sophomore if… I have at least 8 credits I have passed freshman English I have passed freshman Global My advisory class starts with the number 2 [Most sophomores entered the school in 2022] |
I am a junior if… I have at least 20 credits I have passed freshman and sophomore English I have passed freshman and sophomore Global My advisory class starts with the number 3 [Most juniors entered the school in 2021 ] | I am a senior if… I have at least 30 credits I have passed six credits of English I have passed Global and 11th grade US History I don’t need summer school or extended day My advisory class starts with the number 4 [Most seniors entered the school in 2020] |
Students need a minimum of 44 credits to graduate.
Including: 8 Social Studies-(including 9th and 10th grade global, US, Participation in Government, Economics) 6 Math 6 Science 2 Foreign Language (6 to complete a sequence) 2 Arts 1 Health .50 x 8 semesters for Physical Education 7 Sequence Courses / Electives | If I plan on getting a Regents Diploma, I need to get 65+ on the following exams: English Math Social Studies Living Environment Plus one additional Math, Social Studies or Science Exam |
If I plan on getting an Advanced Regents Diploma, I need to get a 65+ on the following exams: English Algebra 1] Geometry Algebra 2 & Trigonometry Global studies US History Science (2) Foreign Language (local exam) | If I plan on getting an Academy Honors designation on my diploma, I need to receive an Advanced Regents Diploma, complete community service requirements and get 65+ in the following classes if taken: Freshman American History Sophomore American History Law Senior Thesis/Civics |
If you have questions about any of the criteria above, please see a guidance counselor.
NOTE: Some Regents requirements have been waived due to the pandemic. Speak to your counselor for specific information.
Advanced Placement Program
As part of out college preparatory initiative, the Academy of American studies is proud to offer Advanced Placement courses in the following disciplines:
American History, Calculus, Economics, English Language, English Literature, European History, Government, Human Geography, Spanish Language, World History
All Advanced Placement Classes are rigorous courses that can lead to college credit depending on the exam score in may. Students must make a strong commitment to accept a workload requiring intensive reading and writing. There is a large time commitment as well. Students must show an excellent work ethic with an academic history of handing in homework and projects on time as well as excellent attendance.
Once a student has been programmed into a class she/he may not withdraw from the class without first undergoing a review by a committee composed of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Guidance Counselor, and teacher.
All AP fees must be paid in full by November 2023.
For questions about AP Exam Registration see Ms. Cancryn.
For questions about AP eligibility see your guidance counselor.
NOTE: If a student does not take the AP exam, they are not entitled to receive 1.10 credits for the advanced placement course.
College Now Program
The CUNY College Now Program allows eligible Juniors and Seniors to earn up to 12 FREE CUNY credits while earning high school credits. Students are able to take classes here at the Academy or on the campus of LaGuardia College.
The following courses are currently offered at the Academy through College Now for college credit:
Art History 1 & 2, Critical Thinking, Reading the Biography, Literacy and Propaganda, Elementary Statistics, College Algebra & Trig, Public Speaking, Topics in Biological science, English Composition, and psychology. For questions about the College Now program email Mr. Randle.
Middle School Acceleration
Students who have taken high school classes must pass coursework and pass a Regents at the of the course in order to receive high school credit. At the Academy, this includes second language proficiency exams (oral & written), Earth Science, Living Environment, and Common Core Algebra 1, US History, English, etc. Credit cannot be given for courses taken in 7th grade. Check with your guidance counselor to see if you have received credit.
Changing Your Address and/or Phone Number
Please keep the school informed of any changes in your contact information in a
timely manner!
It is of utmost importance that the school has accurate contact information on record at all times. Parents/Guardians must fill out a new blue card every time contact information changes.
If you are moving/changing your address:
If you are changing schools:
COVID-19 Guidance for the 2023-2024 School Year
Vaccination
Vaccination is the best way to prevent COVID-19. Encourage eligible students and staff to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Staying Home if sick
Tell students and staff to stay home and get tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms. Schools should offer at-home test kits to students and staff who have symptoms. Students and staff who use at-home test kits should take two tests 24 hours apart.
Isolating if Positive for COVID-19
Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate (stay home) for five days. They can return to school on Day 6 if they have no symptoms or their symptoms have improved, and must wear a mask for 10 days after their symptoms began or positive test date (whichever is earlier).
Getting Tested if Exposed to Covid-19
Students and staff who were exposed to COVID-19 should get tested for five days, wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days, and check for fever and other symptoms for 10 days after their last exposure. Schools should offer at-home test kits to students and staff who may have been exposed while at school. Students and staff who use at-home test kits should take two tests 24 hours apart. If symptoms begin, they should isolate and get tested for COVID-19 right away.
Wearing Masks
Masks help protect the person wearing it and prevent people-including those who have COVID-19 and do not know they are sick-from spreading the virus to others. Schools should help students and staff who wear masks feel comfortable when doing so.
For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus or bit.ly/cdc-schools-operational-guidance.
The NYC Health Department may change recommendations as the situation evolves.
Grades, Attendance, and Messaging
Information will be available to families in the NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) Portal. Currently, you can see your child’s report cards, view attendance, update important contact information and more in NYCSA. If you have not created a NYCSA account, please create one before school starts on September 8. If you need help creating a NYCSA account, please contact Ms.Alaimo (DAlaimo8@schools.nyc.gov or [929] 487 1910 x 1011). Below you’ll find a brief overview of the applications. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Jupiter Grades Attendance, and Messaging Family Guide
For the 2023-2024 school year, we will be utilizing Jupiter to support and carry out the functions that were previously supported by GAMA, Skedula, Pupilpath, Google Classroom, etc.
The online platform of Jupiter will serve as our messaging system to individual classes and individual parents and students.
The Jupiter platform seamlessly integrates the needs of parents, teachers, and students all under one program and conveniently links to Google Classroom.
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★ Students at Academy who need a NYCSA (DOE) password reset:
https://forms.gle/A8cdMERcg5TWjEop6
★If you are a guardian and need a code or password:
https://forms.gle/kHMyX5Pg6w1FvQWf8