Photo: Steven Millard Science Class

By: Steven Millard

We have been working hard for the last two years to make high gains with our students on our rigorous tests that will ultimately indicate future success not only in our school, but also in their future education and life. It has not been easy and I’ve wondered sometimes if it is possible.

Today Ryan Lyerla and I gave the evolution exam to our students, composed of 20 New York Regents Exam evolution questions. These test questions are known for being very rigorous. Approximately 35 of our students not only passed the exam, but scored above an 80% on their first try, without notes, no funny business. I was a bit shocked myself and watched very careful for any cheating. I didn’t see any.

This stands as a real mile marker for us, and is the culmination of our recent positive school changes and continually implementing new strategies in the classroom. It proves that our students are “smart” and can attain high academic achievement.

As promised, those students who scored an 80% or above on the exam and have a passing grade attended a field trip to the Field Museum to see the evolution exhibit. We had to find transportation quickly, and when no bus companies were available, we turned to the Miguel A. Barretos Boys and Girls Club. They came through, providing two fifteen-passenger vans to take us and pick us up at the end of the day. Thanks to the leadership of Hector Perez at the Club, this trip was a success!

This is a proud time for the school and our classes. Please congratulate the students and encourage the ones who did not score above an 80% on the exam. This is a success we can all share in. Your support and love on the students are enabling them to do great things! The best part about this process was watching how shocked and excited they were when they realized they can be highly successful.

This is just the start. Lets continue this growth! Here are the students’ names:

Alex V, Shevelle W, Jessica R, Michelle P, Booboo N, Jose L, Michael A, Crystal M, Hector R, Kiole B, Tania C, Emmanuel H, Onely O, Lizzette O, Octavian P, Natalie O, Jesus Garcia, Reynado R, Ruben C, Destiny A, Lionel B, Amaris K, Grace R, Bianca J, Ashley S, Samuel C, Alecia H, Ashley C, Jose T, Sara W, Stephanie D, Lorena D, Vicky B, Lisabel R, Diamond D, Gabrella C, Gabriel V.