Announcements

• Course Preference Update (June 17, 2021)

  Hello,

   

  The release of our 2021-2022 Course Catalog has been well received.  The thoughtfulness of our Advanced course offerings and the expansion of student choice allows students to better personalize their academic experience in preparation for their post-secondary plans.

   

  Here are a couple of updates we feel are important to communicate to families. 

   

  ELA Requirements 

   

  Students may now satisfy the junior year ELA requirement with either American Literature (English 5/6) or AP English Language and Composition.  These courses do not need to be taken concurrently. 

   

  Students who have yet to submit their course request form will now see AP Language and Composition as an option under the “Next course in the English Sequence.” Students who have already submitted their course request form, and wish to revise their English preference may do so using the add/drop form distributed this summer. 

   

  Rationale: Students may only take two Advanced Placement (AP) courses for the school year 2021-2022. 

   

  It is universally understood that students have experienced trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is unclear as to the impact this trauma has had on our own school community. We want our students to have positive experiences when they come back to school full time in the fall.  We want our students to have a healthy and balanced lifestyle for the 2021-2022 academic school year. 

   

  Students frequently take an incredibly rigorous course load when accounting for their academic choices and the rigor of their studio programs.  When students wish to switch from an AP Course to a non-AP course due to a variety of reasons -- including work load and anxiety --  it is often not possible due to courses being full, courses not offered the same period, curriculum does not match up, etc. 

   

  In certain situations, a student may be approved to take a 3rd AP class. For example, if a student has completed three years of a World Language sequence, the student will receive an exception in order to take an AP World Language and two other AP courses.

   

  Thank you.

   

  Daisy Fontanez, Principal Assigned

  Greg Brummell, Assistant Principal, Safety and Security

  Alyssa Collins, Assistant Principal, Math and Science

  Bernice Fleischer, Assistant Principal, Music

  Justin Mackey, Assistant Principal, Organization

  Matteo Mannino, Assistant Principal, Social Studies and World Languages

  Julissa Marrero, Assistant Principal, English

  Michele Mathesius, Assistant Principal, Dance and Physical Education & Health

  Heather Polacik, Assistant Principal, Fine Arts

  Shoshana Seid, Assistant Principal, Special Education, Programming, and Testing

  Greg Sinacori, Assistant Principal, Dance (IA)

  Mark J. Stricklin-Witherspoon, Ed.D., Assistant Principal, Engagement

  Shelliann Williams, Assistant Principal, Guidance

   

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• SLT Observer Information for June 15, 2021, Meeting

   

   

   

   

  ,

   

  The LaGuardia Arts SLT meeting has a process for observers to our meetings.

   

  The June 15, 202, meeting begins at 4:15 PM, and attendees are let in just prior to the meeting start time.

   

  Our by-laws state that iIndividuals may attend SLT meetings as observers, meaning that they can observe the meeting but cannot speak during the meeting.  The exception is that the SLT chair may call on an observer to address the SLT; however, this is at the discretion of the SLT.

   

  Please note that observers are generally called upon only when specifically asked to present to the SLT.  Observers generally are not called up to contribute views to the discussion.

   

  Register as Observer
  
  

  In the event there are technology-issues, the link may be changed at the last minute, so if you are having difficulty accessing the meeting, please check your email in the event a new link is sent out.

  Thank you.

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Update from Superintendent Vivian Orlen (6.14.21)

   

   

   

   

   

  Dear LaGuardia Community –

   

  With Principal Vasconcelos on family leave, I wanted to provide the community with school contact information, for students and families, as we close out this school year and prepare for next fall.

   

  Starting tomorrow, Ms. Daisy Fontanez will begin as a Principal Assigned while Principal Vasconcelos is on leave. Principal Fontanez brings with her a wealth of experience and a background in academic counseling that will allow her to lend substantial support to students and teachers during the Summer Rising program at LaGuardia. A strong collaborator, Principal Fontanez recently served as Principal Assigned at the New York City Museum School and has over 22 years’ experience leading schools. She will be an invaluable resource to the school community as we prepare for a full reopening this fall until Principal Vasconcelos returns.  I anticipate that Principal Vasconcelos will return before the start of classes in September. 

   

  As Principal Fontanez transitions into the role, I want to provide a list of school-based personnel available to students and families who can address common topics that come up during this time of year.

   

  As we close out this academic year, any questions about upcoming Regents’ testing, or other questions regarding this academic year can be referred to Dr. Mark Stricklin   (mstricklin@schools.nyc.gov)

   

  In preparation for Summer Rising, please reach out to:

  Mr. Greg Brummell - Summer Rising Safety and Security (gbrumme@schools.nyc.gov) – for all questions regarding health and safety protocols this summer.

  Mr. Greg Sinacori - Summer Rising Arts Courses (gsinacori@schools.nyc.gov) – for all questions regarding the arts courses being provided this summer.

  Dr. Mark Stricklin - Summer Rising Academic Courses (mstricklin@schools.nyc.gov) – for all questions regarding academic courses and credit recovery this summer.

  
  

   Finally, we are excited to support students in selecting their course programming for next fall.  Currently all studios are hosting information sessions to answer questions about next fall's courses.  Between now and June 30th, guidance counselors are available to answer individual student questions. All questions regarding, IEPs over the summer can be directed to Shoshana Seid (sseid@schools.nyc.gov)

   

  I deeply appreciate your school community and look forward to continuing to work with you over the upcoming weeks alongside Principal Fontanez and the entire LaGuardia High School leadership team.

   

  Superintendent Vivian Orlen

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Graduation Update (6.12.21): Immediate Action Required

   

   

   

   

  Greetings to the Class of 2021!

   

  As we are rapidly approaching your upcoming Commencement Ceremony, I have two pieces of advice that will make the entire graduation experience less stressful and, ultimately, more enjoyable.

   

  Continue to be flexible.  There is an order and reason we are doing things so that we may complete everything by established deadlines.  Because of the unique circumstances of our time, there are many COVID-19 related logistics that we have to work through together step by step.

   

  Read everything and provide everything you are asked for before the deadline.  We are on an accelerated schedule to finalize elements of our ceremonies.  Your cooperation is not only necessary but it is essential for the full participation you expect.

   

  I express this to you because if a deadline is missed or if requested information is not provided, as much as we would like to accommodate you, there is often no room/time for corrections.  The benefit is that your family and you will be able to enjoy this incredible milestone.

   

  We are thrilled to announce…

   

  Ceremony 1	Ceremony 2	Ceremony 3
  Wednesday, June 23	Wednesday, June 23	Wednesday, June 23
  9:00 AM	12:30 PM	4:00 PM
  Music	Fine Art	Dance, Drama, and Tech

  
  
  

  Here are things to immediately think about:

   

  • Will you attend your assigned ceremony in person?
  • Students will be sitting with the two guests in pods of three seats.
  • There are no additional tickets available.  If a graduate does not attend the ceremony, that pod will not be used; tickets are not transferable.
  • Graduation Tickets will be emailed to you; one ticket is for you, and two tickets are for your guests.

   

  COMPLETE SEAT ASSIGNMENT AND CONTRACT TRACING GOOGLE FORM by Thursday, June 17, 2021; 7:00 AM. (This may ONLY be completed by the graduate using their laguardiahs.org account.)

   

  Per NYCDOE policy, high school students must meet graduation requirements to participate in their school’s graduation ceremony. Students who have not yet met graduation requirements at the time of the ceremony may not participate in the ceremony. 

   

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Course Preference Form (June 25, 2021)

  Dear LaGuardia Arts Community,

   

  We hope this email finds you well, and that you are all looking forward to summer break in just a few short weeks!

   

  By now you should have reviewed with your family the 2021-2022 Course Catalog, and are ready to complete the Student Course Preference Form. Please complete the form by June 25, 2021 to indicate your preferred courses for next school year. You will need your laguardiahs.org log-in to complete the form. 

   

  This is NOT first-come, first serve. All student preferences will be considered on an individual basis and a staff member will reach out to you to discuss your preferences.

   

  Be sure to review both the Course Sequences and Course Descriptions of your arts studio and each academic department in the Course Catalog to ensure that you are indicating preferences for the courses for which you meet the prerequisites/co-requisites, and are most aligned to your interest and needs.

   

  Please remember that this preference form does not guarantee your courses for the fall, but rather provides information about what courses you would prefer to have included in your fall program. It also provides information to our Studios, Departments, and Programming Office about how many sections of courses to plan for. We will do our best to schedule you for the courses that you prefer, however, all course offerings are subject to change, pending many factors including but not limited to budgetary, logistical, safety, scheduling, staffing, and other resource limitations. It may also be possible that courses you prefer are cancelled, are full, or may not fit in your program for next year.

   

  Students will have the opportunity to confirm preferences before their final schedules are generated, so please be sure to check your laguardiahs.org email periodically throughout the summer.

   

  We will do our best to schedule students for their preferences. If you have questions about Course Offerings please continue to reach out to the supervising Assistant Principal of the Studio/Department. If you need assistance completing the Student Course Preference Form, a video tutorial will be available next week. 

   

  Enjoy these last few weeks before summer!

   

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Summer Rising Registration - 6/18

  Dear LaGuardia Arts Community,

  As you know, this summer public schools throughout New York City will be hosting unique programs that support our communities’ return in the Fall. 

  We are pleased to share with you details of the first set of scheduled events for the summer:  thoughtful enrichment Summer Rising 2021 Course Offerings our faculty/staff have designed in art, dance, drama, music, technical theatre, mathematics, and science. 

  In order to accommodate student availability and maximize the number of students who can participate throughout the summer, there are a variety of courses available in 1-week as well as 2-week cycles. From July 6 - August 13, 2021, students can participate in as few as 1-week or as many as 6-weeks of courses. Please review the Course Offerings carefully to ensure that you select courses that do not conflict in times and dates. Remember, again, some courses are 2-weeks in duration, and commitment to both weeks is required.

  Courses in all subjects are open to all LaGuardia, PPAS, and Repertory students, regardless of their arts studio major during the school year. A limited number of courses have prerequisites to ensure a meaningful experience.  Students will earn credits on their transcript for successfully completing each course.

  Registration for Summer Rising enrichment courses will remain open until the start of Summer Rising; however, we ask that students register by the Priority Deadline of Friday, June 18, so we can begin finalizing schedules. We will close classes as they fill up and will cancel classes with low enrollment.

  Ready to register for Summer Rising? Click here!

  Below is a directory of Assistant Principals overseeing the different aspects of Summer Rising:

  • Mr. Greg Brummell - Summer Rising Safety and Security (gbrumme@schools.nyc.gov)
  • Ms. Shoshana Seid - Summer Rising Programming (sseid@schools.nyc.gov)
  • Mr. Greg Sinacori - Summer Rising Arts Courses (gsinacori@schools.nyc.gov)
  • Dr. Mark Stricklin - Summer Rising Academic Courses (mstricklin@schools.nyc.gov)

  Keep an eye out for more updates about other Summer Rising Programs: Orientation, Engagement and Social Events, Curriculum Planning. We are also excited for these opportunities to take place in the summer for families who can take advantage of them and will continue to offer these opportunities in the fall. 

  Have a nice weekend.

  Best,

  Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos

  Principal

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Summer Rising Update

  Dear LaGuardia Arts Community,

  I am delighted to provide some updates on our 2021 Summer Rising summer enrichment and support programs.  More details are forthcoming but we wanted to share what we can now:

  LaGuardia is co-hosting Summer Rising with our fellow arts schools Professional Performing Arts High School (PPAS) and Repertory Company High School for Theater Arts (Repertory). All in-person programs will be based out of LaGuardia. We look forward to widening our artistic community as we welcome PPAS and Repertory students, parents/guardians, and faculty/staff!

  Summer Rising is a 6 week program from July 6 - August 13, 2021.

  Courses

  • Arts and Academic Enrichment courses are generally scheduled in 2 week cycles to accommodate student availability and maximize the number of students who can participate throughout the summer. Students may participate in one cycle or multiple cycles. Some courses will repeat throughout the summer. Most courses are in-person.
  • Make-Up courses are scheduled for the entirety of the 6 weeks to ensure students have sufficient instructional seat time to earn credit towards graduation requirements. Most courses are in-person.
  • NX Resolution support is scheduled until the student has resolved the NX into a passing numeric grade. Support is remote and in-person.

  Activities

  • Orientation programs for incoming 9th and 10th grade families are designed to help students and parents/guardians acquaint or reacquaint themselves to our building and supports. 
  • Additional Engagement and Social events are offered throughout the summer, organized by subgroups (studios, grades, etc.) to support all community members in transitioning back to the Fall when we are all in-person full-time.
  • Faculty/Staff are also invited to engage in collaborative Curriculum Planning and Revision work with colleagues and partner organizations.

  Food Service

  • LaGuardia is grateful for the opportunity to support the greater community as a Summer Meals site. Grab and Go will be available from 9am-11pm for the public, and additional hours will be available to accommodate Summer Rising students’ class and activity schedules.

  Health and Safety In-Person Protocols

  • All Summer Rising sites will continue to follow current DOE Health and Safety Guidelines for in-person learning, including but not limited to daily health screening, face coverings, and temperature checks. 
  • The following physical distancing guidelines are in effect:
    • 3 feet between students in classrooms
    • 6 feet for physical education and athletic activities; for dancing, singing, and wind instrument playing
    • 6 feet in common areas (e.g. hallways, entranceways, lobbies, auditoriums); and between two or more adults and between students and adults
    • 6 feet for eating and drinking

  Course Schedules and Registration will be available next week. Activity Schedules and Registration will be available as we receive more updates. Summer Rising programs are available to incoming grades 9 through 12. Students may register for any program that meets their interest and needs. Guidance Counselors will notify and register students who need to make up graduation requirements and resolve NX’s.

  The start of Summer Rising 2021 signals the transition back to full-time in-person educational and community building at LaGuardia. We are excited for members of our community to participate in the many options available this summer and look forward to sharing additional information.

  Have a restful weekend.

  Best,

  Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos,

  Principal

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Graduation Update: June 3, 2021

   

   

   

   

  As graduation planning is fluid and constantly evolving, I would like to announce a significant formal update to the Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremony.

   

  We are thankful that the Parents Association is supporting the wishes of the LaGuardia community by entering into contract with the Central Park Foundation.  This will enable LaGuardia to move forward with planning celebrations for the Class of 2021 on June 23, 2021.  Here are additional confirmed details:

   

  • The official LaGuardia High School Class of 2021 Commencement Ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. There will not be additional segments on June 29, 2021, or any other dates.

  •  

    The venue is Rumsey Playfield, Central Park.

  •  

    Three in-person ceremonies will take place, organized by studio(s).

  • Each ceremony will be webcast live, and the names of all Seniors (whether attending or not) will be announced.  There will be no separate, virtual ceremony on June 23, 2021.

  •  

    The scheduled start time of each ceremony will be announced when finalized.

  •  

    Each graduate participating in the ceremony will receive two tickets for guests. The graduates will be seated with their guests.

  •  

    The venue and LaGuardia Arts will be following  Updated Interim Guidance for End of Academic Year Celebrations During the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Update information: graduates, guests, and any seated faculty are required to wear masks; they are not required to show COVID-19 test results or proof of vaccination. 

  •  

    The graduation will be at no cost to Seniors and their families.  Families who are able to are asked to support the PA’s fundraising efforts as this is a significant expense. 

  •  

    Caps and gowns are required to participate in the ceremony, and Seniors still needing a cap and gown should contact Ms. Javier.

   

  Now that I have conveyed the essential information, I am thrilled to plan the best possible graduation ceremonies befitting of LaGuardia Arts. Every care will be taken to ensure that the Class of 2021 is celebrated for their achievements by our community. The LaGuardia Arts staff are proud of each student for successfully completing one of the most challenging high school careers.  We look forward with excitement at the possibilities of planning a joyous celebration while acknowledging the challenges and hardships that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon our school community.

   

  I look forward to communicating more details as they become available. I am grateful for the continuing understanding that our plans are evolving. I am thankful that our students will get to experience a more traditional graduation ceremony.

   

  To the Class of 2021!

   

  MSW

   

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• 2021-2022 Course Offerings

  Dear LaGuardia Arts Community,

   

  Today I have an update on the course offerings for the 2021-2022 school year that I hope answer any remaining questions our community members might have about next year’s programming. 

  I want to start off with words of appreciation. As we’ve engaged in this multi-year process of considering what courses LaGuardia offers and how our college and conservatory-level offerings best prepare students for life after LaGuardia, I have had no better partners than our incredible team of educators. They bring such a critical, professional set of viewpoints to their work and I am so proud to work at an institution where parents and guardians can be certain that their children are in the hands of dedicated educators. We appreciate our community of families - students, parents/guardians, and caregivers - for their continuous insightful feedback that helps us widen access for all through providing accurate information. Our School Leadership Team has  reviewed data and considered diverse perspectives to advocate for what is most relevant for our community now and in the future.

  As all of our stakeholders have continued to unanimously express - and our students have voiced succinctly and clearly - learners are best supported in pursuing rigorous and relevant coursework when they are individually empowered to make informed choices that are best for them.

  We are pleased to announce that all academic offerings from the 2020-2021 Course Catalog are also available in the 2021-2022 Course Catalog. We are also thrilled to share that the 2021-2022 Course Catalog features an expansion of our offerings to include over 20 new Advanced courses across both arts and academic disciplines in intellectually engaging topics. At our webinars last week on understanding the curricular review and revision process, our community heard directly from teachers some examples of these new Advance course offerings. The excitement in our community around the new Advanced courses serves as a strong reminder that in spite of  the pandemic, our dedicated educators continue to make thoughtful choices that best meet the needs of all LaGuardia students.  Additionally, we have incorporated more information about accessing College Now options that we hope will help our families better understand the incredible opportunities available through our partnerships that not only grant access to undergraduate level courses, but also undergraduate level resources and the undergraduate experience, including CUNY libraries, computer labs, lounges, tutoring and support services, food services, athletic events, and performances.

  We will continue to work everyday with students, parents/guardians, and faculty/staff as we strengthen our rigorous college and conservatory-level education, while collaboratively considering what courses and offerings are best suited to meet these goals. 

  The full 2021-2022 Course Catalog is available now – here. We encourage students and parents/guardians to schedule time in the coming days to review this document together. An understanding of the program sequence and course descriptions in your arts studio and each of the academic departments will help each family access the choices and opportunities that are best aligned to the student’s interests and needs. Next week, a Google form will be available for students to indicate their preferences for next year’s course offerings. The Course Preference Form can only be completed by students via their laguardiahs.org account. In the month of June and throughout the summer guidance counselors and other school staff will be checking in with students to review their preferences.

  I look forward to working with students as they chart their artistic and academic journey for the 2021-22 school year.

   

  Best,

  Yeou-Jey Vasconcelos

  Principal

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts

• Announcing our Spring Drama Festival: Coney Island Avenue, War of the Worlds, The Wizard of Oz, and The Tempest are coming to you this week!

   

   

   

   

  Our Drama and Technical Theater students have been hard at work! Coney Island Avenue, War of the Worlds, The Wizard of Oz, and The Tempest are coming to you this week! Coney Island Avenue kicks off the Spring Drama Festival season on Wednesday at 7:30 pm. War of the Worlds will stream Thursday at 7:30 pm, The Wizard of Oz will stream Friday at 7:30 pm. We will continue with The Tempest on Wednesday, June 9 at 7:30 pm; The Wizard of Oz will follow on Thursday at 7:30 pm and we will conclude the season with War of the Worlds on Friday at 7:30 pm. If you can't make those times or want to watch again, on-demand streaming will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13. Thank you and enjoy!

   

  Performance Links

  Coney Island Avenue (single cast) Wednesday, June 2, 7:30 pm EST

  War of the Worlds (Orson Cast): Thursday, June 3, 7:30 pm EST

  The Tempest (single cast): Wednesday, June 9, 7:30 pm EST

  War of the Worlds (H.G. Cast): Friday, June 11, 7:30 pm EST

   

  The Wizard of Oz (Emerald Cast) June 4; 7:30 PM

  The Wizard of Oz (Ruby Cast); June 10; 7:30 PM

   

  Video on Demand Links

  June 12 & 13

  From midnightJune 12 at midnight until June 13 at 11:59 pm EST

   

  ON-DEMAND; Coney Island Avenue, War of the Worlds, and The Tempest

  Video on Demand; The Wizard of Oz (Emerald Cast)

  The Wizard of Oz (Ruby Cast); Video on Demand; June 12 and 13 

  
  

  Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts