Freeport High School Earns New York State Seal of Biliteracy Again
Dr. Jordan González, administrative coordinator of the Long Island Regional Bilingual Resource Network representing the New York State Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, visited Freeport High School to observe students and faculty completing their culminating project presentations for the New York State Seal of Biliteracy. The district successfully completed the audit of their interview process.
Freeport Public Schools was one of only 20 school districts in New York State to participate in this program during its inaugural year in 2016. Since the 2016-2017 school year, 360 Freeport High School graduates have earned the seal of biliteracy in French, Italian and Spanish.
“Providing our students with the opportunity to learn to think and communicate in a second language is an invaluable skill as they enter college or their chosen career,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham said. “We are pleased to have been among the first school districts in the state to offer this advanced opportunity to our students in 2016 and congratulate those students who have successfully demonstrated their fluency in a second language.”
This award is denoted by a seal affixed to the student’s diploma, a notation on the student’s high school transcript and a medallion. To earn the NYSSB, students must demonstrate Intermediate High proficiency in English and the required level of proficiency in one or more world languages set forth by the New York State Learning Standards for World Languages, adopted by the New York State Board of Regents in March 2021.
The number of students from the Class of 2023 who are eligible to earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma will be determined during the third quarter of the school year. This year, students are working toward achieving the Seal in American Sign Language, French, Haitian-Creole, Mandarin, Spanish, Polish, Russian and Tagalog.
Freeport High School Students Explore Airport Employment Opportunities
Freeport High School juniors and seniors had the benefit of hearing firsthand about the vast array of employment opportunities available at John F. Kennedy International Airport. This program was another opportunity for students to explore various career pathways.
Both Verdia Noel, director of Business Development NY at the Council for Airport Opportunities of New York and New Jersey and Aaron Miner, outreach specialist, spoke with students to present information regarding the various employment opportunities at the airport. During their presentations, students learned about entry level career opportunities available immediately upon graduation, as well as opportunities available after students graduate from either college or trade schools. These include positions in catering, customer service, food service, mechanics, retail, security, flight attending, the science and medical fields and more. The application process was also presented.
Jose Cuevas, senior manager, Commercial Customer Experience and Commercial Department, JFK International Air Terminal, facilitated a presentation titled, “Pathways to Consider for Employment Opportunities.” He discussed his background, career path, how each of his career experiences led to the next, as well as the different career pathways that are available to today’s students. While sharing his journey, he shared additional inspiring stories. The program provided the students with a wealth of information.
Boys Winter Track Team Moves on to New York State Track and Field Championship
The Freeport High School boys winter track team had a great performance at the state qualifier. The Varsity Boys Winter Track State Qualifiers were held on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The following students qualified for the NYS Championship, which will be held on March 4 at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island:
• Jordon Quinn 55HH (tied school record @ 7.53)
• Kazeem Scott 55m & Long Jump (set school record in the 55m @ 6.49)
• Danzil Monk Jr 1000m
• Yvan Neas, Lucca Noboa, Chase Holt, Danzil Monk 4x400 Relay
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