The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 12.15.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

As you are planning your schedule for the week, please keep in mind that this Wednesday, December 18, we will have our monthly Parents Association meeting at 6:00 pm.  This meeting was rescheduled from last week’s meeting that was cancelled.

This is the last week of school until our Winter Break – every day of instruction is important so make sure students are making them count!  All students come back to school on Thursday, January 2.  Once we get back from vacation, we will have two weeks of school until the Fall term ends where teachers submit their final grades that colleges and universities will see.  January Regents will take place the week of January 21. 

The third marking period of the Fall term continues.  There are three weeks left in the third marking period and the whole Fall term.  You and your child need to understand that student grades are cumulative, meaning that all grades count during a given term.  Grades do not start over with the third marking period and there are not separate grades for each marking period.  Third marking period grades go on a student’s transcript and are seen by colleges.  These third marking period grades are a combination of the first, second and third marking periods.  We have been going over these facts during our grade level assemblies with students.  We will meet with the 11^th and 12^th grades this week.

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 12.1.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!

This Monday, December 2, will mark the beginning of the third marking period of the Fall term.  You and your child need to understand that student grades are cumulative, meaning that all grades count during a given term.  Grades do not start over with the third marking period and there are not separate grades for each marking period.  Third marking period grades go on a student’s transcript and are seen by colleges.  These third marking period grades are a combination of the first, second and third marking periods. 

One of our showcase events of the school year is taking place tomorrow on Monday - our Holiday Windows Unveiling.  This windows unveiling is part of our partnership with Barney’s New York and their Creative Ambassador Simon Doonan.  The theme for our holiday windows this year is "New York City Icons." Our seniors will be showcasing the following ‘New York City Icons’: Jennifer Lopez, Tommy Hilfiger, Cyndi Lauper, Notorious B.I.G and Stan Lee.   The unveiling is at 5:00 pm in the school lobby.  All Fashion Families are welcome to attend!  Our Fashion Design students have the Fashion Show, our Graphics and Illustration students have the Senior Art Show, our Business students have Virtual Enterprises and Shark Tank, and this showcase event is a big deal for our Visual Merchandising students.

This Monday, December 2, we are on a First Monday schedule where students get out of school a little earlier so that our teachers can engage in professional development.  Students who begin school 1^st period will start at 8:30 am.  Students who begin school 2^nd period will start at 9:09 am.  Students who finish school after 8^th period will be dismissed at 1:43 pm.  Students who finish school after 9^th period will be dismissed at 2:22 pm.  All classes during the day will be shortened. 

Please keep in mind for next week that our December Parents Association meeting will be next Wednesday, December 11, at 6:00 pm.

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 11.24.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

It was great to see so many HSFI families at our Parent Teacher Conferences this past Thursday and Friday.

We have a short week this week with the Thanksgiving holiday.  There is no school on Thursday and Friday.  Remember that Wednesday is a full day of instruction.  I want to wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday – enjoy the time with your families and friends!

This Wednesday, November 27 represents the end of the second marking period of the school year.  Next Monday, December 2, will mark the beginning of the third marking period.  You and your child need to understand that student grades are cumulative, meaning that all grades count during a given term.  Grades do not start over with the third marking period and there are not separate grades for each marking period.  Second marking period grades are a combination of the first and second marking periods.  Third marking period grades go on a student’s transcript and are seen by colleges.  These third marking period grades are a combination of the first, second and third marking periods. 

On Wednesday, we will have our monthly Student Town Halls.  All students are invited to attend these town halls during their lunch period to speak with me and other students about anything they would like – they can bring up challenges in the school that they would like to see improvement on as well as things they are liking about HSFI.  Please encourage your children to participate in these town halls if they want to speak up and become actively involved in the school.

Fashion Families should know that our computer lab is open after school for students to do any work they need to do and print out anything they need to do.  As part of what is available to students, we have our National Honor Society students available to tutor students in any subjects they might need help in.

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Again, I want to wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday – enjoy the time with your families and friends!

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 11.17.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are taking place this week on Thursday, November 21 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday, November 22 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  As always, HSFI is committed to our partnership with our families!

Here is a list of suggested questions that you might want to ask your child’s teachers:

#1 - What is my child expected to learn, know and do at this grade level? How will it be assessed?

#2 - What are the big projects my child will be doing in your class this year? Throughout the year, how will I know if my child is meeting grade level expectations?

#3 - What does my child do well and what does he or she struggle with? Can you give me examples?

#4 - If my child needs extra support or wants to learn more about a subject, are there resources to help his or her learning outside the classroom? Can you give me examples?

#5 - Does my child turn in homework on time?

#6 - Is my child happy at school? How does my child get along with classmates and adults?

#7 - Does my child participate in class discussions and activities? What would make my child more effective in doing his/her work?

#8 - What can I do at home to reinforce what my child is learning at school?

#9 - Are there ways that I can help you in the classroom or the school?

I wanted to share an article with you about teenagers applying to college and what words that they need to hear from you.  Here is the link

https://www.today.com/parents/what-parents-seniors-applying-college-need-say-t166752?cid=sm_npd_td_fb_ma

I also want to share our Math Tutoring Schedule.  We have after school tutoring available in Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 Trigonometry and Advanced Placement Calculus.  We know that many students struggle in Math and we want to provide enough support to all students.

In addition, Fashion Families should know that our computer lab is open after school for students to do any work they need to do and print out anything they need to do.  As part of what is available to students, we have our National Honor Society students available to tutor students in any subjects they might need help in.

I wanted to let all Fashion Families know that our school has a vibrant Alumni Association that is dedicated to supporting our current students.  The HSFI Alumni Association, which is 501c3 charity organization, is fundraising to support their ability to give out annual HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  They have expanded their fundraising efforts to include ‘Amazon Smile’ that gives back 0.5% of a purchase back to a charity organization of your choice.  Attached to this email and on the school website is a step-by-step process of shopping with Amazon smile to support the HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  Please consider using this to support this wonderful organization.  The Alumni Association also has a GoFund me page if you would like to contribute in this way - https://www.gofundme.com/f/hsfi-alumni-college-scholarship

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 11.11.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

It was great to see some HSFI parents at our Family Visitation Days this past Thursday and Friday!  They were able to observe their children in action in their classes.  If you were not able to attend this past week, we will have another set of Family Visitation Days during the Spring term on March 5^th and 6^th.  Parent-Teacher Conferences are taking place next week on Thursday, November 21 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday, November 22 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.  As always, HSFI is committed to our partnership with our families!

As you are planning your schedule for the week, please keep in mind that this Wednesday, November 13, we will have our monthly Parents Association meeting.  During this meeting we will have our annual Financial Aid night for families.  We will have a presenter from the State University of New York central office.  This informational session about paying for college is for parents of all grades whether you are the parent of a senior going to college next year or a parent of a 9^th, 10^th or 11^th grader.

I also want to share our Math Tutoring Schedule.  We have after school tutoring available in Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 Trigonometry and Advanced Placement Calculus.  We know that many students struggle in Math and we want to provide enough support to all students.

In addition, Fashion Families should know that our computer lab is open after school for students to do any work they need to do and print out anything they need to do.  As part of what is available to students, we have our National Honor Society students available to tutor students in any subjects they might need help in.

I wanted to let all Fashion Families know that our school has a vibrant Alumni Association that is dedicated to supporting our current students.  The HSFI Alumni Association, which is 501c3 charity organization, is fundraising to support their ability to give out annual HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  They have expanded their fundraising efforts to include ‘Amazon Smile’ that gives back 0.5% of a purchase back to a charity organization of your choice.  Attached to this email and on the school website is a step-by-step process of shopping with Amazon smile to support the HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  Please consider using this to support this wonderful organization.  The Alumni Association also has a GoFund me page if you would like to contribute in this way - https://www.gofundme.com/f/hsfi-alumni-college-scholarship

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  Jupiter Grades is our online grading system.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 11.3.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

This Monday, November 4, we are on a First Monday schedule where students get out of school a little earlier so that our teachers can engage in professional development.  Students who begin school 1^st period will start at 8:30 am.  Students who begin school 2^nd period will start at 9:09 am.  Students who finish school after 8^th period will be dismissed at 1:43 pm.  Students who finish school after 9^th period will be dismissed at 2:22 pm.  All classes during the day will be shortened. 

Tuesday, November 5, is Election Day where students are not in school.  Please read the following letter from New York City Department of Education Chancellor Richard Carranza about Election Day – the letter is posted on our website under the Family section is the dropdown called ‘DOE Backpack Letters.’ The link is included below;

https://fashionhighschool.net/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=597038&id=8

On a programming note, Monday, November 4, is that last day of our 1^st half Cycle A classes and Wednesday, November 6, students will be starting their 2^nd half Cycle B of the Fall term programs which means a change of day for any class that meets less than five days a week.  Classes that met Monday, Wednesday and Friday now meet only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Classes that met Tuesdays and Thursdays, now meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  The classes that this change applies to include Physical Education / Gym, Emotions Matter, Senior College Prep APPS classes and SAGA Math tutoring, Check with your child about their schedule change as it might affect when they have to report to school each day and/or when they finish their school day.  This change will switch back when the Spring term begins in February 2020.

HSFI is thrilled to continue again this year our Family Visitation Days on Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8.  During HSFI Family Visitation Days, you will be able to observe your children in action in their classes.  You may come and leave when you wish during those days.  During your child’s lunch period, you and your child are invited to lunch in the Principal’s conference room.  Assistant Principal Danielle Silva will be welcoming you in the school lobby and giving you an orientation for the visit.  Here is the website link to sign up for Family Visitation Day – we are asking all HSFI families to signup if you are attending Family Visitation Day because we have to let teachers know if you are coming - if you are only receiving this message by phone, the link is on the homepage of the HSFI website at www.fashionhighschool.net – this link is on the gold bar under the rotating photos on the school website homepage.  The direct link to the form is below:

https://forms.gle/7BzXJxyFgbwXqeNS9

Please remember that this is not a day to conference with your child’s teachers. You will be able to do this during Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 21 and 22 or by appointment through your child's guidance counselor. As always, HSFI is committed to our partnership with our families!

We also want Fashion Families to know that we will have our annual Financial Aid night for families will be on November 13th in the HSFI auditorium at 6:15 pm.  We will have a presenter from the State University of New York central office.  This informational session about paying for college is for parents of all grades whether you are the parent of a senior going to college next year or a parent of a 9^th, 10^th or 11^th grader.

I also want to share our Math Tutoring Schedule.  We have after school tutoring available in Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 Trigonometry and Advanced Placement Calculus.  We know that many students struggle in Math and we want to provide enough support to all students.

I wanted to let all Fashion Families know that our school has a vibrant Alumni Association that is dedicated to supporting our current students.  The HSFI Alumni Association, which is 501c3 charity organization, is fundraising to support their ability to give out annual HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  They have expanded their fundraising efforts to include ‘Amazon Smile’ that gives back 0.5% of a purchase back to a charity organization of your choice.  Attached to this email and on the school website is a step-by-step process of shopping with Amazon smile to support the HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  Please consider using this to support this wonderful organization.  The Alumni Association also has a GoFund me page if you would like to contribute in this way - https://www.gofundme.com/f/hsfi-alumni-college-scholarship

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  Jupiter Grades is our online grading system.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 10.27.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

We had an exciting this past week - famous fashion icon Andre Leon Talley served as the school honorary Principal for the Day, we had our annual College Gear Day where a large majority of our staff wore some sort of gear from the college that they attended in celebration of the beginning of College Application Week for our seniors; and our monthly Parents Association meeting took place that included our Safety Town Hall.

As we move ahead in the school year, we have multiple opportunities for Fashion Families to visit the school.  HSFI is thrilled to continue again this year our Family Visitation Days on Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8.  During HSFI Family Visitation Days, you will be able to observe your children in action in their classes.  You may come and leave when you wish during those days.  During your child’s lunch period, you and your child are invited to lunch in the Principal’s conference room.  Assistant Principal Danielle Silva will be welcoming you in the school lobby and giving you an orientation for the visit.  Next week we will be sending an online signup form, so we can get an idea of how many parents will be visiting and let the teachers know you are coming.  Please remember that this is not a day to conference with your child’s teachers. You will be able to do this during Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 21 and 22 or by appointment through your child's guidance counselor. As always, HSFI is committed to our partnership with our families!

We also want Fashion Families to know that we will have our annual Financial Aid night for families will be on November 13th in the HSFI auditorium at 6:15 pm.  We will have a presenter from the State University of New York central office.  This informational session about paying for college is for parents of all grades whether you are the parent of a senior going to college next year or a parent of a 9^th, 10^th or 11^th grader.

Looking ahead to next week – next Monday, November 4, we are on a First Monday schedule where students get out of school a little earlier so that our teachers can engage in professional development.  Next Tuesday, November 5, is Election Day where students are not in school.

On a programming note, next Monday, November 4, is that last day of our Cycle A classes and Wednesday, November 6, students will be starting their 2^nd half of the Fall term programs which means a change of day for any class that meets less than five days a week.  Classes that met Monday, Wednesday and Friday now meet only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Classes that met Tuesdays and Thursdays, now meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  The classes that this change applies to include Physical Education / Gym, Emotions Matter, Senior College Prep APPS classes and SAGA Math tutoring, Check with your child about their schedule change as it might affect when they have to report to school each day and/or when they finish their school day.

I wanted to let all Fashion Families know that our school has a vibrant Alumni Association that is dedicated to supporting our current students.  The HSFI Alumni Association, which is 501c3 charity organization, is fundraising to support their ability to give out annual HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  They have expanded their fundraising efforts to include ‘Amazon Smile’ that gives back 0.5% of a purchase back to a charity organization of your choice.  Attached to this email and on the school website is a step-by-step process of shopping with Amazon smile to support the HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  Please consider using this to support this wonderful organization.  The Alumni Association also has a GoFund me page if you would like to contribute in this way - https://www.gofundme.com/f/hsfi-alumni-college-scholarship

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  Jupiter Grades is our online grading system.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 10.20.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

We are a week into second marking period.  Students received their report cards this past Friday – if you did not see your child’s report card, please ask for it, take a look and have a discussion with your child about the report card.  Please speak with your child about starting the second marking period the right way.  You and your child need to understand that student grades are cumulative, meaning that all grades count during a given term.  Grades do not start over with the second marking period and there are not separate grades for each marking period.  Second marking period grades are a combination of the first and second marking periods.  Third marking period grades are a combination of the first, second and third marking periods.  These grades go on a student’s transcript and are seen by colleges.

As you are planning your schedule for the week, please keep in mind that this Wednesday, October 23, we will have our monthly Parents Association meeting.  As part of this meeting, we will be hosting a Safety Town Hall where we will be giving a presentation on how the school handles safety and security.  This Safety Town Hall will feature a presentation from Assistant Principal Giovanni Raschilla who supervises our safety and security efforts at the High School of Fashion Industries.

This Monday is an exciting day at the High School of Fashion Industries.  First, famous fashion icon Andre Leon Talley will serve as the school honorary Principal for the Day.  Mr. Talley, who used to be the editor at Vogue magazine, will greet students in the morning and then spend the day interacting with the school community.  Monday is also our annual College Gear Day.  A large majority of our staff will be wearing a t-shirt, sweatshirt or some sort of gear from the college that they attended in celebration of the beginning of College Application Week for our seniors.  The day will hopefully have a motivating effect on our seniors who are beginning to work on their college applications and get our 9^th, 10^th and 11^th graders thinking about the college process. 

I wanted to let all Fashion Families know that our school has a vibrant Alumni Association that is dedicated to supporting our current students.  The HSFI Alumni Association, which is 501c3 charity organization, is fundraising to support their ability to give out annual HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  They have expanded their fundraising efforts to include ‘Amazon Smile’ that gives back 0.5% of a purchase back to a charity organization of your choice.  On the school website is a step-by-step process of shopping with Amazon smile to support the HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  Please consider using this to support this wonderful organization.  The Alumni Association also has a GoFund me page if you would like to contribute in this way - https://www.gofundme.com/f/hsfi-alumni-college-scholarship

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  Jupiter Grades is our online grading system.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 10.13.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

Just a reminder that we do not have school tomorrow, this Monday, October 14 due to the observance of Columbus Day.

This Tuesday, October 15, will mark the beginning of the second marking period.  Students will receive report cards this coming Friday.  Please speak with your child about starting the second marking period the right way.  You and your child need to understand that student grades are cumulative, meaning that all grades count during a given term.  Grades do not start over with the second marking period and there are not separate grades for each marking period.  Second marking period grades are a combination of the first and second marking periods.  Third marking period grades and the grades that go on a student’s transcript and seen by colleges are a combination of the first, second and third marking periods.

Please keep in mind that next Wednesday, October 23, we will have our monthly Parents Association meeting.  As part of this meeting, we will be hosting a Safety Town Hall where we will be giving a presentation on how the school handles safety and security.  This Safety Town Hall will feature a presentation from Assistant Principal Giovanni Raschilla who supervises our safety and security efforts at the High School of Fashion Industries.

I wanted to let all Fashion Families know that our school has a vibrant Alumni Association that is dedicated to supporting our current students.  The HSFI Alumni Association, which is 501c3 charity organization, is fundraising to support their ability to give out annual HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  They have expanded their fundraising efforts to include ‘Amazon Smile’ that gives back 0.5% of a purchase back to a charity organization of your choice.  On the school website is a step-by-step process of shopping with Amazon smile to support the HSFI Alumni College Scholarships.  Please consider using this to support this wonderful organization.  

The Alumni Association also has a GoFund me page if you would like to contribute in this way - https://www.gofundme.com/f/hsfi-alumni-college-scholarship

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  Jupiter Grades is our online grading system.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 10.1.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

It was great to see so many Fashion Families attend our first Parents Association meeting of the school year this past week.

At the meeting we spoke about our school goals that every member of the High School of Fashion Industries’ community – students, families and staff feel cared for and challenged – and what the school is doing to achieve these goals.  Our belief is that people succeed when they feel they are being cared for and challenged.  Our school community feels strongly that emotions matter at HSFI.  Everything we do at the school will be aligned to these goals.

All of our student clubs and activities will be highlighted this Thursday, October 3 during HSFI’s Club Fair.  During students’ lunch periods they can go to the school lobby to see all the choices for student clubs and activities where students and staff from those clubs and activities will be there to provide information and sign up students who are interested in joining them.  I encourage all students to attend – we try to have something for everyone to connect with.

Also, this week is our first installment of our Student Town Halls.  Once a month I invite all students who are interested to my Student Town Halls.  Students can speak to me about anything they wish – positive things happening at HSFI or changes that they want made.  I will have these Town Halls every month – please encourage your children to have their voice heard directly by me.  This week’s town hall will be on Friday, October 4 during all four lunch periods.

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  Jupiter Grades is our online grading system.  9^th graders should log onto their HSFI email to get the directions to log onto Jupiter Grades.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

Breakfast and lunch is free to all students in all of our NYC public schools, regardless of income eligibility. I encourage all students to eat lunch – it is very important they eat so they can concentrate on what is being taught to them.  Unfortunately, all students and their families still need to submit lunch applications.  Title I funding in New York City is tied to the information that parents/guardians provide on the yearly lunch application.  The High School of Fashion Industries receives nearly $1 million in Title I funding each year.  You can now fill out your lunch application online at https://www.myschoolapps.com/.  You will need the school’s zip code to start the online application which is 10011.  After putting in the zip code, you click on ‘New York City School.’  If you are not receiving this message by email, this online application link will be posted on the school website in the ‘Fashion News’ section at www.fashionhighschool.net. 

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Principal's Message 9.22.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

As you are planning your schedule for the week I hope you can attend our first Parents Association meeting of the school year, this Wednesday, September 25 at 6:00 pm in Room 829.

Once again as we begin the school year, I want to share with you our school goals – our goal is that every member of the High School of Fashion Industries’ community – students, families and staff feel cared for and challenged.  Our belief is that people succeed when they feel they are being cared for and challenged.  Our school community feels strongly that emotions matter at HSFI.  Everything we do at the school will be aligned to these goals.

Thank you to all Fashion Families for your cooperation with this past Friday’s student walkout highlighting climate change and the need to address this threat to our planet.  We had 425 students participate in the walkout.  We do have a Green Team at the school that is focused on making sure that our school does our part to take care of the environment. 

The Green Team and all of our student clubs and activities will be highlighted next Thursday, October 4 during HSFI’s Club Fair.  During students’ lunch periods they can go to the school lobby to see all the choices for student clubs and activities where students and staff from those clubs and activities will be there to provide information and sign up students who are interested in joining them.  All students and families will be reminded about the Club Fair on many occasions over the next two weeks.

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  Jupiter Grades is our online grading system.  9^th graders should log onto their HSFI email to get the directions to log onto Jupiter Grades.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

I wanted to give all Fashion Families a heads up that there is no school next Monday and Tuesday due to a religious holiday.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 9.15.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

Once again as we begin the school year, I want to share with you our school goals – our goal is that every member of the High School of Fashion Industries’ community – students, families and staff feel cared for and challenged.  Our belief is that people succeed when they feel they are being cared for and challenged.  Our school community feels strongly that emotions matter at HSFI.  Everything we do at the school will be aligned to these goals.  One of our teachers shared with me a quote that I wanted to share with you – “If a child can do advanced Math, speak 3 languages, or receive top grades, but can’t manage their emotions, practice conflict resolution, or handle stress, none of that other stuff is really going to matter...”

This Tuesday, we will be on an OP (Homeroom) bell schedule where students will receive updated program cards based on the program changes that took change.  In most cases, students will receive the same program that they had before, just on a new piece of paper.  Students who received program changes based off graduation requirements, will receive their new program.  At this OP, students will also receive a printout of Jupiter Grades passwords for family members.  Families, especially of our 9^th graders, should ask for these papers that will contain their temporary passwords to Jupiter Grades.

A major source of communication to students are our grade level assemblies used to insure that our students are informed about everything that is going on at HSFI.  Every month I will be leading an assembly with each grade to let them know what is going on at HSFI and what they should be thinking about.  The assembly schedule for this week is 9^th and 10^th grades on Tuesday, 11^th grade on Wednesday and 12^th grade on Thursday.

This Friday, there is a student walkout planned to highlight climate change and the need to address this threat to our planet.  The New York City Department of Education has announced it would excuse the absences of students who have a parent's permission to participate in the global climate strike.  Here are the main points that you need to be aware of in preparation for this climate protest:

□ Permission slips are required for students who wish to participate

□ Classes are in session for those students who do not wish to leave the building

□ Staff will not accompany students out of the building

□ Students are responsible for all missed work

□ Permission slips to join the protest will be available to students in the Main Office (Room 125), the Guidance Office (Room 101) and the Peace Office (Room 145)

□ Permission slips are due by Wednesday, September 18 and will be handed in to 3^rd period teachers

□ Students leaving the building for the protest will be required to swipe out using CAASS machine in the lobby

□ Re-entry back into the building is not allowed until the end of the student’s school day

The safety of our students is a top priority for us and we will enforce the policies outlined by the New York City Department of Education in handling this protest.

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  Jupiter Grades is our online grading system.  9^th graders should log onto their HSFI email to get the directions to log onto Jupiter Grades.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

HSFI families should know that our first Parents Association meeting of the school year is next Wednesday, September 25 at 6:00 pm.  It would be great to get a large turnout at the first meeting.

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 9.8.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal Daryl Blank.

We have a full week of instruction for our students.  As we begin the school year, I want to share with you our school goals – our goal is that every members of the High School of Fashion Industries’ community – students, families and staff feel cared for and challenged.  Our belief is that people succeed when they feel they are being cared for and challenged.  Our school community feels strongly that emotions matter at HSFI.  Everything we do at the school will be aligned to these goals.

This week beginning on Tuesday we will be running program changes for students who need them.   Please keep in mind that these program changes will only be approved for changes that are needed for meeting graduation requirements.  Changes will not be approved based on teacher preferences.  Returning students will not be allowed to drop honors and Advanced Placement classes that they signed up for last year – we programmed and budgeted for this school year based off these requests.  Students will not be allowed to drop classes that help them meet college and career readiness requirements including their major along with math and science classes.  The expectation is that all HSFI students complete their major program and take 4 years of math and science classes if these classes can fit into their program.  All students must be scheduled for 5 and a half hours of instruction every day.

It is critically important that all HSFI students check their HSFI email & Jupiter Grades everyday.  Jupiter Grades is our online grading system.  9^th graders should log onto their HSFI email to get the directions to log onto Jupiter Grades.  We will be sending important information out through both these tools – if students do not check them, they will miss out on some valuable opportunities and not know what is going on in the school.

HSFI families should know that our first Parents Association meeting of the school year is Wednesday, September 25 at 6:00 pm.  It would be great to get a large turnout at the first meeting.

To help us help your child, we are asking Fashion Families to fill out a brief survey that asks the question, ‘How does your child learn best?’  We are asking you to please provide as much information as you wish to help High School of Fashion Industries' teachers support your child.  This information will be shared with teachers and supervisors and NO ONE ELSE.  Here is the link to the Google survey – you will write in your name, your child’s name (and their 9 digit number if you have it) and then there is a place to answer this question.

https://forms.gle/cxTqPJMVswQTe8SW7

Thank you!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 6.23.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal, Daryl Blank. 

Regents continue on Monday and Tuesday.  As we get Regents scores, we will post the scores on the HSFI website.  If a student does not have an exam, they should not report to school unless there is a special event or tutoring session.  Please check with your children to make sure you know which exams they are scheduled to take. 

When students come to school for these Regents exams they should bring: (1) Exam tickets (2) Student identification card and (3) 2 pencils and 2 pens.  It is important that students DO NOT BRING ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT INTO THEIR TESTING ROOM. The presence of this electronic equipment with your child will result in their score being invalidated and given a 0 on the exam.  This electronic equipment policy is New York State law.

Make sure your children are studying for these exams as they need them to graduate high school and build up their college resume.

Graduation will take place this Monday, June 24th at United Palace on 175^th Street and Broadway.  Graduates have to be there at 12:30 pm to start lining up.  The doors open for parents and families at 2:00 pm and the ceremony starts at 3:00 pm.  Parking is difficult in the area, but there are two lots on Broadway between 176^th and 177^th Street. 

Wednesday, June 26 is the last day of school where students pick up their diplomas, final report cards and sadly for some, their summer school information.  All students should report to their official class on Wednesday at 8:45 am.  Students who get to school after 9:45 am will not be given these materials.  No exceptions will be made.  9^th, 10^th and 11^th graders will have their materials mailed home to them. 

Seniors will need to come back to school at another time to pick up their diplomas.  If seniors do not pick up their diplomas, they will have to come to the school over the summer to do so.  No exceptions will be made.  Diplomas will not be mailed home.  In order for parents to pick up a diploma on behalf of their child, the student must write a letter giving the parent authorization to pick up the diploma on their behalf.  This letter must be notarized and an appointment for pick up made with Assistant Principal Danielle Silva who can be reached by phone at 212- 255-1235 ext. 1255 or by email at dsilva3@schools.nyc.gov.  An additional opportunity for graduates to pick up diplomas will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2019, from 10:00 am to Noon in Room 101.  The next available date to pick up your diploma after June 27 will be in September by contacting our guidance secretary, Ms. Trotta at 212-255-1235 ext. 1010. 

Thank you for all your support as HSFI parents.  It is a pleasure to serve you and your children as the school’s Principal.  Please do not hesitate to contact me over the summer if you or your child need anything that I can help with.  I would like to say goodbye to all of our senior families who children graduated.

Thank you! Have a great summer!

The Fashionable Times Blog Principal's Message 6.16.19

Greetings Fashion Families from your Principal, Daryl Blank.

First, Happy Father’s Day to all our HSFI Dads!

As you are planning your schedule for the week I hope you can attend our last Parents Association meeting this Wednesday, June 19 at 6:00 pm. 

Regents begin this Tuesday, June 18.  As we get Regents scores, we will post the scores on the HSFI website.  Exam invitations have been distributed to all students.  If a student does not have an exam, they should not report to school unless there is a special event or tutoring session.  Please check with your children to make sure you know which exams they are scheduled to take. 

When students come to school for these Regents exams they should bring: (1) Exam tickets (2) Student identification card and (3) 2 pencils and 2 pens.  It is important that students DO NOT BRING ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT INTO THEIR TESTING ROOM. The presence of this electronic equipment with your child will result in their score being invalidated and given a 0 on the exam.  This electronic equipment policy is New York State law.

Make sure your children are studying for these exams as they need them to graduate high school and build up their college resume.  Please contact anyone of our Assistant Principals—Ms. Moore (English); Mr. Kohm (Math); Mr. Rodrigues (Social Studies); Ms. Frank (Science); Ms. Boulamaali (Majors) - if you have any specific questions about these exams. 

Graduation for seniors is on Monday, June 24.

The last day of school where students pick up their diplomas, final report cards and sadly for some, their summer school information, is on Wednesday, June 26.

Thank you!