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!