The Yellow Sheet

Black History Month (continues)

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (continues)

Children's Dental Health Month (continues)

Women's History Month (Begins)

Project Cicero Book Collection Drive

15 FEB, SAT

Building Closed/Midwinter Recess Begins (Schools Closed)

24 FEB, MON

School Resumes

Project Cicero Book Collection Drive (Begins)

28 FEB, FRI

4 – 7pm Senior Art Show #1 Opening Celebration

1 MAR, SAT

Women's History Month Begins

11am – 2pm Senior Art Show #1 On View

3 MAR, MON

Project Cicero Book Collection Drive

Faculty Meeting

Clubs Not Scheduled to Meet

4 MAR, TUE

6:30pm-7:30pm. Senior Parent Meeting: "What's Next?" Join Zoom Meeting

5 MAR, WED

Project Cicero Book Collection Drive Final Day

6:30pm-7:30pm. Junior Parent Meeting "Preparing for Senior Year". Join Zoom Meeting

6 MAR, THU

6:30pm-7:30pm. Sophomore Parent Meeting "Academic Advisement". Join Zoom Meeting

10 MAR, MON

Student Voter Registration Drive Begins (Senior Social Studies Classes)

View the Complete Public Facing Calendar

• Wednesday, February 26 Adolescence & Processing Losses
  

Register for Adolescence & Processing Losses

• Tuesday, March 4 - Senior Parents "What's Next?"
  

• Wednesday, March 5 - Junior Parents "Preparing for Senior Year"

• Thursday, March 6 - Sophomore Parents "Academic Advisement"

Join Zoom Meeting

@ 6:30pm-7:30pm

Math Study Pods: A New Initiative for the Spring Semester

Looking for groups of 3-5 students interested in working together as a supportive team to achieve higher mastery in math this Spring semester. Join a math study pod! See Ms. Bechard, AP of Math & Science.

Website Updates

• Moved the "Student Support" to "Teaching & Learning" to reduce clutter on Navigation Bar.
  
• On the SGO page, added the Morning Announcements working document to view what was covered each morning.
  

Transcript Requests for Current Students

A Transcript is a record of all of your classes and credits taken while in high school or college. Official transcripts are mostly sent to colleges by Guidance Counselors for Seniors during the college application process.

Unless it is in during the college application process, there are only a few situations will you need to turn in an official copy of your transcript while you are in high school -- but it does happen. In most cases, you will submit an un-official copy which you can print yourself from your nycstudents.net account. Some scholarship programs and summer programs do require an official copy, and the directions will specifically say 'official copy'. (If it doesn't say 'official copy,' then an unofficial copy is fine.)

Current LaGuardia students who need an official copy of their transcript should see there Guidance Counselor; do NOT pay for your transcript through laguardiahs.org. (When you are no longer a LaGuardia student, you will need to pay for official copies of your transcript through laguardiahs.org)

A Great LEAP Forward

On Tuesday, LEAP: LaGuardia's Equitable Arts Program held its first art workshop at Center School. Over 20 kids received new sketchbooks to create magazine collages representing their 2025 aspirations—marking the start of their artistic journey. Led by Inis Chen, Zahrah Kaikini, Wren Guthrie, Jenna Chen, and Annajolie Vincent Bonet, LEAP meets biweekly on Tuesdays in the 5th-floor Cafeteria. Between meetings, they host Art Workshop Rotations. Join LEAP and help spread art to youth!

Every Fall is a Chance to Rise

Taina Diaz-Gerloven, Senior, made her Disney+ debut on February 12, as part of the ensemble cast of Harlem Ice, a new docuseries. Congratulations!

Poster Contest Winner Announced by RAPP

Congratulations to Ava Cao, our poster winner for the Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Campaign! The winning design is shown in the RAPP section.

Dear families,

I hope this message finds you well. We are a few days into the Spring 2025 semester, and we are happy to see our students back in class. We would like to remind all families that good attendance is important to the academic success of your child. Absences can disrupt learning and the students’ achievement. Our school is committed to your child’s education and success.

Attendance Matters

Students are considered chronically absent when they have missed 18 days (about 2 and a half weeks) of a school year which is 10% of 180 school day calendar or 2 days per month.

We know that life happens and that children fall ill, get injured or family emergencies arise. This is why we must make every day count. We strive to make the parent, student, and school partnership strong.

Attendance Notification

1. All students should attend all their classes.
   
2. If a student is sick for a short term, parents should notify the student’s teachers and the Attendance Office by email- lagattendance@nycdoe.onmicrosoft.com .
   
3. If the student’s will be out longer than a simple illness, his/her/their guidance counselor should be contacted for extra support.
   
4. If a student needs to leave early, they will be marked absent for the classes they missed. Parent will also need to email the attendance office: lagattendance@nycdoe.onmicrosoft.com:

• a. The student’s name & Osis
• b. Parent’s state-issued photo ID
• c. The reason for Early Dismissal

We look forward to a great spring semester.

Attendance Team

Some resources for the families:

Attendance Works (Non-Profit Action Research Project & Policy Consulting Organization)

NYC Attendance

NYCPS Graduation Requirements

Family Assessment Program (FAP) (Voluntary program through ACS to help families handle concerns such as a child running away, skipping school, or disruptive behavior, without having to go to court. )

We are thrilled to announce that LaGuardia High School has partnered with the New York Center for Interpersonal Development (NYCID) to provide a wonderful and unique opportunity for our students. We will select 12-20 dedicated students to take part in an enriching two-day training focused on Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation held at LaG on Thursday, March 6, & Friday, March 7, during periods 3 to 10 (9:35 AM to 3:35 PM) -- and yes, you'll be excused from class. This is a fantastic chance for those who are committed to making a positive impact in our school community!

We are looking for 2-3 responsible and dependable students from each studio to join us in this valuable training experience.

Recommendations are Being Accepted for Future Peer Mediators!

If you are interested in being trained in Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation -- or you know someone who would be great at this, please recommend them. Recommendations can come from students, staff, or family members; people can recommend themselves! Please send your recommendation to Assistant Principal, Guidance, Ms. Roach, at SRoach2@schools.nyc.gov. SUBJECT: Peer Mediation Training.

The selection and notification of students will take place when we return from break.

Note: Family members should speak with their child before submitting a recommendation.

What is Peer Mediation?

Peer Mediation is a process in which trained students help their peers resolve conflicts in a peaceful and constructive way. It allows students to build communication, problem-solving, and empathy skills while fostering a positive school environment. Through this training, students will learn how to mediate disputes, understand different perspectives, and work collaboratively to find solutions.

Why Peer Mediation?

Peer Mediation can improve relationships among students, promote emotional intelligence, and help create a more supportive school culture. Students who are trained in peer mediation often become leaders, build trust and cooperation within their school community.

Students are being specifically chosen for this training and will receive a certificate of completion if they attend and participate for both days. We believe this opportunity will allow them to grow and make a meaningful impact both personally and within our school community.

McDaniel was born in 1893, the youngest of 13 children in a family of former slaves. She developed a love for performing at an early age and started her career in vaudeville and radio before transitioning to Hollywood. She was often recognized for her roles as a maid or servant and despite the limited roles available to Black actors at the time, her talent and charisma stood out, earning her critical acclaim.

In 1940, Hattie won an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind, being the first Black woman to accomplish this. While her win was a historic achievement, it came during a time of segregation, and she still faced discrimination. At the awards ceremony where she received her Oscar, she had to sit in a segregated section. McDaniel has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, and became the first Black Oscar winner honored with a U.S. postage stamp. McDaniel continued to work in film and radio, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for Black actors to come. We encourage you to learn more about Black History Month legend, Hattie McDaniel.

Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks was born in 1917, in Kansas, and was raised on the South Side of Chicago. She began writing at an early age, and her mother encouraged her, saying: "You are going to be the Lady Paul Laurence Dunbar", meaning that she would be the female equivalent to one of the first influential Black poets in American literature, Paul Dunbar. During her teenage years, she began filling books with ''careful rhymes'' and ''lofty meditations", as well as submitting poems to various publications.Her first poem was published when she was 13. By the time she had graduated from high school in 1935, she was already a regular contributor to The Chicago Defender. By the age of 16, she had already written and published approximately 75 poems.

Brooks did not pursue a four-year college degree because she knew she wanted to be a writer and considered it unnecessary. "I am not a scholar," she later said. "I'm just a writer who loves to write and will always write."

Brooks' published her first book of poetry, A Street in Bronzeville (1945). It consists of a series of poems related to the lives of African Americans in the Chicago neighborhood. Brooks' second book of poetry, Annie Allen (1949), focused on the life and experiences of a young Black girl growing into womanhood in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. The book was awarded the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for poetry, making her the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize.

In 1976, she became the first African-American woman inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. She was also named the U.S. Poet Laureate for the 1985–86 term. We encourage you to learn more about Black History Month legend, Gwendolyn Brooks.

Coleman was born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas. Growing up in a family of sharecroppers, she faced issues like racism, sexism, and financial struggles but she refused to let those obstacles affect her or hold her back. After hearing about World War I pilots, she decided she wanted to become a pilot. Coleman moved to France in 1920, seeing as neither women nor Black people were allowed to attend flight school in the US, and in 1921 earned her international pilot's license.

Known as "Queen Bess," Coleman amazed crowds with her daring stunts and incredible flying skills. Although she entertained people, she mostly used her platform to push for racial equality, even refusing to perform at events where Black people were segregated. Unfortunately, she passed away in 1926 due to a plane crash, but her achievements left a lasting impact. Bessie Coleman’s bravery and determination broke barriers in aviation and inspired future generations of women and African Americans to follow their dreams.

Willie Thrower was born in 1930, in Pennsylvania. Thrower's explosive career began when he began playing quarterback at his local high school. His team won state championships in ‘46 and ‘47. He was recruited across the country, including in the football-dominant Jim Crow South. Once Southern schools discovered he was Black, "they pulled his scholarship." College football in the South was largely segregated at the time, meaning Black players did not play against white players. Thrower attended Michigan State, where he became the first Black quarterback in the Big 10 conference.

Despite praise from media and peers, Thrower was not drafted in the ‘53 NFL Draft; he was offered a one-year, $8,500 contract with the Chicago Bears as a backup quarterback, becoming the first Black person, as quarterback, in a team-leadership role. Though his career was short, he opened the door for future Black quarterbacks and remains an inspiration for breaking racial barriers. We encourage you to learn more about Black History Month legend, NFL quarterback, Willie Thrower.

Today we are highlighting poet Lucille Clifton. Clifton was born in 1936 in DePew, New York, and grew up in Buffalo. She studied at Howard University, before transferring to SUNY Fredonia, near her hometown. She was discovered as a poet by Langston Hughes, and Hughes published Clifton's poetry in his highly influential anthology, The Poetry of the Negro (1970). A prolific and widely respected poet, Lucille Clifton’s work emphasizes endurance and strength through adversity, focusing particularly on African American experience and family life.

Clifton has said “writing is a way of continuing to hope ... perhaps for me it is a way of remembering I am not alone.” How would Clifton like to be remembered? “I would like to be seen as a woman whose roots go back to Africa, who tried to honor being human. My inclination is to try to help.” We leave you with a poem by Lucille Clifton.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, The Town Hall's Annual Black History Month Program featured our own Gospel Choir & Band and Treble Choir, along with Stuy's Oratorio Choir.

Our Treble Choir, under the direction of Ms. Cascio, performed two numbers. "Keep Yo' Lamps" featured drummers from Batalá New York. Batalá New York is the premier all-womxn, Black-led, percussion ensemble activating partnerships, community building, and cultural awareness through high-energy performances.

The Gospel Choir & Band, under the direction of Dr. Jordan, performed three numbers, with Soloist Dea Krilu and Student Director Elisa Silva.

LaGuardia thanks Taione Martinez, Director of Education, The Town Hall, for including us in this annual celebration.

Dear LaGuardia Parents,

Many would agree that we live in uncommon and unprecedented times. Our differences as a nation have not been this pronounced, critics arguably state, since the Civil War. And to add another layer here, our children are watching how we all respond. Silence appears to be the go-to answer these days, any time political issues arise. We consistently see this from various leaders in all different forums. So, it makes complete sense that our kids see and feel this as well. How did we get to the point where silence is the preferred answer? Shouldn’t we look to what beloved leaders in the past said about choosing silence to govern? A young 36-year-old democrat, former assistant attorney general of our country, Robert Francis Kennedy, once had this to share about choosing silence as an answer in times of division:

• Every time we turn our heads the other way when we see the law flouted, when we tolerate what we know to be wrong, when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt because we are too busy or too frightened, when we fail to speak up and speak out, we strike a blow against freedom and decency and justice.
  

Fortuitously, the irony in all of this is LaGuardia. Truly, we are an artistic haven for voice, where our children are the absolute best examples of communicating with passion, strength, and truth, an honest glimmer that the outside world should take note of. I often find myself thinking, within these walls, adults can certainly learn a lot.

As always, thank you for your continued collaboration and spirited discussions. I feel privileged to work with all of you as we strive to move the needle forward, every day. If something is pressing, please reach out to me via email or direct cell, (914-372-6360). In the meantime, I will continue to keep my promise of providing all families with accurate and timely information.

Wishing each of you a beautiful Mid-winter Break.

Warmest regards,

JA

The LaGuardia Debate Club had many teams participate in the February 8, 2025, NYC Urban Debate League Tournament. The topic for the League Public Forum was “Resolved, on balance, the benefits of congestion pricing in NYC outweigh the costs.” The topic for the National Public Forum was “Resolved: the United States should accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”

Novice League

• Jude Martell, 2nd Place, Top Speaker.
  
• Karolina Dyachenko, 1st Place, Top Speaker.
  
• Jude Martell and Karolina Dyachenko, 4th Place, Team.
  

JV League

• Leah Kim, 2nd Place, Top Speaker.
  
• Xanthe Kitses, 3rd Place, Top Speaker.
  
• Leah Kim and Lana Solodukhin , 2nd Place, Team.
  

Varsity League

• Hazel Kaminsky, 1st Place; Top Speaker.
  
• Hazel Kaminsky and Roseanne Lemoigne, 1st Place, Team.
  

Boys Varsity Volleyball Tryouts

Boys Varsity Volleyball Tryouts will be held on the following dates*:

February 25 (3:45-5:45)

February 26 (3:45-5:45)

February 27 (3:45- 4:45)

*Please note that daily cuts will be made.

A physical copy of each of the following forms will be required on Monday, February 24

1. PSAL Parental Consent Form (Please print the entire form on one page. Ensure that parent initials are on each statement)

2. PSAL Medical Form (Page 3 only. Ensure that the medical provider stamp is on the form. Please note that signatures alone will not be accepted. Any other medical documentation willnot be accepted. It must be this PSAL medical form).

Looking forward to seeing you at tryouts! -- Coach Greene

The Lady Lions Basketball Advance

Congratulations to the Girls Basketball Team for defeating School of the Future in Round 1 of the Manhattan Borough Championships with a score of 48-28. They now advance to the next round, the Quarterfinals! Wish them luck as they go against Louis Brandeis HS today.

The LaGuardia Lady Lions are moving to the semifinals by defeating Louis Brandeis by a score of 44-41 in the Borough Championship Tournament. Captain Skyler Shih and Maddie Khuu led the team with 16 and 12 points respectively. Keep roaring, Lions!

LaG Gymnasts Dominate City Individual Championships

After winning the City Championships, the Gymnastics Team put on another show at yesterday’s Individual Championships. Captain Christian Henderson, Jey Gewirtz, Jordon Lindsay and Tycho Eggers gave solid performances and dominated the awards stage after taking the most medals of all teams. Thank you for your hard work and dedication all season long! Seniors, you will be missed! Goooo Lions!

Our RAPP Club is here to spread awareness about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This month during Morning Announcements, RAPP Club brings healthy relationship tips every day.

Healthy Relationship Tip #6: Keep it fun.

A relationship doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Go on fun dates and remember to keep your sense of humor. As a reminder, tomorrow is our Pal-entine’s Day Dance. Bring a pal, and get ready to dance and eat and participate in activities.

Healthy Relationship Tip 7: Accept who your partner is.

Don’t compare your partner to what you see on social media. Take them for who they are not what they could be.

Healthy Relationship Tip 8: Consistently put in effort.

Treat your partner how you would want to be treated. Don’t introduce them to a vibe you can’t maintain. Don’t forget to wear orange tomorrow to spread awareness for Teen Dating Violence. If you’re interested in learning more about Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, visit Maya, tabling in the fifth floor cafeteria today!

Healthy Relationship Tip 9: Take healthy space.

Allow yourself and your partner to grow both separately and together. Space is helpful to avoid things from turning unhealthy.

Healthy Relationship Tip 10: Remember you’re still an individual.

Value your alone time and don’t let your relationship consume you.

Thank you to Arianna, Chase, Jaylah, Matthew, and Maya, RAPP Counselor

All Seniors need to pay for Senior Dues using the Class of '25 Senior Dues Payment Form, found using the School Store/Purchase Tickets tab on the school's website. This form is used for all Seniors. 1) for those who already paid Smooth Inc for their Cap & Gown and are ONLY paying for Yearbook/Graduation costs; and 2) for those paying for Cap & Gown and Yearbook/Graduation costs.

Cap & Gown ($49.50) - Many have already paid using the Smooth Sportswear website.

Yearbook & Graduation. ($212). All Seniors.

Class of '25 Senior Dues Payments Form

As a reminder, our website provider charges a Convenience Fee of 2.9% + $.30 per transaction.

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Cash/Money Order Payments Accepted: April 28 - 30, Room 261

Financial Assistance Request: Email Dr. Stricklin, mstricklin@schools.nyc.gov by May 1, 2025.

Create Payment Schedule: Speak to Dr. Stricklin, Room 261

Students are required to receive a certain number of Bus Drills in school. We provide the information over Morning Announcements so that it does not take away from a specific department's classes. This would take class time to provide the instruction. Below is the information we expect all students to know:

Students in New York use the yellow bus in a few instances, which include school trips or when a student is injured or has a disability. If you find yourself riding a yellow bus during the coming school year, please be aware of the following expectations for bus comportment:

· Wear a seatbelt.

· Behave appropriately at all times, and listen to the instructions of the bus driver or teacher.

· In case of emergency, follow exactly the instructions given by the bus driver.

· Exit the bus in a timely and orderly fashion.

SAFE BUS BEHAVIOR

All passenger riders should know how to:

1. use and operate the emergency door

2. locate and use the fire extinguishers

3. find the first-aid equipment

4. use the windows as a means of escape in the case of fire or accident

5. safely enter and exit the bus

6. advance at least ten feet in front of the bus before crossing the highway after disembarking

7. advance to the corner of New York City streets so that you have sufficient distance to make eye contact with the driver before attempting to cautiously cross the street at the intersection

UNSAFE BUS BEHAVIOR

1. Pushing and shoving

2. Getting too close to the curb when the bus is coming

3. Dropping trash on the floor

4. Eating on the bus

5. Yelling while the bus driver is trying to maneuver in traffic

6. Throwing things in the bus

7. Hitting each other

8. Fighting

9. Name calling

Your maturity and awareness help to ensure that bus rides are safe and enjoyable for all. Thank you.

Both parents and teachers need to help students be good digital citizens. They both need to support students in using the internet in ways that are safe, responsible, and appropriate. They also help students follow the rules and act in ways that lead to effective digital learning. In February, we provide lessons and information through Morning Announcements and the Yellow Sheet to help students, parents, and teachers navigate how to become better digital citizens.

These lessons will continue throughout the month of February.

Parent Responsibilities

• Make sure your child acts responsibly. This includes knowing and understanding the Discipline Code, Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (IAUSP), and Social Media Guidelines for Students 12 and Younger or 13 and Older.
  
• Keep track of your children's online use when they are not in school—including mobile apps, online games, and other social media
  
• Share values with your children and talk with them about what is—and is not—acceptable online behavior.
  

Student Responsibilities

Follow the rules

• Follow all school and class rules for using technology
  
• Act responsibly to all—both online and face-to-face
  
• Collaborate in positive ways that help you learn
  
• Use technology to support an inclusive school community
  

Stay safe

• Only use accounts that belong to you.
  
• Protect passwords—don’t share them with others
  
• Don’t automatically save passwords on school devices
  
• Don’t give out personal information online without your parent’s permission
  
• Have permission from a parent before meeting anyone in person that you have met only online
  

Take care of things

• Respect and care for both:Student work (yours and your peers)Devices
  

Take care of each other

• Only download music, photographs, or video if you have permission from your teacher
  
• Follow the owner’s instructions for use
  
• If you don't know whether you can use something you found online, ask the owner for permission
  
• Follow your teacher’s directions for fundraising online
  
• See something that is inappropriate, threatening, or unkind? Here is what you can do:
  
• Reach out to a trusted adult
• Email RespectForAll@schools.nyc.gov
• Call Respect for All at 212-374-2350

Students who do not act responsibly may face the consequences explained in the Discipline Code and Chancellor’s Regulations.

• Applications are now being accepted from high school seniors and juniors to represent New York State at the 2025 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp). This in-person camp will be held from July 10 to August 2, 2025, in West Virginia.
• The NYSCamp is a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) opportunity. The camp will provide daily lectures and seminars with leading scientist-directed studies alongside visiting and resident STEAM professionals, and students will engage in activities in the natural, physical, and computer sciences, as well as creative arts.
• Housing, meals, transportation, and supplies are provided to participants at no cost.
• The deadline to apply is February 28, 2025.
• For more information about the program, including eligibility requirements, application instructions, and the link to the application portal, please visit the 2025 NYSCamp website.
• Questions may be directed to nyscamp@nysacademy.org.

Supporting your student’s success amid the pressures of sports, school, and everything in between can be challenging. Join Dr. Jonathan Fader, Director of MLB Players Association Mental Health; Gus Ornstein, Athletic Director at the Fieldston School; and our SportStrata team of performance coaches and mental health counselors for an engaging and educational discussion. This webinar is designed to help parents foster resilience, focus, and mental flexibility in their teens.


When: Monday, March 3, 2025, from 7:00–8:00 PM ET
Where: Live on Zoom

This session, tailored for parents of students in grades 8-12, will provide actionable insights to support your child’s well-being and performance across all areas of their life. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!

Click here to register now.

If you have any follow up questions, please reach out to Sara Simon at sara.simon@unionsquarepractice.com

https://sportstrata.com/

The deadline to submit SYEP applications is 02/28/25.

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.

Through SYEP, participants can explore different interests and career pathways, develop productive workplace habits, and engage in learning experiences that strengthen their social, civic, and leadership skills.

By participating in structured project and work-based opportunities, NYC youth are better prepared for careers of the future.

All students ages 14–24 are invited to apply to participate in the 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which is now accepting applications for summer 2025 via the general lottery through February 28.