Glen Cove High School Principal speaks at Coalition Meeting

Coalition for Glen Cove President Helen Kotzky, Principal Keith Schenker, and Coalition member Gail Nedbor-Gross

At the February meeting of the Coalition for Glen Cove, Glen Cove High School Principal Keith Schenker said that across the country traditional high school education is not doing well in preparing students for their future, for citizenship, for college, for jobs, and for the global economy. A few American high schools have changed their methods and now use project-based learning, applying content knowledge to real world problems, and cooperative teaching and learning to prepare students for lifetime learning and giving them competence in spoken and written communication. Enhancing our students’ technology literacy is important as well. These project-based and cooperative methods require changes in both teaching pedagogy and the physical arrangement of school buildings. Buildings need more appropriate spaces for small groups of students to work together, for seminars and larger meetings, and for work in the sciences and the arts.

Modernization of Glen Cove High School would lead to a better experience, better programs, and better education for students. The gallery area at the school entrance could become a large glassed-in area that includes room for guidance councilors to meet with students, parents, and faculty; for students to research college and career opportunities; and for psychological and social service offices. A new science wing and arts wing would allow science research labs, seminar and lecture rooms, studios, and exhibition areas. Appropriate facilities are one step on the path to improved programs and a 21st century education.

The high school administration and teachers know that when parents are involved in their children’s education their children are more likely to succeed. Parents are encouraged to participate in school activities and to talk or write to teachers about their children. Almost all students have computers at home; parents are able to send email to teachers and teachers are able to send emails to parents. The current attendance software is able to make a phone call to a parent the day a student misses a class.

Mr. Schenker discussed the need for a realignment of honors courses so that they are tied to a national standard, such as SAT II, and can act as pre- Advanced Placement courses. In doing so, students will be better prepared for the requirements of AP courses and students and parents will be able to make appropriate course selections for the following year. Having honors course aligned to a known standard and structured to provide students the necessary rigor and relevancy to prepare them for advanced study at the high school level has many benefits, one of which is maintaining the reputation of Glen Cove High School in the eyes of college admissions officers. More importantly, we will be providing our students with the essential skills necessary to be successful beyond high school.

The new Glen Cove Alumni Association will help more alumni stay involved with the Glen Cove schools and will help the schools succeed.