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Socialized Education, yay!

June 2009





Dear Representative:



Townsend Harris High School is perennially ranked among New York City?s top high schools by several statistical measures. We have a track record of perfect or near-perfect graduation rates, credit accumulation, post-secondary enrollment in 4-year institutions, and student performance in classes and on Regents and Advanced Placement examinations. We are a diverse community of 1,083 learners who excel in academics, athletics, and activities.



The typical Townsend Harris student graduates with 58.8 credits, 14.8 more than the 44 required by the NYCDOE. Students take an average of 14 credits per year, including 10 credits of English (2 more than required by the NYCDOE). We require 6 credits of a modern foreign language and 4 credits of a classical language, for a total of 10 foreign language credits (4 more than required by the NYCDOE). Our 2007-08 Progress Report score was an A. The Quality Review performed in March 2009 found the school to be well developed and cited the rich curriculum as an asset to the school and its students in differentiating instruction: ?Students flourish within a rigorous and extensive curricula menu.?; ?Students thrive within the rich, stimulating and extensive curriculum?? Townsend Harris ranked number 71 on U.S. News and World Report?s list of America?s best high schools because of the number of Advanced Placement courses offered to students. Intel named Townsend Harris a 2008 School of Distinction for its science program, which has a strong research program and requires all students to take three Regents exams in science.



Since July 2008, we have had to implement several budget reductions:
? Money for after-school activities cut by 47%
? Money for equipment and supplies cut by 50%
? Reduced administrative personnel costs by 18%

In order to maintain our academic and extracurricular offerings at their current level, we will need the following additional funding before the June 18th budget deadline:
? $274,000 to maintain current staffing needs
? $200,000 so that we can continue after-school activities
? $89,000 in equipment and supplies

Total: $563,000



Our college-bound students need extensive academics and activities to be competitive in college admissions against top students from other schools in New York City and across the country. Our current budget allocation would require that we reduce the number of teachers, and such cuts to teaching staff would result in the reduction of course offerings, elimination of electives, and fewer credits earned upon graduation. Cuts to after-school activities will reduce the quantity and quality of our extra-curricular program. This budget cut will adversely affect college admissions and student outcomes. Restoring the $563,000 will enable us to maintain the highest quality education for the young people of New York City that we have been providing for years.



Thank you for your consideration of this request.



Sincerely,



Timothy Trzaskalski