Thomas A. Edison High School (New York City)

Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School
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Location
165-65 84th Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432 New York City, New York, United States
Information
Type	Public secondary
Motto	"The Thomas Edison community helps its students to grow into better people by providing the building blocks of life."
Established	1950
School board	New York City Public Schools
School number	Q620
CEEB Code	332585
Principal	Anthony D. Barbetta
Grades	9–12
Number of students	2566
Color(s)	Blue      and gold
Mascot	Lightbulb
Nickname	Edison(Ed)
Newspaper	The Edison Light
Website	www.taehs.org

Thomas Edison High School viewed from 84th ave.

Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School (pronounced /tɑ́məs ə. ɛ́dəsən kərɪ́r ǽnd tɛ́knɪkəl ɛ̀ǰəkéšən/) (often referred to locally simply as Edison) is a public secondary school in Queens's Jamaica community in New York City. It is one of the few public high schools in New York City to offer vocational training programs as well as traditional college preparatory tracks and well known for its largely male population. The school is operated by the New York City Department of Education.

Location

The campus is located near the top of a fairly steep hill at the corner of 168th St. and 84th Ave., and sits on the south side the Grand Central Parkway; it is situated diagonally across the parkway, southwest from St. John's University. Hillside Avenue, at the foot of the hill, is several blocks to the south.

Jamaica High School is separated from Edison by 84th Avenue and the Jamaica High School Track and Football Field. Hillcrest High School, another nearby high school, is located at Highland Avenue and Parsons Blvd.

Academic Offerings

Students at Edison generally take required courses in health, music theory, and art appreciation during their freshman year, at the end of which they choose a track to pursue in grades 10-12. Edison offers college-preparatory technological programs such as mechanical, electronic and pre-medical pharmaceutical technologies as well as more trade-oriented programs such as automotive and computer repair (A+ Certification), mechanical engineering / AUTOCAD, C++ programming, computer graphics design, and the Cisco Networking Academy, in which one can earn a CCNA network certification upon completion of the program.

In information technology, students takes Electronics and Cabling for one term. After they pass both classes, they have the choice of picking their major (i.e. A+ Repair, Cisco, MOS) for junior and senior year.

Academic Courses

English

The English program is a Twenty four-year sequence offering Regents track courses in grades 9 through 12. Special programs include grade level honor classes; high school extension programs offering college credit courses; drama classes; and reading and writing acceleration classes. In addition to the study of literature and oral written communication skills, each course offers specialized units that address such areas as media study, myth and folklore, etc. A major term project is also required in the spring term.

• Honor classes are offered to students based on teacher recommendation, high scholastic ability as evidenced generally in a minimal grade of 92.56382, and commitment to the rigors of the curriculum.^{[citation needed]}

Career and Technical Education Courses

Pre-Medical Pharmaceutical Chemistry

This program provides students with a broad range of laboratory skills and a strong conceptual background on the effect of pharmaceutical preparations on the human body systems. In the sophomore year, qualified students take the Science Research program, which is a pre-requisite for the next two years. In the junior year students are provided with laboratory experiences in inorganic chemistry, qualitative analysis, and organic chemistry. In the senior year, students learn about pharmacy equipment, preparation techniques, dosage forms, drug administration and absorption, cellular response and the effects on body systems: cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. The anatomy and physiology of these systems is an integral part of the program of study. Students can enter two- or four-year colleges to further their studies and many students are accepted to the St. John's University School of Pharmacy. Still others go on to four-year pre-medical courses of study. Some students also qualify in their senior for the York College Bridge to Medicine Program.^{[citation needed]}

Technical Electronics Engineering/ Robotics

Those who select this program will follow a sequence that is centered on the theory and Laboratory practice of electricity, electronics and computer circuitry. In the sophomore year, students study DC and AC electricity including the analysis of circuits containing containing resistors, capacitors and inductors. The junior year continues with electronic devices such as diodes and transistors and their application in power supply and amplifier circuits. In addition, students will have one term of Principles of Robotics. The senior year focuses on the circuitry of computers. Areas include Boolean algebra, number systems, combinational and sequential circuits. Extensive hands on laboratory activities and integrated throughout the program including computer labs utilizing Electronics Workbench and Office 2000 software. Senior Robotics students will prepare for national robotics competition.

The lab trainer for Electronics.

CAD / Mechanical Engineering

Students enter this program in the fall term of the junior year after taking two terms of DC electricity. They begin with the elements of drafting using drawing boards and instruments. The junior year is the study of machine design, an Introduction of Computer Aided Design (CAD), utilizing the industry standard AutoCAD software. The senior year continues with advanced CAD topics as well as courses in Architecture and Principles of Engineering. This latter course is centered on a series of projects wherein student work in teams.

Cisco Networking

The sequence of courses introduces and builds on fundamental networking concepts and technologies. Students are taught skills necessary to plan, implement, manage and troubleshoot computer-based networks across a range of applications. Students will also learn how to set up and secure wireless networks using Linksys and CISCO routers and equipment. Upon completion of the programs, students qualify to take the Cisco Certified network Associate (CCNA) industry recognized certification exam.

Computer Repair (A+ Certification Specialists)

This course teaches the fundamentals, concepts and technologies of computers (Desktops/Laptops), printers (Inkjet/Laser Printer), and networking. Students learn how to assemble and configure computers and printers. They also learn how to maintain and troubleshoot computers and to diagnose printer faults. Furthermore, students will be educated with the knowledge of network topologies (types of network designs), network cabling/connector types and how to set-up a Network (LAN and Wireless/PC or Laptop). Upon completion of the program, students qualify to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

Microsoft Certified Application Specialist

This program is designed to provide instruction in the four major applications in the Microsoft Office 2007 suite of programs, which includes Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft Excel 2007, Microsoft Access 2007 and Microsoft PowerPoint 2007. Students who successfully master the course will have the opportunity to achieve certification on the above four applications. In addition, students who achieve certifications in all the applications as well as meet all other Regents requirements will earn an Advanced Regents Diploma as a Microsoft Certifies Application Specialist. Furthermore, students who enroll in college will have the opportunity to submit the Microsoft Certifications for elective college credit.

Commercial Art

Students learn the fundamentals of commercial art including creative thinking, typography, and product design. They use traditional art media and non-traditional 2D and 3D media, including the computer. They are introduced to several Adobe programs, including Illustrator and Photoshop. In the junior year students split their time between the art classroom and the computer lab. Students also create portfolios for college admission, scholarship applications, and job interviews. The course culminates in the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam in Advertising Art.

Automotive Technologies

This program covers a three-year sequence during which student are given a number of options and course selections. In the first year of the program, students are assigned to alternating programs in automobile engine and auto electric shops. Major components of the modern automobile, including brakes, transmissions, front-ends, as well as computers, fuel injection and exhaust emission systems are analyzed with an emphasis placed on practical experience gained through a hands-on approach. Automobile chassis and engine performance and tune-up are studied in the junior year. During the senior year, students may select a concentration in either the live repair shop or our automotive body repair and paint shop. Those students who opt for live shop gain valuable hands-on experience through actual repair of on-road automobiles. This work includes engine swaps, brake reconditioning, engine tune-ups and all phases of general automobile mechanical repair.

Students who opt for the Auto Body concentration learn all phases of exterior and interior refinishing. The selection and matching of paints is a major part of this instruction. Customizing and detailing are done when necessary. The course also covers all aspects of metal and body repair. Welding and brazing procedures such as oxyacetylene, MIG and arc welding are an important part of the program. Estimating the cost of repairs and the purchasing of parts is also included. A hands-on approach is utilizing along with theory to maximize practical experience and exposure to the automobile industry.

Electrical Installation Technologies

This course of study proceeds from the wiring of simple circuits, low circuits to the study of sophisticated control systems. Devices studied and used run the gamut from signal systems, burglar alarms and other low voltage systems to computer-controlled motors, operations and robotics. The electrical and electronics theory is taught over a three-year span. This program prepares students with the skills necessary to enter industry directly or to enter college to pursue other electrical careers, such as electrical engineering.

Web Design

Students learn HTML syntax for professional, accessible and organized websites using Dreamweaver, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript and actionscript. Discover the wonders of animation with motion and shape tweening using Adobe Flash. Incorporate movie clip symbols that controlsound, movement and interactive buttons. Students will work independently and in groups to design a variety of websites that include graphics created in Photoshop, Illustrator or Fireworks. The course culminates with an online electronic portfolio and two industries recognized Adobe Certified Associate certifications.

Graphic Art Communications

Students learn the fundamentals of graphic arts including typography, desktop publishing; Digital Photography, B/W Photography; Advertising Design; Package Design, Xerox digital printing, Adobe Creative Suite CS4, and Quark Xpress 8. During the 11th and 12th grades, students will concentrate on Graphic Design by using the Adobe Creative Suite programs to emphasize photo retouching, photo manipulation and design using Adobe Photoshop, Layout Design using InDesign/Quark Xpress 8, drawing techniques and logo design using Illustrator, a Vector Art program, B/W and digital photography. Students are also offered in-house internships as well as internships through the Center for Arts in various design companies. Students also have the opportunity to enter may design competitions where prizes and recognition are given. Upon completion of the program students may obtain certificates in Adobe Certified Associate.^{[citation needed]}

Demographics

The school has an enrollment of just over 2,800 students of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including African American, Hispanic, South Asian, East Asian, Guyanese. Edison's gender population is approx 60.0% male and 40.0% female.^{[citation needed]}

In the Fall of 2006, Edison admitted 873 freshmen (9th graders). The total student population is approximately 250 larger than the 2005-2006 school year. The increase in student population has required the hiring of more than 20 new teachers. Crowding is an issue in a building designed for 1,600 Students.^{[citation needed]}

Clubs

• Global Outreach
• Glamour Gals
• Teens At Service
• Environmental Service Club
• Book Club
• Film Club
• Muslim Student Organization
• Christian Club
• Guitar Club
• Math Team
• Marine Science Club
• Student Council
• Student Council Executive Board
• Urban Poetry
• Chorus
• Chess Club
• Asian Culture Club
• Automotive/Occupational Readiness
• Career Club
• Cheerleading
• Cricket Club
• Dance
• GLASS
• Physics Club
• Robotics
• Self Defense
• Soccer
• Sports Fitness Club
• Step Club
• Stage Management & SOUND/TECH Crew
• Karate Club
• Hispanic Culture Club
• Yoga Club
• Cultural Experience Club
• Weight Management Club
• Dance Company Club
• Plant Tulips

Other information

Edison participates in a wide variety of citywide sporting activities in the (PSAL) Public School Athletic League some of these sports are basket ball, soccer, track,and division A east high school wrestling.(excluding football). Its teams are known as the Inventors. Also, unknown to some, their mascot is a lightbulb, but it is never used during a game.

The current principal is Anthony Barbetta. The New York City Department of Education's eldest employee, Hazal Barr, just retired from Edison.

As a Career and Technical Education High School, teams from Edison have performed highly in Annual Competitions dealing with Auto Repair. In the 2005-06 School year, Edison teams finished First and Second in NYC. For the Current (2006–07) School Year, Edison teams have taken the top three spots in the NYC Competition (1st, 2nd & 3rd).

Facts

• The high school was created in 1950.
• The school began its first technical course in Electronics.
• Every boy was required to wear a tie and could rent one for 10 cents from the secretary a day.
• Girls were admitted to Edison in the late 70's
• Students were originally admitted into Edison by taking an exam.
• There used to be 700 kids when the school first started.
• Edison is currently listed as the 11th most popular high school in the city as the school 8th graders want to enter in fall with 1320 choices.^{[citation needed]}
• The school colors are blue and gold.

T-shirt of the Thomas Edison gym uniform.

• Their honors society is the National Honors Society.
• The school has an annual talent show show called Le Show.
• Spirit Week is the beginning of December.
• The Physical Education classes the school offers are Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Fitness, Team Conditioning (for the athletes in school), Self-Defense, Jump-Rope, and Dance.
• First period starts at 7:05AM and ends with tenth period at 3:25PM.
• The school requires a gym uniform consisting of a yellow shirt and blue shorts with the Thomas Edison logo on it. Any students in a gym class that's indoors are not allowed to wear sweatpants unless they have religious reasons.^{[citation needed]}

Notable alumni

• Stephen A. Smith- ESPN sports personality and Philadelphia Inquirer sports columnist is a member of the graduating class of 1986.
• Mike Windischmann- Professional Soccer Player, 2004 National Soccer Hall of Fame

References

• Student Handbook

External links

• Thomas Edison High School Home Page
• NYC Dept. of Education page on Edison
• Google Maps Hybrid Image
• Public Schools Athletic League Thomas Edison pages link on the PSAL Public Schools Athletic League Web Site.
• http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=our_schools&id=5324667 WABC-TV News High school sections by elementary school students