Columbus High School on chopping block
DOE could close Astor Avenue school
By Daniel Beekman
Comment
The city Department of Education has announced that Christopher Columbus High School and Global Enterprise Academy, a small high school on the Columbus campus, could be closed. The schools would enroll no new ninth graders starting fall 2010, DOE spokesman Will Havemann said.
Columbus’ graduation rate is low; it was 36.9 percent in 2007-2008 and 40 percent in 2008-2009, 20 percentage points below the city average, Havemann said. Enrollment fell from 1,429 students in 2008-2009 to 1,361 students in 2009-2010, he added. Enrollment has decreased by more than 1,000 students since 2004-2005.
Only 11 percent of students zoned for Columbus attend the school, Havemann said. Only 64 percent of students feel inspired to learn and only 64 percent feel safe at school, a 2008-2009 DOE survey found. Only 66 percent of teachers feel that order and discipline are maintained at Columbus, the survey also found.
Columbus earned a D on its DOE progress report for 2008-2009 and a C on its report for 2007-2008. Global Enterprise earned C’s for 2008-2009 and 2007-2008.
The DOE awards progress report grades based on student test results, graduation and attendance rates and student and parent surveys. Schools are rewarded or punished based on the grades. Some are closed and replaced by smaller schools.
Plans to close and replace Columbus and Global Enterprise could include a charter school, DOE Deputy Chancellor John White said. The DOE will choose the best school or schools for Columbus’ challenged student population, White explained.
The DOE will hold a public hearing at Columbus soon. In late January, the city Panel for Education Policy will vote. Each borough president appoints one panel member and the mayor appoints eight. DOE Chancellor Joel Klein is an ex-officio member.
If okayed by the panel, the new school or schools would “phase-in” at the Columbus campus as Columbus and Global Enterprise are “phased-out,” White said. Although most replacement schools are new, the DOE would also consider schools that already exist in other locations. The 435 new schools opened under Mayor Michael Bloomberg graduate more students than old schools do, White contended.
Councilman Jimmy Vacca, a Columbus alumnus, called the news sad.
“Columbus has successfully educated hundreds of thousands of students and was often considered second only to Bronx Science,” Vacca said.
The councilman admitted that Columbus has issues that must be addressed but alleged that the DOE has contributed to problems at the school. While the DOE has opened small schools, Columbus has absorbed more and more English language learners, transfer students and students with special needs, Vacca said.
“This type of problem has occurred at the larger high schools throughout the city and now these high schools are said to be failing,” Vacca stated. “It’s a cycle that the DOE must address when they meet with parents and hold the required public hearing.”
Pelham Preparatory Academy, Astor Collegiate High School and the Collegiate Institute for Math and Science, also small schools at the Columbus campus, will remain open, White said. The DOE is required to re-hire 50 percent of “qualified” Columbus and Global enterprise teachers. But it needn’t re-hire any if none are qualified, White said.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will look into each proposed Bronx school closure on an individual basis, the borough president said.
Reach reporter Daniel Beekman at 718 742-3383 or dbeekman@cnglocal.com
Columbus’ graduation rate is low; it was 36.9 percent in 2007-2008 and 40 percent in 2008-2009, 20 percentage points below the city average, Havemann said. Enrollment fell from 1,429 students in 2008-2009 to 1,361 students in 2009-2010, he added. Enrollment has decreased by more than 1,000 students since 2004-2005.
Only 11 percent of students zoned for Columbus attend the school, Havemann said. Only 64 percent of students feel inspired to learn and only 64 percent feel safe at school, a 2008-2009 DOE survey found. Only 66 percent of teachers feel that order and discipline are maintained at Columbus, the survey also found.
Columbus earned a D on its DOE progress report for 2008-2009 and a C on its report for 2007-2008. Global Enterprise earned C’s for 2008-2009 and 2007-2008.
The DOE awards progress report grades based on student test results, graduation and attendance rates and student and parent surveys. Schools are rewarded or punished based on the grades. Some are closed and replaced by smaller schools.
Plans to close and replace Columbus and Global Enterprise could include a charter school, DOE Deputy Chancellor John White said. The DOE will choose the best school or schools for Columbus’ challenged student population, White explained.
The DOE will hold a public hearing at Columbus soon. In late January, the city Panel for Education Policy will vote. Each borough president appoints one panel member and the mayor appoints eight. DOE Chancellor Joel Klein is an ex-officio member.
If okayed by the panel, the new school or schools would “phase-in” at the Columbus campus as Columbus and Global Enterprise are “phased-out,” White said. Although most replacement schools are new, the DOE would also consider schools that already exist in other locations. The 435 new schools opened under Mayor Michael Bloomberg graduate more students than old schools do, White contended.
Councilman Jimmy Vacca, a Columbus alumnus, called the news sad.
“Columbus has successfully educated hundreds of thousands of students and was often considered second only to Bronx Science,” Vacca said.
ADVERTISEMENT
“This type of problem has occurred at the larger high schools throughout the city and now these high schools are said to be failing,” Vacca stated. “It’s a cycle that the DOE must address when they meet with parents and hold the required public hearing.”
Pelham Preparatory Academy, Astor Collegiate High School and the Collegiate Institute for Math and Science, also small schools at the Columbus campus, will remain open, White said. The DOE is required to re-hire 50 percent of “qualified” Columbus and Global enterprise teachers. But it needn’t re-hire any if none are qualified, White said.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will look into each proposed Bronx school closure on an individual basis, the borough president said.
Reach reporter Daniel Beekman at 718 742-3383 or dbeekman@cnglocal.com
 |
||
| Prayers for Kingsbridge Armory at City Hall |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of yournabe.com.
edwin frias wrote on Dec 7, 2009 8:39 PM:
" My name is edwin frias and I just can't believe what I'm reading. columbus has been like a second home for me. I graduated in 2006 and wish I can repeat my experience over and over at cchs. I love the school so much that since I graduated I have the pleasure to help coach the cchs cheer, dance, and step team, which are lead by wonderful, powerful women who are not only coaches but the most wonderful english teachers and advisors the school have to offer. Christopher columbus high school has been an home for many and it will be very heartbraking to see it go and fade away into anything else. The staff is incredible and very helpful. The principal is the best and withouth her the school isn't the same. As a former student I speak for many when I say columbus has been the change in my life. I'm a college graduate and know that my entire class of 2006 is in the same path. One last thing to say....GO SHARKS!!!!! "
Jessalyn Alvarez wrote on Dec 7, 2009 10:33 PM:
" I also agree with Edwin, he was my coached me in cheer and so did my other two coaches/ English teachers. This school is held very close to my heart because my mother and father as well as my ants and uncles and sister graduated from Columbus. The principal is an extraordinary person as well, she gives every student a warm feeling when they enter the school. Shes so helpful and its amazing what a great senior year her as well as my senior advisors gave me last year (08-09). You only see what the kids who dont care do to the school but if you really spent a day in cchs you would see how committed many students are (ex. the Leadership Class) . These are the students you need to pay attention to the ones who are excited to go to school everyday and commit to their homework and sports. The kids you look at are the ones that whatever school they are in they arent going to learn only because they refuse to, its not fair to the students who spent all day in that school doing there best to bring back that Shark Spirit! By closing this school you are breaking a bond between so many teachers, coaches, principals, counselors and students; bonds that do not even take as long as four years to build. I graduated this past year and I go all the time to visit my principal as well as coaches, teachers and friends that i made while i attended. Columbus doesnt deserve to be shut down, try taking a look at some other schools that dont have as much students with will power to keep a school open "
Jessalyn Alvarez wrote on Dec 7, 2009 10:45 PM:
" to correct myself from the beginning edwin coached me in cheer. "
Chanel Simmons wrote on Dec 8, 2009 1:17 AM:
" My name is Chanel Simmons. I transferred to Columbus my sophomore year, and it was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Columbus is my home away from home. I spend most of my day there, (over twelve hours) staying involved with the many clubs and activities that the school has to offer. Once I was enrolled into Columbus, I immediately found my family. A family that I know I will cherish forever. Ms. Fuentes, has tried her very hardest to make each and everyone in Columbus feel welcomed, and loved. She has bent over backwards to maintain this school, focusing on academics, while adding special events that would benefit the interest of the students in the building. I would never be able to express the love I have for Ms. Fuentes, or the love I have for the school. This is the place where I became Captain of my Dance Team. This is the place where i became part of the Step team, Choir, School Leadership Team, Leadership Class, Yearbook Club, and Gymnastics Team. My memories at Columbus are priceless, after iI graduate in June 2010, I would love to come back to visit, just so i could reminisce on all of the good, and even bad times. This school is my life, and as I write this all of my emotions are building up, and I have no choice but to let them out. With all my strength, I will pray that the decision to close Columbus will go for permanent, to obsolete. Please have a heart, and keep my home, my everything, Christopher Columbus High School open. "
Melissa Martinez wrote on Dec 8, 2009 9:02 AM:
" im Melissa Martinez class of 2009 and i think i speak for all the students of columbus when i say it is an oasis to them, a cradel; as it was for me. Just hearing the name automatically brings a smile to my face. the four most amazing years of my life were spent there and the most significant memories were created just by stepping through the door. My life was made astonishingly breathtaking by this place we call school; which to me was more like a second home. This amazing school became the foundation of my personality and creator of my character. Columbus is just a high school to most, but it is so much more to me and to hundreds of others it is able to instill in its students a love of school and learning, and the confidence to do it with pride and dedication. please allow it to continue to change lives on a daily basis and transform mere children into amazing people with unforgetable memories. this place is like no other and i cant stress it enough how much of a void the decision to close it down would leave in the hearts of so many students alumni and faculty. "
Yasmine Borbon wrote on Dec 8, 2009 12:51 PM:
" My name is Yasmine Borbon and I am a graduate of the class of 2009. I honestly can't believe that Columbus HS will be closed down in 2013. This school holds so many memories that many of us cherish. Columbus HS is like a second home to me and to many others. Ms. Fuentes has tried so hard to make students involved; she has been there seven days a week to try to ensure that all students were having an amazing experience, making more and more extracurricular activities available for all of us. I was thankfully blessed in being able to become one of the captains of the cheerleading team, also being a member of the yearbook committee, leadership, senior advisory, student council, NFTE and I was a student worker. Columbus HS is a great school for those who truly wish to take advantage of the opportunities that are offered there. It is very heartbreaking to just think that our cherished school won’t be there in a couple of years. It’s depressing to know that in a couple of years we won’t be able to go back and visit our beloved teachers, coaches and principals that have done so much for us in the past, and still continue to do so today. I really hope you review your decision carefully because in closing Columbus HS, you would not only be closing a school, you would be closing a home to many of us. "
Damian Franco wrote on Dec 8, 2009 5:47 PM:
" Yoooooo.... I got ma GED at that skool and i met ma best frind Javier Alvarado. I be missin that skool evryday yo. I be Reppin 168! "
Yvette Wilson wrote on Dec 8, 2009 7:44 PM:
" Hi, my name is Yvette Wilson and i attend Christopher Columbus High school and this is an out rage. Since day one i step into Columbus i felt welcomed not just by the staff but by the students. Columbus is like my second home i have joined so many clubs from Explorers to helping out with the basket ball team. To just sittiing in the main office and helping Ms. Fuentes out. She is not only my principle but like a second mother to us all. She makes sure we are all on track and trys her best to help out the other that aren't. The school over all is a good place to be and me graduating in 2011 wont be the same to help the freshmen like the senior class helped me. Columbus should stay open and we would do all we have to do to keep our school "home" open. Not only for us but for students to come. "
Rick Ciuzio wrote on Dec 8, 2009 9:20 PM:
" I graduated from Columbus H.S. in 1973. It was one of the top schools in the Bronx at that time and part of a very safe and hard-working, middle-class neighborhood. My classmates were inspired and eager to learn and the graduation rate probably topped 80% or higher.
So, what happened in over 30 years? I'll tell you what happened: lawlessness, permissiveness, "social promotions" and a complete breakdown in the social system, largely due to politicians, teachers, police, prosecutors, and the current population of the city too afraid to do the right thing and ensure that the laws are obeyed and schools are meant for LEARNING!
That breakdown failed the very kids it was responsible for protecting and educating; and for that we ALL pay a price!!! Get wise, people, and put an end to liberal politicians!! "
So, what happened in over 30 years? I'll tell you what happened: lawlessness, permissiveness, "social promotions" and a complete breakdown in the social system, largely due to politicians, teachers, police, prosecutors, and the current population of the city too afraid to do the right thing and ensure that the laws are obeyed and schools are meant for LEARNING!
That breakdown failed the very kids it was responsible for protecting and educating; and for that we ALL pay a price!!! Get wise, people, and put an end to liberal politicians!! "
evander marte wrote on Dec 8, 2009 9:27 PM:
" this is an injustice. columbus is a great school and it shouldnt be closed. i belong to the class of 2010, there is no place i would rather be than this school. it became a turning point in my life from the minute i got there. and i know that if it werent for columbus i would not have the same outlook on education or even on life as i do now. as i approach my graduation day i feel saddened to leave it behind because i hold it close to my heart but id much rather leave experience this mandatory seperation and know that it will continue to transform lives than have to bare with its unscrupulous cessation "
Rick Ciuzio wrote on Dec 8, 2009 9:28 PM:
" P.S. You want to know what's coming out of Columbus these days? Just read the comments preceding mine and get a good look at the misspellings and other grammatical errors made by the commentators.
If that's what the school and NYC Board of Education are producing, I say close down the school and start over. And, give those kids a real chance in the real world by the time they graduate!!! They should all be ashamed of themselves. "
If that's what the school and NYC Board of Education are producing, I say close down the school and start over. And, give those kids a real chance in the real world by the time they graduate!!! They should all be ashamed of themselves. "
Jennifer B. wrote on Dec 8, 2009 9:35 PM:
" This is really bringin tears to my eyes; its my 1st year at global enterprise and the school is like a other family to you the teachers & staff know everything about there students we are all treated equal we get all the help we need ; we have so many programs that can help us and also keeps us off the streets and in a safe place. why close the school down like it hurts me because that means am going to be the last graudate of global enterprise and it hurts because i know alot of people who wanted to come to global in fall 2010 as freshman and now look they cant do this to us so please everyone who cares call 311 speak out do what ever to help keep these two schools open even though am in global i have friends in cloumbus who are also hurt please help us "
Daniel Beekman wrote on Dec 8, 2009 11:57 PM:
" Commenters,
If you feel strongly about the DOE's proposal to close Columbus High School and Global Enterprise Academy, please contact me by phone at 718 742-3383.
Thanks,
Daniel Beekman
Bronx Times Reporter "
If you feel strongly about the DOE's proposal to close Columbus High School and Global Enterprise Academy, please contact me by phone at 718 742-3383.
Thanks,
Daniel Beekman
Bronx Times Reporter "
Janet Rivera wrote on Dec 9, 2009 2:46 PM:
" Hi my name is janet rivera , and i hope you take your time to read all of our comments , just maybe then you will be able to see how much columbus has impacted the lives of others. First off i want to say that i am currently a freshman at a state university , and i am only here because of cchs. Which has provided me with a wonderful education , and support from each staff including Mrs. Funetes who went out of her way to make sure her students were on the right track. i have grown so much through cchs , and want to give my thanks , because if it wasnt for columbus i am 100 percent sure i would not be typing this comment as i sit in my dorm . i was apart of the cchs cheerleading team , Yearbook commite , School leadership team , Senior advisory , leadership, morning announcemnets girl ,and prom queen all these wonderful clubs , and oppurtinues taught me good morals and lessons to be prepared for college. I DO NOT AGREE WITH COLUMBUS BEING SHUT DOWN . many say its a bad school , & as you know you are judging from the outside , why dont you ask the people in the inside what do they think of cchs? then just maybe you wont have a reason to shut the school down. if this school shuts down , then you are taking the dreams of young people away.I CANNOT STRESS HOW GOOD OF A SCHOOL CCHS IS & the improvemnet it has made throught the years .PLEASE DO NOT CLOSE THE SCHOOL DOWN , THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE AND HOW MANY LIVES YOU WILL CHANGE. I LOVE & MISS HIGHSCHOOL SO MUCH . ALL THE MEMORIES , STRUGGLES , AND OBSTALCES WILL LIVE ON FOREVER. MRS.FUENTES HAS A RIGHT & SO DO WE! COLUMBUS WILL NOT GO DOWN ~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
Helen Fisher wrote on Dec 9, 2009 3:02 PM:
" My maiden name was Helen Weinstock and I graduated from CCHS in 1959 (a long time ago). I know that things were very different back then but, still, how sad that a school that means so much to so many of us is due to close because of such poor numbers. Many brilliant kids graduated from CCHS and I'm sure that we had almost 100% graduating at that time. I'm heartbroken to hear this news about my wonderful alma mater and hope that something can be done to preserve it's history. "
Blue Steel wrote on Dec 9, 2009 6:19 PM:
" As one familiar with the inner workings of both Columbus and Global Enterprise, I must say that closing these schools is the right move. Long ago Columbus was a fine school indeed. In the past decade, however, it has become a 'race to the bottom' environment. The school is plagued with gangs, low attendance rates, disaffected students, small school cherrypicking and administrative weaknesses, among other factors. Global has crumbled due to poor leadership and the creation of a culture of entitlement, rather than achievement. Though I have deep concerns about DOE initiatives and tactics in recent years, I do feel it important to recognize it for admitting that these two experiments in education are ready to be concluded. "
hm wrote on Dec 9, 2009 8:24 PM:
" I'M A SENIOR AT CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL RIGHT NOW..EVEN THOUGH I AM ALMOST DONE AND ABOUT TO GRADUATE I FEEL SO SAD FOR THIS SCHOOL TO CLOSE DOWN...TO ME COLUMBUS IS LIKE A FAMILY BECAUSE WE TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER AND WERE ALWAYS THERE AS A TEAM AND WE STAND STRONG ANS UNITED...HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BREAK A FAMILY APART...I RUN FULL OF EMOTIONS BECAUSE I'M SAD FOR THE SCHOOL TO BE CLOSE DOWN LIKE THESE. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE IN THIS SCHOOL ... IN THE FUTURE I'M NOT GONE BE ABLE TO COME AND VISIT THESE GREAT TEACHERS THAT WE HAVE AND OUR PRINCIPAL .I HAVE SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES FROM THIS SCHOOL THAT I'M NEVER GONE BE ABLE TO FORGET, THIS YEAR WAS SUPPOSE TO BE THE BEST AND THE HAPPIEST YEAR ..SO FAR IT WAS BUT THAT I KNOW THAT COLUMBUS IS CLOSING DOWN I WILL GRADUATE WITH A SAD FEELING AND SOMETHING WILL ALWAYS MISS IN MY LIFE WHICH IS MY SECOND FAMILY COLUMBUS .!!
COME AND SUPPORT COLUMBUS JANUARY 7 2010 AT 5:30.....BECAUSE WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP IS NOT FARE TO JUST CRUSH DOWN ALL THESE DREAMS THAT ARE AHEAD IN OUR LIVES AND ALL THESE GREAT PLANS THAT OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF HAVE PREPARED FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF US TO GRADUATE AND TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL IN LIFE,,,,,,
GO COLUMBUS THE BEST SCHOOL EVER "
COME AND SUPPORT COLUMBUS JANUARY 7 2010 AT 5:30.....BECAUSE WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP IS NOT FARE TO JUST CRUSH DOWN ALL THESE DREAMS THAT ARE AHEAD IN OUR LIVES AND ALL THESE GREAT PLANS THAT OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF HAVE PREPARED FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF US TO GRADUATE AND TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL IN LIFE,,,,,,
GO COLUMBUS THE BEST SCHOOL EVER "
Angel M. wrote on Dec 10, 2009 9:16 AM:
" I was in global enterprise academy for two years. 9th and 10th grade. I transfered out because my mother moved to brooklyn. Even now I feel it was one of the worst decisions I made in my life. Columbus was a home for me, I had close relationships with many of my classmates and teachers. Whenever I was stressed out at home I could go always I would attend school and It would clear my mind. When I went to middle school 135 just several blocks away from columbus I always use to hear the stories of columbus having a horrible reputation but when I went there All my experiences were positive ones. Ms.piquero is a great teacher, Ms.pineda is always very respectful, Ms.philips is still amazing I can still hear her saying " above and beyond" her catch phrase lol. Mr.glauber was a excellent math teacher when he use to teach at the school. All in all I hope columbus doesn't get closed down. I still believe that the school can make a turn around if given the chance.
Leave columbus standing!! "
Leave columbus standing!! "
Daniel Beekman wrote on Dec 10, 2009 10:29 AM:
" Commenters,
I'm happy to use your comments somehow in my next story but I'd appreciate it if some of you students and former students would call me today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday) at 718 742-3383 or email me at dbeekman@cnglocal.com with your phone number.
Thanks,
Daniel Beekman
Bronx Times Reporter "
I'm happy to use your comments somehow in my next story but I'd appreciate it if some of you students and former students would call me today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday) at 718 742-3383 or email me at dbeekman@cnglocal.com with your phone number.
Thanks,
Daniel Beekman
Bronx Times Reporter "
Kevin Cool RUnnings Saunders wrote on Dec 11, 2009 10:34 AM:
" I am a proud 1997 graduate of Columbus. Had it not been for Columbus, I wouln't be the person that I am today. I came into Columbus a dorky, shy and depressed teenager. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the best people that still are in my life to this day. The teachers there cared about you as a person and were genuinely concerned for your development. Mr garfin, my principal was also a friend who was like a father figure to many of us. ms Abrams, my Leadership teacher and friend went above and beyond everytime for us, Mr Hannus, My track coach wasmore than just that. He pushed us to potential that we NEVER knew we had.
I graduated in 1997 with one of the best experiences of my life. I was Prom Guide magazines cover model of the year, I had so many lifelong friends and I developed a sense of individuality all from being a student at Columbus. Where did that COlumbus go? I want it back! "
I graduated in 1997 with one of the best experiences of my life. I was Prom Guide magazines cover model of the year, I had so many lifelong friends and I developed a sense of individuality all from being a student at Columbus. Where did that COlumbus go? I want it back! "
Howard R. Cohen wrote on Dec 11, 2009 5:57 PM:
" What is the real reason for the possible closing of a great High School that Christopher Columbus was, is and will continue to be.
Has the BOE decided not to support the schools current needs?
There are over 100,000 Alumni that certainly do not want the Board Of Education, The Mayor of New York City, and the current student body parents to close there eyes in "letting" anyone close this FANTASTIC PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
So many wonderful people received not just a good education, but a great education at CCHS.
The teachers at CCHS were and still are caring and interested in the well being of their students.
Is this all about money?
What is it going to take to keep it open?
Someone has to explain in detail--NOW-- why?
What is the real plan?
A new school is going to have better teachers?
Where are the teachers coming from?
It took CCHS 70 years to have the "CLOUT" it has today. With all the changes around the school, and there have been many, and maybe it has been a bit bumpy for a while, so that means everyone quits, is that the message you want to show the students of America -- If it gets a little bumpy -- QUIT.
This institution MUST remain open. If we have to make a few minor adjustments, okay, but get it back on track -- we will.
Wake up --- do not let this happen.
This is one change America, New York, and The Bronx -- Don't need.
I guess after you close this great Public High School, you will close the Public Libraries? Then what's next? "
Has the BOE decided not to support the schools current needs?
There are over 100,000 Alumni that certainly do not want the Board Of Education, The Mayor of New York City, and the current student body parents to close there eyes in "letting" anyone close this FANTASTIC PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
So many wonderful people received not just a good education, but a great education at CCHS.
The teachers at CCHS were and still are caring and interested in the well being of their students.
Is this all about money?
What is it going to take to keep it open?
Someone has to explain in detail--NOW-- why?
What is the real plan?
A new school is going to have better teachers?
Where are the teachers coming from?
It took CCHS 70 years to have the "CLOUT" it has today. With all the changes around the school, and there have been many, and maybe it has been a bit bumpy for a while, so that means everyone quits, is that the message you want to show the students of America -- If it gets a little bumpy -- QUIT.
This institution MUST remain open. If we have to make a few minor adjustments, okay, but get it back on track -- we will.
Wake up --- do not let this happen.
This is one change America, New York, and The Bronx -- Don't need.
I guess after you close this great Public High School, you will close the Public Libraries? Then what's next? "
love123M wrote on Dec 11, 2009 11:49 PM:
" My second home
Give us a chance, don’t let us die
Columbus the best school let it be around
So many good memories go through my mind
God I’m so grateful that in this school I belong
Great teachers and staff are all around
But like at Columbus you will never found
Were so great and proud to be part of this school
O my god Columbus can’t be torn down
We have dreams, we have goals
We got memories that exist between these walls
Please don’t judge us from the outside
No one really knows what is like to be part of CHRISTOPHER Columbus SCHOOL.
Were like a big family from everywhere around the word
Like brothers and sister we stand strong.
Some people might say Columbus is bad
but closing Columbus is really sad
while other people say Columbus rocks
all I can say is let’s go and save our school that has give us so much opportunities and a place to belong.
Everything in life is just a surprise but for this Christmas and New Year
I want Columbus to re-open the doors and to let it stand strong
Because we have dreams and achievements that are moving along.
No matter what goes on Christopher Columbus high school will always be my second home.
SAVE COLUMBUS !!!!!!!! "
Give us a chance, don’t let us die
Columbus the best school let it be around
So many good memories go through my mind
God I’m so grateful that in this school I belong
Great teachers and staff are all around
But like at Columbus you will never found
Were so great and proud to be part of this school
O my god Columbus can’t be torn down
We have dreams, we have goals
We got memories that exist between these walls
Please don’t judge us from the outside
No one really knows what is like to be part of CHRISTOPHER Columbus SCHOOL.
Were like a big family from everywhere around the word
Like brothers and sister we stand strong.
Some people might say Columbus is bad
but closing Columbus is really sad
while other people say Columbus rocks
all I can say is let’s go and save our school that has give us so much opportunities and a place to belong.
Everything in life is just a surprise but for this Christmas and New Year
I want Columbus to re-open the doors and to let it stand strong
Because we have dreams and achievements that are moving along.
No matter what goes on Christopher Columbus high school will always be my second home.
SAVE COLUMBUS !!!!!!!! "
Robert Mazzella wrote on Dec 13, 2009 6:24 PM:
" Christoper Columbus High School, from which I graduated in 1985, has been around since 1939--and now, all of a sudden, it stands to get closed--I find it incredible! "
Howard R. Cohen wrote on Jan 6, 2010 9:38 AM:
" Everybody --- Don't let this happen... send this to all your classmates & Friends
Do you want Pelham Parkway to be Pottersville?
I wrote this on Dec 11, nobody has responded, WHY NOT?
Howard R. Cohen wrote on Dec 11, 2009 5:57 PM:
" What is the real reason for the possible closing of a great High School that Christopher Columbus was, is and will continue to be.
Has the BOE decided not to support the schools current needs?
There are over 100,000 Alumni that certainly do not want the Board Of Education, The Mayor of New York City, and the current student body parents to close their eyes in "letting" anyone close this FANTASTIC PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
So many wonderful people received not just a good education, but a great education at CCHS.
The teachers at CCHS were and still are caring and interested in the well being of their students.
Is this all about money?
What is it going to take to keep it open?
Someone has to explain in detail--NOW-- why?
What is the real plan?
A new school is going to have better teachers?
Where are the teachers coming from?
It took CCHS 70 years to have the "CLOUT" it has today. With all the changes around the school, and there have been many, and maybe it has been a bit bumpy for a while, so that means everyone quits, is that the message you want to show the students of America -- If it gets a little bumpy -- QUIT.
This institution MUST remain open. If we have to make a few minor adjustments, okay, but get it back on track -- we will.
Wake up --- do not let this happen.
This is one change America, New York, and The Bronx -- Don't need.
I guess after you close this great Public High School, you will close the Public Libraries? Then what's next? "
I just added this******************************
Wow, does this look like the old building and loan company from "It's a wonderful life'?
Pelham Parkway needs this school, it would make sense for us (the people) to make the corrections, modifications, changes and not wait four years to shut it down.
What happens to all the children in this area? they get bused, America wake up...
I call on all the Alumni -- "Stand up and be counted -- Act now!" "
Do you want Pelham Parkway to be Pottersville?
I wrote this on Dec 11, nobody has responded, WHY NOT?
Howard R. Cohen wrote on Dec 11, 2009 5:57 PM:
" What is the real reason for the possible closing of a great High School that Christopher Columbus was, is and will continue to be.
Has the BOE decided not to support the schools current needs?
There are over 100,000 Alumni that certainly do not want the Board Of Education, The Mayor of New York City, and the current student body parents to close their eyes in "letting" anyone close this FANTASTIC PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
So many wonderful people received not just a good education, but a great education at CCHS.
The teachers at CCHS were and still are caring and interested in the well being of their students.
Is this all about money?
What is it going to take to keep it open?
Someone has to explain in detail--NOW-- why?
What is the real plan?
A new school is going to have better teachers?
Where are the teachers coming from?
It took CCHS 70 years to have the "CLOUT" it has today. With all the changes around the school, and there have been many, and maybe it has been a bit bumpy for a while, so that means everyone quits, is that the message you want to show the students of America -- If it gets a little bumpy -- QUIT.
This institution MUST remain open. If we have to make a few minor adjustments, okay, but get it back on track -- we will.
Wake up --- do not let this happen.
This is one change America, New York, and The Bronx -- Don't need.
I guess after you close this great Public High School, you will close the Public Libraries? Then what's next? "
I just added this******************************
Wow, does this look like the old building and loan company from "It's a wonderful life'?
Pelham Parkway needs this school, it would make sense for us (the people) to make the corrections, modifications, changes and not wait four years to shut it down.
What happens to all the children in this area? they get bused, America wake up...
I call on all the Alumni -- "Stand up and be counted -- Act now!" "
alumni wrote on Jan 6, 2010 10:42 PM:
" Hey cchs alumni if u have some time from ur busy schedules tomorrow will be the meeting that determines if cchs stays open or is phased out, keep in mind this will affect everyone. It starts at 4pm with a walk around the school...take a stand for what was once ur home away from home..... "
Dj wrote on Jan 27, 2010 3:41 AM:
" I attended Columbus from 1990-1994. It was a great school, at the time one of the best in the city. Amazing teachers and staff. They reached out to the kids and pushed them to learn and do well.
I went on to a top college. So what happened? I moved to Manhattan and have not been in that area since 1999. Is the area bad now? Where do all the people there send their kids to school?
Why are only 11% of students zoned?
Very strange and sad "
I went on to a top college. So what happened? I moved to Manhattan and have not been in that area since 1999. Is the area bad now? Where do all the people there send their kids to school?
Why are only 11% of students zoned?
Very strange and sad "
Submit a Comment
We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff after appearing on the Web site.
|
edwin frias wrote on Dec 7, 2009 8:38 PM: