The Courtyard: An Upper Division Newsletter

Dear Garden Families:

We are now just 3 weeks away from the end of school and I realize much of our work these last few days and weeks has centered on the transition that comes at the end of the year. Transitioning from one set of student leaders to another, transitioning into summer activities and opportunities, transitioning our knowledge to an AP exam. We also see our students transitioning into the people we will welcome next fall... a bit taller, a bit more mature, and even a bit anxious about what comes next after a year like none before.

As you know, Garden is transitioning too. We have a new strategic plan and elements are already in place or moving into position. We have plans for improvements over the summer to our facilities as well as our program. We have developed partnerships with new organizations, and we are continuing to consider how to grow our connections within Jackson Heights and beyond. This is an exciting time to be at Garden for all of us, and we see on the horizon the school we might be a year from now, two years from now, five years from now.

Your partnership has never been in doubt. We are so thankful for all you have done already, and we thank you in advance for the support you will continue to provide. We are eager to build towards our centennial with your families at the heart of our efforts and look forward to the collaboration that will entail. Let us transition Garden School into the best possible environment for all of us.

Until next time,
Brad Battaglia

Each year Garden School celebrates our graduating seniors with a special night in which faculty and staff honor each student with a note and small gift. The event is one of the traditions we like to mark with our students as it helps to connect alumni through the years. This year we will be graduating 15 very special individuals and cannot think of a better tribute in advance of graduation than a night to enjoy each other’s company, eat wonderful food – Thanks Ana! – and highlight countless memories from the years gone by. Here’s to the Class of 2021!

This past Thursday, Garden School welcomed 31 members to the National Junior Honor and National Honor Society at a ceremony held just outside the school’s main entrance. We could not have ordered better weather and scores of parents were able to witness from just beyond the main gate. Each spring we ask our students to engage in the application process for both NJHS and NHS and are wowed every year with their commitment to the process as well as the pillars the society seeks to uphold (Knowledge, Scholarship, Service, Leadership & Character). Congratulations everyone!

Each year, the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) program completes hundreds of seminars and volunteering efforts around the world. Founded in 1958 by actor and philanthropist Hugh O’Brien, HOBY’s mission is to “…inspire a global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.” Next month, Garden School will have two sophomores, Josefina ’23 and Mahi ’23, participate in a virtual state leadership seminar in which they will connect for two days with peers and organizers from across the city and region. These individuals have already shown themselves to be leaders within Garden and it is our hope to continue to foster that spirit as they prepare to move beyond our walls in just a few years. Good luck Josefina and Mahi. Enjoy!

Since his arrival at Garden this September, Mr. Orlowski has fostered a love of drawing and painting in our students. As the year concludes, many students have turned their focus to self-portraits and superheroes. With an emphasis on color and light, students have crafted countless beautiful pieces that will be on display for some time to come. Perhaps most exiting is the fact next year the art program will regain full use of the studio, allowing for ever more expansive and creative projects and initiatives. Major thanks go to Mr. Orlowski for stepping into a big position that has required him to move all about the building while delivering an exciting curriculum. Thank you, Mr. O!

Believe it or not, Summer Camp is almost completely full! That said, there is still time to register your children up to age 13 for a dynamic set of offerings that will engage and delight. For older students, we have a Counselor in Training Program (CIT), so please follow the link if you are interested. And last, for prospective lifeguards, we will offer a two-day training course on July 17th and 18th. Those interested must be at least 15 years of age to register. Hope to see you this summer!!

This Monday (May 17th) students in the Upper Division will have the opportunity to vote for their next student council president. Olivia ’22 and Cecilia ’22, have been tremendous leaders, scholars, and ambassadors of Garden School for many years and we are thrilled to see either of them serve as president beginning next fall. While the two contestants are vying for the same position, they remain supportive of one another, in part because they have been friends for such a long time, playing on multiple sports teams together, taking a similar set of courses and engaging in several of the same extra-curriculars. We have been fortunate to receive strong leadership this past year from Johnathan ’21 and Aditya ‘21, who have led with aplomb despite difficult circumstances presented by the pandemic. No doubt, their example will serve as a wonderful guide for whoever wins Monday. Good luck Cecilia & Olivia!

Despite the pandemic, students at Garden have continued to pursue challenging Advanced Placement (AP) courses in American and World History, Biology, Calculus, French, Spanish and English Literature. And while most students sit for these exams each May, recent circumstances have brought about changes to the program, allowing Garden students to test from home, on their computers, in June. These AP tests mirror traditional AP exams of the past but are cut down in time and focus on the core elements of what makes each section challenging and unique. Next month we will have roughly 40 students taking just over 50 AP exams, with results coming back later in the summer. Our talented faculty have prepared our students well and we expect big things. Good luck to all our AP Griffins!

Each June, Mr. Hale, our talented science, and math teacher – as well as our tech guru – hosts the annual Field Day & Science Expo, held on the Garden School field. The event is a tinkerer’s dream as well as a chance for children young and old to learn of ham radio, 3D printing, Morse Code, Oobleck, Water Rockets and Lego. This year’s Field Day & Science Expo takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 26th and 27th. All are welcome and those interested in running their own station simply need to email a proposal to Mr. Hale in order to be considered. Here’s to a great experience!