Clarkstown High School North
Encyclopedia
Clarkstown High School North is a high school
located in Rockland County, New York
educating students in grades 9
through 12
. Clarkstown North or simply "North," as it is referred to by students and staff, is one of two high schools in the Clarkstown Central School District
(CCSD). Since 2006, North offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
to juniors and seniors.
, this was the only high school in the Clarkstown Central School District. The Main has the language department, the English
department, some of the science
rooms, the film making course, a two room writer's lab, a two story library
, a large gym
with boys and girls locker rooms, a smaller gym that serves as the wrestling room, an auditorium
and theater department, a courtyard
, a large lunchroom, a special education
program, and a bomb shelter
. It is the largest building in the school.
was constructed, the Annex was the school district's junior high school. However, the two buildings were not connected, so for a long time students had to walk outside to get from class to class. The Annex is built on a hill and has three floors. The top floor is referred to as the fifth floor, the one right below it in the middle of the hill is the fourth floor, and the bottom floor is the third. The third floor has science rooms, the fourth has math rooms, and the fifth has math rooms, health rooms, study hall
s, a small gym with locker rooms, and two small cafeterias.
During the 1980s, classrooms were built in trailers called "The Mobiles." The Mobiles had been put up in 1985 during the construction of the new library in the Main. These were demolished before the start of the 2009-10 school year.
The new building extension is also known as the "X" wing, a reference to the current principal, Harry Leonardatos, who is a Star Wars
fan.
to protest the sanitary conditions of the school. The protest started in front of the annex building and students walked to the far ball field. Students chanted and held signs from approximately 12:20pm to 1:00pm while a news helicopter hovered above.
This was the largest walk out in district history. The other previous walk out was in 1975 and happened because students were against the new rules regarding study halls.
Originally, Clarkstown North Students were planning to walk to Town Hall, in the heart of New City, New York
. The plan was quickly scrapped as Clarkstown Police Department threatened to arrest anyone who left school grounds on account that it was unlawful assembly
and the students could quickly turn into a riot
.
The next evening there was an emergency school board meeting in which students and parents spoke about the conditions at Clarkstown North. The meeting started at 7:30pm and went until 11:30pm. During the meeting, it was revealed that there were over 700 recorded absent students during the walkout, far more than the estimated 200-300. The following day there was a meeting immediately after school for all students to discuss ways to improve Clarkstown North.
The field project is part of a larger plan to renovate many of the schools in the district.
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
located in Rockland County, New York
Rockland County, New York
Rockland County is a suburban county 15 miles to the northwest of Manhattan and part of the New York City Metropolitan Area, in the U.S. state of New York. It is the southernmost county in New York west of the Hudson River, and the smallest county in New York outside of New York City. The...
educating students in grades 9
Ninth grade
Ninth grade is the ninth post-kindergarten year of school education in some school systems. The students are 13 to 15 years of age, depending on when their birthday occurs. Depending on the school district, ninth grade is usually the first year of high school....
through 12
Twelfth grade
Twelfth grade or Senior year, or Grade Twelve, are the North American names for the final year of secondary school. In most countries students then graduate at age 17 or 18. In some countries, there is a thirteenth grade, while other countries do not have a 12th grade/year at all...
. Clarkstown North or simply "North," as it is referred to by students and staff, is one of two high schools in the Clarkstown Central School District
School district
School districts are a form of special-purpose district which serves to operate the local public primary and secondary schools.-United States:...
(CCSD). Since 2006, North offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
IB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year educational programme for students aged 16–19that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognised by universities worldwide. It was developed in the early to mid-1960s in Geneva by...
to juniors and seniors.
Buildings
Clarkstown North consists of three buildings: the Main, the Annex, and the New building.Main
The original building of Clarkstown High School North is the Main, which is built off an early 1900s mansion. Before the construction of Clarkstown High School SouthClarkstown High School South
Clarkstown High School South is a public high school located in West Nyack, New York. The school educates students in grades 9 through 12, and is one of two high schools in the Clarkstown Central School District...
, this was the only high school in the Clarkstown Central School District. The Main has the language department, the English
English studies
English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language , English linguistics English studies is an academic discipline that includes the study of literatures written in the English language (including literatures from the U.K., U.S.,...
department, some of the science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
rooms, the film making course, a two room writer's lab, a two story library
Library
In a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
, a large gym
Gym
The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, that mean a locality for both physical and intellectual education of young men...
with boys and girls locker rooms, a smaller gym that serves as the wrestling room, an auditorium
Auditorium
An auditorium is a room built to enable an audience to hear and watch performances at venues such as theatres. For movie theaters, the number of auditoriums is expressed as the number of screens.- Etymology :...
and theater department, a courtyard
Courtyard
A court or courtyard is an enclosed area, often a space enclosed by a building that is open to the sky. These areas in inns and public buildings were often the primary meeting places for some purposes, leading to the other meanings of court....
, a large lunchroom, a special education
Special education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
program, and a bomb shelter
Bomb shelter
A bomb shelter is any kind of a civil defense structure designed to provide protection against the effects of a bomb.-Types of shelter:Different kinds of bomb shelters are configured to protect against different kinds of attack and strengths of hostile explosives. For example, an Air-raid shelter...
. It is the largest building in the school.
Annex
The second building is commonly referred to as the "Annex" and was completed by the 1960-61 school year. Before Felix Festa Middle SchoolFelix Festa Middle School
- Overlook :Felix V. Festa Middle School Campus is located in 30 Parrot Road, West Nyack, New York 10994. It is a middle school serving Clarkstown Central School District. Students graduating from 11 elementary schools and over 2000 students are merged together creating one of the largest middle...
was constructed, the Annex was the school district's junior high school. However, the two buildings were not connected, so for a long time students had to walk outside to get from class to class. The Annex is built on a hill and has three floors. The top floor is referred to as the fifth floor, the one right below it in the middle of the hill is the fourth floor, and the bottom floor is the third. The third floor has science rooms, the fourth has math rooms, and the fifth has math rooms, health rooms, study hall
Study Hall
Study hall or study period is a term for a place and/or time during the school day where students are assigned to study when they are not scheduled for an academic class. They are most commonly found in high schools and some middle schools, especially in the United States...
s, a small gym with locker rooms, and two small cafeterias.
During the 1980s, classrooms were built in trailers called "The Mobiles." The Mobiles had been put up in 1985 during the construction of the new library in the Main. These were demolished before the start of the 2009-10 school year.
New building extension
The new building extension was built during the 2004-2005 school year. This expansion connected the "Main" and "Annex" buildings, and also added many classrooms. The building stands on three floors consisting of specialty classrooms, including a new band room on the middle floor, and art rooms on the bottom floor, as well as many social studies classrooms. It was intended to have air conditioning, but the budget was apparently not met.The new building extension is also known as the "X" wing, a reference to the current principal, Harry Leonardatos, who is a Star Wars
Star Wars
Star Wars is an American epic space opera film series created by George Lucas. The first film in the series was originally released on May 25, 1977, under the title Star Wars, by 20th Century Fox, and became a worldwide pop culture phenomenon, followed by two sequels, released at three-year...
fan.
Vermin problem and Halloween 2007 walkout
On October 31, 2007 Clarkstown North students, from grades ranging from 9th to 12th grade, held a walk-outWalkout
In labor disputes, a walkout is a labor strike, the act of employees collectively leaving the workplace as an act of protest.A walkout can also mean the act of leaving a place of work, school, a meeting, a company, or an organization, especially if meant as an expression of protest or disapproval.A...
to protest the sanitary conditions of the school. The protest started in front of the annex building and students walked to the far ball field. Students chanted and held signs from approximately 12:20pm to 1:00pm while a news helicopter hovered above.
This was the largest walk out in district history. The other previous walk out was in 1975 and happened because students were against the new rules regarding study halls.
Originally, Clarkstown North Students were planning to walk to Town Hall, in the heart of New City, New York
New City, New York
New City is a hamlet , in the Town of Clarkstown Rockland County, New York, United States, part of the New York Metropolitan Area. The hamlet is a suburb of New York City, located 18 miles north of the city at the closest point, Riverdale, The Bronx...
. The plan was quickly scrapped as Clarkstown Police Department threatened to arrest anyone who left school grounds on account that it was unlawful assembly
Unlawful assembly
Unlawful assembly is a legal term to describe a group of people with the mutual intent of deliberate disturbance of the peace. If the group are about to start the act of disturbance, it is termed a rout; if the disturbance is commenced, it is then termed a riot.- Section 144 :Section 144 is a...
and the students could quickly turn into a riot
Riot
A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized often by what is thought of as disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence against authority, property or people. While individuals may attempt to lead or control a riot, riots are thought to be typically chaotic and...
.
The next evening there was an emergency school board meeting in which students and parents spoke about the conditions at Clarkstown North. The meeting started at 7:30pm and went until 11:30pm. During the meeting, it was revealed that there were over 700 recorded absent students during the walkout, far more than the estimated 200-300. The following day there was a meeting immediately after school for all students to discuss ways to improve Clarkstown North.
Field Renovation
In June of the 2007-2008 school year, construction began on the football field and track. The track and playing field were torn up and replaced by a new rubber track and artificial-turf football field. The renovations were scheduled to be finished by the start of the 2008-2009 school year, but were completed October 25, 2008.The field project is part of a larger plan to renovate many of the schools in the district.
Notable alumni
- Bruce AltmanBruce AltmanBruce Altman is an American film and television actor. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.-Film:*Regarding Henry - Bruce*My New Gun - Irwin Bloom*Glengarry Glen Ross - Larry Spannel...
(class of 1973), film and television actor. - Skylar AstinSkylar AstinSkylar Astin is an American actor, best known for his performance as "Georg" in the Tony award winning musical, Spring Awakening.-Early life and education:...
(class of 2005), actor known for his performance as "Georg" in the Tony awardTony AwardThe Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway...
winning musical, Spring AwakeningSpring AwakeningSpring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of the controversial 1892 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind. It features music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Set in late-19th century Germany, it concerns teenagers who are discovering the inner and outer tumult of...
. - Keith BulluckKeith BulluckKeith J. Bulluck is an American Football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted 30th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Syracuse....
(class of 1995), American FootballAmerican footballAmerican football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
linebackerLinebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
for the New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - Michael BrunoHonor Society (band)Honor Society is a pop rock band originally based out of New York. The band consists of Michael Bruno , Jason Rosen , Andrew Lee , and Alexander Noyes . They were previously signed to Jonas Records in affiliation with Hollywood Records but parted ways in 2011. The band released its debut album...
(class of 1998), lead singer and guitarist of the band Honor SocietyHonor Society (band)Honor Society is a pop rock band originally based out of New York. The band consists of Michael Bruno , Jason Rosen , Andrew Lee , and Alexander Noyes . They were previously signed to Jonas Records in affiliation with Hollywood Records but parted ways in 2011. The band released its debut album...
. - Will CunnaneWill CunnaneWilliam Joseph Cunnane is a former right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher. He graduated from Clarkstown High School North in New City, New York in 1992, where he played baseball and ran cross country...
(class of 1992), Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcherPitcherIn baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
for the Newark BearsNewark BearsThe Newark Bears are an American professional baseball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are a member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. Since the 1999 season, the Bears have played their home games at Bears &...
. - Brittny GastineauBrittny GastineauBrittny Gastineau is an American model, socialite, and reality television personality.-Early life and family:Gastineau is the daughter of Lisa Gastineau and former New York Jets player Mark Gastineau...
(class of 2001?), modelModel (person)A model , sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed to display, advertise and promote commercial products or to serve as a subject of works of art....
and television actressActorAn actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
. - Mark KatzMark KatzMark Katz is an American humorist, speechwriter, author, and humor consultant to politicians, executives and media personalities.-Background:...
(class of 1982), speechwriterSpeechwriterA speechwriter is a person who is hired to prepare and write speeches that will be delivered by another person. Speechwriters are used by many senior-level elected officials and executives in the government and private sectors.-Skills and training:...
for former president Bill ClintonBill ClintonWilliam Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
. - Adam RodríguezAdam RodriguezAdam Michael Rodríguez is an American actor and director. He is best known for his long running role as Eric Delko on CSI: Miami.-Life and career:...
(class of 1993), film and television actor known for his role as Eric DelkoEric DelkoDetective Eric Delko is a fictional character on the CBS crime drama CSI: Miami, portrayed by Adam Rodríguez.- Background :...
on CSI: MiamiCSI: MiamiCSI: Miami is an American police procedural television series, which premiered on September 23, 2002 on CBS. The series is a spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation....
. - Jason RosenHonor Society (band)Honor Society is a pop rock band originally based out of New York. The band consists of Michael Bruno , Jason Rosen , Andrew Lee , and Alexander Noyes . They were previously signed to Jonas Records in affiliation with Hollywood Records but parted ways in 2011. The band released its debut album...
(class of 1998), back-up vocal, guitarist and keyboardist of the band Honor SocietyHonor Society (band)Honor Society is a pop rock band originally based out of New York. The band consists of Michael Bruno , Jason Rosen , Andrew Lee , and Alexander Noyes . They were previously signed to Jonas Records in affiliation with Hollywood Records but parted ways in 2011. The band released its debut album...
. - Philip RosenthalPhilip RosenthalPhilip Rosenthal is an American television writer and producer who is best known as the creator, writer and executive producer for the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond . The show was co-produced by Ray Romano, and based in part on Romano's comedy material...
(class of 1977), writer and executive producerTelevision producerThe primary role of a television Producer is to allow all aspects of video production, ranging from show idea development and cast hiring to shoot supervision and fact-checking...
of the sitcom Everybody Loves RaymondEverybody Loves RaymondEverybody Loves Raymond is an American television sitcom that originally ran on CBS from September 13, 1996, to May 16, 2005. Many of the situations from the show are based on the real-life experiences of lead actor Ray Romano, creator/producer Phil Rosenthal and the show's writing staff...
. - Richard Holbrook (class of 1977), cabaret singer
- Mark HennessyMark HennessyMark Hennessy is the vocalist for the Lawrence, Kansas band Paw, and he is a published poet.Hennessy moved to Lawrence when he was 17 years old. He went to the University of Kansas, but dropped out...
(class of 1978), film and stage actor - Randi WeingartenRandi Weingarten'Randi Weingarten is an American labor leader, attorney, and educator, the current president of the American Federation of Teachers , a member of the AFL-CIO, and former president of the United Federation of Teachers. New York magazine called her one of the most influential people in education in...
(class of 1976), president of the American Federation of TeachersAmerican Federation of TeachersThe American Federation of Teachers is an American labor union founded in 1916 that represents teachers, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; local, state and federal employees; higher education faculty and staff, and nurses and other healthcare professionals...
(AFT), AFL-CIOAFL-CIOThe American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, commonly AFL–CIO, is a national trade union center, the largest federation of unions in the United States, made up of 56 national and international unions, together representing more than 11 million workers...
, and former president of the United Federation of TeachersUnited Federation of TeachersThe United Federation of Teachers is the labor union that represents most educators in New York City public schools. , there were about 118,000 in-service educators and 17,000 paraprofessionals in the union, as well as about 54,000 retired members...
in New York CityNew York CityNew York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.