Elmont Memorial High School
Encyclopedia
Elmont Memorial Junior-Senior High School (EMHS) is a co-educational, secondary public high school founded in 1956 for students in grades 7-12 in the hamlet of Elmont
, Long Island
, New York
, in Nassau County
.
Its street address is 555 Ridge Road, Elmont, New York
11003.
As of the 2007-08 school year, the school had an enrollment of 2,749 students and 120.0 classroom teachers (on a FTE
basis, for a student-teacher ratio of 18.3.
Its school newspaper is known as the " Elmont Phoenix". Elmont High School's mascot is the Spartan. Its school colors are green and white. The school's current principal is John Capozzi. Elmont High School is part of the Sewanhaka Central High School District
.
Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education
, the highest award an American school can receive.
In 2005, Elmont High School was recognized as having the largest number of African American high school students scoring a 3 or higher on Advanced Placement examinations in the country.
Elmont HS was also recognized by the College Board
as having the largest number of African American students attaining a 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement U.S. History exam in the country.
Another prestigious honor Elmont Memorial has received is having an average from 1995–2006 of having a 97% graduation rate, and in 2004 achieved a 100% graduation rate. A first in the Sewanhaka Central District.
On June 24, 2007, the school celebrated its 50th Commencement.
Levels of Study
Students may pursue one of two levels of study:
Grades 7 and 8
Grades 9-12
Students must pursue at least 3 years of science coursework, and must pass one New York State Regents examination for the Regents Diploma or two Regents examinations for the Advanced Regents Diploma. Courses of study include (note that courses may be pursued at either the Regents or Advanced levels):
Physical Setting: Earth Science, Living Environment/Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ecology, Marine Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Science Research.
Students must pursue at least two years of a foreign language, beginning at the Junior High School level. Students may pursue study up to the college level (credit offered through Adelphi University) and Advanced Placement. Languages offered include: Spanish, French, Italian. Students must pass a Foreign Language Regents for the Advanced Regents Diploma. Since the 2006-2007 school year, 7th grade students have a Mini Foreign Language course.
Students must pursue at least three years of coursework in mathematics. Students must pass the Comprehensive Math A examination for a Regents Diploma or two Regents examinations for an Advanced Regents Diploma. Coursework includes: Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Sequential Math III, Math 12, Discrete Math, Advanced Placement Statistics, and Advanced Placement Calculus AB.
Students must pursue English during all four High School years. All students must also pass the English Regents examination. Coursework includes: English 9/9A, 10/10A, 11, English AP Language and Composition, 12RX, English AP Literature and Composition, Bible as Literature, Contemporary Drama, Creative Writing, Flim Study, Mass Media, Modern Novel, Dramatics, Journalism, Public Speaking.
Students must pursue Social Studies during all four High School years. All students must pass the Global Studies and U.S. History and Government Regents examinations. Courses include: Global History I and Geography, Global History II and Geography, Advanced Placement World History, Advanced Placement European History, United States History and Government, Advanced Placement American History, Economics, Participation in Government, Advanced Placement Govt. and Politics, Contemporary World Issues, Global Connections, Psychology, Sociology.
Students are required to pursue at least one year of art. Coursework includes: Studio in Art, Drawing and Painting I and II, Illustration and Design, Media Arts, Digital Design, Advanced Placement Art History.
Coursework is offered in: Accounting, Introduction to Occupations, Business Communications, Keyboarding I and II, Business Analysis, Business Law, Speedwriting, Principles of Marketing, E-Commerce, etc.
Students interested in pursuing coursework at the Advanced Placement level must have at least an 85 average in their current course of study. This maintains the level of integrity of students interested in these rigorous courses. AP coursework is available in: Biology, Physics B, Chemistry, Art History, European History, American History, World History, Language and Composition, Literature and Composition, Calculus AB, Spanish, French, Italian, and Government and Politics.
Students perform each year during the Winter and Spring Concerts, local events, and music competitions.
Exceptional students are routinely sent on to participate in their respective musical groups at the All-District, All-County, Long Island Invitational, and All-State levels. Exceptional students are also selected to participate in the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Students may also pursue coursework in Music Theory.
Each year the Music Department puts on two theatre productions: a drama (no singing required), and a musical (strong vocals for leads).
Musicals in the past include Dreamgirls, Les Misérables
, The Wiz
, and Once On This Island
, Aida
, most recently in March 2009 Guys and Dolls was performed.
Students from all five schools in the Sewanhaka Central High School District participate in "District sports night", a competition between schools. Elmont High School is also known for its outstanding football program. Being under the experienced hands of the coaches, and winning the championships many times. The Junior High achieving a 3 yr. run as the District's champions.
-The Girls Varsity Basketball team just recently suffered the loss of their coach, Gregg Petrocelli, in February 2007. The team had made it to the playoffs, but lost to the Hicksville Girls Varsity Basketball Team.
Elmont, New York
Elmont is an unincorporated census-designated place located in the northwest corner of the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, along its border with the borough of Queens in New York City...
, Long Island
Long Island
Long Island is an island located in the southeast part of the U.S. state of New York, just east of Manhattan. Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island contains four counties, two of which are boroughs of New York City , and two of which are mainly suburban...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, in Nassau County
Nassau County, New York
Nassau County is a suburban county on Long Island, east of New York City in the U.S. state of New York, within the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,339,532...
.
Its street address is 555 Ridge Road, Elmont, New York
Elmont, New York
Elmont is an unincorporated census-designated place located in the northwest corner of the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, along its border with the borough of Queens in New York City...
11003.
As of the 2007-08 school year, the school had an enrollment of 2,749 students and 120.0 classroom teachers (on a FTE
Full-time equivalent
Full-time equivalent , is a unit to measure employed persons or students in a way that makes them comparable although they may work or study a different number of hours per week. FTE is often used to measure a worker's involvement in a project, or to track cost reductions in an organization...
basis, for a student-teacher ratio of 18.3.
Its school newspaper is known as the " Elmont Phoenix". Elmont High School's mascot is the Spartan. Its school colors are green and white. The school's current principal is John Capozzi. Elmont High School is part of the Sewanhaka Central High School District
Sewanhaka Central High School District
The Sewanhaka Central High School District is a central high school district located in western Nassau County on Long Island, in New York State. The district is currently composed of five high schools: Sewanhaka High School, Elmont Memorial High School, New Hyde Park Memorial High School, Floral...
.
Awards and recognition
During the 1990–93 school year, Elmont Memorial High School was recognized with the Blue Ribbon SchoolBlue Ribbon Schools Program
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a United States government program created in 1981 to honor schools which have achieved high levels of performance or significant improvements with emphasis on schools serving disadvantaged students. The program centers around a self-assessment conducted by the...
Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education
United States Department of Education
The United States Department of Education, also referred to as ED or the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government...
, the highest award an American school can receive.
In 2005, Elmont High School was recognized as having the largest number of African American high school students scoring a 3 or higher on Advanced Placement examinations in the country.
Elmont HS was also recognized by the College Board
College Board
The College Board is a membership association in the United States that was formed in 1900 as the College Entrance Examination Board . It is composed of more than 5,900 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. It sells standardized tests used by academically oriented...
as having the largest number of African American students attaining a 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement U.S. History exam in the country.
Another prestigious honor Elmont Memorial has received is having an average from 1995–2006 of having a 97% graduation rate, and in 2004 achieved a 100% graduation rate. A first in the Sewanhaka Central District.
Student body
- Grades-7-12
- Enrollment-2,749
- 74% Black, 13% Hispanic, 11% Asian/Pacific Islander, 2% White,
- Attendance Rate-97% (State Average-93%)
- Limited English Proficiency-<1% (State Average-7%)
- Students per teacher-29 (State Average-14)
- Average Grade Size-370
- Graduation Rate-97% (the EMHS Class of 2004 had a graduation rate of 100%, a first in the Sewanhaka Central High School District, and one of only a few middle to large schools in the nation to achieve such an accomplishment.
- Post Secondary Pursuits-97% attend college (a national high), 3% pursue employment.
Student life
- Elmont Memorial regularly celebrates homecoming with spirit week in which students partake in events that range from wearing pajamas to dressing in suits.
- Regular traditions include a Senior Prank and the Toilet-Papering of school official houses before Halloween.
- Before Christmas vacation, many students participate in the tradition of 'Secret Santas' between friends.
- On Valentine's Day many students send and receive 'love grams' from loved ones. And often wear red and pink clothing and shoes.
- During Foreign Language Week many students participate in making posters, and hold food events to show their culture. Many students also dress and choreograph a dance that shows their heritage. Students practice for months to show their culture.
On June 24, 2007, the school celebrated its 50th Commencement.
Academics
(adapted from the Sewanhaka Central High School District Catalog of Courses)Levels of Study
Students may pursue one of two levels of study:
- Advanced-This is an accelerated program of instruction designed only for students of superior ability, strong motivation, and sustained interest. Students are expected to maintain an average of at least 85% to continue to the next advanced course in the sequence.
- Regents-Students pursue courses in which the curriculum is prescribed by the New York State Department of Education.
Grades 7 and 8
- Students are organized into "Teams" this year including the Lions (Regular), Hurricanes(Regular), and the Wolverines (Advanced) composed of students and core teachers in math, science, English, and social studies. This allows for the individual attention necessary for success at an early stage in secondary education.
- During the Junior High School years, students further the learning skills developed during the elementary school years, as well as preparing students for the high school curriculum as well as vocational possibilities. Students pursue studies in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, Art, Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Education, and Language Enrichment. *High School credit is awarded to 8th graders that pursue advanced coursework in science, mathematics, foreign language, and music.
- Teams include Advanced and Regular students. Advanced students are a separate team all by themselves, but since the Regular Team is so large, it is divided into two separate teams based on your last name.
Grades 9-12
- During the High School years, students pursue coursework required to receive the High School Diploma. Students may receive either a Regents Diploma or Advanced Regents Diploma upon graduation. Coursework is designed to fulfill requirements necessary for students interested in attending two-year colleges, four-year colleges, vocational schools, nursing programs, etc.
- Sciences
Students must pursue at least 3 years of science coursework, and must pass one New York State Regents examination for the Regents Diploma or two Regents examinations for the Advanced Regents Diploma. Courses of study include (note that courses may be pursued at either the Regents or Advanced levels):
Physical Setting: Earth Science, Living Environment/Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ecology, Marine Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Science Research.
- Foreign Languages
Students must pursue at least two years of a foreign language, beginning at the Junior High School level. Students may pursue study up to the college level (credit offered through Adelphi University) and Advanced Placement. Languages offered include: Spanish, French, Italian. Students must pass a Foreign Language Regents for the Advanced Regents Diploma. Since the 2006-2007 school year, 7th grade students have a Mini Foreign Language course.
- Mathematics
Students must pursue at least three years of coursework in mathematics. Students must pass the Comprehensive Math A examination for a Regents Diploma or two Regents examinations for an Advanced Regents Diploma. Coursework includes: Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Sequential Math III, Math 12, Discrete Math, Advanced Placement Statistics, and Advanced Placement Calculus AB.
- English
Students must pursue English during all four High School years. All students must also pass the English Regents examination. Coursework includes: English 9/9A, 10/10A, 11, English AP Language and Composition, 12RX, English AP Literature and Composition, Bible as Literature, Contemporary Drama, Creative Writing, Flim Study, Mass Media, Modern Novel, Dramatics, Journalism, Public Speaking.
- Social Studies
Students must pursue Social Studies during all four High School years. All students must pass the Global Studies and U.S. History and Government Regents examinations. Courses include: Global History I and Geography, Global History II and Geography, Advanced Placement World History, Advanced Placement European History, United States History and Government, Advanced Placement American History, Economics, Participation in Government, Advanced Placement Govt. and Politics, Contemporary World Issues, Global Connections, Psychology, Sociology.
- Art
Students are required to pursue at least one year of art. Coursework includes: Studio in Art, Drawing and Painting I and II, Illustration and Design, Media Arts, Digital Design, Advanced Placement Art History.
- Business Education
Coursework is offered in: Accounting, Introduction to Occupations, Business Communications, Keyboarding I and II, Business Analysis, Business Law, Speedwriting, Principles of Marketing, E-Commerce, etc.
- Advanced Placement
Students interested in pursuing coursework at the Advanced Placement level must have at least an 85 average in their current course of study. This maintains the level of integrity of students interested in these rigorous courses. AP coursework is available in: Biology, Physics B, Chemistry, Art History, European History, American History, World History, Language and Composition, Literature and Composition, Calculus AB, Spanish, French, Italian, and Government and Politics.
Music
Students are encouraged to pursue music during their years at EMHS. A majority of students pursue work in one of the various performing arts groups. Elmont has had an outstanding Music program progressing for the past 13 years, and have an impressive marching band. Credit is also given for students in these groups. Performing Arts groups include (note that there are separate groups at each school level):- Orchestra (at the High School or Junior High School level)
- Concert Band (at the High School, 9th Grade, and Junior High School levels)
- Concert Choir (at the High School and Junior High School levels)
- Jazz Band
- Jazz Choir
- String Ensemble
- Marching Band
Students perform each year during the Winter and Spring Concerts, local events, and music competitions.
Exceptional students are routinely sent on to participate in their respective musical groups at the All-District, All-County, Long Island Invitational, and All-State levels. Exceptional students are also selected to participate in the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Students may also pursue coursework in Music Theory.
Each year the Music Department puts on two theatre productions: a drama (no singing required), and a musical (strong vocals for leads).
Musicals in the past include Dreamgirls, Les Misérables
Les Misérables (musical)
Les Misérables , colloquially known as Les Mis or Les Miz , is a musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg, based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo....
, The Wiz
The Wiz
The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is a musical with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and book by William F. Brown. It is a retelling of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the context of African American culture. It opened on October 21, 1974 at the Morris A...
, and Once On This Island
Once On This Island
Once on This Island is a one-act musical with a book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. Based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, set in the French Antilles in the Caribbean Sea...
, Aida
Aida (musical)
Aida is a musical with music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls, and David Henry Hwang, and produced by Walt Disney Theatrical....
, most recently in March 2009 Guys and Dolls was performed.
Athletics
A large number of students participate in athletics at EMHS, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the school. Elmont is known to be very competitive and dominant in many sports. The mascot of EMHS is the Spartan. Teams are called the Spartans. Students regularly participate in sports at the Junior High, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels. Athletic teams include:- Basketball
- Shooting Guns
- Soccer
- Baseball
- RifleryFootball
- Softball
- Lacrosse
- Gymnastics(District)
- Swimming(District)
- Wrestling
- Volleyball
- Track
- Golf(District)
- Gymnastics
- Bowling(District)
- Track and Field
- Cheerleading (Junior High [7th & 8th grade], Junior Varsity [9th & 10th grade], and Varsity [11th & 12th grade] )
- Weight Lifing
Students from all five schools in the Sewanhaka Central High School District participate in "District sports night", a competition between schools. Elmont High School is also known for its outstanding football program. Being under the experienced hands of the coaches, and winning the championships many times. The Junior High achieving a 3 yr. run as the District's champions.
-The Girls Varsity Basketball team just recently suffered the loss of their coach, Gregg Petrocelli, in February 2007. The team had made it to the playoffs, but lost to the Hicksville Girls Varsity Basketball Team.
Extracurricular activities
With over 100 active groups, EMHS is a very active school. In addition to Musical and Athletics organizations, groups include:- Model United NationsModel United NationsModel United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda....
- EMHS has consistently been one of the top-performing schools, under the founder Mr. Lee Marcus, who first brought MUNday to Elmont High. - Poetry Club
- Key Builder Club
- Cheerleading
- Critter Club
- Mock Trial Club
- Global Links**
- Key ClubKey ClubKey Club International is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. It is a student-led organization whose goal is to teach leadership through serving others. Key Club International is a part of the Kiwanis International family of service-leadership programs...
- Foreign Language Honor Society
- National Honor SocietyNational Honor SocietyThe National Honor Society is a recognition program for high school students in grades 10-12 in the United States and in several other countries...
- National Junior Honor Society
- Tri-M Music Honor Society
- Mu Alpha ThetaMu Alpha ThetaMu Alpha Theta is a United States mathematics honor society for high schools and two-year colleges. It has over 89,000 student members in more than 1,800 schools worldwide. Its main goals are to inspire keen interest in mathematics, develop strong scholarship in the subject, and promote the...
- Math Honor Society - Business Honor Society
- Future Business Leaders of America
- Junior High Business Leaders
- National Art Honor Society
- Musical Society
- Talented and Gifted
- Technology Club
- Inter-cultural Society
- Images
- Newspaper
- Dance Team
- Literary Magazine
- Mathletes
- Peer Helpers
- Peer Mediation
- Operation Success
- SADD
- Rachel's Challenge Group
- Drama Club
- Spanish Club
- French Club
- Stage Crew
- Science OlympiadScience OlympiadScience Olympiad is an American elementary, middle, or high school team competition which tests knowledge of various science topics and engineering ability. Over 6,200 teams from 49 U.S. states compete each year. Most teams compete in three levels of competition: regionals, states, and nationals...
- Student Council
- Science Research
- Yearbook
- Student Government
- Government Watchers
- The Inspirational Writers
- Foreign Language Teachers of Tomorrow
- Latino Leaders
- Pride Club
- Graphic design
- Photography and Film
- Elmont Artisans
- Elmont Step and Dance Teams
- Color Guard/ Flag Squad
- Domestic Exchange Club
- Social Science
Notable alumni
- Nelson DeMilleNelson DeMilleNelson Richard DeMille is an American author of thriller novels. His works include Word of Honor , The Charm School, The Gold Coast, Plum Island, and The General's Daughter .DeMille has also written under the pen names Jack Cannon, Kurt...
(1943-), author. - Gary Marangi (1952-), former Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
- Billy PhillipsBilly PhillipsBilly Phillips is a former U.S. soccer goalkeeper who played three seasons in the North American Soccer League, six in the Major Indoor Soccer League and later coached the Dallas Sidekicks for two seasons....
(1956-) former professional U.S. soccer goalkeeper and coach. - Thomas Goedkoop General, United States Army (1952-)
- Marco RiveraMarco RiveraMarco Anthony Rivera is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. Rivera is of Puerto Rican descent.-Early years:Rivera attended Elmont Memorial High School in Long Island, New York...
, former NFL player - Chelsea Hammond, Track & Field for Jamaica Olympic Team Beijing (2008).
- The Limmer Brothers, wrestlers, gymnasts, baseball (1956-1965)