By Miriam Gold and Michael Gold
Photo by Donna Mueller
Joe Palumbo has shown that it is possible to be a high school principal, a sunny optimist, and a vigilant leader who’s up to date on fundamental economic and social trends and has prepared his students for the best future they can get – all combined in one person.
The principal of Pleasantville High School (PHS) for the last 10 years, Palumbo possesses a ready smile that could light up a moonless midnight at a deserted train station.
To help provide the students with the necessary skills to succeed after high school, Palumbo has introduced various programs to allow them to “chase their dreams,” he said.
PHS’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program offers four years of computer science courses, including advanced computer science principles, advanced placement computer science and cybersecurity, in addition to computer science essentials.
The high school is collaborating with Syracuse University on teaching a science research elective course. Students in their sophomore year get to choose the topic they wish to study independently over a three-year period, from the subject areas of biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, mathematics, and the social sciences.
They work with research scientists and industry professionals specializing in the student’s chosen field of research. The students are required to make use of existing online research in the field. They must maintain a portfolio of their work, for evaluation by an assigned mentor. Students can earn up to 12 college credits and three Regents credits.
In terms of the humanities, Syracuse is partnering with PHS to teach African American studies, and Women and Gender Studies. Called Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA), PHS educators who wish to teach the courses must complete a summer training institute at Syracuse to comply with SUPA’s instructional standards and become university adjunct professors in the process. PHS currently has three teachers who have obtained SUPA certification. Students completing SUPA courses can get college credit.
PHS also works with Mercy University and Westchester Community College (WCC) to provide students a plethora of math classes, from pre-Calculus to AP Statistics, which earn them college credits at WCC.
Students who want to pursue a vocational career can enroll in the career and technical education programs at the Southern Westchester BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) Career Services in Valhalla. They attend academic classes for half the day at PHS, then go to Valhalla to obtain training in their chosen field of study, including everything from automotive technology, interior design, computer information systems, and commercial art to construction, plumbing, nursing, cosmetology, and culinary arts.
To help aid seniors make the transition from PHS to college or a vocational career, the school has set up an internship program that runs from mid-May to mid-June. Students can elect to work for a business, or corporation, or local government, such as doing clerical work at a law office, assist at an auto body shop, or even go on an overseas business trip with their parents. Or, they can choose to pursue an independent study project, such as learning a second language.
“One student restored a boat, with an expert,” Palumbo said. Another student organized a fund-raising event for the performing arts. A third helped renovate the locker rooms at Parkway Field.
“Our top priority is making sure they (the students) have access to all the opportunities,” Palumbo said, explaining his educational philosophy.
“I always encourage them to remain life-long learners. This allows you to remain current. Students will have many different jobs over their 30-year careers. If you don’t remain curious, you’ll fall behind. We don’t want kids to be stuck in one mindset as the world evolves.”
Palumbo also emphasizes that students need to “take stock of what’s important to them and pursue that relentlessly. Think about what gets you the most excited and follow that.”
Palumbo, an educator for more than 20 years, with stints as an assistant principal in Connecticut and a social studies teacher in Brewster, said he tells students to remember the words carved in stone at the school’s entrance, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” Also, he advised: “Take real pride in what you do, carve out the time to give back and light up the world with kindness.”
Miriam Gold is a Pleasantville High School senior. Michael Gold is a Pleasantville-based writer.
