Westbury’s Magnet Academy Is Attracting Success

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Westbury’s Magnet Academy Is Attracting Success

Written by P.T. Hall Friday, 19 October 2012 00:00

Physics-based, hands-on approach paying dividends on test scores

Through an innovative partnership with the Cradle of Aviation Museum, located at 1 Davis Ave. in Garden City, the Westbury Union Free School district is running a successful magnet academy.

The program, administered by Brumsic Brandon of the Westbury Union Free School District, utilizes the Cradle of Aviation museum as a resource to maximize student success in science, math, aeronautics and physics. Since its inception in the 2008-09 academic school year, the Westbury Cradle of Aviation Magnet Academy Program is all about teaching a rigorous accelerated science curriculum that includes a physics-first model for science, math, robotics and aeronautics.

The physics-first program, a top-down approach to learning science, was developed where ninth-graders are taught physics as the basis for their freshman high school science course in addition to providing them with hands-on museum exhibits and experiments to increase their intellectual curiosity, while also collaborating with professionals who help create motivational strategies for teaching the challenging science and mathematics curricula.

While the program to some may be considered non-traditional in parallel with the mainstream methods of educating high school students, technological advancement of society advocates the need to inspire and increase learning. Apart from the location, ninth- and 10th-graders are being taught at the Cradle by their Westbury school district educators, Mrs. Patricia Trongone (physics), Ms. Anne Maffucci (geometry) and Mr. Brandon (aeronautics), greatly exposing them to process of real world experiential learning and interaction with scientists, mathematicians, historians, and cosmonauts.

The magnet academy program has seen remarkable success in boosting student achievement since its inception. Of the 31 ninth-grade students taking the Physics Regents Examination, 87 percent passed the rigorous test. Furthermore, the graduating class of 2012 included a 100 percent passing rate for the students participating in the Cradle of Aviation program, of which, four of those students received full scholarships to Columbia University and the University of Michigan.

Congratulations to the kids who are participating in the program. Learning is crucial and with such a rigorous program as this, hard work and perseverance is required. The Westbury community extends its gratitude to Mr. Brumsic Brandon, administrator for the Cradle of Aviation Magnet Program, Mr. Robert Brisbane, superintendent of curriculum and instruction and to the director of education for the Cradle of Aviation, Jennifer Baxmeyer.

News

Neighborhood Watch Keeps An Eye Out

Saturday, 15 June 2013 00:00

Everyone wants to know that their neighborhood is safe. But an omnipresent police force is impossible and extensive home security can be expensive. So the watchful eye of a neighbor can come in handy.

Now in its second year, the Westbury Neighborhood Watch is a small group of residents who stick to the phrase “see something, say something.” Director Jacquelyn McCullough says that the group, comprised mostly of seniors, keeps an eye out for suspicious behavior and looks out for their neighbors. She encourages them to report any odd behavior to her, so she can relay it to the appropriate authorities.

The Wedding Connection

Friday, 14 June 2013 00:00

From Sound to Favors, Raphael Sicinski has your event covered

In the span of three years, Westbury’s Maria Hernandez had three huge events to plan. She had her wedding, her daughter’s sweet sixteen and her mother’s retirement party. All three events were very different, but would need the same excellent entertainment.

But once she met Raphael Sicinski, from The Sound Connection, she knew she had found a solution.

Sports

Athlete Of The Week

Thursday, 13 June 2013 00:00

Deidree Golbourne has been running track and field all four years she has been at Westbury High School. Her passion for the sport comes from knowing that “you can put your all into it. It’s not a team sport where you have to depend on other people. You get out as much as you put into it.”

Golbourne is also seeded fourth in the state for discus throwing. She says that when she initially picked up discus her freshman year, she wasn’t a fan.

Work Hard, Play Hard

Thursday, 06 June 2013 00:00

The U.S. Tennis Association Eastern Long Island Region recently honored Westbury resident Susan Alvy at a celebratory dinner, presenting her with the Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award for her longtime commitment to tennis. The Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury hosted the 23rd annual awards dinner, which honors tennis champions from Nassau and Suffolk County.