Since last year, we have been republishing articles from earlier editions of The Classic to mark our fortieth anniversary. These are all articles that were never published online. This article was first published in June 1987. It is from the sixth issue of the third volume of The Classic. This article was chosen considering that current seniors are starting their spring electives at Queens College.
Plans Underway For QC Adventure
by Renata Kobetts and Heather Nash
Plans are currently being made for September, when Townsend Harris seniors take courses as non-matriculated freshmen at Queens College, leaving the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at the high school.
Seminars at the college, including the required humanities seminar, will be taught by a college professor and a Townsend Harris teacher. In addition to the humanities seminar, seniors must take a physical education course, and a combination of four additional courses which may include Townsend Harris courses, Townsend Harris electives, or appropriate and available Queens College courses.
In order to arrange programs, including non-conflicting college courses and high school classes, each student’s schedule had to be individually programmed. Each student was interviewed by his or her guidance counselor to discuss interests and needs. High school classes were programmed around the college courses, whose times cannot be changed. In many courses, such as Spanish, Mathematics, and Psychology, the allotted seats for Townsend Harris students were filled quickly. Some courses were closed, due to overcrowding.
Program Chairman Sandra Eiseman, who registered seniors at the college, praised Assistant Registrar Vincent DeLuca: “The Registrar’s office has been most helpful in every aspect of programming. They were totally dedicated to our being there.” Next year, seniors will be responsible for their own registration.
Students will use different buildings on the college campus, but Dean Robert Haan, the Queens College Liaison with Townsend Harris has made arrangements for the use of a senior class room, as well as a large lecture hall.
Many are concerned about maintaining a continuing bond between the seniors and the students at the high school. “My biggest concern is: you can’t keep a bond unless people want to keep a bond,” stated principal Dr.Malcolm Largmann. He continued, “It will be very difficult and it depends on the student.”
The seniors will still play a major role in all teams, clubs, and organizations, which will usually meet at the high school. Mr. Thomas Sweetin, the senior advisor, and Mrs. Rhoda Weinstein, College Coordinator, will maintain connections with the main building. As Dr. Haan explained, “There is a mile in between and they’re both busy at both ends.” He also stated that the seniors will have to be the leaders in such an endeavor, but confidently added, “The details will work out.”
Some have expressed concern that the seniors may have trouble adjusting to college work. “I have confidence in our students being able to handle the responsibilities at the college and the free time,” assured Mrs, Sheila Orner, Guidance Coordinator.
“Our program at Townsend Harris will have trained them very, very well,” Dr. Hain emphasized.
“This is a bridge year, it gives them (the seniors) the opportunity to get used to college while they still have the safety net. It’s notoriously difficult for people to make the transfer, and this will make it easier.” In addition to easing the transition and gaining credits “marketable at almost any college.” Mrs. Orner said, “It will be an exciting year for the staff and the students.” Dr. Haan agrees, “I’ve been thinking about this all day and sometimes part of the night. I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a fun year.”
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