The Student-Run Newspaper of Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

The Classic
62° Flushing, NY
Students participate in the annual Career Day.
Career Day tradition continues as alumni return to share advice on career paths
April 14, 2025
Desks in rows preparation for a standardized exam in the THHS gymnasium.
Following a January pilot with three classes, all sophomores to take the English Regents moving forward
April 11, 2025
The 2025 Steel Hawks robot bumper reads “SCORE ON THAT THANG” at the Hudson Valley Regional competition. The slogan, along with the original 2025 robot name (“Hawk Tuah”), are both references to a 2024 viral video that discusses oral sex. The team eventually removed the bumper slogan and changed the robot’s name.
Robotics coaches face criticism after team names 2025 robot after viral “Hawk Tuah” video that discusses oral sex
April 6, 2025
Dr. Sato and the Japan Bowl team preparing for the upcoming competition
As Japan Bowl competition in Washington DC approaches, team members study hard
April 2, 2025
Students participating at the pie-eating contest on Pi-Day.
Celebrating Pi Day with pie: contests, deals, and personal traditions
March 31, 2025
Pamela Del Vecchio, Secretary to Assistant Principal of Organization Ellen Fee, is the mastermind behind the system that ensures all classes with an absent teacher are covered by another teacher.
Substitute Procedures: inside the daily puzzle that needs solving in order to cover all classes
April 18, 2025
English Teacher and UFT Chapter Chair Kevin McDonaugh
Exploring our inner “shadow” through the English selective “Wherever you go, There you are”
April 9, 2025
Custodian Mario Vasquez
Custodian Mario Vasquez discusses his time maintaining THHS
March 26, 2025
Digital Shift Challenges No. 2 Pencil.
With digital testing on the rise, is the No. 2 pencil no longer #1 in the classroom?
March 20, 2025
SU Equity Chair Jordan Hurwitz and Senior Max Wong
Guest Post: Student Union Equity Chair Jordan Hurwitz interviews senior Max Wong
February 27, 2025
Upperclassmen Volunteering at Townsend Harris Open House
Opinion Roundup: how many hours of community service makes the most sense for honors requirements?
April 8, 2025
A JOKE? Last night, The Classic reported on the Steel Hawks' decision to name their robot after a viral video that discusses oral sex. Below, the editors-in-chief share their opinion on why the story merits serious attention.
EDITORIAL: Why we’re not laughing at the robotics’ coaches approval of the “Hawk Tuah” robot name
April 7, 2025
Students share their opinions on the 40 hours of community service requirement.
OPINION: Community service hours should not be required for graduation honors
April 1, 2025
Townsend Harris guidance team support students.
OPINION: From Guidance’s Mindful Mondays to Ms. Fee’s petting zoo, meaningful wellness opportunities are widely available
March 27, 2025
Desks in rows preparation for a standardized exam in the THHS gymnasium.
OPINION: The high stress of too much testing is still an issue that needs to be addressed, despite promises for “alternatives”
March 21, 2025
Mr. Heathwood conducts during the “Celebrating Music 2025” concert, held in the THHS auditorium (a collaboration with Forest Hills High School). On March 31, Mr. Heathwood performed at Carnegie Hall.
Band director Kevin Heathwood performs at Carnegie Hall with Brooklyn Wind Symphony
April 19, 2025
Author Daniel Aleman visits AP Literature class over Zoom to discuss his novel Invisible
Author Daniel Aleman visits AP Literature class and discusses how firsthand immigration experiences inspire his writing
April 13, 2025
Author Mark Oshiro and his co-written book The Sun and the Star with author Rick Riordan
Author Mark Oshiro meets with students and discusses co-writing a novel in the world of Percy Jackson
April 4, 2025
Students gathering and eating during MSA's Iftar event to celebrate Ramadan
MSA’s iftar event raises over $500 for charity while inviting the wider community to join in celebrating Ramadan
March 23, 2025
Author Edwidge Danticat speaks at Queen's College. Image courtesy of Nicole Cooley, director for the “Writers at Queens” series.
Author Edwidge Danticat speaks at LeFrak Concert Hall for the ‘Writers at Queens’ series
March 17, 2025
Students observing the 2024 solar eclipse, a rare celestial phenomenon, and a topic discussed in Astronomy Club
Club spotlight: Astronomy Club aims to inspire a love for studying the stars
April 16, 2025
Students explore learning styles despite questions over their validity.
How the theory of “learning styles” influences learners, despite arguments that the theory lacks scientific validity
April 12, 2025
Steel Hawks attending the New York Tech Valley regional competition and receiving the FIRST Impact Award
Steel Hawks receive FIRST Impact Award, earning a seat at the championship event in Houston
April 3, 2025
Textbooks Still Aid Student Learning.
Though digital study methods may be on the rise, physical review books are still in the game
March 28, 2025
The Science Olympiad team studying for events in upcoming competitions
Science Olympiad members talk finding a balance between studying, competing, and fostering friendships
March 4, 2025
The Student-Run Newspaper of Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

The Classic
The Student-Run Newspaper of Townsend Harris High School at Queens College

The Classic
All content by Jasmine Palma
With the DOE changing screening requirements for the freshman class this year, here’s what education scholars have to say about equity and inclusivity in selective admissions processes

With the DOE changing screening requirements for the freshman class this year, here’s what education scholars have to say about equity and inclusivity in selective admissions processes

Jasmine Palma and Nisat Nosin
July 21, 2022
After student protestors make calls to change disciplinary procedures for educator misconduct, DOE tells The Classic it will review protestors’ proposals

After student protestors make calls to change disciplinary procedures for educator misconduct, DOE tells The Classic it will review protestors’ proposals

Jasmine Palma, Ryan Eng, and Julia Maciejak
February 3, 2022
DOE says former THHS teacher accused of sexual misconduct will not be at Science Olympiad event, clearing the way for THHS team to compete this Saturday

DOE says former THHS teacher accused of sexual misconduct will not be at Science Olympiad event, clearing the way for THHS team to compete this Saturday

Jasmine Palma, Ryan Eng, and Julia Maciejak
February 2, 2022
Legislators and DOE officials visit for event aimed at promoting Queens College Bridge Year Program

Legislators and DOE officials visit for event aimed at promoting Queens College Bridge Year Program

Jasmine Palma, Sophia Park, Lauren Jun, Ryan Eng, Julia Maciejak, Cate Nguyen, and Jennifer Quisi
January 25, 2022
Students spent time learning about science research on the Queens College campus.

Former chemistry teacher investigated for sexual misconduct retains links to THHS through Science Olympiad events and Queens College position

Jasmine Palma, Ryan Eng, and Julia Maciejak
January 6, 2022
State senator speaks to The Classic about possible legislative reforms to address educator sexual misconduct

State senator speaks to The Classic about possible legislative reforms to address educator sexual misconduct

Jasmine Palma, Ryan Eng, and Julia Maciejak
December 21, 2021
Letters, Meetings, and Protests: How the school community has responded following allegations of sexual misconduct at Townsend Harris

Letters, Meetings, and Protests: How the school community has responded following allegations of sexual misconduct at Townsend Harris

Jasmine Palma, Ryan Eng, and Julia Maciejak
December 14, 2021
Students report being in Canzoneri’s presence multiple times this fall, despite DOE claims that he was kept away from them

Students report being in Canzoneri’s presence multiple times this fall, despite DOE claims that he was kept away from them

Jasmine Palma, Ryan Eng, and Julia Maciejak
November 22, 2021
The DOE calls the air purifiers that will be in NYC classrooms “HEPA purifiers.” The Classic asked the CDC if that’s accurate. Here’s how the CDC responded

The DOE calls the air purifiers that will be in NYC classrooms “HEPA purifiers.” The Classic asked the CDC if that’s accurate. Here’s how the CDC responded

Jasmine Palma and Ryan Eng
August 31, 2021
Many THHS students lack essential knowledge to protect themselves from educator sexual misconduct: here’s what students don’t know and what they need to know

Many THHS students lack essential knowledge to protect themselves from educator sexual misconduct: here’s what students don’t know and what they need to know

Jasmine Palma, Ryan Eng, and Julia Maciejak
June 23, 2021
The fundamentals of testing and pedagogy: A Q&A with Dr. Douglas Harrison

The fundamentals of testing and pedagogy: A Q&A with Dr. Douglas Harrison

Jasmine Palma
March 11, 2021
Reassessing Assessments: Harrisites talk testing and cheating during remote learning

Reassessing Assessments: Harrisites talk testing and cheating during remote learning

Jasmine Palma
February 10, 2021
Urge to procrastinate rising during remote learning? Here’s the science behind why

Urge to procrastinate rising during remote learning? Here’s the science behind why

Jasmine Palma, Brian Rettig, Elsa Oreen, and Dorcas Adewale
December 9, 2020
Pandemic eating: a guide to proper nutrition

Pandemic eating: a guide to proper nutrition

Jasmine Palma and Jocelyn Wang
November 19, 2020
Remote learning poses posture problems

Remote learning poses posture problems

Jasmine Palma and Carolina Corcuera
October 19, 2020
Spotlight: Junior develops blog website simplifying complicated STEM concepts

Spotlight: Junior develops blog website simplifying complicated STEM concepts

Jasmine Palma
June 22, 2020
Debunking coronavirus misinformation

Debunking coronavirus misinformation

Jasmine Palma
April 30, 2020
Student spotlight: Esther Chai

Student spotlight: Esther Chai

Jasmine Palma and Genessa Kahn
April 9, 2020
Harrisites’ opinions on walk-out against open schools

Harrisites’ opinions on walk-out against open schools

Jasmine Palma
March 15, 2020
Science Olympiad state tournaments cancelled due to coronavirus concerns

Science Olympiad state tournaments cancelled due to coronavirus concerns

Nataniela Zavlun and Jasmine Palma
March 12, 2020
Students welcome the new dress code

Students welcome the new dress code

Jasmine Palma
March 10, 2020
Steel Hawks gear up for build season

Steel Hawks gear up for build season

Adamary Felipe and Jasmine Palma
January 30, 2020
THHS best apps and games of 2019

THHS best apps and games of 2019

Jasmine Palma
January 9, 2020
NYC Council passed ban on e-cigarettes

NYC Council passed ban on e-cigarettes

Adamary Felipe and Jasmine Palma
December 12, 2019
Quantum teleportation breakthrough marks future for data security

Quantum teleportation breakthrough marks future for data security

Jasmine Palma
October 31, 2019
Research students participate in summer science research & mentorship

Research students participate in summer science research & mentorship

Jasmine Palma, Sohini Alim, and Sahithi Attada
October 23, 2019
Research students compete at NYCSEF

Research students compete at NYCSEF

Jasmine Palma and Brian Rettig
March 27, 2019
Oppy says goodbye: NASA Rover announced dead

Oppy says goodbye: NASA Rover announced dead

Jasmine Palma
March 20, 2019
SpaceX introduces “Starship” and “Super Heavy”

SpaceX introduces “Starship” and “Super Heavy”

Jasmine Palma
January 29, 2019
Scientists prospect new moon to be a lunar Illuminative satellite

Scientists prospect new moon to be a lunar Illuminative satellite

Jasmine Palma
December 6, 2018
Online data security: does virtual privacy really exist?

Online data security: does virtual privacy really exist?

Kyle Lai and Jasmine Palma
November 12, 2018
Load More Stories
Donate to The Classic
$86
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal