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

The Classic
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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 Sumaita Hasan
Special Education teacher Georgia Brandeis to remain at Townsend Harris

Special Education teacher Georgia Brandeis to remain at Townsend Harris

Sumaita Hasan
June 7, 2017

Interview with new principal Brian Condon

Sumaita Hasan, Ilyssa Delos Reyes, Mehrose Ahmad, Mohima Sattar, Diego Ramos, Arifa Baksh, Aly Tantawy, Agastya Vaidya, Rabia Hasan, Ashley An, and and Ashley Zhao
May 8, 2017

Brian Condon speaks to The Classic about his plans as new principal

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
April 23, 2017

UFT Chapter Leader Franco Scardino alleges IAP Jahoda is out of compliance with DOE trip regulations

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
April 11, 2017

Sources claim IAP Jahoda insisted on students attending classes after taking SAT & PSAT; many frustrated by new plan

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
April 1, 2017

With only four candidates interviewing for the principal job at THHS, questions raised about a fifth candidate who declined an interview

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
March 29, 2017

55 MIST members told to re-do trip forms; Phoenix also faces trip issue after IAP Jahoda requests slips days before event

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
March 26, 2017

Students organize sit-in day of C-30 Level 1 Committee interviews

Sumaita Hasan and Ashley Zhao
March 23, 2017

Classic poll of students finds 1% of current Harrisites support Ms. Jahoda for permanent principal

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
March 14, 2017

Junior college trip indefinitely delayed, SAT program cancelled due to ongoing investigation of PTA’s SAT program

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
March 12, 2017

At District Leadership meeting on Friday, Superintendent’s office representative labels THHS issues with IAP Jahoda “Fake News.” The Classic responds in a letter to the Mayor, Chancellor, and Superintendent

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
March 5, 2017
Worldwide Women’s March Organizer joins rally and calls on de Blasio to take action against “mini-Trump” Jahoda

Worldwide Women’s March Organizer joins rally and calls on de Blasio to take action against “mini-Trump” Jahoda

Sumaita Hasan, Mehrose Ahmad, and Mohima Sattar
February 25, 2017

Allegations by Bronx Science mother about Rosemarie Jahoda now “under investigation” by DOE Office of Special Investigations

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
February 21, 2017

When it comes to visiting classes and providing feedback to teachers, documents show IA Principal Jahoda far behind standard set by former principal Anthony Barbetta

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
February 15, 2017

Frequently “unavailable” interim acting principal spends part of work day focused on furniture shopping

Sumaita Hasan, Mehrose Ahmad, and Mohima Sattar
February 13, 2017

Mid-year reports for seniors unaffected by grading error to be sent today, others still waiting on official grade changes

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
February 7, 2017

As DOE offers support to students following Trump’s executive orders, IA Principal Jahoda criticized for her lack of response

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
February 5, 2017

SU President Alex Chen and PTA Co-President Susan Karlic to head School Leadership Team after Ms. Jahoda steps down; new alumni visitation policy addressed at meeting

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
January 23, 2017
Visually Impaired Bronx Science alumna alleges Ms. Jahoda withheld mandated services from her

Visually Impaired Bronx Science alumna alleges Ms. Jahoda withheld mandated services from her

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
January 11, 2017

Stuyvesant Spectator article from 2003 raises concerns regarding then teacher Rosemarie Jahoda’s behavior towards students

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
December 22, 2016
Sources provide accounts of interim acting principal’s behavior

Sources provide accounts of interim acting principal’s behavior

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
December 9, 2016

Procedural changes lead to tensions between faculty members and principal

Sumaita Hasan and Andrew Nektalov
December 6, 2016
Ms. Brandeis accepts a new position, will leave midyear

Ms. Brandeis accepts a new position, will leave midyear

Sumaita Hasan, Mehrose Ahmad, and Rabia Hasan
December 5, 2016

Mr. Barbetta moves to RFK after four years

Sumaita Hasan and Ilyssa Delos Reyes
September 29, 2016

Rosemarie Jahoda joins staff as new principal

Sumaita Hasan and Ilyssa Delos Reyes
September 29, 2016

Drug possession derails Six Flags trip

Sumaita Hasan, Mehrose Ahmad, and Olivia Chan
June 13, 2016

The N-Word and Harrisite Halls

Sumaita Hasan, Mehrose Ahmad, and Mohima Sattar
April 1, 2016

FROM SECULAR STUDY TO SCRIPTURE: A LOOK AT THE INFLUENCE OF HIGH SCHOOL ON THE RELIGIOUS LIVES OF HARRISITES

Poonam Dass, Jason Lalljee, and Sumaita Hasan
February 4, 2016

APUSH curriculum altered after controversy

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
September 28, 2015
Artwork by Valerie Shun

Improving communication in SU elections

Sumaita Hasan and Mehrose Ahmad
June 3, 2015

Major changes made to January finals schedule

Aayush Beri, Sumaita Hasan, and Mehrose Ahmad
December 23, 2014

Blogging in and out of class

Jillissa Drayton and Sumaita Hasan
November 25, 2014

Student blogging: Expression without the formalities

Jillissa Drayton and Sumaita Hasan
November 14, 2014
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