FORT HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL 

Kaye Houlihan, Principal 

8301 Shore Road 

Brooklyn, New York 11209 

Phone: (718) 748-1537 

Fax: (718) 836-3955  

  

 

 

 

 

   

STUDENT HANDBOOK 

2025-2026 

   

FORT HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL 

Kaye Houlihan, Principal 

 

MISSION STATEMENT 

 

To provide all students with “Excellence in Education” 

The Fort Hamilton High School community is diligently striving to meet the academic and social/emotional challenges of the 21st century. The continual refinement of teaching and learning is the school’s focus to enhance scholastic achievement, strengthen student attendance, and promote cultural responsiveness. Our philosophy is that every member of our diverse population is capable of succeeding and realizing their potential in an encouraging, nurturing, and rigorous learning environment designed to address individual needs. 

 

We make our large community safe and inclusive by encouraging student voice, supporting expansive co- and extracurricular activities, reinforcing high expectations, applying learning to real-life experiences, and preparing all students to be college and career ready as well as civically responsible. 

 

                                                                                          

From the Principal’s Desk

 

Dear Fort Hamilton Community: 

Striving for excellence is the ongoing mission of Fort Hamilton High School. When there are challenges, such as the pandemic and frequent policy changes, we face them together and build upon the strength of our inclusive and committed community.  

Fort Hamilton High School is a culturally diverse community with students from over 65 countries. Our dedicated staff members prepare students to meet, even exceed, the academic challenges of New York City and the New York State Education Department’s performance standards and assessments. All curriculum is aligned with the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards (NGLS), and we set our instructional focus on literacy based on the needs of our students. We engage them with a variety of learning choices and opportunities to guide their development as positive and productive citizens of the 21st century. 

Parents and families are an integral component, and we share information and decision making to better enable participation and input. Preparing our students for college and/or career necessitates that we work together to maximize every learning opportunity for all students. We encourage active participation in the Parent Teacher Association in addition to the use of New York City Schools Account and Jupiter, the latter an online gradebook and communication system that helps students and families monitor academic progress. 

During the 2025-2026 school year, student activities will be in full swing with parades, competitions, live performances, Saturday Academy, clubs, etc.. We will continue with our Fort Food Pantry to support students and families, and community service remains a core value of Fort Hamilton.  Our commitment to support the school and larger community is exhibited by Leadership, the National Honor Society, JROTC, and dozens of clubs that contribute to the broader community. 

At Fort Hamilton High School, our focus is quality instruction provided in an environment safe and conducive to learning with mutual respect for all. Fort Hamilton is a highly regarded large comprehensive New York City public high school. We are proud to share it with you as we continue to set the standard for excellence and prepare students for college and career. 

Very truly yours, 

Kaye Houlihan 

Kaye Houlihan, Principal                

ADMINISTRATION / ORGANIZATION

Jennifer Gagnon, Assistant Principal

 

 

The Assistant Principal Organization (APO) at Fort Hamilton High School oversees the facilities, budget, staffing and legal issues. In this capacity, the APO works with the organizational team on a daily basis to ensure teachers are covered by substitute teachers in their absence, in addition to assisting with long-term absence coverages and hiring. 

 

A larger role is overseeing the facilities of the building in conjunction with the Division of School Facilities and School Construction Authority.  

 

Fort Hamilton’s main building was constructed in 1939 and is over 220,000 square feet. The modular units, which provide an additional 18 classrooms, were added in the late 1990s, and the natatorium in the early 1990s. Overall, the building has well over 2,000 classes each day, within three sessions, and between 500 and 900 students in physical education classes each period. This equates to many demands on our facility and the need for many repairs. More importantly, we are constantly working to improve and upgrade our facility. 

 

The APO also oversees and manages the school’s budget. While we are the second largest high school in New York City, due to our Title 1 funding, we have the largest budget. The Principal and Assistant Principals of Administration and Supervision work closely together to organize and allocate the school’s funding after staffing needs are met (personnel is 90% of the budget). The remaining funds go to supplies and other non-personnel services. Finally, the APO consults with the principal and staff on any legal issues which may arise. 

 

Fort Hamilton High School is a unique and special place with many opportunities for students of various interests. We have 90 clubs, 31 PSAL teams, a cheer squad, and two drama productions each academic year as well as multiple instrumental, vocal, and dance performances. In this small city we call Fort Hamilton High School, there is an enormity of interest and expertise on behalf of young people.  

   

ARTS AND BUSINESS

Thomas Oberle, Assistant Principal

 

The Arts and Business Department offers a variety of courses to both challenge and provide students an opportunity to explore and achieve in the performing arts and business. All students are required to earn a minimum of two credits (2 terms) in the arts.   

 

The Arts and Business Department is comprised of the following departments: 

• Business
• Dramatic Arts Academy 
• Fine Art 
• Joffrey Dance Academy 
• Music (Vocal and Instrumental) 

 

Performing Arts Audition Program 

• Dramatic Arts (K17T) 
• Instrumental (K17R) 
• Joffrey Dance Academy (K17J) 
• Vocal (K17S) 

Please see the NYC DOE High School Directory or MySchools application for additional information. 

 

Business / Technology 

Course offerings include: 

• Computer Applications 
• Entrepreneurship 
• Virtual Enterprise • In this class we run a virtual business (Seniors Only)  

 

Dramatic Arts Academy 

Course offerings include: 

• Acting 
• Directing 
• Play Production 
• Stage Design 

ARTS AND BUSINESS

Thomas Oberle, Assistant Principal

 

We present a minimum of two fully staged productions a year. Recent productions include Legally Blond, Gypsy, Avenue Q, the School Addition, the 25th Annual Putnam Valley Spelling Bee, In the Heights, West Side Story, Into the Woods, The Addams Family, The Prom and Little Shop of Horrors. In addition, we present a Fall Play Production which has included Merchant of Venice, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Doubt, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Crucible, The Miracle Worker, Arsenic and Old Lace, Green Bird and Clue.

 

Fine Art 

Course offerings include: 

• Calligraphy 
• Ceramics 
• Design Studio 
• Drawing 
• Fashion 

 

We offer the three-year Art Comprehensive Exam for Regents credit in addition to Advanced Placement art courses. 

 

Joffrey Dance Academy 

Our partnership with the Joffrey Ballet Academy is now in its 13th year.  Students 

are trained in the Joffrey Ballet School’s technique in both Classical Ballet 

and Contemporary Dance, Jazz, Improvisation, Dance History, Dance 

Composition, and Pointe. Students have performed at the Joffrey Ballet School’s annual performance of the Nutcracker. In addition, scholarships are available to study at the Joffrey Ballet School’s summer intensive program in New York City.  Students audition across New York City for this prestigious program. 

ARTS AND BUSINESS

Thomas Oberle, Assistant Principal

 

Music 

Instructional and Vocal courses: 

• Guitar 
• Percussion 
• Strings
• Marching Band* 

 

Performance Ensemble Classes: 

• Treble Chorus 
• Mixed Chorus 
• Concert Chorus 
• Vocal Training
• Symphonic Band 
• Concert Band 
• Intermediate Band
• Brass Ensemble 
• Woodwind Ensemble 
• Symphonic Orchestra
• String Orchestra 
• Jazz Band 

 

 

*Marching Band is required for all Brass, Percussion, and Woodwind Performing Arts students. 

  You earn Physical Education credit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 DATA AND COMPLIANCE

  Jacob Baty, Assistant Principal

 

 

Schools in New York City are charged to be data driven. The role of the 

Assistant Principal of Data and Compliance is to work in conjunction with the Principal and Assistant Principals of Administration and Supervision to analyze various data sets such as: 

 

• Student Attendance Rates 
• Student Classroom Performance 
• Student Progress towards Graduation 
• Regents Exam Results 
• College and Career Readiness  

 

School leaders need to be informed on how various subsets of courses and students are performing to make informed decisions about resource allocations, staffing, budget, programming, and instruction, and to determine what interventions are necessary to ensure all students are meeting cohort graduation requirements and are prepared for life after Fort Hamilton High School. 

 

Additionally, the Assistant Principal of Data and Compliance identifies data trends in the school and creates target groups of students so that the school leadership is proactive in planning ways to support students in meeting cohort graduation requirements in a timely manner as well as ensuring students leave Fort Hamilton High School college and career ready. 

 

Finally, in a school as large as Fort Hamilton High School, collecting, analyzing, and ensuring all data is presented to all stakeholders in a clear manner is essential to ensure that no student’s needs go unnoticed. 

 

Beyond data processing and analysis, the Assistant Principal of Data and Compliance monitors that the school is compliant with all city and state mandates. 

    

 ENGLISH

Denise Kritikos, Assistant Principal 

 

Fort Hamilton High School’s English Department is committed to engaging and meeting the needs of all students. We strive to maintain a wide variety of courses ranging from the traditional survey to interdisciplinary, honors, a balanced literacy program, and elective courses. Our approach is based on flexibility, response to student aspirations and goals, with emphasis on the highest standards of scholastic excellence. 

 

To qualify for graduation, students are required to successfully complete eight 

terms of English and pass the English Language Arts Regents Exam given in January of junior year. To qualify for college and career readiness, students must achieve a score above 75. Instruction is aligned to the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards.

 

All classes emphasize a workshop approach to acquiring college-level skills in reading and writing, as evidenced in a portfolio of narrative, argumentative, creative, and research-based writing. The Honors program culminates in Advanced Placement English Language offered in junior year and Advanced Placement English Literature offered in senior year. All seniors who have completed the English Regents requirement have the opportunity to take a college-level selective in the senior year, in place of English 7 and English 8 such as: College and Career Writing; The Immigrant Experience; Psychology and Literature; Philosophy and Literature; Human and Civil Injustice in Literature, and Poetry and the Arts.  

ELA electives such as College Inquiry and Research, ELA College Aptitude 

(SAT and College Prep), Journalism, and Public Speaking are also offered in addition to Core English in grades 9-11. 

 

Students with an interest and strong writing portfolio are encouraged to request Honors and Advanced Placement courses with their English teacher.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH & JROTC

Kristin LaMacchia, Assistant Principal 

 

All students are required to take and pass seven terms of Physical Education and one term of Health. The following Physical Education classes are offered: 

 

Basketball (Boys & Girls)	Polar Bear
Fitness	Survey PE
Flag Football	Swimming & Lifeguarding
Football (Advanced)	Volleyball
Golf	Weight Training
Martial Arts / Fitness	Yoga
Adaptive Physical Education
Fitness Activities	JROTC PE

 

In addition, with special permission from the staff, students may request 

Advanced Football, Lifeguard Training and Swimming.                         

 

Every student must change into appropriate athletic attire to participate in their Physical Education class. A Fort Hamilton High School uniform is preferred. This includes a Fort Hamilton High School T-Shirt, athletic shorts/sweatpants, and sneakers. These items can be purchased at our online store WWW.SMOOTHUSA.COM/FHHS-GYM. You can email [email protected] with any questions.

 

A Fort Hamilton High School lock must be used on the lockers. Both the lock and the uniform may be purchased from the S.O. Store located in the students’ cafeteria (C-1).  Prices are listed below. 

 

Locks	$13.00 (C-1)
Shorts	$20.00 (on-line store)
Sweatpants	$25.00 (on-line store)
T-Shirt	$14.00 (on-line store)
Long Sleeve T-Shirt	$18.00 (on-line store)
Hoodie	$27.00 (on-line store)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH & JROTC

Kristin LaMacchia, Assistant Principal 

                                                               

To help ensure the safe and secure use of gym lockers, the following locker room procedures must be adhered to at all times:

 

• Students with an assigned Physical Education class must use their FHHS photo ID to swipe into the locker rooms via the CAASS ID system.
• Only Fort Hamilton High School locks are allowed on lockers. All others will be removed.
• At your own risk, small lockers may be used for storage of Physical Education clothes.
• Students are permitted in the locker room ONLY when they have a Physical Education class.
• Books or other items are not to be brought into the gymnasium.
• The only time books or clothing may be stored in lockers is during your Physical Education class.
• For security purposes, the locker room is locked after the late bell. If you arrive late, you will not be able to change and, therefore, not be able to participate in class.  During the beginning and end of each period, the locker room is monitored by an assigned teacher.
• Do not share lockers.
• Do not leave your clothes and belongings in an unlocked locker.

 

Army Junior ROTC

This program may be taken as an elective credit from one to four years. The program is open to all students in all grade levels. The focus of this program is to develop and foster citizenship, fellowship, and leadership. Students become experts at group dynamics as well as decision-making and role-modeling. There is a Cadet ranking and the Table of Organization includes a Commanding Officer, Executive Officer – all the way to Private – much the way our armed forces are currently structured. Uniforms are worn once-a-week and on special occasions. There are no costs for this program and there is an optional summer camp program. Special activities include robotics competition, community functions, drill competitions, honor guard, parades, and National competitions. In addition, an annual Military Ball is held to celebrate the accomplishments of our JROTC program.

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Christine Ciccarone, Assistant Principal

The ISS department’s mission is for each student to graduate with a plan. We create an educational environment that maintains high standards, assists students who need academic support, and addresses their social / emotional development.  Classes are designed to parallel the general education curriculum. Instructional practice is rigorous as students are expected to achieve success on New York State assessment exams. 

 

We provide the following educational settings: 

• Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS – 8:1) 
• Special Class (Self-Contained – 15:1) 
• Integrated Collaborative Teaching (ICT – 12:1) 

 

Related services include adapted physical education, hearing services, mandated counseling, occupational therapy, paraprofessional support, physical therapy, speech/language therapy, and vision services. 

 

Single or double-period English classes are offered to select incoming freshmen based on ENL level in the special class setting. These classes are conducted in standards-based classroom settings utilizing various instructional models and methodologies. In all classes, lessons are conducted to help students establish their academic goals, and rubrics are used for assessment by teachers and student self-evaluation. 

 

 

 

 MATHEMATICS 

Sarah Tazghini, Assistant Principal, IA

 

The Mathematics department at Fort Hamilton High School offers a variety of courses to accommodate the needs of students at all academic levels – from classes designed to support incoming students with Algebra skills to Advanced Placement courses. Students at Fort Hamilton High School are prepared to meet the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards in Mathematics. 

 

It is important for parents and students to know that in order to graduate from high school in New York State, a student must complete six (6) terms of mathematics (including two terms of advanced mathematics such as Geometry or Algebra II) and pass at least one academic level NYS Regents examination. To obtain an Advanced Regents diploma, students must pass three Regents examinations (Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II).  Students are expected to take mathematics in all four years in alignment with College Board recommendations. 

 

To be college and career ready, students are expected to complete three full units (years) of mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II and pass each respective Regents exam with at least one of the exam grades being 70% or above. 

 

Algebra 

• two-term sequence (Regents) 
• two-term sequence (Regents Honors) 

 

Geometry 

• two-term sequence (Regents) 
• two-term sequence (Regents Honors) 

 

Algebra II 

• two-term sequence (Regents) 
• two-term sequence (Regents Honors) 

 

 Advanced Courses 

• Pre-Calculus 
• Advanced Placement Pre-Calculus
• Advanced Placement Calculus 
• Advanced Placement Statistics 
• Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles

MATHEMATICS 

Sarah Tazghini, Assistant Principal, IA

 

Elective Courses: 

• Financial Algebra 
• Coding 
• Computer Networking and Hardware Design 

 

The school’s Literacy focus is incorporated into all of the courses offered by the Mathematics department. To receive a (complete) mathematics education, students should be able to approach everyday problems employing the skills of reading comprehension, writing, and vocabulary as well as mathematics. 

Our experience indicates that students who tend to do well in mathematics maintain excellent attendance, hone their skills through homework practice, ask questions in class when there is something that is not clear to them, and attend tutoring sessions in school when they feel they need extra support. We are fortunate to have a number of free tutoring services available to students at Fort Hamilton High School. 

  

 

PARENT COORDINATOR 

Janet Saquisili

 

The Parent Coordinator, Janet Saquisili, located in room 149, engages with and involves parents in the school community by working with the principal, school staff, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and community groups. The Parent Coordinator’s role is to provide information, answer questions, help access resources for parents and students, and work closely with the PTA and Title I Parent Committee. Answering telephone calls and meeting face-to-face with parents is a vital role to assist with any issue that may arise or if parents have concerns about their child’s education.

 

The Parent Coordinator is also the Language Access Coordinator. She speaks, writes, and reads Spanish. She assists with translation and interpretation service needs during PTA meetings, parent workshops, Parent-Teacher Conferences, and other events, if needed.

 

If you do not already have a NYCSA account, we encourage every parent to register for a NYC School Account (NYCSA). NYCSA is a valuable resource and will help you stay connected to your child’s education and more in the NYCSA portal. The Parent Coordinator will assist every parent to register. Once registered, you will have access to view your child’s program, attendance, grades, test scores and to complete DOE forms such as the Blue Emergency Contact card and more. 

 

Our school uses the Jupiter web-app to help keep parents/guardians informed about their child's progress. Parents/Guardians can login anytime to check the child's current grades, homework, missing assignments, test scores, and to contact teachers. The Parent Coordinator will share opportunities, such as scholarships, internships, workshops, and summer jobs via Jupiter. If you do not already have a Jupiter account, we encourage parents/guardians to contact the parent coordinator. She also supervises SYEP students working at Fort Hamilton High School during the summer.  

 

Students are provided with a DOE student account ([email protected]) which is necessary to log into our Chrome books, access grades, join Google Classrooms, and stay connected with the school. If a student needs assistance with a forgotten password or username, they should see the Parent Coordinator in room 149 during their lunch period or stop by the library.

PARENT COORDINATOR 

Janet Saquisili

 

During virtual learning, the Parent Coordinator is always available to ensure communication with parents and students. Resources for parent and student opportunities are forwarded to parents and students every week using the Jupiter and DOE email.

 

We urge parents to take the opportunity to contact the Parent Coordinator, attend PTA meetings, partake in parent workshops, and be involved in your child’s education.   

 

When parents and school staff work together to support learning, students: 

• earn higher grades and test scores,
• enroll in higher-level programs, 
• are promoted more and earn more credits, 
• adapt better to school and attend more regularly, 
• have better social skills and behavior; and 
• graduate and go on to higher education.

 

The Parent Coordinator may be contacted at jsaquisili@schools.nyc.gov or via telephone at (718) 748-1537, ext. 1457.  Please visit our website www.fthhs.org  for PTA meeting and parent workshop dates. 

PROGRAMMING AND TECHNOLOGY

Ismail Salem, Assistant Principal 

 

The role of the Program Office, located in room 268, is to ensure all students receive programs that keep them on-track for graduation in four years, are accurate, and are produced in a timely fashion. The Program Office works closely with various constituencies within Fort Hamilton High School to meet these goals. 

 

The Program Office also generates various school-related reports and performs necessary program corrections. The Program Office does not create student schedules. These recommendations come from the guidance department (guidance counselors) and the respective department supervisors. 

 

The Assistant Principal Programming and Technology is responsible to maintain all computer-related products within the building by servicing or replacing the necessary equipment. 

 

A number of laptops are available to sign-out for student/family use during the school year to support online assignments and checking NYCSA and Jupiter. Students and families must agree to parameters for computers to be assigned for use at home.

 

In an effort to keep students, parents, and staff updated and informed, we maintain the school website. Please visit www.fthhs.org or Fthhs App on the app store to receive information about school events, testing dates, school closures and more. 

   

 

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Rosaria Mancini, Assistant Principal 

 

Fort Hamilton High School’s Pupil Personnel Services Department (also known as the Guidance Department) is a multi-faceted department that addresses the academic, attendance, social-emotional, and college and career needs for 4,100+ students. The department’s over-arching goal is to support students through targeted academic advisement and to provide all students with the social-emotional skills necessary to graduate high school within a 4-year time frame, while ensuring that students are productive individuals during and beyond the high school experience.  To this end, Fort Hamilton is staffed with 21 highly trained school counselors that engage students in individualized programming and progress interviews and who conduct individual and group counseling. Students are provided with Naviance guidance lessons, a web-based College and Career exploration program, to ensure that students graduate from Fort Hamilton High School with a viable post-secondary college and/or career plan. Fort Hamilton High School students are also afforded the expertise of three highly effective College school counselors who provide targeted college and financial aid advisement as well as support school-to-career pathways via work-shadowing and internship opportunities. In addition, all school counselors conduct college and career interviews during junior and senior year, to ensure all students have considered and explored viable post-secondary options. 

 

The Guidance department interfaces with Project Success, the school’s attendance squad, to ensure students attend school regularly and parents are informed in the event of extended absences. Additionally, the Guidance department collaborates with all Assistant Principals of Supervision and teachers to support students in meeting academic benchmarks and coordinates academic intervention services when necessary. 

    

 

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Rosaria Mancini, Assistant Principal 

 

MINIMUM COURSE CREDIT REQUIREMENTS 

 

Subject	# of Credits
English	8
Social Studies	8
Mathematics	6
Science	6
Language	2
Art or Music	2
Health Education	1
Physical Education (.58 credit)	4 (7 terms)
Electives	7

 

ELECTIVES 

Based on students’ expressed interests and availability 

 

LOCAL DIPLOMA* 

(for students with an IEP) 

 

Students have the Safety Net Option of obtaining 55-64 on Regents Exams or a Compensatory Option to earn a local diploma. The Compensatory Option allows students who obtain a minimum of 55 on the ELA and Math Regents to earn a grade of 45 on another Regents as long as there is a corresponding grade greater than or equal to 65 on another Regents exam. Students may also use the low Regents score (52-54) appeal on up to two exams, but only if the ELA and/or Math Compensatory Option is not being applied. Students with an IEP may also graduate with a local diploma by obtaining a Superintendent Determination of Graduation by earning a Safety Net or appealable score status on the English and Math Regents exams. Students with an IEP may also receive an existing credential via a CDOS credential. 

 

• General Education students may appeal up to two Regents exams via the low Regents appeal option (60-64) and are eligible to graduate with a Local diploma. Students must show evidence of tutoring, passed all the required classes in the subject area, and have taken and failed the Regents exams under appeal at least two times. Students entitled to ENL services who first entered school in 9th grade or after may appeal to the ELA Regents with a low Regents score option of 55-59 and receive a Local diploma. Students must show evidence of tutoring, passed all the required classes in the subject area, and have taken and failed the ELA Regents at least two times. 

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Rosaria Mancini, Assistant Principal 

 

REGENTS DIPLOMA 

Regents exams required* 

Algebra (1)	65+
English (1)	65+
Global History (1)	65+
Science (1)	65+
U.S. History (1)	65+

 

Students who earned an exemption for any Regents exam in June and August 2023 are eligible for Regents diplomas or higher. The “WA” grade on the transcript equates to 65. 

 

*Students may appeal via the Low Score Regents appeal (60-64) on one exam and still receive a Regents diploma.  Students must show evidence of tutoring and have taken and failed the particular Regents at least two times. 

 

Students may substitute the second Social Studies Regents with either a second Math Regents or a second Science Regents or an approved LOTE exam or a CTE approved exam or a CDOS credential. This is called a 4+1 Option. 

 

ADVANCED REGENTS DIPLOMA 

 Same subject class requirements and five Regents examinations (65+) mentioned above PLUS  

• An additional Regents examination in Science (65+) 
• Two additional Regents examinations in Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, 

     and Algebra II) PLUS 

• Three years of foreign language and a Regents examination in a Foreign 

     language (65+) OR 

• 10 credits in Art or Music and a Regents examination in Art or Music (65+) 

 

MASTERY IN MATH ENDORSEMENT 

 Achieve a score of 85 or higher on each of the three required Math Regents examinations (Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II). 

 

MASTERY IN SCIENCE ENDORSEMENT 

Achieve a score of 85 or higher on any three Science Regents examinations. 

 

Report cards, distributed six (6) times in an academic year, will indicate progress towards completing graduation requirements. The following approximate time frame is set with report card distribution: 

 

Term 1: Fall (September to January)
Marking Period 1	Mid-October
Marking Period 2	Early December
Marking Period 3	End of January (final grade for the term)

 

Term 2: Spring (February to June)
Marking Period 1	Mid-March
Marking Period 2	Late March
Marking Period 3	End of June (final grade for the term)

 

Most courses are annualized and students will continue with the same program in the Spring term. Program changes will only be made in the Spring for seniors and/or sophomores with regard to Health and Physical Education, senior lateral College Now course changes, and/or replacing elective courses for required courses to graduate. 

 

Students must be in a senior official class in order to participate in senior activities and must meet all graduation requirements in order to participate in graduation exercises. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Rosaria Mancini, Assistant Principal

 

GUIDE FOR PROMOTION – FALL 

 

TO ENTER	YOU MUST HAVE
A Sophomore (2) Official Class	8 credits and 1 year in High School
A Junior (3) Official Class	20 credits and 2 years in High School AND  At least 4 terms of English and Social Studies At least 4 terms of Physical Education At least 3 terms of Math and Science Satisfied a Science Regents
A Senior (4) Official Class and for Graduation	30 credits and 3 years in High School AND    At least 6 terms of English and Social Studies  At least 4 terms of Math and Science  5 terms of Physical Education  2 terms of a Foreign Language  A graduating program OR be in Credit Recovery and/or online course  Satisfied a Social Studies Regents (including the 4+1 option), satisfied a Math and Science Regents  Received a 60-64 on Regents – candidate for an Appeal  Received a 55-59 on the English Regents – for newly arrived ENL students  Received a 52-54 on Regents – candidate for an Appeal (ISS students)  Received a 55 or more on a Math Regents AND an English Regents – candidate for a Superintendent Determination (IEP students)  Met the requirements for a Compensatory Option  Met the requirements for the Safety Net  Met the requirements for CDOS

 

Note: To participate in senior activities, a student must be in a 4 homeroom by September and must be carrying a program which enables him/her to graduate in June with his/her cohort. 

 PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Rosaria Mancini, Assistant Principal

 

GUIDE FOR PROMOTION – SPRING 

 

TO ENTER	YOU MUST HAVE
A Sophomore (2) Official Class	14 credits and 1.5 years in High School
A Junior (3) Official Class	25 credits and 2.5 years in High School AND  At least 4 terms of English and Social Studies At least 4 terms of Physical Education At least 3 terms of Math and Science Satisfied a Science Regents
A Senior (4) Official Class and for Graduation	34 credits and 3.5 years in High School    At least 6 terms of English and Social Studies  At least 4 terms of Math and Science  At least 6 terms of Physical Education  At least 2 terms of a Foreign Language  A graduating program, which may include Credit Recovery and/or online course  Satisfied a Social Studies Regents (including the 4+1 option), satisfied a Math and Science Regents  Received a 60-64 on Regents - candidate for an Appeal  Received a 55-59 on the English Regents – for newly arrived ENL students  Received a 52-54 on Regents – candidate for an Appeal (IEP students)  Received a 55 or more on a Math Regents AND an English Regents – candidate for a Superintendent Determination (IEP students)  Met the requirements for a Compensatory Option  Met the requirements for the Safety Net  Met the requirements for CDOS

 

Note: To participate in senior activities, a student must be in a 4 homeroom by February and must be carrying a program which enables him/her to graduate in June with his/her cohort. 

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Rosaria Mancini, Assistant Principal

 

CREDIT RECOVERY OPPORTUNITIES 

 

We support students to earn the credits and Regents exams required to graduate 

in four years. Students who fail a course will be given the opportunity to recover the credit to stay on-track. Below are credit recovery models that are offered to students. 

 

• 3:2 Split: Reserved for seniors with credit deficits in Physical Education.  Make-up classes are added to a student’s program. 

 

• Credit Recovery by Application: A student qualifies for this program if he/she fails a course with a grade below 65% and had an attendance rate of 66% or higher in the deficit course. Eligible students will be identified by the Credit Recovery Committee and assigned a licensed subject-area teacher who will assess the academic deficit and assign work accordingly. The teacher will meet with the student and support the student in completing the assigned work to meet the required learning standard. The work must be completed no later than the end of the term immediately following the failure. 

 

• Double-Up: Reserved for upperclassmen. Eligible students may double-up in Social Studies and English if numbers permit. An additional class is added on the student’s day program. 

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Rosaria Mancini, Assistant Principal

 

CREDIT RECOVERY OPPORTUNITIES 

 

• Summer School 

Students qualify for this program if they fail a core content class, a Physical Education class, and/or Health class. Eligible students must attend classes in the summer for approximately 6 weeks, 4-5 days a week. Session time ranges from 8:00 am to 2:15 pm. 

 

Successful participation in the credit recovery opportunities outlined above will allow students to recover credit and graduate with their cohort. In addition, the course work will assist in preparing for the Regents exam if the course ends in a Regents. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES

Rosaria Mancini, Assistant Principal

 

COLLEGE & CAREER OFFICE

 

The College and Career Office is a full-service resource and counseling center designed to prepare students in grades 9-12 for post-secondary life. School counselors provide support and assist students and their families as they explore college and career choices and complete college, financial aid, and scholarship applications. Students and parents/guardians meet regularly with counselors to discuss academic performance, college and career options, curriculum choices, and standardized testing. Students in grades 9-12 complete two grade-level college tasks each year on Naviance. 

 

Representatives from many career-based organizations, colleges, trade schools, and universities visit the College and Career Office every year to meet with students, both in small groups and at our annual College & Career Fair. Trips to various college campuses are provided for juniors and seniors as well. Parent meetings related to college and career planning and financial aid are held each term and special workshops are provided for English Language Learners and students with disabilities. 

 

A specialized career counselor in the College and Career Office leads our school-to-career pathway as well as supports the exploration of career choices via work shadowing experiences and internships. Community and work partnerships are organized to assist students in making informed career and post-secondary decisions. Specifically, these opportunities are created to expose students to careers and solidify their intended college course of study. 

 

The College and Career Office, located in room 101, is accessible every day from 7:20 am to 3:24 pm. Computers and resource books are available for student use. Students may visit before or after their school day or during their lunch period. 

 

 

SCHOOL-WIDE GRADING POLICY 

Our school-wide grading policy was created with a focus towards accurately evaluating students’ progress and achievements as we prepare them to meet the academic challenges of the NYSED, NYCPS, and Next Generation Learning Standards, assessments, and promotional requirements.  Using the school-wide grading policy as a framework, each department develops a policy specific to the requirements of its content area.  The NYCPS policy regarding attendance and grading is as follows: 

 “Attendance may not be factored into a student’s grade. Attending school, participating in class, and demonstrating understanding are all essential components of student learning, and school communities must make every effort to ensure that students attend school, with a goal of every student, every day. When students attend school consistently, they have the greatest opportunity to make progress, receive support from their teachers, and demonstrate their learning. Students’ grades must reflect the extent to which they have met the learning outcomes for their courses. All students, including students with disabilities and MLLs/ELLs, should be working toward grade-level standards and must receive grades based on mastery of NYSED commencement-level learning standards.” 

 

Fort Hamilton HS has three marking periods in each term, Term 1 in the Fall and Term 2 in the Spring.  The first marking period grade for the year is a letter grade (E = 90-100, G = 80-89, S = 70-79, N = 65-69, U = below 65) followed by numeric grades out of 100 for the remaining marking periods.  The third marking period grade is the final grade for the term that appears on the transcript along with the accumulation of credits. 

 

Listed below are some factors to be considered when preparing student grades: 

1. Grades are an appraisal of academic achievement, not a reward or punishment.

2. Grades are determined independently of conduct, although it is understood that class participation and observance of rules are factors in focus.

3. Teacher records are available on GAMA and Jupiter.

4. Parents may be contacted by a teacher or counselor about their child’s lack of progress via telephone calls, emails, letters, and parent-teacher conferences. Parents can reach staff via email or by calling 718-748-1537.  Email addresses are available on our staff directory on the school website at fthhs.org. 

5. The student’s grade will reflect a holistic picture of the student’s performance.  Department grading policies will include specific student expectations (i.e. percent value, types of assignments/projects, number and types of assessments) for each of the following:

 

• 40-50% = Assessments (quizzes, tests, projects, essays, final exam, performances, etc.)

• 40-50% = Engagement (classwork, participation/collaboration, notebooks, etc.)

• 10% = Homework

Fort Hamilton HS does not assign grades of zero for incomplete or missing work, as the goal is for students to make up the work to demonstrate competency and progress to achieve subsequent assignments. 

 

The following code grades are used to indicate absence or missing work:

• MIS = 45 of 100   indicates missing assignment

• ABS = 45 of 100  indicates student was absent and needs more time to complete

• INC = 45 of 100   indicates incomplete work

• EXC = no grade   indicates student is excused from assignment

 

The following code grades may be used to communicate a student’s final term grade. 

Code Grade “NX” (Incomplete) 

A student may be awarded a grade of Incomplete (“NX”) if he/she has a documented, extreme extenuating circumstance that prevents him/her from completing the course in its established timeframe (i.e. surgery, death in the family).  A student who receives an incomplete must successfully complete remaining course requirements by the end of the semester following the termination of the course to receive a final grade and credit, as applicable.  The grade of “NX” does not have a pass/fail or numeric equivalent. 

Code Grade “NL” (New or Recently Admitted Students) 

The grade of “NL” may be issued if the student enters a course after it has started and has missed too many assignments to generate a complete course grade.  Students who receive a grade of “NL” at the end of Term 1 will continue in the course Term 2 and make-up Term 1 by repeating the course. 

 

• Grades greater than or equal to 65 = Passing  

• Grades below 65 = Failing 

• Grades of 50, 55 = Failure due to academic performance

• Grade of 45 = Failure due to students not meeting the learning outcomes that are based on competency of NYSED commencement-level learning standards for the course. 

 

SCHOOL-WIDE HOMEWORK POLICY 

 

Rationale: 

 

Homework is an integral part of our educational program.  It is one of the many components used to support instruction and increase student learning. 

 

Homework helps to: 

 

• Prepare students for future lessons 
• Provide feedback to the student regarding comprehension of the material 
• Provide feedback to the teacher as to the success of the day’s lesson 
• Review, reinforce, and enrich skills and concepts introduced in the subject class 

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION AND STUDENT SERVICES

 

Attendance Policy 

In the event of an absence, the student must present a signed note indicating the reason for the absence to all subject teachers. Absence notices must have the following information:  student’s name, official class, OSIS number, reason for absence, and the dates of the absence(s). After all teachers have signed the note, the completed note must be brought to the student’s guidance counselor. 

 

Attendance Squad 

The Project Success House Structure addresses students’ cutting and overall attendance status, resulting in improved academic performance/scholarship. Project Success includes an attendance team, which is made up of an attendance teacher, family assistants, and school aides, monitoring daily attendance and cutting and responding to teacher attendance referrals. Through direct interfacing with the guidance offices/houses, which include assistant principal(s), guidance counselor(s), dean(s), and school aide, Project Success personnel work closely with these key staff members, assisting students in attending school on a regular basis and improving their academic performance. Project Success’ overarching goal is drop-out prevention through focused and consistent attendance outreach. 

 

Bathrooms 

Student bathrooms are available on the first floor, third floor, in the 83rd and 85th Street modules, locker rooms and student cafeteria. Student bathrooms are closed the first ten and final five minutes of each period. Students must also have a pass from their teacher if they are using the bathroom during class time. A gender-neutral bathroom is located on the 2nd floor, room 239. 

 

CAASS 

The CAASS system, a student identification card system, is located throughout the school building. ID stations are located at the main entrance, library, locker rooms, and student cafeteria. Students must swipe their ID cards to pass through these machines to gain entrance into the school and other areas of the building including the library, cafeteria and locker rooms. 

 

Entrance Gate Procedures 

There are two main entrances to the campus of the school – the 85th Street and Narrows Avenue gate and the 83rd and Narrows Avenue gate.  Students can exit the building during dismissal via Exit 10, Exit 83A, Exit 83C, or Exit 85C into the module courtyard and onto Shore Road where MTA shuttle buses will be waiting to take students to 4th Avenue. Students choosing to walk should walk up 86th Street (safe corridor). Students cannot walk across the front of the campus during dismissal. 

 

Health Office Policy 

In the event of sickness or injury, a student may go to the Health Office, located in room 256, with a hand-written pass from a staff member. There, the student may rest and recover. If the student is too ill to remain in school, a phone call to the parent/ guardian or an individual listed on the Blue Emergency Card will be made and that person will be required to pick up the student from school. If the parent/guardian is unable to pick up the student from school, the parent/guardian may give verbal consent for the child to leave. If the student is not well enough to travel home, the parent/guardian or a person listed on the Blue Emergency Card must pick up the child. All incoming students must have their medical records on file along with completed immunizations. Students are expected to keep their medical records and immunization records updated throughout their high school career. 

 

Identification Cards 

All students must have a FHHS ID card with them at all times. Students must have an FHHS ID card with them in order to enter the school building. Any teacher can ask to see your ID card and students are required to present it. ID cards are also needed when taking Regents, ACT, PSAT, and SAT exams, obtaining a MetroCard or working papers, and to gain entrance to the school, cafeteria, library and locker rooms. New school ID cards may be obtained every day in the B77 (located in the student cafeteria). The school provides one replacement ID card. A $2.00 fee is charged for further replacements. 

 

Library 

The Library Media Center is staffed by three librarians and one school aide and is open periods 1-10 for individual students and whole class instruction. To enter the library, students must swipe their FHHS student ID card. Students may work, read, use computers, or conduct research quietly. Books may be borrowed for two weeks and must be returned. The Library Media Center is equipped with a computer lab and mobile laptops labs complete with printers for student and staff use. Students and staff may access the Fort Hamilton High School website at www.fthhs.org to access links to our library’s extensive collection of subscription databases. The catalog and databases may be accessed from any internet computer in the library or at home. As funding permits, the library will be open afterschool until 5:00 pm to allow students access to computers, resources, and a place to study. 

Violations of school rules and policies may result in a student being asked to leave the library and/or lose library privileges for a period of time to be determined by the librarians. 

GENERAL INFORMATION AND STUDENT SERVICES

 

Meals 

Universal breakfast and lunch is provided to students every day. Breakfast is served from 7:00 am to 8:50 am and lunch is served periods 3 thru 9. While meals are provided at no cost, we urge all families to complete the Meal Inquiry Form to ensure an accurate accounting of our eligibility for federal funds via Title I. 

 

Omny Cards 

Omny Cards are distributed during the first week of the fall and spring semesters. In order to receive an Omny Card, a student must have their FHHS ID card and a cleared school book account. If a student’s Omny Card is lost or does not work, they must go to room B77 (located in the student cafeteria) and request a new one. All Omny Cards must have the student’s name written on the card. Students who repeatedly lose their Omny Card will be asked to have a parent/guardian come up to school to obtain a new Omny Card. 

 

Online Program - Edgenuity: We offer online courses to provide students an opportunity to recover credits needed for graduation if they fail a course and need to repeat the entire course. Eligible students must sign a contract, complete an online orientation, and initiate online course work on Edgenuity, an online instructional program aligned to NYS Next Generation Learning Standards. A subject-area teacher will support completion of online assignments no later than the end of the term. 

 

Program Cards

Students must always have a current FHHS ID Program Card with them. Any staff member can ask to see a student’s Program Card and the student is required to present it. Duplicate program cards may be obtained in room B77 during the students lunch period or at the end of their day.

 

Quick Print Lab 

The Quick Print Lab, located in room B77 (in the student cafeteria), is available to students during their lunch period (periods 3-9). Students have access to laptops and printers and have the opportunity to print homework assignments and other school-related documents. In addition, students may do research and work on Edgenuity (credit-recovery) assignments. 

 

School Trips 

School trips are an enhancement to instruction. All students are eligible to participate.  Misbehavior or any other disciplinary action may result in a student being excluded from a school trip or activity. 

 

Working Papers 

Forms for working papers may be obtained in room 143, during a student’s lunch period.  Once all documentation has been completed, working papers will be issued. 

 

 

 

           

          

SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY

Steven Holke, Assistant Principal

Fort Hamilton High School belongs to us all – students, staff, and graduates alike. We are all Fort Hamilton. How you behave while here is a reflection on you and Fort Hamilton. We hope you will take PRIDE in our environment. 

 

Listed below are guidelines for how students should conduct themselves in and around the school. 

 

STUDENT RULES AND REGULATIONS 

 

1. Not attending or being late for school or class without authorization is forbidden and affects your ability to engage and achieve. Students must be out of the hallway by the last bell and cannot loiter in the hallways or staircases at any time. Students found repeatedly late to class or in the hallway after the late bell will have their homes contacted and a parent conference held. 

 

1. Leaving the building early is permitted only by permission from a parent or guardian and with authorization from school staff.  Students may not leave the building during their lunch period even if it is the last period of their day unless they have a signed permission form from their parent/guardian. In limited situations, an early excuse pass may be issued by the attendance office.  Students must leave only through supervised exit doors ONLY.  Students leaving the school prior to the start of 9th period must use the CAASS machine(s) located in the main lobby for approved exit.  All doors are alarmed and setting off a door alarm will result in a parent conference.  Loitering in a disruptive manner on or near the school campus is also prohibited. 

 

1. Medical issues requiring an excuse from physical education class must be reported to the Assistant Principal Physical Education in room 246 and to the health aide in room 256.  Canes are not permitted in school unless accompanied with a doctor’s note. Students requiring the use of the school elevator must provide medical documentation to the nurse in room 256, where an elevator pass may be obtained. 

 

1. Accidents involving personal injury must be immediately reported to the nurse in room 256 and an accident report filed. Emergency home contact cards with emergency telephone numbers must be on file for all students. Utility bills or an equivalent must be shown to verify addresses. Change of address and/or home telephone number must be reported to the attendance office, room 149. 

 

1. Friends, siblings, or other relatives may not visit the school, unless special authorization is given. Trespassers will be arrested and students responsible for assisting trespassers into the building may be suspended.

 

1. Personal property is the responsibility of the owner. Do not bring valuables to school.  During physical education classes, clothing must be placed in a gym locker and secured with a school lock. Students are only permitted in the locker room during their 

physical education class or for after-school activities and teams supervised by a staff member. 

 

1. Students will not be permitted into the building from the athletic field, or other outside class location, whether used for books or personal effects.  These bags should be secured in the locker room or locked in a classroom or other predetermined location prior to going outside for class.  Students cannot use classroom lockers at any time.

 

1. Proper attire for students is required at all times. Revealing, lewd, and/or clothing that does not provide coverage of torso, undergarments, or private parts, including see-through clothing are not permitted. Additionally, sleeveless undershirts, pajamas, and clothing that is potentially dangerous are also prohibited.

 

1. Hats are not permitted to be worn in the building and will be confiscated for repeated offenses. Hoods are also not to be on students’ heads while in the building, andski masks, sunglasses, and exotic contact lenses are also prohibited while in the school building. Sweatbands, do-rags and other headgear is likewise not permitted to be worn while in school.

 

1. Cell phones and other electronic devices are permitted in the building per Chancellor’s Regulation A413. These items may only be used as outlined below and FHHS is not responsible for their loss or theft. Students are not permitted to have cell phones or media electronics, headsets, ear buds out, visible, or audible outside of the non-instructional times outlined as follows:
1. Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight during all instructional time and may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.
2. Headphones may be used during the following non-instructional times of the school day: at the student’s scheduled lunch time while in the cafeteria and/or library and during the allotted 4 minutes of passing between each period.
3. Cell phones, headphones and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.
4. Computing devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by

The school is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.

• Cell phones, computing devices, headphones and portable music and entertainment systems may NOT be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency  preparedness exercises.
• Cell phones, computing devices, headphones and portable music and entertainment systems may not be used in locker rooms or bathrooms.
• Students who use cell phones, computing devices, headphones and/or portable music and entertainment systems in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and  Safety Policy (“IAUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code. These items, when used inappropriately, may also be subject to confiscation and will be returned based on the following progressive discipline policy:  

First offense - warning, disciplinary referral, signing a behavioral contract, parent phone call, confiscation of the item and return at the end of the school day.

Second offense – disciplinary referral, parent phone call, confiscation of the item, and return at the end of the school week or to a parent.

Third offense – disciplinary referral, parent phone call, confiscation of the item and return following a parent conference.  In the case that a student fails to comply with this school policy a parent conference will be held to discuss the matter.  Items are available for return only during regular school hours. Repeated violations or refusal to cooperate may result in an escalated disciplinary response.

Parents who need to contact their children during the school day in emergency situations can do so by calling the Attendance Office (718-748-1537 Ext. 1471) or their child’s Guidance Counselor.                    

 

1. Every student must have a student ID card with them at all times. ID cards must be scanned in order to enter the building, cafeteria, library, and locker rooms, and for reentry into the building for after school activities. ID cards, or temporary day passes, must be handed over whenever asked by a staff member.  New or replacement ID cards may be obtained in the student cafeteria, room B77, during the student’s lunch period only or at the end of their scheduled day. Temporary ID day passes must be obtained upon entry to the building if a student does not have their ID card and must be carried for the entire school day.  Students found in the building without an ID card are subject to disciplinary action. 

 

1. MetroCards will be distributed at the start of each semester in the student cafeteria.  Students must have a school ID card in order to receive a MetroCard. All lost or stolen MetroCards must be reported immediately and can only be replaced during a student’s lunch period in B77, located in the student cafeteria. Student’s losing three or more Metrocards in a semester must have a parent come up to obtain any additional Metrocards.  

 

1. Students must scan their school ID card to enter the student cafeteria.  Students may

not leave the cafeteria once inside without authorization. Food and drink may not be taken out of the cafeteria. Students found cutting in the student cafeteria and causing a disruption will face disciplinary action, including a possible suspension. Likewise, students must always follow their own program and cannot go to other classes.

 

1. Students must have an official school laminated room pass to be in the

hallway during class time.  If the laminated room pass is not available, they must ask the teacher to write out and sign a pass that includes both the students and teacher’s names, room number, date, time and destination. Student bathrooms are closed the first five and final five minutes of each period.  Students must have a pass in order to gain entrance into the bathroom.  Students are not permitted to use staff bathrooms. Students are encouraged to use the bathrooms located in the locker rooms and cafeteria.

1. Guidance counselors may be seen either before or after the student’s school 

day, during lunch periods, or by a pre-arranged appointment. Students may not visit support staff unless it is an emergency, and a pass is obtained from the classroom teacher. 

1. Tampering with safety measures or devices such as alarm systems, surveillance cameras, fire extinguishers, lights, exit signs, or the telephone system will result in suspension and possible arrest. Students are not permitted to use office or classroom telephones unless it is an emergency and permission has been granted by a staff member and the staff member is present while the call is being made. 
2. Evacuation and soft lockdown drills are held regularly and require silence, good order,and obedience to the instruction of staff members. Misbehavior during drills will lead to disciplinary action. The use of cellphones, headphones, and other electronic devices during these drills is strictly prohibited. 
3. Cheating, plagiarism, and giving false information are prohibited. Grades can suffer greatly when you cheat on an assignment or exam. Fraud on State exams will result in cancellation of any future State exams until proper character is demonstrated. 

 

1. Participation in all extracurricular activities, clubs, school trips and after school events, as well as athletic team eligibility, both varsity and junior varsity, depends upon the regulations of the P.S.A.L. and strict adherence to school and NYCPS rules and regulations.  Serious infractions, fraud or a pattern of misbehavior will result in suspension from the activity or a period of probation.  Additionally, students must also be in good academic standing as outlined by the PSAL and/or Fort Hamilton High School and NYCPS guidelines. 

 

1. Racial, ethnic, sexual, or religious defamation is forbidden and will result in home contact, a guidance conference, or possibly suspension. Physical or verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation or conduct which threatens the well-being of any student or staff member, inside/outside of the school or on the internet, is forbidden and will result in disciplinary action and possible arrest. Sexual harassment of staff or students is strictly prohibited and may also result in suspension or arrest. 

 

1. Bullying or negative messages of any kind, in and out of school or on social media and the internet are strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. 

 

1. Smoking of any kind is not permitted anywhere in the school building or onschool grounds. Students found smoking in the school or on school grounds will be subject to disciplinary action. Cigarettes, lighters, electronic cigarettes, and vapes are prohibited in the building. 

 

1. Graffiti, defacement, vandalism, or destruction of school property (books,computers, desks, flyers, walls, windows, etc.) is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action such as community service, suspension and possible arrest. 

 

1. Glass bottles are not permitted in the building. No plastic bottles or containerslarger than 20 oz. will be permitted in the building. Skateboards and scooters are not permitted on school grounds or in the school. In addition, balloons are also prohibited. Any of these items found in the school building will be confiscated. Basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, etc. cannot be carried openly in the building and will be confiscated if found doing so.  These items may be picked up at room 143 at the end of the student’s school day. 

 

1. Students are prohibited from selling unauthorized items in the school building.  Any students found selling any food stuffs or drinks (i.e.: soda, chips, candy, chocolate, etc.) in the building without authorization from school staff will receive a disciplinary referral and have said items confiscated and returned to a parent or guardian. 

 

1. Posting or distributing of non-authorized literature or flyers inside the school buildingor on school property is prohibited. 

 

1. Fighting in school, or on the way to or from school, is prohibited and all parties involved will face disciplinary action and may be suspended. Conflict resolution and other restorative practices are available and should be used in order to avoid any confrontations. 

 

1. Possession of any weapons, narcotics, alcohol or other contraband is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate suspension and possible arrest. Laser pointers are strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action if found in possession of a student.

 

1. Refusal to comply with a staff member’s request during the school day or during an after-school activity, will result in appropriate penalties which include notification to parent, referral to the dean, annotation of record and other appropriate penalties which will be decided by the dean, assistant principal, or principal. 

 

1. Any student accessing or using the internet through Department of Education connections or equipment, whether from a DOE location or from a remote location using DOE hardware, software, or accounts are prohibited from using such connections or equipment for other than educational purposes. Violators to this policy may be subject to disciplinary and legal action. Posting of inappropriate materials on the internet, which negatively impacts the school community, including staff and students, is strictly prohibited and may result in a suspension. Using the FHHS logo or name for personal use is prohibited and may also result in disciplinary action. 

 

1. Students, who are on suspension, have been suspended, have a disciplinary record, or are otherwise not in good academic or behavioral standing, may be prohibited from participating in or attending any extracurricular activities such as games, dances, shows, senior activities, etc.

 

1. Students participating in any trip, day or overnight, are subject to all school rules andthe regulations, as well as the Chancellor’s Regulations outlining expectations for student behavior while on school trips and any potential disciplinary action as outlined in the NYC DOE Disciplinary Code.

 

1. Anything, which is punishable by city, state, and federal law, inside or outside theschool building, can result in possible arrest, suspension, or expulsion from school (i.e., possession of alcohol, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, explosives, weapons, assault, gambling, vandalism, tampering with fire alarms, etc.) if a nexus to the school community is established.  If any crimes are committed relating to school, a parent or legal guardian and the Department of Education will be notified. 

 

1. Students who feel that any of their rights are being violated should speak to elected officials of the Student Government. Unauthorized student petitions are strictly prohibited.  More information on student government may be obtained in the student leadership room, located in B64 or by speaking to the Equity and Social Justice Coordinator located in room 149.
   

SCIENCE 

Susannah O’Shea, Assistant Principal,IA 

 

The New York State Department of Education requires that every student satisfactorily complete three years (6 terms) of Science, of which at least two years must be Regents courses: one year in Biology and the other year being a Physical Setting course (either Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics). 

 

At Fort Hamilton High School, we have created a sequence of Science courses that meet the educational needs of all our students that are based on their academic level and are aligned to the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards. 

 

9th Year	Biology*
10th Year	Chemistry or Earth  Space Science or Physical Science**
11th Year	Chemistry students will take Physics along with AP Chemistry or AP Environmental Science, if eligible. Earth Science students will take any Science elective (see below). Physical Science students will be registered for Chemistry or Earth & Space Science based on their Science and Math grades.
12th Year	If eligible, AP Biology, AP Physics 2 course or any Science elective.
Science Electives	Astronomy Bio-Medical Laboratory Techniques (Bio-Med) Emergency Medical Training (EMT) Environmental Science Forensics Microbiology

 

*Students entering the 9th Year with Biology Course Credit and Regents Exam credit will be placed in Earth & Space Science Honors and then continue with Chemistry in the 10th Year.

 

**Students who do not meet the qualifications to be in Chemistry, can take the Physical Setting course instead of Earth & Space Science to prepare them for Chemistry in the 11th Year. If they do not do well in the Physical Setting to be registered in a Chemistry course, they will take Earth & Space Science in the 11th Year.

 

SOCIAL STUDIES 

Gregory Abood, Assistant Principal 

Upon graduation, students will have completed four years (8 terms) of Social Studies.   

All instruction is aligned with the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards.  New York State diploma requirements in Social Studies are as follows: 

 

• Two years of Global History (9th and 10th) 
• One year of United States History & Government (11th) 
• One term of Economics (12th) 
• One term of Participation in Government (12th) 

 

There are a variety of additional electives students may take advantage of during their attendance at Fort Hamilton High School in order to be college and career ready. The Social Studies electives include Psychology, Sociology, and courses within the Law Institute. 

 

Advanced Placement courses include: 

 

• AP Government and Politics 
• AP Human Geography 
• AP Psychology 
• AP United States History 
• AP World History 

 

The demands of the State requirements are translated into standards that all students must meet to obtain a New York State diploma. As evidence that students have met those Social Studies standards, they must pass two Regents examinations: 

 

• Global History (at the end of 10th grade) 
• United States History & Government (at the end of 11th grade) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORLD LANGUAGES / ENL 

Jill Kitchen, Assistant Principal 

WORLD LANGUAGES 

 

To be prepared for the challenges of the 21st century, all students are required to take and pass one year (2 terms) of a second language. We encourage a minimum of three years of a second language. Students must pass the third year LOTE Regents-like examination to receive an Advanced Regents Endorsed Diploma and earn six (6) LOTE credits. 

 

Language	Criteria
Chinese HLA 1-6	Native Speakers
Chinese Advanced Placement	Equivalent of 3+ years of instruction
French 1-6	Non-Native Speakers
Italian 1-6	Non-Native Speakers
Spanish 1-6	Non-Native Speakers
Spanish HLA 1-6	Native Speakers
Spanish Advanced Placement	Equivalent to 3+ years of instruction
Conversational Italian	Students who need language credit (1 year only)
Conversational Spanish	Students who need language credit (1 year only)

 

*Availability subject to staffing 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORLD LANGUAGES / ENL

Jill Kitchen, Assistant Principal 

 

ENGLISH AS A NEW LANGUAGE (ENL) 

 

 

Classes

Entering- ENL/ELA    EES81- EES88

Emerging- ENL/ELA  EES81- EES88

Transitioning-ENL/ELA  EES81- EES88

Expanding-  ENL/ELA  EES81- EES88

Language Skills and Assessments EES41QA-EES44QA

Communication Arts/ Public Speaking (Commanding Elective Year 1)

Cultural Literature (Commanding ElectiveYear 2)

 

 

English Language Learners must meet all graduation requirements including passing the ELA Regents examination. ELLs who score below Commanding (formerly Proficient) on the NYSITELL or the NYSESLAT are entitled to bilingual/ENL services until they score Commanding or Expanding and pass the ELA Regents examination. Parents may exercise the option to withdraw their child from bilingual programs, however, the child must continue to receive ENL services. Parent Program Selection forms must be completed and filed in the World Languages/ENL office. Students may not withdraw from a mandated ENL program. All ENL/HLA classes are aligned to the New York State Next Generation Learning Standards. 

 

 

 

  

 FORT HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL 

Kaye Houlihan, Principal 

 

 

ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES 

 

TUTORING

 

• NHS Tutoring 

The National Honor Society (NHS) provides one-to-one tutoring in all subjects. Students are individually matched with tutors and tutoring takes place during lunch periods. Requests for tutoring may be made through the NHS Advisor in room 310. 

 

• Regents Prep

Regents tutoring is available, prior to the administration of the exams, within departments and towards the end of the term after-school and on Saturdays. Students can get further information about tutoring in specific subject classes. Regents preparation is offered in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students benefit from Saturday sessions in the weeks leading up to the January and June administrations. 

 

• Tutoring within Departments 

In some cases, teachers in departments are available to tutor, as are students who may be working in department offices during their lunch period. This varies from department to department and from year-to-year.  Students who wish to avail themselves of this service should see the Assistant Principal of the department. We also publish a schoolwide tutoring schedule each term that includes Saturday Academy.