Students pitch TVHS to lawmakers
03.11.10
TVHS students and supporters descended on the state Capitol to meet with state lawmakers and to sing the praises of the unique regional public high school.
Carrying the message that TVHS is a viable alternative to the future of education in New York State, TVHS students Joe Chase, from Greenville, Micaela Quinn, from Niskayuna, and Alysha Gagnon, from Cohoes, met with a series of local lawmakers throughout the day on Wednesday. They were joined by Raona Roy, director for institutional advancement for TVHS, teacher Stacia Snow, parent Larry Ennist, and Dale Thuillez, vice president of the TVHS Foundation.
The TVHS supporters met with Sen. Steve Saland, Assemblymen Robert Reilly, John McEneny, George Amedore, Peter Lopez, Jim Tedisco, Tim Gordon and Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari. They additionally met with Senators Neil Breslin, James Seward and Roy McDonald, as well as Lisa Timoney, chief budget examiner for the state, Felix Muniz, deputy director of budget studies in the senate, and Jocelyn Dax, deputy budget director in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
Quinn said TVHS is vital to her education because "I really need an engaged partner in my learning. I wouldn't do well lost in a crowd where I would go from classroom to classroom being lectured to."
Chase said Tech Valley High School has fostered his ability to work with others and communicate in crowds.
"Before I came to Tech Valley High, I mostly kept to myself. I have learned to speak-out, to talk with others and to present my ideas," he said.
Meanwhile Gagnon said she likes the camaraderie of Tech Valley.
" I really like learning in groups and working with others. One of us will be strong in math and another of us will have the answers when it comes to English," said the freshman.
State leaders praised the school, saying they have heard good things.
Tech Valley High School was created in 2007 by the state in partnership with Capital Region and Questar III BOCES to provide today’s students with the skills necessary to be successful in college and in tomorrow’s workforce. The theme of the school is a strong emphasis on math, science and technology, however the reality is that students receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them to compete in the growing high tech and global economy that is emerging in Capital Region’s Tech Valley.
The focus of the school is to provide an education on 21st Century Skills in a project-based learning environment. This is accomplished through unprecedented collaboration between K-12 public schools, higher education, business, organized labor and government.
Through these partnerships, the lessons taught at TVHS are constantly updated to remain relevant to the students; student receive unique opportunities to visit and experiment in laboratories and workplaces; and benefit from access to leaders from all levels of society.
The school is a New Tech Network Demonstration School and one of only about 43 schools in the country that teaches the way it does. It is the only one of its kind in the state.
In the photo above, TVHS student Joe Chase talks with Sen. Roy McDonald.
