Rock Band is one of 海角视频's most iconic institutions, and the band has existed since the 1970's. Legendary history teacher Jose has mentored the Rock Band for the past 15 years, and it's actually a class students can enroll in. The Rock Band rehearses during 5th period, and trial songs to perform for the community. This quarter, the band played Alanis Morrisette鈥檚, You Oughta Know, Bruno Mars', Runaway Baby, Red Hot Chilli Peppers', Aeroplane, Otis Redding鈥檚, (Sittin鈥� On) The Dock of the Bay, and Ray Parker Jr鈥檚 seasonally appropriate Ghostbusters.

A huge congratulations to our student rockers for their unforgettable performance, and to Jose for his guidance and support in helping these young artists shine on stage!

On Friday, History teacher Bajia took Global 1 Students to Medieval Times, a dinner theater reenactment of traditional tournament games including jousting and sword-fighting for students to authentically discover aspects of medieval life. Students were engaged with story lines specifically crafted to interweave historical elements of medieval life such as the code of chivalry and the various social structures that defined the period.

The trip supplemented the students' study of Europe during the Middle Ages. According to Bajia, "the goal of this experience was to challenge students to think critically and use their creativity and knowledge of the era to draw conclusions about this unique time period, and make connections to the present. Students were very animated and engaged throughout this experience, cheering on their knight with passion and enthusiasm."

Watch this space for more updates on how our students engage with their academics beyond the classroom!

The group also had the surprise opportunity to meet the infamous Armando Diaz, who is one of the founders of the theater. Diaz inspired a form of improv the students will be studying in the third and fourth quarter. Overall this was a great evening of performance that allowed students to step outside of their comfort zone, work together, and perform original work for a live audience.

We love how field trips enhance what students learn in the classroom. Stay tuned for more about the fantastic opportunities our students have to broaden their horizons outside of the classroom.

In addition to the conference鈥檚 important focus, its origin is also an exciting one. Chris previously taught the conference鈥檚 founder, Nichelle Cook, as a graduate student in his work at As part of Chris鈥檚 course, there were many weeks of discussion about the problems and potential of gifted education, as well as complex learning needs related to such things as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Through it all, the conference idea was encouraged and evolved. Now, Chris was thrilled to see it launch.

In his session at the conference, Chris shared school-based strategies for supporting complex learners and building support with families and across stakeholders in education, clinical services, and community partners. Together, he and Dan advanced this thinking across conference workshops.  It鈥檚 the kind of cross-disciplinary work that 海角视频 is known for and that the conference was designed to elevate.

Key takeaways aligned with 海角视频 program and practices:

• Build integrated structures that support faculty and clinical staff collaboration. This narrows the cracks through which students too often fall through.

• Pair vigorous, college-prep academics with evidence-informed therapeutic supports in ways that support both intense moments and future skill development.

• Invest in networks of support鈥攅ducators, psychologists, public health, policy, and medicine鈥攖o realize impact beyond what any lone stakeholder could achieve.

Huge thanks to the NeurodivURGENT organizers and fellow speakers, and congrats to Dr. Ongaro for being featured among .  We鈥檙e proud to have had him contribute to the inaugural NeurodivURGENT Conference鈥檚 success!

We are proud of our 2025 graduates! The list of their college destinations follows. Click here to see the full list of college acceptances.

College of the Atlantic
Emerson College
Ithaca College
Gettysburg College
Haverford College
Hunter College
Lafayette College
Mercy University
Mount Holyoke College
The New School
Northeastern University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rollins College
Savannah College of Art and Design
Stevens Institute of Technology
SUNY New Paltz
SUNY Purchase
University of Nevada Reno
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Walnut Hill College
Wheaton College
York College

Tuesday, January 28, 2025
6:00-7:30 pm
24 W. 74th Street, New York, NY 10023

School refusal is more than just skipping class鈥攊t鈥檚 a complex challenge tied to anxiety, emotional distress, and other hurdles that can deeply impact students and families. Join us for an insightful panel discussion aimed at exploring practical solutions and fostering understanding. 

 What to Expect:

• Welcome from Dr. Chris Ongaro, Head of School

• Facilitation by Dr. Lana Farina, Chief Clinical Officer

• Panelists:

  • An alum sharing their experiences with school refusal.

  • A specialist supporting students with school avoidance.

  • An expert helping families create supportive structures at home.

 Who Should Attend?

This event is perfect for school leaders, psychologists and counselors, and educational consultants who want to better support students navigating school avoidance.

 Topics We鈥檒l Cover:

• Early signs of school refusal and how it differs from truancy.

• Key causes, including anxiety, academic pressure, and bullying.

• Collaborative approaches to support students:

  • Building strong partnerships between educators, mental health professionals, and families.

  • Developing individualized plans tailored to each student鈥檚 needs.

 Why Attend?
Gain actionable insights, hear real stories, and connect with experts who are making a difference for students struggling to thrive in traditional school environments.

 Register Today:

Click  to RSVP and secure your spot for this important discussion.

If you have any questions or would like further details about the event or our , please feel free to contact Dan directly at dmorrison@stevenson-school.org or 201-649-3684. He's our Director of Connections & Special Projects and we know he'd love to hear from you. We look forward to seeing you there!