Arts Night Was a Success!

I would like to thank Ms. Hall, Ms. Piton, Ms. Zephir and all of the students who worked so hard on Aladdin last night. You all did an amazing job and I'm very proud of all of you. I want to give a special shout out to Isaiah Jospeh who was phenomenal as our stage manager. It was great seeing how surprised Shenika was to receive her special award for completing three years of service as a Broadway Junior. Thanks also to Ms. St. Louis and Mr. Mareus who were very helpful in the hours before the show. Thanks to all the students and staff members who came out to support us. We really appreciate it. Each year around this time (right before opening night), it gets a little overwhelming and we always say we're not doing it again next year. However, this cast really inspires me to go forward next year. So once again, thanks!

Academy II FIELD DAY at Frank Charles Park in Howard Beach

Academy II sixth and seventh graders will be going to Field Day on Friday, June 13th. Please remember to bring bottled water and dress appropriately. We will be bringing lunch from the cafeteria but feel free to bring your own if you'd like. (No glass bottles.) Let's keep it safe while having fun.

Hace Calor!

Ok, so even though it's not June 21st yet, I say summer has officially arrived. What's with this crazy weather? Last week Thursday and Friday, I woke up freezing. Now temperatures are 90 plus. Es el fin del mundo.

Students, let's keep our cool in the next few sweltering days. Fortunately, the classrooms on the 2nd floor are air-conditioned so things shouldn't be that bad. We are still here to learn so please behave accordingly and keep in mind that summer vacation is right around the corner.

Teachers, let's keep the instruction strong, meaningful and engaging. Don't hesitate to inquire about ideas and materials.

I'm gonna keep this one short but before I go, I'd like to say thanks to Ms. Piton, Ms. Zephir, and the cast and crew of Aladdin who came out on Saturday for technical rehearsal.
Thanks again to Isaiah who folded the chorus stand. I would have never figured that out. OK it just started pouring buckets and lightening so I'm getting off the computer. Peace.

Welcome to Mr. Herring's Blog

Greetings to all and welcome to my official IS 68 Academy of Urban Planning and Environmental Design blog. I hope to have the blog fully operational by the time the 2008-2009 school year begins, but for now, please enjoy my random thoughts and ramblings as it pertains to all things Academy II. At this time I'd like to say "Thank you" to the teachers, dean and guidance counselor of Academy II for a great year.

Just a little about myself...

Let's see: I was born and raised in Bushwick Brooklyn and attended Clara Barton High School.

I also attended the University at Albany, SUNY. (Good times...)

I hold two master's degrees from Fordham University in NYC and I've taught grades 5, 6 and 7.

I'm very organized and I can't function properly if my surroundings are not clean and orderly.

I am an arts afficianado and I've been trained in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and West African dance.

I scored a 92 on the Spanish Regents.

I enjoy my steak medium and sizzling with horse raddish and prefer a ribeye or porterhouse cut.

The most beautiful place I've ever been is the island of Anguilla in the Antilles.

I love music. There are over 12,000 songs on my iPod.

My idea of a great snack is seasoned fries with cheese sauce and bacon with ranch dressing.

That's quite enough for now.

Moving right along...

We have several exciting events that will occur within the next few weeks. After that, you should all enjoy a restful and well deserved summer break, unless, of course, you're going to summer school. In any case, look out for (hopefully) daily posts until the end of the school year. Don't hesitate to let me know what's on your mind by commenting.

Reminders and important dates:

Senior Trip (Paintball) in Commack, Long Island- Friday, June 13, 2008

Bildersee Arts Night- Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 6 PM: Tickets are $5.00 in Room 239

Clerical Half Day- Thursday, June 12, 2008

Summer School Notification- Friday, June 13, 2008

AC II Field Day- Friday, June 13, 2008 (Tentative)

Graduation- Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Brooklyn College

Prom- Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Glen Terrace ($75)

Last day of school- Thursday, June 26, 2008



PLEASE COME OUT AND SUPPORT BILDERSEE ARTS NIGHT.