Watch live: Girls Varsity Tennis in the City Championship Final Watch the Girls Varsity Tennis team compete in the City Championship Final today against James Madison High School.

Watch live: Girls Varsity Tennis in the City Championship Final

After “Witching Hour” read-a-thon event sells out in just three minutes, students take on reading challenges to get off the waitlist "I plan on doing the quests,” junior Kanon Banno recently told The Classic. She’s not on a quest to slay a dragon or find a magical object. Instead, she’s on a quest to get a coveted ticket to this year’s “Witching Hour” read-a-thon, an annual all-night event hosted by the Townsend Harris Reading Initiative.  Kanon was one of over 600 students who sought a ticket to the event, but according to English teacher Brian Sweeney, who organizes the Witching Hour, it took just three minutes for this year’s 300 tickets to sell out.

After “Witching Hour” read-a-thon event sells out in just three minutes, students take on reading challenges to get off the waitlist

"I plan on doing the quests,” junior Kanon Banno recently told The Classic. She’s not on a quest to slay a dragon or find a magical object. Instead, she’s on a quest…

Inside the “pause”: how financial constraints led THHS to put a hold on a decades-long partnership with Queens College After pausing its partnership with Queens College last July due to unsustainable costs, Townsend Harris High School seniors began the school year by registering for dual-enrollment courses offered through St. John’s University (SJU). According to Principal Brian Condon, the decision to work with St. John’s allows THHS to continue offering free college credits for seniors while achieving greater financial sustainability this year. 

Inside the “pause”: how financial constraints led THHS to put a hold on a decades-long partnership with Queens College

Passing the baton: Thomas LaRocca hired as new band teacher following Kevin Heathwood’s departure On June 21, students were informed via email that band teacher Kevin Heathwood was moving on to a new role at another school. Musician and teacher Thomas LaRocca was later hired to become the new band director at Townsend Harris.  “I am so excited to be here at THHS and to be teaching in my backyard. It's part of my community.

Passing the baton: Thomas LaRocca hired as new band teacher following Kevin Heathwood's departure

Natali Frank takes on role of ‘teacher leader’ for Instructional Support Services Department English and Instructional Support Services (ISS) teacher Natali Frank has been appointed a “teacher leader” for the ISS department this year. “Each of our classrooms holds a wealth of knowledge to offer, and there is so much we can learn from one another. Being a teacher leader allows me to help facilitate this exchange of knowledge to promote strong pedagogical practices,” Ms.

Natali Frank takes on role of ‘teacher leader’ for Instructional Support Services Department

Girls Varsity Bowling Season comes to a close The Girls Varsity Bowling team has concluded its fall season after competing in ten games over six weeks. The team ended its season with a 3-7 record. The toughest competition came yesterday, the last game of the season, against Queens High School for the Sciences (QHSS), where QHSS earned a 2-1 victory over the Townsend Harris Hawks. Freshman Anna Mazur led the way with the highest point total on the team.

Girls Varsity Bowling Season comes to a close

Megumi Smiros hired to teach a film elective and Japanese language classes This fall, Megumi Smiros joined the World Languages department to teach Japanese language classes, replacing longtime teacher Mariko Sato, who retired in June. In addition to teaching Japanese language classes, Ms. Smiros will also teach a St. John’s University film elective for seniors. In describing her teaching philosophy, Ms. Smiros said, “I always want to encourage students not to give up and to keep sticking to what you love.” After completing a degree in film at Hofstra University, Ms.

THHS hires Megumi Smiros to teach a film elective and Japanese language classes

With a new team in place for 2025-2026, our Business team newsletter takes you behind-the-scenes of The Classic

With a new team in place for 2025-2026, our Business team newsletter takes you behind-the-scenes of The Classic

Custodial staff works over the summer to “rebuild learning environments” Townsend Harris opened this fall to a building that felt both familiar and newly sharpened. Over the summer, the custodial team, led by foreman Hector Benítez, deep-cleaned classrooms, reset spaces and repainted the stairwells from a flat gray to a deep, dark gray that immediately stood out on day one. Principal Brian Condon spoke highly of the team’s work. “Facilities don’t reset themselves over the summer,” he said.

Custodial staff works over the summer to “rebuild learning environments”

From screens to pages: Dr. Nolan on what the cell phone ban means for English classes (Podcast) On this episode of season two of the Keeping it Classic podcast, Dr. Nolan joins our hosts to discuss his thoughts on how the New York State statewide cell phone ban in schools will impact reading and learning in the English classroom. Below is a transcript of the podcast episode for full accessibility, generated by turboscribe.ai. Ryan Chen: Hello and welcome to the next episode of Keeping It Classic Season 2.

From screens to pages: Dr. Nolan on what the cell phone ban means for English classes (Podcast)

On this episode of season two of the Keeping it Classic podcast, Dr. Nolan joins our hosts to discuss his thoughts on how the New York State statewide cell phone ban in schools will impact reading and…

An Extroverted Introvert: Senior Bella Chen tells The Classic her THHS story Click on the image below to see a special feature that explores the people that make up the Townsend Harris community:

An Extroverted Introvert: Senior Bella Chen tells The Classic her THHS story

Click on the image below to see a special feature that explores the people that make up the Townsend Harris community:

Classicle: October Edition Clue: this week's word is a staple of fall festivals. The rules for The Classicle are similar to a famous word puzzle published by another New York newspaper. Created by The Classic using PuzzleMe's online custom wordle builder

Classicle: October Edition

The world according to Zead: senior Zead Husain tells The Classic his THHS story Click on the image below to see a special feature that explores the people that make up the Townsend Harris community:

The world according to Zead: senior Zead Husain tells The Classic his THHS story

All nighters, coffee, and comfort zones Senior and SU VP Evelene Chao tells The Classic her THHS story

All nighters, coffee, and comfort zones Senior and SU VP Evelene Chao tells The Classic her THHS story

Classic Cartoons: that Sunday night feeling in early September

Classic Cartoons: that Sunday night feeling in early September

Classicle: Labor Day Weekend Edition Clue: Labor Day Weekend is always right before the first day of school. This week’s word is inspired by the holiday. The rules for The Classicle are similar to a famous word puzzle published by another famous New York newspaper. Built using PuzzleMe's online wordle-style game builder

Classicle: Labor Day Weekend Edition

Classicle: humanities seminar classes are about to begin for seniors Clue: Seniors are about to start their college level humanities seminar classes (the first classes meet on Monday). This week's word is inspired by the experiences and expectations of going to college. The rules for The Classicle are similar to a famous word puzzle published by another famous New York newspaper. Made with the wordle-style puzzle creator from Amuse Labs

Classicle: humanities seminar classes are about to begin for seniors

Athlete spotlight: rising junior Dennis Jeffrey shines on the tennis court Finishing the spring tennis season with an 8-1 record, Dennis R. Jeffrey has stood out as a member of the boys tennis team. As a freshman, Dennis played as third singles and was undefeated throughout the entirety of the season. He was awarded the Rookie of the Year award for his efforts at the annual Sports Awards. Speaking to The Classic, Dennis shared that he began learning to play tennis entirely by chance. 

Athlete spotlight: rising junior Dennis Jeffrey shines on the tennis court

Musician Spotlight: Jazz Ensemble’s Ariella Casabar talks about taking up trumpet playing “Once I learned how to play my first three notes, I proud of every little achievement I made,” said rising junior Ariella Casabar about her beginnings as a trumpet player. What started as a spontaneous decision to pick up an instrument during quarantine has now blossomed into years of hard work and achievement for this ambitious musician. Since picking up the trumpet in seventh grade, Ariella has made great contributions to our school’s jazz band.

Musician Spotlight: Jazz Ensemble’s Ariella Casabar talks about taking up trumpet playing

SU Spotlight: Q&A with rising junior Jordana Lo as she steps into role as junior president Being the president of (and essentially representing) an entire grade is certainly not an easy task. However, rising junior Jordana Lo seems prepared to tackle it as she moves into her role as junior class president. This is not Jordana’s first year assuming a leadership position, but it will be her first time being the solo leader of a class at THHS.

SU Spotlight: Q&A with rising junior Jordana Lo as she steps into role as junior president

Classicle: PSAL is starting back up Clue: With PSAL sports starting back up this coming week, student athletes will be back-to-school for tryouts and practices. This week's word is inspired by those tryouts and practices. The rules for The Classicle are similar to a famous word puzzle published by another famous New York newspaper. Built using PuzzleMe's free wordle-style puzzle generator

Classicle: PSAL is starting back up

From Bowling Coach to Co-Director: Jennifer Johnson on helping students “compete, grow, and belong” in THHS athletics Last year, the school administration appointed Ms. Jennifer Johnson to co-direct athletics alongside Mr. Blayne Gelbman. Mr. Gelbman said he knew exactly why she was chosen.   “She’s smart, she’s organized, and she gets things done,” he said. “She handles everything from emailing PSAL about team rosters to making sure buses are booked for away games. If there’s a missing medical form or an eligibility issue, she is usually the first to fix it.

From Bowling Coach to Co-Director: Jennifer Johnson on helping students "compete, grow, and belong" in THHS athletics

History Highlights: Social Studies department reflects on 24-25 school year and looks ahead At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, members of the history department shared reflections on how the department has changed recently and visions for the future with The Classic. According to Assistant Principal of World Languages and Social Studies Rafael Olechowski, one of the biggest changes in recent years has been the addition of new staff members.  "Some notable people retired recently, people who have been here for a while," he said, referring to former social studies teachers Franco Scardino, Chris Hackney, and Adam Stonehill.

History Highlights: Social Studies department reflects on 24-25 school year and looks ahead

Club spotlight: new Key Club leaders prepare for coming school year The leadership team for Townsend Harris’s Key Club has officially been announced, with a group of three rising seniors stepping into the main roles: Vaibhvi Patel as President, alongside Co-Vice Presidents Vidhi Patel and Angela Lee. This year's board includes leaders who have worked closely together since freshman year — including two who are twins — bringing experience, strong bonds, and shared visions for the future of Key Club. 

Student spotlight: new Key Club leaders prepare for coming school year

SU Spotlight: Ishmal Ali will be the next JSLT After nearly three months of fierce campaigning and close competition, Ishmal Ali was elected to be the next JSLT at the end of the last school year. The JSLT position offers one rising junior a spot on the School Leadership Team, which is comprised of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and other faculty members. The team meets monthly to discuss important school issues such as yearly school goals, budgetary issues, and more.

SU Spotlight: Ishmal Ali will be the next JSLT

Writers Academy summer enrichment program welcomes Class of 2029 members This week, school reopened to welcome students for the annual summer writing retreat. Hosted by the Writer’s Academy, the retreat offers students time to learn more about the journalism, creative writing, and drama extracurriculars offered at Townsend Harris. Though the programs are open to all students, incoming freshmen often participate the most. This week, the program welcomed numerous students from the incoming class of 2029.

Writers Academy summer enrichment program welcomes Class of 2029 members

This week, school reopened to welcome students for the annual summer writing retreat. Hosted by the Writer’s Academy, the retreat offers students time to learn more about the journalism, creative writing, and drama…

Student Spotlight: Thaseena Anjum works to publish a guidebook for Queens Zoo as part of her independent science research At Townsend Harris, you’ll likely find junior Thaseena Anjum trying to organize an upcoming SU event or designing a poster for MSA. But behind this first impression, there is a young person who happens to also be a nature lover. Throughout her time in the science research program at THHS, Thaseena has aimed to explore this first love of hers even further and use it as inspiration for her independent research project.

Student Spotlight: Thaseena Anjum works to publish a guidebook for Queens Zoo as part of her independent science research

In NYC, coming “cell phone ban” will also apply to personal electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and smartwatches, updated chancellor’s regulation says In late July, NYC Public Schools adopted changes to a regulation that governs the use of electronic devices in schools. The changes, made in response to the “distraction-free schools” law passed in New York State, clarify that students are not to use “personal internet-enabled electronic devices” during the school day. These devices include phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, and portable music players. 

In NYC, coming “cell phone ban” will also apply to personal electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and smartwatches, updated chancellor’s regulation says

Classicle: August is here Clue: Though this week’s word can appear all year (as in this past week), there are usually a few in August. The rules for The Classicle are similar to a famous word puzzle published by another famous New York newspaper. Built by The Classic using PuzzleMe's online wordle-style game maker

Classicle: August is here

Classicle: summer heat edition Clue: With "real feel" temperatures hitting over 100 degrees in parts of New York City this week, this Classicle puzzle features a word that one might have in their head when walking outside into the blistering summer heat. The rules for The Classicle are similar to a famous word puzzle published by another famous New York newspaper. Made by The Classic using the free wordle creator from Amuse Labs

Classicle: summer heat edition