HHS Welcomes New Principal
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Harrison High School Harrison NY 10528 www.harrisoncsd.org November 2016 Volume XXI Issue 1 HHS Welcomes New Principal Ari Heilbrunn and Jack Roshco Proofreading Editor and Co-Managing Editor Harrison High School has hired however, was that after the new Principal requested a new principal, and it certainly everything at Harri- that each member of the faculty looks like they found the right per- son is a team effort, send in a photograph of themselves son for the job. This school year, we and the tight-knit and a summary about themselves, in welcomed Ms. Kimberly Beukema community spreads an attempt for Ms. Beukema get to (BYUKE-em-ah) to the community a feeling of unity know each and every staff member from Johnson City in upstate New and companion- on a more personal level. While this York, and so far, it seems she is a ship throughout our seems over the top for a new princi- great fi t for Harrison High School. halls. pal, she says it was a “no-brainer.” Ms. Beukema is extremely ex- Ms. Beuke- “It was even crazier once school perienced in the fi eld of education, ma said that when started,” she said, “even after they having served as an English teacher she was looking made such great impressions on me for ten years in the Binghamton City for a new job, she with their introductions, I saw that Schools as well as a literacy coach didn’t know quite they were staying here until 10:00 at before transitioning to administra- what to expect. Af- night like I do! That was new for me.” tion, fi rst as an Assistant Principal for ter looking briefl y at Just remember, all of this is three years, then as Principal for the perhaps a move to coming from a person who had nev- past fi ve years. elementary school er even been to Harrison before her Ms. Beukema earned her Bach- administration in interview process last spring. The elor’s Degree in Elementary Educa- the same district, reason she provided for taking the tion with a concentration in English she received con- job was that both of her kids had and a Master’s Degree in Reading tact from Harrison, moved out, and it was time to make from the State University of New and she decided to a change in her life. While Ms. Beu- York at Cortland. come and interview. kema continues to speak highly with In 2015, she was named Princi- “It was such an nothing but positive comments about pal of the Year for the State of New exciting opportuni- her old district, she felt that a change York, from the School Adminstrators ty,” she said when was the best decision for the next Association of New York State, hav- describing the inter- step in her life. A lot of the acclima- ing been nominated by her super- views here. tion process to the school was also intendent in Johnson City. Several It seemed as if acclimation to the community. But students, parents, and teachers sent both the school and before you think she did everything letters in support of her nomination. its potential princi- perfectly, she did move to Rye, but Knowing this, when Ms. Beu- pal sensed an im- she promised that that will be her kema arrived in Harrison everyone mediate match. only connection to them. wanted to make the adjustment In addition, While not coming from an IB smooth so she could get right back students had the program at her old school, she said to work. opportunity to meet that the IB was “defi nitely an incen- “They kept asking me if it was with Ms. Beukema tive,” coming from a strong AP pro- a culture shock,” Ms. Beukema said in the spring, and gram in Johnson City. Already IB when asked about how she was be- couldn’t help but certifi ed as an English teacher, she ing guided in her transition. She re- boast to their peers knew what this opportunity was, and ferred to the Assistant Principals and about all of the defi nitely wanted to be a part of it. the Superintendent as “a constant amazing attributes While pretty much everything resource,” saying they’re all “always she possessed. seemed like a welcomed change around to help.” “It seemed like from her old school, there was one The most important factor in a match made in The transition is going smoothly thus far. New principal Ms. Kimberly Beukema is all smiles thing Ms. Beukema had to take with helping assimilate and reducing heaven,” then-soph- in the main entrance hallway of HHS. She comes to this school having built a reputation for out- her: having a strong relationship with standing leadership and dedication to the success of her students. She is a relentless student the culture shock was meeting ev- omore Krystal Shaw advocate, and is currently in the process of meeting and greeting each and every member of students. It was a non-negotiable eryone, students and parents alike, said after the meet- our high school community from students to faculty and beyond. She prides herself on being that she would be coming here and she noted. Ms. Beukema was en- ing. “Ms. Beuke- approachable. Courtesy of Anne-Marie Dillon meeting and interacting with stu- couraged by the extensive support ma’s enthusiasm dents every day. she received while introducing her- towards the school, teachers alike all could not help but Because of all this, it wasn’t a “Getting to know students here self to the people here, saying that community, and betterment of the to try and picture this woman, from hard decision to make when she re- is something I’ve been looking for- although parents and students are students radiated through all of a place in upstate New York that ceived the call from Superintendent ward to the most,” she said. “I want more “involved” than where she had those who attended.” most had never heard of, running Dr. Louis Wool. On July 18, she took to know everyone’s name by the end come from, “all of the differences Shortly after the meeting, word our school. Once her undeniable the job. Soon after, she got right to of this year. It’s something I had at were welcome.” spread like wildfi re about Ms. Beu- confi dence and esteemed track re- work, moving downstate to Harrison Johnson City and I’d like to be equal- The most important impression kema and her hopeful candidacy to cord became known, the excitement the following week. ly approachable here as I was there.” that became quickly evident to her, be our new principal. Students and about her prospects grew rapidly in The excitement for the job was the community. more evident to the staff than ever In News... In Arts... Inside... Local Landmark Gun Shop retrospective B.Y.O.D. - helpful or not? Page 3 incites for Carmen Post-Election problems....Page 7 community Herrera 90-Second Interviews......Page 12 concerns Pretty Little Liars...............Page 13 Page 11 Page 2 November 2016 2 Husky Herald Opening of Local Gun Shop Sparks Heated Community Debate Olivia Naioti Staff Writer According to Harrison Daily able to attend the Zacchio has held state Zacchio said no one can walk Voice, a new fi rearm store called town board meeting and federal licenses to sell out with a newly-purchased hand- L&L Sports, run by Louis Zacchio, to state their claim. fi rearms for 18 years and gun if they don't have proof that the is set to open at the Harrison Mall in The board meeting he's also a certifi ed trainer. gun has been added to a county a week or two. L&L Sports’ closest held on Thursday, Zacchio said he is commit- permit. He's also not allowed to let a retail competition is in Mount Vernon November 3 had a ted to the safe use of fi re- non-permit holder handle a weapon and Elmsford. The shop received controversial debate arms and has built a solid unless he is holding the muzzle. approval from the Harrison Building about the potential reputation as an expert. He According to Harrison High Department in October. The shop opening of the gun welcomes anyone to call School student, Emily Hassett, will be a full-service shooting-sports shop. him or ask him questions in “Many students, including myself, retailer, selling rifl es, shotguns, and Hundreds of person about his business feel unsafe within our town because handguns. Safety classes from concerned Harrison practices as well as the safe of the opening of the gun store. We NRA-certifi ed instructors will also be residents joined in use of fi rearms for sport or live in a very wholesome communi- offered. attending the meet- self-defense. ty and with the opening of the gun The upcoming opening of the ing to learn more Zacchio is making shop, our community won’t ever be gun shop brought a lot of attention about this issue and many safety precautions the same, especially if anything dan- and concern to the town of Harrison’s express their con- and rules for the gun shop. gerous occurs.” residents. According to Harrison Dai- cerns directly to town For example, any gun leav- Even with the town’s fears, the ly Voice, more than 3,100 people offi cials and other ing the store must be in its gun shop will continue to open.