Murry Bergtraum High School
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| Murry Bergtraum High School For Business Careers |
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| Motto: Putting The "B" In Business | |
| Established | 1975 |
| Type | Public secondary |
| Principal | Barbara A. Esmilla |
| Faculty | 300 |
| Students | 3,000+ |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Location | 411 Pearl Street New York, New York USA |
| Mascot |  Flash |
| Athletics | PSAL |
| Website | www.bergtraum.org |
Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers is a public secondary school in New York City. It is located in Lower Manhattan near the Brooklyn Bridge, next to City Hall on 411 Pearl Street. Bergtraum offers business courses to prepare students for jobs in marketing, tourism, and secretarial fields as well as academic courses to prepare them for college if they choose to go. Students are generally poised and self-confident -- perhaps because of their experiences running their own businesses and working with mentors. Students in a "virtual enterprise" class formed their own publishing company. Other students get retail experience in a school store (funded by benefactor Ronald Lauder, head of Estee Lauder). The goal of former Principal Grace Julian was to have every student have a mentor from a corporation such as Estee Lauder for at least part of their high school career. Murry Bergtraum is one of many schools that Chancellor Joel Klein has exempted from the citywide uniform curriculum initiated in 2003.
[edit] Background information
The History of Murry Bergtraum High School dates back to Thanksgiving of 1916, the date in which Murry Bergtraum was born. Murry Bergtraum High School was established in 1975, in memory of Murry Bergtraum, a former President of the New York City Board of Education who died in 1974. Bergtraum joined the Board of Education on May 20, 1969. He was then elected Vice President of the Board of Education from July 1, 1970 to June 30, 1971. Before joining the Board of Education, Bergtraum was a furrier, and was active in the furrier's union and in local politics. His widow Edith Katz Bergtraum, a public school teacher, was also politically active and a member of her local school board for 19 years. After her death in 1994, an elementary school in Queens (PS 165 in District 25) was renamed for her. The name "Bergtraum" comes from German and means "mountain dream".
Bergtraum was the first academic comprehensive high school with business majors. It was supported by the Downtown Lower Manhattan Association to prepare young people to enter the world of work and college.
Although the school building itself is 30 years old, the school was not named "Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers" at once. It was first named "Downtown High School" for its first few years. However, it has been debated since the time of the building construction, students were relocated to a small windowless building. The name "Downtown High School" could have referred to the name that could have been given to the new High School if it were not dedicated to Murry Bergtraum.
The Bergtraum building itself has been a sign of questioning at times. The building currently has three major staircases labeled: "A, C, E". However, it is also known that the building also had to interior staircases, labeled: "B and D". The reason why these two staircases closed is unknown at the time.
Students have, for countless years, also questioned the creation of staircase F. Staircase F is a small, narrow stairwell that takes students from the 5th floor to the 6th floor gym directly from the locker room separation point. There is another way to get to the 6th floor from the main stairwells, but it has come to the conclusion that this staircase was created not only as a shortcut, but to discourage the skipping of class, and a more tangible control over where students can go.
[edit] Overview
There are over 3000 students at Bergtraum, and it is ranked as a "School Of Excellence" by theU.S. News & World Report. It is well known for its girls' Basketball team; having won numerous PSAL championships. Murry Bergtraum High School also ranks along side Stuyvesant High School, the Bronx High School of Science, and Brooklyn Technical High School in terms of popularity. Bergtraum offers majors in business that attracts students from all boroughs; receiving an average of 15,000 to 20,000 applications every year. As an educational option school, it takes in students from all levels. The school population is structured as follows:
- 16% of the school is formed of students who are high performers.
- 68% of the school is formed of students who are average performers.
- 16% of the school is formed of students who are low performers (although due to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, there have been fewer of these).
Bergtraum has also been known for its unusual triangular shape, which leads to only 50% of the school having windows. The exterior sides of the building have windows, while the interior sides of the building do not. Despite the design of the building, it stays very warm in the winter, and very cool during the summer. Due to the triangular shape of the school and the number of students, there are 3 different time schedules that students report to school:
- 7:51 A.M to 2:37 P.M. (Periods 1 to 8)
- 8:42 A.M. to 3:28 P.M. (Periods 2 to 9)
- 9:35 A.M. to 4:21 P.M. (Periods 3 to 10)
[edit] Bergtraum's historical Principals
The Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers is also known for its history in having only female principals. Throughout its thirty year span, Bergtraum has only seen four principals.
Dr. Barbara Christen was the first principal, who established Bergtraum to be one of the most rigorous High Schools in New York City.
Elsie Chan soon succeeded after Dr. Christen decided to retire. She continued the firm line of Bergtraum excellence.
Grace Julian is often seen as the principal who gave Bergtraum its crown of glory. Julian improved Bergtraum beyond measure. While Julian was principal, the Bergtraum Lady Blazers began to conquer the New York City PSAL Basketball division.
Barbara Esmilla is currently the Principal of Bergtraum, and entered her fifth year as principal in the 2006-2007 academic year. She has tried to restore Bergtraum's glory, with some success. After rigorous testing at Bergtraum was canceled (this examination is no longer canceled and took effect once again during the 2006 year), Barbara Esmilla now tries to corporate balance and tries to make Bergtraum a sturdy school, in which she has had much success. A proud moment for her was when she pronounced the Graduating Class of 2006 as official graduates and alumni from Bergtraum. It was her first graduating class, and will not be her last since she will remain principal for the years to come.
Esmilla came to Bergtraum as a student teacher. Starting student teaching at Bergtraum was not her first choice. Esmilla wished to complete her student teaching at Julia Richmond High School, but one of her professors at Hunter College advised her that since MBHS was a brand new high school there would be plenty of opportunities there.
After student teaching, she became a coach part-time for the tennis team from 1977 to 1985, gymnastics from 1981 to 1985 and volleyball from 1977 to 2000. The volleyball team was successful with Esmilla as coach. With back to back championships (1997 and 1998), Esmilla proclaimed "Success is not measured by the wins and losses, but by the number of students that become successful young men and women." Not only had she been able to conjure up a winning team, but she was able to increase her popularity with students, and even with the school's faculty. Students and teachers often shower Esmilla for praise because of her strictness and her intellectual capacity.
[edit] The Bergtraum goal
Bergtraum's vision is to prepare its students to thrive and to flourish both academically and socially in its educational option environment while students acquire technical skills that they will need to meet the demand and challenges of the business world. The school has eight business majors, also allowing students to take CTE examinations, such as the Microsoft Office Specialist examination. Thanks to the rigor of the accounting major, students who take the Advanced Accounting course can take an exam to obtain Certified Public Accountant qualifications. Bergtraum requires its students have a minimum of 10 business credits upon graduation.
[edit] School Facilities
Murry Bergtraum's facilities are perhaps some of the most distinct in its field. Murry Bergtraum offers many functioning utilities essential to a student's growth as a person of society, and intellectual stimulation. Some facilities include, but are not limited to:
A. Three Gymnasiums. Two are on the same floor, but offer different electives. This two in one gym was constructed to accommodate freshmen and sophomores. The third gym, located on the sixth floor, is more of a cardiovascular gym, with machinery to assist in exercise. The use of this gym was for the juniors. The course was named "Slimnastics" since it had a reputation with teachers who did not tolerate nonsense and expected students to comply with the rigorious curriculum. This sixth floor gym is also used to teach dance classes. These classes teach dances such as Square Dance and Salsa or Mambo.
B. Two functioning laboratories for science. These laboratories are quite out of date, yet supply the adequate above standard for understanding scientific concepts. All biology, chemistry, physics, and marine biology laboratories are done in these two rooms.
C. A fully functional library. The Bergtraum library hosts excellent internet service, and a solid line of books, references, and career resources. The school library has an excellent section based on computer technology. Being one of the main majors at Bergtraum, students often go to these resources when referring to computer classes such as QBasic or learning the basic foundations for a MOS Certification. The library is open to all students periods 3 to 8 (lunchtime periods) and often after school period 9. The library strictly requires Identification and Program Cards to be shown upon entrance.
D. Computer laboratories never fall short at Bergtraum. An abundance of computer rooms is imperative for all students at Bergtraum. These rooms were once typewriting rooms, the old outlets on the floor mark the school's history. It is mandated that Bergtraum students know the proficient typing technique in order to succeed at Bergtraum. The vast array of computer based courses rivals those of other business high schools.
[edit] Student body
The students at Murry Bergtraum seek the skills to become operatives of the business world. Murry Bergtraum has 3,000 students and a diverse student body:
- 48% of Bergtraum is Hispanic.
- 27% of Bergtraum is African American.
- 22% of Bergtraum is Asian. (Including Pacific Islanders).
- 0.6% of Bergtraum is White.
- 2.4% of Bergtraum is of another ethnicity.
The building is also host to students with special needs. Students who suffer from Mental Retardation, disability, or hearing impairment (deaf) are also admitted into Bergtraum. Wheelchair-bound students can sometimes be seen throughout the building. Some teachers and students at first remarked on the unusual juxtaposition of the gifted with the disabled.
The building is the only business high school in Lower Manhattan that also gives admittance to English Language Learners. However, as of the 2007-2008 academic year, that policy could change.
[edit] Bergtraum Academics
Bergtraum students have the chance to jump ahead of their counterparts in the business area. Bergtraum has more business courses with more majors than all of the Manhattan Business themed High Schools combined. Bergtraum and Norman Thomas High School are the only schools in Manhattan that allow students to concentrate with one major. Students not only choose the business area they wish to concentrate on, but students also face academic rigor in their regular New York State mandated education requirements. Students are allowed to have the standard 65 passing grade, but are encouraged to have an 80+ average. In an interview in Bergtraum's newspaper, The Bergtraum Voice, Claire Panazzolo, an Ex-Assistant Principal of Business, stated that she "[w]anted Bergtraum to be the Stuyvesant of business". Students have been encouraged by many faculty members, among them Lillian Katz, College Advisor, who claims that the graduating class of 2006 was accepted to 85 different colleges and universities across the country, including schools of Ivy League caliber.
[edit] Business programs
Bergtraum students acquire the skills to work in a business-like atmosphere. Bergtraum is divided into 8 houses, each house representing a specific major. Students in each house, or department, study in their major for their 4 years in high school. In addition, each Student must obtain a minimum of 44-50 credits in order to graduate, regardless of house. In each department, all students are mandated to take a keyboarding/business career exploration course for one year, or two semesters/terms.
[edit] Majors
Majors at Bergtraum were once known and categorized by "Houses". However, as the school began its year of reformation, these houses were renamed to "Academies" as of September 2006. Students of the Graduating Class of 2009 will be the last graduating class to be known and categorized by individual "Houses".
[edit] Finance
At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy J" Students.
In the Finance major, students are introduced to accounting, business introduction, business analysis, law and computer applications, college level accounting, taxation, and financial investments.
[edit] Accounting
At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy G" Students.
In the Accounting major, students learn basic to complex accounting. This program mocks the previous stenography major that taught all types of stenography such as Gregg Stenography, Alpha Stenography, etc.
[edit] Human Resources Management
At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy E" Students.
In the Administrative Assistant Technology major, students are introduced to Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access programs, notetaking (Shorthand), business English, internet, business analysis, and business protocols.
[edit] Information Systems
At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy F" Students.
In the Information Systems major, students are introduced to MOS certifications in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access programs, integrated computer applications, and desktop publishing.
[edit] Global Marketing Travel and Tourism
At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy K" Students.
In the Travel and Tourism major, students are introduced to geography, computer systems, job shadowing, paid summer internships, and participate in the virtual enterprise program. This course is tied with the previous "L House" in order to make room for "Academy G"
[edit] Computer Science
At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy N" Students.
In the Computer Science major, students are introduced to QBasic, C++, HTML, Javascript, web page design, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access, desktop publishing, computer graphics, and participate in mentoring programs with Lehman Brothers.
[edit] Legal Studies
At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy Q" Students.
In the Legal Studies major, students are introduced to business law, trial procedures, general law, basic law of contracts, real estate law, urban planning, constitutional law, and participate in courthouse visits.
[edit] Marketing, Introduction to Business
At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "Academy K" Students.
In the Marketing major, students are introduced to the principles of marketing and advertising, retailing, insurance, business law, business computer operations, sports marketing, and participate in the Estee Lauder retail academy. This major is tied along with the previous L and K houses. Both houses now contain the same conjunct courses.
[edit] Communications/Instructional Support/Special Education
At Bergtraum, students in this major are known as "I, O, or Z Academy" Students.
Students in this house must follow procedures according to their respective major, however their classes are taught differently from regular education students.
[edit] Murry Bergtraum and September 11, 2001
Murry Bergtraum High School, along with other high schools of the Lower Manhattan area were the first schools were evacuated when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Although Bergtraum is located on the eastern side on Manhattan, the school administration ordered an immediate evacuation of the building. Through the efforts of the staff and the cooperation of the students, the building was evacuated in three minutes. It was the first High School in New York City that had successful evacuation of students. Students were ordered to leave the premises in order to avoid any emergencies that could occur from the terrorist attacks. The school was labeled as a "Ground Zero" school and students were relocated to the High School of Art and Design in Upper Manhattan. The Bergtraum administration was unhappy with the relocation and appealed it, and their building was re-opened and students resumed their studies within a few days.
[edit] Graduation requirements
Murry Bergtraum High School students face the same requirements as all students in New York City do. A minimum of 46 credits is required to graduate from Bergtraum, however, most of the students graduate with as many as 50 credits. Students are required to study:
- 4 years of English, and take the English Language Regents examination at the end of their Junior year.
- 3 years of Mathematics, and take the Math A and Math B Regents exam, or can substitute specific courses to earn the credits for Math B.
- 4 Years of historical studies, including Global History and American History. Regents exams are taken when the student finishes each course.
- 3 years of a foreign language and to take the appropriate foreign language Regents exam. Languages offered include Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish.
- 3 to 4 years of science. Regents courses are available for Living Environment Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics. Marine Biology is available as an optional course, however no Regents exam is offered. Students must complete at least 2 Regents exams if offered Marine Biology in their freshman year. (In order to qualify for a Regents exam, students must complete 30 hours of laboratory instruction.)
- 3 and 1/2 years of physical education, and 1/2 a year of health education.
- 4 Years of business study. Passing all business courses is mandated in order to graduate with the Bergtraum seal. Specific business courses will depend on the department the student is in.
- Half a year of Musical Instruction/Appreciation.
- Half a year of Art Instruction/Appreciation.
Murry Bergtraum created a system that enforces state standards on students. Its "No-Walk" policy does not permit seniors who are missing any credits to graduate.
[edit] Bergtraum's Reforms
The Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers began to face new ideas of reform during the Spring Term of the 2005-2006 academic school year. Due to certain measures to improve not only performance, but also student morale, new measures and new plans began to be introduced by the Principal, and the School Leadership Team. Certain reforms include:
A. The renaming of certain business houses/departments. This was done in order to have a broader field and more options available to students.
B. The division of teachers--to have certain teachers teach certain business department majors. Meaning all students from a business academy were given the same teacher for all school subjects, including business.
C. The division of houses under one principal, students would only work with those who have their respective major.
D. The attempt to restore the Bergtraum building after 30 years of establishment.
E. A new random scanning policy, which was established in the year 2006 in New York City. The plan calls for Metal Detectors to randomly appear at any schools in New York City. These scanners would confiscate items that are not allowed in the school premises. Among these items, they include MP3 players, cell phones, electronic devices, etc.
F. The introduction to a strict Uniform Policy. Often known and referred to as a new step for the school to bring out a more professional, and socially acceptable business school themed environment. This policy was rejected once, however parents of students began to push for change, for reformation in the school. Concerns from the Security department based on the dress style of students also caused this issue to be brought up more than once.
G. A new heliocentric and more embracing attitude towards the freshmen. Freshmen are now bundled in lunch periods. During periods 4, 5, 6--freshmen from all of Bergtraum's academies are to have lunch. Leaving most of the rest of the non-freshmen student population with lunch periods 3,7,8. The lunchroom will contain a "full house" every lunch period, basically having the cafeteria at maximum capacity throughout the day.
H. An amplitude examination is taken in order to gain access to Bergtraum. Bergtraum's new examination mocks the Specialized High Schools examination administered in schools such as Stuyvesant High School. Students who do not receive an adequate score are not accepted to the school.
I. Students who miss the amplitude examination are also allowed to be interviewed. However, being accepted under those circumstances is also complex. Usually, there is a waiting list of 1,000+. The Graduating Class of 2010 currently has 1010 freshmen and is expected to grow.
J. New Assistant Principals are taking the place of those who no longer reside in Bergtraum. Jared Vitolo, for example, is the new assistant principal of mathematics, replacing the controversial Steven Rubenstein. Ms. Claire Panazzolo (Ex AP of Business) has also been replaced with Mr. Mark Malkonian. In addition, Ms. Julia Taylor is now the Assistant Principal of Music, replacing Mr. Wayne Gagnon's position and leaving him in charge of English and Fine Arts.
K. It has been rumored as of October 2006, that new security cameras would be installed at Bergtraum in order to increase the security in the overcrowded school. The school currently faces a 139.6% overcrowding rate--that is, there are 39.6% more students than the building was designed to accommodate. Students criticized the New York City Board of Education for allowing non-applicants to gain entrance to the school.
L. The Student Government at Bergtraum has faced an astronomical increase in terms of the role it plays in the school community. This organization of students, as in previous years, has continued its job of school beautification and improvement--but also takes the job of monitoring lunch lines, and ensuring that there is a rapid distribution of lunches to students. It has also taken the role of creating an environment more welcoming to freshmen. It has been rumored that these students would also become "Junior Deans" and begin to confiscate electronics, and continue the rules of Joel I. Klein; the chancellor of the department of education. However, the heavy opposition has led to the demolition of this idea.
[edit] Courses and programs
Bergtraum offers many courses to its students, including:
- The Virtual Enterprise Initiative
- The RoadsToRiches EntrepreneurNow Program
- CollegeNow Program
- Microsoft IT Challenge
- College Extension Program
- Academy of Travel and Tourism
Advanced Placement courses, which are eligible for college credit, include Calculus AB, English Language and English Literature, Environmental Science, Accounting, Computer Science, Spanish Language and Spanish Literature, Statistics, Microeconomics, United States History, and World History.
[edit] Partnerships
Bergtraum has many sponsors, especially in the corporate field, including:
- Estee Lauder
- Royal & Sun Alliance
- Lehman Brothers
- Bear Stearns
- American Express
- JP Morgan Chase
- Time Warner Cable
- New York Urban League
- Futures & Options
- The Financial Women's Association
- St. John's University
- Baruch College
- Hunter College
- BMCC
- The New York University.
- The YWCA
- Downtown Beekman Hospital
- The Hispanic Federation of New York
- Pace University
- Fordham University
- FIT
- Katherine Gibbs School
- Manhattan Theater Club
- Atlantic Theater Company
- Roundabout Theatre Company
- Lincoln Center Theater
- Guardian Life Insurance
- Institute for Student Achievement
[edit] Extracurricular activities
Bergtraum has many activities for students to participate in, including the Student Government/Union, Senior Council, Council For Unity, internships on and off site, and more. Academic teams and groups include Math Team, Lincoln Douglas Debate Team, and the National Honor Society. The more than 60 clubs at Bergtraum include: The Black Student Union, Salsa Club, Chinese Christian Society, Christian Society, Ambassadors Club, Chinese Talent Society, West Indian Club, The Political Action Committee and the Asian Club.
[edit] PSAL sports teams
The school participates in the Public Schools Athletic League. The Bergtraum Lady Blazers is the second best girls' basketball team in the entire country, and the reigning seven-time city champion. Bergtraum also has other sports teams, including basketball, bowling, cross country, handball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, volleyball, softball, baseball, and soccer.
The Lady Blazers, Bergtraum's Girls Basketball team is ranked the 2nd best in the United States of America. Only Christ the King Regional High School in Queens is superior to the Lady Blazers.
[edit] Awards and Recognition
Besides being ranked "A School Of Excellence" by U.S. News & World Report, Bergtraum has won countless awards in the sports area, The Kurt Thomas Investment Challenge, the ThinkQuest Awards, and the Lincoln-Douglas Debates.
ThinkQuest NYC Award winning teams, lead by Ms. D'Amato:
- 2006 2nd Place - Catalyst A Literary Magazine
- 2005 1st Place - The Shrouded World After 9/11
- 2005 2nd Place - Shakespeare on the Hudson
- 2005 3rd Place - A Literary Odyssey From Homer to James Joyce
- 2004 1st Place - Regents Preparation Handbook
- 2003 1st Place - Using the Conflict Resolution Approach to Analyze Literature
[edit] Popular Culture
- The Xbox 360 game Project Gotham Racer 3 shows the award winning and unique design of MBHS in many scenarios.
[edit] Dress for Success Days
"Dress for Success Days", are a long-time tradition started in business high schools. This provides the opportunity for students, including those of Bergtraum; to dress in business attire. The original philosophy was to have students dress appropriately for school, but over the span of 30 years, business collaboratives expressed interest in hiring students fresh out of high school. Meaning that "Dress for Success" at Bergtraum was also created to prepare students for the demands of the workforce, and in turn, students are approached and offered internships with business collaboratives or with alumni who run their own businesses.
Unlike other High Schools, such as Norman Thomas and the High School for Economics and Finance, Bergtraum has had a much more liberal and laid-back atmosphere. Dress for Success occurs the third Wednesday of the month--unlike Norman Thomas and Economics and Finance; who have a dress for success day every Wednesday.
[edit] Notable alumni
- John Leguizamo
- Jonathan Davis, better known as Q-Tip
- Nathaniel Philip Hall
- Cheryl Eng
- Caridad de la Luz
- Willie Crawford
- Dr. Nancy S. Kaplan
- Juan Matos
- Miguel Morales
- Francisco S. Navedo
- Epiphanny Prince, a Bergtraum women's basketball player, holds national record for scoring in a game.
[edit] Notable faculty
- Ed Berg, former faculty member, was the chairman of Social Science department and best remembered for having taught Advance Placement Economics competively by expunging the students, midyear, who were performing on the lower half of the class curve.
[edit] Related links
- Murry Bergtraum High School For Business Careers Website
- NYCBOE.NET Murry Bergtraum for Business Careers
- Insideschools.org Profile of Murry Bergtraum
- National Honor Society At MBHS
- Progressive Student Political Action Club
- Council For Unity/Student Government Website
- Murry Bergtraum Teachers Online
- The Bergtraum Voice--Bergtraum's Newspaper Publication
- MBHS Alumni Organization
- Murry's Place--Bergtraum's School Store Online
- New York State Education Department
- Building profile at PropertyShark.
[edit] Department links
- Computer Science Department Website
- College Office & Career Center Website
- College Office & Career Center Forums
- Bergtraum Voice Online Newspaper
- Physical and Health Education Department Website
- Tutoring Schedule
- Murry Bergtraum School Library Website
- Mathematics Department Website
- Science Department Website
- Security & Dean Department Website
- Social Studies Department Website
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Region 9 |
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|---|---|
| High schools | HS of Art and Design | Bard Early College | Murry Bergtraum HS For Business Careers | HS of Fashion Industries | Harvey Milk | Millennium | Baruch College Campus HS | Eleanor Roosevelt | Stuyvesant |
| Middle schools | 104 |
