About HCSD Guidance

We believe helping students to understand themselves will assist them in making sound decisions and plans today and in their future. Our services are delivered through individual and group counseling. We ensure students have opportunities to engage in academic advisement and multi-year planning, college and career advisement and social/personal development.

About HCSD Arts

HCSD's Fine and Performing Arts Department affords all students the opportunity to study music, visual art, dance, and theatre, providing every child with experiences that promote life-long participation and enjoyment of the arts. We embrace the cooperative work of parents, teachers, students, and the community, and are invested in a collaborative approach to support student development and success.

About HCSD Athletics

The Harrison Athletics program is built on the principles of Rigor, Development, Communication, and Accountability. Harrison coaches work to develop programs based on communication, clear expectations, ongoing feedback, accountability and developing self-advocacy in our student athletes. We are committed to meeting the standards of high expectation and maximum effort on and off the field.

Principal's Page

December 9, 2024

Dear HHS Families,

December has arrived! This time of year offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the progress and achievements of our students. Their dedication to learning, community involvement, and personal growth continues to inspire us every day. Harrison High School is a place where we strive to nurture well-rounded individuals, and the holiday season brings many opportunities to celebrate the vibrant contributions of our students and families.

Upcoming Winter Concerts

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Winter Concerts and experience first-hand the amazing talents of our students. They are a celebration of our students’ hard work and creativity, and we look forward to seeing you there. Join us and share in the joy of the season!

Tuesday, December 10th, Winter Concert 1: “Wednesday Loves Lucas” is an Addams Family-themed showcase featuring the HHS Dance Ensemble. Students in grades 9-12 will perform in various styles, including Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tango, and Ballet.
Tuesday, December 17th, Winter Concert 2: Featuring performances by students in our Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Programs.

Alumni Visit

We were thrilled to welcome members of the Class of 2024 back to Harrison High School for our annual Alumni Visit. These recent graduates met with our seniors and shared their college experiences, provided advice on the application process, and offered insights on transitioning to college life. We’re so proud of our alumni and the example they continue to set for our students.

FAFSA Completion Workshops

We are excited to partner with college financial aid counselors to provide hands-on support for seniors and their families in completing the FAFSA application. These events are a valuable opportunity to receive expert guidance on an essential step in the college application process. Appointments are required. Please RSVP to your child’s school counselor or Ms. Papa in the Guidance Office at 914-630-3345 to schedule a time to attend. Two sessions are available:

Thursday, December 12th, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Monday, December 16th, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

PTA Presentation and Events

At our November PTA meeting, Ms. Veronica D’Andrea, Director of Math, and Dr. Jaimie Kanter, Director of ELA, presented “A Step Into the IB Classroom.” Parents engaged in a hands-on activity that mirrored the IB student experience and explored how the philosophy of collaboration, communication, and reflection is brought to life at Harrison High School. This session highlighted how IB practices prepare students for success both in high school and beyond. Parents left the meeting with a deeper understanding of the unique and valuable opportunities the International Baccalaureate Program offers our students.

Looking ahead, the PTA will once again host our annual Winter Wonderland during lunch periods on Friday, December 13th. This beloved tradition celebrates the holiday season by treating students to festive activities along with cookies and hot cocoa, courtesy of our amazing parent volunteers. Students will have the opportunity to decorate holiday cookies and participate in a holiday sweater contest. We are so grateful for the PTA’s continued efforts to foster community and create special memories for our students.

I also want to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of becoming a member of the HHS PTA. Membership helps fund special events and other important initiatives that directly benefit our students and school community. Membership is offered at several levels:

$20 for an individual member

$5 for an additional family member

$5 for student memberships

Your involvement and support make a tremendous difference. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to join the PTA today! Thank you for helping us make Harrison High School a vibrant and supportive community.

The Importance of Daily Attendance

Regular attendance is a cornerstone of student success. Students who are present daily build stronger connections with peers, deepen their learning, and experience greater engagement through extracurricular activities. Chronic absenteeism—defined as 18 or more absences in a year, or six or more by this point—can disrupt a student’s progress. We encourage all families to emphasize the importance of being present and actively engaged at school. Together, we can help students make the most of their high school experience.

Thank You for Your Support

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the patience and cooperation of our families during last week’s unexpected early dismissal due to a water main break in the community. The smooth execution of the dismissal demonstrated the strength of our partnership and the dedication of everyone in our school community.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and school. On behalf of the entire Harrison High School team, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful start to the new year!

Sincerely,

Ms. Kim Beukema
Principal, Harrison High School

Previous Messages

November 2024 Letter

October 2024 Letter

August 2024 School Opening