Progress at Jamaica High School

June 12, 9:29 PMQueens Education News ExaminerLorraine Cappuccio

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For nearly two years Jamaica High School in Jamaica, Queens has transformed under the leadership of Principal Walter Acham. Previously the school had been on the persistently dangerous schools list and the impact schools list because of rumors of constant violence and ineffectual leadership at the school. Prior to assuming his post as principal of Jamaica High School Adham had been the safety administrator of New York City's school region 3, which Jamaica High School is part of.

When Acham took over at  the school he brought Fran Russo an Assistant principal of security. From the beginning their plan was to have clear and consistent expectations of students to enforce the discipline code and student regulations. Other school staff has been taking an active role in promoting more citizenship in the school. Also detention and in house suspension has been also put in place to give students a consequence for negative behavior.

The school also provides a credit recovery program for students. They can obtain credit for classes they have failed or are failing. Since implementing these programs in the past two years graduation rates have increased. The incidence of violent crimes at Jamaica High School has decreased from 27 incidents in 2007 to 5 incidents in 2008. The number of  suspensions has also decreased from 66 in 2006 to 40 in 2008.

 Initially, many of the school's staff members were skeptical with its new  mission they have come to support it because of many of the obvious changes seen at the school. According to Assistant Principal Russo " The tone of the building is quiet. Kids are going to class."  Students are also praising the improvements and several credited Acham. One student said the new administration gave "education a purpose."

Although Jamaica High School did previously have a number of serious problems many staff members felt that the school's prior negative reputation was unjust because the school was never dangerous. However Principal Acham said that the school's reputation has improved and he sees constant progress at the school daily.