Due to mostly vegetarian options at TAPCo high school, students have mixed feelings about the school's food options during their lunch period in the cafeteria, leading to some students refusing to eat the school lunch and potentially going hungry throughout the day.
At TAPCo, during lunch, Leila, an 11th grade student, said “Sometimes I don’t like it because it is vegan” She added that it “depends on the dishes.”
Other students expressed that they are not a fan of the lack of seasoning in a lot of the food. Melody, a 12th grader, said she does not like the school lunch because there is “no seasoning."
It's not just students who have opinions on the school lunch but also the teachers at TAPCo. Mr. Froehlich, a gym teacher who is also a staff member present during lunch, stated “I think the lunch options being healthy is a big part of why students don't eat it.” He added that "I also think presentation matters.”
The D.O.E states that no fried food is offered or served in school meals and no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners are used in any school meal. This order of healthy food has changed the way that people look at the school lunch and the lack of unhealthy food methods could be the reason. People are very used to fats and sugar in their food, but this new menu prevents teenagers from eating the food they are used to.
Statistically, In 2019, nationwide, 41.8% of students had eaten fruit or drunk 100% fruit juices less than once a day; 40.7% had eaten vegetables less than once a day. This shows that students do not eat vegetables and fruits daily. The question that we ask now is, How do we effectively encourage teenagers to make healthier choices pertaining to food?
Angelina, a 12th grader said she would eat healthier “If healthier food tastes better or if I could discipline myself to eat it.”
Chole, A 12th grader, said “If I had no junk food at home I would make myself eat healthier:”
As 12th Grader Ayana said, at the end of the day, “It’s good somedays, and it’s bad somedays.”
The school lunch is bad, we need better food options. It's not fair how teachers can eat 5 star luxurious meals while we’re stuck eating monkey meat.
For example, the mozzarella sticks that taste like nothing, and that sandwich with the melted cheese on it doesn’t even taste like cheese and more like plastic.
Same with the fish sticks - like nobody wants to eat that. Saag spinach just looks disgusting. Someone is gonna have to pay me to eat that.
At this point, don't even feed us anything, I’d rather starve for the whole day instead of eating whatever the heck they're feeding us for lunch!
As of late August 2025, Construction is finally underway for the new CTE Studio for TAPCo’s Film and Technical Department. But what is there to be expected for the future of Film Production at TapCo from here on out?
About 8 years ago, the project came into light with Former Principal Ron Link and Steven Mudrick. It was delayed from then on until this August, where - after some phone calls - it finally began construction.
What’s the idea for next year’s curriculum and activities? Harry Mavromichalis, a Cinematographer and CTE teacher at TAPCo says: “There will be 2 sections: a classroom and a studio. And additionally, there will be a podcast studio. We want to be able to teach students how professional companies operate, and so we wanted the film studio to sort of duplicate how they do things in real life.” The studio is meant to replicate real news studios and/or professional news setups, to realistically demonstrate what/how they do things.
They had to demolish two classrooms to build the future studio. Due to this, they had to move to room 516 in the MS 391 lunch room. Below are some examples of the studio layout.
Many would say this was a necessary addition for the film department. James, A Senior CTE student, had this to say: “It’s promising. It has the potential to be a very fruitful endeavor.”
To have a high quality - and INCREDIBLY high tech - studio means better films and more opportunities for more than just film and photography. It opens up different possibilities for tech and CTE, such as the previously mentioned podcast studio, as well as even a built-in news office! (Update: They knocked the wall down, it was replaced with wooden boards and a chain lock!)
Overall, there are high hopes for this project. To make more ‘professional’ films with new camera and video gear, to connect TAPCo to outer communities and schools. ‘And like ‘Ren’, another CTE student, says: “I dunno, it seems pretty cool. Not a lot of schools have it, it makes us unique.”
The deadline for high school students' applications is December 3. As one can see, people have a lot of time to apply to their high school of choice and everyone looks at what this school can offer. People are going to ask, “What does this school have that I want? Why does this school pique my interest?”
There could be many reasons on why you would want to go to a school but the real question is why do students pick TAPCo out of any other school? What can this school have and offer that any other school could not?
Interviews with staff showed that TAPCo has a lot of arts that other schools do not.
Ms. Delpech, AP of Arts and Admissions, said, “This school has a lot to offers: four arts and others often only be offering one of those.” she continued to say, “four arts are dancing, theater, visual arts, vocal music, film and produce,” showing that there is a lot to do in this school compared to other schools.
There is also recruitment that happens every so often where staff from TAPCo go to other schools and other places to get more people for the school. At these places, they show off the school's features, answer questions and more.
Ms. Skidelsky said about the prowess of recruitment that “We emailed about 300 guidance counselors, principals and arts teachers to ask when they were hosting high school fairs and if we could attend. We also brought gift baskets to the guidance counselors when we went to visit schools”
Some high school fairs that they have attended this year include M.S 363, M.S 129, & Kappa, I.S135, I.S 117 J.H.S118 also PS/MS 20 George J., Werdann Highbridge Green School.
In addition to going to fairs, TAPCo also hosts open houses. TAPCo brought middle school students and elementary students to the school and showed them around TAPCo because it’s not only middle school but high school too. So they brought them to show them what we have to offer plus the different classrooms. the different arts to see if they were interested in the school to join and they seemed excited.
Right now TAPCo is collecting new 6th, 9th and 10th graders for the school for the 2026-27 school year. Ms. Skidelsky said “We collected 225 student emails at the high school fairs we attended.” She continued to say the most frequently asked questions were: Do students wear uniforms at your school? What is the start time and end time? What sports do you offer?
From inside the school you can tell it has many features from people’s perspectives. There is a lot to do and a lot of skills students can learn from taking a class on that skill, like CTE Film or Dance.
TAPCo’s description on the DOE Website says, “It is known for its focused arts curriculum, which offers training in specific disciplines like dance, film production, music, and theater” which is the same thing Ms. Delpech had shared. The description added that “Students have the chance to participate in numerous performances and projects… For example, the school has a video production studio, a renovated dance studio, and a full-sized auditorium.”
One of the main attractions to TAPCo is the collaborations that they have developed, including many in the Arts. TAPCo gets students to perform at Broadway shows, like last year’s “In The Heights.”
Matthew B., a senior, and Lyric, a freshmen, both agreed that this school brought them in because of the band program since they really like music and playing instruments, which is one of the many attractions TAPCo offers.
As a reminder, the deadline for high school students' applications is December 3rd.
We hope to see you at TAPCo next year in 2026-27!
There is a plethora of after school programs that involve sports such as volleyball, baseball, basketball and softball. Mr. Volkert, the athletic director states, “In order to play said sports you must pass five classes and phys ed.”
Girls Volleyball
The TAPCo Girls Volleyball team has been improving each year. During the Fall 2025 season, TAPCo had 3 wins to 7 losses, which is an improvement from the 2024-2025 girls volleyball team that had 1 win 10 losses.
Boys and Girls Cross-Country Running
For the first time TAPCO held the boys and girls cross country through PSAL. A junior who is participating in the boys cross country this year has made noticeable improvements. Dylan L started out in 90th place but ended up in 27th most recently. What a jump!
Girls Basketball
This is a milestone at TAPCo, with our first year of doing PSAL for the Girls Basketball team. Even though they suffered a loss by 30 points in their first game, it is still a cause to celebrate because TAPCo made it to PSAL for the first time ever
10 Wins 0 Losses - Riverdale / Kingsbridge Academy
8 Wins 2 Losses - IN-Tech Academy
7 Wins 3 Losses - Bronx Leadership Academy
6 Wins 4 Losses - Young Women's Leadership of The Bronx
5 Wins 5 Losses - Academy of Language and Technology
3 Wins 7 Losses - Theatre Arts Production Company School
1 Wins 9 Losses - Comprehensive Model School Project M.S. 327
0 Wins 10 Losses - Grace Dodge
During school lunch, students at TAPCo have the opportunity to play outside. The question is, are there enough outside activities available for students at TAPCo?
The activities currently available for students include volleyball and basketball. Many students report that, after a while, these activities can become boring and they want a bigger variety of games.
Some students suggested that we can add more activities like tennis and other exercise activities. An upperclassmen suggested, “They could bring a group of people and like run around the block for exercise”
Another student gave an idea to add painting. They said, “They [the school] could section off a corner and put padding down so people can paint,” said another upperclassman.
Mr Shaudt, The school principal, said “We are an arts school; it makes sense but would require added support staff to monitor the area. Support staff is something we are short”
Additionally, beyond the activities, students have suggested that the school could purchase tents or install roofs so that people can have more shade to go under.
Ashley, an 11th grader, said "it's definitely needed because I'm playing tag and it's way too sunny.”
In response to this idea, Mr. Schaudt, the school principal, said, “While shade is important, there is a large tree in the yard that provides good shade. I would be concerned about the tents being vandalized during the evening when the school yard is open to the public.”
One question is often how to fund getting new yard activities. Mr. Alvarez, a physical education teacher who runs the lunchroom, suggested that “We can have a local assembly member and can write to the school board because sometimes they help the schools”
Ms. Garcia, The purchasing secretary, suggested, “Maybe come up with things that the students want and ask the administration, then if that's in the budget they will tell us know what we can or can't do [with purchasing equipment]”
A 9th Grader concluded, “New activities would get kids more outside and active.”
Here at TAPCo, there are different teachers and different subjects, but this month we are doing a spotlight on the dance teacher, Ms. Deane. Let’s take a look at an interview with Ms. Deane, and students and teachers that know her best.
After her time at New Rochelle High School, she would return to work with kids when she choreographed a musical. After High School, she went to college and then worked full time as a Pilates instructor. She added that “it is always a bit hard to find the sweet sort between work life balance.”
Ms. Deane plays an important role as a teacher, where she loves to teach contemporary dance with a focus on anatomy and connectivity patterns. The school includes dance concerts that she always enjoys because of the time she shares with friends and families of the school. Although she loves to do the shows, it can be a big time commitment. She added, “It is a lot of work, but great to see all the hard work of our students pay off.”
Mr. Lugo, also a dance teacher at TAPCo, shares the special bond they have with each other as they work together as a team to make sure everything runs smoothly. Although they have different strengths, they have the same passion for dance. As they work together through the years, their bond and dances gets stronger and better.
Sophomore Michelle, a dancer in Ms. Deane’s class every day in 3rd period, described the class as a space where she’s “able to express” herself through dance and not just learn dances but gives opportunities to students to create them. She added, “she took a step aside for Hispanic Heritage Month, she made people from Hispanic culture choreograph the dance to create what they know.” Students acknowledge what Deane does for her students.
For Freshman Dahliah, who is also a dancer, the class is a safe space where everyone is comfortable and gets along very well. She added that the class is “great because everyone is nice and feels like family.” The class offers a space where it feels like home for students.
Ms. Deane encourages students to learn and grow. Mr. Lugo described her as a compassionate, empathetic, person. She is very helpful and knows how to help others to improve as dancers since she is knowledgeable about the human body.
The Bye Bye Birdie Musical is The Newest Sensation at TAPCO. All high school majors converge to create a masterpiece with big dreams of returning to Broadway.
During rehearsals students learn skills beyond acting such as teamwork, communication, time management, and active listening. Angel, a senior at TAPCo and acting as Albert Peterson, said, “Ms.Stavis means so much more to me than just a director. Ms.Stavis has blessed me with so many opportunities and she’s always been there for me.”
The Bye Bye Birdie cast keeps it real and authentic in order to benefit and help the musical become better. Kevin, a senior at TAPCo, and acting as Conrad Birdie can't speak for himself, just like his role…, here's what Angel said instead, “I’m praying to make it back on Broadway like last year. We have a new generation of actors who we get to work with. I just hope the show goes well but I just want to have the most fun as it's my last year here”
Mariely, a freshman at TAPCo and acting as Kim MacAfee, said, “The cast is good, everyone just needs to lock in.”
Bye Bye Birdie is a musical that takes place in the 1950s, starring Conrad Birdie. Conrad Birdie is a famous teen singer and is very popular with the ladies. Albert Peterson, Conrad's manager and songwriter, and Rose Alverez, Albert's long time girlfriend come up with an idea for one final stunt before Birdie’s drafted, to kiss a random fan on live television. Kim MacAfee, a 15 year old fan of Conrad, is chosen to kiss Conrad goodbye as he gets sent off to the military. Hugo Peabody, Kim's love interest. Peabody develops jealousy towards Conrad after finding out about the kiss between Kim and Conrad.
An anonymous 9th grader said “The story line is very different from the other shows we have done at TAPCO, because it was based in the 1950s there are many references that some of us don't get but Ms. Stavis does her best to explain them.”
TAPCo’s director, Ms. Stavis was asked to answer some questions on her perspective of the musical, here’s what she said her hopes and dreams were: “As with all shows I direct, my goal is always to have the cast become a cohesive ensemble. I like when students from different grades and arts majors have an opportunity to interact with people they may not have opportunity to otherwise work with. And I love seeing the cast all work towards such a large goal and feel proud of the final project and what they've accomplished.”
Ms. Stavis shares her experiences while directing school musicals, explaining how proud she feels to see the kids grow and learn from their mistakes in order to pull together a musical that shows their hard work and dedication, saying “It's a lot of hard work and takes a lot of time, but it is so rewarding in the end. I love how proud all the students are of themselves after they've put in such hard work and get to see such an amazing outcome. Plus, I just love musicals, so it's fun for me!”
TAPCo’s Bye Bye Birdie musical performs for middle schools on February 3rd & 4th at 10:00am and for family, friends and community members on February 5th & 6th at 5:30pm, with a run time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, including an intermission. In order to come see your children, friends, or family perform, tickets are 5 dollars per person and free for TAPCo students with ID. Come support TAPCo and our wonderful students!!!
At TAPCo High School, our students have the opportunity to choose a form of art to major in. There are six majors in total: Theater, Instrumental Music, Choir, Visual Art, CTE, and Dance. Instrumental music has the most majors across the school, with 50 students - tying with Theater To bring a spotlight to some of the versatile majors, we’re here to give you a preview of one of the most practiced majors here at TAPCo: Instrumental Music.
For starters, there are many different roles in the Instrumental Music major, such as guitar, electric guitar, electric bass, piano, trumpet, drums, violin, viola, and many other instruments. This gives our students a variety of opportunities and choices in what to play and learn. Many students choose different instruments, adding to the diversity of the program.
Most importantly, our Instrumental Music teacher, Mr. Lijoi, is teaching all four grades this year. He has played trumpet since
1992, has been singing since 1998, and has played piano, guitar, and all brass instruments since 2002. He started playing electric bass in 2014, but also teaches woodwind and string instruments.
One of our students, Kanix, a 12th-grade Instrumental Music major, takes full advantage of the variety of instruments offered and plays the cello, bass, and drums.
Carter, an 11th-grade Instrumental Music major, plays drums and saxophone but wants to focus more on drums this year.
This year, the Instrumental Music program is losing some students who are going off to college, work, or pursuing other paths in life. One of these students is Kanix, a senior, who is sadly leaving this year, said that they are “Kinda sad, but I will come back.”
We also asked other students and Mr. Lijoi how they’re feeling about this year in the Instrumental Music program.
An 11th grader, Alan, stated, “This year I’m kinda hoping to try other instruments because everyone’s leaving in the bass section to try new instruments, and I want to try other stuff.”
And last but not least, our music teacher, Mr. Lijoi, said he is “Pretty stoked. Got lots of good energy and overall vibes, and very talented students.” He also mentioned that majors, “Need to work on getting to work more quickly and transitioning to rehearsal time more efficiently.”
This year, TAPCo students have the privilege of either being a part of or watching some shows put on by the band majors. Starting with our Cultural Celebration (tentatively in November), followed by the Winter Concert in the second week of December, the Bronx Borough Arts Fest Pathways Festival in March, and finally the Spring Concert in April.
With all these shows, we asked the majors how they feel about them. Kanix said, “I’m both excited and not because we’re probably gonna do harder songs, but I’m ready.”
Alan said, “I’m excited, like, I’m hyped! We’re playing actual songs with different importance with instruments.”
Carter replied, “Pretty good, hopefully they turn out well.”
We also asked Mr. Lijoi what a band major can look forward to this year. His reply was, “Lots of practice and shows coming up soon, promotional events to TAPCo HS, guest artist visits and events, and learning more new songs!”
Lastly, this year we had our beloved principal, Mr. Link, go into retirement. As a goodbye, TAPCo put on an amazing show for him, and he even sang with the choir and band majors at some point.
Kanix said of the show for Mr. Link that, “It was pretty good, a little not disappointed but iffy because they did easy songs, and I felt we could have done more difficult songs.”
Carter replied, “Peak, amazing. It was wonderful. Great presentation.”
Finally, Mr. Lijoi said, “Thought it was pretty awesome. All the performances were top-notch.”
This year has truly been one filled with creativity, learning, and growth for the Instrumental Music majors at TAPCo. From preparing for exciting concerts to saying goodbye to seniors and staff, the students have shown dedication, teamwork, and passion for their craft. The program continues to inspire young musicians to challenge themselves and explore new instruments, while creating memories that will last far beyond high school. As the year continues, one thing is certain—TAPCo’s Instrumental Music majors will keep the music alive and the rhythm strong.
If you want to come see this great group in action, the Middle School and High School Band Program will have their winter shows on December 9th-11th displaying their music. Hope to see you there!
This school year, AI use in TAPCo has been off the charts. Teachers, staff and students have been using AI in both bad ways and good ways.
Ms Houle, a CTE Teacher at TAPCo, said “AI has been integrated into almost every technology tool, to google searches, to teaching resources. So even if you try not to use AI you might accidentally use it. Some teachers use Magic School that uses an AI Lesson creator.”
Mr. Buchbinder, a Debate teacher, said “I use AI to create course materials that are not easy to find regularly.”
However, these things can ruin the charm of teaching, for both students and teachers. According to a recent study by the Center for Democracy and Technology, “One of the negative consequences AI has on students is that it is stopping students from developing a meaningful relationship with their teachers.”
As a result of this, in 2023, the DOE banned ChatGPT. A 2023 article from Chalkbeat noted that “New York City students and teachers can no longer access ChatGPT — the new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that generates stunningly cogent and lifelike writing — on education department devices or internet networks, agency officials confirmed Tuesday.”
A student who wished to remain anonymous said, “I’ve used ChatGPT to write about 7 essays, back in 8th grade.” This serves as a huge problem that also ruins the learning experience.
Ms. Houle also noted that, “The school district mandates for teachers to use ThinkCerca, and in it, it has AI LLM that provides feedback to students that use the program, and to grade.“
One 9th Grade student said, “I liked the immediate feedback, but I didn't like the feedback given to me. It wasn't like how a teacher gave me feedback,” reacted a 9th grade student.
Another student said, “I didn't appreciate the feedback as it wasn't as helpful as real teacher feedback.”
While some see it as a negative, other students see it as a positive. Another anonymous student stated that they use AI as a study resource for her math work, when she misses class. “I don’t use AI in class because I pay attention and understand the work…but I use it at home if I still don’t understand from the Delta Math examples.”
At TAPCo some students represent and show their culture in different ways. They always perform, sing and present in the Auditorium, or often on the 4th or 5th floor showing what they can do.
At TAPCo, we have spirit week and we bring cultural flags to show what backgrounds you represent. Some people have things in common and connect with each other, making spaces more comfortable and agreeable.
Recently, Hispanic heritage month was celebrated at TAPCo. The 9th and 10th grade singers and dancers were really into it. They had flags and different types of music that showed their culture.
Even at musicals, like “In the Heights,” students act in roles that represent their culture and backstage tech makes the theme for it. This is important because TAPCo does everything they can to make everyone feel invited and comfortable.
Mr Alvarez, a PE Teacher, said “I'm Dominican and I love everything about my culture. The music, the country, the food.” Many students and teachers can relate to this because they feel the same way.”