This Month's Featured Articles

Regents Exams

Regents Exams

  by, Stefanie Cedar Shames, Class of 1977

On July 27, 1864, the New York State Board of Regents passed an ordinance that resulted in the first “preliminary” Regents Examinations, administered in November 1865 to eighth-grade students. The first Regents examinations for high school students were authorized at The University Convocation in 1876 and were first administered in June 1878. About 100 institutions participated, and the five subjects assessed were algebra, American history, elementary Latin, natural philosophy, and physical geography. Beginning in 1878, the list of exams grew considerably until 1979, when Regents Competency Tests (RCTs) were introduced, assessing basic skills, and discontinued in 2018. As learning standards have evolved , the Board of Regents continues to make changes to content, format, and scoring of the Regents examinations.

Ron Wencer's Ancient Hixtory article about the Regents Prayer, in the May 2025 issue of HixNews, made me remember my experiences with the Regents. When I was in high school, nothing created greater anxiety for college-bound students throughout New York State than the Regents exams. It was possible to pass the course and fail the Regents and have to take the course again! My first encounter with the Regents was in 1973-74. I took algebra in ninth grade, and we spent the entire school year learning the content and practicing for the Regents. And then, the news came that for the first time in history, the Regents exams were stolen, and not only that, cancelled! I remember such a feeling of relief. Teachers had to give us the grade they thought we would get, and I got a 99. I'm sure my teacher, maybe it was Mrs. Milbauer, thought I would make one stupid mistake, and I'm sure she was correct!

Click here to continue reading Regents Exams

HHS Alumni Make Sure the Show Goes On 

HHS Alumni Make Sure the Show Goes On 

by Artie Mayer, husband of Gail Schwartzman Mayer, Class of 1973

Most of us remember those Hollywood Golden Age movies wherein a planned spectacular show about to make its debut suddenly is in jeopardy because either the lead star quits and walks off the set, the financial backers pull out of the deal, the truck carrying the scenery crashes and burns, or some other unforeseen event.  In most of these cases, Fred and Ginger, Mickey and Judy, even Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall come up with solutions that ultimately save the day; the show goes on and it’s a hit, there’s a musical fanfare as the credits roll.

Click here to continue reading HHS Alumni Make Sure the Show Goes On 

Etcetera for June 2025

Etcetera for June 2025

Notes from Readers

Below are comments we received from readers.  Remember, if you are signed in, you can leave a comment on an article.

Eugene Lewan commented on Wetson's Hamburgers

This brings back good memories. A friend of mine worked there at the Wetsons at the junction with Levittown Parkway. We would stop in a visit when we were out and about. Then when Titus Oaks was there I worked up in Glen Head and would stop after work each payday and pick up some new vinyl.

Ronald Wencer commented on Hicksville High School Dedication Centennial

A few years after writing my original article, I found a 1920s news report which stated that the KKK was then supporting the School Board campaigns of George Duke and Frank Chlumsky, both of whom would get elected and be in place for this dedication. Despite the KKK's already having been discredited by its actions in other towns, both candidates professed ignorance of the KKK and its values, saying in effect that they willingly accepted all support offered by local donors.

Eugene Lewan commented on Old Westbury Gardens

What a beautiful place. Thank you for being a volunteer at the Gardens. I can see how you could fall in love with these environs. Thank you, Sue.

 

In Memoriam

Janet O'Dowd Carney, Class of 1977, passed June 1, 2025

Robert Rogers,  Class of 1969 ( please email us a link to the obituary)