"A spirited rally was held Thursday night outside Jamaica High School in Queens.
More than 500 parents, students, teachers and alumni rallied against plans to replace the school with several small high schools in the same building.
'We're here to tell them that our school is a viable place, and it's a good school, and it's been around for 118 years. It deserves to be around as Jamaica High School for 118 more,' said Jamaica High School teacher James Eterno.
Inside, more than 100 signed up for speaking slots to tell officials why the doors to Jamaica High should stay open.
'We're here tonight to show our support because Jamaica is a great school. We have great academics, great programs,' said Jamaica High School student Rachael Ali. 'What's not to like here? We have a great atmosphere, we have a great, beautiful campus. Why do they want to close our school down?'
The Department of Education cites the high school's 46 percent graduation rate and falling enrollment, but teachers say statistics are improving."
More than 500 parents, students, teachers and alumni rallied against plans to replace the school with several small high schools in the same building.
'We're here to tell them that our school is a viable place, and it's a good school, and it's been around for 118 years. It deserves to be around as Jamaica High School for 118 more,' said Jamaica High School teacher James Eterno.
Inside, more than 100 signed up for speaking slots to tell officials why the doors to Jamaica High should stay open.
'We're here tonight to show our support because Jamaica is a great school. We have great academics, great programs,' said Jamaica High School student Rachael Ali. 'What's not to like here? We have a great atmosphere, we have a great, beautiful campus. Why do they want to close our school down?'
The Department of Education cites the high school's 46 percent graduation rate and falling enrollment, but teachers say statistics are improving."