HMS Weekly
We Are Tigers
Principal's Message: 1/30/2020
HMS Parents/Guardians,
This past weekend (24) Hoboken Middle School Band students participated in Chamber Day at Montclair State University. This program provides an exciting opportunity for young instrumentalists and musicians to to learn chamber pieces , make new friends, and perform for their families and peers! The students were coached by Mr. Stasiak and Ms. Safko along with professors and students from the Cali School of Music. It was a great way to celebrate our students as we wrapped up Marking Period 2.
As we enter Marking Period 3, temperatures are certainly beginning to drop. While not everyone is a fan of the cold, HMS students are certainly finding ways to warm-up to engaging instruction indoors, and embrace the cold through a variety of Winter sports outdoors!
Students in each grade have been staying warm and cozy as they become fully immersed in their core novels. In the 8th grade Humanities classes, students are wrapping up the novel, Animal Farm, by George Orwell. Students have been analyzing different themes of equality, power, corruption, and the government’s role. Students in 7th grade Humanities have started to read, A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel by Madeleine L’Engle. Students are analyzing characterization, plot, tone/mood, and writing narratives as they reflect on the chapters and events and the literary elements. Students in 6th grade have been really delving into their core novel, To Kill a Mockinbird, by Harper Lee. They’ve learned that the primary themes involve racial injustice and the destruction of innocence. Classes have discussed the notions of class, courage, compassion, and gender roles during this time.
Students have described their most recent STEM lessons as being “really cool!”. This was noted particularly in 6th Grade this week where they are learning how to differentiate between independent and dependent variables and are able to connect these ideas throughout the science curriculum. Many students are learning how to use scientific equipment to explore biology. Students are exploring what makes up life and how to determine what makes something alive. It was neat for them to see and explore how animals have changed over time and how mutations can help an animal survive - this too has been impacted by climate and weather!
Through our Passport to Wellness program, HMS students participated in its first ever ski trip! Given the option of skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, our kids enjoyed the thrill of hitting the slopes of the largest ski area in New Jersey at Mountain Creek. The group consisted of both experienced and novice sport enthusiasts, but all had one thing in common, all had a wonderful time!
Ice Hockey is becoming increasingly more and more popular in the United States, especially in the tri-state area. Many of the students in our school play for teams and have been playing the sport since they were young. Recently the district has been hosting instructional clinics at Pershing Ice Rink.
With all these wonderful programs, events, and initiatives going on, students have had the opportunity to lots of great pictures in Photography class in PGP. We’ve included many of their pictures in this week’s newsletter. Their counterparts in our Newsletter courses have been developing their own articles and school-based blogs These activities sparked an important topic in Digital Citizenship. In today’s day and age, all students’ skills in this area necessary to participate fully in their communities and make smart choices online and in life. This week families had the opportunity to engage in conversations and a series of classes on Digital Citizenship in its entirety. Participants explored a popular program called Common Sense Education that shed light on challenges and digital dilemmas that students face today, giving them the skills they need to succeed as digital learners, leaders, and citizens tomorrow. The event was informative, engaging, and helpful to all that attended. We plan to continue sharing information and resources to families on this important topic as we progress through the school year.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dr. Harold Abraham
Hoboken Middle School
Principal
Support Staff: Contact Information
School Psychologist: Ms. Beriloff: kberiloff@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Dean of Students: Mr. Ramos: ivan.ramos@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Dean of Students: Mr. Yannaco: john.yannaco@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Guidance Counselor: Ms. Gross: bgross@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Coordinator of Passport to Learning: Ms. Fasollino: jfasolino@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Coordinator of Humanities: Ms. Donnelly: tdonnelly@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Coordinator of STEM: Ms. Della Fave: adellafave@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Clerk: Ms. Vasquez: wanda.vasquez@hoboken.k12.nj.us
A Message from the PTO
Dear HMS Families:
The HMS PTO is excited to launch our World’s Finest Chocolates Candy Bar fundraiser. Candy bars are available for a $1 each and the HMS PTO receives $.50 profit from each bar sold. Each box comes with a variety of bars including, WF Crisp, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Caramel, and Almond.
We hope you buy some candy bars to enjoy and support our fundraiser! Several of our PTO parents will be selling the candy bars. The candy bars will be available for purchase in the HMS main office with Wanda Vasquez. Joanne Bracero will also have some for sale in the Wallace main office. Depending on availability, we will have bars at our future events and HMS Community Book Club meetings. If you are interested in helping us sell or are interested in purchasing some bars, you can email us at hobokenmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com and we will coordinate the details.
Proceeds raised from this fundraiser will be used to help fund year-end events, including the 2020 HMS Field Day and an 8th Grade Moving-up Celebration.
Please email hobokenmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com with any questions.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook at Hoboken Middle School PTO for PTO/school events, news, and updates.
-HMS PTO
HMS PTO MOVIE NIGHT: FEBRUARY 12th - 6:30 - 8:30
We'd like to invite all HMS students and their families to a wonderful event held each year at Hoboken Middle School. On February 12th, our PTO will be hosting its annual Movie Night from 6:30 - 8:30. The featured presentation will be the movie “1000 to 1” which chronicles the story of a decorated basketball player after suffering a challenging injury. After the movie, families will meet the star of the film, Cory Weissman, and learn about his triumphant story. Hoboken Middle School students will also be recognized for Overcoming Obstacle Essay Contest and 1000 to 1 Free Throw Shooting Competition. Tickets are $5.00 per person and benefit the HMS PTO.
Please select the link below to RSVP:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12Rm2Wqt4DPxKvTW50Kg_qQTMP_Ijmmu0fIHUx1tZOMw/edit
1000 to 1: The Cory Weissman Story - Trailer
ESPN: A story of triumph, sportsmanship
Overcoming Obstacles Essay Contest: Writing Prompt
Essays are due Friday, January 31st!