Hoboken High School Weekly Update
#redwingway
It has been great to have all our students back in school and healthy as we welcomed our remote learners back. This is a very busy time as we are nearing the end of the 2nd marking period on February 2nd. It is critical that students and parents are reviewing Genesis and keeping on top of their grades. Any missing assignments should be submitted to the teachers as soon as possible. Students will also be returning to PE after completion of health and drivers education during this quarter. Grades will be released in the parent portal on February 17th. Should you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's guidance counselor to set up a meeting. For concerns regarding students in grades 9 & 11, please contact Ms. Markowitz at 201-356-3719 and for students in grade 10 & 12, please contact Ms. Gleason at 201-356-3715.
Please remember that our library is open from 7:45 am -8:15 am, and then after school from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Teachers are available for tutoring. We have had an uptick in attendance as students are recognizing that effort counts! See our pictures below.
Our debate team participated in the prestigious Harvard Model Congress San Francisco this past weekend. While we were scheduled to travel to the event, it was changed to virtual. Please see the awards in Mr. Huggins and Mr. D'Bernado's piece below.
Next week all students in grades 9-11 will sit for the LinkIt! Benchmark Form B for ELA and Math. These assessments are of the utmost importance as they provide great insight into the standards that students perform well on and those that require remediation. This is very similar to the NJSLA assessments that all students are required to take in May. Please encourage your child to put their best effort forward. Students are graded based on their effort demonstrated during these assessments. These take place over two days in class.
This year, our 11th grade class will be administered the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) in March which covers ELA and Math. All students must sit for this exam and are required to show proficiency in order to graduate. We have been working across disciplines in IXL to prepare students for this exam. I will be sharing more about this with the families in the upcoming weeks, as March is right around the corner.
Our Winter Concert, which was rescheduled from December, will take place on Wednesday, January 26th, at 7:00 pm. Please be sure to come out and support our students.
Have a fabulous weekend and enjoy the Smore!
Ms. Picc
January 21, 2022
Data Privacy Week
Hoboken High School Debate Program Excels at 2022 Harvard Model Congress San Francisco Debate Conference.
We would like to congratulate the HMC team for their outstanding performance in the Harvard Model Congress Conference San Francisco. They authored and debated legislation on a myriad of topics and issues. Team members were recognized by their committee chairs for their analytical and communication skills and Hoboken delegates Julia Critz, Sage Gurtman, and Mara Reba each won Awards of Excellence for their outstanding performance.
In the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Delegate Abby Scott authored The Equity of Income Payroll Tax Act, increasing the payroll tax based on the individual's annual income and co-authored the Provide Paid Leave Act, which provides twelve weeks of partially paid leave for all workers.
In the Senate and Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Delegate Madison Walia-Peters co-sponsored, amended and proposed the P.P.P Extension Act, which helped small businesses keep their employees on the payroll.
In the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Delegate Coby Kriegel co-authored the Clean Water Access Bill, which is intended to mitigate water-borne diseases and utilize local commissions to help provide people access to clean water.
In the House Foriegn Affairs Committee, Delegate Sage Gurtman co-authored the A.I.D. Act and the CPA Act and Delegate Jacob Linder authored, Secure Technical Advisory Transnational Endeavor, Operation: Investigating Leakage, and Assisting Republics through Military Security. These bills addressed issues such as cybersecurity, the investigation into oil tanker leakage in the Panama Canal and military aid to African nations. Sage Gurtman won an Honorable Mention Award for her work on this committee.
In the House Space, Science and Technology Committee, Delegate Aidan Betancourt authored the Maintaining American Supremacy in Planetary Defense Act and the MASPDA Act and Delegate Miles Angley authored the Environmental Protection Against Space Travel Act; these bills addressed issues including planetary defense, protecting Earth from Near-Earth-Objects (NEOs), and space debris from spaceships and satellites.
In the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Delegate Mary Claire McGreivey, Delegate Amalia Batlle, and Delegate Mara Reba authored and helped pass the Patent Protection and PBM Reform Act, and The Civic Involvement and Voter Education Act. These bills intend to improve voting infrastructure and security and streamline the drug patent process to increase competition in the market. Mara Reba won an Honorable Mention Award for her work on this committee.
In the Presidential Cabinet, Secretary of Commerce Genevieve Fink helped create the VFA Executive Order and helped the PPP Loan Renewal Act, RTEF, Barr Act, and Cybersecurity Protection Act become laws.
In the National Economic Council, Chief of Staff Julia Critz authored the Enforcement of Market Regulations Proposal and the Aid for Panama Canal Oil Spill Proposal. Julia Critz won an Honorable Mention Award for her work on this council.
Hoboken Harvard Model Congress team members challenged themselves and their peers to work together and devise feasible plans that mitigate or solve some of the country’s and the world’s most pressing problems and issues. Each member supported the others as they developed their academic and social skills and the team excelled in this year’s conference. Congratulations to the Debate Program and the Hoboken Harvard Model Congress Team!
If you would like to listen to the students’ thoughts about the conference, please click this link HMC Reflections.
Vocabulary Bowl Success
Guidance
The Guidance Department has had an exceptional week collaborating with the students. With great enthusiasm, each student has had the opportunity to gain more knowledge on the Naviance database through classroom visits. There have also been meetings with each student to discuss multiple academic programs, providing support in their future aspirations, and collaborating with college admissions professionals.
Throughout the school year, Hoboken High School has had multiple college visits for Instant Decision Days. With the completion occurring next week, Instant Decision Days have been a wonderful opportunity for our seniors to gain experience meeting with college admissions members. Furthermore, it has established a great sense of insight for our students towards the additional support that is provided within the Guidance Department as a whole. With that said, we congratulate all of the seniors on their incredible achievements.
On behalf of the Yale Center for the Study of Race Indigeneity and Transnational Migration, The Guidance Department is excited to inform you about their Bassett Award for Community Engagement. The application deadline is February 1, 2022. Recipients of this award must have a record of creative leadership and public service, academic distinction, interdisciplinary problem solving, and experience addressing societal issues that include, but need not be limited to, race and racism. Students with non-traditional leadership experiences or significant work experiences are also encouraged to apply! For additional information, please click on the following link: ritm.yale.edu/yale-bassett-award-community-engagement-application
It is important to start the FAFSA application process, if not already completed. This is a form filled out by current and future undergraduate and graduate college students in the United States to determine whether they are eligible for student financial aid. Students should also find out if their colleges require the CSS profile through the college board. Furthermore, all students applying to NJ colleges must complete an NJFAMS account AFTER FAFSA is submitted. The NJFAMS is where all New Jersey students who apply for state financial aid can view eligibility and "To Do" lists to see if there is any incomplete information needed for you to qualify for state aid programs.
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) invites graduating seniors to apply for the 59th Annual National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp). This highly competitive, merit-based program is sponsored by the National Youth Science Foundation. The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program designed to honor and challenge some of the nation’s rising STEM leaders and provide them with opportunities to engage with industry professionals. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 NYSCamp will again be an entirely virtual experience for two accomplished high school graduates from each state in the USA, plus Washington, DC, and select countries. More information can be found at 2022.nyscamp.org.
Eligibility Requirements
· Graduates from high school between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022.
· Documented superior academic proficiency.
· Recognition for notable achievements in STEM program areas.
· Skills and achievements outside of STEM and/or academics.
· Intent to pursue higher education and a career in STEM.
Students may submit an application apply.nyscamp.org on/before the March 31, 2022.
For additional information please contact Michael Heinz, Science Coordinator, at Michael.Heinz@doe.nj.gov.
The PSAT/NMSQT assesses the same knowledge and skills as the SAT, providing a check-in on college readiness before students take the SAT. The content of this focuses on the knowledge and skills that have been learned thus far in the student's academic career. The scoring scale, after the exam is taken, provides consistent feedback and enables teachers to adjust instruction to better support students who are ahead or behind in the curriculum. The Guidance Department welcomes you to the PSAT Score Interpretation Night. This event will occur on February 2, 2022 from 6:30pm to 8pm. Please use the attached link, if you have not done so already, to complete the form. Link: https://forms.gle/g8fHR5CmQ6UJ2jLJ8
We look forward to the exciting upcoming events and continue to take great pride in the motivation our students possess in their future academic endeavors.
Welcome to the Student Center
Our goal at the Student Center is to provide students with the skills and tools needed to overcome challenges, develop a healthy sense of self, and build strong positive relationships with peers, family, school, and community members. We strive to promote academic and social emotional wellness while helping students navigate their day to day.
As we finish off the month of January, the Student Center staff continues to provide preventative health education workshops with Planned Parenthood Metropolitan of New Jersey. We have had over 90 junior students engage in the 2 day programming and look forward to educating more of our students as we wrap up our series next month.
In addition to the Chat & Chews, the Student Center has added another engagement opportunity for students to connect and reflect through a new group, “Conversations and Motivations”. In this group students will explore social and community issues, strategies for overcoming challenges, and creating current and future goals. We encourage students interested in joining us to please see the Student Center staff in RM230.
With the end of the marking period closely approaching, we encourage you to schedule a time to meet with your teachers, counselors, and Student Center staff to discuss what support you need in order to successfully meet your goals.
If you find that you need some time to decompress and relax during your lunch period, remember to stop by the Student Center. Wanna play a game of pool with your friends? Want to challenge a friend to a ping pong match? We got you covered. Come relax in our meditation room if you're looking for some quiet time or catch up on some school work in our study lounge.
Have you checked out our new bulletin boards? If you want to stay in the loop of Student Center happenings, take a look at our bulletin board on the first floor lobby. You may also stop by our Activities Room (RM 230) and Student Center office (RM228) for more information on how to participate in our program.
World Languages Celebrate MLK
To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. in our Spanish classes we will implement the three lessons described below. Dr. King was known for his massive role in the Civil Rights movement, characterized by non-violent, yet poignant actions. To educate our students about the values embraced by Dr. King, we will incorporate readings related to the causes and people that MLK fought for.
- The late Civil Rights activist and former US Congressman John Lewis dedicated his life to social justice causes, such as voting rights, and left a powerful legacy of advancing not just civil rights, but human rights also.
- The Haitian-American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat has been called "The Van Gogh of the 20th Century” and the themes of his paintings cover race, self-identity among many others. His artwork is still used by activists and art lovers alike.
- Latin America is a diverse land, filled with people of all creeds and skin colors. This lesson explores the wide variety that is the Latin American demography.
MLK History
Students in US History I discussed the origin of the holiday and the struggle to get all states to accept it. By learning about the efforts of Congressional leaders, The Congressional Black Caucus and popular artists like Stevie Wonder, students could see the massive effort that was required to get the law passed. This activity highlights how the government works. They discussed how every law starts as an idea, but also requires the support of people within the government to organize the campaign, and also the support of the public who may be needed to help urge their elected officials to support a specific law. In the spirit of Dr. King's legacy, the lesson highlights the fact that a mass mobilization of people can change a law.
Students in US History II also discussed how Dr. King's actions helped to transform the Lincoln Memorial into a symbol of racial equality in America by comparing the famous "I Have a Dream" speech of 1963 to a groundbreaking performance by Marion Anderson at the Memorial in 1939. Anderson, the world renowned vocalist, was denied the opportunity to perform in Constitution Hall due to racial bias. Instead, a free concert was organized at the Lincoln Memorial entertaining over 70,000 people. Decades apart, both King and Aderson stand in basically the same spot to challenge racial prejudice in America. By presenting King's "I Have a Dream" speech and Anderson's concert, side by side, students recognize the impact that the two events have on how Americans choose to remember what a monument stands for.
The events highlight efforts by individuals, but also the fact that those efforts were only made possible by the collective efforts of others within the community. This underscores the idea that King's Legacy is truly a tribute, not just to the man himself, but to the long history of those who have fought and struggled for civil rights and equality in America, including the NAACP church groups and other community organizations.
Walking Trip to the US Post Office - 734 Washington Street
The Vocational Skills class went to see what happens to the mail once it leaves the mailbox. On this field trip the students met a postal carrier, watched mail zip through the sorting machines at the post office, and learned about the different ways mail is delivered to different destinations in our town.
Prior to the trip, ee learned what role mail plays in our daily lives. This field trip also reinforces the critical importance of communication in the functioning of a community and underscores the need for strong reading and writing skills.
Ms.Tank's Math Classes
This week in Mrs. Tank's AP Calculus class, students learned about function analysis and learned how to sketch a graph of a function given a graph of the derivative of a function. Students in the Pre-Calculus class started a new topic to find the trigonometric functions of any angle. Algebra 2 students are learning how to find zeros of a given polynomial function by factoring and then checking their solutions by using the zero key of a graphing calculator. Algebra 1 students have learned how to create a scatter plot given a set of data. They also understood that if a scatter plot suggests a linear function, a line can be fitted to the data and a linear function can be written to represent the relationship. In Pre-AP Algebra-1 students engaged in a matching activity. They matched the given word problems , their standard forms of linear equation, slope intercept forms of linear equation and their graphs.
Mr. Anderson's Mathematicians
This week our students were able to participate in the American Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey (AMTNJ) math competition. This competition gives schools an opportunity to compete against other New Jersey schools for math scores. Overall we had 11 students compete with a good mix of scores. These competitions are very hard and I am very proud of the progress they are making throughout the year so far.
A few more months and we will be looking into our Pi Day celebration! More information to follow as we keep an eye on the restrictions for the state.
Ms. Troutman's Pre AP English 9
Ms. Troutman's AP English Literature
Ms. Chakov's English 12
Hello from Mr. Perez's Science Classes
Science Explorations
Students in Science Explorations are currently learning about marine and coastal systems which entails ocean chemistry, surface and thermohaline currents, down and upwelling currents, ocean zones, El Nino/La Nina ocean events and causes of ocean pollution and how to remedy those current global problems. By learning how ocean systems work, students can learn how these problems affect the atmosphere and global climate change.
Animal Science & Aquaponics/Hydroponics
Students have completed their final project about North American animals in the Animal Science class. This class is currently transitional towards the second half of the year in Aquaponics/Hydroponics where students are currently learning and testing how their systems will work to grow plants correctly and efficiently.
AP Environmental Science
Students have just completed a unit on waste management where students were able to complete a virtual tour of the Covanta Waste to Energy (WTE) facility in Newark. They learned the advantages and disadvantages of burning garbage and compared it to disposing of waste in Sanitary Landfill. Currently students are learning about the importance of biodiversity and how to best conserve biodiversity through a single or multiple species approach.
PLTW Human Body Systems
PLTW Computer Science
We are finalizing our MIT App Inventor Experience! For the last two weeks we have worked on creating our own app and presentation with Thursday and Friday being the presentation day. There was a vast range of creation from coloring apps to Tic-Tac-Toe apps. All of the students did a great job and the presentations went extremely well.
Mr. Lebegue's Scientists
The Environmental Science Club is participating in 2022 edition of the Statewide STEM Competition #NJ STEM Communities Challenge! This year’s competition focuses on both mitigating the effects of global climate change and improving people’s health and wellbeing (UN Sustainability Goal #11). The students are tasked with finding a STEM related solution to address these critical topics.
This week, the teams submitted their policy design blueprints and have passed to round three of the competition! Final presentations will be made at the end of March, when judging will be taking place. The students have also sent their policy proposals to state lawmakers as part of the competition – including Senator Brian P. Stack, Assemblywoman Annette Chapparo and Assemblyman Raj Mukherji.
Following over two months of ideation and brainstorming within the groups, mentoring by flooding experts at Arcadis and mentors from major New Jersey based technology companies such as Siemens and Novartis, as well as several meetings dedicated to proposal writing, the two participating teams have come up with two very exciting proposal ideas!
Team #1, named H2Oboken, are working to augment the amount of green space found in Hoboken through a public policy initiative as a means to reduce Hoboken’s chronic flooding issues. Their goal is to increase the quality of life and sense of well-being of Hoboken residents by establishing a website which will allow residents to request a kit which will provide them with the materials and expertise to establish a rooftop garden in their buildings. This is one very neglected area in Hoboken: rooftop gardening can absorb water which ordinarily would flood streets. It increases health and well being through gardening and absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, all while increasing the amount of Hoboken’s Green Space.
Team #2, #Resilience_Hub-oken, are working to create a network of “resilience hubs,” which form a two-pronged approach. First, a network of public buildings such as schools and libraries will serve as a shelter for citizens during massive flooding events. These hubs will be equipped with food, water and bedding for residents. Second, a website will be available where residents can log in for up-to-date information on what to do and where to go during a disaster. They can also request aid using this website. The team is also leveraging social media and other platforms to help Hoboken residents connect with help when they need it
Chef Nelson
International Pastries students began work on a sourdough starter last week. Sourdough starter’s foundations are flour and water. Flour provides the nutrients yeast feeds on, and hosts flavor-producing friendly bacteria as well. Combined with water, flour's protein develops into an elastic web (gluten) that traps the carbon dioxide gas given off by yeast, making the dough rise. Water activates the gluten in flour. It is also a necessity for growing yeast; and is the "solvent" that disperses all of the remaining ingredients. Each week one student will “feed” the starter, then the next day will use a portion of the starter to make two loaves of sourdough bread. The goal is to keep our sourdough starter alive until the end of the school year. The students will be able to bring home their loaf of sourdough to share with their family.
Culinary Arts classes are beginning their research for Black History Month. Students are working in groups to research one of the following cities in the USA: New Orleans, Atlanta, Washington DC, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, New York City, Dallas - Fort Worth, and St. Louis.
They will be required to research 3 African American chefs who work in the city as well as the foods of that city and the natural, geographical, demographic, cultural, economic and political factors that have shaped that city. From their research students will create a 4 item menu that will be served at our Black History Month Lunch Buffet on 2/25.
Art Club
Students primed and painted a base color on their vases during art club. They will select a theme for their vase and draw the details onto the vase.
FREE Covid Tests by Mail -Order Yours Now!
What you need to know:
- There is a limit of one order per residential address;
- One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests; and
- Orders will ship free starting at the end of this month, but you can place your order now.
Contest: Hudson Vicinage Law Day 2022
For Law Day 2022, the Hudson Vicinage Law Day Planning Committee will be holding two contests. One contest is for essay, poetry and rap submissions and the other is an art and photography contest.
This year’s theme is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change”. The piece should capture this theme by answering the following question:
234 years ago, our Nation’s founders drafted the Constitution to create a “more perfect Union.” What can you do to achieve this goal?
The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 18, 2022. Please see the below fliers for more details. If you have questions, you may contact Rita Lastra at (201) 748-4400 ext. 60746 or via email at rita.lastra@njcourts.gov.
Contest: The Steven H. Strogatz Prize for Math Communication
Do you love math? Do you want to share your love of math with the world?
The Museum of Mathematics is presenting the worldwide contest, Steven H. Strogatz for Math Communication. Cash prizes will be awarded for compelling math communication projects. Please view the website (link below) for more information regarding what types of projects will be accepted, instructions for submissions and how projects will be judged. This contest is open to any high school student between the ages of 15 and 18.
The application deadline is April 27, 2022. Learn more and apply using the link below.
https://momath.org/the-steven-h-strogatz-prize-for-math-communication/
Athletics
Congratulations to the Boys Basketball team in their win over American History on Tuesday by a score of 63-51. RJ Brockman had 15 points in the win.
Congratulations to our girls basketball team in their win over Newark Labs by a score of 29-19 on Tuesday as well. Hannah Berman and Alexa Bracero scored 7 points each in the victory. Congratulations to Coach Gazerwitz for his first career win for the Lady Redwings!
Have you heard of popcorn lung?
Nicotine is the primary substance in both cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. It has been shown to increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic pulmonary disease.
Nicotine and vaping liquids contain additives such as propylene glycol and glycerol. These toxic chemicals cause cancer, respiratory disease, and heart disease. Scientists have found that diacetyl, a chemical used to flavor some vape juice, may cause a condition called “popcorn lung,” the scarring and obstruction of the lungs’ smallest airways. Research found that some common chemicals used to flavor vape juice could damage endothelial cells. These are the cells that line blood vessels and lymph vessels. Experts believe that long-term exposure to the toxic substances in e-cigarette vapor, such as nickel, tin, lead, benzene and formaldehyde, could increase the risk of cancer.
For more information about the dangers of smoking please contact Ms. Mattera at gmattera@hoboken.k12.nj.us or visit www.cdc.gov/quit
Need school supplies?
We'd like to remind all Redwings and families about our Redwing to Redwing school supply center located in the school library. Every year at locker cleanout, Mrs. McGreivey and the National Honor Society collect gently used supplies from students. We clean them up, organize them and make them available to any student who needs them. We are open to donations from the community also. Let's keep usable materials out of landfills and save some money!