JJHS
Community Bulletin
Monthly Community Bulletin February 2024
School Hours: 8:10am to 2:48pm
Main Office Hours: 7:30am to 4:00pm
Main Office Phone: 914-763-7201
Contact JJHS
Please email jjhsattendance@klschools.org to report absences, tardies, early dismissals or call 914-763-7218.
Important Dates at a Glance
February 2024
Feb. 5-8 - Course scheduling for 2024-2025
Feb. 8 - Board of Education meeting in JJHS Library @ 7 p.m.
Feb. 14 - Community and Culture Day at JJHS
Feb. 16 -Superintendent's Conference Day - School closed
Feb. 19-20 - President's Day Recess
Feb. 22 - Board of Education meeting in JJHS Library @ 7 p.m.
This is a gentle reminder that to help maintain building safety and security, students are expected to show ID whenever they enter the building. If your child does not have their ID when entering the building they will be asked to sign in with the greeter when entering.
If your child leaves for lunch, or any other reason, they will have to show ID or sign in every time they reenter the building.
School Happenings
Music to their Ears
Despite the difficult weather conditions of late, the orchestra was treated to the NY Philharmonic Orchestra's performance of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.”
Congratulations to JJHS Robotics Team!
Let's take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our robotics teams this past weekend. A huge shoutout to Teams “Meganight” and “Straw Hat” for their outstanding performance, each walking away with prestigious awards. But the spotlight today shines brightest on Team “The Mob” and “The Leftovers.” With the support of “The Mob,” “The Leftovers” not only collected their own awards but also clinched the number 1 spot overall in the competition, securing their spot in the state championship! Let's give a round of applause for all our teams. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring. Go, John Jay Robotics!
Unity Day
During Unity Day at JJHS students engaged in circle discussions and games focused on fostering connections amongst peers. Following these engaging activities, all students and staff convened in the gymnasium for a school-wide pep rally. The event showcased our winter sports teams and senior athletes, recognized monitors, and featured student performances. Unity Day culminated with a friendly "mat race" competition between grades.
KLSD Arts Alive - Encore Cabaret 2024
KLSD ArtsAlive sends all of you our heartfelt gratitude as we were able to bring the Encore Cabaret 2024 back to the JJHS stage on January 6, 2024.
Now in its 10th year, Encore Cabaret allows KLSD ArtsAlive the unique opportunity to offer both alumni and current JJHS students the theatrical collaboration musically directed by Andre Catrini '2007 to showcase their unbelievable talent to be enjoyed by you!! A handful of Alumni returned to share this venue with 14 current JJHS students bringing you one of the most memorable and talented casts!
JJHS Seniors: Maddy Galgano, Julia Johnston, & Alec Schwartz
JJHS Juniors: Fenton Lio & Madison Varriale
JJHS Sophomores: Amanda Atholz, Avery Gatrell, Aya Greenspan, Casey Leff, Emma Gleacher, Lily Mostero, Nicoletta Summa & Sami Sperling
JJHS Freshman: Tal Doron
JJHS Alumni:
Elizabeth Epstein, Class of 2023
Ben Feinstein, Class of 2018
Nate Greenspan, Class of 2023
Lusi Halaifona, Class of 2023
Ali Leff, Class of 2022
Jess Leff, Class of 2020
Jake Sperling, Class of 2023
Special Shout Out Thanks to Henry King, Class of 2018 and Abba Wilson, Class of 2019 for returning and assisting with the soundboard and lights!
If you have not gotten a chance to preview our website, it’s not too late! Please check us out https://klsdartsalive.org/
We truly value your partnership and invite you to join us to elevate the Arts of the KLSD to new heights in 2024! Your meaningful contribution empowers KLSD ArtsAlive to carry out our mission to engage, enhance and promote the arts and offers our Katonah Lewisboro school community ongoing opportunities to integrate arts into the student experience.
Want to relive the magic of the Encore 2024 Performance? Check out the KLSD ArtsAlive YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVz3UE1lr90
On behalf of the entire KLSD ArtsAlive team, Thank You!
ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS
Many scholarship applications are still open. You can find them all listed on the counseling center webpage. If you have any questions, please ask your child's counselor or Mrs. Kassman in the Principal's office.
Driver's Education Course Offered at Stepinac High School
Below is information regarding the Spring 2024 Driver's Education Program at Stepinac High School in White Plains. There is no plan to offer a course at JJHS this year.
On Sale Now
Yearbooks are now available for purchase! Please visit www.yearbookordercenter.com or click here and enter the school code 4507.
Community Outreach
Encourage your children to sign up for Community and Culture Day workshops!
Community and Culture Day is right around the corner! Here are the activities planned for the day!
Periods 2-7 Workshops:
All grades are encouraged to sign up for workshops. There is a maximum of 15 students for each workshop listed below.
- Session 1: The History of Yoga in Indian Civilizations Immerse yourself in the calming practice of yoga, and delve into the history of yoga, exploring its origins, evolution, and the profound impact it has had on Indian culture. Led by Shivani Patel
- Session 1: Aprende a Bailar Bachata (Learn to Dance Bachata) Level up your dance moves and add a touch of Latin flair to your life! We are excited to invite you to join our Bachata workshop. Led by Everson Duarte, Franklin Miguel, Becca Valencia & Courtney Hamilton
- Session 2: The Hexagon Community Project in 3D: In this workshop we will create art, in the shape of a hexagon, using 3D materials such as clay, found objects, wire, etc., as a vehicle to bring social change, promote social justice and transform individuals and societies. Students will choose how they want to creatively visualize, illustrate and address issues of social and global themes and express views and beliefs that inspire social action in the community by changing attitudes, promoting justice, empathy, cooperation and interdependence. Led by Kristen Lowe
- Session 2: How to Make Cannolis Calling all dessert enthusiasts and culinary adventurers! We invite you to indulge your taste buds and learn the art of crafting the delectable Italian treat – Cannoli! Join us for a hands-on Cannoli-Making Workshop and unleash your inner pastry chef. Led by Ms. Piccolino & Melissa Falco
- Sessions 2 & 3: La Cultura y Musica Dominicana (Dominican Culture and Music) Explore the enchanting world of Dominican culture through a discovery of the roots of Bachata. Then, engage in the joy of dance as you learn the basic steps and fundamentals of Bachata. Led by Anthony Lora
- Session 3: The Hexagon Community Project in 2D: In this workshop we will create art, in the shape of a hexagon, using 2D materials such as drawing tools, paint, collage, as a vehicle to bring social change, promote social justice and transform individuals and societies. Students will choose how they want to creatively visualize, illustrate and address issues of social and global themes and express views and beliefs that inspire social action in the community by changing attitudes, promoting justice, empathy, cooperation and interdependence. Led by Kristen Lowe
Periods 3-8 in the Cafeteria:
- JJHS Around the World: Presentations from around the world in a “club-fair” format in the cafeteria.
- Where is your family from? Staff and students can stop by a station in the cafeteria to place pins that represent their cultures on a large world map.
- JJHS Recipe Book: Interested in sharing a recipe? Stop by the station in the cafeteria to share your favorite dish! https://padlet.com/mmcdonald144/jjhs-recipe-book-qqz15203ye5ozppd
Periods 3-8 Musical Performances:
- Period 3: Our JJHS Wind Ensemble will be performing Culloden, a Collection of Scottish Folk Tunes, in the Auditorium. If you are interested in bringing your class to see the performance, please complete the form below as well. Otherwise, feel free to stop by or encourage your students to go during their free period.
- Periods 4-6: Madison Varriale will be performing two songs in the cafeteria - Se tu m’ami by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi and Del Cabello Más Sutil by Fernando Obradors
- Periods 7-8: Our JJHS orchestra students will be performing two songs in the cafeteria - Atishbaji (Hindu for "fireworks," celebrates Diwali) and Dia de los Muertos (Mexican holiday)
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the students, parents, and staff that have helped us plan for this important celebration of diversity at JJHS.
· January 31st – February 4th, students will have the opportunity to input their course selections into the Parent Portal.
· February 5th & 6th, each counselor will meet with students individually, during their gym class, to discuss course selections.
· February 7th and 8th, any student who didn’t sit with their counselor during gym class, will have the opportunity to come to the Counseling Center and sit with them one on one.
Students speak with about science course selection for next year. They gave their honest opinions about what to expect from their "amazing" teachers.
ATTENTION: PARENTS OF JUNIORS
If you have not done so already, now is the time to schedule your Junior College Planning Meeting. This is a two-period meeting with your child and child’s counselor, with the last meeting of the day starting at 1:24PM (the start of our 8th period). Please check with your child for the best 2 consecutive periods to book this meeting and then call the Counseling Center at (914) 763-7216.
Note: This meeting can take place in person or via Zoom.
Available through the JJHS Library website
National Honor Society
The students of the National Honor Society offer free peer tutoring to their classmates in non-AP classes. If you feel that your child could benefit from a student tutor, please speak with your child and have them fill out this form.
Class of 2024
Additional Academic and Athletic Scholarship Applications are Available
Many scholarship applications are still available. You can find them all listed on the counseling center webpage. Paper copies are also available. If you have any questions, please ask your counselor or Mrs. Kassman in the Principal's office.
Senior Independent Experience
ATTENTION SENIORS AND THEIR PARENTS:
Hello Seniors, and welcome to the Senior Internship Experience 2024!
In Schoology, under “Groups,” please join the JJHS Senior Independent Experience – 2024 group. The Access Code is: N3NS-6K82-VX94Q. Ms. Weiss and Ms. Wilmot, the faculty advisors for the SIE (Senior Independent Experience) program will post all communication in this group. If you have any problems joining, please let us know asap.
The SIE is a 6-week unpaid internship program that will begin around May 6th. During this time, you will not attend classes but will be required to work 25 hours per week. You may propose your own internship experience. However, if you are unsure what you’d like to do, we have some interesting options for you to explore.
Don’t forget to join the Schoology page.
Graduation
The 2024 Senior Graduation will take place at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts on Tuesday June 18 at 5PM. Please stay tuned for updates.
Senior Prom
Senior Prom will take place at Surf Club on the Sound in New Rochelle on Friday June 14 from 7PM to 10PM. Please stay tuned for updates.
Senior Year Things to Do
Purchasing 2024 Yearbooks
Yearbooks are now available for purchase! Please visit www.yearbookordercenter.com or click here and enter the school code 4507
Senior Ads
Friends and Family Ads are now available for purchase through the Yearbook Order Center. If you are interested in purchasing an ad, please visit www.yearbookordercenter.com or click here and enter job number 4507. You will see your options on ad size selections, and you will have the ability to create your own personalized ad. Please understand that space is limited. It is highly advised that ads are purchased between the months of August and November in order to guarantee an ad for your child. Due to yearbook deadlines, limited space, and inconvenience, prices on ads will be raised significantly after February 1, 2024.
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Binns or Miss Muschio.
Reminders and Requirements
This is a reminder that medication orders for emergency includes students who carry emergency medication in their backpacks. Please submit the updated forms as soon as possible (attached below).
Catch My Breath - Vape Education - Tobacco Youth Prevention is our evidence-based vaping prevention program to help educate our children in order to make informed decisions about e-cigarettes and resist social pressure!
What if I Can't Afford My Asthma Medication | Allergy & Asthma Network
What do do if you cannot afford the cost of your asthma or other respiratory medications? Check out your options, including manufacturer contact info.
Any questions, contact Cyndi Mallon, RN NCSN cmallon@klschools.org or Kerby Anne Cabrey, RN kcabrey@klschools.org by email, phone 914-763-7205, or fax 914-763-6572.
SPRING SPORTS SIGN-UPS
Information can be found on the athletic webpage.
Please be mindful of deadlines. The deadline for Final Forms is March 1st to ensure all forms are reviewed promptly and do not delay a student's medical clearance.
A current SPRING SPORTS physical must be dated after MARCH 1, 2023.
Keep Kids Moving All Winter
A message from Cohen's Children Medical Center:
For most of us, as the temperature drops so does our activity level. But keeping active year-round is essential for everyone (not just kids) in maintaining a healthy weight, preventing the risk of chronic diseases, improving cardiovascular health, and building strong muscles and bones.
What’s more, among children and adolescents, increased physical activity has been shown to help improve attention, memory, executive functioning, processing speed, and cognition – all of which boost academic performance – and reduce the risk of depression.
How much do we need?
https://northwellhealth.org/2O2C-1FGSK-876JLS-YUDVN-1/c.aspx
What counts?
https://northwellhealth.org/2O2C-1FGSK-876JLS-YUXLC-1/c.aspx
Some ideas to keep kids active this winter.
https://northwellhealth.org/2O2C-1FGSK-876JLS-YUDVO-1/c.aspx
Winter sports are winding down and we are preparing to open Final Forms to sign-up for spring sports. Information will be sent out shortly.
JJHS PTO is a group of parent volunteers who raise money and provide services and activities to benefit the students and staff of JJHS. The JJHS PTO is proud to foster a sense of community among both high school students and parents.
STAY INFORMED
The PTO is one of the most important sources of information about everything going on at JJHS. To make sure you stay in the know, sign up on our webpage
(https://jjhspto.membershiptoolkit.com) or use the QR code to the right and enter your contact information on the DIRECTORY tab. The PTO does not receive this info from the school district. This will be your link to the JJHS PTO!
SUPPORT US
By supporting the PTO, you will become an integral part of the larger high school community.
There are many ways you can be involved! Email us at johnjayhspto@gmail.com to find out more.
PTO Sponsored Events that need your support!
Homecoming Dance - *NEW*
Winter Ball - *NEW*
Turkey Trot
Winter Wonderland
Welcome Back Breakfast for teachers and staff
Movie Nights
Teacher Appreciation Week
Senior Week/Seminar Day (Pancake Breakfast & BBQ)
Senior Scholarships
Class Level Support
Jay Fest
We look forward to working with you and seeing you at some of our special events!
Contact us with any questions at johnjayhspto@gmail.com and follow us on our JJJHS PTO Facebook Page!
JJHS PTO Board
Lisa Valdes, Paul Kuszynski, Amy Buatte, Mavis Wright, Teryn Kendall, Lynette McHugh
KLSD ArtsAlive is the arts booster club for the KLSD! We have promoted arts in education programming in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District since 1997 and has been a district-wide arts booster club for all KLSD schools since 2018. We believe that promoting the arts in our schools unifies our entire community. By supporting arts-related events and programming, we give everyone the opportunity to celebrate our talented students and teachers.
Through fundraising efforts (and thanks to your support), KLSD ArtsAlive has been able to contribute funds in recent years to the the Art Gallery, Pottery Wheels, the Sound Booth, Bandshells, and participate in Arts in Education programming for Student Workshops and Field Trips at John Jay High School.
To find out more about us and see how you can become involved, please check out our website: https://klsdartsalive.org/
The John Jay Booster Club could use your help, please check out johnjayboosters.org to learn more about our mission and what we do.
Keep an eye out for our merchandise store coming soon and for information about the return of the Harlem Wizards to the KL School District.
And thank you to all our volunteers during the fall season.
Click on the link above for more information.
Extra Help
Tuesday - Art, Social Studies, World Language
Wednesday - Business/Tech, English, Music, Science
Thursday - Health, Math, PE
Helpful Links
Technology Help Desk
Prior Community Bulletins
Steven Siciliano
Principal
ssiciliano@klschools.org
Samir Biswas
Assistant Principal
sbiswas@klschools.org
Mallory McDonald
Assistant Principal
mmcdonald@klschools.org
Kim Piccolino
Assistant Principal
kpiccolino@klschools.org
Marisa Merlino
Director of Guidance
mmerlino@klschools.org
Christian McCarthy
Director of Health, Athletics, Physical Education and Wellness
cmccarthy@klschools.org