Blue Jay Broadcast
News and Notes from the Hallways of MHS
Coffee talk with Mr. Guzman
Email: guzmana@middlesex.k12.nj.us
Website: http://www.middlesex.k12.nj.us/msd/HS/
Location: 300 John F Kennedy Drive, Middlesex, NJ, United States
Twitter: @MHSMiddlesexNJ
Principal’s Message:
Welcome to a special prom edition of the Blue Jay Broadcast. I am recycling this broadcast because this is still an important topic. Also, I wanted to send this out focusing on the prom because I want to remain focused on students and assisting them in making good choices. Over these next weeks, our students will be attending formal and informal social events, including prom and graduation which is a little over a month away. I want to remind our students of some of the challenges adolescents face today. They may not be completely aware that their bodies, brains and minds are still maturing and we need to keep reminding them to continuously evaluate the personal, ethical and safety impact of their decisions. For young adults who will be graduating and transitioning to the next part of their life, these social events mark a time of initial “independence” and comes complete with the opportunity to make as many mistakes as they want, without them really “counting.” There will be life experiences that are positive, some that are negative but most will leave impressions.
Substance abuse is seen as one of those “mistakes”. Students may experiment with alcohol, prescription drugs, marijuana and other illegal drugs. They will see and record Snapchat stories filled with pictures and videos of the party of the night, and hear rumors in class of the weekend before or the weekend to come. One of the topics I’ve touched on is social media and helping our students to be good digital citizens. It is important that our students understand the complexities of social media use and the consequences of their decision making.
Vaping has recently become what cigarettes were before it became “uncool”. The link below to the Don’t Get Vaped In website provides you access and information about the dangers of vaping. Please review and share it with your child and help us.
As the High School Administration, we ask parents to have open, honest conversations with students about substance abuse, vaping, expectations, and the potential consequences of their actions. By providing students with information on both the use and the resulting consequences, they can make an educated decision for themselves. This also provides them with the foundation to have difficult and challenging conversations, a skill that will serve them well in the future.
Students of this generation have all of the information they could possibly ever need or want at their fingertips. Unlike prior generations, they do not respond to scare tactics and stories/lessons of what they should and should not be doing. They have an awareness of what is legal and illegal, what is against policy and what is not. They understand they are taking a risk. What they do not know or do not have are the skills to navigate difficult situations if something gets out of hand or the confidence in their ability to say “no”.
We want our students to have fun but we also want them to be safe and make good choices. In the Birds Eye View, you will see some of our gym teachers sharing this information and having fun while doing it. I am also including some resources that we think can help you and your child have a conversation.
I would like us to continue to work together to support our students in making the right decisions.
https://www.dontgetvapedin.com/
http://powertotheparent.org/parenting/prom-safety/
https://www.cdc.gov/family/prom/index.htm
https://www.edgarsnyder.com/blog/2017/04/10-safe-driving-prom-tips.html
Sober Prom and Graduation Campaign 2019
Below is a letter from Andrew C. Carey, Middlesex County Prosecutor for parents regarding the Sober Prom and Graduation Campaign 2019.
News & Notes
Memorial Day Weekend Added Days off! Due to unused snow days, school will be closed Friday May 24th, Monday May 27th and Tuesday May 28th. Classes are back in session May 29th.
March Madness Attendance Tournament Winners! A big congratulations goes out to Mr. Hottensen's Homeroom for the best attendance in the month of February and March. The homeroom has been awarded with a catered breakfast from Manhattan Bagel.
Congratulations to Dylan Robertson who won 3 gold and 1 silver medals in Special Olympics Track Meet. Dylan will now be going to summer games at The College of New Jersey in June!
MHS Cross Country
The Got Sneakers Fundraiser was a wild success! A big thank you to everyone who has donated sneakers. The totals will be posted in June, stay tuned!
Artist Corner
Mr. Dow returned from the 12th annual Congressional Arts Competition hosted by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. A BIG CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Nasya McCants (9) and her teacher Mrs. Susan Reicken. Nasya’s photo titled “My Brother” came in 1st place in this prestigious show. Nasya’s work will now travel down to Washington D.C. where it will hang in the rotunda of the U.S. Capital Building for a full year. I was lucky enough to be there with Nasya and her family when Congresswoman Coleman presented the award. If you know Nasya or have her enrolled in one of your courses, give her a big “WAY TO GO” on a job well done. I also like to give a shout out to the other young artist who participated in this show, Carly Santucci (12), Sarah Pundock (12), Josephine Basch (12), Han Doan (11), and Christina Mai (11) who all deserve credit for their amazing creativity and artistic skill. You all represent the best of what Middlesex has to offer.
Middlesex High School ceramics department is working in collaboration with Sayerville War Memorial High School and other programs from across the state to create poppies that will be installed at the NJ Vietnam Veterans Memorial for this months ceremonies.
Bird's Eye View
Alumni Spotlight / Sighting
Do you know of an alumni who would like to be in the spotlight? If so, please contact Cathy Sue Kotch at kotchc@middlesex.k12.nj.us