News From the Eagle's Nest
Principal's Newsletter - MacNaughton's Minutes
Brighter Days Ahead!!
Dear MK Community,
As we head into Spring, may we all be reminded that where we are now is not where we will always be. There are brighter days ahead!
I am so proud of our students for how they have handled this adversity over the past year. They, along with our tremendous staff and supportive parents, have been amazing!
We are in the midst of planning to increase in-person instruction and instructional time for our students. Please remember to fill out the survey that was sent out via email. We are looking for input from all of our district stakeholders!
Currently, we have 46% of our population who has elected to be all virtual. After we know the number of students who will attend in-person, we will complete a class by class analysis of capacity and class counts to see if we can have all students attend classes for 5 days, while social distancing.
Our goal is to have all in-person students attend 5 days per week for either Option A or B. However, this will only be possible based on the percentage of students who elect to be in-person for the marking period. If we have around 50% elect to be in-person, then we will run either option A or B with in-person students attending 5 days. If we have too large of a percentage elect to be in-person then we will remain in cohorts and run Option A.
For those of you that may have questions about the options, here is a brief summary of the options we are looking to possibly implement:
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Option A:
Eliminate All Virtual Mondays
Week 1: Cohort 1 attends in person M,T,W
Cohort 2 attends in person Th, Fr
Week 2: Cohort 1 attends T, W
Cohort 2 attends M, Th, Fr
Extend the school day to a full day of instruction including lunch (class periods would be approximately 70 minutes)
Students would be socially distanced during lunch.
There will be time built in for students on full time remote instruction to arrive at school in time for athletics/ after-school activities
*If enough students opt to be all virtual, then the cohorts would be combined and all in-person students would attend 5 days a week for full days, including lunch.
Option B:
Eliminate All Virtual Mondays
Combine all in-person students to form one single in-person cohort.
All In-person students attend 5 days per week with the same bell schedule that is currently in place. No lunch would be served.
Dismissal would be at 12:10 PM
- Extra Help Teacher Office Hours would continue each afternoon.
This option would only be possible if we had around 50% of our students elect to be all virtual.
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Recently in the news, there have been a small number of high schools in Morris County that have announced that they are bringing their in-person students in for 5 days per week. These schools have very high percentages of all virtual students, which is allowing them to bring in-person students in to school for 5 days per week. If we are in a similar situation, then we will certainly bring in our in-person students in for 5 days per week following either Option A or B depending on the needs and desires of our school community.
As we adapt to these new realities and prepare for possible unknowns that lie ahead, we will continue to take a thoughtful approach to problem-solving. Your input and questions are welcomed at rmacnaughton@mhrd.org.
I hope you find this newsletter useful and encouraging. I have included many student accomplishments and resources.
Stay Strong MK and continue to "Protect the Nest."
With Golden Eagle Pride,
Ryan MacNaughton
Phase II - Options That We Are Considering
We got this MK! I know I have shared this before, but it's worth another look! GO EAGLES!!
Morris Knolls Earns the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award!!
MK Honor Roll - Marking Period 2 - Click Below to View
Senior Scholarship Information Site (Click Below) Deadlines for Scholarships are fast approaching!
Racial Justice Alliance Club Creates Virtual Showcase for Black History Month!
In honor of Black History month, the Racial Justice Alliance club has worked together in collaboration to form a website to celebrate some major historical themes that the black community have shaped throughout America. In creating this, they hope to educate as many people as they can on some elements of black culture that they researched. Click on the link below to view the site! They did a phenomenal job with it.
Isabelle Nebres (9th Grade APA Student) Featured on new Disney Docuseries and featured in Vogue Magazine!
Libby Nebres, is a APA vocal student but her dedication to ballet remains strong and she has had some noteworthy events in dance this semester. Libby can be seen in the upcoming Disney+ docuseries titled On Pointe.
Libby was also just featured in an article in Vogue. We are very proud of her hard work and dedication to dance!
(See the trailer and article below)
Alexandria Stevenson (12) Named February Mayo Performing Arts Center Music Student of the Month!!
Alexandria Stevenson (grade 12) was among the students honored as the February Mayo Performing Arts Center Music Students of the month for Outstanding Pianists.
Stevenson's music teacher, Michael Lichtenfeld, nominated her, stating:
"Without reservation, I nominate Alexandria Stevenson for the Outstanding Pianist Award. She is a phenomenal young musician. Alexandria has been playing the piano for 11 years. She is extremely involved in the Morris Knolls music department and the school community. Alexandria has been the pianist for the Morris Knolls Screaming Eagles Jazz Band since her freshman year, the Chamber Strings and the String Ensemble since her sophomore year. She has also been selected to play at various induction ceremonies, graduation and award ceremonies for the high school. Beyond her school involvement, Alexandria is heavily involved with her piano studies. She performs regularly in recital for the Pompton Valley Music Teachers Association. Notably, she has performed at Carnegie Hall in the Weill Recital Hall several times. She has also been a successful participant in competitions being a Semifinalist in Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition (2017), placing 3rd in the Prima Volta Music Competition (May 2018), earning PVMTA J.S. Bach Award, Young Artist (September 2019) and received recognition for High Honors at the New Jersey Music Teachers Association Spring Recitals (March 2019, 2020)."
Bobby Egner accepted to FDU Florham Park and will be playing soccer for the FDU Devils in the fall.
Jason Gabel Earns Eagle Scout and 3rd Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo!! Amazing!
Over the past few months Jason Gabel has been quite active despite the challenges of Covid-19. He recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He also worked on and completed the requirements for a Scouting Religious Award, God and Life. In addition, Jason earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo. We celebrate his accomplishments!
Gabriella Masker Honored for her Accomplishments in Career and Technical Education. Congrats Gabbi!
In February the Morris Hills Regional District celebrates Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. CTE classes and programs prepare students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers. Students in CTE classes gain a valuable skill set through programs that mirror industry standards.
As a comprehensive high school, Morris Hills Regional hosts State approved CTE Programs in the following areas: Architectural Drafting/ Architectural CAD, Machine Shop Technology, Automotive Mechanics Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Television Production, and the Culinary Arts. Additionally, elective opportunities are available in the areas of: Woodshop, Graphic Communications, Electricity, Business Education, and Childcare. Many of the programs offered are taught by individuals who have years of industry experience. Students who are enrolled in these programs or courses have the opportunity to earn industry valued credentials, articulated college credits, take part in competitive Career and Technical Student Organization events, and participate in Work Based Learning for on-the-job training.
This February we are proud to honor Morris Knolls High School Senior Gabriella (Gabbi) Masker. Gabbi has an extensive resume of CTE classes, including: Graphic Communications, Advanced Graphic Production, College Accounting 1H, Woodshop, Cabinet Making and Furniture Design, CAD 1, CAD 2, and Architectural Design.
Next year Gabbi will attend the University of Delaware and major in Accounting. Gabbi plans to continue with her study of Architecture in hopes of using her Accounting skills to open her own architecture firm. Her career aspirations stem from her parents, who are involved in the business world, and the satisfaction she gains from creating an architectural design based on what she pictures in her mind.
Gabbi directly attributes her love of CTE subjects to her teachers over the past 4 years: Mr. Erickson, Mr. Flake, and Ms. Miraldi. She cites their caring approach and personal connections in addition to the practicality of the curriculum as the reason she enjoys these classes so much. Gabbi calls her CTE courses the "highlight of her day" and says that every teacher that she has had is "phenomenal." Her only regret is that she could not take every CTE class that Morris Knolls has to offer.
When asked to choose a favorite project from the last four years, Gabbi understandably had a difficult time selecting. However, she ultimately decided that her apartment design and 3D print from CAD 2 was her favorite. Furthermore, Gabbi has put her skills to work at home. She has utilized her CAD and Woodworking skills to assist with the renovation of her basement.
Gabbi will be formally recognized for her outstanding accomplishments at the March 15, 2021 Morris Hills Regional District Board of Education Meeting. Congratulations Gabbi!
Adwik Rahematpura selected as NJAGC Distinguished Student!
We are so proud to report that Adwik Rahematpura has been chosen by NJAGC (New Jersey Association for Gifted Children) as their candidate for the 2021 Distinguished Student Award for his achievements in academics. Adwik is a dedicated student and an exceptionally goal-driven person who uses his skills and his talents to make a positive impact in and outside of the Morris Knolls community.
Congratulations Adwik!
Amani Herring Accepted a Verbal Commitment to Penn State for a Full 4 Year Scholarship!
Amani Herring (11) has accepted a verbal commitment to Penn State for a full 4-year scholarship. Penn State Gymnastics offered her a spot for their 2022 roster a little over 3 weeks ago. Amani and her family are so thankful for her teachers, Mr. Shaffer and Mrs. Evans for their constant support through this process and understanding of her crazy training schedule.
Click the video below to view her last Meet for 2020 at North Stars Gymnastics.
Greg Crawford (11) Rocking it During the Pandemic. Way to go, Greg!
Greg Crawford (11) has displayed good character with extraordinary work ethic during these difficult times. Greg has maintained High Honor Roll in school, while continually working throughout the Pandemic 3-4 days a week in town at a local restaurant. Through Greg's committed work efforts he learned what it means to keep a business open and running during tough times. While many restaurants closed when the Pandemic hit, Greg's restaurant did not. The restaurant amazingly stayed open participating in acts of kindness led by the business owner. The restaurant remained vigilant during the pandemic donating food to the local community hospital nurses and police. Greg remained a constant and worked when no one else wanted to. Furthermore, Greg has partnered with a friend and shovels snow as a side business in the in the neighborhood, helping neighbors, and earning some extra cash. In addition to his exemplary school and work ethic, Greg has continued to participate in athletics with summer club Lacrosse in 2020 and the winter Lacrosse league in 2021, even with the difficult challenges of Covid. Keep it up, Greg!
Congratulations to Samantha Deyo (9th Grader enrolled in our Math and Science Magnet Program) for Achieving High Honor Roll for both 1st and 2nd Marking Periods!
Congratulations to Erin Sweeney!
Academy of Performing Arts Students Perform their Winter Recital. Congrats to Ms. Adessa and all of our wonderful performers! (Click the Video Below)
Academy of Performing Arts - Theater Showcase!
The event aired live on February 28, 2020 @ 6:00 PM. Congrats to Ms. Garry and all of our awesome performers!!!
APA Students Excel in the New Jersey Thespians Festival !
Michelle Lee, a 9th grader in the APA, submitted her essay and won the New Jersey Thespians DemocracyWorks student essay competition!
The NJ Thespian Chapter implemented a Democracy Works Student Essay Competition focused by the Educational Theatre Association in 2009 to grow student advocacy on behalf of student advocacy and theatre education. Michelle Lee entered and was selected. Michelle Lee will attend the 2021 National Arts Action Summit later this year. This summit will include legislative training on current arts issues circulating on Capitol Hill and visits with Representatives and Senators virtually. Congratulations, Michelle!
APA students participated in the Virtual 2021 Thespian Festival
The following students achieved Superior Ranking:
· Sofia Slaman: Contrasting Monologue Category
· Kate Cullin: Musical Solo
· Elizabeth Pietrucha and Michael Luciano: Musical Duet
Sofia, Kate, Elizabeth, and Michael all received Thespy awards for their Superior Ranking. They now qualify for the Virtual International Thespian Festival in June 2021.
Congratulations, Sofia, Kate, Elizabeth, and Michael!
Sofia Slaman (10) - Contrasting Monologues
Michael Luciano (11) - Musical Duet
Elizabeth Pietrucha (11) - Musical Duet
Kate Cullin - Musical Solo - 1st Place - Click Below to Hear Kate Sing their Winning Solo!
Michelle Lee and Aidan Sales, APA Theatre Freshmen, competed in the Shakespeare Sonnet and Monologue performance at the English Speaking Union Competition in Princeton this winter! Congrats Michelle and Aidan for represented Morris Knolls at this prestigious competition!
Family Shout Out!
Chloe Reiris Makes Some Noise on the Tennis Courts and in Community Service!
She also served the community for the fourth year at the Christmas Outreach at Liquid Church in Parsippany. This annual event helps less fortunate families here and abroad.
Way to go Chloe!
Morris Knolls Virtual Enterprise Class Advances in National Business Plan Competition!
Morris Knolls Virtual Enterprise class PPEco, a personal protective gear company, has advanced to the next round of the National Business Plan competition. This year's team presenters include John Florio, Connor Fitzsimmons, Jack Bolan, Jack Simon, Oliver Hinojosa, and Tyler Schnuriger. These six gentlemen have worked with their entire VE class to write a phenomenal business plan and created a professional presentation which was shared during their competition. Next month they will continue their competition thru potentially three more rounds of presentations. Congratulations PPEco!
Edward Costine qualified for the Dean’s Honor List for the Fall 2020 Semester at CCM!
Edward is one of a handful of students engaged in the ”Challenger” program. Doing so allows him to take Courses at CCM which satisfy his High school Graduation requirements while accumulating College Credits toward his degree. At first he doubted his abilities against the college level workload. However, he has proven that “students will rise to the level of expectation”, and not only has he passed all of his courses acquiring 30 College Credits to date, he has made the Dean’s List as well. Edward is currently taking 15 Credits worth of courses at CCM via the Challenger program and expects to graduate High School with 45 fully transferable College Credits. Edward intends to Attend CCM for the remaining 15 credits necessary to achieve his Associates Degree. From there Edward will matriculate into Rutgers in New Brunswick to pursue his Bachelor’s degree.
Edward has discovered he has musical ability as well. He has been studying violin since 8th grade at Copeland. He has also found a talent with both the Piano and now the Guitar, both acoustic and electric. Edward has traveled extensively from Russia to the Philippine’s, and has completed courses at both Princeton and Harvard. We are confident the Lad is well prepared and equipped to face the challenges and expectations which lie before him. Knolls is proud, Edward!
Family Shout Out!
Shout out to Melina Diou!!
Melina continues to blow our family away with her smarts, continued dedication and hard work! High honor roll this marking period!!!! We couldn’t be more proud especially during these uncertain times. Keep reaching for the stars as they will always be shining upon you girl. We love you. Keep up the great work!
Mom & Dad
John Limberis (10) Selected to Represent MK at HOBY Youth Leadership Conference!!
John Limberis was nominated to attend this year's HOBY Youth Leadership Conference in June.
The Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership is an organization dedicated to training and nurturing the young leaders of tomorrow. Its mission is to provide lifelong leadership development opportunities that empower youth to achieve their highest potential and gain knowledge of leadership skills.
Congrats John!!!!
Ms. Kelly Lestrange
In December, Ms. Kelly Lestrange completed the the Special Education Transition to Adulthood Graduate Certificate program through the University of Connecticut.
The main goals of this program were to:
-Learn how to interpret and apply current special education policy and law to practice, and gain the skills required to be professional and ethical educational leaders and advocates for students with disabilities.
-Examine relevant legislation and recommended practices related to person-centered transition planning for students with disabilities in post-school and adult life, including postsecondary education, employment, community participation and independent living.
-Gain a sound understanding of the common challenges facing students with disabilities as they transition to adulthood, while working directly with them to develop transition and community-based instruction plans.
We look forward to Ms. Lestrange taking the knowledge she learned in this program and utilizing it while we continue to grow and improve upon our transition programming at Morris Knolls!
Ms. Lestrange defines what it means to be a life long learner!
Morris Knolls Staff Continues to Support Those in Need. Way to Go, MK!
Being in a high school building is never a static job. Students stay on the minds of Morris Knolls teachers, staff assistance, and support staff even when they are not directly in front of them. This could not be more evident this year as they came together to make sure students at the high school have what they need to be well-fed and cared for.
Morris Knolls staff members, led by Ms. Barbara Seaman, donated Gift cards to our families in need during Thanksgiving and during the holiday season.
In addition, we are currently collecting adult coloring books and colored pencils for students that are feeling the strain of being home without social interaction. Rev. Clarkson and the congregation from the Union Hill Presbyterian Church in Denville has also partnered with our staff and we have collected over 100 coloring books and pencils that will be distributed with the help of the staff and students of our Special Education department.
Morris Knolls High School is an amazing community on all levels, but at the heart of it, are the people that love and care about every student that shows up in our classroom or on our screens.
- Wednesday, March 10 @ 7:30 PM - HSA Meeting
- 3/10, 3/11, SAT Boot Camp
- Saturday, March 13. Administration at MH,
- Sunday, March 14, Daylight Savings Begins
- April 2 - 9, Spring Break -
- Tuesday, April 13, End of Marking Period 3
- Saturday, April 17 ACT Administration at MK
Click Below to Join the Morris Knolls Home and School Association!
Click Below to View the Clubs and Activities that MK has to Offer!
Message from the Rockaway Township Police Department
Click Below to View the NJ Covid-19 Information Hub
Morris Knolls High School
Email: rmacnaughton@mhrd.org
Website: www.mhrd.org
Location: 50 Knoll Drive, Rockaway, NJ, USA
Phone: 9736642201
Twitter: @MKPrincipal