
JJHS
Community Bulletin

Monthly Community Bulletin November 2023
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
November 2023
November 6 - Thanks & Giving Food Drive begins
November 7 - Election Day & Superintendent's Conference Day - No school for students
November 8 - Workshop Wednesday for Juniors & Seniors
November 9 - Field of Honor & School Picture Retakes
November 10 - Veterans Day School is Closed
November 15 - Dr. Dewey Presentation for Parents @ 7 pm
November 16 - Dr. Dewey Assemblies for Students & Theatre Workshop Fall Drama @ 7 pm (Rite of Autumn Art Gallery open during intermission) & Board of Education Meeting
November 17 - 1st Quarter Ends & Theatre Workshop Fall Drama @ 7 pm
November 18 - Theatre Workshop Fall Drama @ 1 & 7 pm
November 20 - National Honor Society Induction @ 7 pm
November 20-23 - Thanks & Giving Week
November 23 & 24 - Thanksgiving Recess School is Closed
November 30 - Board of Education Meeting
School Happenings
First Workshop Wednesday a Resounding Success!
On October 11th, all freshmen and sophomores were given an opportunity to participate in variety of workshops offered by community members and JJHS teachers alike. The workshops were designed to ignite students' interests outside of the classroom and provide them with real life skills. Students spent the day designing ceramic coasters and creating plein air paintings, learning how to tie down a load using ratchet straps and rope, practicing yoga poses to develop flexibility and strength, developing their skills playing the latest craze of pickleball, exploring printing techniques in darkroom photography, understanding the foundations of investing, and chatting with SRO Schlosser about how to get their driver's permit and handle roadside emergencies.
We are grateful to have such a talented and inspirational community devoted to making the Workshop Wednesday series a success. The next series of workshop will be offered to Juniors and Seniors on November 8th.
Learning how to tie down a load
Plein air painting
Practicing yoga poses
Creating ceramic coasters
Chatting with SRO Schlosser
JCK Foundation
Below is their contact information if any students want to reach out!
Instagram: @jckfoundation
Tricks or Treats?
Our faculty and staff had fun dressing-up for Halloween!
Too cool to be the math department
We believe in Ted Lasso
It's groovy to teach physical education
Where's Luigi?
Main office characters
Heading out for a jog in the 1970's
Celebrating Local Veterans on November 9th
JJHS Helping Others
Our food drive will begin on November 6th and continue through November 13th. All donations will go to the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Boxes will be placed outside the front of the school for those who wish to donate. Items most needed are flour and sugar (1-2 lb. bags), coffee (instant or ground), tea (small boxes) and cookies (shelf stable).
John Jay Theater Workshop Presents "Is He Dead?"
This year's Fall Drama "Is He Dead" written by Mark Twain and adapted by David Ives is a comedic play that revolves around the character Jean-Francois Millet, a struggling artist in 19th century France who fakes his own death in order to increase the value of his paintings. He then disguises himself as his sister in an attempt to control his artwork after his "death". There are 14 cast members and countless crew members working together to bring this show to life!
Performances are Thursday 11/16 at 7pm, Friday 11/17 at 7pm, and Saturday 11/18 at 1pm and 7pm. Tickets are $5 for students/senior citizens and $10 for adults. They can be purchased at the door.
Thanks & Giving Week Nov. 20-22
Turkey Trot
John Jay High School's 2nd Annual Turkey Trot is Wednesday, November 22! Please sign up to donate goods or your time to help the JJHS PTO make this amazing event a success.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FABAB22A2F9CE9-44727755-john
Community Outreach
Upcoming Programming for Students & Parents
Dr. Dewey Assembly
Dr. Dewey, a neuroscientist and researcher will be here on November 16th. The focus of his assembly is the science behind drugs and addictions on the brain. We invite you to join us for a parent presentation on November 15th @ 7pm at JJHS.
JJHS Committees
Graduation.
The committee has had two meetings to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of conducting graduation at Caramoor or at the high school. Soon, senior class leaders will seek input from their classmates for administration's consideration and ultimately final decision. We are appreciative of the multiple perspectives presented by our committee members and also understand the importance of giving our seniors a voice in the decision.
The BEAT - Belonging, Equity & Advocacy Taskforce
In KLSD’s ongoing efforts to make our schools welcoming and inclusive of ALL students, JJHS is forming its own school-based committee. The high school’s BEAT team will work in partnership with the district’s equity team to focus more clearly and responsively to issues of school climate and equity at JJHS. The committee will be lead by JJHS Assistant Principal, Mrs. Mallory McDonald, and composed of all interested students in grades 9-12, all interested teachers, members of high school administration, and all interested parents. The committee will meet once per month from September to June. The committee will have its third meeting in the high school cafeteria at right after school on November 16th. If interested in serving on this committee, please click here to sign up.
Student Recognition.
“Show me what you celebrate, and I know what you value.” This high school committee will explore the ways students are celebrated at JJHS to ensure recognition is established and equitably distributed among the student body. The committee will be lead by JJHS Director of Guidance Mrs. Marisa Merlino, and will be composed of guidance counselors, all interested teachers, all interested students in grades 9-12, and all interested parents. The committee will meet once per month from September to January. If interested in serving on this committee, please click here to register.
Use of Time Committee.
This committee has been meeting during the 2022-23 school year exploring the utility and feasibility of bringing block scheduling to JJHS and will need new members including all interested 7-12 students, teachers, and parents. The committee will continue being lead by Assistant Principal Dr. Samir Biswas and will finalize its work by meeting once per month (or as necessary) and make a final recommendation to the Superintendent of Schools for his consideration and/or action to be communicated to the community at an appropriate date. If interested, pleaseclick here to register.
Share your "Real Life" Skills at Workshop Wednesdays
Over the years, JJHS students have asked for experiences rooted in specific practical skills to assist them in “real life.” Past requests have included: How to do tax returns and personal budgeting, how to cook something quick, or how to change a flat tire? In response, JJHS runs a series of "Workshop Wednesdays,” where students can access short modules of instruction on topics of interest to them. Depending on student interest, workshops may be offered numerous times on a specific day or over numerous dates. Individual workshop modules run for 80 minutes with a break in the middle. There are no grades, no stress, and no homework! Students are asked to bring their curiosity and willingness to learn some “real life” skills.
It is also a chance for the community to engage more deeply with JJHS as we seek interested community members to help develop workshop modules to offer students and teach them to them.
If you are interested in sharing your practical knowledge and skills with our students, please complete the form below. The next workshops are on February 7th (Juniors/Seniors) and March 20th (Freshmen/Sophomores).
Workshop Wednesdays have proven to be most popular with students, and we hope you consider taking part. If you have any questions, please email Assistant Principal Mallory McDonald at mmcdonald@klschools.org.
Parents of Seniors
OVER 100 COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES ARE VISITING JJHS!
The Counseling Center is excited to announce that over 100 colleges and universities are scheduled to visit us this fall and meet with all interested seniors. These visits are scheduled in-person in conjunction with our 9-period day. (A few visits are scheduled virtually at 4:00 pm.) All visits are reserved for seniors.
For a list of visiting schools, seniors should log into their SCOIR account, and view upcoming visits towards the bottom of their home page. If interested in attending any college visit, students must register by clicking the “register” button next to the college name.
Reminders of college visits for the week are posted throughout the building on our digital signage and a message sent to all seniors via their Schoology accounts. Visits are also announced each morning. Seniors who partake in these visits are cleared from their missed class but are responsible for any classwork that is missed.
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society hosted a Red Cross Blood Drive on October 20th. The Red Cross collected 49 units of blood which exceeded their goal by 35% and helped save 150 lives! Thank you to all who donated, especially the 24 first time donors.
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.
We are delighted to announce that a distinguished group of students from the class of 2024 will be inducted into the prestigious National Honor Society on Monday, November 20th at 7pm in the high school auditorium. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and character throughout their academic journey to distinguish themselves as outstanding members of our school community. We invite all students, parents, teachers, and staff to join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements at our induction ceremony. This year’s inductees are:
Best Buddies
JJMS students and JJHS students had a great time together making scarecrows, coloring fall leaves, and making jack-o-lanterns.
Class of 2024
Senior Portraits
Portraits are being taken at JJHS. If you have not received login information from Lifetouch, please email Miss Muschio (nmuschio@klschools.org) for information on how to sign-up for your yearbook senior portrait. Time slots are filling up fast! NOTE: Information on how to select your pose for the yearbook will be sent out in a separate email this fall.
Purchasing 2024 Yearbooks
Yearbooks are now available for purchase! Prices will increase after December 31, 2023. Please visit www.yearbookordercenter.com or click here and enter the school code 4507.
Baby Photos
This is a last call for senior baby photos. In order to proceed with the creation of the book in a timely fashion, the Yearbook Club needs the photos ASAP. Baby photos must be uploaded via eShare. To upload, please visit www.hjeshare.com or click here or download the HJ eShare App--you must enter school code 4507. Please be sure to upload only one baby photo. All photos must be approved by administration so please choose wisely before submitting.
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.
Senior Quotes
A separate email has been sent to students regarding senior quotes. This email was sent through the school email system this week.
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Binns or Miss Muschio.
Class of 2025
Stay tuned to what's going on with the Class of 2025 during the school year.
Class of 2026
Stay tuned to what's going on with the Class of 2026 during the school year.
Class of 2027
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).
It is a New York State REQUIREMENT for 9th and 11th graders to submit updated physicals with immunization records attached. Send them to the health office , they were due OCTOBER 15TH (physicals must be dated after 9/6/2022). The school physician will be conducting physicals the first week of November for any students who have not submitted this requirement.
Winter Sports - Sign-ups have begun for Winter Sports on Final Forms. Physicals must be dated after November 1, 2022. Please choose only one sport. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD.
Raising food allergy awareness and offering the option of non-food trinkets and toys in a separate bowl makes Halloween safer and more inclusive for all trick-or-treaters. For more information on on FARE's Teal Project click here.
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.
JJVB had a great win against Ardsley in the sectional quarterfinals! The team played with a lot of energy and heart and is looking forward to bringing that same level of energy to our match against Hen Hud in the semifinals.
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
Encore Is Back!!!
KLSD ArtsAlive is thrilled to announce the return of our popular Broadway-style cabaret show, Encore, on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
Now in its 10th year, Encore is a unique event where current JJHS students and alumni share the JJHS stage together, creating an evening of Broadway magic. Award-winning composer and lyricist Andre Catrini (JJHS class of 2007) will return as this year's musical director.
Encore features JJHS students and alumni (whether part of the theater program or not) performing solos or duets, no matter if they have performed the role previously or not. For some, this is their first time performing on the JJHS stage, while others are stage veterans currently starring in high school or professional productions, studying the art in college, etc.
Any JJHS Student can audition, and we hope you'll consider joining us for this one-of-a-kind experience. To sign up and receive your audition packet, please visit the Board in the performing arts wing. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, November 22nd. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this spectacular night!
Learn more about this unique experience, follow these links!
https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cm4ttf2AhiO/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
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