Greetings Redwing Family and Happy Friday!

Last night we held our annual College Planning Night, and it did not disappoint. We hosted over 50 families last night as Mrs. Gleason and Mr. Terry walked families through the daunting college process. See photo below. This is not just about senior year, but they review the process from 9th grade through 12th grade. Parents had so many great questions, and they were all answered. This is a great forum for parents to understand timelines to ensure that the college application process is seamless with little stress!

Over in the cafeteria, our Classroom Without Walls hosted the final fundraiser before departing for the Galapogos Islands. We had raffles, food, face painting, and plenty of Darwin themed activities for all to join. Ms. DelaRosa and Ms. Cruz did a fantastic job at organizing this event, and also raised money for the trip. Big shout our faculty and students who made this night a great success.

Just a reminder that third marking period interim reports are available on Oncourse Parent Portal. This is a critical time as we are heading into Spring Break and shortly after, we will be closing out the third marking period. Please know that we have our Academic Support Center available before and after school as well as during period 5 and 6. Our library also is open after school with certified staff should your child need assistance.

Check out the SpongeBob Luau on Tuesday, March 28th and help support the theater department.

Remember schools are closed April 7 through April 16th, and we return on Monday, April 17th. Thursday, April 6th, is a 1:00 dismissal.

Have a great weekend,

Ms. Picc

English I students completed reading "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury. After discussion and a short video, students were asked to write the next part of the story, imagining how it ended. Students were given a few guidelines: try to write in the style of Ray Bradbury by including imagery and meaningful dialogue, connect their story to what happened before, and to be creative with technology. Students did a great job. An overwhelming class favorite was written by Emily Ortiz entitled "Wendy's Revenge." Emily's plot was very creative and she used multiple narrative elements to create an awesome story. It was submitted to the school's Literary Magazine for all to enjoy.

Ms. Troutman’s Pre-AP English I classes studied the meter, rhyme, and meaning of Shakespearean Sonnets 29, 130, and 138. Once we commenced our production of the play Romeo and Juliet, we encountered foolishness, infatuation, heartbreak, revenge, and desperation as we read the remainder of Act I, then experienced the sudden shift from woe to love at the end of Act I of Romeo and Juliet. As we acted out the scenes, we closely examined the symbolism, figurative language, conflicts, and characterization through close analysis of specific lines within each individual scene. During Act I, scene iii students wrote a character analysis of the nurse, then they created masks for the characters who attended the feast in Act I, scene v. This week has been challenging, yet incredibly rewarding with our classroom performances.

Friction is a common topic studied in all fields of Engineering. From the rubbing of your hands to create heat to the traction on your car's wheels to provide grip and prevent slipping. Students in Engineering Design are experimenting with the impact of friction on the interaction of different surfaces such as a car's wheels on concrete vs. on ice. This design experiment gives them the freedom to customize their own car wheels by bringing in recycled bottle caps, using cardboard or even designing and 3D printing their own set. This week they will be testing distance and speed and determining whether or not their cars travel farther and faster on the floor vs. on a carpet.

Math Club: We had our Pi Day celebration last week and enjoyed a wonderful competition! We finished out our competition season with Madison Walia-Peters scoring the highest throughout the season. Congratulations! We will be meeting in the upcoming weeks to discuss the results and prepare for next year.

Robotics Club: We have been building our robots as practice and have been organizing the new materials we received. Our students are highly excited for next year and the competitions. We will be finding out in September what the next contest is and until then we will be building robots to complete various activities.

Our students recently had the experience of creating a board game of Periodic Table in groups of two. Following a rubric to make it, they had to use 40 questions from the periodic table in any way in the game. This will help students understand the periodic table while playing each other’s board games.

Background:

The periodic table of the elements, in chemistry, is the organized array of all the chemical elements in order of increasing atomic number—i.e., the total number of protons in the atomic nucleus. When the chemical elements are thus arranged, there is a recurring pattern called the “periodic law” in their properties, in which elements in the same column (group) have similar properties.

Mendeleev was a teacher as well as a chemist. He was writing a chemistry textbook and wanted

to find a way to organize the 63 known elements so it would be easier for students to learn about them. He made a set of cards of the elements, similar to a deck of playing cards. On each card, he wrote the name of a different element, its atomic mass, and other known properties. Mendeleev arranged and rearranged the cards in many different ways, looking for a pattern. He finally found it when he placed the elements in order by increasing atomic mass.

After selecting their partners, followed these steps:

1. The game board idea had to be approved by the teacher. It could not be so simple that students would get bored in playing.

2. Name it appropriately that it relates to Chemistry.

3. Create a game that has the periodic table with it. Make it look attractive and colorful. 40

questions, with easy, medium and hard levels has to be submitted to the teacher.

4. Write down the rules and regulations to be followed.

5. Submit on time.

6. All games will be displayed on the lab tables, all the groups will play all the games

in turn, teacher will grade them, as the groups will critique the board game on the following:

Are the directions clear and easy to understand?

Are all game board pieces there?

Is the periodic table available?

Are the questions challenging?

Students have been working very hard to complete their six commercial projects. All of the students have created commercial screenplays, shooting scripts and storyboards, selected cast and crewed their productions, and have been capturing all the raw footage they need to edit a great commercial. We have had some slight detours from illnesses, or missing props or continuity errors, but with each delay, the students have been learning about the business and the cost of lost days. As the students capture each production, the students have been moving faster and have a better understanding of how to use the equipment and how to capture four to six angles in under 40 minutes.

Mr. Kinnear’s Backstage classes have had the opportunity to put their theoretical learning to use by beginning to construct the various props and set dressings which will be used for The SpongeBob Musical. The musical will be Hoboken’s full district musical of 2023 and will perform later this spring in May. Students have spent their class time combing through the script, identifying where and when props will be featured. Because our production is so massive in scale, many of these props need to be replicated multiple times, which makes the process that much more challenging. An exciting and unique aspect about this show in particular is that it is a fantasy of sorts, meaning that the objects used are based on the whimsical imaginations of the students. Our production is taking the show in a unique direction, inspired by the effects pollution has on the marine world. Therefore, many of the production elements are either made out of or depict recycled materials.

Outside of the classroom, the cast of 100 has been hard and work learning the staging, vocals, and choreography. Various members rehearse daily to solidify these aspects in preparation for our performances in May. If you’re interested in helping us raise funds for this massive endeavor, the theatre department is hosting a variety of upcoming events: Disney and Donuts will take place on Saturday, April 1st, in the morning in the gym. Tickets are 10 dollars and directly benefit the high school theatre department. Donuts, coffee and juice will be provided along with a variety of games and activities. We are also hosting a movie night at the high school on April 21st. Stay tuned for more info!

Depending on the person, the average amount of steps you should take to optimize your health is 8,000-10,000 a day. That magical number has been linked to a wide variety of health benefits, such as weight loss and lowered risks of cancer, dementia and heart disease. Most importantly, it puts your heart rate into a fat burn zone.

Over time, the average step goal of 10,000 has been lowered depending on how it fits into your lifestyle and your goals.

The average American walks 3,000-4,000 steps a day or roughly 1.5-2 miles. It is a good idea to find out how many steps a day you walk now and call that your “baseline.” You can then work up towards your personal goal by adding 1,000 extra steps a day every two weeks. Small increases in your walking habits can lead to big results!

We are so proud of the Hoboken High School Physical Education walkers who have been increasing their daily steps and getting to know their average steps or “baseline” and working to increase their steps at home and on their own. We had a student show us that she walked 21,000 steps in one day last week!

Check your progress- use your phones to locate your health app or download a free app that tracks your steps.

It is time to register for the 2023 Best Buddies Friendship Walk! Best Buddies is all about showing the world the significance of one to one friendship, integrated employment, leadership development, jobs, and inclusive living in EVERY individual's life. The friendship walk not only brings awareness to these initiatives, but also raises money to support this well deserved effort.

Please join the Best Buddies Hoboken High School Chapter to walk for inclusion. The walk is being held on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Bergen Community College in Paramus.

Use the link below to make a donation or register to walk with our

team #HobokenHighSchoolProud.

https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/northjersey/supporting/#HobokenHighSchoolProud

Dear Hoboken Middle School & High School families,

Exciting news! Your student is invited to join us on a once-in-a-lifetime international travel experience with their peers to France, Portugal & Spain in Spring 2024!

Educational travel exposes students to new people, places, and cultures, expanding their knowledge of the world and their knowledge of themselves. We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to your family and our community.

This trip is almost full, so please join our informational meeting to learn:

• How this opportunity will benefit your child
• What we'll see and do on our trip
• Everything that's included in this experience
• How your child can earn academic credit
• How we're keeping this safe and affordable
• How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF's risk-free enrollment period

Our meeting will be held on March 30th at 7:00 PM - limited spots are available, so please don't miss your opportunity to reserve your seat. One parent or guardian must be in attendance.

So that I can alert you of any changes to this meeting, you must register using this link: https://bit.ly/3n9VCTj

If you can't make the meeting but would like more information? Register and select "No but send info."

We can't wait to see you there!

Cheers,
Geidy De La Rosa and Ilia Cruz

This week in the Guidance department:

Stevens Institute of Technology: Pre-College Program

The Guidance Department partnered with Stevens Institute of Technology to help 10th and 11th grade students apply for the Stevens ACES program. The program aims to increase the number of underrepresented students in STEM study and careers. There was a very competitive application pool but multiple HHS students received admission into the program, including three distinguished students who received full scholarships to attend a pre-college program over the summer!

Classroom Visits

Mr. Terry has spent this week visiting 10th grade classrooms and meeting with students to understand their short and long term goals. Each student completed a brief questionnaire to provide the Guidance department with valuable insight as to what resources might be most beneficial for college and career planning at this stage. The visits were capped off with an introduction to the Common App, so students can understand fully what type of information they will need to include in their college applications two years down the line.

College Scholarships

We understand that college can be expensive, so the Guidance Department has started compiling a list of scholarships available to current seniors who are planning to attend a two-year college, four-year college, or trade school next year. We encourage students and parents to view potential scholarship opportunities and deadlines by clicking here. This is not an exhaustive list and students are encouraged to continue searching as well. Scholarships may be available through a variety of organizations. Please continue to check this link as new scholarships are being added on a frequent basis.

Pre-College Programs

One of the projects that our team has been working on since the calendar flipped to 2023 is compiling a list of Pre-College Programs that rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors can use as a reference. These programs can be wonderful opportunities for students to gain insight into college coursework and learn more about the expectations that will come with being a college student in the near future. Many of these programs may also provide the opportunity for students to live on-campus for a period of time in an actual college residence hall. We encourage parents and students to view these programs by clicking here and see if any are of interest. Mrs. Gleason and Mr. Terry are always open to discussing these summer opportunities with students as well. Please continue to check this link as new programs are being added regularly!

FAFSA and Financial Aid Award Letters

Senior students who intend to attend a college or trade school after graduation should have submitted their FAFSA to earn federal aid. If a student's FAFSA has not yet been submitted, it is imperative that the process is started as soon as possible. Mr. Terry has provided students with numerous resources including this link for creating an FSA ID, this link with a step-by-step tutorial for completing the FAFSA, and this link for NJ state aid through HESAA. Students who have completed the FAFSA and received their Financial Aid Award Letters from colleges/universities are encouraged to set up a meeting with Mr. Terry to review.

Mark Your Calendars!

Stevens Institute of Technology Dual Enrollment Deadline (4/1)

This program allows rising high school juniors and seniors who reside in New Jersey to enroll in a preselected college course at no cost to the student. They are currently accepting applications which are due by April 1, 2023. You can learn more at this link.

Field Trip: Columbia University Tour (4/25)

Due to the water main break, this trip has been rescheduled to April 25th! We will be headed to NYC for a walking tour of Columbia that features information on the undergraduate experience at Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, including academics, student life and campus resources. Permission slips can be found in guidance and students must be in solid academic/disciplinary standing with the school by passing all current classes.

We’ve had a productive week at the Hoboken School Based Youth Services Student Center! As many of you know, our goal is to provide students with the skills and tools needed to overcome daily challenges, develop a healthy sense of self, and build strong positive relationships with peers, family, school, and community members. We strive daily to promote academic and social emotional wellness while helping students navigate their day to day challenges.

With the Junior class testing this past week and students managing their everyday tasks and responsibilities, they may experience feelings of stress. Last week, the student center facilitated a main lobby event to explore our students’ destressers and promote self care tips that they may practice. Students engaged by sharing one healthy technique they use when feeling stressed. Students then had the opportunity to spin a wheel and win a self-care prize which included sweets, positive affirmations and fidget items.

The Student Center has expanded its activities during its lunch periods. Students are now able to engage with their peers through a game of chess and board games. If you would like to challenge a peer to a game of chess, please stop by the Student Center during the lunch periods.

The School Based Youth Services Program is currently running bi-weekly groups aimed at tackling some of the common challenges facing our students in their daily life. The participants of the I’m Empowered Group are currently creating a collage that will represent each student’s unique vision of beauty from images, phrases and words taken from print media. The goal of this project is to help the young women recognize the many forms of beauty in the world and to empower them to reflect on and recognize their own beauty and worth.

The Student Center will host its next Chat & Chew on Monday, 3/27/23. Students will enjoy using their creative culinary skills to decorate cupcakes and have the opportunity to socialize with their peers and staff while eating the fruits of their labors. Students will have the opportunity to relax and express themselves while having fun using their creativity.

Please be advised that the Link is open to register for Spring sports on Rschool.

Spring Registration Rschool

Best of luck to all of our Sports Programs as they begin their scrimmages this week!

Hoboken High School Weekly Sports Schedule

This link can help you address some of the frequently asked questions during the first weeks of school, Hoboken Public Schools Parent Tech Site.

https://sites.google.com/hoboken.k12.nj.us/guardians/home