HMS Weekly Update #30
Friday, April 12th, 2024
Good Afternoon Tiger Community,
I hope everyone had a restful Spring Break. Please take some time to review the newsletter so you are aware of all of our upcoming events.
Enjoy,
Principal Sorafine
Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns at ryan.sorafine@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Please take some time to read through the updates below to learn some more about this past week and upcoming events. Some highlights are:
HMS Warm Weather Dress Code & Uniform Reminder
HMS Dance Guidelines
Hoboken Public Education Foundation Corner
- 8th Grade Cap & Gown Photos (ordering information below)
- HMS Moving Up Ceremony ~ Cap & Gowns/Diploma
- Young Ensembles Concert at Lincoln Center in New York
- HMS Theater Department: Foxy Awards Nominations
- Tiger's Got Talent Back at HMS!
- Grade Level Dances Thursday, April 18th (see flyer below)
- PTO Corner ~ Spring Spirit Wear Fundraiser!
- The Office of Special Services Corner
- CTY Corner
- HMS Clubs & Activities Corner
- HPSD and HMS Theater Department Corner
- Our corner's that highlight areas within our school community
- Grade and content level summary to give you a peak into the classroom
- *NEW* 2023-2024 School Year Information for Families Corner (Daily Procedures, Help Desk, FAQ, OnCourse Connect, Lunch Information, Student Information Center)
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
- Students should bring a full water bottle to school everyday. We have water hydration stations in the building on the 1st floor and 3rd floor so they can fill up their bottles.
- Chromebooks must be charged each night at home. Please check in with your child to remind them to charge their Chromebook at night.
- Please communicate any health issues to Nurse Kirwin (NKirwin@hoboken.k12.nj.us). You may also share any documentation with her that the school would need.
- Here is the HMS Student Handbook for your convenience
- Please find the HMS School Uniform Guidance information
As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Have a great weekend!
Mr. Sorafine
HMS Dance Guidelines
Hoboken Middle School PTO and Student Council are looking forward to our HMS Tigers attending their dance on April 18th! School dances provide students the opportunity to socialize and have fun with their friends. However, it is necessary that all students who participate observe certain guidelines prior to and during the dance in order to maintain a safe environment for our students and chaperones. Please review the HMS Dance Guidelines below:
Students must be a Hoboken Middle School student to attend the dance
Students absent the day of the dance will not be permitted into the dance
The attire for the dance is “Dress to Impress”
Clothing that is not permitted includes:
any clothing with inappropriate graphics or language
short/skirts that are too short; spandex shorts; bicycle shorts
face coverings
crop tops
Behavior Code Guidelines:
Students will respect the premises and all of the people present
Students will show good manners when taking food and refreshments
Dancing must be done in a respectful manner
Students who have had Code of Conduct infractions prior to the dance, may lose their privilege to attend under the discretion of HMS Administration.
Students must comply with any direction given by teachers/staff members/chaperones in accordance with our dance guidelines and code of conduct policies.
Students may not leave prior to the end of the dance. Should a student want to leave, they must be picked up by an adult
Students will leave the dance based on what is stated on permission slip (i.e. self dismissal or parent pickup)
HMS Warm Weather Dress Code & Uniform Reminder
As the Spring weather approaches and warmer weather is near, please continue to remind your child of the HMS Uniform and Dress Code. Students are encouraged to dress comfortably but must still abide by the school dress code. Please note warm weather school uniform guidelines below:
- Shorts and Skirts - Please note they must be appropriate length
* Khaki (Tan or navy blue in color) Bermuda style shorts (knee length), skirts (knee length), and jumpers (knee-length) are permitted.
* Not Permitted: shorts/skirts that are too short; spandex shorts; bicycle shorts
* School Spirit Option – School issued athletic shorts that display the HMS Logo Shirts – Must be worn with arms through sleeves.
* Polo-style collar shirts or t-shirts (short or long sleeve) - SOLID navy blue, yellow, gray, or white,
* Not Permitted: tank tops, cut-off shirts, crop tops
* School Spirit Option – School issued t-shirt (long or short sleeved) that displays HMS Logo, HMS Activity or any other approved HPSD Activity (i.e. Theater, Band, etc.)
Please take the time to review the HMS Uniform Guidelines. If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Baskinger (robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
A Message from the Hoboken Public Education Foundation
Girls in Gear
8th Grade Cap & Gown Photos Ordering Information
Dear Hoboken Middle School Grade 8 Families,
As the end of the school year quickly approaches, we would like to begin planning our Moving Up Ceremony for our 8th Grade Class. Though this may seem far away, it is important that we plan Cap and Gown sizing, as well as how student names should appear on their Grade 8 Diplomas.
Please complete the information below to order your child's cap and gown and their diploma for the HMS Moving Up Ceremony in June. If you have any questions, please email me. Further information about dates and times for the Ceremony will be shared with families at a later date. Please complete this form if you have no done so already.
Google Form: Diploma & Cap/Gown Information (click me!)
Thank you,
Dr. Baskinger
(robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
Young Ensembles Concert at Lincoln Center in New York
Yuval Segal and Ezra Horn to Compete in the Young Ensembles Concert at Lincoln Center
On May 23rd, standout middle school musicians Yuval Segal and Ezra Horn will be competing in the Young Ensembles Concert at Lincoln Center in New York City. Ezra has been an active accompanist for the choral and strings program and just won the talent show with his outstanding piano performance this spring. Yuval, a top flutist in the Hoboken Middle School Advanced Band, will be performing alongside him in a chamber music duet and competing against some of the best middle school talent in the tri-state area. Contrasting with grandiose orchestral or symphonic band music, chamber music is a form of classical music notable for its intimate performances in places as small as a royal palace chamber and features one instrument per part.
The Young Ensembles Program, which is one of several training programs presented by the Education and Community Engagement Department of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, exists to celebrate and promote this important form of music to young performers. Yuval & Ezra rehearsed diligently to prepare an audition video of their chamber piece, “Spring,” by Herman Beeftink. As they were selected to perform in the concert, they will receive professional coaching from Chamber Music Society artists in the weeks prior to a culminating performance on May 23rd at 11am in the Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Studio in Lincoln Center.
Congratulations Hoboken Middle School Theater Department: Foxy Award Nominee
Montclair State University's Foxy Theatre Night Awards recognizes excellence in theatre
productions throughout NJ. The awards honor accomplishments of individual achievement of
both students and educators in areas of performance, direction, design, technical theatre, and
overall outstanding productions.
It provides our NJ Thespians and theatre educators with opportunities to observe and learn from
the high standards, extraordinary creativity and risk-taking artistic choices made by outstanding
theatre educators and their students.
Nominations were announced this week. Out of 100 entries, adjudicators select the top
eight choices in each category. This is similar to how the Tony Awards or Oscars are
formatted. It is a huge honor to be nominated. We look forward to the awards ceremony that
will be held on May 20th.
Tiger's Got Talent
Tiger's Got Talent School Wide Event (Click Me!)
The Fine & Performing Art Department at Hoboken Middle School proudly presents “Tiger’s Got Talent” on Friday May 3rd. This will be formatted as one schoolwide assembly that showcases the talents of both students and faculty. It is a great way to build Tiger Pride in our school community.
Information:
This is open to all 6-8 grade students in Hoboken Middle School.
We are also looking for faculty acts to join in on the fun.
Talents welcome include but are not limited to: singing, dancing, acting, martial arts, playing an instrument, poetry, doing magic tricks, performing stand-up comedy, juggling, gymnastics, cheerleading, sports tricks/skills, Rubik’s Cube or any other unique talent!
Sign up on this google form to participate (both students and staff) Tigers Got Talent Form
Only 1 Form submission is needed per act. Meaning if you have 4 students singing a song, only 1 needs to fill out to form.
This year acts can be a mixture of students from any grade levels.
There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for the top acts.
There will be three judges scoring from a range of 5-10 points per act in the categories of Creativity, Effort, Stage Presence, Organization/Preparedness, and Audience Participation.
Requirements:
All acts must be 5 minutes or less
No more than 12 students per act
No profanity or insensitive subject matter will be permitted, this includes lyrics of songs
Costume may be worn for the performance but must be school appropriate. (No tank tops, crop tops, biker shorts, slides, or face coverings of any kind are permitted) You need to bring these in on the day that your act is screened.
Props may be used but are the responsibility of the performer to obtain
Music used must be a karaoke instrumental track and needs to be submitted in the google form
Each participant may only perform in one act
Screening of Material:
All performances will be screened for appropriateness by the Tiger’s Got Talent Committee
You must pre-register in order to participate in the google form
Dress Rehearsal:
There will be dress rehearsals in the auditorium on
Tuesday April 23rd & Wednesday April 24th periods 2, 3, and 4.
Performance:
Friday May 3rd at 9am
HMS Grade Level Dances
The District Art Showcase of Creative Excellence!
Save the Date!
Good Afternoon Families,
The 2023-2024 Year of the Arts has had a tremendous impact on our Hoboken Public School District students. In honor of this colorful theme, all events held throughout the year have been rooted in art and creative experiences. I am elated to announce the grand culminating event of this year’s colorful theme. Join us for the enchanting journey into your child’s imagination!
The District Art Showcase of Creative Excellence!
- Hoboken High School, Grades K-12
- Saturday, April 27th: Families with last names ranging from A-J
- Sunday, April 28th: Families with last names ranging from K-Z
- 3:00PM - 6:00PM
*We welcome our entire district to the event and certainly expect a robust turnout. As we are so proud of our community involvement, the showcase was divided into two days to ensure that all families have the opportunity to move through the exhibits with ease.
We remain grateful for the generosity of the Hoboken Public Education Foundation. Through their contribution to the arts education of our students, all Hoboken Public School students in grades K-8 received a cultural and creative experience through the opportunity to visit and engage with Museums spanning from New Jersey to New York.
All pieces of art on view are visual representations of student visits to these museum destinations. Our children were artfully tasked with the challenge of allowing all of their senses to actively engage with the work and become inspired by a painting, sculpture, a room, a feeling, a sound, or an experience from their museum visit. Students would then get to work in the Art room to imagine a way they could visually represent that painting, sculpture, or experience. Everything you will see speaks to an inspiration that was sourced from a museum visit.
Museum Experiences
- Staten Island’s Children’s Museum - Staten Island, NY
- New Jersey State Museum - Trenton, NJ
- Newark Museum - Newark, NJ
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - New York, NY
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) - New York, NY
- Grounds for Sculpture - Hamilton, NJ
- Museum of the City of New York - New York, NY
Please attend the first ever district wide visual arts showcase! If you have any questions, please contact me by email or by phone and I am happy to assist you.
Mrs. Jessica Fasolino
District Supervisor of Fine Arts
(201) 356-3733 | JFasolino@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Hoboken High School Corner
Hoboken HS Class of 2024 Senior Walk a Thon
Come out, walk, and support the Senior Class.
Saturday, April 20, 2024-10am to 2pm
Louis M. Taglieri Jr. Stadium
To register, all members of the public can scan this flyer or visit: https://forms.gle/ff6QbDjpsBMRbt9q8 (Seniors do not use this form, please refer to your Google Classroom.)
There is a $25.00 donation to participate.
HPS Theater Department Corner
Theater Department Fundraiser
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Production
HMS PTO Corner
A Message from Your PTO President
I'm excited to kick off spring with some really fun events. Information and links to volunteer are all attached to this newsletter.
We will begin planning for Field Day very soon, if you would like to be part of the committee please reach out to us at hobokenmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com
The district wide golf outing is also being planned, as well as the different grade dances. Lots of opportunities for you to get involved. More information to come soon.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events, and as always thank you for your support and cooperation.
Sheillah Dallara
All Schools 6th Grade Dance
The PTO is co-hosting and All Schools 6th grade dance on April 19th at Hoboken High School. This dance is open to all our 6th grade students, a permission form MUST be filled out in order for your child to attend this dance. If you child CANNOT self dismiss please email hobokenmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com so that we can add him/her to our pick up list.
Link to register and flyer with more information below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDj5yl2I72LaF9QnL_6LQjnySmssPEbagQ8Atg2btQk1Hv8Q/viewform
Booster Sale!
Thank you to everyone that has purchased a booster to go towards the 2023/24 school year!
If you haven’t purchased one yet, no worries! We are accepting boosters throughout the year. Just Venmo us any amount to @HobokenMiddleSchool-PTO and we will fill out a booster card for you! Money raised from booster sales go towards Field Day!
See below for our second booster wall and help us fill it up by purchasing one!
And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook “Hoboken Middle School PTO” and if you have any questions please reach out to us at hobokenmiddleschoolpto@gmail.com
PTO Calendar 2023-2024 School Year
Jibbitz!
The Office of Special Services Corner
SEPAG
Hudson River Explorers Institute
Pequest Hatchery Trip
Have you ever wondered where the rainbow trout in NJ's stocked streams, lakes and rivers come from? Students in the Hudson River Explorers Institute got to discover this unique and interesting location: the Pequest Hatchery in Oxford, NJ! Adam, a NJDEP biologist, met with the group and discussed the biology and ecology of brook, brown and rainbow trout. The students got to see many trout up close and watch as they were fed. They saw the large basins where the fish spawn and are bred. They got to learn all about The hatchery and how it functions.
The hatchery produces 750,000 live fish per year for stocking purposes. It also produces eggs for use in NJ classrooms participating in the Trout In The Classroom program - which the Hudson River Explorers Institute participates in. Currently, our program has raised 100 live trout fingerlings from eggs which were received in October. They are currently about two inches long and are about 5 months old. They will be released in late May in an upcoming field trip to a creek in Wawayanda State Park!
Reading Specialist Corner
The Hoboken Public School District is proud to have a certified Reading Specialist in each of our three elementary schools and Hoboken Middle School. Teaching children to read requires that every child receives excellent reading instruction and that children who are experiencing reading difficulties receive early intervention and additional instruction from professionals specifically prepared to teach them. The role of the district Reading Specialist is to provide research-based, small group reading instruction using the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education’s (IMSE) Orton-Gillingham (OG) methodology.
The purpose of the Reading Specialist Corner is to provide families with at-home literacy tips to ensure strong home-school partnerships. This week, the Reading Specialist Team is excited to share the importance of the magnificent vowel E.
The Magnificent E
The vowel E has several jobs in the English Language. We usually just think about the magic e or silent e rule but there are so many other purposes for the vowel e. We are going to break down all of its jobs down below.
#1. Magic E: The magic e gives power to the first vowel so the first vowel can say the long sound. ex. like, take, poke
#2. Not a Plural: If the word horse did not end with an “e”, we would assume that the word was plural, or more than one. We add the “e” so we can show that the word is not plural. Some other words that this applies to are: house, mouse, please.
#3 Helping V in the Final Position: Most people use the terms “magic e” and “silent e” interchangeably but a silent e is slightly different. As stated previously, magic e gives power to the first vowel so it can say it’s long sound (ex. save, hive), but in a silent e the “e” does not give power to the first vowel to say it’s long sound as it is just there because words in English don’t usually end in a “v” (ex. give, have). The purpose of the “e” is that we do not double that last consonant when adding a vowel suffix to the base word. When adding the base word (have) + suffix (-ing) we create the word “having”, but if the base word was spelled “hav” and we added the vowel suffix -ing, we would need to follow the doubling rule and double the v when adding a vowel suffix, therefore it being spelled “havving”, which could get mistaken for “hawing”. Due to that confusion in print, we use the silent e to prevent doubling the consonant in the base word. Pretty interesting!
#4 To Make a Letter Say the Soft Sound: Words that end with a “c” and “g” will need the vowel “e” to make the soft c /s/ and soft g /j/ sounds like in the words change and trace.
#5 Turn a Blend into a Syllable: It creates a blend (like bl-) into a syllable -ble like in the word table. At the end of the syllable in the world table, you will hear a schwa sound, which is a neutral sound that usually says the short /u/ or short /i/ sound; in this case it says a short u sound /ta- bul/. That schwa sound helps blend bl- turn into the syllable -ble and it sounds like “bul”.
Check out the following video from the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education for more information about how magnificent the vowel e really is!
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Corner
Individualized Learning Pathway - Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
HMS Clubs and Activities Corner
National Junior Honor Society: Pulchra Varietate
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Membership in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is one of the highest honors that can be awarded to a middle school student. Our chapter strives to give practical meaning to the Society’s standards of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These four ideals are considered as the basis for selection. The National Junior Honor Society strives to recognize the whole student—one who excels in all of these areas. The standards used for selection are:
A grade of 90 and above in all subjects for three consecutive marking periods
Exemplary Attendance: less than 10% for each of the three marking periods (less than 14 absences total)
Punctuality: less than 15% tardiness for each of the three marking periods (less than 21 tardies total)
Leadership and Character: Consistently following the rules and setting an example for others to follow (no code of conduct violations)
INDUCTION INFORMATION
6th Grade Students will be inducted in June 2024 based on their grades, attendance, punctuality and overall good standing for the first three marking periods of the school year.
NJHS Weekly Update
NJHS members met this week to discuss upcoming volunteer opportunities, create some posters for Autism Acceptance Month and offer suggestions for our next meeting. Some of our members will be sharing interesting facts and information about Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder next week during our morning announcements. Students will be volunteering their time to help out at the Brandt Book Fair next week, as well as the upcoming spring concerts.
HMS Student Council
Student Council was hard at work this week planning upcoming events for the spring! Student Council is eager to see their fellow tigers enjoy “A Night in NYC” on
April 18th. HMS PTO and Student Council ask for students to fill out this form if they have any special music request for the dance!
Student Council also created Infinity symbols on our school’s sidewalks to help promote Autism Acceptance!
If any student is interested in joining Student Council, please reach out to Ms. Falcone.
Best Buddies
Friendship Walk Information
GSA
Academic Team
This week, the Academic Team competed in the National Social Studies League meet, which featured 40-50 multiple-choice questions about American History, Geography, and United States government. Our scores have been submitted to compete with other middle schools across the country. Congratulations to 6th grader, Gavin Watkins, who earned the highest score across all three grade levels at HMS. We hope to receive our results in June!
Literary Club
This past Monday, the Literary Club took a break from reading to make time to witness one of the most extraordinary and rare occurrences to be visible from Earth, the phenomenon of a Solar Eclipse. While we embraced this natural spectacle, as well as the most recent Earthquakes, we are still staying true to our group goals, making connections through our love for literature, and reading and discussing our novel, the psychological thriller, The House Across the Lake, by Riley Saga. Last week, some of our time together also included a conversation about our familiarity with our local Symposium Bookstore, our local library and access to free, or more affordable books. We are planning a walking field trip to those locations, and Little City Books in the very near future!
Junior Thespians
Chorus Club
Partners in Prevention
Partners in Prevention resumed this week in 7th grade Social Studies classes. This week’s focus was on Marijuana. The objectives of this lesson were:
Students will be able to understand how the adolescent brain functions under the effects of marijuana and how learning and memory development are impaired.
Students will be able to understand the short and long-term health consequences associated with marijuana use.
Students will be able to distinguish between medical marijuana and legalizing marijuana.
Students will examine popular song lyrics to differentiate between what is real and what the media wants them to believe is real about marijuana use.
Students were focused and were insightful when contributing to the discussions during this lesson.
If you have any questions or need further information about WNBI please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Falcone (sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us).
Ms. Falcone's Guidance Counselor Corner
I hope our HMS tigers had a great week this week as they returned from spring break. I know I certainly enjoyed experiencing the Solar Eclipse with our students, and celebrating Autism Acceptance Month with our spirit week!
During the week of April 22nd, I will be meeting with our 8th grade students to review their 9th grade classes for the 2024-2025 school year at Hoboken High School. Please see important information from Hoboken High School regarding Pre-AP and AP courses, which are also based on 8th grade teacher recommendations:
AP World History and Pre AP English 9 - All students must demonstrate proficiency on NJSLA 8th grade ELA with a score of at least 760. Students that score between 750-760 can register for the course, but if by the add/drop period they are not meeting success a meeting will be held to determine if they will be able to remain in the course.
Pre AP Geometry & Pre-AP Biology - All students registered for the Pre AP Geometry course must demonstrate proficiency on NJSLA Algebra I with a score of at least 760. Students that score between 750-760 can register for the course, but if by the add/drop period they are not meeting success a meeting will be held to determine if they will be able to remain in the course. All students that do not meet proficiency will be scheduled for Algebra I.
Please note that we do our best to schedule students based on choice and recommendation, but note their choices are subject to change based on when NJSLA scores are released.
I am linking the HHS Program of Studies here for you to review as well.
Please be advised the marking period ends today, April 12th and report cards will be available to view on OnCourse on April 18th. If you would like to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher(s) at any time, please reach out to me.
Additionally, if you would like for your child to have weekly or bi-weekly check-in's, feel free to email me. I also encourage our students to check the Counselor’s Corner’s Google Classroom on a regular basis, as I post important announcements and provide resources for social-emotional learning.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me
Email: sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us
Phone: 201-356-3600 ext.3746
Move This World
Students are encouraged to continue to utilize the Move this World lesson from March 28th’s PGP Day. This lesson focused solely on “The Power of Pause.” The Power of Pause (PoP) recognizes the value of taking a quick break to breathe, reflect, and/or move. Power of Pause exercises are great to practice during testing season to combat stress. Here is a link to today’s lesson, which can also be found on grade-level Counselor’s Corner Google Classrooms.
If you would like to learn more about Move this World, please visit movethisworld.com or reach out to Ms. Falcone
HMS Nurse's Corner
SICK GUIDELINES
In an effort to safeguard your child’s health and the health of all the children in our schools, the following will help stop the spread of infection among students and staff. Children who are
recovering from an illness should not return to school until they have been free of symptoms for 24 hours. Please contact your school nurse with any questions.
*Please make sure you or a designated adult can pick up your child within 30 - 45 minutes from receiving a phone call from the School Nurse or Principal.
To report a student’s absence, please notify Ms. Falcone and Ms. Wanda Vasquez via email at sfalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us or wvasquez@hoboken.k12.nj.us.
HMS World Language Corner
Spanish
In Spanish class, Grade 6 students explored nouns, class schedules, clothing, and colors in context. Students continued to sharpen their listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills by completing a variety of differentiated activities. Next, Grade 7 compared and contrasted families in the Spanish speaking countries and the United States. We continued to use the verb to be "estar" to express feelings, conditions and location. Finally, Grade 8 compared and contrasted homes in the Spanish speaking countries and in the US and they also continued to explore interpersonal, interpretative, and presentational activities. ¡Hasta la próxima!
Spanish: Below are videos displaying students' presentational language skills:
French
Mandarin
In Mandarin class, 6th grade students continued with Unit 5 part two of the topics about telling time. Students practiced Chinese character recognition by connecting the words into sentences and also practiced interpretive listening and productive speaking abilities by watching the dialogue and role playing based on the dialogue. 7th grade students continued with Unit 10 on the topic of fruits. Students used different class activities to preview the names of the 24 fruits. 8th grade students practiced interpretive listening and productive speaking skills by watching a dialogue and role playing based on the dialogue as well as the Chinese characters recognition by typing the Chinese characters.
Below is a video of 6th graders doing role playing talking about today's date:.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGD66eqmpAjanXnkS8cIKyEaqad5hcUP/view?usp=sharing
Grade & Content Level ~ What Have We Been Learning?
6th Grade
Language Arts
ELA students began the week with a Unit 4 Opener Blast on the qualities of character that matter the most. Then, students completed a first read of the excerpt “Chapter 13: The Diary of Gul Makai” from I Am Malala. Gul Makai was a pseudonym Malala wrote under in her diary. Students shared what they have heard in the news about the Taliban and asserted what they know and believe. Next students analyzed an author's point of view and purpose. Students read a skill model to analyze how authors convey information in the texts; including figurative or emotional language. Next, students performed a close read of chapter 13 from I Am Malala to free write by reflecting on how the excerpt from I Am Malala connects to the unit’s essential question: What qualities of character matter most? Our readers ended a week with a compelling gallery walk, complete with authentic documents and images from our next whole-class novel, Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Students looked at the images from the book and created a series of questions and connections to other texts, historical events and information they already know.
Math
This week, the sixth grade completed their Geometry unit and completed the Topic 7 assessment. Students demonstrated their ability to find area, volume, and surface area of various shapes. Towards the end of the week, we started our statistics unit. Everyone learned what a statistical question was and how to determine if a question was statistical or not. Students also learned what mean, median, mode and range are and how to calculate each measure. Next week, we will continue with statistics by creating and analyzing box plots, tally charts, dot plots, and histograms.
Science
This week in science we finished up our water cycle, solar energy, and atmospheric circulation units! On Monday, students explored atmospheric and oceanic circulation by taking notes from our textbook. On Tuesday, we did some guided notes and did some demonstrations with candles! On Wednesday, students completed a lab where they compared the densities of salt water, fresh water, warm water, and cold water. Students colored the different water types with food coloring and then observed what happened when the water was combined. Students analyzed their results and completed a conclusion that either refuted or supported their hypotheses. On Thursday and Friday we reviewed for our test on Monday with some review games.
Social Studies
7th Grade
Language Arts
Math
This week in math class, students began their final topic of the year: Solving Problems Involving Geometry. Students gained hands-on experience composing, decomposing, and measuring angles. Students were introduced to the terms complementary, for describing two angles whose measures add to 90°, and supplementary, for describing two angles whose measures add to 180°. Students were also introduced to and began to use the term vertical angles for describing the opposite angles formed when two lines cross. Next week, students will investigate whether sets of angle and side length measurements determine unique triangles or multiple triangles, or fail to determine triangles.
Social Studies
This week the 7th graders continued to discover more about the history of Mexico as well as the diverse culture of Mexico.The students worked in pairs to learn about the ancient civilizations of Mexico, including the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs. Because of Mexico’s complex history with Native Americans and Spanish colonists, students were able to conclude the effects that both of these groups have on current day Mexican culture. Finally, we took a break from Mexico’s history to compare our current ideas of Mexico to what it is actually like today. Students watched a short video discussing how Americans are moving to Mexico for a cheaper way of life, and discussed the issues that arise with this for Native Mexicans. Next week we will discuss the European influence on Mexico, as well as study current events in Mexico as we finish up our Mexico Unit.
Science
8th Grade
Language Arts
This week in ELA, students continued reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Students also read Ray Bradbury’s “All Summer in a Day” in which we analyzed the theme and author’s purpose. Towards the end of the week, students worked to write comparatively about Little Women and “All Summer in a Day.” During ILP, students practiced specific 8th grade standards in preparation for NJSLA. The focus of this week was to synthesize claims with evidence in an information text and to analyze central idea/themes in fiction. Lastly, we are practicing our final 8th grade vocabulary list!
Pre-Algebra
This week in Pre-algebra we learned about dilations. Students learned how the scale factor can make an image bigger or smaller depending on the value. They used their prior knowledge of the pre-image and image to graph dilations with centers in various places. Students in periods ¾ and ⅚ won the March Madness competition for the Men’s and Women’s Bracket. Both classes received a homework pass to use this week. We ended our week with a quick quiz. Next week we will dive into the volume of solids and functions. I hope everyone has a good weekend!
Pre-AP Algebra
Algebra students jumped feet first into quadratic relationships this week, comparing these to linear and exponential relationships. We looked at several different quadratic contexts, first finding maximum area for a given perimeter. We then looked at projectile motion, using a simulation of a stomp rocket to think through the characteristics of the graphs of quadratics (maximums, changing slope, x and y intercepts and symmetry). Looking at graphs of quadratics helps us to see how different contexts require different transformations of the quadratic graphs. We concluded the week by taking a quiz on transformations of functions.
Science
This week in Science, students created a digital time capsule for the next solar eclipse in 2044. Students added photos of different memories and events that have happened so far to then open it up in 20 years. This lesson was created by students in Hoboken High School and they enjoyed it very much! Students also reviewed the four macromolecules: lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins by taking guided notes and completing graphic organizers. They also created a 3-D model of a macromolecule of their choice to show a visual representation of it. Lastly, students that made the next STEAM Tank round presented their prototypes virtually to the judges and hope to win! Next week, we will review genetics!
Social Studies
We began this week in SS with our monthly writing task. Students completed their Research Simulation Task by reading two articles, “The Cold War,” and “Duck and Cover: School Drills During the Cold War.” Students then wrote an essay explaining the relationship between the Cold War and Americans’ everyday lives. Our class was very excited to have the opportunity to view the solar eclipse together; what an awesome experience to share with each other. Students also participated in and acted out scenarios to show positive civic mindedness and empathy towards others in the community. At the end of the week students were introduced to the history of Russia by examining important events from tsarist Russia, reasons for the fall and rise of the Soviet Union, and causes and effects of the Russian Revolution.
Pre-AP World History
We began this week in Pre-AP World History and Geography with our monthly writing task. Students completed their Research Simulation Task by reading two articles, “The Cold War,” and “Duck and Cover: School Drills During the Cold War.” Students then wrote an essay explaining the relationship between the Cold War and Americans’ everyday lives. Our class was very excited to have the opportunity to view the solar eclipse together; what an awesome experience to share with each other. Students also participated in and acted out scenarios to show positive civic mindedness and empathy towards others in the community. At the end of the week, students continued to trace the origins, expansion, and consolidation of the Han Dynasty. Students examined political and philosophical expansion and the economic foundations of the Han Dynasty.
Fine and Performing Arts Corner
Pre-AP Visual Arts
The Art Room Owl
Pre-AP Theater
Creative Writing
We ended our semester with a project of the student's choice. Some students chose to research and write about topics like: sunscreen, water systems, athletes, etc and some chose places they would like to visit or hobbies like Pokémon card collecting. I have enjoyed watching these students grow this marking period as writers and look forward to meeting my new students next week.
Pre-AP Dance
In Pre-AP Dance class this week students in the 6th grade participated in some Creative Dancing to end their marking period. Students in the 7th grade completed their Hip Hop dance sequence to end marking period three. And students in the 8th grade finished their fusion dance sequence. Great effort by all marking period three students!
HMS Band
In Advanced Band, 7th & 8th graders worked on their second concert piece, "The Batman Theme." The iconic work from film composer Danny Elfman has really got us excited as it starts in a slow and dramatic build, which transitions to a fast, galloping ride through the city. We also strengthened our playing on "Afterburn," pushing further in the song and solidifying shaky parts from the beginning.
For their analytical activity, 7th graders examined Purcell's "Dido's Lament" to determine tonality and connect the lyrics to various parts of the minor scale it is based on. Our eighth grade scholars looked at the three versions of "Simple Gifts," comparing and contrasting the styles and musical elements. They also suggested some options for a fourth version that could be created.
Health & Physical Education Corner
HMS Physical Education
In Physical Education this week students competed in their Volleyball Unit playoff games. What a fun week full of competitive game play. Great job to all teams that participated and won their period games!
2023-2024 School Year Information for Families
The Hoboken Public Education Foundation launched its #ElevatingLearningTogether Online Giving campaign! The funds raised will support a variety of initiatives across the Hoboken Public School District including: Musical Instruments, Educational Field Trips for grades K-8, College Tours and SAT Prep Classes for Hoboken High School, and more! Please consider donating via the Facebook campaign or website today to help HPEF reach its goal of $50K. Every donation makes a difference and thank you for your support!
Hoboken Public Education Foundation
Arrival & Dismissal Information
The entrance on the 4th street side of the building is open to all students from 7:30 - 8:15. If your child arrives early, they should report to that door and enter the building. Students will then report to the HMS Cafeteria where breakfast will be served. The grade 6 (Garden Street) and grade 8 (Bloomfield Street) entrances doors open at 8:15 each day. Any student arriving after 8:15 is to report to the Bloomfield Street Door.
Parents/Guardians that must pick up their child from HMS prior to the end of the school day must call the Main Office (201) 356-3754 at least 15 minutes prior to pick up. All early dismissal pickups are to report to the Bloomfield Street Security Entrance to sign out their child.
HMS Lunch Information
SCHOOL LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Hard Copy of the Free/Reduced Lunch Applications are available in the Main Office.
If you are not interested in applying for free or reduced lunch, we kindly ask that you submit a hardcopy of the free/reduced lunch application by filling out your child’s name on Step 1 and note anywhere on the application that you are not interested in applying for free/reduced lunch.
What is for Lunch?
We offer hot school lunch daily in our cafeteria through Chartwells, our district’s food provider. You do not need to order lunch in advance, however, you can preview the daily lunch menu using the following link and then clicking on Connors School. Each day, we offer a vegetarian option. Lunch is $3.35 per day per child, however it is at no cost for all students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. https://hoboken.nutrislice.com/menus-eula
How can I pay for Lunch?
Please ensure that you made a Pay Schools Account. Use the link below for the instructions that will walk you through the process of making a payschools account. https://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/district_resources/food_services
The online lunch applications are not available yet, but as soon as they are available, I will let you know.
Is there School Breakfast Available?
Morning Breakfast is from 7:30-8:10 am in the cafeteria. Breakfast is $1.75 per child per day, unless your child qualifies for reduced or free breakfast/lunch, in which both breakfast and lunch will be at no cost for you. All children who would like breakfast should enter through the front door. There will be staff at the front door to greet you and your child. Additional staff members will escort your child to the cafeteria. There will be additional staff members supervising morning breakfast in the cafeteria. At 8:10 am, students will be escorted by our staff members to their designated homeroom line up location. In order to receive morning breakfast, please ensure that you have filled out the online lunch application when it is available as well as created a payschools account. https://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/district_resources/food_services
Technology & Programming
Oncourse Connect ~ Parent Information
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers:
Here is the link for parents to sign up for Oncourse Connect:
https://hoboken.oncourseconnect.com/login
I am also including the link that has FAQ's and videos to assist parents logging in:
https://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/log-_in_options/on_course_connect_parent__student_login_portal
Technology Assistance and Chromebook Insurance
My child forgot their gmail password. Can you please reset their gmail account?
Call/email the HMS Main office for assistance.
My child’s Chromebook is broken. Who do I contact?
Fill out Hoboken Public School Technology Help Request for Parents, Guardians and Students
Return the broken Chromebook to Ms. Munoz in the main office as soon as the damage is apparent.
Do not wait to turn in a damaged Chromebook!
Ms. Munoz will send your Chromebook for repair and will arrange for your child to receive a loaner Chromebook until their Chromebook is repaired.
HMS Help Desk
Here are some helpful items for our families:
My child is going to be absent...what do I do?
Email WVasquez@hoboken.k12.nj.us and SFalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us to inform us about the absence.
I need to pick up my child early...what do I do?
Call the main office 15 minutes prior to pick up so your child can be waiting at the Bloomfield Street entrance. The main office is (201) 356-3754. You will need to come into the security area to sign the book for your child to leave.I have an issue with my Chromebook...what do I do?
Please visit the HPS-Tech in Our Schools Site for any tech related questions or problems with Chromebooks.
I have a question about dress code or purchasing...what do I do?
Email Dr. Baskinger (robin.baskinger@hoboken.k12.nj.us) for information
I have a question for about my child making up work if they are absent...what do I do?
Email Ms. Falcone for assistance (SFalcone@hoboken.k12.nj.us)
How to Navigate Tech in our Schools
The Hoboken Public School district created the Hoboken Public Schools-Tech Apps in Our Schools Google Site to assist families on how to easily navigate technology and apps utilized in our schools. Please take the time to review the shared link to become familiar with varying sites and programs the Hoboken Education Community implements into the school day and school year.
The follow information reviews:
Common Sense Media
Our Digital Citizenship Family Night Presentation
Device Tech Support
Chromebook Tips
Connecting to WiFi
Purchasing Insurance
Guides to Google Classroom, Submitting an Assignment, and other tutorials
District Calendar
OnCourse Login
District Login Options
Creating a Workspace
School Directories
Digital Books
Parent Resources for Technology and Cellphone Usage
Most children today have a cellphone on hand and use it extensively to do homework, communicate with friends, and view social media platforms. It is almost unimaginable to think of a modern-day child who doesn’t take full advantage. These rapid advancements in technology have been proven to be a recent challenge. Below are two suggested cellphone monitoring services that include activity monitoring, location services, filtering, and screen time management. Though not offered through Hoboken Public Schools, these resources may be helpful in managing cell phone usage. Click on each link below below to be taken directly to the resource website.
https://sites.google.com/hoboken.k12.nj.us/guardians?usp=sharing
Qustodio: The All-In-One Parental Control and Digital Wellbeing Solution
Student Information Center
Locks and Lockers at HMS
HMS Tigers received new locks and lockers for the 2023-2024 School Year. Every student is assigned a locker and a school issued lock. Both the locker and the lock are considered school property. Students may not share lockers. Lockers are school property and, as such, may be inspected periodically. It is the student's responsibility to take proper care of the locker, its contents and the lock. If a locker does not work properly, a student should notify Dr. Baskinger immediately. If a student loses his/her lock a $10 fee will be charged for a replacement.