Hillcrest Academy South Campus
May 2023 Newsletter
Dr. Balsamello's Message
May 2023 Events
5/1 Principal Appreciation Day
5/2 Teacher Appreciation Day
5/6-5/12 Nurse Appreciation Week
5/8-5/12 Teacher Appreciation Week & 5/23 Mr. Barone to the Teacher of the Year Breakfast
5/8-5/12 NJSLA State Testing
5/15 Outstanding Scholar Breakfast
5/25 Community Service Field Trip to Food Bank of NJ
6/23 Elizabeth High School 9:00 am, Bollwage 1:00 pm, & Edison 5:00 pm
6/26 Halsey 9:00 am, Jefferson 1:00 pm, & Hamilton 5:00 pm
6/27 Dwyer 9:00 am
May Student of the Month
Congratulations to Brandon S who was picked for Student of the Month. When asked by his teachers what makes Brandon their choice for this award, the teachers were more than willing to sing his praises. For example, Ms Duarte's comment was "Brandon is someone that comes into class with great energy and a desire to learn. His energy rubs off on his classmates and it's great to see him hold onto this enthusiasm as he approaches the end of his senior year." Ms Clark chimed in with "Brandon has demonstrated a drive to learn and succeed. He came into the 4th marking period ready to thrive and he is! I am so proud of him!" Great job Brandon!
Staff Spotlight
Ms Clark has been on staff here at HAS for 18 years! She was the first person that Dr. Balsamello hired to work at HAS. One of Ms Clark's favorite places to go to is Lancaster County, Pa. Before getting into education, Ms Clark used to be an Assistant Vice President on Wall Street! One hobby she loves to do is to re-home stray kittens and cats. Some other fun favorites; color is blue, food is pizza, snack is spearmint gum!!
Teacher Spotlight
Ms Wrzesinski, aka Ms W, has been a teacher at HAS for 6 years. She didn't start out as a history teacher as she originally studied Diplomacy and International Relations with a concentration in Economics and Italian studies at Seton Hall University. Ms W's goal was to work in international commerce where she interned. Lucky for Ms W that the recession hindered those plans because it brought her to HAS! She then went to St. John's University in NYC for her masters in education. She used to work at WSOU in college which is NJ's and the tri-state areas only rock/metal station. It is also where she met her husband! Ms W truly LOVES working at HAS and feels honored to work with such amazing admin, faculty, and students. Some fun facts about Ms W is she loves anything purple, polka dotted, or glittery.
Classroom Spotlights
Ms. Rubin's Classroom
In Health/PE Credit Retrieval the students are learning about how aging affects our immune
systems and to start healthy habits when we are young, as well as the difference between cardiovascular and resistance training. The students are creating slideshows about athletes that inspire them, they will explain how the athlete rose to the level of play that they engage in today, and how that inspires them. The class is small so the students are able to get individual attention from Ms. Rubin. I enjoy working with them as a group and individually. In the health office, Ms Rubin is continuing with annual screenings of vision and hearing as required by the department of health.
Mr Peters' Classroom
Month of Mental Health Awareness and Self Reflection
HAS Affirmation Station
A little piece of L&T
Ever since Lord & Taylor, this sign is a daily reminder of Self-Awareness and Management that has been on display thanks to our Spanish Teacher Ms Flores. Even though this month focuses on Self Awareness and Mental Health, HAS has always been advocates and supportive of mental health for both students and staff. As staff we try to demonstrate self love and acceptance to be role models for the students as well as supporting them and each other in the process.
Outstanding Scholar Breakfast
On May 15th, students attended a breakfast that celebrated the Union County Outstanding Scholars. Valerie C and Kamori B were among those who received the honor of having the highest GPAs of the year at HAS. Both of these students are very deserving of such an award because of their dedication, hard work, great attendance, and optimistic attitude. Congratulations Valerie and Kamori on a job well done! You have made HAS very proud!
Appreciation Celebrations
Teacher Appreciation Week
Principal's Appreciation Day
Nurse Appreciation Week
Our Students In and Out of School
Fresh Cut!
About Us
Hillcrest Academy South is an alternative high school for students from the Elizabeth Public Schools. Students are referred to HAS by their Elizabeth Academy guidance counselor and administration for an interview at HAS. We provide a small educational learning setting with opportunities to make up courses through our Credit Retrieval Program in a caring environment in order to meet Elizabeth’s graduation requirements.
Website: www.ucesc.org
Instagram: ucesc_has
Facebook: Hillcrest Academy South
Location: 1571 Lamberts Mill Road, Westfield, NJ, USA-Door 3B
Phone: 908-233-9317