The Herald

Hoboken Public School District

Superintendent's Weekly Message - March 15, 2020

Dear Parents and Guardians,


I hope that you and your families are doing well and following the guidelines set forth by the the City of Hoboken's Office of Emergency Management and Department of Health.


On Friday, our staff presented the next two weeks of remote learning plans to students. All plans have been posted on our website and distributed in hard copy where applicable. For all students that were absent on Friday, principals and directors mailed packets home. If you have any questions, please feel free to email your child's teacher or principal. Both will be checking emails multiple times during work day hours.


During the upcoming days, our Assistant Superintendent of Schools and principals will be working with staff to prepare additional remote learning plans in the event that they are needed. We will, once again, be prepared for extended school closings if announced.


At the end of this edition of The Herald, I have included Staff Directories from each building. I also included our District's Preparedness Plan in Response to COVID-19. This plans includes lessons for remote learning, provisions for related services, and the manner in which breakfast and lunch will be distributed in a "grab and go" format to all students qualifying for free and reduced lunch. In addition, if any family is in need of counseling assistance or have health related questions, you may reach out to any of our Guidance Counselors or School Nurses, as well as our Student Assistance Counselor and Director of School Based Youth Services. Their emails have been provided for your use if necessary.


I encourage you to take time to review The Herald. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook too. I will be sending regular updates and resources for all families.


Stay well. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.


Sincerely,

Superintendent Johnson

New Feature: Stories With Staff

During these weeks that our schools are closed, I asked our staff if they would be willing to read stories to your children. I thought that our youngest students in particular, would enjoy seeing some familiar faces and listening to fun and engaging stories. Within minutes, our dynamic staff began sending me videos. Christopher Munoz, Hoboken High School teacher helped by uploading the videos we received today to our YouTube Channel.


In order to view these videos, you will need to subscribe to our channel. Follow the directions as listed below:



  1. Visit www.youtube.com
  2. Click on videos
  3. In the search box, type in HPS Video Highlights
  4. Hit the red "subscribe" button



Continue to check our channel daily for more stories. I have added those that have been uploaded so far below for your families viewing pleasure. More to come...

HPS: Mrs. Gavin reads "The Wishing Well" (Disney 5-Minute Stories) by Nicholas Tana
HPS: Mrs. Taglieri reads "Goodnight Football" by Michael Dahl
HPS: Mr. Hamlin reads “Who is my Neighbor?” By Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
HPS: Mrs. Dunn reads "The Wishing Well" by Nicholas Tana
HPS: Ms. Marra reads Olivia by Ian Falconer
HPS: Mrs. Inhulsen reads “Tomorrow I’ll be Brave” by Jessica Hische
HPS: Mrs. Taglieri reads her favorite poem "Don't Quit."
HPS: Ms. Kate reads "If My Mom Were a Bird" by Jedda Robaard

Johns Hopkins CTY

The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth online courses will remain active throughout the entirety of the district’s remote learning plan for grades 2 - 8. Therefore, there will still be 3 - 5 hours of required coursework to complete per week in order to meet the course ending deadlines for both the three-month and six-month course options.


You will continue to receive email communications on assignment completion, feedback and grades from your child’s Johns Hopkins CTY online course instructor. If you have any questions at all, he or she will remain the first point of contact in regards to CTY curriculum and coursework completion.


Ms. Tara Donnelly will continue to monitor all Johns Hopkins CTY emails at the Middle School level. If students or parents have questions, please reach out to her at Tara.Donnelly@hoboken.k12.nj.us. For all Grades 2 through 5 questions, please contact your building principal or Assistant Superintendent, Ms. Rodriguez-Gomez at srodriguez@hoboken.k12.nj.us.

Emotional Health Activities

Emotional Health Activities

There are a number of great resources for social and emotional health during a high stress time like the one we are in right now. Check out these "Things You Can Do For Your Emotional Health" and share with your family.
Emotional Health Activities
Hoboken High School Competes at the Jersey City Medical Center RWJ Barnabas STEM Showcase

Hoboken High School Competes at the Jersey City Medical Center RWJ Barnabas STEM Showcase

The Hoboken High School STEM Competition Team represented our school at the Jersey City Medical Center RWJ Barnabas STEM Showcase at Liberty Science Center. Three teams of two students each presented original research projects that they completed this year. Eve Gutierrez and Asher Strell presented “A bioassay to determine sub-lethal and lethal effects of common household products utilizing Daphnia magna”. Matthew Murillo and Andrew Castlen presented “Acid rain: a study of the effects of decreased pH on surface water communities in vitro”. Finally, Rowan Ellison and Sheila Lam presented “The Effects of Limiting Factors on Algal Growth”. Each team presented all parts of their research study, including their abstract, introduction, materials and methods, data, discussion and conclusions. It was an extremely successful day and the STEM Team is already looking forward to participating again in next year’s showcase!
Hoboken High School Competes at the Jersey City Medical Center RWJ Barnabas STEM Showcase
Hoboken High School's Debate Team Takes Home More Awards

Hoboken High School's Debate Team Takes Home More Awards

The Hoboken High School Debate Team represented our school at the two day 2020 St. Peters Model United Nations Conference. Our team were delegates for Israel, South Africa and Mexico as they generated solutions to global problems like the threat to cyber-security, the state of women’s health, disarmament, the impact of livestock farming on climate change, and environmental damage in post-conflict areas. Students from across New Jersey honed their debate skills as they argued for their resolutions. The team’s performance was stellar. Many students authored resolutions, promoted diplomacy, and served as leaders in their committees. Rebecca Weintraub and Frannie Michaels, won “Best Delegation” and Andrew Castlen and Sheila Lam won ‘Honorable Mention Awards for Best Delegates.” It was a successful conference and the students look forward to their next competition.
Hoboken High School's Debate Team Takes Home More Awards
High School Select Choir Earns a Judge's Award

High School Select Choir Earns a Judge's Award

On Tuesday, March 10th, the Hoboken High School Select Choir earned a judge's award at the Hudson County Teen Arts Festival in the category of "Small Group Vocal." This marked the first time a Hoboken choral group had won an award at this competition since 2016. Performing an exciting modern arrangement of Mozart's "Dies Irae," or "Day of Wrath" in Latin, the select choir impressed the adjudicators and audience alike with a spirited rendition.
High School Select Choir Earns a Judge's Award

Connors Elementary School's Camp Read A Lot

Senior AP Capstone Project by Rebecca Weintraub

My name is Rebecca Weintraub and I am a senior at Hoboken High School. In my AP Research class, we have been tasked with contributing to a body of knowledge through research. My research focuses on Hoboken public schools, district and charter, and the levels of diversity within our city. In order to get a clear picture of our schools, I am asking for the community’s help. If you are a parent with a child in a Hoboken public school (district or charter grades K-5) and could take 5 minutes to fill out this anonymous survey below, asking about your experience and opinions, I would be greatly appreciative. If you have any questions about this project please do not hesitate to email me at rebeccaweintraub806108@hoboken.k12.nj.us

Class of 2020 - Oh The Places They May Go!

Class of 2020 - Oh The Places They May Go!

Our Class of 2020 has 82 students. 96% of the class applied to 2 or 4 year colleges and have already been offered $17,149,460 in academic and merit based scholarships. Take a look at the colleges and universities that they have applied to:


Adelphi University

Albertus Magnus College

Albright College

Alfred University

Allegheny College

American International College

American University

Art Academy of Cincinnati

Assumption College

Bard College


Barry University

Baruch College of the CUNY

Becker College

Berkeley College

Bethany College

Bloomfield College

Boston College

Boston University

Bridgewater College

Brooklyn College of the CUNY

Brown University

Bryant University

Bucknell University

Caldwell University

California Institute of Technology

Calvin University

Castleton University

Centenary University

Central Connecticut State University

Clark Atlanta University

Cleveland State University

Coastal Carolina University

College of Charleston

College of Mount Saint Vincent

College of Saint Elizabeth

Colorado State University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Culver-Stockton College

Curry College

Dartmouth College

Dean College

Delaware Valley University

DeSales University

Dominican College

Drew University

Drexel University

Elon University

Emmanuel College

Emory University

Fairfield University

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Florham Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus

Felician University

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida State University

Fordham University

Franklin & Marshall College

Frostburg State University

Full Sail University

Georgia State University

Georgian Court University

Gettysburg College

Hartwick College

Harvard College

Hawaii Pacific University

Hofstra University

Howard University

Hudson County Community College

Hunter College of the CUNY

Immaculata University

Iona College

John Jay College

Johns Hopkins University

Johnson & Wales University (North Miami)

Johnson & Wales University (Providence)

Kean University

Keiser University

Kenyon College

Keystone College

King's College

Le Moyne College

Lincoln College

Lincoln University

Louisiana State University

Lycoming College

Lynn University

Manhattan College

Manhattanville College

Marist College

Maryville University

McDaniel College

McPherson College

Mercy College - All Campuses

Merrimack College

Michigan State University

Mitchell College

Molloy College

Monmouth College

Monmouth University

Montclair State University

Morehead State University

Morehouse College

Mount St. Mary's University - Maryland

Muhlenberg College

New England College

New England Institute of Technology

New Jersey City University

New Jersey Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology

New York School of Career & Applied Studies of Touro College & University System

New York University

North Carolina State University

Norwich University

Ohio Wesleyan University

Old Dominion University

Pace University - New York City

Pace University - Pleasantville

Pennsylvania State University

Plymouth State University

Princeton University

Quinnipiac University

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rider University

Rivier University

Rowan University

Rutgers University School of Nursing

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers University-Newark

Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University

Saint Anselm College

Saint Peter's University

Salisbury University

Seton Hall University

Siena College

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Springfield College

St. Francis College

St. John's University

Stevens Institute of Technology

Stockton University

Stonehill College

Stony Brook University

SUNY Morrisville

Susquehanna University

Syracuse University

Temple University

The Catholic University of America

The College of New Jersey

The College of Saint Rose

George Washington University

The Ohio State University

University of Iowa

York College

University of Oklahoma

University of Tampa

University of Texas

Tufts University

Tulane University

University at Buffalo

University of Bridgeport

University of Central Florida

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Hartford

University of Maine

University of Massachusetts

University of Miami

University of Nevada at Las Vegas

University of New England

University of New Hampshire at Durham

University of New Haven

University of New Orleans
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania

University of Puget Sound

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond

University of South Carolina

University of Utah

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of Virginia

University of West Florida

Ursinus College

Vanderbilt University

Vassar College

Villanova University

Virginia State University

Wagner College

Washington University in St. Louis

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Wesley College

West Virginia University

Western Connecticut State University

Western New England University

Widener University

Wilkes University

William Paterson University of New Jersey

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Xavier University of Louisiana

Yale University

Class of 2020 - Oh The Places They May Go!
Hispanic Culture Club Hall of Fame

Hispanic Culture Club Hall of Fame

The Hoboken HS Hispanic Culture Club Hall of Fame Selection Committee are seeking nominations for the 2020 Induction into the Hoboken HS Hispanic Culture Club Hall of Fame. In 2015, Hoboken HS Hispanic Culture Club Hall of Fame was created for its most prestigious alumni and community members. Nominations generally come from the field of business, education, arts & entertainment, humanitarian areas, medicine, athletics, or government and science.

The deadline for nominations for the 2020 Hall of Fame Class is April 10, 2020

Hispanic Culture Club Hall of Fame
DMC Visits Hoboken Middle School

DMC Visits Hoboken Middle School

Darryl McDaniels, better known as DMC, from the iconic 80's rap group RunDMC came to visit Hoboken Middle School on Monday. Darryl engaged students in a talk centered around maximizing your potential, following your dreams and being the best you can be. Thank you to our 7th grade mom, Mrs. Suzy Batcha for bringing this experience to the students of Hoboken Middle School!
DMC Visits Hoboken Middle School
New Jersey School Music Association Region 1 Honors Band

New Jersey School Music Association Region 1 Honors Band

Standout middle school band members Gabriel Rivas, Nina O’Keefe, and Claire Snider have been accepted into the New Jersey School Music Association Region 1 Elementary Honors Band. Students are nominated based on their sight-reading ability and performance level. This group, formed by director nomination, features the best sixth grade musicians in Northern New Jersey. Out of over 330 nominations, 270 were selected to perform in 3 different bands on Saturday, May 2nd at South Orange Middle School. Our 6th grade students were placed in the top two of these bands based on their scores.
New Jersey School Music Association Region 1 Honors Band
Hoboken Middle School Strings Program

Hoboken Middle School Strings Program

HMS String students continue to prepare for our district's Spring Concert at Hoboken High School. String students have been perfecting their phrasing and intonation while working on an arrangement of "Friday I'm in Love" by the Cure. Students are identifying different themes, patterns, melodies, and harmonies within the piece, identifying complex areas and practicing them in partners, and finally, rehearsing sections as a class. Students also began working on an arrangement of Beethoven's famous "Ode to Joy" theme from his 9th Symphony.
Hoboken Middle School Strings Program
Hoboken Middle School Band

Hoboken Middle School Band

This week in Passport Band, students focused on adding dramatic dynamics (loud and soft contrast) to both of our competition songs. Additionally, students drilled technically difficult passages for speed, proper articulation, and clarity. Our clarinet section is making especially good progress, playing notes "over the break," which requires moving all fingers on both hands to hit the keys and cover holes at the exact same time. The mallet percussion section has been working independently to practice basic and advanced sticking patterns to determine the best order for scalar runs.
Hoboken Middle School Band
Wallace Music Corner

Wallace Music Corner

Chorus students are working on a mix of Pop and Broadway Choral Repertoire. They are learning to sing pop music in 3 part harmony; which is challenging for an elementary choir. The Concert Chorus is singing the familiar pop songs,”Someone You Loved” and “High Hopes.” The audition only Lunch Chorus students are challenging themselves to sing a difficult arrangement of “Seasons of Love” from Rent. They selected the music themselves and can’t wait to perform it!


Band students are using google classroom to access recordings of their current repertoire to practice outside of class. They are very excited about playing “The Eye of the Tiger” this week. It’s a difficult arrangement with advanced rhythms. The 4th and 5th grade band group is extremely dedicated and practices often at home. As always, feel free to contact us in the music department with any questions on our performance programs.

Wallace Music Corner
On our Way to Becoming a "Best Communities for Music Education" District

On our Way to Becoming a "Best Communities for Music Education" District

The Hoboken Public School District is breaking ground and shattering music ceilings simultaneously. At each level, our students are exposed to instrumental and choral music, as well as musical theater and marking band. Recently, we applied for the "Best Communities for Music Education" award through the NAMM Foundation. This distinction is a signature recognition program that celebrates districts for their support and commitment to music education and the efforts needed to ensure equal access to music for all students, as part of a well-rounded education. As soon as we hear the results, all families will be notified.
On our Way to Becoming a "Best Communities for Music Education" District
You've Asked and We've Responded

You've Asked and We've Responded

A number of parents have asked for updated school directories. Each of our schools have prepared new directories including names, positions, emails, and phone numbers. If you have any questions for the Superintendent of Schools, please email cjohnson@hoboken.k12.nj.us

For the Assistant Superintendent, you may email srodriguez@hoboken.k12.nj.us


Below, you will find each school's directory:

You've Asked and We've Responded
Hoboken Public Schools - A District Dedicated to Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships

Hoboken Public Schools - A District Dedicated to Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships

Our Vision

The Hoboken Public School District will be recognized as a premier educational choice and widely known as a best-practice model for academic growth, high quality instruction, innovative and equitable programs, engagement, facilities and personalized pathways that are essential for college, career and life-preparedness in our ever-changing, interconnected global society.


Our Mission

The Hoboken Public School District will prepare confident and resilient graduates who value academic achievement, embrace challenge, honor diversity, appreciate collaboration, and respectfully contribute to their local and wider communities.


Our District Goals

The Hoboken Public School District will implement a rigorous, relevant and responsive curriculum that meets the needs of all students, fosters personalized pathways for learning, and ensures continuous academic growth.


The Hoboken Public School District will support its diverse staff in professional growth, encourage them to serve as role models, and empower them to provide the highest quality of instruction for our students.


The Hoboken Public School District will develop and implement unique and innovative programs that promote global learning, ensure equitable access, and foster the social, emotional and academic growth of each student.


The Hoboken Public School District will engage and communicate with families and the wider community to bridge understanding and advance partnerships.


The Hoboken Public School District will operate well-maintained and safe facilities that respond to our growing student enrollment, support our academic and co-curricular programs, and promote pride across the city.

158 4th Street, Hoboken, NJ 07834 district@hoboken.k12.nj.us (201) 356-3600 hoboken.k12.nj.us