chief`s report - Piscataway High School

CHIEF’S REPORT
PISCATAWAY HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS
Jason Lester, Principal
May 2015
MESSAGE FROM MR. LESTER
As we bring a close to the 2014-15 school year, we have much to be proud of at PHS. The earlier part of this
month we learned that we are ranked in the top 10% in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.
Through our collective hard work by the students, teachers, parents, district and school administrative staff
members, and community partners, we strive to provide our students with the opportunity to be successful. We
know that there is plenty of work to be done as we continuously improve our teaching and learning practices. I
thank you all for your dedication to our students throughout Piscataway Public Schools.
The month of May has marked an end of an era here at PHS. We will lose the service of some of our most
honored and cherished staff members who have elected to retire at the top of their professional careers. On
May 20th we had the pleasure of sending off the world famous Superchief conductor Mr. Gornick in his final act
at PHS during the Band & Orchestra Concert, as he retires after 35 years of outstanding service. We also have
several outstanding Counselors retiring who will be sorely missed - Ms. Bucci, Ms. Savitt, and Ms. Valdovinos.
Ms. Arora, who worked as a special education teacher, has decided to also retire at the height of her career.
We will miss her kind demeanor. Mr. Pietrak has taught the woodshop class for over 30 years. That is a lot of
saw dust and great projects. His expertise and craftsmanship will be long remembered. Our retiring
Attendance Clerks, Ms. Ruiz and Ms. Yeager, have been extremely important to our entire school function, and
they have decided to post attendance for the last time on June 18th. Best of luck to them.
It has been a tremendous pleasure for me to get to know this wonderful people. I wish them good health, lots
of money, but most of all I hope they continue to make a difference in the lives of young people. I salute you…
Strength & Honor
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
By Lauren Birchett: As a senior here at PHS I have been extremely lucky. Being involved in soccer, swimming
and student ambassadors for all four years I have made lasting memories and lifelong friends. I have also
been fortunate in the fact that I have been able to connect with my teachers on a more personal level and am
able to go to them with a problem, feeling completely safe and comfortable. Being in the Piscataway School
system for my whole life I feel enrooted in the community and I know I will forever be a Chief. Next year, I will
be attending Bridgeport University in hopes of earning a degree in animal sciences and minor in marine
biology. I owe the teachers and faculty here at PHS a huge thank you for all they do for us students. I know
that I will be successful with the knowledge and life skills that they have instilled in me.
By Ariel Alvarez: Here at Piscataway High School I am a senior and also a member of the Rutgers Future
Scholars program. I am also proud to say I will be attending Rutgers University next fall. My plans are to obtain
a degree with a major in criminal justice along with a minor in economics. I hope to work as a forensics
accountant one day. My four years here at Piscataway High School have been extremely memorable. From
being a part of the soccer program to being a member of the National Honor Society, I feel that this school
provides an excellent learning environment. I can easily say that this school has aided me in becoming the
young adult I am today and has also prepared me and gave me the knowledge to begin my next level of
education. Although I am saddened to leave, I know I have the tools and skills this great school system has
provided me with.
For their senior project, Lauren and Ariel want to create a time capsule with some input from our senior class
members. They hope to show the good times they have shared at PHS, and what they will remember most
about this year. The time capsule will be opened in 10 years and will show the future students what it was like
to be a senior Chief in 2015. They hope to accomplish this by asking some of the senior class members to
bring in their most memorable 2015 items they think would contribute to the time capsule. We wish them luck
with this project.
PHS HAPPENINGS
AFJROTC NEWS!
Piscataway High School AFJROTC Unit NJ761 has been awarded the Distinguished Unit Award for AY
2014-2015. The last time this was achieved by us was in AY 2010/11.
This award recognizes the personal growth and accomplishments of the cadets, contributions of the
instructors as mentors, and the support of the school and local community. The cadets, instructors, and
schools are to be commended for earning their award.
AFJROTC Drill team achieved outstanding results in the Bridgeton High School Drill Competition held earlier
this month. With 16 teams competing, below are the results:
1ST Place
Unarmed Inspection
2ND Place
Unarmed Regulation
3rd Place
Unarmed Dual Exhibition
Academics
Congratulations, cadets! Well done.
GIRL UP CLUB
You See Just A Girl. We See the Future.
By: Susanna D’Souza, Grace Tan, Anoushka Chatterjee, & Daniela Acosta
The Piscataway High School Girl Up Club, an international organization founded by the United Nations, is a
club created in order to fundraise and spread awareness of the injustices girls in developing countries endure.
Many girls are born without birth certificates, so they do not “exist.” They are not given the opportunity
suburban American girls are provided, such as a free education and basic human needs.
The Piscataway High School Girl Up Club was started in April 2014 by Susanna D’Souza and with the help of
the hardworking advisors, Cynthia Botett and Judith Cruz-Walsh. The officers this year, Susanna D’Souza
(President), Anoushka Chatterjee (Vice-President), Grace Tan (Treasurer), and Daniela Acosta (Secretary),
have organized various activities, spreading awareness in their school. Within this 2014-2015 school year, the
club has grown from just ten members to over thirty members.
One of their most successful fundraising activities this year was the Snowflake Grams. The students bought
a snowflake shaped candy gram. They could write a customized message and the Girl Up members organized
and delivered it to its recipient. All the money collected from these fundraisers are donated to the United
Nations Foundations, where it will help these girls. One project the Girl Up Club contributed to was called the
School Cycle Project, where the money donated was used to purchase bikes so 550 girls in Malawi, who lived
far away, could obtain an education by being able to get to school in a shorter amount of time.
This club not only helps the girls in developing countries, but it also helps the students of Piscataway High
School realize altruism. While doing so, members of this club are given the chance to change the lives of other
girls by supplying their needs. Many say that to change the world is impossible; however, the members of the
Piscataway High School Girl Up Club say that change is possible, and that change starts with them.
DENIM DAY
The African-American Culture Club asked for the support of the entire student body, faculty. and staff to join
them in raising awareness about sexual assault and sexual violence by making their social statement through
their fashion statement on April 29, 2015 for Denim Day 2015. As was expected, our PHS family donned their
denim in raising awareness and showing support for the victims of sexual assault. However you dress, where
ever you go... yes means yes, and no means no!
Many thanks from the African-American Culture Club in supporting the cause!
ARTS NEWS
NJ Department of Human Services Teen Media Contest
PHS student, Priyanka Malhotra, won 1st place in the New Jersey Department of Human Services Teen
Media Contest. She will receive a Plaque of Achievement, an American Express Gift Card and two, 1-day
passes to Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. Her artwork will be displayed at the New Jersey State
House from May 18 - 22, 2015.
PHS students have consistently earned top honors in this contest over the past several years.
For this contest, the Department of Human Services asked New Jersey Middle School and High School
students to create and submit an original piece of hand-drawn artwork that complements the State's ongoing
advertising and community outreach campaign.
All entries were evaluated on the following criteria: theme depiction, overall appearance, originality, design
and execution. A panel of judges chose first, second and third place artwork for each category from schools
around the State.
Priyanka will be recognized during an official Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday, May
13 at 1:00 p.m. in Committee Room 1 at the New Jersey State House Annex in Trenton, NJ.
2015 Teen Media Contest Winner
Priyanka Malhotra, also won 1st place in the 2015 Teen Media Contest sponsored by the New Jersey
Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development. Student entrants were asked to create and
submit a piece of original hand drawn artwork, which complements the state’s ongoing advertising and
community outreach campaign. This year’s contest theme is Families are Greater than the Sum of Their Parts.
Priyanka was honored at a ceremony at the New Jersey Statehouse where her work will be on view. Her
winning artwork will be included and published in the 2016 New Jersey Child Support Calendar.
“With Art I Can...” Mixed Media Contest
Priyanka Malhotra won a Gold Award Honor in the 2015 “With Art I Can…” Mixed Media Contest. This contest
invited students K-12 to express their experiences and imagine the things they can accomplish through art.
There were over 1200 entries. Priyanka’s art work is 1 of 5 Gold Award winners who will have their art work
reproduced as part of a 16” x 20” Art Advocacy Poster Set to be distributed to art educators across the country.
AENJ Spring Art Exhibit:
Nithya Iyer’s artwork was 1 of 30 total pieces chosen in the state of NJ to be on display at the Victoria
Theatre of the NJPAC. The theme of the show is “Travel”. There will be a reception for student artists on
Saturday, May 9th.
Ocean County Camera Club Competition:
Students from Piscataway High School recently submitted photographs to the Ocean County Camera Club
Photography Competition. 6 students received honorable mention awards for their work; Michelle Prester,
Joey Mesce, Liz Borges, Giorel Laxamama, Sarah Sy, and Jazmin Chacon. In addition, Nisha Ghandi
received a high score award for her photograph. 4 photographs were also chosen to go to the national level of
their competition.
Celebrating Art:
The following students have been chosen to be published in the Summer Edition of Celebrating Art, a
hardcover art publication sponsored by Blick Art Supply; Alexis Day, Nisha Gandhi, Joey Mesce, Nithya Iyer,
Christian Zelaya, Marina DiCostanzo. Congratulations!
MIDDLESEX COUNTY’S 16TH ANNUAL SAFE DRIVING PSA CONTEST WINNER
High school students from 11 schools throughout the County produced 16 videos and eight audio tapings
that promote driving safety to their peers and to adults. English and Spanish language video submissions and
English language audio submissions were judged on their originality and strength of message.
Piscataway High School’s submission, which was produced by Khalid Khalil, received third place in the
contest. We are very proud to once again be a part of this important endeavor, which promotes the reduction
of youth alcohol related fatalities. This contest coincides with prom season to remind all students of the
seriousness of distracted driving.
ATHLETICS
Congratulations to the PHS Boys Freshman Track Team on winning the GMC Boys Freshman track and field
championships. Congratulations to Larry McCullum, Devin Hampton, John Crearer, Ediberto Castro, Isiahah
Colon, Tyliq Ritter on Winning Gold Medal performances. Also scoring for the Frosh Chiefs were Samir Patki
and Jim Rivera.
Our Girls’ Softball Team is playing in the State 2, Group IV Championship against Bridgewater-Raritan on
May 29. Good luck!!
VISIT FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
In May, Ms. Coppola's Math for Life/ Math for Future classes visited the Junior Achievement Finance Park. While there,
they met Mark Biedron, President of the State Board of Education. He took time out of his tour of the facility to talk to the
students. He stressed how important a good education is for obtaining the job of your dreams and how this generation is
the next wave of leaders.
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES
Piscataway High School entered two videos into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences student video
contest. Both videos became 2015 nominees ("Monster" music video produced and edited by Mohamed Mohamed and
"P-Way State of Mind" for the writing category - Jh'neil Cooper, Devin Johnson). Additionally, "P-Way State of Mind" won
for best writing!. There were 126 entries from 25 different schools in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Great news!!
BATTLE OF THE CLASSES
Battle of the Classes is always an event that brings our classes together. Spurred on by the tireless efforts of each
class advisor, Piscataway High School students form a team, train to compete, and rehearse routines that celebrate their
pride in their school and their class. This year, Piscataway High School students went a step beyond fighting for bragging
rights; they were fighting for one of their own.
Senior Matthew Hollan was recently diagnosed with cancer. Given the medical costs his family will incur, we decided to
make Battle of the Classes 2015 a fundraiser for Matt. Attendees were asked to donate a minimum of two dollars to the
cause, and our students and staff gladly got behind the fight. Our PHS staff contributed extremely generous donations,
and students took a personal interest in the event.
The event kicked off at 4 pm with students showcasing their banners and performing original dance routines to songs by
artists ranging from Led Zeppelin to DMX. Throughout the competition, visitors continued to fill the bleachers. Mr. Erik
Hall provided commentary throughout the event, highlighting the mysterious origins of “Crab Soccer.”
The Class of 2017, under the guidance of Mr. Horan, completely organized the event. The sophomore class council
created flyers, advertised the competition, and helped during the day of the event. The students put hours into making
sure the event was a success. The students worked during homeroom, stayed after school, and brought work home to
meet deadlines. The diligent efforts of our students helped to make this event the huge success that it was.
The grand total for donations was well above initial hopes. Battle of the Classes 2015 was the most well attended
“Battle” in years. $1,300 was raised as a result of Battle of the Classes, all of which will go to the Hollan family. Our
student body, as well as our committed staff, proved that PHS is a family, and that we will always take care of one of our
own.
Special thanks to the following volunteers:
Brittany Bickerton
Jonathan Bizzell
Holly Cregar-Porch
Lynn Diaz
Sharon Doll
Theresa Edmondson
Josh Longo
Jessica Loux
Dana Strafer
Adiba Syed
Julia Cabrero
Dawne Dionisio
Aaron Eyler
Denise Giaimo
Patricia Hewitt
Michelle Klastava
Tracey
McGowan
Maryann Thein
Giovanni
Reynoso
Kenny Walker
Erik Hall
Natalie Howell
Danielle
LaCugna
Alison Saffos
Chris Hamas
April Hurt
Craig Lollin
Kelly
Severino
TEACHER FEATURE
L’Mani Viney
Mr. L’Mani Viney has been named the 2015 Educational Services Professionals Program Award Winner
through the 2015 Teacher Recognition Program. The recipient of this award is chosen by peers, students, and
community members. We are pleased that Mr. Viney has been chosen to receive this recognition.
Patricia Hewitt
Congratulations to Ms. Hewitt, Middlesex County School Counselor of the year! She will be honored during a
luncheon ceremony on May 20th at New Jersey City University with the top counselors from every county in
the state. We thank her for her hard work and dedication to the students and families of Piscataway.
IMPORTANT DATES:
May 28 – World Languages Honor Society Induction, 6 pm, PAC
May 29 – ICCA Show, 7 pm, PAC
May 30 – Relay for Life, 4 -6 pm Athletic Field
June 2 – Senior Athletic Awards Banquet, 6:30 pm, Pines Manor, Edison
June 3 – Senior Awards Night, 6 pm, PAC
June 5 – Prom, 6 pm, Grand Marquis, Old Bridge
June 9 – Tri-M Music Honor Society Induction, 7 pm, PAC
June 10 – Spring Athletic Awards, 7 pm, East Wing
June 13 – Band Banquet, 7 pm, Commons
June 18 – Graduation, 6 pm, RAC, Piscataway
June 18 – Project Graduation, 10 pm, College Ave. Gym, New Brunswick
Below is a picture of the students from Mr. Calvo’s Print & Production class that worked on this banner using
the new vinyl cutter purchased this year. It says it all – CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SENIOR CLASS!!