December HSS PTSA Newsletter - WW
Transcription
December HSS PTSA Newsletter - WW
West Windsor Plainsboro High School South December 2015 Vol. 2 Issue 3 P.T.S.A. Executive Board Upcoming Events: 12/15 BOE Meeting It’s that time of the year when the winter coats are seen in the front of the closet, and the leaves on the trees are a distant memory. PTSA wish’s all our South families a wonderful and safe holiday season with their families. Editors Message Welcome to the December edition of the PTSA Newsletter! We are so excited to bring to the community special articles to showcase what South is all about. This year we aim to cover more topics like alumni, student, parent, and teacher opinion columns, and hope you continue to read and enjoy South Source, and everything it has to offer. We encourage student, teacher, and parent contributions for future issues, or if you have comments and/or suggestions feel free to send to http://tinyurl.com/q9a8nwd. Pierre-Antoine Frotte & Shivangi Sogani Co- Editor’s South Source 12/22 No H.W. Night 12/23 Early Dismissal 12/24 – 1/3 School Closed 1/5 HSS Jr. College Night 1/5 BOE Meeting, GMS 1/18 School Closed 1/19 SEPTSA meeting 1/21 HSS PTSA Meeting 1/23 HSS Post Prom Drive 1/29 No H.W. Night 1/12 – 16 PTSA Bake Sale In This Issue Page: Class of 2016 6&7 Class of 2018 4 At our most recent class rally we had a common theme to share with our students. We wanted to remind them about appropriate use of social media and the Anti-harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying Laws. Yet, we wanted our message to positive. Unfortunately, when I learned of the events that occurred in Paris on November 13th, my mind immediately thought about one of our current students who is spending a year in Paris as an foreign-exchange student. I remember reading her article in the most recent edition of the Pirate’s Eye, and I remember how excited she was for her opportunity to live and study in Paris. Editor’s Message 1 Pirate Op Ed 3 Pirate Spiritwear 8 Principal’s Corner 1&2 PTSA Exec Board 1 Sports 5 Continued on page #2 Town Hall Meeting 4 Principal’s Corner West Windsor Plainsboro High School South Principal’s Corner Continued from page #1…. I prefaced what is written below when I read it to our students by saying, “The events that occurred in Paris are and extreme form of intimidation. Therefore, we ask you to be beautiful.” In Light of incidents of Harassment, Bullying, and Intimidation that have taken place internationally, locally , and even within our walls, We encourage all of us to choose to be beautiful: Being beautiful means:-Being empowered to change the world. Being beautiful means -fighting for success, for love, for peace. Being beautiful means -growing within, learning, and showing strength in times of hardship. Being beautiful means -singing inside the grocery store, or dancing in the rain. Being beautiful means –seeking out truth, captivating others around you... and inspiring them to be their very best. Being beautiful means- not judging others for who they chose to be or how they express it, or who they were born to be. Being beautiful means - knowing who you are. Being beautiful means -standing up for what you believe in. Being beautiful means- finding yourself and looking at those who surround you every day for who they are beneath their skin… Because being beautiful is being true to who you are within, and respecting other for doing the same. Dennis Lepold, Dr. Carla Royster, and Paul Hamnett 2 West Windsor Plainsboro High School South Pirates Opinion Editorial Students Discuss Recent Changes In District “I am fine with no finals and no midterms as in previous years they were very stressful. However I think that it would be better for the school if they kept it but revised it in a way that makes it less stressful and worrisome for the students. I disagree with the limit on Option II courses as I think students should be able to take as many classes as possible. If people want to learn more and advance their education, they should be able to. Why restrict how much a student can learn? I like no homework nights as it is always stressful to constantly get homework, especially when you have other activities to do. No Homework Nights help people get more sleep and stress out less.” -Boris Tzankov “I think the changes give students too much slack during the school year and limit their options by limiting Option II by one a year. No Homework Nights are useless. -Denise Cherdak "It is understandable that the district administrators wish to improve certain aspects of the education system. I, personally, support the 3 changes that were made recently, but am not so certain about the prospective elimination of the A&E program in elementary school. While I do not have much knowledge of the current elementary school program offered, I do know that the A&E program so far has been very successful and is enjoyed by many of my peers, including myself. -Anonymous “Removing finals gives time back to the students and teachers for learning, but it will make it harder for the district to assess the competence of the students. It doesn't matter how much you've learned if you don't remember it at the end of the year, but the way we did finals was time-consuming and awkward. We needed to fix the system, not kill it. Limiting Option II really restricts students who want to achieve. It makes it harder for kids to learn more. Also, with the way the district handles Option II, it makes it a one shot thing. Sometimes the courses people take don't teach what they need to learn, or people mess up with deadlines, and then they've wasted a whole summer, and can't go back to try again because we're only allowed to try once per subject. I don't think that we should completely eliminate the A&E program for fourth and fifth grade, but make it easier to get into and get out of, so that people who feel too stressed can step back and people who get better at math later on can step it up.” -Henry Chen CEREAL DRIVE Please support HSS Cereal Drive for Monument Charter School in Trenton by sending in cereal boxes to HSS front office by December 18th. Charter school will send cereal boxes home with students for winter break. Students rely on school breakfast and lunch for their daily meals. During school break they will miss these two meals. Your help will go a long way! Questions and more information email Mr. Daniels Erik.daniels@ww-p.org ART SHOW Pirates, Briana Hodges, Seriah Barnes, Hannah Chun, Lehna Ding, and Chinne Ezigwe have artwork currently on exhibit at the Mercer County Community College Art Gallery. The exhibit is entitled, “Passing the Palette.” South teacher Jane Proulx has one painting on display. These five students completed the artwork in the Drawing and Painting I Class with teacher Jane Proulx. 3 West Windsor Plainsboro High School South TOWN HALL MEETING: If you missed the town hall meeting here are a few facts. At this time Option II and AP policy has not been changed. A&E program in district has not been eliminated. It is expanding to include more students and revised to be age appropriate. While midterms and finals have been discontinued students will be tested on all materials taught during the school year. Below are notes from Town Hall Meeting. Visit this link to view Dr. Aderhold’s entire presentation www.wwp.org/about_us/admini stration/superintendent AP EXAMS Over 80% if WW-P students take AP classes and AP exams (over 1,100 AP tests were administered at each high school this spring). And, of the students who take AP courses over 93% receive a 3 or better. Since AP courses are college-level work completed in high school, AP exam results are better indicator of how students will do in college than a final exam for a high school class. “WHOLE CHILD” WW-P addresses the development of the social, emotional, academic development of each child. NEWS: MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS: During the 2014-2015 school year, WW-P sent over 120 middle school and high school students for mental health assessments; these include assessments for anxiety, depression and suicidal ideations. These were not drug and alcohol screenings; these screenings were additional. UPCOMING DISTRICT PRESENTATIONS *Dr. Leonard Sax – April 14th *Nioclle Orro, Director of Outpatient Services with Princeton House – Feb. 24th RELAXATION TECHNIQUES It can be as simple as taking a deep breathe or a change of environment. Share what works for you with others wwphssnewsletter@gmail.com HSS VS. HSN 7TH Annual Ice Hockey Bachner Game, December 19th 8:15 PMat Pro Skate. Bring friends for fun and rivalry! CLASS OF 2018 Parents thank you for your generosity in supporting our Class of 2018 Bake Sale! It was a great success. Your help will go a long way for sophomore events. GREAT&HOLIDAY& PRESENTS:&!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Send!$15.00!check!payable! to!front!office!Mark! envelope:!WWHSS!Class!of! 2018!Attn:!Michelle!Walsh,! Class!Advisor!! SOUTH ILLUMINATIONS talent show will be held this Saturday, Dec. 12th from 7 – 9 PM in the HSS playhouse. Tickets will be sold at lunch. Come see your pirates showcase their talents! 4 West Windsor Plainsboro High School South FALL SPORTS WRAP UP: WINTER SPORTS HAVE BEGUN: CONGRATULATIONS: BOY’S SWIMMING The following Pirates are setting their future course by signing National Letters of Intent: It may be cold outside but Pirates are on fire. They are off to early wins to Princeton 102-68. This is a big accomplishment because Princeton won four Mercer County titles from 2011-2014. Then won 87-83 over Notre Dame who is the current reigning Mercer County champions. Tim Bason signed to run Track at North Carolina State University. Christina Rancan signed to run Track and Cross Country at the University of Pennsylvania. Kathryn Schoenauer signed to run Track at University of Pennsylvania. CROSS COUNTRY Tim Bason finished second in 15:51, just six seconds off the lead runner in the Nike Northeast Regional meeting in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. No easy feat because he was running against the best in the Northeast region. Earning him a spot in the Nike National Championship in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, December 10th. PIRATE ALUMNI NEWS HSS graduate Brian Schoenauer, a University of Pennsylvania junior led Penn in rushing this season. They lost to Lehigh and Dartmouth but beat Villanova, Yale, Brown, Harvard, Princeton and Fordham to earn an Ivy League title. Number one spots for Aleksander Simonelli, 200 and 100 Freestyle, Kurt Von Autenried for 50 Freestyle and 100 Butterfly, Kyle DixonAnderson for 500 Freestyle, 100 Back stroke Richard Deng, Pirates also won the 200 and 400 Freestyle Relay. GIRL’S SWIMMING WON 105-65 against Pennington H.S. for this first win this season. It’s early in season so watch out for pirates up coming meets. BOY’S ICE HOCKEY During South vs. Passiac Valley game Jeremy Wong scored to put West Windsor South on the board with 4:39 left in the second period. P.J. Keenan made 44 saves in net for West Windsor South. SUPPORT PIRATE TEAMS & CLUBS After dismissal stop by freshman commons for weekly bake sales featuring snacks, baked goods, beverages and pizza. 5 West Windsor Plainsboro High School South Class of 2016 DECORATING Join us Mondays 7 pm - 9 pm and Saturdays 9 am- 12 pm starting Dec. 12th to hang out with other fellow senior parents and be part of building decorations for Post Prom. Like us facebook - South 2016Families Check out Website for up to date monthly events https://sites.google.com/si te/hsspostprom/ Email: south2016families@gmail. com Gently Used Donations Needed for SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS SALE Benefits HSS Post Prom 2016 Dress Sale will be February 20th Dresses Needed: Prom, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, 8th grade formal, sweet 16, Bridesmaid, Mother of the Bride and Holiday Party Dresses. Long or short, any style welcome. Accessories: Handbags, Shoes, Gloves are also accepted Drop off Dates/Location: High School South, Front Office • From November 2015 to February 2016 Any Questions? Email: frotteg@yahoo.com PING PONG TOURNAMENT 1/29/16 POST PROM FUNDRAISER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Prizes for Winners! Guarantee your Spot by Registering ASAP at www.wwpn-postprom.org/pong.php POST PROM FUNDRAISING: *Famous Mendoker’s Sale Deadline: Fri., Dec. 18th Order Form Page# VS *January Clothing Drive Date: Saturday, Jan 23rd Time: 7:30 AM– 1:30 PM Donate all your unwanted holiday gifts to a great cause during Post Prom Clothing Drive. *Just Write A Check Location: Princeton Pong: 745 Alexander Rd., Princeton NJ Date: Friday, January 29, 2016 Registration: www.wwpn-postprom.org/pong.php TIME:&6(10&PM&! $10 PARTICIPANTS (Pre-Register Online) $ 5 SPECTATORS (Pay at the Door) Food will be available for purchase Questions: Don’t miss out on your contribution for Post Prom 2016 before December and enroll in your 2015 matching program at work to double your donation. Or go to HSS post prom GoFundMe account to make your donation today https://www.gofundme.com/knahrj North - Dale L’Insalata - alevictor@aol.com South – Daniela Kaisth - daniela@kaisth.com PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS!!! *Save Mc Caffrey’s Receipts Send to HSS front attn.: Post Prom 6 West Windsor Plainsboro High School South Mendoker’s!Danish!Ring!order!form!–!Due&12/18/15! a&standalone! Post Prom supplement!to!the!main! 2016 document.!It!! Mendoker’s Famous Danish Ring Sale [Type&the&sidebar& ! content.&A&sidebar&is& We are pleased to once again offer Danish Rings, a Mendokers’ specialty to be delivered in time for the holidays. The Danish Rings freeze well, come in a variety of flavors, and make a great gift, too!!! To order simply complete the order form below and drop it off with your donation of $10 for each Danish Ring in the front office of your school no later than Friday 12/18/15 and your order will be delivered to your school on 12/22/15 for delivery to your favorite teacher or pick-up by yourself. Thank you for your support for this event and Post Prom 2016!! Any questions contact south2016families@gmail.com Quantity( !! !! !! !! !! !! !! Makes great HOL teachers, family an Flavor( ( Apple! ! Cheese! Cherry!Cheese! ! ! Crumb!Cake! ! Raspberry! ! Chocolate! ! Total&Danish's&ordered& Please make checks payable to WWPHS South Post Prom Check Amount: #of Danish’s ordered x $10.00 = $ Your Name / Email: School / Grade: ! 7 West Windsor Plainsboro High School South 8 West Windsor Plainsboro High School South NO COOKING NIGHT HSS POST PROM 2016 FUNDRAISER AT ROMEO’S PIZZA 10 Schalks Crossing Road | Plainsboro, NJ | (609) 799-4554 http://romeosplainsboro.com/menus.html $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Show%your%team%spirit%by%joining%us%for%a%fundraiser%to%support% West%Windsor%Plainsboro%South%Post%Prom%Committee.%Come%in%to% the%Romeo’s%Restaurant%at%10 Schalks Crossing Road Plainsboro%on%Thursday,%December%17th%(all%day).%Bring%in%this% flyer,%show%it%on%your%smartphone%or%tell%the%cashier%you’re% supporting%the%cause%to%make%sure%that%15%%of%the%proceeds%are% donated%to%West%Windsor%Plainsboro%South%Post%Prom%Committee% !. 9 West Windsor Plainsboro High School South SHOW YOUR PIRATE PRIDE! SUPPORT STUDENT COUNCIL BY PURCHASING A HIGH QUALITY WATER BOTTLE GREAT STOCKING STUFFER OR HOLIDAY GIFT PERFECT FOR ATHLETES, TEACHERS, EVERYONE! PRICE: $8.00 EACH AVAILABLE: SCHOOL STORE 10 West Windsor Plainsboro High School South PRACTICE ACT/NEW SAT- FREE ORDER SOUTH SPIRITWEAR Take a Practice ACT/New format SAT Combo Test under test-like conditions to get a feel for question type and content on both tests. Students will receive detailed text feedback within two weeks that compares their performance on analogous test sections between the two exams. The Combo Test offers shortened sections that are representative of what a student would see on a full-length ACT or new SAT. Date: Saturday, December 19th 2015, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Location: WW-P HSS, 600 Area HSS Student PTSA Members — FREE Non-Members — $6.00 Nonmembers who become a member now, can take the May practice SAT for FREE!!! Payment can be made by clicking the below link. Remember to bring a calculator, sharpened #2 pencils, and a drink. Questions? Contact Priya Viswanathan at psat.south@gmail.com HSS ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB Join a new program at High School South that focuses on specific issues which impact the planet. Each month has its own theme, exposing environmental enthusiasts to many global issues and their corresponding solutions. Some examples of these issues are fossil fuels, animal agriculture, and recycling. Club members are encouraged to pursue individual initiatives as well as participate in active group projects, such as Sustainable Jersey. We all seek a higher level of understanding of our environment, both world-wide and locally. The Environmental Club is an amazing outlet for passionate people seeking to make change; we cannot just speak, we must act. Contact: hssenvironmentalclub@gmail.com TARGET CARD DESIGNATION HS South participates in Target’s School Fundraising Made Simple Program, which is a terrific fundraiser for us. Simply charge your purchases on your Target Credit Card with HS South designated to receive 1% back. Applications are available at Target stores or go to their website, www.target.com, and click on the guest card icon. Our ID number is 74388. To change your designate, call 1-800-316-6142. JUST WRITE A CHECK Consider showing your support for the PTSA by contributing to the “Just Write a Check” program at South. The donation form is on the PTSA website. PTSA BOARD MEMBERS Contact: Uma Sogani usogani@gmail.com THE SOUTH SOURCE TEAM: Pierre-Antoine Frotte Matthew Jacobson Simrun Laroia Zaina Shariff Yukti Sharma Shivangi Sogani Co-Chairs Cindy Alvarez President Micki Kermani Executive VP Kathy Modi Secretary Rachael George Treasure Nadege Frotte VP Fundraising Arti Khatri VP Programing Sharon Rajarao Executive Programming Heather Nielsen Kamana Misra Parents, teachers, students please send us your articles and pictures showing your Pirate spirit and students amazing accomplishments. Mail to South Source at wwphssnewsletter@gmail.com