January 2014
Issue 2
NHS PRINCIPAL’S
NEWSLETTER
Winter 2014 Message
Greetings from NHS!
Happy New Year. We find ourselves at the middle of the academic school year with Mid- Term examinations
just completed. We are now focusing on end of the year preparations and scheduling for the 2014-15 academic
year. At NHS we continue to adapt to the state and federal mandates placed on public schools across New
Jersey. One of these changes is the implementation of the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of College and
Careers) exams, which will fully replace the HSPA in 2014-15. Passing this test will be a requirement for
students to earn a High School Diploma. We will be running a field test version of PARCC in the spring that
will be a measure of how we implement the new mandated changes. One change that we are focusing on is the
fact that students will be required to take the PARCC assessments online- obviously requiring that we provide a
computer interface. As with all of these new changes, we are assessing our needs and reviewing feedback to
provide the necessary tools for our students to succeed.
We are proud of our students and staff as they always rise to challenges both in and out of the classroom. The
Nutley High Raider Nation is having a very successful Winter Season with all teams competing at top level,
please read up on the Athletic highlights.
Inclement Weather - In the event of school closure, delayed opening, or early dismissal, School Messenger,
our automated notification system, will call the phone number you have provided to us, as well as send a
message by email and text. The School Messenger system will leave a voicemail if no one picks up the phone.
Parents and students may also check the school’s website or call the school’s main number, 973-661-8832
(press “2” for the high school and press “0” for the Main Office) You can also listen to local radio stations 1010
Wins or check TV Channels 5 or 7.
Turkey Bowl- Kudos to Victoria Kealy!!!!
On Thanksgiving morning, the boys and girls soccer team including former players
held the
“First Annual Turkey Bowel” at Monsignor Owens field. The came out to play, and
enjoy the
company of those that they may not have seen in quite some time. Most of these players were kind enough to
donate money as they arrived. This money will be given to the Nutley Red Cross. The donation will be
presented on behalf of the athletes.
I believe this shows the true character of the athletes that Nutley High School has produced. I really believe
these young men and women should be commended for their generosity. We are hoping to make this an annual
event that is not only enjoyable, but also supports a good cause.
Kudos Raider Marching Band!!!!
We are especially proud of the NHS Marching Band having been
selected to perform at the Super Bowl Half-Time festivities this year.
The undefeated Band earned the right to show the world what it does
best- perform! Keep your eyes glued to the TV during the telecast as
I’m told it will be an awesome show- Kudos to Mr. Maiello and his
dedicated student-musicians and to the Music Boosters who always provide material and emotional support- it
has been a great year for the program . (see below)
Cavalcade of Stars!!!- I am proud to announce that the following students have earned the
following performance honors: Nicholas Cela- Nicholas was selected as a percussionist to the
New Jersey All-State Band
Averill Wong, Kim Martinez , Marin Contini and Allison Gumeny were all selected for the North Jersey
Regional Chorus that performed recently
Michael Bereski, Nicholas Cela, Patrick Dudasik Luca Farrell, Samantha Gandionco, John Salimbene , and Fares Sukkar
– all members of the NHS Jazz Lab were given the distinction of being asked to perform at the upcoming NJ Music
Educators Conference in New Brunswick (see below)
Faculty Member of the Month
Mr. Joseph Tagliareni
Mr. Joseph Tagliareni is an NHS Science teacher who is retiring in February after 22 of
service to the district. Prior to NHS Mr. Tagliareni worked at Elmwood Park High School .
He came into education after a stint in the Industrial chemical sales.
Joe is an alumnus of St. Peters University where he acquired BS in Chemistry and MS in
Organic Chemistry from University of Michigan, he also holds an MS from NJIT in
Environmental Chemistry. He has been married 45 years and has three daughters.
His favorite aspect of being a High School Science teacher is sharing his knowledge about the world and have
students enjoy the process of learning He has taught Biology, Environmental Science, AP Environmental
Science, Honors Biology, Physics, Marine Science, Chemistry and Earth/Space Science
Mr. Tagliareni realizes that many things have changed in education since he has first started. He states, “It is
getting harder to keep the students because of the distraction of technology.” He also notes that work ethic of
the students at NHS has remained constant – they work hard when challenged.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Tags enjoys spending time with his 5 grandchildren (4 boys
and 1 girl). He also likes hiking; fishing and working on his golf game (he has a 15
handicap). He is a big fan of music- with his two top artists being Paul Simon and Billy Joel.
His favorite scientist is Charles Darwin, because he was able to come up with
incredible thinking and theories without the aid of technology
The last book he read was, Dr. Sleep by Steven King, a prequel to the Shining
Review: http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Sleep-Novel-StephenKing/dp/1476727651
His advice to his students is, “Pay attention and do your work- and get into a good college and go from there”
His advice for his fellow educators- “Good luck with all of the changes- pretty soon it will be routine!”
We appreciate the sentiments and are glad that Mr. Tagliareni has been a positive presence and appreciate his
dedication to students of NHS. We wish him well in his retirement-– Godspeed!
Faculty Member of the Month
Miss Jessica Mabel
Miss Jessica Mabel is an NHS Math teacher who has been with us for seven years. NHS is
her first and hopefully last place she will teach.
Jessica is an alumnus of Penn State University where she acquired a BS in
Mathematics/Secondary Education.
Her favorite aspect of being a High School Math teacher is working with students. She likes
watching them work really hard at something and succeeding. She likes to shre her passion
for all things Math-related. When you step into her classroom you see evidence of a master teacher at ease with
her subject matter and students gaining valuable knowledge.
Miss Mabel also contributes to running the NHS Math Club. The Math Club gives NHS students an opportunity
to compete with each other and other schools in Math competitions. This year the club joined a new
competition- the American Math Competition (AMC) that has a series of matches and prizes. She also, along
with Mrs. Rossillo, sponsors the NHS Academic team that participates in a variety academic Olympiads across
the state. Miss Mabel also runs the Math component of the SAT prep classes that run throughout the year.
She notes that the new math program in district has helped NHS students gain critical skills needed for career
and college readiness. She notes that there is now more of an emphasis on critical thinking skills in math and
less of an emphasis on “drill and skill” as there has been in the past. This emphasis on building concept
knowledge is designed to help students retain math skills as they progress towards college or careers.
Outside of the classroom, Miss Mabel enjoys spending time reading and listening to music. She likes historical
fiction. The last book she read was, Game of Thrones 4 by George R.R. Martin
Review: http://www.amazon.com/Feast-Crows-Song-Fire-Book/dp/B006MAAAFW
Her favorite music is classic rock and 90’s rap her favorite artists being Bruce Springsteen
and Tribe Called Quest
Her advice to her students is, “”Always be true to yourselfkeep it real!”
Her advice to fellow educators is, “Always remember why
you got into education!”
We appreciate the sentiments and are glad that Miss Mabel
is a positive presence and appreciate her dedication to
students of NHS.
– Godspeed!
NHS Students of the Month
Stephanie Quintana
Stephanie is a junior who would like to pursue a career as a
Fashion Design. She likes that her Advanced Art class provides
her with an opportunity to take a break from the rigor of the day
and allow her to funnel her creativity something she wants to
cultivate as a designer.
Stephanie participates in Set Design Club, is a member of the NHS GSA and The Human Relations Club.
This year Stephanie was instrumental in forming the NHS Zoology Club. She saw how some of the animals
(baby terrapin turtles, snakes, chinchillas etc.) were being not well taken care of. She took upon herself to
start the club to help maintain the conditions of the animals. There was a great response and now the
animals are provided for and there is a growing interest in the ethical treatment of animals- a cause dear to
Stephanie
Outside of school Stephanie is quite busy. She is enrolled at a Saturday Pre-college program at FIT in
Manhattan. She takes two classes, one on screen-printing and another on draping. These are helping her
refine skills that she will need in the fashion field. She volunteers at the Montclair Animal shelter and
volunteers at a local soup kitchen.
Aside from her Arts class, she also finds her Science classes to be inspiring. She loves that her science
teachers allow for exploration and discussion the theories and history of science and how humans have
shaped the natural world. She finds that all of her classes have interesting aspects that are helping her
understand things.
Stephanie offers this advice to her fellow students, “You need to take advantage of the educational
opportunities that are being provided here at NHS – there are some places in the world where people are
dying for the same opportunity- so we should waste it!”. Great sentiments!
Congratulations Stepanie on your selection as student of the month and for your positive contributions to
NHS school community!
Fares Sukkar
Fares is a senior who has been actively involved at NHS since his freshman year.
He has participates in Marching Band and Choir, is member of the National Honor
Society, and President of Spanish National Honor Society. He had a memorable
role last year in the school production of “Little Shop Of Horrors”, playing the
mad Dentist, Orin Scrivello.
Fares believes in helping others and has spent many hours helping tutor youngers
students. He has parlayed this passion for helping into a job at Kumon where he
has a roster of three to four students. His tutoring areas range from Math to
English to Spanish. He feels it is important to help his peers gain the confidence
they need to do well academically.
Fares is a college-bound senior who plans on majoring in either economics or
computer sciences. He enjoys his AP Government class with Mr. DiGregorio- “He
exposed me to a lot of the social sciences and government. Fares also served as a Boys
State delegate- an experience he treasures, as he was able to combine his love of the
social sciences with an active learning environment.
Outside school, Fares keeps busy with a variety of activities. He enjoys the camaraderie of club rugby. He
participates in the Essex County rugby league and loves the team ethic he experience. He also finds time to
volunteer at Clara Maas Hospital in a physical therapy program. He also likes reading and watching movies in his
spare time.
His advice to his fellow students is as follows: “Enjoy yourself in High School and make sure that you take part in
as many activities as possible!” Great sentiment!
Congratulations Fares on your selection as student of the month and for your positive contributions to NHS school
community!
HAPPY, SAFE, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!
Flu season is still upon us. It is not too late to get a “flu shot” to help reduce your risk of contracting the
flu. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and drink a lot of fluids and exercise to help keep your body’s
immune system working well.
Want to know the difference between the flu, allergies and a cold? Refer to the following web site:
http://www.pittstate.edu/dotAsset/121876.pdf
HANDWASHING IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF
INFECTION. SO KEEP THEM CLEAN!
JANUARY HEALTH OBSERVANCES
Blood Donor Month (National)
Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months, especially January, due to the holidays,
travel schedules, inclement weather, and illness. A reduction in turnout can put our nation’s blood
inventory at a critical low. January has been designated as National Blood Donor Month to encourage
Donors to give or pledge to give blood. Contact: Association of Donor Recruitment Professionals
512.658.9414 www.adrp.org
Cervical Health Awareness Month
During January, issues are highlighted relating to cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and
the importance of early detection, along with personal stories of women and caregivers battling
persistent HPV, precancer, or cervical cancer. In addition, recent advances and research
in the prevention, detection, and treatment of cervical cancer and HPV, and the success
of local early detection cervical cancer screening and treatment programs are acknowledged.
contact: National Cervical Cancer Coalition International HPV Cancer Coalition
800.685.5531 nccc@ashastd.org www.nccc-online.org Taken from
www.ihaonline.org
.
February is American Heart Month
The American Heart Association wants to raise awareness of heart health.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women – killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. Most
women don’t notice the symptoms of heart disease until it’s too late, which is why heart disease has been called
the silent killer. Heart disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United
States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths is caused by heart disease. The good news--- Heart disease can often be
prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.
You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have
heart disease. To lower your risk:
• Watch your weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get active and eat healthy.
Get the whole family involved. When children learn healthy habits at an early age, it is easy to continue these
good behaviors as they get older. For additional information please see the following link:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/
Congratulations to Ian Loveall
for becoming an Eagle Scout.
He started in scouting as a Cub Scout in Flemington then moved up to Nutley Boy Scout Troop 142 out of
Vincent Church when he was in 6th grade. He worked diligently through the ranks of scouting over the years.
His Eagle project was to revamp and refurnish the nature cabin at Camp NEJEDA, a summer camp for diabetic
children. He has spent many summers there as a camper and more recently has worked there as a counselor,
lifeguard & archery instructor. He wanted to give something back to a camp that has given him so much, so he
decided to do take on this challenge. He spent many, many long hours planning, doing extensive fundraising
and taking 2 long weekends last spring to gut, sand, paint, and rebuild a new nature center for the camp to
enjoy.
Departmental Students of the Month
The following students have been nominated by each department for displaying good citizenship,
responsibility, respect, and trustworthiness in the classroom, in addition to being positive contributors.
BUSINESS/CREATIVE ARTS
David Jones
Samantha Mosquera
MATH
Nathan Peraino
Gabrielle Longo
Ciara Nazaruk
Mary Grandinetti
ENGLISH
Cassandra Guarino
PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH
Andrew Connor
Danielle Mannino
SCIENCE
Shannon Anderson
SOCIAL STUDIES
Christopher Palma
Sayaka Imamura
Marlena Cugliari
Brian Capobianco
WORLD LANGUAGE
Krupesh Ray
Beatriz Castro Parra
DEPARTMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Social Studies
The AP Government & Politics class has been exploring the use of social media as it applies to the Bill of
Rights. Superintendent Lazovick joined the class for one of the discussions. Mr. Rosati's Archaeology classes
have been attempting to decipher the Narmar Palatte as an exercise to hone their skills in site interpretation.
The students are hoping to create a key to the symbolism on the palatte that will shed some light on the
unification of ancient Egypt. The Sociology classes are commencing their Deviant Subgroup Projects.
Students will investigate various social subgroups and assess their deviance in light of sociological theories
studied in class.
Science
Gabrielle Longo, Mary Grandinetti, Shannon Anderson and Brian Capobianco won prizes through Nutley
Historical Society for the Best Tree in Nutley essay contest. Prizes will be awarded at the Board Meeting,
Monday, January 27, 2014
Human Relations Club
The Human Relations Club used the proceeds from a recent bake sale to sponsor a child in the Mayor's Treasure
Chest program.
The Health Careers Club attended the Greater New York Dental Meeting at the Jacob Javits Center, on December 2, 201
Blaise Curcio. The Club also hosted a holiday party for all members. Winners of the Scavenger Hunt, held at the Greate
through the generosity of the Delta Dental Foundation of New Jersey. The club also presented the Montclair, Nutley, Gl
Cross with a check for $200.00 to assist the victims of the recent Typhoon in the Philippines. The Health Careers Club a
Treasure Chest Program.
Media TV News
LIGHTS – CAMERA – ACTION!
Students in TV Production III produced an end of the year special edition of The Raider
Playbook hosted by Tori Reyes. This edition took an inside look at the varsity sports scene with an in depth
conversation with coaches and players reflecting on their senior memories.
-Students in TV Production II covered all the news and community events with a state of the art news
program. The Raider Nation is produced and directed live each month in the NHS-TV Studios. From Halloween
Parades, Thanksgiving dish specials with Mr. Huggins and the Mayor’s Tree lighting ceremony, NHS-TV was
on the scene with the story.
TV Production Team work- Congratulations to Radio/TV I student, Dante Intindola and Radio/TV II student,
John Zeitler on the annual Holiday Concert collaboration.
Competition heats up:
TV III- Erin Toye and Kelli D’Auito have submitted PSA storyboards for the “Proms and Alcohol Don’t Mix”
contest sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Alcohol and Beverages. Winners will be announced next
month!
TV II-Vincent Sacco, Julia Spada, Dan Ortiz and Nick Sullivan are finalists in the New York Media and Law
Resource Center Anti-Bullying video competition. STAY TUNED for results! Kudos to our NHS-TV students
as they collaborate and produce FCC broadcasts for critique and assessment from professional panels.
As the 2014-year unfolds students in our Radio/TV Production program will be very busy utilizing their
technical skills in many ongoing outside assignments within the rigor of the curriculum:
NHS-TV has been selected for the second consecutive year to participate in the Champion Schools Program.
They will be one of sixty schools in the state producing a media campaign with the emphasis on distractive
driving. Students will be storyboarding and producing a public service campaign in a statewide competition.
They will receive a 1,000 grant in early January at a NHS press conference from the Brain Injury Alliance of
New Jersey.
The NHS-TV program has also been selected by the NJ -AWWA to produce their 7th living history edition
documentary. This joint effort enables students to produce and direct a live studio show with professionals of the
American Water Works Commission. The finished documentary will be aired in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This
multi-discipline project helps students connect with professional experts while meeting the production deadlines
through growth in the media pathway. The NHS-TV program will receive a 2,000 grant from the NJ- AWWA
for their production expertise and efforts.
-Students in the NHS-TV program will be preparing for the annual closed circuit production support for the
Senior Fashion Show on January 24, 2014.Technical support provided by TV II students enables the Class of
2014 to see other performances off the runway in a terrific night of fun at Mayfair Farms. Students will
develop remote shooting skills in a live production.
NHS
iPads in the NHS Library Media
NHS Library Media Center now has six
Center
iPads available for students to use. The
iPads have a variety of apps on them
including links to NHS Media Center
databases and SAT prep apps. Come
into the Media Center and play around
with one.
New Rules for Zero Period and Lunch Study
Beginning in January 2014, we are adjusting our policies for Zero Period and Lunch
Study in the Library Media Center.
TheWhat
iPads is
willmore
not circulate
outside
important
to athe
Library so feel free to stop by during a
library than anything else lunch hour to use one.
than everything else - is the
fact that it exists.”
Zero Period: Passes are not required to go to the Library Media Center during Zero --Melvil Dewey
Period. However, you must:


Sign into the library when you arrive, AND
Stay in the Library Media Center until the bell rings at 8:05.
Lunch Study: Passes ARE required to go to the Library Media Center during your
lunch period. You must:





Get a Lunch Study Pass from the Library Media Center BEFORE Period 1.
You must eat BEFORE coming to the Library Media Center.
You must sign into the Library Media Center when you arrive.
You must remain in the Library Media Center for the duration of the lunch
period.
You must arrive in the Library Media Center within 20 minutes of the
start of the period.
Books in Brief
“A room without books is like
a body without a soul.”
-Cicero
NHS Library Media Center is a
multi-functional space offering
resources in electronic and
print formats.
Students use our resources for
a variety of projects from
traditional research papers to
multi-media presentation
What’s a BookTalk? A BookTalk is a mini book review that gives an idea
of a book’s basic plot, setting and characters. Think of a movie trailer and
you’ve got something similar about a book. Actually, you can find many
Book Trailers on YouTube – essentially a short video or slide show that
talk about a book.
NHS LIBRARY HOURS
Occasionally, I will be sending “Books in Brief” information in emails or
newsletters that are essentially a BookTalk, usually on new books available
in the NHS Library Media Center.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
7:30 to 3:00 (Librarian not
available until 8:00)
Loan Periods: Books: 28 days
Nooks: 14 days
iPads: In Library only
Books by Nancy Farmer
Here’s a summary from the publisher of Nancy Farmer’s The House of the Scorpion and its sequel, The Lord of Opium:
Matteo Alacrán was not born; he was harvested. His DNA came from El Patrón, lord of a country
called Opium—a strip of poppy fields lying between the United States and what was once called
Mexico. Matt's first cell split and divided inside a petri dish. Then he was placed in the womb of
a cow, where he continued the miraculous journey from embryo to fetus to baby. He is a boy
now, but most consider him a monster—except for El Patrón. El Patrón loves Matt as he loves
himself, because Matt is himself.
In The Lord of Opium, Matt has always been nothing but a clone—grown from a strip of old El Patron's skin.
Now, at age fourteen, he finds himself suddenly thrust into the position of ruling over his own country. The
Land of Opium is the largest territory of the Dope Confederacy, which ranges on the map like an intestine
from the ruins of San Diego to the ruins of Matamoros. But while Opium thrives, the rest of the world has
been devastated by ecological disaster—and hidden in Opium is the cure.
Athletes of the Month
Joseph Ferinde – Wrestling
Joseph Ferinde is 20 - 0, he took first place in the Parsippany
Holiday Tournament as well as the Newark Academy
Invitational. He has also defeated the Bergen County Champion.
Grace Montgomery - Varsity Basketball
Grace Montgomery, Captain of the Girls’ Varsity basketball team, has led the
raiders to a 7-1 record thus far. She has scored 108 points already this season
(14 point per game). She has hit 15 three pointers as well. Grace has been our
leader on the court and in the locker room.
ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
Athletic Eligibility
Students and parents should be aware of the rules for athletic eligibility entering into the second semester. Click here for more
information:http://www.nutleyschools.org.schools.bz/userfiles/185/Classes/6466/NHS%20Athletic%20and%20CoCurricular%20Eligibility-1.pdf
Wrestling:
We have a very young team that continues to work hard and improve everyday. Our main highlight would be
the performance of junior 120lb Joe Ferinde. He is off to a 14-0 start. He has 1st place finishes in both the
Parsippany Holiday Tournament and the very tough Newark Academy Tournament. Joe has a win under his belt
over the Bergen County Champion Anthony Rubinetti of Northern Valley Demarest who is currently ranked 7th
in the State by The Star Ledger/nj.com
Hockey:
Hockey team is currently in 2nd place at 6-3-2 in the Essex division..
Seniors Matt Basile 8 goals 6 assists, Richie LaFuria 7 goals 9
assists, Michael Conca 6 goals 4 assists. Senior defensive captain Justin
Souza has 2 goals and 8 assists. Sophomore Joe Hoarle and freshman Tim
Spitalnik have be great in goal. The hockey team has it's sights on their first
league championship.
Girls’ Varsity Basketball:
6-1 record thus far 6 game winning streak after losing first game at
Weequahic Big wins over Mt St. Dominic, Belleville, and Bloomfield
Won the Glen Ridge Christmas tournament. Currently ranked 7th in Essex
County. Currently ranked 9th in all of group 3
Boys’ Varsity Basketball: The Boys'
Basketball team won the Glen Ridge
Holiday Tournament.
Club News
KEY Club
The Key Club has been very busy during the month of January. We are continuing to collect food for various
food pantries. Food donations can be dropped off in the main office or during Key Club meetings every
Wednesday in the auditorium. We are also collecting gently used jean for teens. This is a Key Club district 17
project. In addition Nutley High School was honored by NJ Blood Services as a top school for blood donations
in 2013. Three of our officers and two advisers were treated to dinner and a Devils Hockey game at the
Prudential Center. Our next blood drive will be Tuesday, March 25th,2014. We hope to exceed last year's blood
donation and save more lives.
Key Club's motto is "Caring ...our way of life" and our members are always living up to this motto.
Senior Class
The deadline for yearbook payments will be March 7, 2014. Checks for $120 should be made out to
the NHS Class of 2014. Checks should be brought to the attention of Mr. Robert Porrino or Mr.
Joseph Dwyer at Nutley High School. Thank you for your support of the senior class.