Morris Hills High School

KNIGHT TIMES PARENT NEWSLETTER September 2017 Volume 111

September 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students of the Morris Hills High School Community,

I am never too sure just how the month of August and the onset of September present themselves with such amazing regularity; but it never seems to fail that the re-opening of school suddenly appears, full of Scarlet Knights sound and fury, as students, parents, teachers, and the entire community re-group and begin anew. As your Principal, I once again welcome you all to the 2017 – 2018 school year, anticipating a playing field “Building The Future, of partnership which fulfills the goals and dreams to which we all connect in our own special way. Toward One Student that end, I send you my deepest gratitude for your ongoing support and your consistent enthusiasm in At A Time” advancing the mission of Morris Hills High School.

As building Principal, it has been my practice to approach the academic year by identifying a school-wide Todd M. Toriello theme to help anchor our initiatives and to focus our outlook as a school community. In an effort to offer Principal a theme that resonates, I elect to link our theme directly to our district’s summer read, this year an experience that brings to center stage a true story of a young boy diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome Robert Merle, Jr. who, after years of struggles, disappointments, and misunderstandings, rises above his disability, Assistant Principal ultimately becomes a teacher, and finds himself the recipient of a coveted teacher of the year award. As

we become involved in his story, we soon realize how we ourselves are so centrally responsible for the Eugene Melvin outcomes of our own destinies – not the outside forces of life, however important they may be, but rather Assistant Principal the inner forces that invite us and challenge us to create a “personal masterpiece,” if we are inclined to

Emily Barkocy write that kind of script for ourselves. The manner in which we do so, regardless of obstacle or Assistant Principal impediment, often requires us to move beyond confining lines and boundaries and expectations, and set our minds on soaring high in our own special way. To support the message behind the story, I propose Robert Haraka the following school-wide theme for the 2017 – 2018 school year: Create Your Own Masterpiece – Color Supervisor of Student Outside the Lines. It is my hope that our theme presents a challenge for our entire school community to Services/Athletics come together – professionals, parents, and students – in celebrating our unique capabilities to contribute to a better world through individual effort and individual style, moving outside of the boxes that Yesenia Rivera all too often confine us and define our limits. Let us all, instead, attempt to look through a lens of limitless Supervisor of possibilities and leave our own personal masterpiece for others to consider as they become the Guidance architects of their own. An assembly program on October 5th will serve as a culminating activity to the summer read, one we expect to be an enlightening and enriching reading experience.

This September, following a serious, intensive interview process, Morris Hills High School welcomes a group of newly hired professionals to join our professional family – a process we approach with an eye for excellence and competence. Each new employee comes to us with the highest degree of professional recommendation, and we are eager to welcome the entire new group to an already exemplary faculty. I encourage all parents/guardians to come to our fall Back to School Nights on September 27, 2017 and October 5, 2017 to begin to build new bridges with our staff; and I encourage all students to build those bridges as well in your classrooms.

Emphasis on facilities is an ongoing focus area in the Morris Hills Regional District and is one reason why Morris Hills High School still smacks of newness and up to date features after its 1953 opening. Some recent upgrades are these: a new digital TV in the gym foyer for information sharing; a new sound system in the main gym, with special thanks to the Home and School Association; new garbage receptacles throughout the building; a windscreen facing Main Street; additional etched plaques inside and outside the auditorium; new blinds for the Career Center; a new roof on the Academy building; replacement work station tables in the professional work area; the addition of charging stations for mobile devices and computers; new front doors on the building; new banners on the campus; new construction on Gifford Field’s snack shack, complete with bathroom facilities; new tennis court upgrades; new office furniture for the General Office; new carpet in the band room; a maker space in the Academy building; stage skirting for the auditorium. We continue to take great pride in our appearance, believing strongly in the old adage, “let your setting send your message.”

Speaking of message, we are very proud to share that Morris Hills High is named in US News and World Report’s Best High Schools, receiving the Silver Award. Our high school ranks 59th in the State of and among the top 7% of high schools across the nation. Like all school success stories, we understand that they come about only as a direct result of professional initiatives carried out by caring, competent professionals. To enumerate just some of the initiatives for the 2017 – 2018 school year, I share the following: the introduction of a new Learner-Active Technology-Infused Classroom to raise academic rigor, student engagement in learning, and student responsibility for learning; the introduction of a one-to-one chromebook initiative for the incoming Freshman Class of 2021; the introduction of the second cohort of students for the Academy of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, Class of 2021, now bringing forth two classes of students instead of one; the introduction of one homework free weekend per marking period, an outgrowth of the Stress and Anxiety Roundtable conversation last year; the continuation of the Instructional Coaching Model, entering its second year of operation; the continuation of quarterly exam weeks, with no quarterly assessments in marking period three; one testing window for PARCC; and the beginning of the “paperless” trail, going completely paperless with the summer mailing. All forms and letters are posted on the FamilyID with form submission on the FamilyID portal.

Allow me to close this correspondence by offering each of you the same challenge that I accept for myself as we embark on a new school year together. That challenge is to approach the year with a clear and specific goal to guide our attitudes and our actions – a goal to create our own masterpiece in whatever realm that may be; and whether we color inside the lines or push the boundaries and color outside the lines, may our masterpiece bring us great satisfaction and reward as we partner through another academic year at Morris Hills High School. I look forward to joining you all in that effort.

In the Spirit of Partnership,

Todd M. Toriello Principal

AV D AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nationwide, four-year program that is designed to help students in the academic middle prepare for and succeed in high school and college. With individual support by trained faculty, students will pursue a challenging and rigorous curriculum while investigating careers and colleges, learning more effective study strategies, and working collaboratively with like-minded peers. The AVID approach is based on rigor and high expectations; however, the core component of the program is the AVID Elective, which lends support to students as they tackle the school’s most rigorous classes. Over the course of four years, students will work with their AVID Elective teacher and specially trained tutors to develop independent study skills, questioning techniques, and career awareness.

Congratulations AVID Class of 2017! Juan Baena- Juniata University, Alyssa Baker- University of Kentucky, Stephanie Cadena- Hofstra University, Tamanna Chopra- Rutgers University, Briana Cobbs- Quinnipiac University, Daniel Crouch- LaSalle College, Genesis Hiciano- Monmouth University, Daniel Little- Quinnipiac, Grace Logan- Temple University, Destiny Lyle- University of Maryland, Isa Malik Ismail- William Paterson University, Lila Orr- Centenary University, Eric Pedernera- University of Delaware, Bria Pierce- Marist College, Kimberly Quintero- , and Nicholas Walls-William Paterson University

Welcome AVID Class of 2021! In September 2017, the MHRD will proudly welcome twenty-five new freshmen into the AVID program! Many of our incoming freshmen attended the AVID Summer Experience in July, led by Mrs. Dalton, Mr. Roman and our AVID student leaders, where they learned about AVID methodologies and engaged in teambuilding activities. The program is thrilled to have Mrs. Brienne Patterson, AVID Elective teacher for the Class of 2017, as their Elective teacher. Your MH family wishes you the best of luck!

FRESHMAN ORIENTATION INFORMATION & UPDATES

Freshman Orientation for all May also be obtained through the incoming grade nine students Morris Hills High School Website: to Morris Hills High School will be conducted on Wednesday, www.mhrd.org August 30th. Orientation will begin at 8:05 a.m. Each freshman will be picked up by his/her school bus as noted in the transportation packet. Students will report to the auditorium upon arrival to Morris Hills High STUDENT SCHEDULES School. There will be a program including student government representatives, The 2017-2018 student schedules are the result administrators, guidance counselors, and of teacher recommendations, counselor input, Project LEAD students until 12:00 p.m. and parent review/approval. In the spring, par- ents and students were asked to complete the In a small group setting, freshmen will receive course selection process in a serious manner. their 2017-18 student schedule and have it The master schedule and student schedules were explained to them. Other small group setting developed from that process. Changes in the stu- activities will include icebreakers, a review of dent schedule will be made only after a complete guidance department procedures, a review of review of the student’s educational program and the student handbook, a peer group break-out subsequent approval of the guidance counselor, session, and a tour of the building. classroom teacher, parent, and subject administrator.

ATTENDANCE POLICY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Morris Hills High School continued to demon- strate a high attendance rate of 96.37% for the 2016-2017 school year. There were 55 stu- Morris Hills 973-664-2300 dents who earned perfect attendance for the Information year and 3 seniors who graduated with four years of perfect attendance. Good attendance General Office 973-664-2309 is a combined effort by the school and the home. The Attendance Office is asking par- Attendance Office 973-664-2305 ents and students to carefully read the Student Handbook as it pertains to attendance. Guidance Office 973-664-2329

For your convenience, please use the voice Athletic Office 973-664-2307 mail in the Attendance Office which allows you to call in a student absence in both English and/or Spanish the evening before or the Nurses Office 973-664-2332 morning of that absence. Our telephone num- ber is 973-664-2305.

FIRST DAY- ALL STUDENTS SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

All students grades 9-12 will report to their class homerooms on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Students will report at 8:05 a.m. and will remain the full day. Transportation information, including your student’s class homeroom assignment, was enclosed in the summer mailing. Class homeroom lists will also be posted in the Senior Y as a reminder to students on September 6th. Student schedules will be distributed during class homeroom on the first day.

2017 - 2018 MARKING PERIOD DATES

Marking Period 1 Marking Period 3 September 6, 2017 - November 13, 2017 February 1, 2018 - April 19, 2018 1st MP Mid-Quarter - October 10, 2017 3rd MP Mid-Quarter - March 8, 2018 Quarterly Week: November 1-6, 2017

Marking Period 2 Marking Period 4 November 14, 2017 - January 31, 2018 April 20, 2018 - June 21, 2018 2nd MP Mid-Quarter - December 19, 2017 4th MP Mid-Quarter - May 23, 2018 Quarterly Week: January 22-25, 2018 Quarterly Week: June 14-19, 2018

REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE FOR ALTERNATE BLOCK SCHEDULE 2017-2018 BLOCK TIME A B

1 5 Class 8:05 - 9:33 (88 minutes) 9:33 - 9:37 Passing

2 6 Class 9:37 - 11:08 (91 minutes) 11:08 - 11:12 Passing

3A 7A Lunch 11:12 - 11:56 (44 minutes) 11:56 - 12:00 Passing Class 12:00 - 1:30 (90 minutes)

3B 7B Class 11:12 - 11:56 (44 minutes) 11:56 - 12:00 Passing Lunch 12:00 - 12:42 (42 minutes) 12:42 - 12:46 Passing Class 12:46 - 1:30 (44 minutes)

3C 7C Class 11:12 - 12:42 (90 minutes) 12:42 - 12:46 Passing Lunch 12:46 - 1:30 (44 minutes) 1:30 - 1:34 Passing

4 8 Class 1:34 - 3:02 (88 minutes) 3:02 Dismissal

THE CLASS OF 2017 WELCOME CLASS OF 2021 BEST WISHES The Class of 2020 visited, tested, and prepped for its entrance into the Morris Hills A total of 291 students in the Morris Hills High High School community. A total of 351 School Class of 2017 graduated on Thursday, members of the Freshman Class will June 22, 2016. Ninety percent (90%) will participate in Freshman Orientation Program attend two or four year colleges. A list of the on August 30, 2017. The additional numbers colleges to be attended by members of the provided by the incoming class results in an Class of 2017 is provided in this newsletter. anticipated enrollment at Morris Hills High The Class of 2017 Valedictorian was Andrew School of 1,348 students for the opening of Robinson, who will attend University of New school. Parents of freshmen will have the England. The Class of 2017 Salutatorian was opportunity to meet the Morris Hills Thomas Smith who will attend University of Administration and Counseling Staff at the , Dallas. annual Freshman Parent Night scheduled for

Tuesday, September 13, 2017, at 7:00 PM in the auditorium.

MORRIS HILLS AP RESULTS – 2017

352 students at Morris Hills High School were administered 834 Advanced Placement Exams in May 2017. Students took exams in 27 different AP subject areas. Scores are NEW STAFF AT MHHS reported on a scale of 1 to 5. AP grades of 4 and 5 are comparable to college grades of A 2017 - 2018 and B. In general, an AP grade of 3 or higher may be considered for college credit. A total of We welcome the following new staff 307 (87%) of the scores of all Morris Hills AP members here at Morris Hills High School results in 2016 were a score of 3 or better. this September:

Peter Adams—Teacher of Social Studies Joseph Avagliano-Teacher of Social Studies Michael Corby-Teacher of Math CLASS OF 2017 GRADUATES Brian Hamilton-Teacher of Technology Joseph Konopinski-Teacher of Science PLANS # STUDENTS PERCENT Nickolas Maloupis-Teacher of Science Amanda Orenstein-Teacher of Science College 4 Year 181 60% (Maternity Leave Replacement) College 2 Year 85 29% April Rice-AVID Tutor School (Other) 11 3% ———————————————————————–—— Michelle Uhler-Teacher of Music Further Education 277 93% Alexander Visakay-Teacher of Technology Military 7 2% Work 14 5% —————————————————————————— TOTAL 298 100.0%

CLASS OF 2017 COLLEGES ATTENDING New Jersey Institute of Technology American University Pennsylvania State University Artistic Academy Quinnipiac University Binghamton University Ramapo College of New Jersey Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Rider University Boston Conservatory Rochester Institute of Technology Bringham Young University Rowan University Rutgers University Bucknell University Salisbury University Caldwell University Sam Houston State University Carnegie Mellon University Rensselear Polytechnic Institute Centenary University Seton Hall University County College of Morris Stevens Institute of Technology Drew University Stockton University Duke University School of Visual Arts Duquesne Uniiversity St. Peters University East Carolina University Temple University East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania The College of New Jersey Eckerd College Towson University Elizabethtown College Universal Technical Institute Fordham University University of Delaware Fairleigh Dickinson University University of Kentucky University of Massachusetts/Amherst Fashion Institute of Technology University of Maryland/College Park Felician University University of New England Framingham State University University of Rochester George Mason University University of South Carolina, Honors Grand Valley State University Universitiy of the Sciences in Philadelphia Hartwick College University of Texas, Dallas Harvard University Wesleyan University Hofstra University West Virginia University Lafayette College William Paterson University of New Jersey Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University Juniata College Kean University Lasell College Lehigh University Lycoming College

Monmouth University Montclair State University Morris County School of Technology Muhlenberg College

Morris Hills Student Activities 2016 – 2017

Welcome to Student Activities at Morris Hills High School for the 2017 – 2018 school year!

The extra-curricular activities program at Morris Hills is a vital and integral component towards creating who every student will become when they leave these halls at the time of their graduation. By joining a club, students will have the opportunity to define and refine their personal interests and pursue their passions. They will get the opportunity to learn life-skills outside of the classroom as well as discover what they love and meet individuals that enjoy the same things. They will establish relationships and create memories that they will keep well beyond their years at Morris Hills. The extra-curricular programs at our school provide each student with the tools needed to become “The Best Version of Themselves”.

Morris Hills High School has more than sixty organizations that a student can join, providing students with a broad set of opportunities that cater to everyone’s interests. Our clubs also enable students to try something new and find new passions that they didn’t know existed.

Clubs such as Interact, LEO Club, Key Club, HOPE, and Project LEAD celebrate the importance of community service and helping those less fortunate. Cultural experiences can be found by participating in the Spanish, French, and German, African Cultural, Korean clubs as well as the ERASE Club.

A student with an eye for the dramatic can participate in the International Thespian Society, Fall Play, and Spring Musical. Potential lawyers can practice their skills with the Mock Trial team.

Aspiring artists, poets, and writers can display their creativity through the Art Services Club, the Photography Club, the Literary Magazine, the Yearbook, the Spoken Word Society, and the School Newspaper.

Our future doctors, mathematicians, astronauts, and ecologists can fuel their passions through the Sports Medicine Club, the Physics Club, the Chem Club, the Math Club, and the Environmental Action Club.

If students love music, then the Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band are for them. The singer can participate in Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Madrigals, and Knights Templar.

Students that are thinking about getting into the business field should consider joining the FBLA and DECA. If someone would like to be a leader in your class, then they should definitely think about being part of the SGA or running for class office.

Morris Hills Student Activities 2016 – 2017

High School is a point in all of young men and women’s lives where they start to really define who they are and who they want to be, becoming “The Best Version of You” in the process. The hope is that our students take full advantage of the clubs and activities offered at Morris Hills. Whether participating in one of the more than sixty clubs offered or taking part in activities such as the Freshman Mixer, Multicultural Dinner, Homecoming Dance, Lift it Up Program, or Spirit Week, the 2017 – 2018 school year will be a memorable one.

The annual Club Fair will be held during all three lunch blocks in the gym foyer on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. During the fair, representatives from each of the clubs offered at Morris Hills High School will provide background and sign-up information to join.

Finally, to keep up with the latest news with all of our student activities, follow us on Twitter using the han- dle @MHActivities and on YouTube under the account – MHActivities.

I look forward to working with all of our students throughout the 2017 – 2018 school year, and am very ex- cited to see all of the great things they will accomplish!

Gene Melvin Assistant Principal

During the 2016-2017 school year, Morris Hills Regional

District partnered with the Morris County Bar Association and Foundation along with local leaders of the legal community to bring Street Law into its schools. Street

Law is a non-profit organization that prides itself in making the "law come alive" for students. Morris Hills Regional

District is looking forward to continuing the valuable Street

Law program this school year.

Dear Parents:

The role of the parent in the education of a youngster is important. The support shown in the home is often manifested in the ability of the student to accept the opportunities presented in school, in the classroom, and in co-curricular activities.

There is a value system – established in the home, nurtured in the school – which young people are developing. Their involvement in classroom and other activities contributes to that de- velopment. Integrity, fairness and respect are lifetime values taught through athletics. These are the principles of good sportsmanship. With them, the spirit of competition thrives, fueled by honest rivalry, courteous relations and graceful acceptance of the results.

A good sport, whether a student or a parent, is a true leader in the community. As a parent of a student at our school, your sportsmanship goals should include:

 Realizing that athletics are part of the educational experience, and the benefits of involvement go beyond the final score of a game;  Encouraging our students to perform their best, just as we would urge them on with their class work, knowing that others will always turn in better or lesser performances;  Participating in positive cheers that encourage our youngsters; discouraging any cheers that would re-direct that focus—including those that taunt and in- timidate opponents, fans, and officials;  Learning, understanding and respecting the rules of the game, the officials who administer them and their decisions;  Respecting the task our coaches face as teachers; supporting them as they strive to educate our youth;  Respecting our opponents as fellow students; acknowledging them for striving to do their best;

 Developing a sense of dignity under all circumstances;

 Being a fan...not a fanatic!

These and other expectations are included in the attached guidelines, which we hope you will take a few moments to review. They give us a roadmap to follow towards a more educational atmosphere for interscholastic athletics.

You can have a major influence on your youngster’s attitude about academics and athletics. The leadership role you take in sportsmanship will help influence your child and our community for years to come.

I look forward to serving you in the year ahead, and I appreciate your continued support.

Robert Haraka Athletic Director/Supervisor of Student Services

Fall 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Principals, Athletic Directors, and Coaches of our member schools in the NJAC believe that sportsmanship is paramount when measuring the value of our athletic programs and the success of our student/athletes. Creating a positive experience that exemplifies good sportsmanship is the responsibility of the students, coaches, administration, and all spectators who attend each contest.

We, as a conference, have a designated sportsmanship committee comprised of Principals and Athletic Directors charged with creating appropriate guidelines for the conduct of our member schools and their spectators. It is important that our student/athletes under- stand that they are held to the same standard as their opponents, and that they should compete fairly and honestly in all contests. In that same vein, our spectators should conduct themselves in a manner that is supportive of the student/athlete and allows the game to be played by the young men and women in uniform. In short, we believe that “players should play, coaches should coach, officials should officiate, and spectators should enjoy the game.”

Regardless of which school you represent or support, we strongly encourage all parents to remember that the purpose of interscho- lastic athletics is for the student/athlete to gain a positive experience through athletics and to assist in developing good citizens. The focus of the parents should always be on supporting the athlete’s efforts before, during, and after a contest; the creation of a positive environment is directly related to the athlete’s experience.

Thank you in advance for the part you play each day as a supporter of our high school student/athletes.

Sincerely,

Darren Groh Sean Dowling President, BOG President, AD

BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ COMMITTEE Academy of Saint Elizabeth, Boonton HS, Butler HS, Chatham HS, Delbarton HS, Dover HS, Hackettstown HS, Hanover Park Regional HS, High Point Regional HS, Hotpatcong HS, Jefferson Township HS, Kinnelon HS, Kittatinny Regional HS, Lenape Valley Regional HS, Madison HS, Montville HS, Morris Catholic HS, Morris Hills HS, Morris Tech HS, Morris Knolls HS, Morristown HS, Morristown Beard HS, Mountain Lakes HS, Mount Olive HS, Newton HS, North Warren Regional HS, Parsippany HS, Parsippany Hills HS, Pequannock HS, Pope John XXIII HS, Randolph HS, Roxbury HS, Sparta HS, Sussex Tech HS, Vernon HS, Villa Walsh HS, Wallkill Valley HS, West Morris Central HS, West Morris Mendham HS, Whippany Park HS

SPECTATORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

 Recognize that it is a privilege to attend athletic contests.

 Cheer positively for your team.

 Verbal harassment will not be tolerated.

 Respect the integrity and decisions of officials.

 Support our efforts to make sportsmanship a high priority.

Inappropriate behavior may result in the loss of attendance privileges for one or more games.

MORRIS HILLS HIGH SCHOOL SIGNIFICANT DATES - FIRST SEMESTER 2017 - 2018

August 30 Freshman Orientation - 8:00 a.m. September 5 Teachers Report 6 Classes Begin 6 Home & School Association Meeting - 7:00 p.m. – Faculty Room 12 Class Meetings 12 Freshman Mixer - 6:30 p.m. 15 Fall Pep Rally 26 Club & Activity Fair - Gym Foyer 27 Back to School Night #1 - 7:00 p.m. October 4 Home & School Association Meeting - 7:00 p.m.— Faculty Room 5 Back to School Night #2 - 7:00 p.m. 7 SAT’s - 7:00 a.m. @ Morris Hills 10 1st Marking Period Mid Point 11 Excelsior Awards - 7:00 p.m.- Auditorium 11 PSAT for Grade 10 and Grade 11 - 8:00 a.m. 12 Mini-College Fair - 8:00 a.m.– Cafeteria 21 Homecoming - 2:30 p.m. - Gifford Field 21 Homecoming Dance - 7:00 p.m. - Cafeteria November 1 Home & School Association Meeting - 7:00 p.m. - Faculty Room 2 Grade 11 College Planning Night—7:00 p.m. - Cafeteria 4 SAT’s - 7:00 a.m. @ Morris Hills 9-10 School Closed - Teacher Convention 13 End of 1st Marking Period 16-18 Fall Play - 7:00 p.m. - Auditorium 21 Mr. Morris Hills - 7:00 p.m. - Auditorium 22 Half Day—Thanksgiving Break 23-24 Thanksgiving Break—School Closed December 6 Home & School Association Meeting - 7:00 p.m. - Faculty Room 13 ASVAB Administration 13 Winter Concert - 7:30 p.m. - Auditorium 15 Winter Pep Rally 19 2nd Marking Period Mid Point 22 Half Day—Holiday Break 23 - Holiday Break—School Closed Jan 1