ANNOUNCEMENTS: JANUARY 2013 ISSUE

EasyBib School Edition, the automated bibliography and citation maker is free The 3rd annual PBA Beefsteak was held on the for students to use rescheduled date of Friday, January 11th. The through February 22nd. Simply Register, purpose of the Beefsteak was to raise money using the school's for Wood- Ridge High School students' senior debt, computer at which alleviates the cost of the yearbook, cap and easybib.com and you gown, and senior festivities. The remainder of the will be granted money is distributed among the remaining grade "Premium Access". levels for when they become seniors. The From here, register for Beefsteak is a fun way to participate in a school an account. You will fundraiser while having the opportunity to win now have the ability to great prizes. Adult tickets were $50 and children access the service tickets were $35. Salad, pasta, french fries, and of from off-campus course, unlimited beef was served. Many tricky The second annual Alumni Day got off to a computer tray tickets were sold as well as 50/50 tickets. On great start as Guidance Counselor Mrs. behalf of the students, I'd like to extend a special Barrows introduced the successful group of thank you to Councilman Azzolini, who generously former Wood-Ridge High School students. The annual Blood donated his 50/50 winnings to the school. Tricky On January 4, 2013, Daniel Graham, Drive will be held on tray baskets were all donated, including various March 20th in the Emilio Rivera, Emma Ruhle, Amanda Wood- Ridge attire, a "Girl's Night Out" basket, a gymnasium. (See Deliberto, Thomas Santoro, Carlo Autino, scratch off lottery ticket basket, and an exercise article in this issue for Robert Bauer, Alexander Netelkos, Patrick basket, among many others. Many local restaurants more details.) Horan, and Nicholas Sartori took their and businesses donated gift certificates, including places on the stage and stated their majors Martini Grill, Bazzarelli Restaurant and Pizzeria, as well as Universities they currently attend Oasys Spa, and Quest Fitness Gym. Beefsteak or degrees they hold. As graduates of goers were entertained by a hilarious comedian and Wood-Ridge High School, alumni DJ Steve Louvretin. Thank you to the WRHS staff discussed their experiences at college and and administration for all their efforts in making explained the challenges one will face. this exciting fundraiser possible. They presented seniors with the -Laurel Dragonetti opportunity to ask questions and thoroughly answered any inquires. This process was not only informative for WRHS attendees, but also rewarding for returning graduates who were more than happy to provide guidance and share helpful details. Overall, the day was productive and the Class of 2013 enjoyed listening to advice and hearing about what is to come after graduation.

-Priscilla Bauer

Due to the emergency days used during Hurricane Sandy, the Wood-Ridge School District has had to change the schedule for the remainder of the year. Rather than having off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students will be required to attend school for a half day. Although this was unexpected by most, having class for an

The kitchen was up and running on Friday, additional day before midterms may be January 18th. Mrs. Olweck's periods 2, 3, and helpful for those who need supplemental 5 culinary students participated in "Top review. Periods will be shortened from Chef.” Students were expected to select an approximately forty five minutes to half entree and a dessert to prepare and serve to an hour and students will be dismissed at three guest judges. They filled out an order 12:13 p.m. As of November 28, 2012, the sheet compromised of all the ingredients Board of Education made additional needed for their chosen dish and how much of changes, including one-session days on each they would need. The order was then February 18th, Presidents’ Weekend, and sent out and the students were ready to cook. April 1st, spring break. In the event that They had to plan ahead to make sure that their the make-up day on April 1st is not used dishes were ready on the 18th. In addition to preparing the food, students were also judged prior to spring break, there is a possibility on presentation. The winners of the entree that it will be reinstated. Hopefully, from period two were Erick Peralta, Lily severe weather conditions will no longer Cologne/Perfume Rautenberg, and Jesus Arrieta with the entree alter the calendar of events and students of ceviche. The winner of the dessert category will be able to enjoy holidays offVideo in Gamesthe was Jessica Rielly and Julio Rojas who future. Clothes prepared flan. From period three, the winners -Priscilla Bauer of the entree category were Brian Monico and Electronics Yasmine Tlouhan with the entree of chicken fajitas. In the dessert category, the winners in Jew lery period two with an Italian love cake were Money/Gift Cards Nicholas Rozas, Tyler Zamski, and Jevon Drakeford. Lastly, the winners in period five Shoes with an entree of sausage pasta with spinach Other was Maggie Mele and Kristina Torres accompanied by the winners of the dessert category with the dessert of brownies was Prior to the holiday break, a poll was taken to find out what Alani McCoy, Allen Savinovich, Sierra students got for Christmas. Based on the results, it looks like Battaglia, and Diego Guttierrez. many students received money/gift cards as a present more Congratulations to all of the winners of "Top than anything else. Regardless of what gifts students received, everyone knows the true gift is in giving. Chef!" -Erica Azor

-Marguerite Ammerman

On Monday, January 29th, a high school assembly was held on

th school safety. The presentation was given first period by Vice- On Saturday, January 19 , the National Principal Mr. Deo. The presentation included various news clips Honor Society hosted a charity pasta dinner. and videos of past school and public shootings including All the money made was divided between two Columbine High School and the Aurora, Colorado theater families with children diagnosed with cancer massacre. Students were warned to always be on the lookout for in the Wood-Ridge school district. suspicious or unfamiliar people in or near the building. Students were also informed of the possibility of new school I.D.'s that would allow admittance into the building. Mr. Deo stressed the importance of looking out for the safety of fellow students. Police officers would also continue to patrol the school area throughout the day. Students were informed of certain mistakes made that prevent school safety such as opening the door for strangers. Students were assured that teachers, administrators, and the local law enforcement are doing everything to keep Wood-Ridge High School a safe, positive environment. -Victoria Ruhle The event consisted of two dinners, the first at 4 o’clock and the second at six o’clock. Price of admission for adults was $10, and $6 for children. Guests were fed delicious pasta in the cafeteria prepared by Miss Garvin and Mrs. Urato. Those who attended enjoyed salad and pasta served by the members of the National Honor Society. Dessert, provided by Lyndhurst Pastry Shop,was also served. The event was a success, and raised a little over $900 for the two families. The pasta dinner once again showed the fantastic sense of community present in Wood-Ridge. -Victoria Ruhle

In November 2012, most of was affected by Hurricane Sandy. This terrible disaster flooded the town of Moonachie, including the Robert L. Craig School. As a result, students of that residential area were schooled in Wood- Ridge's Public School District. Catherine E. Doyle Elementary welcomed the first and second graders, while third through seventh graders were split between Wood-Ridge High and Gretta Ostrovsky Middle School. The eighth graders and kindergarteners were temporarily set up at the Civic Center. Moonachie students have returned home to continue their learning in trailers supplied by a restoration company. They are setup on the grounds of Robert L. Craig School until further notice. Although the Moonachie students and staff will be missed, it is inspiring to see that things are slowly getting back to normal. -Erica Azor

This year, the students of Wood-Ridge High School will be taking their mid-term exams from January 22nd through The HSPA is the High School Proficiency Assessment. All high the 25th. The teachers have decided to vary their exam school juniors in the state of New Jersey will take this test on layouts, as some teachers are giving tests and others are March 5th, 6th, 7th. The test is scored out of 300 points. In assigning projects. Mid-terms are everyone’s mid-year order to receive a proficient score, the student must earn 200 crisis. “I’ve been going for extra help after school to points. Scoring under 200 points is partially proficient and prepare for my midterms,” sophomore, Julia Connelly said. over 250 points is advanced proficient. In order to graduate Sophomore, Joelle Buscema, added, “I’m not too next year, each student must score at least 200 points in Math concerned about midterms this year. I’ve been studying a and English. To prepare for testing, the juniors had a HSPA lot and have confidence.” prep rally on December 4th. Mr. Sanfiz and Mr. Forman talked to the students about the content of the HSPA. In the weeks leading up to the HSPA, all junior math and English classes will perform HSPA "Do Nows" at the beginning of each class period. Each group that correctly completes the "Do Now" receives a lottery ticket. At the end of each week, a lottery ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive a $5 gift card. Also, the math and English class with the most cumulative lottery tickets will be rewarded with a pizza party after the HSPA. Additionally, any student who receives a score of Advanced Proficient on the HSPA will be exempt The administration has decided to set up mid-term week by from his/her final exam. Good luck juniors! giving two exams a day, according to each student’s -Heather Nolting schedule. “To best study for a mathematics midterm, I advise my students to look over their previous quizzes and tests and redo any problems they had trouble with,” Miss Ames, a current WRHS mathematics teacher, said. The

students at Wood-Ridge High have many study habits, including scheduling their study time and reviewing note cards. By filling out study guides and reviewing in class, all students are fully prepared for their tests. Good luck to everyone! -Cassie Kriegel Wood- Ridge High School's annual blood drive will take place on March 20th in the gymnasium. Those who are seventeen are eligible to donate blood and those who are sixteen are eligible to donate with the consent of a legal guardian. If you are planning to donate, there are a few steps that need to be taken to prepare for the donation process which include the following: · eat a good meal within two hours of donating and drink plenty of water both the day before and the day of the donation · hydrate within 30 minutes of the donation (there will be a Hydration Station at the blood drive where water and juice will be provided) · donor must weigh a minimum of 110 pounds · a photo ID is required Blood donation is a safe and simple process that takes only an hour, of which only ten minutes are actually spent in the donating chair where you will be provided juice and cookies. Every year, approximately five million people in the are in dire need of a blood transfusion. With one donation, up to three lives can be saved! If you are interested in not only donating but also volunteering to receive six service hours, contact Mrs. Fontana, the school nurse. Come to the gymnasium on March 20th and help save a life!!! -Marguerite Ammerman

In 2005, George Bush officially named January “Crime Stoppers Month.” The Crime Stoppers organization, a non-profitable charity group that involves volunteers who work to raise funds to help private investigations, is responsible for giving anti-crime its own month. Today, there are close to 1,000 programs across America that collaborate with the Crime Stoppers Organization to not only proclaim to abolish crime, but to also celebrate those who commit their everyday lives to stopping it. Police officers, private investigators, and people in the criminal justice field devote their lives to eliminating criminals from the streets and making America a better and safer Martin Luther King Day is a United States federal holiday that country. As an act to rally more people into participating marks the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. This holiday falls in the organization and recognizing the month, Bush on the third Monday of January. Martin Luther King Day was proclaimed that taking action towards protecting our first celebrated on January 20, 1986. A bill to make Martin communities from undetected or unpunished criminals is Luther King's birthday a national holiday was presented to the right thing to do. January 2013 marks the ninth year Congress and voted on in 1979. However, it did not pass. There that “Crime Stoppers Month” will be recognized and was then a rally held for Peace Press Conference in 1981. At praised as an advancement in our country. this rally, there was a petition made to pass the law and it -Cassie Kriegel collected six million signatures. President Ronald Reagan signed the bill on November 2, 1983, making Martin Luther

King Day a national holiday. However, even after the bill was passed, there was much resistance. This holiday is celebrated in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and many other men and women who fought for equal rights. -Heather Nolting

FOUR MORE YEARS…….

On Monday, January 21, 2013, the Presidential Inauguration took place in Washington, D.C. President Obama and his family gathered on the west front of the Capitol building as he took the oath of office in front of approximately 800,000 citizens. The prestigious ceremony was followed by a week of celebrations, including the Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony, Inaugural Address, Inaugural Parade, and multiple Inaugural balls and galas acknowledging the elected President of the United States. As President Obama returned to office, the official theme marking continuing success was “Faith in America’s Future.” The purpose of this particular motif was to commemorate the nation’s determination and consonance as well as to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the Statue of Freedom’s placement on top of the Capitol Dome in 1863. -Priscilla Bauer

On Friday, January 18th, thirty WRHS students participated in the Papermill Musical Theater Workshop run by accomplished representatives from Amanda Romero, Erin Lang, Desi Mele, and Corinne the Papermill Playhouse. Students participated in three Coppola ninety minute sessions throughout the course of the workshop. The first session was lead by Meg Zervoulis How did all of you meet? who taught students the techniques, dynamics, and We all met in elementary school and have remained friends blending of singing with a group. The second session through high school. was “Broadway Dance Styles” taught by Jennifer Do you see yourselves in each other’s futures? Forziati-DaCost. Students learned the basics of We will all keep in touch after high school by seeing each Broadway dance and put together a choreographed other on our breaks and spending the summers together. dance to “Cease the Day” featured in the Broadway What college will you most likely be attending, with musical Newsies. The last session was taught by what major? Suzanne Hevner. She taught an acting and Amanda will most likely be attending the University of the improvisation class during which she taught students Sciences with a major in Biology, Erin is either attending the ins-and-outs of improvisation. Thank you to the Montclair State University or St. Peter’s University with a Papermill Playhouse representatives and great job to all major in Biology, Corinne wants to attend Marist or the students who participated in this fun-filled day.

Rutgers with a major in psychology, and Desi will be attending Parisian Beauty School. -Marguerite Ammerman What will you miss the most? We will miss seeing each other on a daily basis.

What career path do you plan to pursue?

Desi would like to become a hairdresser; Amanda would What is Your New Year's Resolution like to become a geneticist; Erin would like to become a Physical Therapist; Corinne wants to work with special I didn’t make one needs children. Who is your favorite teacher or favorite class? Go to the Gym

Amanda’s favorite class is Mrs. Sistarenik’s sophomore Get better grades year biology class; Erin’s favorite class is Mrs. Gaven’s US History II junior year; Corinne’s favorite class is any class Be more outgoing

Mr. Ben-Nun teaches; Desi’s Favorite class is Graphic Be more Design. adventurous

-Nicole Sinatra This month's poll asked students about their New Year's Resolutions. A majority of students did not make a resolution this year. Although, of those students who did, many of them decided to try their best and get better grades in school. -Erin Lang

It’s that time of the year when anxious students run to check the mail in anticipation of their college acceptance letters. SATs and college applications are out of the way. Now all that’s left for

seniors is waiting for the responses that will determine the next four years of their lives. Seniors, Michelle Potocki and Gina Gonzalez, are very bright and they’re headed towards prosperous futures. Michelle’s top choices were Ramapo, Rutgers, and TCNJ. She has been accepted Thousands of people make a new year's resolution to better to Ramapo, Seton Hall, Montclair, NJIT, Rowan, and Drew. She themselves in the upcoming year. Losing weight, eating hasn’t heard back from Rutgers or TCNJ yet. She hasn’t been healthier , keeping a clean house, and doing well in school declined so far either. Hopefully, her acceptance streak continues! are just a few of the many resolutions that are set forth each She is going to choose Ramapo and she is very excited because year. Personally, I do not come up with a resolution for the she has always planned to go there. She loves the location and the new year. I feel that if a resolution is set forth, I’m just school. setting myself up for failure knowing it will be broken. Gina’s top choices were Ramapo and Seton Hall. Gratefully, she Many people stick to their resolutions for maybe two weeks has been accepted to both. She is still unsure of which college she and then slowly, but surely, give up and push aside their will attend because she is waiting to hear back from Stanford, resolution because too much sudden change in the TCNJ, and Rutgers. Financial aid is a very important factor in her individual's lifestyle is needed to successfully follow college decision-making process. She is not disappointed about through with his or her resolution. Instead of conjuring up a anything though because she has already been accepted to her top resolution for myself, I set goals for myself. A goal is more two choices. She is very excited to move away and start fresh. rewarding than a resolution because New Year's resolutions She is also very excited to start her education towards pursuing are notoriously known to fail. By setting goals, success is her dream job as a business telemarketer. Congratulations to all easier to achieve because one can take small steps which seniors who have been hearing great news about their futures. To will, when followed, result in a personal reward. This those who are still waiting for responses, keep your head up and method is very effective and motivates me to reach my keep checking the mail. Good luck! goals. It provides me with something to look forward to. -Dipal Patel Coming up with resolutions are ways that people try better their lives and change things about themselves or their lives that they are not necessarily proud of. Resolutions provide no means of guidance. What I mean is that when a resolution is set, in the majority of cases, the person setting the resolution does not know how to achieve it. He/She does not know the steps needed to take, how to execute the resolution to be successful, or what to do when and if the resolution is achieved. When goals are set, the steps that need to be taken are understood and planned. When I set goals, I know what I need to do to successfully reach my goal and how to conduct myself in order to not only reach my goal, but to maintain the changes that I have made and better my life. In conclusion, New Year's resolutions are, in the majority of instances, not successful and are a waste of time and energy. An alternative that I do strongly believe in and that I use often is setting goals and rewarding yourself after your success. -Marguerite Ammerman

On Saturday, January 19th, the Wood-Ridge This year the Wood-Ridge High School boys’ basketball High school competitive cheerleading team team is off to a phenomenal start. They have a record of 6-2 had its first competition. The competition was halfway through the season. The boys are continuing their held at . The girls fast pace offense and making almost all of their three point did a fantastic job hitting a perfect routine. shots. The boys played Lyndhurst away, winning 78-42. On The team placed first in their division of December 27, the team beat Kearny at home 90-73, winning “Small All Music.” They also received Grand the annual Herb Cohen Holiday Tournament. The first game Champion for the whole high school session. of 2013 was at home against Becton Regional High School, On Sunday, January 20th, the team competed the Devils won, 86-71. The next game was away versus again at Saddle Brook High School. The girls North Arlington. Once again they brought home a 94-63 hit another perfect routine and placed third. win. On January 10, the team played against their rivals, the The team has a strong routine and will Hasbrouck Heights Aviators. The team won 108-68. This continue to compete every weekend against was the first game of the season they scored over 100 points. fierce competitors. Good luck girls; keep up Unfortunately, the boys lost 84-61 to St. John the Baptist on the superb work! January 13. On January 15, senior, Michael Gibney, broke -Amanda Romero the Wood-Ridge High School boys’ basketball record for most points. The previous record was 1,779 points set by Jimmy Hawthorne in 1981. Gibney broke the record by scoring his 1,780th point. The boys won the game 87-66. Two days later, the boys beat the Wallington Panthers by a score of 99-73. On January 19, the boys played their hearts out against West Milford, but sadly they lost 89-84. Hopefully, the team keeps up its outstanding offense and tough defense for the duration of the season! -Erin Lang

The girls' basketball team has been off to a strong start. The head coach is Jesse Romano and the assistant coaches are Sean Obeirne and Peter Romano. The Varsity starters are #24 Bailey Wyrostek, freshman, #14 Allison Kronyak, sophomore, #44 Breyanna Scott, senior, #4 Karina Tayaba, sophomore, and #1 Alisa Giordano, sophomore. The team’s record is 5-8. Their most recent win was against Weehawken with a score of 56-26. Some other victories were against Saddle Brook with a score of 40-30, North Arlington with a score of 46-35, Becton with a score of 55-43, and Memorial with a score of 51-31. Keep up the great work! Go Blue Devils! -Heather Nolting

The Wood-Ridge and Hasbrouck Heights wrestling team started out the new year strong by defeating Passaic Tech High School on January 3rd. The score was 39-33. The following day the team played its second match against Saddle Brook. The Wood-Ridge and Hasbrouck Heights team won with a score of 42. Saddle Brook had a score of 28. The next match was on January 8th against Secaucus. The team continued its winning streak. The final score was 45-30. The team played against on January 11th and won with a score of 53. Waldwick finished with a score of 15. The next day the Wood - Ridge and Hasbrouck Heights team went up against Hackensack High School and unfortunately was defeated, by a final score of 24-39.On January 16th, the team versed Lodi High School and brought home a 43-27 victory. On January 18th, the Becton wrestling team and the Wood-Ridge/Hasbrouck Heights wrestling team tied with a score of 33. The following day the team went up against and defeated them by a score of 60-24. With only one loss this month so far, the Wood-Ridge and Hasbrouck Heights wrestling team has started out the new year impressively and are sure to excel throughout the rest of their season. This year’s track team is off to a great start! -Jennifer Jones Complete with track star, Ally Cox, the team seems better than ever! Ally won 6th place in the 55m hurdles at the latest track meet. Akua Addo, another winter track participant, took 1st place for junior varsity shotput against Garfield. The team meets every day at 3 p.m. and so far, has had two NJIC Conference meets over the course of the winter sports season. Good luck to the indoor track team for the rest of the season! -Cassie Kriegel

The Wood-Ridge High School bowling team started out the new year with its first game on January 3rd. The bowling team played Becton High School and won with a score of 1381. Becton had a score of 1260. The next game was played on January 8th against North Arlington. The Wood-Ridge High School bowling team defeated North Arlington High School by a score of 1352 to 1230. The bowling team continued its winning streak on January 14th when they beat Hasbrouck Heights High School. The very close final scores were 1221 to 1218. The following game was played against St. Mary's on January 17th. Unfortunately, The Wood-Ridge bowling team was defeated by St. Mary's. The final score was 1248 to 1466. The Wood-Ridge High School bowling team started off the new year strong and will hopefully maintain this drive throughout the rest of the season. -Jennifer Jones