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 through February rescheduled date of Friday, January 11th. The 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 Drive will be held on On January 4, 2013, Daniel Graham, 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 New Jersey 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.