TTTTTThhhhhheeeeee LLLLLLiiiiiioooooonnnnnn''''''ssssss RRRRRRooooooaaaaaarrrrrr GLOUCESTER HIGH SCHOOL - NEWSLETTER - MAY 29TH, 2020
partnership. performance. pride.
Hello Parents,
Words can't express how great it was to see over 100 of our Seniors and their families for the lming of our hybrid graduation ceremony this week. We will not let the original Commencement date of June 11th "come and go" without some sort of a celebration of this most deserving class while we wait for our traditional ceremony later this summer. The governor's announcement that physical ceremonies will be permitted this summer brought with it even more excitement as we were out in our football stadium lming on Tuesday morning. Additional details about the summer group ceremony will be shared with you in the weeks ahead.
Make sure to thoroughly read through this newsletter about important activities scheduled for next week:
End-of-year benchmark administration in Algebra I, Biology, and English I & II Student belonging pick-up/drop-off Class of 2020 Senior trip reimbursement checks Look out for our virtual Music Awards celebration that is scheduled to be released next Wednesday night. Make sure to thoroughly read all updates within this week's newsletter and watch Dr. Vespe's video public announcement below updating our school community comprehensively on how week 10 has gone and what to expect in the weeks ahead. Gloucester City School District continues to maintain a COVID 19 web page to centralize all information during this time for parents and the community.
Stay Well...In Partnership,
Sean Gorman dr. vespe - week 11 covid psa - may 29th, 2020
05 29 20 Dr V PSA
college & career readiness
Here's our 9th virtual campus tour...Check out New Jersey's beautiful Kean University. It's located slighltly more than 1 hour away from Gloucester City
2020 athletic awards night
If you haven't seen it yet, our 2020 Athletic Awards night turned out excellent in the virtual format. Over 100 student athletes were honored:
Team Conference Champions Individual Conference All-Stars Individual All-South Jersey Honorees Team Most Valuable Player, Coaches Award, Board of Education Award, and other assorted team honors Seniors who achieve 6 or more career varsity letters Varsity team with highest academic average Marshall Halphen Award: presented to the Senior Boy and Girl who are most dedicated and unsel sh to their sport. Carmen Palmiero Award: presented to the Senior Boy and Girl who exhibit the qualities of unsel shness, neness of character, loyalty to school, humility to all and outstanding all- around athletic ability.
We introduced a new Lion’s Citizen of the Year Award for a community member who “goes above and beyond” for the GHS community - Mr. Rich Dolson. GHS graduates, Alisha Fox and Stefano Okoro, were our honored speakers that evening. They spoke to student-athletes about the impact athletics have made in shaping the person that they have become.
We are endlessly fortunate to have so much to celebrate and be proud of. Enjoy the ceremony below. Thanks to Dolson Catering for helping us preserve the tradition of providing pasta dinners to student-athletes for the ceremony!
Annual G.H.S Athletic Awards Ceremony May 27th, 2020
welcome, class of 2024!
8th grade students and their families from both Gloucester Middle School and Alice Costello School had their nal orientation shared with them virtually on Tuesday night. They received all summer reading & Math information and learned of opportunities to participate in summer athletic and extracurricular activities that we hope begin once social distancing requirements relax. Our Guidance staff shared information about interpreting their Freshman schedule and transcripts, course levels, and grade point average. Some of our Seniors presented to them brie y about approaches that best served them throughout their high school careers and what they wished they had known prior to entering high school. We look forward to o cially welcoming them to our GHS Lions family in September!
GHS Class of 2024 Orientation
student belonging pick-up
This Sign-Up Genius has been created for all GHS families to make appointments to pick up any belongings their child left at school and drop off any school-issued materials. Appointments are available June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Up to four families can make appointments in every 20 minute slot.
Student belongings will have already been labeled and organized in a central location in our building. Staff members will greet families as they enter the parking lot and direct them to pull up into the horse shoe that leads to the front doors of the school. The greeter will utilize a walkie-talkie to inform staff members inside of the building of when a family arrives. Those staff members will bring the student materials out to the family vehicle similar to meal distribution. A walk-up table will be present in the parking lot for students who have to come up in their own due to their parents working; all social distancing requirements (gloves, mask, and 6 feet distancing, etc.) must be adhered to.
We will have labeled bins present outside for families to drop off/return school-issued: Books Calculators Athletic Uniforms Miscellaneous Materials
There will be a table set up for Seniors to drop-off their Chromebook, charger, and bag. Underclassmen will keep their Chromebooks & accessories throughout the summer. Click the links below to sign up for a pick-up time on the speci ed day. Tuesday, June 2nd Wednesday, June 3rd Thursday, June 4th senior trip reimbursements
We have received reimbursement from World Class Vacations for all payments made by Class of 2020 families towards this year's canceled Senior trip. Checks can be picked up next Tuesday or Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon out front of GHS. Please email [email protected] with the day and time that you will arrive. Mrs. Spingler will meet you out front of the school to deliver your reimbursement check to you. We can also mail the check to your home if you prefer that mode of delivery. benchmark assessments next week
Benchmark C will be administered next week in the following subject areas:
Wednesday - Algebra I (Grade 9) Thursday - English I (Grade 9) & II (Grade 10) Friday - Biology (Grade 9)
This end-of-year assessment will begin at 9 a.m. each day. It's critical that students give their best effort on these assessments that could potentially impact their 2020-2021 class schedule.
Student computers will be locked down and have access to the LinkIt platform only from 8:50 a.m. until 11 a.m. on these days (in the grades listed above). Students will be unable to participate in other content area instruction while computers are locked down even if they nish the benchmark early. Students must turn off their computer and restart it before beginning the LinkIt Benchmark. Please keep in mind that some students may be enrolled in the courses listed above and be in an upper grade. We are only testing 9th and 10th grade students. graduation update
We lmed over 100 Seniors this Tuesday through Thursday in our football stadium. The lm will be released on the outstanding Class of 2020’s original graduation date - June 11th - while we wait for social distancing requirements to relax so we can hold a traditional ceremony later this summer.
We have decided to cancel the virtual nal "walk throughs" of all Gloucester City and Brooklawn schools. Having done this for years now, I have no doubt that this experience will be much more ful lling in person. We will work with all necessary parties to provide our Seniors with the opportunity to physically walk through the schools that they cherish as we get closer to the traditional graduation ceremony. senior signing day
To kick off the Memorial Day weekend, we celebrated our 3rd annual “Senior Signing Day” via the video below. This activity highlights all Senior college and military commitments for the upcoming fall. The national movement has been supported by former rst lady, Michelle Obama. We couldn't be any prouder of all of the accomplishments of this amazing class.
G.H.S. Class of 2020 Senior Signing Day
class of 2021 updates class of 2021 - post-graduation planning
Mr. Bakey created the excellent video below for Juniors and their families to review all of the tasks that they need to complete throughout June, July, and August as they proceed deeper into the post-secondary planning process. It is extremely important for all members of the Class of 2021 to return to our campus in September with a clear, evolving plan for the colleges, universities, and technical schools that they will apply to or military branches that they will meet with a representative of. This process will include unique challenges for our Junior families created by COVID-19 but we will be here to support you throughout the summer. G.H.S. Class of 2021 - Rising Senior Presentation
class of 2021 senior trip
Check out the video below for Juniors and their parents regarding their Senior trip. We are currently scheduled to depart on Monday, April 12th and return on Friday, April 16th. I review trip highlights, payment deadlines, fundraising opportunities, and other trip details. I hope that your family participates in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Senior Trip Details
class of 2021 senior portraits
Our yearbook adviser has remained in contact with Lifetouch regarding Senior portraits for our Class of 2021. The plan right now is Juniors will be provided with scheduled times to report for their Senior portrait photo between August 31st and September 2nd with a make-up date scheduled for October 5th.
prom date has been changed
We have remained in communication with Auletto Catererers throughout school closure regarding this year’s prom. At this time, we have postponed this year’s prom to July 17th. 11th & 12th grade students can still to submit prom reservations (via the below Google Form).
Note: Please complete only the online reservation form. You do not have to complete the permission slip at this time, but please review all documents for prom regulations and details. ALL INFORMATION IS TENTATIVE based on the ongoing COVID-19 school closure and crowd- size restrictions. We will not accept any payments until we know with certainty that prom will take place on July 17th. We remain committed to physically continuing this wonderful tradition this year if permitted. june home decorating contest - 1 week away!
The heartfelt care and concern that our community has shown towards our Class of 2020 and all other Gloucester City School District students during this challenging time of school closure has been inspiring. We are inviting all Gloucester and Brooklawn residents to participate in a competition to collectively ll our towns with school pride and unity during our Seniors nal week of this school year. Families can decorate their homes (front door, Blue & Gold lights, balloons, etc.) as a tribute to all students and a sign of unity in support of them. We will have some members of our Senior class serve as judges. The competition will take place the week of Monday, June 8th - we wanted to give everyone as much time as possible to order decorations. The top 3 homes decorated will be awarded with $100 Amazon gift cards. Pictures of homes that participate will be emailed to [email protected] with your home address listed. We hope to continue this tradition during graduation weeks in the future. city camps cancelled for summer
Gloucester City representatives reached out to us this week to communicate that the annual youth summer camps will not be held this year due to the impacts of COVID-19. We look forward to these camps returning next summer and our students continuing to serve as excellent counselors and role models to children throughout our community. next week meal distribution
next week tech support next week office hours mental & emotion health resources
Our counseling department has compiled a list of Mental & Emotional Health Resources During COVID-19 for our students and families. We recognize that this is a stressful time for our community and our country. Taking care of your mental health is essential. We will continue to share additional resources as they become available. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our counseling staff if we can assist in any way. Download COVID 19 - Parent Guide to Helping Families Cope.pdf pdf 127.3 KB
yearbook purchases & distribution
Our Yearbook staff has been working hard to ensure that the impacts of COVID-19 create minimal delays in students receiving this year's yearbook. Here are the latest updates:
If you have already ordered a yearbook, either online or through Ms. Sacchetti or Mrs. Curto:
1. If you paid in full, you need to do nothing further 2. If you paid a partial payment: a) Call Jostens at 877-767-5217 to arrange to pay off any remaining balance. b) Mail your remaining balance by check payable to Gloucester High School to the High School at 1300 Market Street. Please make sure to add Attention: Yearbook - Ms. Sacchetti on the envelope so that it can be immediately directed to the yearbook. c) Pay your remaining balance at yearbook pickup that we hope occurs the week of June 9th.
If you still wish to purchase a yearbook:
1. Go to Jostens.com (this link is also available on our website) and order a yearbook. You can pay in full or you can set up to pay in 3 installments 2. Mail your check payable to Gloucester High School to the High School at 1300 Market Street. Please make sure to add Attention: Yearbook - Ms. Sacchetti on the envelope so that it can be immediately directed to the yearbook. 3. Extra yearbooks will be available at pick up but must be paid in full ( rst come, rst served basis).
We do not yet have a de nite delivery date from Josten's for yearbooks. We will have to wait to receive this information before sharing instructions with you on how distribution can be accomplished safely.
Any questions, please email Ms. Sacchetti at [email protected] or Mrs. Curto at [email protected]
Download Yearbook Sale Flyer.docx docx 12.2 KB the week ahead
Monday, June 1st – AP Exam Make-Up Testing Begins Meal Distribution Day - A Week’s Supply of Lunch & Breakfast Will Continue to Be Distributed 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Families can pull up in a car to the 6th Street parking lot in the back of Gloucester Middle School to pick up a week’s lunches and breakfasts. There will also be a walk- up table for families without a vehicle. Student ID is required for pick-up. Note: Families who miss the Monday meal pick-up should email Mr. Gorman directly for assistance. Technology Support Hours - 12 to 1 p.m. @ GMS
Tuesday, June 2nd – Student Belonging Pick-Up & Drop-Off Begins Technology Support Hours - 3 to 4 p.m. @ GMS
Wednesday, June 3rd – GHS Music Awards Video Released Student Belonging Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Day 2 9th Grade Algebra I Benchmark Administered Technology Support Hours - 3 to 4 p.m. @ GMS
Thursday, June 4th – Student Belonging Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Day 3 English I & II Benchmarks Administered Early Dismissal Schedule Begins Technology Support Hours - 3 to 4 p.m. @ GMS
Friday, June 5th – Biology Benchmarks Administered Fall Sports Registration Closes on Family ID Blue & Gold Friday Technology Support Hours - 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. @ GMS athletics
Here is a recent announcement from the NJSIAA regarding Fall Sports on 5-12-20:
Will we have sports in fall? Certainly, there are many unknowns – and public health is paramount. As athletic administrators, our number one goal is the safe return to school and play as quickly as possible. We remain hopeful that school activities, including sports, will return in the fall. With every positive step related to testing, tracing, and treatments -- and other improving measures – we get closer to our goal. At this very moment, teams of education and medical professionals from around the country -- including experts in public health, sports medicine, pediatrics and others -- are developing return-to-school and return-to-play protocols that will ensure the safe return and play for all. We’re optimistic that these steps will help our kids get back to school and back to the playing eld in the fall.
If so, when will is start? At this point, our scheduled start date for the fall season is as indicated below. However, should this timing is pushed back then NJSIAA will work with our leagues and conferences to accommodate whatever guidelines are in place, and that may impact scheduling. Football – August 10 All other sports – August 17
Will things change? We shouldn’t be surprised by modi cations that impact various educational activities, including athletics. Exactly what these might be remains to be determined – but, similar to the school day, we should anticipate adjustments.
But I’m hearing rumors that X During times of uncertainty, it’s not uncommon for rumors to circulate. When it comes to high school sports in New Jersey, please use only reputable sources of information, including New Jersey state agencies, the NJSIAA, or the o cial channels of your school district.
For the most up-to-date information on all Lions Athletics Schedules, check here. fall sports registration Don't forget to register your child for fall athletics online through Family ID. This process helps ensure that all student- athletes have met the various athletic eligibility requirements, including medical clearance. Next Friday, June 5th is the deadline. There is no cost for registration. You can nd all information here. Reach out to our Athletic Department at [email protected] if you need any assistance. athletics summer session
The NJSIAA permits athletic teams to work together with their coaches during the o cial summer session. The long-standing quote of "many championships are won during the off-season" often comes to mind. We are optimistic that social distancing requirements will continue to relax and our athletic teams will get to work together in the summer. Make sure that your child is signed up for the Google Classroom and/or Remind accounts listed below of the programs they are interested in joining so they keep informed of all team activities this summer.
april honorees athlete athlete rotc cadet
Emilee Hillman Colin Gumpper Arissa Gonzales
musician artist artist
Bailey Malinowski Chloe Bennett Brian Nock phys. ed. phys. ed. freshman
Esmeralda Herrera Morales Bernard "Junior" Dolson Vaughn Cryder
sophomore junior senior
Abdul Chaudhry Sage Barker Emma Kraft Employee - Ms. Bakey photos of the week
Senior, Dominic Kusmanick, was our rst Senior to be lmed this week for our hybrid Commencement lming. want a peer tutor for your child?
Tutoring is available during school closure. Please reach out to your child's Guidance counselor any time that you feel that they could bene t from the additional support:
Grades 9: Mr. Kevin Hagan Grade 10: Mrs. Charles Grade 11: Mr. Bakey Grade 12: Mrs. Bobo upcoming events:
June 9th - Baccalaureate Video Released June 10th - Senior Luncheon Video Released June 10th - Senior Sunset June 11th - Final Day for Students June 11th - Hybrid Commencement Video Released June 15th & 16th - Summer School Registration June 21st - Father’s Day June 22nd - Summer School Begins June 22nd - Senior trip payments accepted: All grade levels July 17th - Prom Reschedule Date July 27th - Athletic Physical Paperwork Due August 8th - Lions Athletic Boosters Wildwood “Pride on the Pier” All-Class Reunion August 25th & 26th - Student “Drop/Add” Days August 31st - Class of 2021 Senior Portraits Begin featured college of the week
The University of Texas is a large, 4-year, public university located in Austin, Texas. There are approximately 40,000 undergraduate students with a freshman class size of roughly 8,200. Admitted students typically rank in the top 10% of their high school class and have an SAT score between 1230 and 1380. Click here to learn more - University of Texas. pre-school registrations
Pre-K registrations for the 2020-2021 school year will begin to be accepted on Monday. Only Gloucester City residents with a child who will turn 3 or 4 before October 1st, 2020 are eligible for this outstanding program. Check out additional information below.
athletic boosters announce august wildwood social
The rst-ever "All-Class Reunion" Social will be held this August 8th at the Seaport Pier on Wildwood's boardwalk. Save the date and support Lion's athletics! lions school store
Purchase all of your Lions gear from the o cial source here... lion's roar student newspaper
Check out the most recent issue here... yearbook orders
Keepsakes to forever remember your high school experience... powerschool parent portal
Access your child's grades & attendance any time... nutrislice parent cafeteria accounts
Add funds to your child's lunch account at any time. ghs guidance department
GHS Guidance Department Website---College planning, military resources, scholarships, nancial aid, and much more...
College Board---Invaluable resources for nearly everything related to "College & Career Readiness"---PSAT's, SAT's, AP classes, college & major searches, scholarship searches, etc.
NJ STARS---Free college tuition for students in the top 15% of their class!
FAFSA---Free Application for Federal Student Aid
HESSA---Everything New Jersey families need to know about nancial aid.
Federal Student Aid---US Department of Education's nancial aid website.
AVID---Learn more about this application-based program which has proven to prepare all students for college readiness & success in a global society since 1980. gloucester high school
1300 Market Street Gloucester, NJ 08030 (856) 456-7000 ext: 1513 follow us on
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