Hawthornes Tech Pulse

Welcome to the December Edition of Hawthorne Tech Pulse!

Your go-to source for all things tech at Hawthorne Public Schools is back, brought to you by Teddy the Tech, our friendly tech department mascot! This month’s edition is packed with exciting features, including a spotlight on the High School Esports Team, highlights from our Hour of Code event held in the High School Media Center, tips for unwinding and unplugging during the holiday break, and a reminder that the New Year is the perfect time to update your passwords. Whether you're a staff member, student, or parent, we’re here to keep you informed and connected to the latest in school technology. Let’s dive into this month’s tech updates—one pulse at a time!

Dear Staff,

As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for all you do to make our district an incredible place to learn and grow. Your dedication, creativity, and perseverance inspire us every day.

This year, we've tackled challenges together, embraced new technologies, and continued to ensure that our students have the tools they need to succeed. None of this would be possible without your hard work and commitment to excellence.

During this festive season, we encourage you to unwind, unplug, and enjoy well-deserved time with your loved ones. As always, the Technology Department is here to support you, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead filled with innovation and new opportunities!

On behalf of all of us we wish you and your families a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

Tamer Mamkej

Technology Director

Hawthorne High School’s Esports club is on the rise, proving that gaming isn’t just for fun—it’s a growing platform for competition, collaboration, and even scholarship opportunities! This year, the club has reached new heights, with competitive teams and an ever-expanding group of student members making waves in the world of Esports.

Recently, our Rocket League and Super Smash Brothers teams competed in their very first statewide tournament at Georgian Court University. Both teams showcased their skills and made it to the semi-finals in their respective groups. Though they narrowly missed taking home a title this time, their determination and teamwork have them eager for another shot at victory in the spring season.

In addition to competing, our Rocket League team took a special trip to Seton Hall University, where they toured the campus and met with the head of Esports. This insightful visit gave our students a glimpse into collegiate Esports and highlighted scholarship opportunities available to aspiring gamers. It’s an exciting step forward for students interested in combining their passion for gaming with higher education.

The Esports club isn’t just about competition. It’s also a thriving community where students come together to share their love of gaming. With roughly 60 students attending meetings during lunch, the club provides a fun and safe space to play video games, socialize with friends, and foster a sense of belonging. Over the past two years, the club’s membership has grown tenfold, and new students continue to join each month.

To share their achievements and bring the excitement of Esports to a wider audience, the club has also launched its own YouTube page. Here, fans can watch live streams of matches, relive highlight reels, and support their favorite players. It’s a great way to stay connected to the action and cheer on our talented teams.

As we enter the holiday break, it’s the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with the people and moments that matter most. In today’s digital age, our lives are intertwined with technology, but the holidays present a wonderful opportunity to step away from screens and truly unwind.

Here at the tech department, we encourage you to take some time during the winter break to unplug from your devices. Whether it’s spending quality time with family, diving into a good book, or starting a new hobby, disconnecting from technology can refresh your mind and spirit. Consider setting aside specific “no tech” periods during the holidays to focus on the joy and connection this season brings.

This month we were inspired to see our high school students actively participating in the Hour of Code during Computer Science Education Week, which ran from December 6th through the 12th.

This event highlighted the importance of coding as a critical 21st-century skill while showcasing the creativity of our students. Through engaging activities, they explored coding in diverse contexts—from sports and video design to music and ecology—making programming both accessible and exciting. The inclusion of the "coding duck," inspired by the book The Pragmatic Programmer, added a fun and practical dimension, helping students debug their code while fostering deeper understanding.

The Hour of Code is part of a global initiative to introduce millions of students to the basics of programming, and Hawthorne High School was proud to be one of over 14,200 schools worldwide participating this year. The week-long celebration aims to demystify coding and demonstrate how technology shapes our world, inspiring students to consider how they can contribute to and innovate within the digital landscape.

The event continues to be an annual tradition and its success was made possible by the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students. Special thanks go to Library Media Specialist Theresa DiGeronimo, math teachers Mark Rulli and Michelle Phibbs, and administrative supporters, including Superintendent Dr. Richard Spirito and High School Assistant Principal Cheryl Pasquale.

Events like these not only prepare students for future careers but also empower them as creators and problem solvers in an increasingly digital world. We look forward to seeing how this experience sparks their passion for technology and innovation.

As we look ahead to a fresh start in the new year, why not make a resolution that boosts both your peace of mind and your online security? Evaluating and improving your personal cybersecurity posture is a simple yet impactful way to protect yourself in an increasingly digital world, not to mention this is a resolution that is easy to do. Here are a few quick tips we put togther to to help you get started and kick off the new year more safe and secure:

1. Update and Change Your Passwords: Regularly changing your passwords and ensuring they are strong and unique can help protect your accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security with MFA is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your online accounts. Many platforms, from email providers to social media sites, offer this feature.

3. Audit Your Accounts: Take stock of the accounts you use regularly and delete any old or unused accounts. This reduces your digital footprint and minimizes potential vulnerabilities.
   
   

By making these simple adjustments, you can start the new year with a stronger and more secure digital presence. Your future self will thank you!

From all of us in the tech department, we wish you a joyous holiday season. Let’s welcome the new year refreshed, recharged, and ready to make 2025 our most secure and fulfilling year yet!