Panther News

Reflection...

We are over halfway through the first marking period! This is a critical time for students to solidify their understanding and get back on track if they've had any early challenges. Please take a few minutes this weekend to log into the Genesis Parent Portal. Checking grades, missing assignments, and teacher comments now is the best way to prevent surprises on the final report card. Please reach out to your students teacher or counselor should you have any questions or concerns.

As we close out this week, I want to take a moment to reflect on PSAT testing. We are so proud of the way our 10th and 11th-graders approached the PSAT/NSMQT this past week.Their commitment to doing their best is a true testament to their growing understanding of the importance of academic preparation and goal setting.

The College, Career, and Trade Fair Wednesday, October 22nd 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM High School Gymnasium

This is an unparalleled opportunity for students and families across all grade levels to explore their future options, regardless of their chosen path after graduation.

We are excited to host representatives from an expansive range of post-secondary institutions, including:

Over 40 Four-Year Colleges and Universities: Meet with college representatives from institutions both regionally and nationally to discuss programs, applications, and financial aid.
Community Colleges: Learn about the flexibility, affordability, and transfer opportunities offered by our valued community college partners.
Multiple Trade and Technical Schools: Explore high-demand, skilled career fields. Representatives from various trade and technical schools will be on hand to discuss certifications, apprenticeships, and hands-on training programs that lead directly to employment.

Whether your student is aiming for a top-tier research university, seeking specialized trade training, or still exploring their options, this Fair has something for everyone. We strongly encourage all high school students and their parents to attend this essential event.

We look forward to a successful week ahead and seeing many of you at the Fair!

Each year our school district participates in the Governor's Educator of the Year Program. If you know a classroom teacher or educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference, please take the time to recommend this person for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program. At this time, we are seeking nominations from our entire school community regarding this prestigious award. Parents, teachers, students, and community members are encouraged to nominate an outstanding educator, educational services professional, and/or a paraprofessional from CGHS.

Eligibility Criteria:

Any educators nominated for this award must meet all of the following requirements:

Be an exceptionally skilled and dedicated licensed classroom teacher (PreK to grade 12 in a public or charter school) where teaching is the primary responsibility rather than administrative or supervisory responsibilities or an educational services professional (ESP) who is listed as one of the eligible enrollment areas
Must have the latest summative rating of at least effective; if the teacher or the ESP has not received a summative rating at the time of application, then their most current practice rating should be at least effective or the equivalent
Be an expert in the field who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn
Actively collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a strong culture of respect and success
Demonstrate leadership and innovation in educational activities at the school, district and/or state and national levels that take place both within and outside the school setting
Have the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues
Have not earned the title of school, county or state Teacher of the Year nor ESP of the Year for the past five (5) years
Ineligible Staff due to prior nominations (Mr. VanderHorn, Mrs. Lafoon, Mrs. Amador, & Mrs. Hull)

Attached is the nomination form for the Governor’s Educator of the Year. All forms are due by November 3rd via email to Inglis.Jody@cgschools.org or dropped off to the CGHS main office in a sealed envelope addressed to Mrs. Inglis/GEOY.

Please note, you may nominate a Teacher, Ed Specialist, or both (if you so choose). Each nomination requires a separate nomination form.

10/20- Underclassmen Picture Retakes - Aux Gym
10/22- College & Career Fair
10/31 - Halloween🎃
11/5- End of MP 1
11/6 & 11/7- School Closed NJEA Convention
11/12- Reports Cards Open in Genesis @4PM
11/19- 8th Grade Open House
11/26- Early Dismissal
11/27 & 11/28- School Closed- Happy Thanksgiving🦃

Students in Mr. Hack's Algebra 1 class had a zombie war. Correctly answered questions stole lives from other teams and once the team lost all their lives they became the "zombies". Zombies would still steal lives and put them in the graveyard. Students reviewed topics for solving single variable equations and inequalities, literal equations, and review of pre-algebra skills. Between the three classes, the students were able to answer over 250 questions correctly.

“Our Key Club here at CGHS, which currently includes 100+ active members, spent their lunch period on Wednesday giving back to the less fortunate by doing a PBJ Sandwich Challenge. Our members planned this event and donated materials in advance. So many of them chipped in with jars of peanut butter, jelly, bread, chips, etc. In addition to this, we had so many willing members come and donate their time by making the sandwiches. Thank you to the Cafeteria Staff for allowing us to do this! There were plenty of smiles and it was a lot of fun. We ended up making 216 bags, which included both a PB&J sandwich, a bag of chips/treats, etc. These were donated through the Salvation Army in Montclair, which brought them to local food pantries here in Essex County. Thank you so much to all who were involved, and especially Mr. Valenzano for supervising the event and Mr. Coster for housing all of the materials!!”

Students in AP Environmental and Honors Biology got ready for their upcoming tests by competing for extra credit points in escape room activities. AP Environmental was challenged with biogeochemical cycles and their real world extensions. Honors Biology tackled the four major macromolecules of life.

Their pictures will make up a year long wall of fame with more escape review rooms to come!

On Friday, October 17th, Mrs. Parks and Mr. Kochanski's classes had a visit from Montclair Ambulance.

Nick Giovannelli, a recent CGHS graduate, and the three EMS workers did a wonderful job explaining the critical role of ambulance work and bringing the career to life.

The hands-on demonstration of the ambulance—especially showing all the equipment and compartments—provided invaluable career awareness and exploration for our students. It truly highlighted the technical and functional skills required for this important public safety career.

We had lots of questions and enjoyed our time with them!

Need a Tutor? The National Honor Society Cedar Grove High School offers Peer Tutoring for all

high-school students (you do not need to be a member of NHS to request a peer tutor).If you

would like to request a peer tutor, please follow the procedure below and check out the peer

tutoring catalog in the attachments for the students name, availability, and subjects they are

offering to teach. We have an amazing group of Senior NHS tutors who are eager to tutor your

student/child.

Procedures:

● Students should contact their teacher for additional assistance.

● Teachers/Counselors may recommend students try the National Honors Society peer

tutoring program.

● Teachers may share this catalog with students in need of tutoring, and the student may

select a tutor that they believe will be a good fit for them. Please keep in mind that many

students tutor in multiple subjects (and many students tutor in the same subject), so try

to find who you feel will be the best fit for your needs.

● Contact Ms.Halawani by email to notify her of your tutor preference BEFORE contacting

the tutor. If a teacher/counselor is contacting Ms. Halawani on behalf of a student,

please include the student in the email.

● After confirming tutor availability with Ms.Halawani copy down your tutor’s contact

information from the catalog.

● Contact your tutor to schedule your sessions.

● Report back to Ms. Halawani informing her of when you are holding tutoring sessions.

Note: Any conflicts/issues should be reported to Ms Halawani: halawani.mirna@cgshools.org

AP Exam Registration

Dear Parents/Guardians:

The AP Exam Registration Window is open. Please click on this link to register and pay for your AP exams. Regular registrations will be due on 10/31. Late registrations will be accepted until 11/5 (with a $40 late fee incurred). Registrations will not be accepted after November 5th.

It is best to have both the student and parent complete the registration together to ensure that all components are completed properly.

Please note if a student is not enrolled in an AP course and wishes to self-study and take an AP exam, that is an option. Please see the AP Coordinator (Mrs. Pontidis) if you would like to arrange this.

Contact Mrs. Pontidis at pontidis.stephanie@cgschools.org with any questions.

Thank you.