HAS Newsletter
Congratulations Rosemary!
Mrs Rubin's Favorites:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite color: Pink
Favorite book: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Favorite travel spot: Steamboat Springs, Co (skiing)
Favorite activities: knitting, yoga, hikes, and spending time with her family
Ms Amanda Santiago - Science Teacher
Ms Santiago is our new science teacher that will be teaching Environmental and Computer Science. She used to work in the science field but decided to transition over to education and never looked back! Some interesting facts about Ms Santiago:
- she loves music and plays in a band.
- she plays a bunch of games, but mostly magic the gathering!
- she is a huge fan of Pokemon and collects cards and physical games.
- she loves running and is currently training to run her first half marathon.
- she is a big fan of roller coasters and will travel the country just to ride the newest ones!
Mr Victor Solano - RBT
Mr Solano is our new Registered Behavior Technician. He is not new to UCESC as he did work at Hillcrest North last year and prior to that had was at Crossroads for two years. Some interesting facts:
- he is a marine corps veteran and served from 2016-2020.
- he loves pit bulls and has two dogs that are pit bull mix.
- he is the oldest out of 5 siblings.
- he enjoys working out and playing video games on his off time.
- favorite football team is the Eagles.
Ms Summer Zamel - Guidance Councelor
Ms Zamel is the new school counselor for both HAS and HAN. While she was finishing her masters for school counseling, she worked as a third grade teacher assistant in Jersey City. Ms Zamel did her internship hours at Hoboken High School. Some interesting facts:
- she is a first generation college student
- she is bilingual
- she has a kitten named Milo
- her favorite food is sushi
- she enjoys boxing.
Dr Tiara Lockett - SAC
Dr Lockett is the new Student Assistant Coordinator for HAS, HAN, and Lamberts Mill Academy. She brings extensive experience as an educator in public schools, having served in multiple impactful roles including Student Assistant Counselor, School Counselor, School Counseling Director, District-Level Attendance Coordinator, and Behaviorist. Throughout her career, she has supported student success by implementing school discipline strategies and developing programs that promote academic, emotional, and behavioral growth. Some interesting facts:
- she genuinely enjoys working with students and families, it is where she finds purpose and connection.
- she believes life is about service and is committed to giving back!
- she loves retail therapy! Yes, it's a real thing and works for her😉.
- when she starts with you, she will see you through to the finish line; commitment is at the core of how she works.
- she has an uncontrollable sweet tooth!
Ms Santiago's Computer Science/Environmental Science
In Computer Science class, students are exploring the foundational role of algorithms in programming and how they contribute to efficient problem-solving. They are also learning how to use flowcharts as visual tools to represent the logical structure of programs, particularly for modeling decision-making processes such as yes-or-no (binary) choices.
In Environmental Science, students are studying the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research. They are examining how integrating knowledge from various scientific fields leads to more comprehensive and informed decision-making when addressing complex environmental challenges.
Mrs Arora's Biology/Forensic Science
Biology:
On the very first day of biology class, students did an icebreaker experiment involving secret messages. In this experiment, only the writer and the receiver knew how to read the messages. After that, they began learning about the characteristics of living beings, such as reproduction, homeostasis, growth, and development. They also explored how cells were discovered and studied the detailed structures of cells. Students learned how plant cells differ from animal and bacterial cells. They drew diagrams, observed various models, and were excited to create their own unique cell models using their creativity.
Forensic Science:
In forensic science, students are developing their observation skills. They observe pictures for 60 seconds and then answer questions based on what they saw. They also solved two murder mysteries using these skills. Through this, they’re learning how crimes can be staged, just like in crime shows, where people act as if they don’t know what’s going on.
General Science:
In general science class, students explore new science concepts every other day, such as surface tension, the law of inertia, and the biosphere. Each concept is paired with a hands-on activity. For example, they broke water molecules to explain surface tension, they created a biosphere inside a soda bottle and took readings every two weeks. While learning the law of inertia, they also uncovered the science behind the "magic tricks" performed by magicians.
HAS' New Student Orientation is an event designed to help incoming students transition smoothly into their new academic and social environment. This event took place in August and two times in September, aiming to reduce anxiety and set students up for a successful year. The primary purpose of the orientation is to provide students with the tools and information they need to succeed. First, students started off in the cafeteria where Dr Balsamello gave a presentation. Students were able to meet some of the teachers and staff as they were filling out the necessary paperwork to help their start off the school year smoothly. Then, when all was finished, students and parents were toured around the school to help the students feel at home!
The first day back at HAS had a unique blend of nervous energy and renewed purpose. For the students, the hallways are a whirlwind of reunions and first impressions. There's the low hum of excited chatter as friends embrace after months apart, and the quiet shuffling of new students trying to decipher their schedules and find their bearings. Every locker slam and every burst of laughter marks the return of a familiar rhythm, a collective sense of a fresh start.
Meanwhile, the teachers of HAS stand at their classroom doors, offering a warm and calming presence amidst the chaos. From Mr Barone and Mrs Ferrari whose classrooms are the first the students encounter to Mrs Wrzesinski and Mrs Lobosco who are at opposite ends of the school then Mrs Fern and Ms Pradel handing out breakfasts, Ms Vlastaras handing out schedules, and all of the teachers in between. Their classrooms are meticulously prepared with bulletin boards decorated, desks neatly aligned, and an activity ready to go. They greet each student with a friendly smile, a silent promise of guidance and a new beginning. While they are a mix of veteran calm and first-day jitters themselves, their focus is on setting a positive tone and building a community, ready to usher a new group of learners through the academic year.
Finally, the staff act as the school's backbone, ensuring the day unfolds without a hitch. Principal Dr Balsamello, school social worker Ms Gilchrist, and administrative assistant Mrs Demillio patrol the halls with a reassuring presence as they answer questions and direct traffic. Security monitor Mr DiOrio, academic supervisor Mr Van Cleef, and school nurse Mrs Rubin keep the flow of traffic while keeping our school safe. Even the custodians work diligently behind the scenes, making sure the floors are polished and the building is ready to welcome its temporary inhabitants. Together, these groups create a vibrant ecosystem of energy and order, all contributing to the collective excitement of a new school year.
Ms Pradel
Mrs Lobosco
Mrs Arora
As a reward for their dedication, students who maintained perfect attendance and completed beginning of the year requirements are celebrated with a special trip to The Westlake Cafe. This treat is a meaningful way for HAS to recognize the hard work, responsibility, and commitment of these students, acknowledging that showing up consistently and following procedure is the first step to success. It's a well-deserved break from the usual school routine. So many students were eligible that a third visit had to be added!
At the same time, this served a dual purpose as a warm and casual welcome to all new students. It’s a low-pressure opportunity for newcomers to meet peers in a relaxed environment away from the classroom. The cafe setting, with its inviting atmosphere and refreshments, helps to break the ice and encourages conversation. This shared experience helps to foster a sense of belonging and community from day one, showing our new students that they are a valued part of HAS and setting a positive tone for the rest of the year.
It's a simple yet effective way to both honor existing students and extend a hand of friendship to those just beginning their journey.
Another Day, Another Destiny. (Les Miserables)
For the past two or three years, Diaisha has been a devoted fixture in Jefferson Academy's theatre department, fueled by an undeniable love for musicals. While she may dream of a lead role, she is a true theatre kid at heart, embracing every opportunity to be a part of the magic. Diaisha is a dependable and enthusiastic member of the ensemble, a role she's come to appreciate for its collaborative spirit and the joy of contributing to a powerful group performance.
For Diaisha, the stage is more than just a place to perform; it's where she feels a sense of purpose and genuine success. In a world where she thrives in art, but other subjects often feel like a struggle, theatre is a constant source of confidence. It's where Diaisha can finally feel like she's doing something right, where her hard work and passion translate into a tangible, joyful experience. The lights, the music, and the camaraderie of the cast all combine to create a space where she feels capable and valued, making every rehearsal and performance a true highlight of their life.
