Panther News

Reflection...

As the week wraps up and we head into the weekend, I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in Halloween. It was wonderful to see so many staff and students in their favorite costumes today!

I also want to give a special shout-out to the All-School Council (ASC) for organizing the festive window decorating contest! A huge congratulations goes out to the Sophomore Class for taking home the victory this year!

Important Academic Deadline: Marking Period Closes

Please note that the first marking period officially ends this coming Wednesday, November 5th.

If you have any concerns regarding your student's progress or performance in any class, please don't hesitate to reach out directly to their teachers or school counselors next week.

Upcoming State Mandated Testing: NJSLA-A/NJGPA-A Field Tests

Finally, I need to bring your attention to the mandatory state testing coming up shortly. We will be administering the NJSLA/NJGPA field tests on Tuesday, November 11th, and Wednesday, November 12th.

These are important state-mandated field tests for which participation is required. Please note that Seniors will have a modified start time on both of these testing days. Be sure to read THIS attached letter very carefully, as it contains specific details regarding the testing schedules, required student devices, and overall logistics for these two days, including the senior modified schedule.

Have a safe and spooky weekend!

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.

11/5- End of MP 1
11/6 & 11/7- School Closed NJEA Convention
11/11 & 11/12- NJSLA-A/NJGPA-A Field Test
11/12- Reports Cards Open in Genesis @4PM
11/14 & 11/15- TRAP
11/19- 8th Grade Open House
11/26- Early Dismissal
11/27 & 11/28- School Closed- Happy Thanksgiving🦃

Congratulations to Lia Perdikis for being named October's Student of the Month! Lia is always positive. From NHS tutoring, peer leaders, helping with the college fair or playing varsity tennis. Lia continually pushes herself academically, but does it with a smile on her face. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and goes above and beyond. Way to go!

Students it the All School Council brought the Halloween spirit to the community by assisting at both North End and South Ends "Trick-or-Trunk" event.

In Ms. Vogel’s 3D Arts and Crafting class, students have been studied the work of artist Claes Oldenburg and are now beginning to create their own soft sculptures inspired by his playful interpretations of everyday objects. Their projects focus on favorite snacks and candies, and their detailed grid drawings are exceeding expectations!

Students in the Art Club showed their Halloween spirit by painting pumpkins. Check out some of their festive creations!

HOSA is looking for individuals to share their story with students as they migrated into a health career field. Please reach out to Mrs. Gioia Degenaars (degenaars.gioia@cgschools.org) if you would be interested in speaking to our students!

Dr. Jenna Eoga a recent graduate of Seton Hall University's Physical Therapy came to campus on 10/30 to share her experience on entering an accelerated physical therapy program to earn her doctorate as our first HOSA speaker. Dr. Eoga shared what it was like to be a "student" scholar at Seton Hall while still having time for her sorority. She also talked about the benefits of entering a program in PT as an undergraduate student as you are automatically accepted if you maintain your GPA. She also talked about the different specialities of physical therapy and what moved her to a specific speciality. There was time for Q/A and the students got an opportunity to connect with real life questions.

The annual Student-Led Multicultural Luncheon was a vibrant and delicious success, celebrating the rich diversity within our school community! Organized by the students in the club along with their advisors, this event brought together dozens of participants who shared dishes that hold personal significance from their ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

First, congratulations to Angelo Albanese who sang the National Anthem at last week's game! Congratulations on a job well done!

This week, we look forward to hearing Kayla DiMattia sing the National Anthem at the exciting Halloween Football Game!

Finally, mark your calendars: the CGHS Choir will be performing on Saturday, November 1st, at Noon for the Cedar Grove Public Library Grand Re-Opening. We encourage the community to attend and support our outstanding students!

The CGHS Fall Play is TRAP. The CGHS Drama Club will be presenting TRAP on November 14 at 7 PM, November 15 at 1 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students/senior citizens. TRAP by Stephen Gregg is a documentary theatre/horror style play. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theatre ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life, documentary-style. But as the strands weave together into an increasingly dangerous web, it becomes clear that this phenomenon might not be entirely in the past. Unnerving, exhilarating, and wildly inventive, you've never walked into anything quite like Trap.

AP psychology completed their study of the brain by altering the brains of some famous celebrities and well known individuals.They all agree, the brain is the most fascinating organ in our bodies.

Mrs. Parks' Progressions Class Hosts Spooktacular Halloween Event!

On Friday, October 31, Mrs. Parks' Progressions Class hosted a lively Halloween gathering, partnering with students from three other local schools.

The students had a blast engaging in creative and festive activities, including decorating pumpkins, playing fun games like Pass the Pumpkin, Mummy Wrap and Halloween Bingo and enjoying pizza and popcorn. The day concluded with a Halloween movie screening.

It was a wonderful opportunity for peer interaction and hands-on fun! A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a success.

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 - LAST CALL!

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.

College Visits November 3-5

Tuesday 11/04

Bloomfield College of Montclair State University 10:30-11:00

The University of Alabama 12:15-12:45

University of New Haven 1:15-1:45

Please see the Office of School Counseling Monthly Newsletter

October Newsletter

Family Connections has a November Webinar called Inside the Teenage Brain: What Every Parent Should Know. Learn more about their behavior, why they take risks, their mood swings, and much more. The webinar will take place on November 12th at 5:30pm. Please click here to view the flyer and register.