Panther News

It's hard to believe how quickly the year is passing! As we move through March, we’re approaching the end of the 3rd marking period on March 31st. This is a great time to check in on your child’s progress. I encourage you to review their grades on the Genesis Parent Portal and reach out to their teachers or school counselor with any questions or concerns. Let’s finish the marking period strong.

Additionally, I want to wish our spring athletes the best of luck as they begin their season on Monday. Go Panthers!

Lastly, a reminder that Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend—don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour!

For Planning Purposes:

• 3/10-3/13- NJGPA

• 3/20- Early Dismissal @12:30PM- Staff In Service

• 4/18-4/25- Spring Break, School Closed

All Grade 11 students will be taking the NJGPA beginning Monday, March 10th. Please see this letter with specific information regarding the graduation assessment.

It is our pleasure to announce Deeya Bavishi as our 2025 valedictorian! We are so proud of Deeya on this outstanding accomplishment.

Deeya has taken every opportunity to challenge herself academically at CGHS. For example, most of Deeya’s courses have been at the honors and AP level, with her current cumulative GPA landing at an admirable 4.68. Deeya is also a member of the National Honor Society, a prestigious organization in our school. Deeya is as hard working outside of school as with her academics. Deeya has participated in various clubs such as the Multicultural Club, Key Club, and Spanish Club, to name a few. Deeya has established herself as a leader in a multitude of ways such as in her role as the Sophomore Class President, Secretary of the Asian club, Corresponding Secretary of the School Council, as well as in her volunteering as the President of the Red Cross Club. Additionally, Deeya has established herself as an avid athlete, participating in both club volleyball and rock climbing leagues.

Deeya has an interest in entering either the medical, health sciences, or biomedical engineering fields in the future, and has thoughtfully engaged in a mixture of science and humanities courses to stay both well-rounded and targeted toward her potential career path choice. Deeya’s volunteer experience at the local ambulance and rescue squad has helped the student to work well under pressure and how to successfully interact with individuals of various backgrounds and communication styles within the context of high stress situations.

CGHS congratulates Deeya and wishes her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

CGHS is proud to announce Jonathan William as the salutatorian of Cedar Grove High School’s Class of 2025!

Jonathan exemplifies excellences in academics and leadership. As Vice President of DECA, President of the Science National Honors Society and a dedicated Peer Leader, Jonathan has shown a true commitment to both his school and community. Finishing at the top of his class, he has earned acceptance into Rutgers (New Brunswick) Honors College for Cellular Biology and Neuroscience on a pre-med track and NJIT Honors College study Biology on a pre-med track.

Outside of school, Jonathan is working on a bibliometric analysis project focused on the changes in basal ganglia motor circuitry from early development through adulthood.

Jonathan’s accomplishments have earned him the admiration of his peers and the faculty,

solidifying his legacy as a role model and leader at Cedar Grove High School.

We asked our teachers to nominate a student who promotes positivity and who is proactive. A student who takes personal responsibility and is actively seeking growth by building on their strengths and skills. Congratulations to the March Student of the Month, Gabriela Contreras!

Last night, over 1/3 of our student body showed up to compete in the CGHS Lip Sync battle. While the Seniors took home the title, every performer on that stage put their heart into the event. I am so incredibly proud of the time and dedication our students put into their performances.

Thank you to the faculty advisors, tech crew, and custodial staff for making the night a huge success.

This week our DECA team competed in Atlantic City. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. Congratulations to all of our students, along with their advisors Mr. Goodman & Ms. McCarthy, for an incredibly successful program.

Congratulations to the Cedar Grove Esports Team for making it to the State Finals for Street Fighter 6 at Georgian Court University! After impressive victories in the quarterfinals and semifinals, the team earned the title of Division 1 Champions. Though they came up short in the finals, their dedication, skill, and teamwork were truly outstanding. Congratulations to our players and coaches on an amazing season!

Please order your cap and gown now so we are prepared for June. We know June is a long way off, but we must start planning now!

Cap, Gown & Tassel

For those interested in Cybersecurity, the NJCCIC offers HS internships. See the link below for more information.

https://www.cyber.nj.gov/connect/careers/internships/high-school-internship-program

The local scholarship applications are now available in the

Office of School Counseling. Please encourage your students to fill out as many applications as they qualify for.

The descriptions of the scholarships are available here. Be mindful of the due dates.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact your child's counselor or Mrs. Hampson.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are excited to announce that we will be taking a group of 50 junior and sophomore students on a field trip to Marist University on March 27th. This trip will provide students with a valuable opportunity to explore a college campus and attend a college campus tour.

Important Details:

*Date: March 27th

* Who: 50 juniors and sophomores (first come first serve)

* Permission Slips: Available in the Office of School Counseling

* Deadline: March 10th (no late permission slips will be accepted).

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the office of school counseling,

Thank you,

Mrs. Pontidis & Mr. Sweeney

Please see the following presentations that are available for students and parents:

Vaping, tobacco and nicotine use among youth are still major concerns with vapes containing harmful chemicals. Every day, more discreet vapes enter the market making it easier to sneak past adults by camouflaging as common household objects, toys, and school supplies.

Parents Against Vaping is providing a virtual presentation, Dangers of Vaping; What Parents Need to Know. This presentation will take place on Tuesday, March 25 at 6pm Eastern Time. Please make sure to register for this event. This event is FREE. You can view the flyer and register here

CarePlus, NJ is a mental health agency located in Bloomfield and will be launching their first cycle of groups for youth and adolescents. Prior registration for the group is required. Please contact Kayla Knox to register. You can contact her at 201-265-8200. ext 5559 Please see the group being offered for high school students below.

Toolbox for Wellness: (grades 9-12)

This group is designed for those experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression who are interested in developing coping skills to manage and process situations in a healthy way.

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has instituted a new requirement! All new drivers who got their permit after February 1, 2025 or will get their permit after 2/1/25 now must use their permit to the tune of 50 practice hours. Please see the attachment from the state. Also attached is the form that parents & guardians will have to fill out before their child attempts to get their Probationary License at 17 years old to certify these hours were, in fact, completed.

Some FAQ:

Q: What if my child is older and got their permit before February 1, 2025

A: They are completely exempt from this new rule. It's recommended they practice as much as possible with an adult in the car but you are not required to prove they reached any threshold of hours, etc.

Q: Who can be in the car with my permit driver?

A: An adult who's at least 21 years old and has at least 3 years of driving experience can be the supervising driver for any Permitted driver. That supervising driver should be in the passenger seat and act as a focused resource for the duration of each trip.

Q: 50 seems like a lot. How can I make sure we reach this new mandate?

A: It's clear the state wants to push teens to get as much behind the wheel seat time as possible so they are prepared to drive alone when the time comes. Allow your child to drive whenever you feel appropriate...accompany them to school, let them drive to run errands with you, even get them experience on the parkway heading down the shore in the summer!

Q: My child isn't 16 yet, what do they need to do to get their permit again?!

A: 3 things have to be met before a child obtains their permit

1. Turn 16

2. Pass the NJ State Driver Exam (they took this in class and have a receipt)

3. Complete their 6 hours of guided practice behind the wheel with a certified driving school.

Q: My child is not interested in getting behind the wheel yet, so what's our next step?

A: Driving is a privilege and completely optional. Although all students take Drivers Education as part of their sophomore health curriculum, it's not necessary they take any steps to get behind the wheel if it's not something that interests them just yet.

Q: Do I have to log each day and hour we drive?!

A: No, it does not seem that this is necessary. In fact, right before your child turns 17 and attempts to get their probationary license, you as the parent need to sign the form certifying that your child met the 50 hour requirement. (This is attached)

Q: I know it as the DMV...I heard it's the MVC now, what is the website for go-to info?

A: www.njmvc.gov

Q: If I have more questions, who is best to reach out to?

A: The Driver Ed instructor is Mike Valenzano, best email is valenzano.michael@cgschools.org

Thank you for reading! If your child falls under this new mandate after Feb 1, 2025, get them out there practicing! Take deep breaths and set them up for a lifetime of safe driving.

Clean Out Your Closets!

Music Matters Clothing Drive

Saturday, March 29th

9:00 am - 3pm

90 Rugby Rd,

Cedar Grove

Please encourage family and friends

to clean out unwanted items.

WE DO COLLECT- new or gently used men, women and children’s

clothing, shoes(bagged separately), purses, belts, bed and bath linens,

comforters, curtains, stuffed animals, bikes, scooters, small toys, car

seats (with base attached) and strollers.

WE DO NOT COLLECT- furniture, dishes, glassware, appliances,

books, electronics, sports equipment, decorations, knick knacks, board

games, pots or pans, high chairs, boosters or cribs.

Please drop off all bags on the sidewalk outside of the main doors. Drop

of time is: Saturday, March 29th from 9:00am-3pm. The truck should

arrive between 3-3:15pm to pick up.

If you have any questions please email jeaninepatel50@gmail.com

Thank you for your support!!