Explore 2000’s 2nd Year Phoenix Gunther Interns at Izod

Before I started my internship at Izod, I was only given a vague idea of what I would do. I wasn't sure of what I would work on and what environment I would be in, but I was excited. For a long time, fashion has been a big part of my life, and my time at Izod was my first professional experience. I spent my time there shadowing my dad's girlfriend, design director Sarah Lee.

During my internship, I participated in many tasks. For example, I learned record-keeping skills when I cut and filed fabric samples for fall 2015 to spring 2016. I arranged portfolios of different collections, where I learned organization skills. I opened and hung sales samples for spring 2016 fashion market (where Izod presents designs and samples to buyers such as Kohl's and JC Penney). I also attended several meetings, including a weekly production design assistant meeting with the director of merchandising, where I learned how to sleep with my eyes open.
However, my experience was not just work; I was able to eat snacks, take breaks, and even go out for lunch, instead of me bringing something from home. I would often talk with the people I was working with, and they were very friendly. Therefore, the time I spent there was much more enjoyable.

One of the important things about the experience was that I felt like what I did actually played a part in helping organize a lot of the work that was already done. The work I participated in helped keep work that was done for later seasons in order, as well as make it easier to come back to in the future. I did work for the design team for men's bottoms (where my father's girlfriend was head), and was mostly given work from the product development assistant Ann Santos. One of the perks of my internship was that I was able to express myself, and wear what I wanted to, and in the long run what I thought was fashionable. However, because I was working at a fashion company, I felt the need to dress in a professional matter, which wound up giving me a certain confidence.

When I look back on the experience, I can say that it was a great opportunity, and that I learned a lot in the three days that I was there. Not only did it teach me valuable skills that I will need to pursue a career in fashion, but it taught me that if I'm doing something related to what I love, I can have a good time. When I first entered the building, I was a bit anxious about what I would be doing, but I wound up having a great time. I enjoyed working there so much that I have decided to go again during spring break, and learn a little more.

Phoenix Gunther

Explore 2000 Wins 2nd Place in the Teen Summit’s Film Festival

Through the 4-H Climate & Environmental Change Teen Summit (grades 8-12), students of Explore 2000 Middle School were invited to work with Rutgers University scientists to learn about climate change science.  Our 8th Graders were then challenged to develop a community service project that applied this new knowledge. Guided by Lauren Norcia and John Ponticorvo, our students met with local environmentalists, college professors, and elected officials of Hudson County to create an informative video highlighting climate change as a major threat to our planet and our lives.

Their video, entitled #StopTheRise, won 2nd Place in the Teen Summit’s Film Festival!  They were the only middle school to place! Please click the link below to watch our film. We hope you enjoy.

High Tech Scores Big in 2015 National Spanish Exams

(North Bergen, NJ—April 28, 2015) High Tech students of Spanish, levels I and II, participated in the 2015 National Spanish Exam (NSE), sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP), announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The NSE assesses students’ proficiency in the Spanish language as they compete on a national level with their peers.  The following students performed exemplarily on the Spanish I exam: Amirah Johnson of Jersey City scored a 95, earning Premio de Oro (Gold Award); North Bergen resident Alyssa Mojica and Olivia Ruiz of Guttenberg earned Premio de Plata (Silver Award); Hoboken residents Ryan Brett, Maeve Munroe, and Cole Quist and Jeremy Lewan of Bayonne received Premio de Bronce (Bronze Award); Ghenwa Hassan of Bayonne, Jalina Bryson and Joan Marie Tubungbanua of Jersey City, Jeel Shah and Catherine Cabrera of North Bergen, Shelina Chotrani and Gabriel Mendez of Secaucus, Union City resident Taylor Avila, and Ada Zhu of Weehawken received Mención Honoraria (Honorable Mention). 

The following students earned Mención Honoraria on the Spanish I and II exams too:  Bayonne resident Adrion Perez, Bryanna Acosta and Gabriela Sesin of North Bergen, and Secaucus resident Zachary Canonico.  Kevin Martinez of West New York in Spanish I and II received Premio de Plata; Premio de Bronce recipients include Guttenberg resident Lauren Krasnoff, Andrea Velasquez of Jersey City, and North Bergen resident Malena Rodriguez; Guttenberg resident Hena Pardasani, Sophia Battaglia of Hoboken, Jersey City resident Katrina Origenes, Gabriella Espinal and Yingxue Hu of Kearny, North Bergen resident Tanushri Shah, Emily Torres, and Jeffrey Zarzuela, and Secaucus resident Aimee Gamboa received Mención Honoraria.

“Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” says Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, National Director of the Exams, “because these exams are the largest of their kind in the United States, with over 157,000 students participating in 2015.”

High Tech Musical Theatre Readies A CHORUS LINE for Edinburgh Fringe This August

From BroadwayWorld New Jersey:

High Tech Musical Theatre, an award-winning Teen Theatre based out of High Tech High School at Hudson County Schools of Technology, will embark on celebrating their 15th anniversary with the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of A Chorus Line. Students have been preparing for their May 14th-17th performances in New Jersey, then will embark at another run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August of 2015 at The Space Theatre in Edinburgh.

The cast consists of Junior and Senior Musical Theatre Majors in the program. Most Seniors will be attending Carnegie Mellon, Mason Gross, Muhlenberg, Pace, Tisch at NYU, and other Universities and Colleges in Theatre next year.

Earlier this year, Broadway stars gathered in February for a Broadway Love concert, featuring the likes of Kerry Butler, Constantine Maroulis, Telly Leung, James Carpinello, Christine Pedi, and more to help raise money for their Scotland Trip. The event raised about $6,000, but they still need more to reach their final goal of $160,000 to take 25 students to the festival.  Attending A Chorus Line is a great way to help them out, or by donating to their Gofundme page: www.gofundme.com/elcavc.

A Chorus Line is a musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante. A Chorus Line provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.

This marks the 15th year of the program, which is currently a part of Papermill Playhouse''s ''Adopt-A-School'' Program, bringing artists and workshops from the professional world of theatre to the classroom and allowing the students to develop their craft. Students have been attending all their season shows, visiting behind the scenes, talking with professionals in the industry, and writing critique work with extensive collaboration in writing programs. High Tech Musical Theatre also participates with workshops at Manhattan Theatre Club. This year, they also hosted guest artist Heather Parcells from Broadway's A Chorus Line revival to help with the process. Under the direction of Alex Perez and with support from Musical Director Rod Shepard, the program has been widely recognized in New Jersey and on the national level. From 2000 to present, High Tech Musical Theatre received an over 40 Nominations and 13 wins at the New Jersey State Papermill Playhouse Awards, including honors for Best Overall Production, Best Director, Best Costumes, Best Makeup, Educational Impact and Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Featured Performers.

Other accomplishments include a successful Off-Off-Broadway run of the department's 2003 production Oz, A Twisted Musical (which played for six weeks), and representing the U.S. at the Oberhavel Germany Arts Festival in 2001. The work of the department has also been celebrated at the Metro-North Cappies Awards, which recognizes excellence in New Jersey State Theatre, with over 15 nominations and 6 wins in a span of two years.

A Chorus Line runs May 14th-17th.  High Tech High School, 2000 85th Street, North Bergen, NJ 07047. Tickets available at: www.SHOWTIX4U.com

The Senior Majors of High Tech Musical Theatre and Director Alex Perez on a rehearsal break

County Prep Students Participate in Autism Awareness Tournament

On April 18th the Dickinson Rams participated in an Autism Awareness Tournament hosted by Weehawken High School. Before the game, County Prep student Joey Valentino threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The Rams ended up beating River Dell 4-3. County Prep was also represented during the game; the winning pitcher was sophomore Julio Suarez III and Donovan Figueroa scored the winning run in the seventh inning .

Pictured: Jay Aguiar, Joey Valentino, Donovan Figueroa, Julio Suarez III, Robert Tirado

County Prep High School National Honor Society Induction

On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, County Prep High School's Chapter of the National Honor Society held their induction ceremony.  The following students were inducted:
Mayar Abdelmeguid, Andrew Saad, Thu Anh Ly, Lucre'ce Estropia, Raol Kalloe, Reinard Canatada, Bahktawer Khan, Alexandra Torres, Valerie O'Higgins, Dalia Eldeeb, Martha Wachulec, Olesya Hreb, Jaymi Llarenas, Zeal Doshi, Hager Soliman, Dip Patel, and Juliene Austria.  Ms. Barbara Mendolla, Principal, extends her congratulations to all these students for their overall accomplishments!

Holocaust Survivor Fran Malkin Speaks at High Tech

(North Bergen, NJ—April 23, 2015) Fran Malkin, Holocaust survivor and Board of Associates member of the Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study at Drew University, spoke to High Tech students as part of the Facing History and Ourselves grant awarded to History teacher Jamie Velazquez and Language Arts instructor Kerri Ann Murphy, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

In addition to the Facing History and Ourselves grant, the Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) Foundation generously commissioned Malkin’s appearance at High Tech.  She spoke to students in the class “People Make Choices.  Choices Make History” co-instructed by Velazquez and Murphy and Murphy’s freshmen World Literature classes to supplement their knowledge of the Holocaust after they read Elie Weisel's book Night.

Malkin screened excerpts from the documentary No. 4 Street of Our Lady, a film documenting a Polish woman, Francesca Halamajova, who rescued Malkin and members of her family.  Approximately 6,000 Jews lived in the town of Sokol before the start of World War II.  After the war, only 32 Jews had survived, of which Halamajova rescued 16.  The excerpts focused on Malkin returning to visit to the loft where Halamajova hid her and her family during the war.  After the screening, Malkin answered questions and spoke in more detail about her experiences, all part of Facing History and Ourselves.

Facing History and Ourselves, a non-profit organization founded in 1976 and based in Brookline, Massachusetts, develops educational materials on the topics of prejudices and injustice relevant to Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. 

High Tech Wins at Louder Than A Bomb Youth Poetry Slam

(Camden, NJ—April 18, 2015) A dozen High Tech students versed in verse showed off their originality at Rutgers University-Camden, winning the first two bouts, the semi-final round, and earning a perfect score of 150 to win first place in the Louder Than A Bomb Youth Poetry Slam, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

High Tech, the only North Jersey high school represented at the event, competed with eight other high schools, most of which hailed from South Jersey.  A two-day event held on the weekend of April 18^th, Louder Than A Bomb featured the following students from High Tech: Brianna Kelly of Bayonne; Jersey City residents Jaelan Acosta, Edsel Engalla, Sade Ford, Ashley Johnson, Fatmata Kamara, Hamza Quresh, and Benjamin Vock; Devon Vaz of Kearny; North Bergen resident Jeanette Fernandez; Aaleah Oliver of Secaucus; and Union City resident Sabrina Quinones.

Highlights include “How to Win a Grammy,” a piece written and performed by Vock, Ford, Quresh, and Kamara, a parody on cultural appropriation and the disproportionate winners of color as opposed to others; “Break News: Perspectives on Violence,” written and performed by Engalla, Oliver, Acosta, Fernandez, Kelly, and Quinones, a piece that critiques police brutality against black males.

Having just completed its 15^th season, Louder Than A Bomb lays claim to being “the largest youth poetry festival in the world,” according to its website.  Originating in Chicago, this latest held at Rutgers University-Camden, and sponsored by the university as well, featured over 100 students in the competition.  Lamont Dixon of Atco, New Jersey, organized the event to celebrate National Poetry Month.  

County Prep High School's Talent Show 2015

County Prep’s Annual Talent Show was held on Friday, March 27^th.  Once again it was a sold out event with a diverse line-up of performers, including vocalists, guitarists, ukulele players, and more.  Director Ms.Warfel Sandler commends all of the acts for their powerful and entertaining performances. There were two feature performances by senior Kyosuke Nonoyama and his band Hong Kong Graffiti, and David Sami with the acapplla group Sharkapella. The show was judged by teachers Ms.Torres and Mr.Carey, as well as professional artists M. Josephine and Lance A Michel.  Awards were given to the following students:

Best Act Overall – Alexia Velazquez singing "Radioactive"

Best Artistry – Martha Wachulec for her arrangement on piano and voice of "Rise Like A Phoenix"

Most Skilled – Jessica D’Onofrio singing "Maybe This Time"

Most Entertaining – Joshua Dunn and dancers for their rendition of "Uptown Funk"
Honorable Mentions went to two original songs: 
"My Little Letter" written and performed by Juan Ferreira
"Fire" written and performed by Janel Schroth

Explore 2000 Middle School Students Prepare for Earth Day Celebration

For the past couple of weeks, my peers and I  have been working on constructing a vessel made of recyclable materials.
Our facilitators Mr. Colaluca, Mr. Ponticorvo and Ms. Norcia have been guiding us through this exciting, detailed process.
At least 80% of our vessel had to be made out of used/recycled materials. Our building materials could make up no more than 20%.
We were engineers in planning the floatable layout; artists- as we thought of creative designs and most importantly, a TEAM- as we worked successfully together.

This Saturday, April 25th we plan to race our creation at the Hackensack Riverkeeper's Second Annual REYCLED REGATTA in Overpeck County Park during Earthfest.
If you are interested in supporting our construction or wish to cheer us on, call the Explore 2000 Office 201-631-6396.

Come back to our website sometime next week to see how well our team does!!
J. Santiago, Frist Year Student
Read This on the Explore 2000 Website>>

High Tech Students Travel to Austria, Italy, and France

(Newtown Square, PA—April 6, 2015) High Tech students traveled to Europe as part of the Study Abroad program, submerging themselves in the languages and cultures of Austria, Italy, and France, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Students started in Vienna, Austria, in which they viewed the famous Opera House, the Parliament, City Hall, and the Schonbrunn Palace, where Mozart performed as a child. Later, they visited Salzburg in Tyrol, Mozart’s birthplace, and experienced the elegance and splendor of the traditional Austrian Waltz, the oldest form of the ballroom dance.

In Italy, students strolled Verona, the site of the balcony of Juliet, and Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and classical statues at the Piazza della Signoria, among them, Michelangelo’s statue of David.  The magnificent Duomo, a visit to an authentic Leonardo’s Leather Shop, and walking tour of the city concluded the Florence sojourn.  Venice found students experiencing glass blowing, a tour of St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, and gondola rides along the Grand Canal. 

France came next.  Great weather greeted students in Paris, accentuating the elegance of Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe.  A sunset on the Seine had proved memorable, too.  Students posed before the Eiffel Tower, tasted authentic Parisian crepes, visited the Louvre, and experienced Notre Dame Cathedral.  Lastly, the students walked the streets of Monmartre and Versailles.  A short extension of the tour, at the Loire Valley, allowed students to absorb the calmness of the region, combined with the outstanding beauty and rich history of Chambord, Blois, and Chenonceau castles.

High school study abroad programs offer driven, curious students the opportunity to become global citizens as they complete their high school education. Studying abroad allows students to gain meaningful life experiences, often vital components to well-rounded college applications. 

County Prep Structured Learning Experience

On April 17^th , eight County Prep students (9^th to 12^th graders) attended the Dare to Dream Student Leadership Conference held at Concordia Learning Center in Jersey City.  The conference featured accomplished students and adults with disabilities who have demonstrated exemplary self-advocacy and leadership skills.  The purpose of this event was to empower students to help them transition from high school to adulthood.  The students shared their personal experiences in an open forum.

County Prep SkillsUSA hosts statewide Health Science Skills and Leadership Conference

Early in April, County Prep’s SkillsUSA club acted as host to over 100 students from 16 local and county health occupation technical programs. The students competed in four contests designed to test their technical and leadership skills against the best high school students in New Jersey. Contests included Medical Math, Medical Terminology, Health Occupations Professional Portfolio, and a Health Knowledge Bowl. Winners will be announced at the NJ SkillsUSA Championships Awards Ceremony on May 2nd at the Garden State Exhibition Center in Somerset. County Prep has two finalists who will receive medals: Junior Chengru Long for Medical Math and Dalia Eldeeb for Health Occupations Professional Portfolio.

Silver Medal for County Prep High School Team in Statewide Business Management and Technology Contest

A Business and IT team of County Prep High School seniors Carmen Chen, Sabrina-Lee Caballo, and Brianna Liu won recognition for their project encouraging girls to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career programs. Based on their mastery of their training, its application, the project’s benefit to their community, and display and presentation techniques, the team was awarded a silver medal.

NJ SkillsUSA held the Career Pathways Showcase contests on Friday, March 27^th at Sussex County Technical School in Sparta, NJ. In the Career Pathways Showcase, student teams use their course of study as the basis of a project that will benefit their class, school, community or industry. The project highlights an aspect of their career cluster training. The students develop a display and use it to explain their training and their project. Congratulations to Carmen, Sabrina, and Brianna.

High Tech Students Earn Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention for Their Performances on French Exam

(North Bergen, NJ—March, 2015) Students from Level I and II French at High Tech took part in Le Grand Concours (the National French Contest), an annual exam sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Students of French (grades 1-12) from all across the United States and abroad take a written test, competing against peers with similar educational backgrounds for prizes.   Teachers of French select certain students in their classes to take Le Grand Concours.

This year, the following students earned Médaille d’argent (Silver Medal): Mously Lo of Jersey City (French I) and North Bergen resident Erica De Lacerda (French I)

The following students earned Médaille de bronze (Bronze Medal): Bayonne resident Amanda Chang (French II); Bar Yifrakh of Hoboken (French I); Jersey City residents Nicole Albornoz  and Mya Veras (French II); Kiara Espinoza of North Bergen (French II); and Union City resident Victoria Herrera (French II).

The following earned Certificate d’Honneur (Honorable Mention): Sophia Velasquez of Bayonne (French II); Harrison resident Mingyu Zhao (French II); Vibha Chauhan (French II), Laiba Khan (French I), and Cynthia Vasquez (French II) of Jersey City; North Bergen residents Maria Sanchez (French I) and Yailin Torres (French II); and Karen Guaman of West New York (French I).

Twelve High Tech Students Qualify to Enter the 2016 National Merit® Scholarship Program

(Evanston, IL—April 7, 2015) Twelve High Tech High School juniors have met the qualifications for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

A Letter of Commendation from High Tech High School and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will be presented by Dr. Giammarella to the twelve outstanding scholars.  NMSC has recognized approximately 34,000 Commended Students and 16,000 will be named National Merit Program Semifinalists throughout the country.  Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2015 competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT® last year. Semifinalists and Commended Students in the 2016 National Merit Program will learn of their standing in September.  Semifinalists will be the only students who will have a chance to compete for 8,000 National Merit Scholarships offered in 2016.

The following students will receive recognition in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship program in the fall: Amina and Sara Bendaoud and George Iskander of Bayonne; Harrison residents Rora Cai and Keyu Sheng; Jack Tisdell of Hoboken; Kearny resident Sabina Ohkawa; Nicholas Palmer and Jennifer Tu of North Bergen; Secaucus residents Ryan Gulati and Justin Luh; and Emory Kemph of Weehawken.

Thanks to Say "I Do" Bridal Boutique

A special thank-you is extended to Say “I Do” Bridal Boutique located in Verona, NJ.  Adrienne Castellano, the owner of the full service bridal boutique, donated prom dresses to County Prep students for the upcoming junior and senior proms.  The dresses have a retail value of approximately $2,000.  Our fashion department and students are very thankful for the donation.

Chinatown Annual Indoor Paddling Regatta

On Saturday, March 21, 2015 Explore 2000 headed to Chinatown, NYC to participate in the 15th Annual Indoor Paddling Regatta. Students and facilitators both competed in the individual 250 meter races and the group relay 250 meter races against each other and other middle schools. The energy and support in the room was indescribable and all participants were overjoyed to have shared the experience together. This field experience was one component of a fitness and team building activity that is sponsored by the HCST Foundation. Because of their commitment and enthusiasm, the students have been invited to paddle in a real dragon boat in the spring of 2015.

Click to view this story on Explore 2000 website

Sara Bendaoud of High Tech to Participate in the Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology

(New Brunswick, NJ—April 3, 2015) High Tech junior Sara Bendaoud, a resident of Bayonne, has been selected from a talented pool of applicants to participate in this summer’s Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology at the Rutgers University School of Engineering, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Governor's School of Engineering & Technology at Rutgers School of Engineering develops, creates, and implements a comprehensive summer residential enrichment program of study, emphasizing engineering and technology for high school juniors who possess outstanding skills and display unusual abilities and interests in the field.

As a Governor’s Scholar, Bendaoud will spend four weeks, free of charge, immersed in engineering and technology with other students who share her interests.  She will be taking five academic classes, completing an intensive research and/or design project in a group of three to five students, visiting large corporations, and meeting equally talented peers and professionals from across New Jersey.

“I was really surprised,” says Bendaoud, “but mostly excited.  The Governor’s School is going to be a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to attend this summer.”

This summer’s Governor’s School of Engineering & Technology has been made possible through very generous sponsorship by Rutgers University, the State of New Jersey, corporate donors, Governor’s School alumni, and a number of others.

High Tech Slam Poetry Team to Compete in Louder Than a Bomb Youth Poetry Festival

High Tech Slam Poetry Team to Compete in Louder Than a Bomb Youth Poetry Festival

Accounting Firm Presents to County Prep Students

On Friday, March 27^th,  ten volunteers from Crowe Horwath (a major accounting firm) presented to over 185 County Prep students in the Consumer Math, Business Management, Career Explorations, Retail Marketing, Introductory Business, IT Essentials, Business Computer Applications, Entrepreneurship, and IT Applications classes.  The presentation provided an overview of job search strategies including Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and the Elevator Pitch opportunity.  In addition, students also participated in one-on-one Mock Interviews with practicing professionals in the business world.