High Tech Judo Offers Encomium to Clyde Worthen

(North Bergen, NJ—November 23, 2016) Tech Judo founder Clyde Worthen, or Sensei Clyde, as his students refer to him, exemplifies the basic fundamental code of honor, service, and morality that the Olympic sport of judo has promoted all over the world, and for this reason, the Tech Judo Club would like to extend its gratitude to Sensei Clyde, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

A veteran Physical Education teacher and head instructor of the Tech Judo Club, Sensei Clyde arrived at High Tech as a decorated state champion, a senior national medalist, a Pan American Champion, and a member of the USA World Team.  Recently, he competed at the 2016 Veterans World Judo Championships for the USA.  Sensei Clyde has practiced judo for over 50 years, during which he has embraced judo's philosophy as a way of life--an ideology of self-improvement by which he has reached countless others, leading and inspiring through example.  He represents the backbone and spirit of an entire community.

Sensei Clyde transformed Tech Judo not only into a club, but into a family who have become well-recognized not only for its competitiveness, but for the way its members carry themselves.  He has taught his students more than the method of taking a proper breakfall and properly tightening their belts.  Having introduced the importance of technology, cleaning, and the finances involved in running a business, Sensei Clyde has offered lessons that prove directly translatable to everyday life.  Moreover, he has created a brand in Tech Judo synonymous with integrity, responsibility, discipline, determination, mutual respect, and teamwork.  He has been a true vocational advocate, creating a platform that has assisted many of his students in the pursuit of their educational and professional careers.

Tech Judo has been a sport club, a life school, and a place where young athletes value people's time and effort, respect the elderly, appreciate money, and promote the physical and mental well-being of themselves and those around them.  Sensei Clyde has instilled in his students a sense of belonging in which everyone treats everyone else equally.  A lasting relationship with the High Techs administration has created an outstanding reciprocal alliance that has had a great impact on our entire community.

Because of his professionalism, spirit, and friendship, we at Tech Judo would like to thank him for his years of service, his undeniable sense of inclusion, and for acting as a role model who continues to lead by example. Sensei Clyde has become a father figure to all of us, has earned our respect and love in return for his.  We thank him for the endless hours that he spends working on projects, classes, fundraising, tournaments, and training sessions, and for all the lessons that enrich our bodies and minds.

Explore 2000 Middle School Visits the American Museum of Natural History

November 14, 2016

        Explore 2000's South House went on a field experience to the American Museum of Natural
History. In the museum, students walked around gathering notes and information. I learned many things on this trip such as the various ecosystems, the layers of the ocean and the different organisms that live in it. "It was a sensational experience, learning and seeing different species in our ocean," said Robbie, a  3rd Year student. Ths trip was unique in that we had the opportunity to learn about the creatures and their habitats.

        My favorite part of this field experience was experiencing a different area of  the museum. Another 3rd Year student, Serena, said "It was great to reminisce about what we learned our 1st Year and to expand my knowledge. "One thing that caught my attention was a certain display. It was on manatees. Ever since my 2nd Year, my class and I have been fascinated by manatees from our experience of hearing poems and writing about them with our teacher Mr. Dunphy.

        My fellow classmates and I were also captivated by the humumgous Blue Whale model in the middle of the gallery. This field experience was a great opportunity to learn and help further our knowledge for essential questions and our ocean unit. 2nd Year student Janette stated it excellently, "This trip was very informative and a great resource for showcase." Overall, we learned an abundance of information and hope to return soon.

Andrew Kibalo      

NY Giants Defensive Tackle Johnathan Hankins Appears on WHIT Radio, High Tech’s Flagship Station

(North Bergen, NJ—November 23, 2016) New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, a four-year veteran drafted out of Ohio State, sat down for an interview with WHIT Radio on Monday, November 28^th, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech and an avid Giants fan. 

This once in a lifetime interview with Hankins, arranged by the High Tech Media Department, has been conducted by Jenna Russo, a junior at High Tech and resident of Hoboken, and Gabe Sanchez of Secaucus and a junior, too.  Both members of the High Tech Broadcasting Department, Russo and Sanchez worked closely with other students in the department to develop a series of questions to pose to Hankins.

Hankins joined the High Tech Media Department and shared some of his insights into achieving their dreams and goals.

“[High Tech High School] is fortunate to have interviewed a professional of the caliber of Johnathan Hankins,” says Gregg Ascolese, who, with Chris DePierro, oversee the High Tech Broadcasting Department.

“The interview process is a recurring lesson that requires such gradual perfecting as a student in Broadcast Studios,” adds DePierro, who expressed his excitement as well at High Tech landing Johnathan Hankins as an interviewee.

Rebecca LaChance, Star of Beautiful on Broadway, Visits High Tech Musical Theatre Majors

(North Bergen, NJ—November 1, 2016) Rebecca LaChance, star of the Broadway musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, visited High Tech High School and taught a master class on “Acting Through Song” to High Tech Musical Theatre majors, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech. 

More than fifty High Tech Musical Theatre majors attended Rebecca’s class, which helped students interpret and perform material from their in-class musical pieces, outside projects, and even college audition material.  The students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, watched, critiqued, and praised their peers.  Through the class, LaChance coached those participating, as well as offered her insights on musical theatre.

“This was such a great experience,” says LaChance, who performed in community and regional theaters before attending NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.  “I hope the students are able to take something meaningful away, even those who didn’t have an opportunity to workshop their piece.” 

LaChance, a Baltimore native and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, has performed in Johnny Baseball at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and made her Broadway debut in Beautiful as a featured ensemble member while understudying Jessie Mueller in the eponymous role. After eighteen months on Beautiful, LaChance ventured to the U.K. to star opposite Michael Ball in a new revival of Mack and Mabel at the Chichester Festival Theatre.  Most recently, she returned to the world of Beautiful, playing Carole on the first national tour in Rochester.

John Zisa, head of High Tech Musical Theatre, has made plans to continue this series of master classes.  “I hope to bring in some of my other friends from the Broadway community to work with my students this year,” says Zisa.  “It’s such a worthwhile and valuable experience for them.”

Five Films from High Tech Audio/Visual Production Department Selected for the Ramapo College High School Film Festival

(Ramapo, NJ—November 21, 2016) The Ramapo College High School Film Festival has selected five films from High Tech’s majors in the Audio/Visual Production Department, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School. 

“Go to Guidance” by Alana Aninipot of Secaucus and Jersey City resident Makayla Bount; “Spot” by West New York residents Nicole Palacios and Edward Dominguez; "Family Torn" by Tiara Rodriquez of Weehawken; “Reverie Train” by Hali Merrill, a Weehawken resident, too; and “Thinking Body,” also by Aninipot, comprise the selections.

Chris DePierro and Gregg Ascolese, instructors in the department, helped shepherd the students’ ambitions and tailor their films to fit the regulations of this festival.

“We’re excited that, for the first time in High Tech High School’s history, five female filmmakers have been accepted into a film festival,” says Ascolese.   

Two of these films have also been nominated for this year’s awards.  High Tech majors have secured five of the 20 selections from over 80 films submitted to the Ramapo College High School Film Festival.

“The jury was very impressed with the films,” says Neel Scott, the Associate Professor of Digital Filming at Ramapo College, “and we're very excited to screen them and see the filmmakers at the festival.”

The awards ceremony takes place on December 4^th at School of Contemporary Arts at Ramapo College.

High Tech French II Classes Host Annual Café

(North Bergen—November 7, 2016) French II classes at High Tech hosted their annual café Nuit Étoilée (Starry Night), offering a Francophile experience of traditional music, French scenery, and lots of cuisines and desserts, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School. 

The French classes broke up into booths that characterized the feel of Paris, Provence, Brittany, Normandy, Alsace, Lorraine, Aquitaine, and Champagne-Ardenne, selling cuisine typical of that area.  Each class boasted a manager of its own who oversaw the setting, decorations, motifs, music, and other responsibilities.  Also, students had to explore not only the culinary features of these regions, but the historic and cultural aspects of them. Students wrote postcards sent from areas that they explored as well, detailing attractions and meals of which they partook and leaving these beautifully crafted cards on the tables for guests to read while having a crepe or another meal of their choice.  

“What sets this year apart [from other years], though, is that, not only did different classes put it on, but the classes were mixed and separated into groups,” says Andrea de Leon, a resident of Jersey City and manager of one of the cafes.  “People had to work with people they may have never even seen before.”

Another sophomore, Diana Concepcion, notes that “cuisine has always been influenced on the culture and history of people.  Here at High Tech we have a tradition of organizing Nuit Étoilée as a part of our curriculum.”

Nuit Étoilée served as the sophomores’ marking period project, an extension of the food unit they studied in class. The café atmosphere provided an opportunity to bake, taste, and experience the foods about which they had learned.  This food experience will continue later with a visit to a French restaurant, paid for by the profits of Nuit Étoilée.

Explore 2000 Middle School Holds Mock Election

Explore 2000 Middle School hosted their first mock presidential election on Monday, November 7, 2016. Students cast their ballots during their lunch periods while the 3rd Year students volunteered at the polls to help their classmates with the process. With all classes reporting in, we have a clear and decisive winner: Secretary Clinton won with 74% (78 votes), coming in second was Harambe with 6.7% (7 votes) and Republican nominee, Donald Trump, came in third with 5.7% (6 votes). It will be interesting to see how Explore's polling numbers compare to the country.

Explore students are very interested in the election and have been learning about the process through activities that include a mock debate and primary election. Serena, 3rd year student, said, "It made me think about who I would vote for if I was eligible. I am going to register as soon as I am old enough to vote." Amanda, 2nd year student, said, "I am going to vote when I am old enough to make sure bad things, like Donald Trump, don't happen." Ahmed, 2nd year student, said, "It's a great learning experience! Because Explore is such a hands-on school, participation makes us much more interested in the outcome of the election." Some students abstained from the vote and a few may not have taken it seriously, Harambe for President.

Over all, they enjoyed the process, learned from the experience and were glad to have their voices heard. They will be sure to discuss tomorrow's election with their families and friends.

High Tech Hiking Club Takes First Trek at Palisades Interstate Park

(Fort Lee, NJ—November 5, 2016) On a cool Saturday morning, students from the High Tech Hiking Club embarked on their first trek of the year at Palisades Interstate Park, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School. 

Ronald Kliesh, High Tech social studies teacher and Hiking Club moderator, along with Shelly Witham and David Polito, veteran science teacher and social studies instructor, respectively, chaperoned the students, who enjoyed sights of the George Washington Bridge and the Hudson River from atop Englewood Cliffs.

“We’re all looking forward to more hikes and welcome any member of the High Tech High School staff to join us,” says Mr. Kliesh.​

County Prep Dance Program Invited to the Jersey City Artist Tour

On Sunday October 9th, the County Prep Dance Program was invited by Art House Productions to perform at the JCAST Flagship location. Juniors, Seniors and three alumni participated in the event, which is one of Jersey City's most popular and long running celebrations of local arts. The artist tour brings together visual artists, and this year expanded to include the performing arts. The dance students viewed the artwork at the event, and took inspiration from a chosen work to create improvised dances. County Prep dance students also performed some of their work from last year's show “Revealed”: two student choreographed pieces and one​​ by Robert Mark Burke.

The dancers that participated were Seniors Alyssa Acciavatti, Amanda Abdelaal, Veronica Gagliardi, Mia Stephens, Selah Rogerson, and Tamir Rios; Juniors Meredith Moore, Sheron Scriven, Esmeralda Bencosme, Delana Ramos, and Samiyah Bryant. Three Alumni also joined us for the event, Tamajah Southerland, and Gianna Diaz, who are both dance majors at Montclair University, and Diana Uribe, a dance major at The New School.

Additionally, County Prep dance instructor Heather Warfel Sandler performed a duet at the opening ceremony of the tour on Friday, October 7th, with her husband Ross Sandler. The light-hearted piece, a tribute to motown, was originally produced at the Your Move Dance Festival, and was warmly received once again.

Ms Warfel Sandler had this to say, "I'm very proud to be an active member of the Jersey City arts community, and happy that my colleagues in the arts reach out to me and my students to participate in these events. It is a great way for our students to become a part of the amazing network of creative professionals here. Our program has earned a name for itself in Jersey City and it is exciting to see that our students are recognized as the up and coming generation of artists."

High Tech's Robert ‘Bucky’ Kaiser Hired as Production Assistant at This Is Learning

(Jersey City, NJ—November 7, 2016) Audio/Visual Production major Robert “Bucky” Kaiser of Jersey City, a High Tech student, has been hired as a production assistant at This Is Learning, LLC, a local and unique video production company, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech. 

This Is Learning, LLC, founded in 2011 by Kris Van Nest, covers all types of events.  Kaiser has worked on several projects over the summer as an intern and has now secured a paid position for the fall.  He has also edited a promotional video for the Hudson County Schools of Technology 2016 Gala.  This Is Learning has in production a film that shows how students use interactive reading apps for iPads. The film will focus on the students’ reactions as they sharpen their reading skills through games.

“As a dad, I know parents are always facing choices on how to best prepare our children for the future and that kids want and need to be excited by creative learning,” says Van Nest, citing the mission of This Is Learning. 

A company inspired by the needs of his own son and based on original work by Sir Ken Robinson, the famous educationalist and bestselling author, Van Nest creates and endorses inspired learning techniques to share with parents, families, educators, and caregivers. Van Nest has created and hosted television shows on adventure learning.

Currently, Bucky has been involved in becoming a professional gamer. He hosts his own YouTube channel, as well as a Twitch, on which he streams.

High Tech's Alejandro Leon Seeks Redemption at Quebec Open Judo Tournament

(Montreal—November 4, 2016) High Tech junior Alejandro Leon, a resident of North Bergen, returned from a devastating knee injury to vie for glory at the Quebec Open Judo Tournament, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School. 

Scheduled for November 5^th, the Quebec Open Judo Tournament will test Leon’s mettle.  Leon had torn his medial collateral ligament (MCL), which forced him out of competition in past tournaments. 

“Instead of competing last year,” says Leon, “I supported my teammates on their road to a gold medal.”  

This year, however, Leon will be competing in the U21 66kg division representing Tech Judo, High Tech’s own judo club.  

“It’ll be a tough experience,” Leon adds, “but, hopefully, it is a good turnout.”

Leon trained intensely during his recovery, waiting for just the right moment to compete again.

“I'm confident that I’ll do well.  Last year, I had to sit in the audience.  This year, I hope to stand on the podium. 

High Tech's Wood Tech and Engineering Tech Students Tour Martin Guitar and Co Factory

(Nazareth, PA—November 7, 2016) High Tech High School students majoring in Wood Technology and Engineering Technology received a terrific opportunity to tour the famed Martin Guitar & Co factory, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech. High School 

Zach Bolich and Sergio Gamarra, instructors of Wood Tech and Engineering Tech, respectively, exposed students to the craft of guitar-making because the process requires a harmonious blend of traditional methods with modern machines, like CNC routers and lazar cutters.

At Martin Guitar & Co, tour guides escorted Wood Tech and Engineering Tech students through the factory and showed them the process of constructing guitars from the cutting of rough lumber to the finished product, which requires more than 300 steps to complete, thanks to the capable hands of talented craftspeople.

The Wood Tech and Engineering Tech students discovered the history of guitar-making, learning about Martin Guitar & Co’s humble beginnings as well.

Wood Tech and Engineering Tech students also had the opportunity to explore the Martin Guitar Museum, where attractive displays showcased over 170 exquisitely crafted guitars, a testament to Martin Guitar & Co’s storied career.

By the end of the tour, students jammed in the “Pickin' Parlor,” and partook of the great opportunity to strum Martin's high-end and Limited Edition guitars.

High Tech's Alana Aninipot and Lily Israel Take Creative Writing Classes at NYU

(New York, NY—November 7, 2016) Audio/Visual Production major Alana Aninipot of Secaucus, a junior at High Tech, and High Tech Environmental Science major Lily Israel, a resident of North Bergen, have enrolled in non-credit creative writing classes at New York University’s School of Professional Studies, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech. 

These creative writing classes, offered for five Saturdays from 10am-4pm, offer public readings of student work for friends and family after the fifth and final class. During these classes, Aniniport and Israel workshop their creative writing with peers and learn about form, flow, and the effectiveness of their work. They also discover information about the literary business, finding a literary agent, and the extremely difficult task of getting published.

The author of The Duff, Kody Keplinger, visited the class for a discussion. She spoke about her publishing experience as a teenager and her work being adapted into a major motion picture.

This fall term, five session class, taught by Karen Heuler, a published author who writes prolific fantasy and horror, offered Aniniport and Israel an intriguing look at process and publication. Another session of this class and other weekend high school classes will be offered for the upcoming spring semester by NYU. 

Alana Aninipot

Lily Israel

High Tech's Makayla Blount Volunteers at New Way of Life Day Camp

(Jersey City—November 4, 2016) Makayla Blount, a High Tech Audio/Visual Production major and resident of Jersey City, spent her summer as a volunteer at New Way of Life Day Camp, a supervised children’s program, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School. 

Through generous donations from supporters, New Way of Life Day Camp encourages youngsters aged three to ten to set higher goals for their education, improve their self-confidence, and help them shape relationships with their families and communities.  New Way of Life Day Camp provides a productive environment to stimulate these youngsters.

While at the camp, Blount spent a full day, five days a week, helping children learn the alphabet and enrich their social skills in public environments.  She and fellow volunteers impacted children and attempted to put them on the right path through activities like daily trips to their local parks and libraries.  On these trips, children interacted positively within their community.

“I enjoy being a part of an organization that positively influences those who will one day mend the future,” says Blount.  “I hope they’ll grow up to give back to the community and offer others the same opportunities that they were given.”

For more information on New Way of Life Day Camp’s charitable work and operation, please call (201) 433-5432.

Thinking Pink at Explore 2000 Middle School

Explore 2000 Middle School students and staff are making strides against breast cancer! The proceeds of two Think Pink NUT (No Uniform Today) Days, donut and ribbon sales, totaling $300 were donated to "Jersey City's Making Strides" 5k, represented by our facilitator, Frances Bermas.

                             

Staff and students proudly wore pink while buying commemorative ribbons and donuts, with pink icing, of course!

This fundraiser was led by the Hawks, 1st year advisory as part of Explore 2000's "adopt a cause."