County Prep's NHS Supports "The Make A Wish Foundation"

County Prep's National Honor Society spread cheer this holiday season by supporting “The Make A Wish Foundation” through Letters to Santa.  Every year Macy’s donates $1.00 for every letter they receive.  This year the County Prep’s school community wrote 710 letters to Santa.  NHS would like to thank everyone for their support. 

County Prep Students Receive Awards at FCCLA Fall Conference

The NJ FCCLA Fall Conference was held on November 21, 2016 in Pines Manor, Edison, NJ and attended by 600 people. The total awards for County Prep students were 2 bronze, 4 silver, and 13 gold. Awards were given to the following County Prep Students. Congratulations to them all!

Apple Bake-off

Sherry Joseph – Bronze

Tiara Valentin – Silver

Passion for Fashion (Doll Making)

Giovanni Ortiz – Bronze

Esmeralda Garda – 1^st place Gold

Tanery Santiago – 3^rd place Gold

Alexa Acuna – 3^rd place Gold

Simone Womack - Silver

Go Green: Picture Frame Event

Donovan Figueroa – 2^nd place Gold

Carlos Cespedes – Silver

Gehad Abedullah – Silver

Adam Mohamed – 1^st place Gold

Tune Into FCCLA (Video Promoting FCCLA)

Angelique Mateo, Christopher Espiritu, Tyanna Baez – 1^st place Gold

Cupcake Challenge

Adam Concepcion, Daniala Noguera, Celene Ngo – Gold

LeeAnn Mineses, Ashley Singh – 2^nd place Gold

The total awards for County Prep students were 2 bronze, 4 silver, and 13 gold.

County Prep High School's Middle Eastern Cultural Club Holds Luncheon

The Middle Eastern Cultural Club of County Prep High School hosted its end-of-the-year luncheon at Shalimar BBQ Restaurant to enhance students’ awareness of the diverse ethnic wonders of the world’s population, announced Ms. Barbara Mendolla, Principal of County Prep High School.  

The Middle Eastern Cultural Club promotes the significance of all cultures across the globe.  Employing music, food, and other social interactions within a diverse ethnic membership, the Middle Eastern Cultural Club provides a pleasant and welcoming environment for students to enjoy the beauty of the diverse population in County Prep.

Participants represented multiple ethnicities, including Arabs, Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Spaniards, and Americans,” that this field trip a most memorable event.

“Students from a variety of different ethnic backgrounds made this a fabulous event,” declares Dr. Syed Abbasi., moderator of the Middle Eastern Cultural Club of County Prep.  “This luncheon allowed students to explore and enjoy the richness of diverse cultures and educate them on the necessity of welcoming and appreciating peoples from all lands.”

   

                                         

                                                   

County Prep's AV Production Students Visit Long Shot Productions

On October 26th, 2016 County Prep’s Audio Visual Production students took a field trip to Long Shot Productions in Fairfield, New Jersey. Our students got to meet Lisa Marie Latino, the passionate creator of Long Shot Productions LLC, who shared with us her journey on starting her own production company. We had the opportunity to see the space where they film most of their videos and the editing stations where they piece together the final products. Lisa Marie and her crew also showed our students various shooting and lighting techniques they can incorporate into their own videos. It was a great experience for the Audio Visual Production Class to take part in!

County Prep High School Social Skills Club Visits Bryant Park

On December 13th, County Prep High School Social Skills club spent a late afternoon and early evening taking in the sights and sounds of Bryant Park. The students enjoyed walking around the winter village and ice skating; afterwards they took in the sights of Time Square and ended the evening having dinner in NYC.  A memorable time was enjoyed by all.

High Tech Hosts Its First FTC Robotics Competition

(North Bergen, NJ—December 17, 2016) High Tech's Robotics, along with advisors Harry Peles and Alba Simon, hosted its inaugural First Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Competition in the fieldhouse at the North Hudson Center of Hudson County Schools of Technology, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Teams 7994 and 10633 competed, with team 7994 advancing to the final round and receiving two awards, "Best Example of Alliance Teamwork" and "Finalist Alliance Captain."

The next High Tech FTC Competition takes place in January.  Stay tuned.

County Prep Culinary Arts Students Visit Hudson County Community College

Six County Prep Culinary Arts students visited Hudson County Community College multiple times from September through December to participate in their “ Extended Culinary Student for the Day” program.  The students reported to HCCC at 7:30 am to cycle through the various culinary labs to gain exposure to the post-secondary culinary arts program and to “feel” what it is like to be a college student.  They also had the opportunity to interact with the professors and to partake in “hands-on” activities in the various kitchens.   At the conclusion of each visit,  the students attended a luncheon in the dining hall that was served and prepared by the culinary college students.  Overall, it was an invaluable structured learning experience that defined a potential career option for our students.

High Tech’s Hiking Club Takes Trip to Ramapo Mountain State Forest

(Ringwood, NJ—December 10, 2016) High Tech Social Studies instructors Ronald Kliesh and David Polito escorted ten High Tech Hiking Club members on a trail at the base of Ramapo Mountain State Forest, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

The High Tech hikers experienced steep hills, a precarious trail at times due to some icy spots, so they proceeded with caution.  Before the hikers reached their starting area, they had to cross a bridge that overlooked a breathtaking lake and continued their hike on a long, but somewhat easy, trail that followed the circumference of the lake.

When they reached the halfway point of the trail, they came across another interesting discovery, namely, a small cobblestone and wooden shack with a doorway in the back.  Some students went into the doorway of the shack for a photo op, of course. As the hikers moved along on their hike, they came across a fascinating example of moss growth.  The damp, squishy, luminescent moss covered a large boulder that a few of the students described as a “moss carpet.”

Also, hanging on a branch sticking up from the ground, a small skull looked like it could have belonged to a squirrel or some other forest creature.  If it had not been for Ronald Kliesh’s observational eye, the hikers probably would have walked past the skull and not have taken a photo of it for posterity.

Although quite a chilly day, the cool air felt very refreshing to the hikers of Hudson County, New Jersey most populace county per square mile.  After their hike, everybody warmed up and enjoyed the beautiful scenery from the comfort of the school bus.

High Tech’s Jeremy Lewan Meets Fox 5 News Meteorologist Mike Woods at HCST Gala

(Jersey City, NJ—November 4, 2016) Bayonne resident Jeremy Lewan, a budding meteorological student and guest speaker at this years’ Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) Foundation Gala, received the thrill of a lifetime by meeting his professional role model, Mike Woods of Fox 5 News in New York City, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

At the HCST Foundation Gala, held at the lavish Martime Parc, Lewan met his role model after Mike Woods listened to Lewan’s speech (https://youtu.be/mK034YPJCA0) about his passion for forecasting weather.  On behalf of the HCST Foundation, Lewan even presented Woods with an HCST umbrella as a token of appreciation from one meteorologist to another.

The following Monday after the gala, Woods surprised Lewan and the entire HCST community by featuring Lewan and the HCST Gala during his morning forecast (https://youtu.be/Lkffdyw9-Zk) on Good Day New York on Fox 5 News, and Woods also featured Lewan’s Weather Camp video on his Twitter Page!

“Becoming a meteorologist has been my dream since I was five years old,” says Lewan, a junior at High Tech High School.  “Teachers in [High Tech’s] Environmental Science Academy have always encouraged me to pursue my passion, especially, [Shelly] Witham, my Environmental Science instructor.”

This past summer, spearheaded by Witham, the HCST Foundation provided Lewan with a generous grant, providing him the opportunity to attend Penn State University's prestigious Advanced Weather Camp. 

“With the inception of our Environmental Science Academy, the science department strongly recommends that our students participate in field experiences to enhance their learning,” notes Witham.

Lewan has created a video diary of his Weather Camp experience (https://youtu.be/r7Wlm96sKEE), which has been featured on PBS Pennsylvania News.

“At Weather Camp, I was able to enjoy a variety of experiences having to do with professional weather forecasting and receive a realistic appreciation of the work that meteorologists do,” Lewan adds.  “Among other things, I listened to fascinating lectures by expert professors, practiced my forecasting abilities in front of a green screen, and toured the National Weather Service and AccuWeather Studios.”

High Tech High School Holds 2017 National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

(North Bergen, NJ—December 12, 2016) This year, the High Tech High School National Honor Society (NHS) inducted 38 seniors, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

The following students earned initiation into National Honor Society for 2017:

Bayonne residents Eman Abdalla, Kayla Alvarez, Amanda Chang, Mohamed Elzokm, Hasumi Hayashi, John Kahlil, Maria Kaldes, Indhu Kanakaraj, Kara Neal, and Sophia Velasquez; Luke Lefeber (President) and Cara Rosner of Hoboken; Jersey City residents Mariam Abdelmoula, Vibha Chauhan (Secretary), Kermina Hanna, Ashlesha Kulkarni (Vice President), Kaitlin Lima, Gabriella Navas, and Hank Portney; Jonathan Brooks of Kearny; North Bergen residents Sarah Fleiss, Minjal Patel, Puja Patel, Malena Rodriguez, Yailin Torres (Treasurer), Emmanuel Uribe, and Cindy Wong; Shreyas Agarwal, Zachary Canonico, Salma Elsharkaway, Sean Heaney, Fujia Ren, Vicky Trieu, and Ilana Zane of Secaucus; Union City residents Ashley Crespo and Emily Fung; and Annabelle Familia and Ambar Grullon of West New York.

Below please find a statement released from the aforementioned students:

“The 2016 students of National Honor Society would like to recognize Mrs. Joan Marie Bellotti, Language Arts Department Liaison and teacher, and Mr. David Polito, veteran Social Studies instructor, for their indefatigable work and wholehearted commitment to NHS.  Without their efforts, NHS wouldn’t be the success that it is today and every other year.  You’re the best!”

High Tech’s Butterfly Effect Club Spreads Holiday Cheer for the Folks at Hudson View Care & Rehab Center

(North Bergen, NJ—December 6, 2016) High Tech students in the Butterfly Effect Club, a club designed to spread awareness and fundraise for people with developmental disabilities, visited the Hudson View Care & Rehab Center to share Season’s Greetings, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Under the supervision of club advisor Jamie Velazquez, students brought two large bins of holiday crafts to share with patients for several hours.  Students worked one-on-one with the patients, customizing stockings, holiday cards, and ornaments.

“The trip was a very rewarding for both the students and the patients,” says Velazquez, who also teaches history at High Tech.  “Our students were even asked to return as soon as possible.”

Celebrity Composer Zack Hemsey Interviewed by County Prep's Music Tech Program

The students in County Prep High School's Music Tech program had an opportunity to interview Celebrity Composer Zack Hemsey on December 6th in their Radio Station.

Check out the interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAYViekfiUI&t=916s and please subscribe to their YouTube page.

High Tech’s Krystal Andrade to Perform Leading Role for the Annual Jersey City Nutcracker Production

(Jersey City, NJ—December 8, 2016) Krystal Andrade, a High Tech Dance major and member of the pre-professional training program at the School of Nimbus Dance Works, has been selected to perform a leading role in the latter company’s Jersey City Nutcracker production, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Andrade performs two matinees of Jersey City Nutcracker on Wednesday, December 14^th, at 11am and 1pm, one on Saturday, December 17^th, at 1pm, and on Sunday, December 18^th, at 5pm.

“This year, due to all of Krystal’s hard work, Krystal was selected by audition for this leading role,” says Samuel Pott, Artistic Director of Nimbus Dance Works. 

Entering its 12^th season, Nimbus Dance Works concentrates on the intersection between high-level dance and innovative ways of involving communities and audiences by presenting performances and programs to diverse audiences.  Performers with Nimbus Dance Works, drawn from renowned and revered companies from around the world, present biannual home seasons in Jersey City, New York City, and tours regularly throughout the United States, impacting more than 16,000 people each year.   

The company’s outreach programs serve over 2,000 youngsters like Andrade.  Company dancers serve as faculty at The School of Nimbus Dance Works, including dance classes for ages two through the adult years from all over the greater New York City area.  The School of Nimbus Dance Works offers training in Ballet, Modern, and Hip-Hop with exposure to other dance forms, emphasizing small classes and opportunities for students to perform alongside Nimbus Dance Works company dancers, including performing in the annual Jersey City Nutcracker production.      

For further information on Jersey City Nutcracker, go to www.nimbusdanceworks.org.  Group rates and student discounts available.

Junior Achievement Opportunities a Success for County Prep Students

County Prep students attended Career Success Workshops sponsored by Junior Achievement and hosted at Hudson County Community College on Thursday, October 20, 2016.  The workshops equipped students with the tools and skills required to earn and keep a job in high-growth career areas. The activities focused on the 4 C's:  Communication, Collaboration, Critical  Thinking, and Creativity.   The Career Success program is aligned with the New Jersey Department of Education Career Ready Practices.

On Monday, November 7th, 10 volunteers from Fidelity Investment (a major investment firm) assisted over 80 students in Ms. Murray's/Dr. Abassi's  business classes in completing the Finance Park Virtual Financial Literacy culminating activity sponsored by Junior Achievement.  The students engaged in a virtual simulation that assigned each student a fictional life situation and the tall task of balancing a monthly budget by making smart financial choices.   The goal of the Finance Park curriculum is to increase financial literacy in young adults.    A special thank you is extended to our teachers, volunteers, students, and Junior Achievement for collaborating on this invaluable experience.

County Prep juniors and seniors visited Georgian Court University on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.  The students met with an admissions representative to discuss the various programs offered at the institution and the overall college application process. The visit included a tour of the residential housing units, library, and classrooms.  The tour concluded with a complimentary luncheon hosted in the dining room.  The students were exposed to the college as a potential post-secondary choice.

Explore 2000 Middle School Students Visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum

Forty five Explore 2000 students were the recipients of the generosity of the Morris Rubell Holocaust Journey Foundation. On Monday, October 24, 2016, Explore 2000 participated in a life-changing experience, the Morris Rubell Holocaust Remembrance Journey. Students, staff and parent chaperones were treated to a trip to the Holocaust memorial Museum in Washington DC.

The Rubell Foundation provided a charter bus, a driver, breakfast, lunch and dinner and, most importantly, the opportunity for students to meet and interact with a real-life Holocaust survivor, Fred Heyman, who shared his incredible story of surviving the Nazi regime. Michael Rubell introduced us to his father, Morris Rubell, a Holocaust survivor, through a video recorded in 1991. Hearing the stories of these survivors, who witnessed the absolute worst in humanity and hearing their faith in people and hope for the future can serve as a lesson in positivity and exemplary character.

The activities for the day included a video and Q&A session on the bus followed by a tour of the Holocaust Museum which began with the Daniel's Story exhibit. Michael Rubell led the tour and was impressed by the insightful questions many of our students asked. When asked if what they saw was interesting, some replies include, "more like horrifying" and "yes, but so sad" or, "how could this happen?"

Following the tour of the museum, we visited the Lincoln Memorial as well as the Martin Luther King Memorial. The highlight of the tour was getting to meet Fred Heyman and hear his story which inspired all of us to be UPStanders instead of bystanders! A special thank you to the Rubell Holocaust Foundation.

Apprenticeship Visit at County Prep

A representative from the Youth Transitions to Work Automotive Technician/Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship program presented to County Prep students on Thursday, November 17, 2016.  This is an “Earn While You Learn” program in which the apprentice receives “on-the-job” training as well as classroom instruction.  The goal is to prepare students to enter high skilled, high wage employment in the Automotive and Diesel technology field.

In an Open Letter Explore 2000 Student Expresses Gratitude for Life Changing Experience

Dear Mr. Heyman,

Thank you for sharing your experience with us on the trip. It was an enlightening story, and made me think more about not only the people who were killed but the hardships that ordinary people had to go through just because of their religion or race. The things that you told us are things that nobody else on the trip could relate to, and I respect you and the other people who live through and were persecuted during this terrible time even more now that I know more about what happened,

Thank you again for providing myself and the other students who went on the trip with this opportunity. I enjoyed it immensely, and I am sure that my fellow students feel the same. The trip provided me with some information that I did not know, and I have even more questions now than I had before the trip. My favorite part of the trip was not any part of the museum, but when you told us the hardships that you had to endure. Some of the stories were funny, but most of them really showed me what a horrible and inhuman thing the Holocaust was. There has been no time in my life that I have been so deeply moved by something in such a short time. The trip was definitely the most poignant one I have ever taken. Even now, I am still thinking of it, and I know that I will continue to for a very long time.

Sincerely,
Yazan

Dear Mr. Rubell,

Thank you for your generosity in providing us with the bus and funds for this trip. It is definitely something I will remember, as it is not often that an organization is so generous. I learned a lot of things on this trip, and it made me on about the Holocaust in relation to some of the racism that surrounds us today. Some people, like Hitler, can make other people forget reason and make them believe that a certain group of people are responsible for all their problems. 11 million people died in the Holocaust, and their deaths should not be forgotten. That is what makes what you are doing so admirable. The Holocaust Remembrance Journeys not only teach people the facts of the Holocaust, but also teaches tolerance toward all religions, races, and ethnicities. This is to ensure nothing like it ever happens again, and if it must, then it teaches us to stand up for the rights of everyone, not just when it affects us.

It was an enlightening experience, and as you gave us this incredible opportunity, it is only right that we thank you properly for it. I am sure that everyone who had the opportunity to go on the trip is as grateful to you as I am, and has been moved by this experience. I have been deeply touched by the trip, and without your kindness, it would not have been possible. Your generosity will be remembered by everyone who went on the trip, and I would like to thank you one last last time, though doesn't seem to be enough.

Sincerely,
Yazan

Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) Stage Hand Technician Program Presents to County Prep Students

A representative from the Youth Transitions to Work (YTTW) Stage Hand Technician Program presented to over 20 students at County Prep High School on Thursday, October 27, 2016.  The scholarship program provides outreach, training, and placements for students interested in becoming a Stage Hand Technician.  The program is a “training to work” initiative to help launch careers in the entertainment industry.  Students were invited to further explore this post-secondary career pathway by participating in a tour of the performing arts facilities.  Overall, it was an invaluable Structured Learning Experience (SLE) for our students.

Junior Achievement of New Jersey's Annual Women's Future Leadership Welcomes County Prep Students

Approximately 20 County Prep students participated in the Junior Achievement of New Jersey's Annual Women's Future Leadership Forum on Friday, November 4, 2016.  The event was held at AT&T's Corporate Headquarters in Bedminster, NJ.  The students enjoyed a working breakfast and luncheon where they were able to network with inspirational female role models from top companies in New Jersey.  It was an invaluable opportunity for students to interact with such accomplished leaders, develop work readiness skills through interactive activities throughout the day, and listen to the trials and tribulations these leaders faced in an effort to achieve their goals.  

County Prep High School Inducts Senior National Honor Society Members

On November 30th, 2016 County Prep High School inducted the following seniors into the National Honor Society:

Sapna Patel, Krishna Patel, Paras Agrawal, Karen Canales, Krishan Patel, Youlendy Calderon, Aysha Imtiaz, Nancy Moina and Princy Patel

Ms. Mendolla and the entire County Prep staff extend their congratulations to these outstanding students for their accomplishments.

County Prep Students Visit NJ Colleges in November

County Prep students visited New Jersey City University on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.  The students met with an admissions representative to discuss the various programs offered at the institution and the overall college application process. The visit included a tour of the campus and ended with a Q&A session.  The students were exposed to the college as a potential post-secondary option.

County Prep students also visited Centenary University on Wednesday, November 16, 2016.  The students met with an admissions representative to discuss the various programs offered at the institution and the overall college application process. The visit included a tour of the residential housing units, library, and classrooms.  The tour concluded with a presentation/luncheon hosted in the conference room.  The students were exposed to the college as a potential post-secondary option.

County Prep Students Visit Bergen County Community College

County Prep students visited Bergen County Community College on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.  The students met with an admissions representative to discuss the various programs offered at the institution and the overall college application process. The visit included a tour of the facilities, medical sciences laboratory, library, tutoring services, and classrooms.  The students were exposed to a two-year college as a potential post-secondary pathway potentially leading to a 4 year degree.