High Tech’s Rock and Roll: Ethnomusicology Class Embarks on Trip to Exhibitionism

(New York, NY—February 27, 2017) Language Arts Instructor Robert Dillon’s Rock and Roll: Ethnomusicology class explored the interactive show Exhibitionism: the Rolling Stones, held at the West Village’s trendy events venue Industria, as a way to learn the impact of the British Music Invasion of the 1960s, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

“We had a chance to see model replicas of [the Rolling Stones’] stages,” says Daylen Ala, a student in Dillon’s class and a North Bergen resident.  “It was amazing how complicated the architectural designs were for the shows.”

Exhibitionism: the Rolling Stones displayed spectacular, rare, and even exotic memorabilia that focused on the Greatest Rock & Roll Band’s music, of course, but also the Stones’ writing, design, fashion, and cultural influences that began in the early 1960s.

“The Rolling Stones have been around for about 50 years,” says Dillon, “and this exhibit offered an excellent collection that reflected the 60s.”

Dillon’s students viewed diaries, lyrics, musical instruments, and costumes, among other artifacts.

“I was most surprised to learn how much hard work and time these artists spent honing their craft,” adds Autumn Beam, a student in Dillon’s class and a resident of Jersey City.

Along with the musical items, stage designs ran from mock drawings to complete scale-down models. Pop artist Andy Warhol’s controversial album cover for the Stones’ 1971 Sticky Fingers drew curious eyes.   Even a recreated studio, complete with the Stones’ instruments and mixing board, figured prominently in Exhibitionism: the Rolling Stones.

“I really enjoyed the electronic mixing board,” says Nicholas Rosado, also a student and a resident of North Bergen.   “We were able to edit songs and hear how they would sound without a singer, guitar or bass.  Very cool.”

The Rock and Roll: Ethnomusicology course highlights the various themes that comprise the study of Rock and Roll’s history.  Students focus on the writing and literature that reflect the times in which rock and roll bands dominate the cultural scene.

County Prep’s Improvisation Class Performs in the Third Annual Improv Show: County Prep Live

Only two weeks after our very successful run of The Fantasticks, County Prep theatre arts improvisers performed in our third annual improvisation event, County Prep Live.

The show was loosely formatted after NBC’s Saturday Night Live. It was hosted by Matthew Riccardi, with special musical guest Kailyn Segovia and guest appearances by Theatre Arts alumnus Gianni Ortega and Theatre Arts Senior Adam Hassan.

The cast created the characters and the skits in their after school credited class. Together with Ms. Shields, the director, the performers picked some of their best work and put together a two hour laughter-filled event that stood out for its precise comedic timing, current events relevance and sheer fun. The performers in order of appearance were Matthew Riccardi, Quinton Casillas, Kyle Velazquez, Dynajah Smith, Abigail Wright, Alexis Medel, Tyla Gibson, Sirena Morales, Emily Bowen, Yvelisse Vargas, Miriam Martinez, and Humberto Andujar. 

Some of the highlights of the show were the Cold Opening set in the Oval Office, and Celebrity Jeopardy with celebrity impersonations of Tom Cruise, Sofia Vergara, Kylie Jenner and The Walking Dead’s Rick Grimes. Other audience favorites were Friday Update hosted by Matthew Riccardi and Shanqueesha and the Prom Dress Skit, scripted with the help of script writer Karissa Cruz. Finally, the show concluded with a Carpool Karaoke episode with Desiigner, Ariana Grande, Niky Minaj and Liza Minelli celebrity impersonations.

Ms. Shields is extremely proud of her extraordinary creative improvisers as well as the technical crew of the evening; student sound and lighting technicians Alexis Medel, Cindy Ramos and Delana Ramos.

Thank you all performers and crew for such an amazing performance!

County Prep's AV Students Visit the NBA Replay Center

On February 10, 2017 Ms. Pica’s Audio Visual Production class visited the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, NJ. The junior class had the privilege to meet Justin Bykofsky, Senior Coordinator at the Instant Replay Center. Bykofsky explained that at the Replay Center they make strategic game decisions based on the use of HD cameras and fiber-optic transmitters.

Students handled various equipment used for playback of NBA games, including the replay operator stations. Ms. Pica’s class was also able to view memorabilia from past years, including balls dedicated to Dominique Wilkins and George Miran.

Beginning with the 2014-2015 NBA regular season, the NBA launched its new state-of-the-art NBA Replay Center based in Secaucus, NJ. The studio is equipped with a groundbreaking high-speed arena network to enhance the performance and decision-making of NBA referees. The replay center is equipped with 94 HD monitors connected by fiber optic wires from all 29 NBA arenas. 

High Tech Language Department Hosts Valentine’s Day Celebration

(North Bergen, NJ—February 14, 2017) Students from the French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, and German language classes at High Tech collaborated to decorate the resource center for Valentine's Day festivities, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Each language class chose a specific area to set up activities, exhibits, and food stands. Between the empanadas in the Spanish Club corner to the sweet edibles at the Japanese Club's table, a variety of ethical specialties proved plentiful. 

“Everyone enjoyed the charming Valentine’s cards written by Italian students,” says Dr. Laje Gashi, Language Department Liaison and veteran French instructor, adding, “The French Club’s signature crêpes, as always, was a hit.”

Instead of traditional crêpes, however, students crafted pink crêpes in the spirit of Valentine's Day, and became the subject of High Tech students’ snapchat stories.  The French Club also sold brownies and small candy bags, each replete with a romantic French phrase on a handwritten card.

Every language booth attracted students by the throng throughout the day.

County Prep Students Visit Montclair State University

County Prep students visited Montclair State University on Wednesday, January 25, 2017.  The students started with a tour of the expansive campus including the library, classrooms, theater, and numerous state-of-the-art buildings. They also visited the Undergraduate Admissions Office in College Hall where they met with an admissions representative to discuss the various programs offered at the institution and the overall college application process. The visit concluded with a Q&A session.  The students were exposed to the college as a potential post-secondary option.

County Prep Students Shadow Veterinarians at Bayonne Veterinary Medical Center

On Tuesday, February 7, two County Prep students, Madison Pfleging and Cindy Ramos, attended a job shadowing event at Bayonne Veterinary Medical Center.  The students toured the facilities and interacted with the staff members to learn about possible career pathways in veterinary medicine.  They witnessed emergency medical care and three different surgical procedures as part of the Structured Learning Experience.  It was an invaluable opportunity that highlighted the challenges of working in an animal clinic.  Madison and Cindy aspire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. 

A Free Verse Poem from an Explore 2000 Student

Ode to Winter Flounder

By Yazan Baghdady

Flounder
You lie flat
On the seafloor
Waiting with your single eye
On the right side
Of your flattened head
Brown patterns run
Down your flanks
An inquisitive shrimp
Looks at the strange patch
You gulp it down
As you have ended the lives of thousands
Another shrimp is dangling in front of you
It shines with a strange light
You gulp it down
Searing pain down your throat
You are pulled up
You cannot resist
You cannot breathe

An enormous thing grabs you
An enormous thing slits your belly
You convulse
You are still
You are packaged, frozen
Arriving in a cavernous space
You see, hear, smell none of it
The life has left your body
You are sliced into fillets
Put into tiny Styrofoam containers
Labeled "Winter Flounder"
Fried and eaten
Mercilessly by humans
How could a creature of such noble beginnings come to such a lowly end?
Your relatives, from Labrador, Canada to Georgia
So many suffer the same fate
Your life, which could have been to 18 years

Ended so early
Each one of you could make 1.5 million more
But none of your young live
To venture out of the sandy shallows
And join you on the muddy seafloor
If only the humans waited
So you could grow to the full 25 inches, the full 8 pounds
It would be better for everyone
Even the greedy humans

Explore 2000 Middle School Student Visits Egypt

My trip to Egypt

by Yazan Baghdady

          We began our actual trip on Christmas, when we woke up in the Old Cataract hotel,. The hotel is located in Aswan, by the Nile. It has an amazing view of some ancient Egyptian ruins. The first thing we did after breakfast was to visit a Nubian village named Anakato, which we reached by boat. The village, which is built in the Nubian architectural style, with bright walls and domed buildings, is full of merchants peddling their wares, including knives with crocodile-skin sheaths (one of which I bought). Camels walk, trot, canter, and occasionally gallop through the village. We visited a place with crocodiles, named Malka House. We saw the larger crocodiles and held some of the smaller ones. After wandering through the village and buying some things at the souk, or market, we went on a camel ride to the hill for sandboarding, pretty much snowboarding on sand. We then left the village, to go back to the hotel. After lunch/dinner (Arabic countries eat lunch at 4:00 or later), we left on yet another boat to go see the temple at Philae.

          The next day we boarded our cruise from Aswan to Luxor. The ship, named the Minerva, was fairly big, and had a ‘pool’. Note the quotes around the word ‘pool’, as the pool was tiny, with most of the expanse being only a few inches deep and the rectangle that was left being 155 centimeters, though it was not large. Ending the rant about the pool, the other thing we did today was to visit the Philae temple again, this time in the daylight. It was much better, as we could see where we were going and the temple in all its grandeur. Next we visited the High Dam, which prevented the Nile’s flooding, created Lake Nasser (which is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world), and provided energy to most of Egypt. The dam was built in such a manner so that the stone will not break in the event of an earthquake. More than Philae can say, as it was ravaged by several earthquakes. Another interesting fact – all the crocodiles were stuck in Lake Nasser after the construction of the dam, and cannot return to the Nile.

         After returning to the ship, we ate dinner, though we had been warned not to eat the fresh fruit/veggies, swallow the shower water, and to brush our teeth with bottled water. Why? The ship gets its water from a store of water, which is not the cleanest water. The same water is used to wash fruits and vegetables, so many people fall sick on Nile cruises.

         The day after that, we visited Kom Ombo Temple, an old temple that was built during Ptolemaic times. The temple was dedicated to two gods, Sobek and Hathor. Some sections of the temple still have color, which makes them incredible to see. We also visited the crocodile museum, which showed the mummified crocodiles that were offered to Sobek, a crocodile god. Some mummified eggs were shown, and the crocodile skeletons were visible. Once we had left the mummies, we chanced upon a man with cobras. We asked to play with them, and he said yes. I held the record, with one cobra on my head, one in each hand, and one on the ground to play with. We returned to the boat and went to Edfu. It was pretty much a larger version of Philae, though some colors were visible, and it was built during the pharaonic, not Ptolemaic, period. Edfu was the third-largest monument in Egypt – excluding pyramids – the largest being Karnak, which we would visit when we arrived in Luxor the next day.

         In Luxor, the boat moored directly in front of Luxor Temple, so we had a great view of it. We woke up way too early in the morning to visit the Valley of the Kings. The first, and in my opinion most impressive, was that of Rameses VI. The tomb had retained most of its color, and we saw some paintings that were layered directly on the walls, without carving. Some areas of the ceiling were painted like the night sky. The second most memorable tomb was that of King Tutankhamun. It was smaller than I had expected, but his unwrapped body was on display and the paintings were intact. We visited some more tombs, but those were the most memorable, besides one so far underground that it took five minutes to reach the surface.

         We then left the tombs to visit Hatshepsut Temple. It was large and detailed, but mostly destroyed, as Thutmoses III had not wanted his aunt remembered as a ruler. After returning to the cruise for lunch, we went to Karnak. The model on display showed the true scale of the ruined temple. It was enormous, with a columned hall that had over a hundred pillars that ranged from 14-21 meters high, and as thick around as redwoods. We admired Karnak, then returned to the boat and therefore ended our trip.

County Prep's Kyle Velazquez Wins 2nd Place in Musical Theatre Competition at Teacher's College, Columbia University

Mrs. Shields proudly announces that Theatre Arts Junior Kyle Velazquez won Second place in the Upper High School Musical Theatre Category IV, at Columbia University on February 5, 2017. This contest took place as part of the NATS- NYC Student Vocal Auditions at Teacher’s College, Columbia University in New York City.

Kyle sang “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” (Oklahoma), “Metaphor” (The Fantasticks) and “Lost in the Darkness” (Jekyll and Hyde -B’Way) under the direction of our Musical Director Ms. Valerie Gonzalez.

The adjudicators concurred on Kyle’s very expressive voice, good tonal quality and commitment to storytelling. They commended him for his excellent performance, which “kept the audience captivated throughout the various songs” and for his incredible acting throughout.

Kailyn Segovia also competed with the songs “Much More” (the Fantasticks), “Don’t Cry for me Argentina” (Evita) and the pop song “Out Here on my Own”.

High Tech’s Mingyu Zhao Qualifies as a Finalist for the 2017 Competition for a National Merit® Scholarship

(Evanston, IL—February 6, 2017) High Tech High School senior Mingyu Zhao, a resident of Harrison, has met the qualifications as a finalist for the National Merit® Scholarship this year, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

Zhao received a Certificate of Merit from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). NMSC has recognized approximately 15,000 semifinalist who will continue in the competition for National Merit® Scholarships in 2017.

These 15,000 recognized as National Merit Program semifinalists represent the top scorers in each state. 7,500 students will be selected for these Merit Scholarship® awards.  Announcements of results will be forthcoming this spring.

High Tech AP Biology Students Visit Rockefeller University

(New York, NY—February 7, 2017) AP Biology students under the supervision of Dr. Nina Lavlinskaia and Dr. Arun Srivastava visited Rockefeller University, one of the leading research institutions on biomedical sciences, whereby, with the assistance of laboratory guides, these students explored equipment and techniques that modern laboratories employ, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech.

While at Rockefeller University, the AP Biology students gained a grasp of PCR, a polymerase chain reaction, capable of creating millions of copies of DNA in a few hours.  These students also discussed DNA safety with the lab guides, what our DNA reveals about us, too, as well as the ethical issues surrounding DNA for a variety of purposes, such as criminal investigations, cloning, and data storage.

The AP Biology students worked in groups to isolate their own DNA from cheek cells, which they placed in vials inserted into a centrifuge, an integral machine that separates DNA from other cell contents.  Using micropipettes to insert the DNA materials, they placed their vials in a PCR machine to replicate their DNA.  Lastly, the students put their DNA into a Gel Electrophoresis apparatus, another specialized machine that separates and compares fragments of DNA via length.  

After completion of lab work and scrubbing the laboratory clean, AP Biology students enjoyed lunch and discussed biomedical professions and careers.  These students even played games geared for the biomedical field.  Overall, the trip provided an enriching experience for the students, teachers, and lab workers involved.

The Hudson County Schools of Technology Foundation sponsored the trip to Rockefeller University.

County Prep Interact Club Walk-a-thon a Success

On January 27, 2017 the Interact Club organized a walk-a-ton for "the need to bEAT'' organization. Co-President April Kibalo ran the event with the support of the Interact Club advisor Mr. Schwamberger.  The organization helps bring awareness to eating disorders and donates money to Boston Children's Hospital which has an eating disorders program. The club had about four days to raise money by sponsors or donations. Along with the walk, the club also sold bracelets to help spread the word. The day of the walk they had about 36 walkers and raised over $700.

The Interact Club would like to thank everyone who participated and the donors/sponsors.

High Tech Jewish Cultural Club Celebrates “New Year for Trees”

(North Bergen, NJ—January 6, 2017) The High Tech Jewish Cultural Club has planted flowers in honor of Tu BiShvat (the 15^th day of the Jewish month of Shvat), a holiday commonly known as “The New Year for Trees,” announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

On Tu BiShvat, a holiday akin to Arbor Day, Jewish people plant trees and flowers all around the world. The growth of the plants, according to Jewish tradition, represents the emotional development of the planter.  Students, guided by advisor Kerri Ann Murphy, High Tech Language Arts instructor, and Rabbi Reuven Lebovitz, the New Jersey NCSY Director of Education, received flower pots, along with the instruction to compose long-term goals on the sides of their pots of flowers.   

“With time, the flowers will grow and students will hopefully find themselves closer to achieving their goals,” says Laiba Khan, a junior at High Tech who inaugurated the Jewish Cultural Club.

The Jewish Cultural Club, composed of a diverse ethnic group of lower and upperclassmen, also raised enough money, handled by NCSY, to plant at least two trees in Israel in honor of victims of a recent terrorist attack.  At the time of this writing, the trees have already been planted.

On behalf of the High Tech Jewish Cultural Club, may everyone have a happy Tu BiShvat.

County Prep Theater Arts Performs the Musical The Fantasticks

In just its fifth year, the after school Theater Arts credited course has brought a new performance opportunity to County Prep students, who are learning both performance and rehearsal practices, and are encountering first hand all of the aspects of professional theater. This year in particular has been special due to having complete live accompaniment by our special guest renowned pianist Craig Ketter, under the direction of our wonderful Musical Director, Valerie Gonzalez. The show was designed by our professional lighting designer, Mr. Lance Michel and was directed by Ms. Shields. Ms. Singer, assistant director, designed the beautiful costumes.

This year the course focused on rehearsing and performing the musical The Fantasticks, a story about young love that learns to mature and grow. This coming of age journey sparkles along the way with tender moments, fun encounters , dreams and nightmares. Yet, at the end, a lesson is learned, and we are reminded that this journey is  quintessentially a directed spectacle of sorts. The magician is none other than El Gallo, helped by his assistants the Mime, four other deliberately strange ensemble characters, and two hired actors. As the creators of the show put it, “The Fantasticks is a musical about illusions: the illusions of young lovers, the illusions of their parents, the illusions of the old actors. But most of all, it is about the theatrical illusion itself, that tacit agreement between the artists and the audience to create an imaginary world together, to transform a few scraps of torn paper into gently falling snow. “ (Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, Creators, Director’s Guide)

County Prep’s rendition of the musical was quite a success. The response has been overwhelming. There has been lots of buzz around the school of audience members sharing their favorite moments. Some called it “a magical and riveting experience,” others felt “transported to a fantasy place,” and some pointed to being surprised by the quality of the singing and the acting, and the virtuosity of our pianist.

Directed by Ms. Shields, assisted by Ms. Singer, this piece was chosen to showcase our performers this year. Adam Hassan starred in the role of El Gallo, with Kailyn Vazquez as Louisa, and Kyle Velazquez as Matt. The cast also included Senior Alyssa Massa, Juniors Delana Ramos and Cindy Ramos, Sophomores Sirena Morales, Jahn Camac, Melina Quispe and Nathaniel Delva, and Freshmen Dynajah Smith, and Jezirah Ortiz. This production was overall an ensemble piece, where each performer was involved at all times, either on stage in numerous group numbers and scenes, or backstage preparing the set, props, costumes, and program. Special recognition also goes to our follow-spot operator, Katherine Castro, lighting technician Juliana Yeung, sound technician, Frankie Hoffer and stage manager extraordinaire Alexis Medel.

Ms. Shields, Ms.Gonzalez and Ms. Singer are very proud of all of the cast and crew whose work has developed through our premiere rendition of this Broadway classic.

The Fantasticks is presented through arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)

All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com.com

High Tech National Honor Society Holds Its Annual Book Swap

(North Bergen, NJ—January 25, 2017) The High Tech National Honor Society (NHS), moderated by veteran Language Arts teacher and Department Liaison Joan Marie Bellotti, recently sponsored its annual Book Swap, a popular five-hour event, held in the Resource Center of the North Hudson Center of Hudson County Schools of Technology, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.

Students and staff brought gently used books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and Blu-rays to swap.  Everybody had the opportunity for even swaps.

Held twice a year in the winter and spring, the NHS Book Swap proved to be a successful and enjoyable means to recycle used items.  This year, students, faculty, and staff donated about 500 items for swapping.  After all of the items had been swapped, students had the opportunity to partake and own remaining items.

“The Swap is a wonderful resource for recycling and sharing the love of reading with others,” says Mrs. Bellotti.

The National Honor Society wishes to thank everyone for donations to the Book Swap.