OCHS Principal’s Report

December, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to the following new members of the National Honor Society. The Induction Ceremony for new members was held December 15th. Vocalist Nicolette Naticchione and musician Patrick Birk performed beautifully during the ceremony. Brittany Ang, OCHS Class of 2007 was the guest speaker. The inductees exhibit the required qualities of scholarship, leadership, character and service. The new inductees are:

Briana Armand Bailey Blumenstock Mary Brelsford Shaun Brewer* Sarah Childs Benjamin Colbert Ashley Conrad Ryan Daly* Christopher DeMichele* Shannon Donlevie* Gabrielle DuBruille Robert Evans*

Linda Galardi David Gilhooley Emily Haas* Beau Hall Maddison Halliday Carolyn Hoke* Emily Johnson Kathryn Johnson Natalie Landi Lauren Loggi Max Matthews Emily Meachon

Jessica Mruz Christine Mullan Kelly O’Connor Christopher Olandt* Ryan Pearce* Nathan Roberts Dale Roeck Mariel Salkeld Jason Shirk Samantha Sullivan Laura Taylor Vincent Terry

Kieran Tracey Ivan Traczuk Allison Whitford Anthony Wilent Melanie Wilezol Kelly Williamson* Jordan Zboray Samantha Zelinski Shayna Zoller

*Became members in Spring 2010

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNERS Several of our students were local finalists in the annual Veteran’s of Foreign Wars “VFW” Voice of Democracy Essay & Speech Contest. The following students were recognized at a VFW dinner on December 6th, 2011 at the Belleplain VFW Post: Angel Severino (Junior) Jordan Zboray (Junior) Paige Broadley (Sophomore) Alexandra Coste (Sophomore) The students also received special commendation from the New Jersey State Legislature as presented by Senator Jeff Van Drew and Assemblyman Nelson Albano.

A special congratulations to Angel Severino who finished 3rd, Alexandra Coste, who finished 2nd, and to Paige Broadley who finished 1st in the region. Paige Broadley will now represent the region as a state finalist in New Brunswick next month.

The Voice of Democracy Program is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories. Students drafted their essay based on the 2011-2012 theme: "Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?" Students then recorded their reading of the draft to a CD. The recording was no shorter than 3 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes (plus or minus 5 seconds). http://www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/

The OCHS Drama Guild presented a FABULOUS show: “You Can’t Take It With You!” There were two performances free for our own students during the day on November 16. Many teachers brought their classes to support the show. Then, there were four public performances that were well attended and well enjoyed by all. Our students took an old comedy and sent a clear message through it’s funny lines: love is much more important than money! If you missed the show, you missed an evening of incredible talent and many laughs! We will miss the 24 seniors who completed their last play and we wish them luck with the spring musical.

Congratulations to Mr. MacIntyre 11th grade classes. They have topped the $600 mark in donations to the Secret Santa Claus. Mr. Gahr’s classes have pitched in with over $200 and the OCHS PE Department has added $300 to the fund. Each dept. has a designated person who is collecting. Kudos and thanks to the Secret Santa Committee: Nicole McMaster, Mary Campo, Heather Kelly, Kate Bell, Helene Kelly, and Lorraine Baldwin. They have identified over 100 student s who will receive the benefits of your generosity. The high school was selected for a 2011 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant in the amount of $500. This money will be used toward a science or math program or project at the high school. Thanks you to the Exxon Station at 9th & Bay Avenue.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES AND VISITORS Mr. Bill Pesda talked to Mr. Bristol and Mrs. Daniel’s honors world history classes about Egypt. As part of a unit on Middle Eastern current events honors world history students had studied maps and collected news articles. Mr. Pesda showed photographs of his visit and gave his thoughts on Egypt right before the revolution broke out. Mr. Joel Dougan talked to Mr. Bristol and Mrs. Daniel’s honors world history classes about his experiences in Iraq. He shared photographs about his experiences and talked about cultural experiences. 9th Grade World History Mr. Bristol and Mrs. Daniel’ classes participated in an international card exchange.

They sent photographs

and homemade

cards to schools in

Taiwan, England and

South Carolina, USA.

Miss Norton’s TIES (computer) classes worked together in groups and created Children Activity Books using the skills they have learned in Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft PowerPoint. Students created word search puzzles, crossword puzzles, mazes, connect the dots, coloring pages, word scrambles and matching. They designed their own activity book covers and assembled them in their groups. All children activity books were donated to Gilda’s Club South Jersey Noogieland.

CLUB ACTIVITIES

On Friday, December 2nd the Student Environmental Association - SEA took 2 hours after school to help with a Dune Stabilization Experiment. The USDA in cooperation with NRCS, Rutgers, the OC Environmental Commission and SEA planted Prunus

Maritima (Beach Plums) on our 4th Street dune system. At maturity the species will reach heights of 4 to 7 feet and cover up to 20 feet of horizontal sand. The group planted 50 beach plums that were divided into two groups. 25 control plantings were established using a normal sand/soil mix. The other 25 experimental shrubs were planted with a new Rutgers root polymer that wards off desiccation. As most people know dunes are an arid and nutrient poor ecosystem that greatly restricts vegetative habitation, thus validating the need for this great

research. The species will be monitored and data collected to determine the best methodology for establishing dune plants. Beach Plums besides offering secondary dune stabilization produce an amazing edible fruit.

The OCHS Science Club held its annual Liquid Nitrogen Show- Meeting in late November. Dr. Herrmann along with numerous science club volunteers performed exciting demonstration with crogenics. The highlight of the program was tasting the Science Club's famous Ntromallows and making space age ice cream which was ready to eat in 10 seconds after the addition of liquid nitrogen to the secret science club ice cream recipe! The next meeting will feature rides on the OCHS hovercrafts! The Class of 2014 will have a class ring assembly on Wednesday, January 11th during 2nd period. Jeff Johnson from Josten’s will do a presentation and order forms will be given out at that time. Orders will be taken January 18th through the 20th during all lunches. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with Mr. Johnson or view sample rings at Parent Night on

Wednesday, January 18th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the high school. If there are any questions please email Wendy McNally at wmcnally@ocean.city.k12.nj.us . Sophomores are selling Class of 2014 long-sleeve t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. The red t-shirts are $15 and black sweatshirts are $25. Please see Mrs. McNally in room C209 if interested in purchasing one. History Club students participated in our annual mummy making contest before Halloween. We made and sent cards to all the veterans in the high school in November. The international dinner was a great success with History Club providing information

and desserts from

Germany.

On December 19th, the OCHS Gilda’s Club met with Beth Wray (Teem Program Manager for Gilda’s Club South Jersey) and their

advisors, Mrs. Oves and Miss Norton, and discussed the upcoming holidays and how it

affects them. Students shared how they cope with stress and suggested ways for their classmates to try to handle the everyday, and especially, the stresses that occur around the holidays. Students continue to sell OC Raider car magnets ($5) to raise money to be donated to Gilda’s Club South Jersey. So far our OCHS Gilda’s Club members have raised $260. If you are interested in purchasing an OC Raider Car Magnet, contact Miss Norton at 399-1290 (ext. 1399). The SADD Club trekked on down to the Intermediate School December 13th for a fun and educational day with Ms. Mallas and Mrs. Johnson’s 4th grade classes. SADD Club president, Lindsay Vetter and vice president Jason Shirk, spoke to the young students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and the importance of making the right decisions in life. New members, Laura McKinley and Emma Leeds created an interactive PowerPoint to present to the two classes. After the presentation, SADD members worked one-on-one with the younger students creating crafts for the holidays. The following members participated with advisor, Mrs. Cathcart: Lindsay Vetter, Jason Shirk, Lauren Freas, Kristin Flukey,

Roison Dougherty, Shayna Zoller, Emily Johnson, Abby Lyons, Caroline Bowman, Laura McKinley, Emma Leeds, and Kelsey Lovette. The Student Coalition Against Tobacco went caroling to the home of Gail Williams as part

of SCAT’s appreciation to the Williams Family for establishing the Tom Williams Memorial Scholarship. SCAT carolers including Leah Canderan singing “O Holy Night”, Ann

Unsworth, President Victoria Scully, Jacque Fenton, Maria Winte, and Mia Tompkins. The Williams family hosted the SCAT carolers, Mr. Gahr, SCAT Advisor, and

many family and friends of the Williams family. Mrs. Cindy Scully and Victoria Scully hosted the annual SCAT Holiday

Party at their home.

Interact students spear-headed a worth-while and heart-warming initiative for members of our armed services from New Jersey by participating in Governor Chris Christie’s “Season of Service.” The New Jersey Department of Education in conjunction with The New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs have paired to brighten the holidays for service men and women, who, through the Governor’s request, will receive letters from “home” as a reminder of the love and appreciation felt towards them for their bravery and sacrifices. Allysa Mullins, freshman at Ocean City High School and proud Interact member, shared some thoughts related to her involvement in this project and its beneficiaries, “I am so thankful for everything they do for us. I couldn’t imagine being in their position and away from home. I would be scared, but I know a letter from home would bring a smile to my face.” That was exactly the intention. The letters from home are meant to comfort and support our heroes when they need it most: during the holiday season away from family and friends. Interact Club proudly submitted 128 cards in the name of Ocean City High School students. “Season of Service” was inspired by 8-year old Aidan McManus, a NJ hero who has been devoting his time and hard-earned money to feed the homeless and those in need.

National Honor Society conducted their first Clothing Drive! Students were encouraged to bring used clothing in good condition to their 12th period class. Clothing was donated to the Covenant House, Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City and the Rescue Mission. Over 3500 items were collected. 3rd place with 343 items – Mrs. Cunningham; 2nd place with 411 items – Mr. Matusz and the winning class with 496 items was Mrs. Williscroft. The winning class will receive a pizza party! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to all who made holiday cards for Mighty Max Low. We were able to send 962 amazing, beautiful and touching cards from the district! They should arrive today just in time for Christmas. This heart-warming tale has been somewhat marred by recent reports on the Make-A-Wish Foundation website claiming that Max is a fraud. While a version of tech-whisper-down-the-lane did inadvertently include the Make-A-Wish foundation as a sponsor, it does not have any affiliation with Max who has made this request on his own. The post office where these cards were sent and the post master verified that Max is a sick, dying child who is fortunately still with the community and whose family gets loads of mail each day. She was grateful for our donation. Here is his facebook page. If you're interested, you can follow his story: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mighty-Max-Low/204668826217942#!/pages/Mighty-Max-Low/204668826217942

OCHS Students of the Month Ciara Boyle, Andrew Wiggins, Amanda Leonetti, Gianna Norwood and Louis Buyse

Ciara, Andrew, Amanda, Gianna and Louis were selected as November’s “Students of the Month” for their outstanding character and respect for other students. Ciara Boyle, a junior member of our Interact Club organized and ran the “Samaritan’s Purse” holiday gift drive this year. Through her leadership, the Interact Club donated 91 boxes filled with gifts for children in need. Please read this article from the Press of Atlantic City to find more about Ciara’s efforts with the Interact Club and the Samaritan’s Purse: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/upper_capemay/ochs-junior-leads-effort-to-fill-samaritan-s-purse-with/article_0e0e1713-333b-58d9-8b9f-2b176c3fb18c.html Andrew, Amanda, Gianna and Louis were all noticed as stand out students by their teachers. Andrew Wiggins, in addition to being a stand out student in class who has a love for learning, is an active member in National Honor Society. As a leader in NHS, Andrew runs society meetings, helped organize the HERO walk team, and started a clothing drive among many other activities. Her optimism and work ethic earned Amanda Leonetti her place as a Student of the Month. She is observed helping her fellow classmates, participates regularly in class, and always remains upbeat. Respectful, responsible and mature were words used to

describe Gianna Norwood. She stood out to her teachers for her positive attitude in class and for being both solicitous and diligent with her academics. Finally this month we have Louis Buyse. Louis was challenged by a teacher to push himself harder with academics so he could begin to realize his full potential. He is finding much success in this class, and is an active participant who is excited about learning. Congratulations to our November Students of the Month! Ocean City is proud to have you here! Ciara Boyle Grade: 11 OCHS Sports Played: Field Hockey (9th & 10th)& Softball OCHS Clubs/Activities: Interact Club Hobbies/Interests: Reading, softball & travelling Career Aspirations: Cultural Anthropologist Favorite Subject: World Cultures Favorite Book: A Thousand Splendid Suns Favorite Movie: Life is Beautiful Favorite Quote: “Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” -Maovi Proverb Andrew Wiggins Grade: 12 OCHS Clubs/Activities: Vocal Ensemble, Marching Band, Bell Choir,

Jazz Band, National Honor Society Hobbies/Interests: Playing & writing music, audio engineering Career Aspirations: I plan to study mathematics and music

technology and find fulfilling employment in either field Favorite Subject: Math and music Favorite Book: Freakonomics Favorite Movie: Inception & School of Rock Favorite Quote: “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” -Isaac Newton Amanda Leonetti Grade: 10 OCHS Clubs/Activities: History Club, Key Club, Student Council,

Choir, Women’s Chorus, Drama Guild, & FCA Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, spending time with friends, Girl

Scouts Career Aspirations: Pursue a career in history or foreign language Favorite Subject: History Favorite Book: To Kill a Mocking Bird Favorite Movie: A League of Their Own

Favorite Quote: “Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate? - Monty Python Gianna Norwood Grade: 10 OCHS Clubs/Activities: FCA, Key Club, Photography Club, Mock Trial Hobbies/Interests: Reading books, watching old movies, writing, &

drawing Career Aspirations: Teacher, weather forecaster, actress, lawyer or

model Favorite Subject: Algebra, English & Spanish Favorite Movie: The Devil Wears Prada Favorite Quote: “I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think,

all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.” - John Burroughs

Louis Buyse Grade: 10 OCHS Sports Played: Basketball OCHS Clubs/Activities: Homework Club Hobbies/Interests: Skateboarding Career Aspirations: Cooking Favorite Subject: English Favorite Book: Hatchet Favorite Movie: Fast Times at Ridgemont High Favorite Quote: “If ya ain't first, you're last.”

STUDENT OF THE MONTH Each student was chosen to be Student of the Month because of exemplary behavior

character and performance. We appreciate the support of each of the community organizations. There is a critical connection between a successful public high school and a strong relationship with its community.

Megan Young was the Rotary Club Student of the Month. Mia Tomkins was the Exchange Club Student of the Month.