ochs principal’s newsletter september,...

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OCHS Principal’s Newsletter September, 2012 WELCOME BACK! The Class of 2016 was introduced to the high school at Freshmen Orientation on August 28 th . Dr. Jamison, Mr. Campo, Dr. Lentz, and Ms. Palmer spoke to the Class of 2016 and their parents. The event was attended by over 750 parents. School opened September 6 th . Bob Gannon and his crew did an amazing job getting the school ready for students and staff. All fall sports teams have begun their season. Welcome to new staff members: Susan Palmer, High School Assistant Principal, attended The College of New Jersey and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and continued her education at Seton Hall University where she received her Master of Arts in Education Leadership, Management and Policy. Ms. Palmer is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Seton Hall University and will earn her degree in K-12 Administration. Ms. Palmer began teaching in the Ocean City High School mathematics department and has served as the Interim Assistant Principal for the past two years. Her goals include supporting and extending the school - local community relationship, promoting networking and shared ideas among students, staff, and community members, and increasing the opportunity for all students to experience the whole educational process, including academic, social, and personal developmental success. As an Ocean City graduate, Ms. Palmer is happy to continue to be a part of our school’s community and is excited for the start of a new school year.

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Page 1: OCHS Principal’s Newsletter September, 2012images.pcmac.org/SiSFiles/Schools/NJ/OceanCity/OceanCityHigh... · OCHS Principal’s Newsletter . September, 2012 . WELCOME BACK! The

OCHS Principal’s Newsletter September, 2012

WELCOME BACK!

The Class of 2016 was introduced to the high school at Freshmen Orientation on August 28th. Dr. Jamison, Mr. Campo, Dr. Lentz, and Ms. Palmer spoke to the Class of 2016 and their parents. The event was attended by over 750 parents.

School opened September 6th. Bob Gannon and his crew did an amazing job getting the school ready for students and staff. All fall sports teams have begun their season.

Welcome to new staff members:

Susan Palmer, High School Assistant Principal, attended The College of New Jersey and

graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and continued her education at Seton Hall University where she received her Master of Arts in Education Leadership, Management and Policy. Ms. Palmer is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Seton Hall University and will earn her degree in K-12 Administration. Ms. Palmer began teaching in the Ocean City High School mathematics department and has served as the Interim Assistant Principal for the past two years. Her goals include supporting and extending the school - local community relationship, promoting networking and shared ideas among students, staff, and community members, and increasing the opportunity for all students to experience the whole

educational process, including academic, social, and personal developmental success. As an Ocean City graduate, Ms. Palmer is happy to continue to be a part of our school’s community and is excited for the start of a new school year.

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Christopher Banks, High School Guidance Counselor, is a graduate of York College of

Pennsylvania with a BS in Business Administration and a graduate of Wilmington University with M.Eds in both Elementary Education and School Counseling. Mr. Banks has worked in the guidance departments at Absegami High School and Eastern High School. Mr. Banks started his professional career as a middle school math teacher in Delaware. Mr. Banks has also enjoyed playing or coaching baseball for over 25 years. Mr. Banks is looking forward to joining the Ocean City School District’s family and settling in at OCHS!

Amy DePasquale, High School Teacher of English, attended North Carolina State University and graduated as Valedictorian with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. While at NC State, she was a member of the Wolfpack gymnastics team. Ms. DePasquale’s hobbies include writing and coaching track. Ms. Depasquale looks forward to being a part of the Ocean City High School family. Alyssa Preis, High School Health and Physical Education Teacher, graduated from Towson

University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management and continued her education at Rowan University where she received her teaching certification in Health, Physical Education, and Driver's Education. Ms. Preis taught at Shawnee High School, where she also coached cheerleading. Ms. Preis is a student of dance and is competitor in numerous styles of dance and is excited to start a dance program at OCHS.

Alisha Rittenhouse, High School Teacher of English, earned her bachelor’s degree in English and religion from Rutgers University and earned her master’s degree from Rutgers in secondary English education. Ms. Rittenhouse has taught at Hunter Central Regional High School and Franklin High School. In addition, she is teaching for the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) at Johns Hopkins University. When Ms. Rittenhouse is not in the classroom, she loves the great outdoors, traveling to new places, and

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giving back to the community by working in food shelters and running charity races with friends. She is excited to work with the dynamic staff and students at Ocean City High School this year!

Melissa Standish, High School Teacher of English, graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Secondary Education. During her time at TCNJ, Ms. Standish was an active member of the campus theatre group, mainly working behind the scenes. Her hobbies include reading, sewing, and traveling with her family. Ms. Standish looks forward to joining the Ocean City School District family, and can’t wait to work with the staff and students at Ocean City High School.

Congratulations to senior, Dale Roeck. Dale is a Scholarship recipient in the 2012-2013 National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP). Students recognized by the NHRP are at least one-quarter Hispanic-Latino and have achieved a minimum PSAT score for their region. Students with GPAs of 3.5 or high are designated as Scholars.

AP PROGRAM ROBUST AT OCEAN CITY HIGH SCHOOL Sixty students at Ocean City High School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) Exams.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.8 million high school students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award.

Students took AP Exams in May 2012 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on student’s performance on AP exams. Matthew Caulfield and Sarah Ford qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Nineteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are: Keeley Barrett, Hannah Breed, Matthew Caulfield, Benjamin Colbert, Sean Creedon, Ryan Daley, Sarah Ford, Joseph Graham, Max Matthews, Kelly

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O’Connor, Christopher Olandt, Victoria Scully, Ian Stewart, Mia Tomkins, Alexandra Trout, Ann Unsworth, Andrew Wiggins, Maria Winte and Megan Young.

Thirteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are: Patrick Birk, Caitlyn Brice, Elizabeth Davis, David Gilhooley, Rachel Heist, John Kernan, Delanie Libro, Daniel Murray, Nicolette Naticchione, Kirsten Raab, Mariel Salkeld, Garrett Terwilliger and Kiernan Tracey.

Twenty-eight students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams, with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are: Kathryn Beatty, Bailey Blumenstock, Sarah Childs, Elizabeth Cruz, Joseph Delvescio, Timothy DeRosa, Megan Devlin, Sarah Dondero-Skeels, Roisin Dougherty, Samantha Edgell, Ryan Gill, Joy Griffith, Carolyn Hoke, Emily Johnson, Erik Johnson, Andrew Kimball, Shannon Lawson, Lauren Loggi, Kathryn Marshall, Jaime McClennen, Grace McDermott, Carling Mott, Christine Mullan, Ryan Pearce, Kylie Raab, Nathan Roberts, Jason Shirk, Katelyn Washart.

Of this year’s award recipients at Ocean City High School fourteen were juniors when they took the AP exams. These students have another year in which to complete college-level work and possibly earn another AP Scholar Award.

Through more than 30 different college-level courses and exams, AP provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement and stand out in the college admissions process. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. More than 3,800 colleges and universities annually receive AP grades. Most four-year colleges in the United States provide credit and/or placement for qualifying grades. Research consistently shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams (based on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest) typically experience greater academic success in college and higher graduation rates than students who do not participate in AP. The College Board is a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,700 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college readiness, college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®); Springboard® and ACCUPLACER®. The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities and concerns.

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COMMENDED STUDENTS IN THE 2013 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Ocean City High School announced that David Gilhooley and Kelly O’Connor have been named Commended Students in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, was presented by Dr. Matthew Jamison, OCHS Principal, to these scholastically talented seniors. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2013 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). “Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in our county. We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success.”

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES AND VISITORS Grade Level Assemblies were held the first day of school with each class. At these assemblies, the administration was able to greet students and explain and review the school’s rules and regulations. Back to School Night was postponed from the scheduled date of September 18th to Monday, September, 24th due to weather. Parents followed their students’ schedule to visit each teacher and classroom. Many parents shared how pleased they are with the classroom offerings, the teachers and the efforts by guidance to help make their youngsters’ transitions smooth ones. Constitution Day at OCHS is a day of celebration. This year on September 17 and 18th United

States History I classes all marked the occasion with guest speakers who gave out individual copies of the US constitution. US I classes were visited by administrators or police officers: Dr. Taylor, Mr. Campo, Ms. Palmer, Mr. Boyle and Officers Wilson and Reichanek took part. Each guest

talked about the relevance of the constitution today both inside and outside of the school building.

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OCHS School Store will now encompass the Life Skills coffee shop! The LS students will be happy to provide you with your hot coffee, tea and other beverages before or during the first class of each day. In addition, OCHS School Store (managed by the Life Skills class) will be open before, during the first class of each day and during community lunch. Help support our program and the school store! With The Week Of Respect taking place the week of October 1-7th, Miss Norton’s TIES computer students used their Microsoft PowerPoint or Microsoft Word skills to create Positive/Motivational posters to be displayed throughout the halls of Ocean City High School. Students used their Internet Explorer researching skills to locate a quote that motivated them. They decided on the fonts they would use, the background and text colors they felt would be appealing, the appropriate pictures to be included and used their formatting skills to design the ultimate motivational poster! Freshmen Honors World History classes began the year by choosing part of their heritage to

celebrate with their new classmates. They chose framed Irish

Blessings, Italian pasta

makers, Russian

candlesticks, German

model cars, Chinese card tables, and many more artifacts. They researched the items and told family stories about the objects being brought to the USA or purchased as souvenirs or return trips.

It is not often that you meet a person who has lived through and can remember most of your history textbook. For several USII students that is what happened when they met Colonel R.J. “Rocky” Gannon. Rocky told so many stories of growing up in Upper Township and then Ocean City in the 1930s. He attended OCHS until he signed up to serve during WWII. When fellow students were going to the prom, he was off to basic training. As his peers graduated high school he was flying in WWII. He flew a plane before he could drive a car.

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He also served in Korea, Vietnam and even flew to the Belgian Congo in his 37 years in U.S. Air force. Since those days Rocky and his wife have travelled extensively and now he devotes much time to talking to students about his life. He emphasizes the importance of education and of using the opportunities that students have today.

Rocky is a relative of our own much respected and beloved Bob Gannon, who is also a Vietnam Veteran.

GUIDANCE NEWS The Ocean City High School Guidance Department has created a Facebook page to communicate to our students and their families. Please go to the link below and "like" us. You will then receive notifications when they are posted. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-City-High-School-Guidance-

Department/153408048062689

CLUB ACTIVITIES KEY CLUB started off the service year with a FREE Carwash on Friday, August 24th. Officers Jordan Zboray, Bailey Blumenstock, Sam Sullivan, Sarah Childs, Brooke Blumenstock and Maham Ahmad planned, advertised, and orchestrated this successful day! We'd also like to thank general members Sarah Skeels and Jordan Sedotti for coming by to help out! The carwash raised over $250, which Key Club will fund our events for the 2012-13 school year, including OC's Got Talent in February. We're looking forward to a successful year doing what we can to help our community, school, and the world!

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OCHS BAND NEWS: This summer two of our music students traveled to Europe with

American Music Abroad Tours, Andrew Giordano and Marlyn Logue. When asked to make a comment about the trip Andrew said: “The trip this summer to Europe was a once in a lifetime event, I made so many new friends and my skill as a musician increased. My favorite place would have to be in Westendorf, Austria the scenery was spectacular and the mountains were breath taking. But, my favorite concert that we preformed would have to be when we were in Italy, under the stars in a half- shell stage outside. We had a great turn out and we sounded amazing. My only regret is not taking

more pictures. But I will never forget how much fun I had.” Cip’s Walking Red Raiders participated in The ALS Walk to Defeat ALS on September 22 on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Captains Mike & Barbara Cipriano, and Tom Gahr helped raise over $2,000 for the ALS Philadelphia Chapter serving South Jersey. Overall the Ocean City Walk raised over $300, 000 with over 1,500 walkers. Faculty members participating included Barbara Daniel, Peggy DeFelice, Mary Maguire, and a special mention of Kelly Cunningham and six of her Key Club members.

On Saturday, September 22nd, members of the Ocean City High School's Key Club participated in the Walk to Defeat ALS on the boardwalk. Jordan Zboray, Bailey Blumenstock, Sammy Sullivan, Brooke Blumenstock, and Julianne Baker walked two miles with club advisor Mrs. Cunningham. Everyone walked with "Cip's Red Raiders," a team organized by Tom Gahr in memory of OCHS's former principal Mike Cipriano. It was a beautiful day filled with energy, enthusiasm, and

smiles; the Key Club was happy to help take the steps for a cure in the fight against ALS!

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French and Spanish Club members went to the boardwalk for their annual mini golf outing on September 25th.

Thank you very much to everyone who contributed to our assembling and donating 300 individual toiletry kits ("First Night Kits") to The Atlantic City Rescue Mission. We reached our goal! The Leadership Club will be collecting brand new, sample sized toiletry items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and soap), along with toothbrushes and washcloths, again this school year. Please bring them to the collection boxes in the OCHS Library and Room G103. The Rescue Mission also needs bath towels, new or used. . Leadership Club meets at 2:30 p.m. in room G103 (across from the cafeteria) every Wednesday. Please join us!

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Jack Handshaw, Press Secretary

During the month of September, the Ocean City High School’s Student Council participated in three events, one of which they hosted. All of the events were successful, each in their own way. The first was the Red and White Alumni Weekend Parade on Saturday, September 15th. The Student Council had received a generous donation of a float from the Exchange Club and had

many students ride and show their spirit. The second event, Club Carnival, was hosted by Student Council on Thursday, September 20th. The event took place in the cafeteria after school and gave students the opportunity to join numerous clubs and to get involved in school. Over twenty clubs and four hundred students attended the event, making it one of the most successful carnivals in the recent years. The most recent event was Back-to-School Night. It was hosted on Monday, September 24th, and the Student Council served as guides

around the

school to the

parents that could not find their son or daughter’s next class. Everything ran smoothly and was successful. In October, the Student Council will be hosting four events, Spirit Week, Hallway Decorating, the Pep Rally, and the Homecoming Dance. Also, the NJASC will be having its fall meeting and the Student Council Officers will attend.

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Ocean City Cheerleaders and the Raider Bird Mascot at the start the Ocean City Half Marathon and 5K race! Ocean City Band Members David Greenwood, Nate Holloway, Dante Monteleone, and Tom Zigner perform as Full Metal Jacket at the Ocean City Longport Bridge Fishing Pier for the Ocean City Half Marathon on September 30, 2012.

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Please join us at the

Ocean City High School Leadership Club 7th Annual Scholarship Dinner

Dining Around the World

A sumptuous buffet of international foods prepared by local chefs

Date: Thursday, November 1, 2012

Time: 5-7 pm

Adults: $25.00 per Person

Children 10 and under: $10.00

Children 3 & under: Free

Ocean City High School Cafeteria

5th Street Door

For more information contact:

Mrs. Maguire (609)399-1290 EXT 1372

[email protected]

Mrs. Vicari-Fulton (609)399-1290 EXT 4222

[email protected]

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR 2011 SCHOLARSHIP DINNER! Over

$5,000.00 for scholarships was raised to be awarded to OCHS students in the graduating class of 2012.