Husky Happenings - November 2008

November 2008

HUSKY HAPPENINGS The Quarterly Newsletter of Dumont High School

Taking Time & Giving Thanks As the autumn draws to a close and we prepare for the holiday season, it is time that to reflect on people and fortunes that give us such great pleasure in life and to offer thanks. For me, I am truly thankful for the dedicated faculty and terrific student body of Dumont High School.

In This Issue page 2

Guidance News

Nearly three months have gone by this school year and I can tell you that each day it has been a pleasure to serve this school and this community as the principal. Each day, I am reminded of how great this teaching staff is, how respectful and goal-oriented our students are, and how lucky I am to have such great support from the parents. For this, I am thankful.

DHS Gains Accreditation Homeroom Meetings Flag Raising/ Veteran’s Salute

As your family prepares for the holidays, please take some time to reflect on how truly great life can be, how much your family means to you, and how much you mean to your family. Take pleasure in the moments you share together, or carve out time in your week or month if you find yourself wanting more moments of significance with your loved ones.

Athletics News page 3

Enjoy your holidays. Be well, be safe, and find time to share.

Cordially, Michael Parent Principal

Need To Knows

Clubs & Student News Boosters & Parent Groups News

page 4

Upcoming Events Honorable Mentions

1

HUSKY HAPPENINGS November 2008

Need To Knows

School Phone Numbers • • • •

Dumont High School Main Office (and to call a student in as “absent”): (201) 387-3000 Guidance Department (direct number): (201) 387-3010 Athletic Department: (direct number): (201) 387-3094 DHS School Nurse: (201) 387-3000, ext. 3605

Report Cards

Girls Soccer The Girls Soccer Team, under first year Head Coach Stacey Del’Re, finished Grade Level Homeroom Meetings have their season with 8 wins, 10 losses and 1 tie. The team qualified for the County been scheduled for the following dates: and State Tournaments this season. • Nov. 17 - Grade 9

Homeroom Meetings • • • • • • •

Nov. 19 - Grade 10 Nov. 20 - Grade 11 Nov. 21 - Grade 12 Feb. 2 - Grade 9 Feb. 3 - Grade 10 Feb. 4 - Grade 11 Feb. 6 - Grade 12

Report cards for the 1st Marking Period All homeroom meetings are at 9:05 am in will be issued on November 26. The the DHS Auditorium. official report card is on blue paper with the school seal watermark imprinted. Contact the Guidance Office at 201-387-3010 should you wish to make an appointment with your child’s guidance counselor. The annual Flag Raising/Veteran’s Salute will be conducted on Wednesday, November 26 at 7:45 am at the flagpole The Guidance Department recently held on Husky Drive. Veterans of the Armed it’s annual 8th Grade Open House. Dr. Forces, firemen, policemen, and Paul Collins, Director of Guidance, emergency service workers are Student Government coordinated the program, which recognized. provided parents with an overview of all leaders, as well as the DHS Band and Color Guard, will participate in the the programs offered at DHS. ceremony. DHS students will begin course selection for the 2009-2010 school year in January.

Flag Raising/ Veteran’s Salute

Guidance News

There will be a 7th Grade Open House on April 2, 2009.

DHS Receives Accreditation

DHS has once again been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. A team of five educators visited DHS on November 12, 13, and 14. The team visited with teachers, students, parents, and administrators, and interviewed members of each group. The team also poured through piles of school documents and our two student achievement objectives. In the end, we were granted Middle States accreditation and found to be a school that is progressive, ambitious, collaborative, and student-focused.

Athletics News Fall Sports

DHS winter season student-athletes will attend a mandatory substance awareness/sportsmanship program on Thursday, December 11 at 7:30 pm in the DHS Auditorium. The guest speaker will be Mr. Pete Cinella. Mr. Cinella is the Woman’s Head Basketball Coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck.

Boys and Girls Cross Country The Girls Cross Country Team, under Coaches Jon Bennett and Tom Montuori, competed in the BCSL American League Championship Meet and the County Championship Meet. The Boys Cross County Team also competed in the BCSL American League Championship Meet and the County Championship Meet. Cheerleading The Cheerleading squads did a terrific job igniting school spirit into the teams and fans this season under the direction of third year Head Coach Alyssa Ruggero and first year Assistant Coach Dana Rivers. Also, the Cheerleaders will be hosting a Cheerleading Competition at DHS on February 14, 2009 at 10:00 am.

Winter Sports

Good luck to all the winter sports teams who are just getting their practices underway. Support the boys and girls basketball teams, indoor track, wrestling, bowling, and hockey teams. Schedules are posted daily outside the Trainer’s Office, and are also available for viewing on the district website www.dumontnj.org under DHS Athletic Department. For The Fall Sports Season wrap up: any further athletic information, contact Mr. Robert Klie, Interim Director of Girls Volleyball Athletics, at (201) 387-3094 or view the The Lady Husky Volleyball Team, under website. second year Head Coach Jamie Kipp, finished their season 14 and 4 in the league and 18 and 7 overall. The team qualified for the County and State Tournaments this season. Boys Soccer The Boys Soccer Team, under first year Head Coach Chuck Hogan, finished their season with a record of 6 wins, 8 losses and 3 ties.

2

Football The Varsity Football Team, under first year Head Coach Andrew Wells, is currently 3 and 5. They will be playing a State Consolation game against Pascack Hills on November 14, and they will finish their season playing against Tenafly on Thanksgiving morning.

HUSKY HAPPENINGS November 2008

Clubs & Student News DHS Youth Theatre

Under the direction of Ms. Tuxill, the DHS Youth Theatre will perform “The Face on the Barroom Floor, or, Glimpsed Through the Saw Dust” on December 4, 5, and 6 at 7:00 PM in the DHS Auditorium. For information about these performances, you may contact: Ms. Tuxill: (201) 387-3000, ext. 6092 or Ms. Mascarelli: (201) 387-3000, ext. 3017.

Marching Band

Congratulations to the DHS Band for performing at the annual Montclair State University Band Festival on October 26. The DHS Marching Band’s annual dinner will be held on December 2 in DHS Cafeteria.

S.O. Night

S.O. Night will be held on January 29, 30, and 31 at 7:00 pm in the DHS Auditorium. Mr. Dan Cooke, Advisor, coordinates the evening, with assistance from Ms. Jolie Kurz and Mrs. Lynn Bonilla.

Dance Team Showcase

Under the direction of Cari Koblitz, Dance Team Advisor, the Dance Team will perform at their Showcase on February 6 and 7:30 pm in the DHS Auditorium.

Unity Club

The Unity Club recently participated in a walk-a-thon for Habitat for Humanity, and they are presently collecting pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Their next project is collecting candy for Project Appalachia.

Teen Freedom

Teen Freedom members participated in the Make-A-Wish Foundation walk-athon. They are presently fundraising for holiday baskets for needy families during Thanksgiving, and they have also started their campaign for “Bear Hugs for the Holidays.” Members are collecting new stuffed animals to be sent to children in area hospitals. Stuff animals will be collected at DHS in Room 224 until December 5.

3

Dumont Captains for Tomorrow’s Children

The DC for TC visited Hackensack Medical Center recently. The fall sports captains visited children who are stricken with various forms of cancer. They spent time with the children, helped pick up their spirits, and brought them a gift. The athletes then wore the name(s) of a child on their uniform for their next competition, and that was followed up by a note and picture to the child. Mr. Marty Caspare is the advisor for DC for TC, and the tradition will be continued with two more visits to HMC (winter and spring).

Boosters & Parent Groups News Athletic Boosters

The Dumont High School Athletic Boosters Association is still accepting membership for the 2008/2009 school year. Parents of all athletes are urged to join and become active members. The money raised by the group helps provide ALL SPORT GROUPS with the opportunity to purchase “extras” for their programs that may not be available through the school budget. In addition, there is an annual Sports Dinner to honor the efforts of Juniors and Seniors that have earned a varsity letter. Your help is a vital part of the success of our organization. Please become a member and consider volunteering a few hours of your time. Volunteers are needed! Specifically for the snack concessions during the winter season at basketball games and wrestling matches. For volunteer information please email Tracy Cullen at [email protected] or call 201-385-8045.

dumontnj.org. Click on Athletics and print out your order form. Information! The next scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, January 6th at 7:15 pm in the DHS Media Center. You can view the meeting schedule for the remainder of the year by logging onto the high school website at dumontnj.org. All meetings begin at 7:15 pm. Thank you! The Dumont Athletic Booster Association would like to thank all of their volunteers. Your time and efforts are always appreciated. Have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Music Boosters

The Music Boosters will meet on the following dates for the 2008-2009 school year: • December 1, 2008 • January 5, 2009 • February 2, 2009 • March 2, 2009 • April 6, 2009 • May 4, 2009 • June 1, 2009 All meeting are scheduled for 8:00 pm in the DHS Media Center. Also, the annual Band Dinner is scheduled for 7:00 pm on December 2 in the DHS Cafeteria. Any further questions, please contact Judy Famulare at (201) 384-2370.

Key Communicators

Key Communicator meetings are scheduled for the following dates for the remainder of the 2008-2009 school year: • December 9 - 7:00 pm, Media Center • February 10 - 7:00 pm, Media Center Save the Date! The DHS Athletic • April 7 - 7:00 pm, Media Center Booster Holiday Dinner will be held on Friday, December 5th. We hope to see you there for a fun evening. For information contact Tracy Cullen at the Project Graduation above email and number. Project Graduation 2009 The parents of the Class of 2009 are Go Huskies! As the holidays quickly continuing to finalize plans for Project approach, the Husky Store is still Graduation–a drug and alcohol-free thriving. These items make wonderful celebration for all members of the gifts for both past and present attendees graduating class – which takes place after of DHS. The parents love them too! graduation on June 22, 2009. It is the last Support the Huskies and show them that chance for the whole class to spend a fun they are the best. Look for new and and event filled evening together before favorite items on the high school website, they head off in different directions.

HUSKY HAPPENINGS November 2008

Don’t let your child miss out on what is meetings for the Fashion Show sure to be a very memorable experience! committee are scheduled for November 20 and January 22 at 7:00 pm in the The total cost of Project Graduation DHS Media Center.  The next meeting 2009 is $250. If you have not sent in any for Project Graduation will be sometime payments yet, it is not too late. You can in February, 2009.  make monthly payments of $50 for the next five months if it is easier for you, or REMINDER:  The first installment you can pay the full amount by March payment of $65.00 was due on 13, 2009. Please call Donna Pleus at November 3rd.  Payments can be made (201) 387-9153 to make payment at anytime during the year, but arrangements, to find out the amount please include the coupon with your you owe, or if you have any other payment.      questions about payments. Please make checks payable to Project Graduation Project Graduation 2011 2009 and send payments to: Project Project Graduation is a fun-filled, drug Graduation 2009, c/o Mrs. Donna Pleus, and alcohol free evening following 561 Prospect Avenue, Dumont, NJ graduation ceremonies for the Class of 07628. If you are making installment 2011. The first meeting will be held on payments, the second payment of Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 pm in $100.00 was due on September 19, 2008 the Media Center. The initial meeting and the last payment of $75.00 is due on will include a set up of officers for the February 27, 2009. If your child wishes organization and a vote on fundraising to attend Project Graduation, but you prospects. We hope you will attend and have a financial hardship that will lend your talents and time to create a prevent your child from attending, please very memorable evening for our call the principal, Mr. Parent, at (201) graduates. Please contact Sandy 387-3000 no later than March 13, 2009 . Kraykowksi at 201-387-9181 or All inquires will be kept confidential. [email protected] with questions about this meeting. Our meetings for the rest of the year are: • Thursday, January 8, 2009 • Wednesday, February 11, 2009 • Monday, March 9, 2009 December 2008 • Thursday, April 9, 2009 • 4-6 Drama Production 7:00 pm • Thursday, May 7, 2009 • 9 Key Communicators 7:00 pm • Thursday, June 11, 2009 • 11 Mandatory Winter Sports • Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Athletic Meeting 7:30 pm • 12 Pep Rally 2:00 pm All meetings are at 7:30 pm in the DHS • 13 Forensics @ DHS 8:00 am Media Center. Please check the Twin • 17 Financial Aid Meeting 7:00 pm Boro News in case it is necessary to • 18 Holiday Concert 7:00 pm change any of these meeting dates. • 18 BOE Workshop and Monthly Meeting 7:00 pm We are committed to making Project • 24-26 SCHOOL CLOSED Graduation 2009 a success. If you have • 29-31 SCHOOL CLOSED any questions or comments, please contact Peaches Fiorelli at (201) 385-2666 or send an e-mail t o : January 2009 [email protected]. Together • 1-2 SCHOOL CLOSED we can make graduation night a safe and • 15 BOE Workshop Meeting 8:00 fun experience for our children. pm 19 SCHOOL CLOSED • Project Graduation 2010 22 BOE Monthly Meeting 8:00 pm • Project Graduation 2010 -  We have had several meetings for Project Graduation • 29-31 S.O. Night, 7:00 pm 2010 as well as for the Fashion Show, which will be the major fundraiser for the February 2009 class. If y ou have not been able to • 6 Dance Showcase 7:30 pm attend any of the meetings, but would 10 Key Communicator Meeting like more information and would like to • 7:00 pm get involved, please call Stephanie  12 Dumont Youth Theatre - London • McClinton at (201) 385-1542 or e-mail Theatre Presentation 7:00 pm [email protected].  The next

• • • • •

Honorable Mentions •

• •

• •

Upcoming Events

4

12 BOE Workshop Meeting 8:00 pm 14 Cheerleading Competition @ DHS 10:00 am 16-17 SCHOOL CLOSED 26 Winter Concert 7:00 pm 26 BOE Monthly Meeting 8:00 pm

• • • •

•

• •

Mr. Jeff Sokolik for his continued successful work on the “Get It Together” Challenge with State Farm Insurance. Mrs. Elise Ferencevych for her fundraising efforts in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Mr. Craig Post on winning a $940.00 grant from the Bergen County Utilities Authority to implement a recycling program at DHS. Ms. Genny DiTrani for her continued great work with new teachers in the Mentoring Program. Mr. Andy Hoffman and Mr. Andrew Wells for spearheading fundraising efforts for one of our students in need and for their work with the Student Council on Spirit Night. Ms. Lori Liskiewiczs for assisting one of our student-athletes as a one-day coach. Mr. Dan Cooke for preparing to publish his first novel. The Student Council and PALS for their efforts to fundraise for a student in need. Mrs. Maria Barnes and the Tomorrow’s Teachers class for donating much-needed materials for a student in need. Mrs. Jamie Kipp, Mr. Tom Montuori, Mr. Curt Banicki, Mr. Andrew Wells, Ms. Megan Moran, Mr. Michael Force, Mr. Scott Wisniewski, Mr. Todd Minimi, and Mr. Mike Weber for their coaching effort this fall season. Mr. Brian Palumbo on the birth of his first child. Mr. Sean O’Beirne, Ms. Elizabeth Tuxill, Ms, Susie Eisen, and Mrs. Tara Lennox for chaperoning a successful HAD Leadership Lock-in on November 15.