School News
High Point School’s “Eagle’s Nest” Newsletter
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Summer Session: Extended School Year (ESY) 2024
No Bullying Allowed!
Every year, High Point proudly observes National Bullying Prevention Month to keep anti-bullying measures top-of-mind, considering the prevalence of this issue in U.S. schools, and to keep our students aware of both the dangers that accompany bullying and the rewards that come from its opposite, kindness. This year, we dedicated October 11 to a full day of fun activities that celebrated teamwork, comradery, problem solving, and laughter. Students also viewed a short film on the subject and engaged in thought-provoking discussions about bullying in class, including why it happens and what to do about it.
We want to extend special congratulations to some standout students who received Character Awards for displaying acts of kindness in our school. Amiya R. (in the Love Yourself sweatshirt) and Angelina M. (in the Nike sweatshirt) are true mentors to their fellow students, consistently demonstrating empathy, patience, and care toward their peers. And Peter A. was recognized for his kindness as well (shown here with his teacher, Mr. Lee, and School Supervisor Ms. Pulido). Young people like this who are willing to go the extra mile are making the world a better place, one step at a time.
Thank you to all the teachers who participated, especially Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Irick, and Mr. Heslin, and to the counselors who put this joyful and reflective day together: Ms. Rivera, Ms. Bautista, and Ms. Tineo. All your hard work is deeply appreciated!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024
Being part of the ongoing fight represented by Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a standing tradition at High Point School. But we don’t just stand up to cancer … we walk! On October 25th, we were honored to be sent off by Councilman Bruce Masopust, who lent a special greeting and his support to our very passionate—and pink!—efforts. We’re also indebted to Mayor Luna of Lodi, New Jersey, and the City Council for recognizing our commitment.
As we walked the streets of our town this year bringing awareness to our community while simultaneously teaching our students peaceful advocacy, our homemade signs garnered lots of attention from passersby and kept our spirits high as we continue to participate in a cause and a conversation that saves lives.
Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
It’s very festive time around here, from September 15 to October 15 each year. That’s because it’s our annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, replete with all its colors, decorations, music, traditions, and food! We capped off the month this year with a special school-wide luncheon featuring items from different Hispanic countries that was enjoyed by all. Thank you, Chef Duym, for your contributions!
Annual Water Status Announcements
Click here for NJDOE notice of “Exemption from Testing of Lead in School Drinking Water.”
Click here for most recent previous report on lead testing in the school’s water.
Fall 2023 Photo Gallery
This semester has been chock-full of events and activities that turn a school into a warm and welcoming place filled with engagement, interaction, socialization, group dynamics, and, of course, fun! There’s been no shortage of that this year, whether our students were participating in our annual Anti-Bullying Campaign or dressing up for Halloween or painting glow-in-the-dark artwork as part of our SEL curriculum. Enjoy our montage of shots, featuring our regular CEO Luncheon, robotics class, and a field trip to the Edison Museum!
Cosmetology Vocational Program
Anyone familiar with HPS’s comprehensive education model knows how much emphasis we place on not just teaching our students academic skills, but on providing vocational training that will better equip them for a variety of future career paths. That’s why were delighted to move our cosmetology training program on-campus this year, piloting it over the summer and then launching it full-scale in the fall, in our newly outfitted space designated exclusively for this purpose.
Students are exposed to a variety of cosmetology areas and aspects—such as hair, makeup, nails, skin care, sanitation, and professional standards—in a series of cumulative classes that build on each other and complement each other. Pictured here are several of our participating students practicing the tools of the trade and refining their hands-on techniques.
Congratulations, HPS Graduates!
What a spectacular event it was for our staff, students, and whole school community to come together at the end of the 2021–2022 school year to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of our tremendous graduates! Our students work so hard and apply themselves so diligently to reach their graduation goals, and we couldn’t be more proud of this year’s graduating class. We’ll be watching and we’ll be behind you as you venture into exciting futures and boundless opportunities!
Visit from the Job Corps
On April 28, 2022, we were treated to an in-person presentation by Holli Honeycheck, Outreach & Admissions Counselor from the Edison Job Corps Center. Meeting in the comfort and small-group environment of our conference room, Ms. Honeycheck presented a slide show to our seniors with the aim of broadening their continuing education choices after high school graduation. The Edison campus offers vocational training in such fields as automotive/machine repair, computer tech, building/construction tech, bricklaying, culinary arts, carpentry, nursing, and more at no cost to eligible students. Driven by the missing of “Training for the Future,” our local Job Corps offers exciting opportunities for students who want to pursue hands-on training that provides industry-recognized credentials in a wide array of professions.
Spring Roundup
Things have been busy around here ever since the spring semester started—and we see no signs of the excitement and festivities slowing down anytime soon! We just wanted to highlight some of the standout events and activities over the past few months that showcase our students’ achievements, our teachers’ dedication, and our staff’s creativity:
- In March, a special luncheon honored a handful of students who have exhibited extraordinary effort to improve their performance in our academic and behavioral program—students like Michael Singleton (pictured below with Ms. Pulido, School Director).
- St. Patrick’s Day is a great excuse to go green, and our staff (pictured below, left to right: Mrs. Tineo, Ms. Rivera, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Hile) was more than happy to model for our students how to dress for the Luck of the Irish!
- We’re always looking for ways to expose our students to different cultures and cultural events around the world, so in observance of Carnavale this year, we engaged in a school-wide mask-making and decorating art project that produced truly eye-catching results (now on display in our reception area). Never one to miss an opportunity for a competition, Mr. Ricks set up a staff vs. students contest and traveled room to room seeking votes. The student side took the win here—congratulations to Rihanna Potts for creating High Point’s most beautiful carnival mask!
- Our school social workers, Miss Bautista and Ms. Rivera, are currently working on a Personal Growth Garden unit with our students, teaching them not only how to be responsible for living, growing things, but how to turn that kind of inner reflection into self-love and self-care as well.
- Our PBI (project-based instruction) marketing unit on sneaker design and production culminated in a Sneaker Decorating Competition that produced a veritable rainbow of one-of-a-kind shoes. Read more about this comprehensive, months-long unit in the Spring 2022 issue of our school newsletter.
- Field trip season has begun! Spring offers both the weather and the opportunity to get our kids out and about—especially when they deserve a reward for a job well done. When it comes to places to eat and play, Dave & Buster’s is a perennial favorite, as evidenced by Daniel (shown below wearing his sneaker competition submission, by the way!).
- Mrs. Tineo continues to find imaginative and innovative ways to inspire our students’ artistic talents, this time with an assignment to produce 3D art of the students’ choosing. We were particularly impressed by 9th grader Diego Nunez’s hand-crafted house, sculpted out of such materials as cardboard, printed textured paper, beans, moss, and sticks.
We Came to Win!
Things were hopping this year during our staff vs. students basketball competition, where, we’re not afraid to admit, everyone came to win—not just play! Our two-day event started with a three-point shoot-out competition in which participants had to take five shots from five different spots. After taking a break to gear up for the next event, our 16 student players returned the next day for three-on-three rounds against our staff members. Despite college-pro-level competition from some of our staff, the students weren’t scared off at all and a shout-out to our female players who more than held their own against the males! We wish we could say our winners, Mr. Wil Irick and Mr. Najee Ricks, were humble about their victory, but do they look humble in the snapshot below? Check out the other photos of Anthony concentrating hard before heading for the hoop; Jalon in midair after his free throw; Dr. Malz looking on as her teammate Miss Bautista went toe-to-toe with Mr. Berretti; and tournament leader Mr. Hile applauding Mr. White as he announced the victors with student Zahkir cheering everyone on. The competition was fierce, but fun was had by all—and our staff particularly enjoyed the chance to bond and team-build (literally!).
On-Staff Pediatrician Joins the High Point Team
Masterpiece in the Making
Each year, as part of its annual Special Education Week celebration, ASAH hosts an art contest for eligible New Jersey students, and we want to honor our extremely talented eighth-grader Sylis L. for his incredible poster that was chosen to be featured on the cover of the 2019 ASAH Annual Conference program. The event is slated for the week of May 12–18, when all attendees will see Sylis’s inspired artwork on display. Not only that, but he received a monetary award of $125 for his creative effort. Way to go, Sylis!
Breakfast of Champions
March 8 started off very well! To both reward students and continue to encourage them to make good choices, all students on Manager and CEO level were treated to a “breakfast of appreciation” by school leaders. Ms. Pulido, our program director, rolled up her sleeves and got things sizzling in the kitchen, along with Ms. Banks and Ms. Tineo. The resulting smells that wafted throughout the school will hopefully inspire our Job Seeker, New Hire, and Associate level students to climb on up that ladder to management status so they can have a seat at the table next time!
A Sweetheart of a Day
Valentine’s Day was a pretty sweet event on campus this year, made particularly special by the chocolate-covered strawberries Chef Johnson and her culinary students prepared, by the other treats distributed throughout the school, and by the props that both staff and students enjoyed amid all the fun and laughter. We devoted the day to “spreading the love” as only High Point can, in our own caring and memorable way.
Senior Lunch
A week after our Dave & Buster’s trip, our graduating seniors again left the premises on Monday, June 18, for a special lunch out—this time, as a more private and serene way to spend some final one-on-one time with their fellow graduates and their teacher, Ms. Patti, and teaching assistant, Mr. E. As a small party celebrating a big victory, the group enjoyed some downtime together as everyone looked forward to what’s to come for our departing seniors. You may be leaving the building later this week, but you’ll never leave our hearts!
Pre-Graduation Fun & Games
On Monday, June 11, High Point’s graduating class was treated to a senior trip to Dave & Buster’s in the Willowbrook Mall. The whole point of the outing was to reward our graduating seniors for their year-long effort and achievement with an all-play, no-work afternoon, which is why we picked a destination known for plentiful amusements and delicious food. The students enjoyed spending several hours playing games, riding rides, and relaxing over lunch. And now we can gear up for the busy weeks ahead!
Our Students Are Basketball Superstars
On March 28, 2018, the High Point Eagles basketball team participated in the NJNCAA conference championship game, coming in second place by just 20 points. Our student athletes played their hearts out this season and learned about the benefits of teamwork, hard practice, and team participation. To earn a spot as a High Point Eagle, students must be on green level or above in our behavioral system, which has proven to be a great incentive for our students. High Point Eagle Antrell Monroe was proudly named the season’s MVP by coaching staff Mr. White and Mr. Thompson.
“Love Is Respect” Initiative
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
February is recognized nationally as the month designated to bring awareness to the issue of teen dating violence. Schools across the country participate in activities that promote education and prevention, creating a dedicated time and a safe place in which to openly discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships, warning signs, and what can be done to reduce the frequency of dating abuse.
According to the CDC, one in four teens will experience dating abuse in the coming year. If we know the signs of dating abuse, then we can recognize it when we, or a friend or family member, experiences it. If we feel comfortable talking about healthy relationships, then we will be empowered to be respectful to our partners and speak out when things are not right. If we know what resources are available, then we can guide a friend or even ourselves to help if and when we need it. Education, awareness, and intervention are key to eliminating dating abuse. At High Point School, we concentrated on all three throughout the month of February.
During the week of February 12–16, High Point students enthusiastically participated in the “Love Is Respect” campaign. The hallways and classrooms were adorned by students with posters and flyers. On February 13, students observed “Wear Orange Day” to support this awareness effort, and other activities during the week centered on the themes of respect, love, and random acts of kindness.
Then, on February 20, students were visited by guest speakers from Bergen County’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence program, who imparted a wealth of information on what defines abuse/violence in a relationship. Students learned how to look for red flags and how to empower themselves to enter healthy relationships. Resources were also provided to students.
You can learn more about this critical problem at:
Acting the Part
A Very Special Guest Speaker Teaches Very Special Skills
On February 7, High Point students welcomed guest speaker Jody Wood, a professional actor who specializes in introducing improvisational skills to students by allowing them to learn and challenge themselves in a comfortable environment. Jody focused on coaching new ways to socialize while assisting our students in improving their listening and communication skills. Students were encouraged to work collaboratively with their peers to build upon one word at a time to create stories. Through one of Jody’s exercises, students were taught skills on how to live in the moment and to listen thoroughly before reacting and responding. Students also worked on strengthening their public speaking abilities by performing in front of their classmates and teachers. This was done in a way to increase the students’ self-efficacy and to help them believe in their ability to respond appropriately in conversations. Jody’s presentation was a vey welcome activity to our students, particularly those who are interested in careers in music, literature and theater.
100 Days of School
An Annual Observation of a Turning Point in the Year
Each year, High Point commemorates the 100th day of school as a way to plant ourselves in the present, so we can look back on what we’ve accomplished so far in the school year, then look forward to what we still want to accomplish, striving after our goals with renewed vigor. As part of the observance on February 15, to symbolize fresh beginnings, our Culinary Arts program supervisor Mr. Torres, along with a few select culinary students, prepared a wholesome and hearty full-course breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, and orange juice. Students were allowed to enjoy the meal in their classrooms, where discussions were held on recognizing healthy support systems in the classroom and at home. Teachers also led discussions throughout the day on the significance of this day and the importance of staying focused as we roll into the remainder of the school year. The next 100 days, here we come!
Spreading the Seasonal Spirit
Making Our Students’ Holidays Just a Little More Special
As our students were prepping for Winter Break dismissal near the end of the month, our school director, Cindy Pulido, had a special treat in store for them: a surprise gift for every boy and girl, generously donated by Ms. Pulido’s sister—wrapped with loving care and given with great kindness and best wishes. Our students were grateful to head home with gift in hand, and we’re grateful for a happy and healthy holiday season for our entire school family!
Bowling for Blue
Hardworking Students Are Rewarded for Their Hard Work
There are many in-school activities that our students enjoy. But they really love traveling off-campus for fun field trips … especially when such outings are the result of their own hard work and dedication. On December 20, students on blue level earned the privilege of heading out to Bowler City in Hackensack, NJ, to burn off some pre-holiday energy and reap the fruits of their labor. Blue is the second-highest behavioral level our students can achieve—only gold level ranks higher—so they had a great time celebrating the effort they put into not only reaching, but maintaining this high level of accomplishment. The staff-escorted group spent two hours at the bowling alley, and a wonderful time was had by all. Not only that, but because of our students’ outstanding behavior outside of the school building on this day, many more field trips are in the works for the rest of the school year!
Banking on Our Community Partners
A Special Financial Literacy Seminar by Valley National Bank
On Friday, October 20, Judith E. Rabinowitz and Robert Grasso (pictured at right), representatives from Valley National Bank’s Sales Management Division in Elmwood Park, treated our students to a presentation on the importance of financial literacy. All of High Point’s juniors and seniors attended the event, as part of their Consumer Math and Financial Literacy course requirement. Ms. Rabinowitz and Mr. Grasso gave students the opportunity to complete a budget plan featuring fixed and variable expenses, then held a follow-up open forum to address student questions and concerns. Thank you, Valley National Bank, for contributing to our students’ general knowledge by enhancing their fiscal responsibility and education!
Honoring Those Who Honor Us
September 2017: High Point’s First “Key Ceremony”
To commemorate the High Point School’s 20th anniversary, we’ve instituted a new tradition we’re very excited about. Each month during 2017–2018, we’ll be recognizing people who are key to our school’s efforts and success during a “key ceremony” that acknowledges their impact and shows our appreciation for their dedication to our students.
Our first ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, to pay tribute to Carol Curtis-Sisterhen and David Cortes (pictured at right), both of Jersey City Public Schools (JCPS) and both of whom have been seminal to our enrollment and our endeavors for many years. To honor our honorees, our student culinary team—led by our culinary instructor Mr. Christopher Torres—created an amazing spread worthy of our guests, including (but not limited to!) tomato mozzarella shooters, a specialty pasta entrée, and assorted cheesecakes topped with homemade strawberry sauce.
Everyone in attendance would like to thank Carol and David from the bottom of our hearts and reiterate how vital you are to the High Point School of Bergen County. Here’s to another 20 years of your valued partnership and friendship.
