Dear Hillcrest Academy North Campus (HAN) Students and Families:
January has been cold, and we appreciate the efforts students have made to brave the weather to make it to school. Our walls are decorated with art projects from Mrs. Picciano's classes. They are also decorated with the latest SEL project with Mrs. Goldenberg. Students made "Snow Globe Goals" where they had to come up with personal and academic goals for the year. They also had to think about a place they want to travel to and their word for the year. Our students got really into this project.
February is the beginning of a new marking period and semester. It also begins the start of the second half of the school year. We will also be going to Jersey Lanes on February 7th to go bowling. Permission slips will be handed out soon. Please return them signed by a parent/guardian as soon as possible.
HAN continues to be a safe space for students.
Keep it up, HAN!
Please feel free to contact our main office with any questions.
Sincerely,
John Marquet
Principal
Nataly Kelly - From Former Student to Teacher: A day in the life of a former student.
Every job has its perks; this one especially! During my time in high school, Hillcrest Academy North was always a place I could call home. Today, it still is. Working at HAN has been such an eye-opening experience as I never thought I would be working to become an educator, nor work at my old school. Although it was challenging, awkward and a bit uncomfortable at first, the staff, including former teachers, welcomed me with open arms just like they had done once before.
As a student, you never realize how much a school does and cares for their students. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, I can confidently say the team at HAN has truly always worked for their student’s education, needs, and comfortability. Being able to form relationships and connect with students at North has been one of the most rewarding parts of the job. During my time at Hillcrest, I always looked at my teachers as an outlet for my stress and issues, especially Mrs. Goldenberg. I am now in a position where I can be that outlet for students and advocate for them as well. Making sure students know they matter and are cared for is one of the most important things to me as they might not get that support elsewhere. Hillcrest Academy North profusely continues to provide that support, and I am glad that I can be a part of such a wonderful team.
"I always used to think school was pointless and how I would never need a diploma to represent myself. I would always skip school and purposely not go to make up excuses to hide from my problems. I was on my last strike and at the worst point in my life. Any other kid at my age would’ve given up and called it quits, but it wasn't until this one day when I had a talk with Mr. Marquet and he set me straight. The next day I woke up and decided to make a change for myself because I acknowledged the path I was heading wasn’t leading me anywhere. I had 2 decisions, stay stuck at this bottomless pit or try to climb out of it. Once I made that change of taking it step by step, climbing out my point of view in school changed drastically. I was always quiet and because of that, it blocked me from asking for help, trying to even learn, or pay attention. I always assumed I was never going to pass just because of me being quiet, I was in a really dark place, and didn't know who to go to or what to do. I was absolutely clueless!. But this is where everything changed.
"I started waking up early, going to my bus stop on time, and when I would get to class, I always tried to do my work before class ended. Even though I didn't have any friends to ask for help, I accepted the challenge I was going to face everyday - going to school regardless of how I would feel. I started working out and started to be more outgoing. Then I made my first friend and got my first 2 compliments on my physique. That was when this beautiful spark in me was created and from there I gained the confidence to be able to depend on myself throughout all the problems that were happening in my life.
"Now I come to school everyday with perfect attendance and I never miss a day! I finish all my work for each and every one of my classes the day that it is due. But mostly, I am not quiet anymore! I now can proudly talk out loud without having any hesitation and I'm always the first to participate when it comes to talking, reading, asking a question, literally anything. I am now a changed man, pursuing whatever obstacle I have to face because thanks to my mindset, I am capable of accomplishing the success I desire." - Justin Montoya
Tom Van Cleef, Supervisor of Curriculum
Victor Solano, Intern/TA
Hillcrest Academy North assists students from the Elizabeth Public School District in reaching their full potential by providing an alternative to the traditional high school setting. We offer smaller class sizes with a rigorous and challenging high school curriculum that is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and prepares students for college and career. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering school environment that fosters lifelong learning, mutual respect, creativity, and the joy of learning, with an effective, caring, innovative staff, in partnership with home and the community.
Mr. John Marquet, Principal
Mr. Thomas Van Cleef, Supervisor of Instruction
Location: 2630 Plainfield Ave, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Phone Number: (908) 233-9366
