Dear Hillcrest Academy North Campus (HAN) Students and Families:
I can't believe that we have just a few weeks left of the school year! We, at HAN, are very proud of our students and staff for having such a meaningful and enjoyable year of teaching, learning, and celebrating! As you will read in the Newsletter, HAN continues to grow and strengthen our school community by creating learning opportunities for students that might be considered to be "outside the box."
Students that take US History II attended a field trip opportunity at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial where they were guided by real US veterans who were so informative, transparent, and full of energy. They were able to use what they learned in the classroom and were able to transfer that knowledge to ask pertinent questions, which opened up a great dialogue between the veterans and our students. They left with a deeper understanding of the reasoning behind the war, what took place, and what affects it had on our nation.
Next you will read about how HAN is using the game of "chess" to teach Algebra and Geometry concepts which include; problem solving techniques, logic and reasoning skills, increase patience and persistence, and improve decision making. Students will participate in an organized and structured school wide tournament that has always been a meaningful activity for our students to take part in at the end of the school year.
HAN continues to be a safe space for students where they can thrive academically and socially while individually soaring to new heights!
Keep it up, HAN!
Please feel free to contact our main office with any questions.
Sincerely,
John Marquet
Principal
Vietnam Memorial
CHESS
All Algebra and Geometry classes at Hillcrest Academy North have revolved around an abstract strategic board game that involves no hidden information and no elements of chance, while exercising the same cognitive elements that makes a person stronger in mathematics. Chess! Chess is used to improve problem solving techniques, logic and reasoning skills, increase patience and persistence, and improve decision making skills. Students can practice spacial relativity on a two-dimensional grid, while planning multi-step attacks, simultaneously assessing minimal risk, and building a strong defense.
Many students resisted learning the game believing it was “too difficult”. However, Mrs. Gomes’s lessons related each piece and power to real-life, helping students build courage and become eager to start. Students even created their very own chess pieces and board using the new 3D printer. They are currently watching the game come to life as they practice for the school-wide tournament that is about to start on May 27th with the championship match played during our school picnic. The winner enjoys bragging rights for many years. In classes, everyone can witness students of all levels engaged, working together, teaching others, communicating their strategies and practicing new intimidating moves. As with any game, students continue to grow in self-awareness and discover that they need to mature in self-control, respect, accountability, or other areas that directly benefit their character.
Cinco de Mayo
Taxes in May
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
