JJHS
Community Bulletin
Monthly Community Bulletin December 2023
School Hours: 8:10am to 2:48pm
Main Office Hours: 7:30am to 4:00pm
Main Office Phone: 914-763-7201
Contact JJHS
Please email jjhsattendance@klschools.org to report absences, tardies, early dismissals or call 914-763-7218.
Important Dates at a Glance
December 2023
December 6 - Financial Aid Night (virtual) @ 7 pm
December 14 - Freshman Play @ 7 pm
December 15 - Freshman Play @ 7 pm & 2nd Interim Ends
December 20 - Winter Wonderland
December 21 - Board of Education Meeting
December 23-January 1 - Holiday Recess School is Closed
January 2 - School Resumes
January 6 - Arts Alive Encore Cabaret @ 7 pm in the JJHS Theatre
School Happenings
Please donate to children in need. Toys for Tots boxes are located in the Main Office and the Library. Please bring in a new unwrapped toy.
On Sale Now
Yearbooks are now available for purchase! Prices will increase after December 31, 2023. Please visit www.yearbookordercenter.com or click here and enter the school code 4507.
Break a Leg Freshman Performers!
This year's Freshman Play "12 Incompetent Jurors" written by Ian McWethy is a satire of 12 Angry Men. It pokes fun at the legal system through the deliberations of a jury tasked with deciding the fate of a defendant who is accused of abducting half a dozen cats. Senior Directors Samantha Donnelly, Maddy Galgano, Jack Pryor, and Alec Schwartz are using their many years of theater experience to inspire their thirteen freshman cast members and countless crew members to create a funny, entertaining show!
Performances are Thursday 12/14 at 7pm & Friday 12/15 at 7pm, with a snow date of Saturday 12/16 at 1pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.
American Math Competition
On November 8th, over 60 of our JJHS students participated in the American Math Competition. This competition allows students to assess their analytical and problem solving skills in a variety of topics. The AMC 10 covers topics up to grade 10, such as those covered in algebra 1 and geometry. The AMC 12 includes topics in trigonometry, advanced algebra and advance geometry. Topics in calculus are not assessed.
For more information on this friendly competition, see the link below:
Marketing Students in Action
This week the Marketing students took a field trip to The Westchester Mall. They were hosted by The Westchester Mall Director of Marketing who spoke to the students about how the mall advertises, generates revenue, creates a high-level customer experience, gathers customer data, and offers promotions and events with community partnerships. Students then completed a retail marketing observation project throughout the mall and also attended a photography workshop at the Apple store!
Workshop Wednesday - The Junior & Senior Fall Series
- Ceramic Coasters by Kristen Lowe
- How to Write a Resume and Cover Letter by Katie Torrisi
- How to Find a Job by Jennifer Drapala
- Dark Room Photography by Diane Nerwen
- Plein Air Painting by Amy Stockfield
- Foundations of Investing by Edward Zapson
- Cooking for World Vegan Month by Barbara Spanos
- Storytelling by For Westchester
- Meet with Your SRO by Officer Brett Schlosser
- Foundations of Health Tabling Sessions by Northern Westchester Hospital
We appreciate the commitment from our presents to provide authentic learning experiences for our students. Please see the pictures some of our workshops in action below.
Sign up for our Community and Culture Day at JJHS!
The BEAT met in November to initiate the planning for a Community and Culture Day at JJHS. After careful consideration of various events scheduled for November and December, the team concluded January-February would be a more suitable timeframe for the event. The final decision was to combine the theme of love and friendship with a community-wide celebration in February. This decision allows us to establish this event as an annual celebration of diversity within our community.
We are looking for community members to volunteer for this event. For more information and to sign-up, please click on the flyer above.
If you are interested in joining us for the planning of this event, our next meeting is on December 19th 2:55-3:35 in the JJHS cafeteria. Please use the QR code below to sign up to be a part of the BEAT!
JJ Bridges to Community is Set to Travel to the Dominican Republic
During spring break, students from the Bridges to Community Club travel to the Dominican Republic on a service trip. This is a life changing experience. If you are interested in having your son or daughter join us on the trip, please come to a mandatory parent meeting in the HS library on Wed 12/13 at 6 pm. There will be a zoom link available if you are unable to attend in person. If you have any questions please email Tom Rizzotti at trizzotti@klschools.org
Homecoming Photos
If you missed the Homecoming Photos, please see the information below:
Go to: https://www.petrellaphotography.com/2023/JJ-Homecoming-Dance-2023/
Password: HOCO
For free digital download, click the downward arrow icon to the left of the photos.
We'd like to express our appreciation to Christine Petrella for capturing these memories for our students.
Community Outreach
Upcoming Programming for Parents
PNW BOCES presents Internet Safety for Parents via Zoom on December 13th 7:00-8:30 pm. Click on the flyer below to register. Zoom link will be sent to the email provided.
Parents/Guardians of 9th Graders:
The Counseling Center is scheduling Freshmen Transition meetings during school hours beginning November 27th through the end of December. This meeting, with your child’s counselor, will be to discuss your child’s transition to high school, the high school schedule, graduation requirements, college admissions testing, and what lies ahead in high school.
A few things to note:
· Students are invited to attend this meeting so please ask your child which period (time) is best to avoid missing an academic class.
· Appointments are one period in length and coincide with our nine-period day. The last appointment being 2:08pm (9th period).
· This meeting can take place in person or via Webex. When scheduling your meeting please let us know which you prefer.
To schedule an appointment, please call the Counseling Center at 763-7216.
Parents/Guardians of 11th and 12th Graders:
THERE IS A NEW FAFSA APPLICATION THIS YEAR!
Please join us on Wednesday, December 6th at 7PM via ZOOM for FINANCIAL AID NIGHT. Mr. Dan Robinson, Pace University’s Director of Financial Aid will explain the college financial aid process as well as the changes to the FAFSA application.
Watch for a connect-ed email for the Zoom link to join the meeting as well as some attachments that Dan would like to share. We hope you will be able to join us!
Open House for Juniors Interested in Exploring a Career in the Health Field
The Career and Technology Center at BOCES will be holding a New Visions Health open house at Northwell Northern Westchester Hospital on Wednesday, January 24th from 5pm to 7pm. Attached please find the flyer which lists the program requirements and prerequisites. Students and parents are invited to attend. This year, the deadline for applications to New Visions Health will be March 31st.
If you have any questions about this program, please reach out to your child's counselor.
Please RSVP to DLividini@pnwboces.org or (914) 248-2450.
Available through the JJHS Library website
Best Buddies Food Drive
Best Buddies collected 370 lbs. of food and Will Ferreira delivered it to the Community Center of Northern Westchester. We are assured that our donation will help many of our neighbors in need.
National Honor Society
The students of the National Honor Society offer free peer tutoring to their classmates in non-AP classes. If you feel that your child could benefit from a student tutor, please speak with your child and have them fill out this form.
Class of 2024
Scholarship Applications Open December 15th
The online Senior Recognition Program Application and the online Senior Varsity Athlete Recognition Program Application will open on December 15th. Links to the online applications and specific instructions regarding applying for the scholarships will be sent to all students and their families shortly. The deadline for all online applications is January 19, 2024.
Senior Year Things to Do
Senior Portraits and Pose Deadline
Lifetouch photographers will be at John Jay High School for one last time in December. If you have not had a senior picture taken, you must take one during the sitting in December. If you have not received information on how to schedule a senior portrait, please email Miss Muschio (nmuschio@klschools.org) ASAP.
Once you have received your digital proofs, you will need to select one pose that you want placed in the senior section of the yearbook. If you are having difficulties accessing your proofs, please email either Ms. Binns (lbinns@klschools.org) or Miss Muschio (nmuschio@klschools.org). Feel free to also stop by the front desk in the Main Office and select your pose with Ms. Binns.
The deadline to lock in your senior portrait pose is Sunday, December 31. Please be mindful of yearbook deadlines as well as upcoming senior deadlines.
Purchasing 2024 Yearbooks
Yearbooks are now available for purchase! Prices will increase after December 31, 2023. Please visit www.yearbookordercenter.com or click here and enter the school code 4507.
Senior Flashback (Then and Now) Photos
We are now collecting senior student throwback photos from elementary and middle school. To upload flashback photos, please click here or visit www.hjeshare.com and enter job number 4507. Please be sure to include names of students in the description box so that we know who the students are when placing the photos in the yearbook. The deadline for submitting these photos is February 1.
Baby Photos
This is a last call for senior baby photos. In order to proceed with the creation of the book in a timely fashion, the Yearbook Club needs the photos ASAP. Baby photos must be uploaded via eShare. To upload, please visit www.hjeshare.com or click here or download the HJ eShare App--you must enter school code 4507. Please be sure to upload only one baby photo. All photos must be approved by administration so please choose wisely before submitting.
Senior Ads
Friends and Family Ads are now available for purchase through the Yearbook Order Center. If you are interested in purchasing an ad, please visit www.yearbookordercenter.com or click here and enter job number 4507. You will see your options on ad size selections, and you will have the ability to create your own personalized ad. Please understand that space is limited. It is highly advised that ads are purchased between the months of August and November in order to guarantee an ad for your child. Due to yearbook deadlines, limited space, and inconvenience, prices on ads will be raised significantly after February 1, 2024.
Senior Quotes
A separate email has been sent to students regarding senior quotes. This email was sent through the school email system this week. Any student who did not submit a quote by the November 1 deadline has until November 30 to complete the form.
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Binns or Miss Muschio.
Reminders and Requirements
This is a reminder that medication orders for emergency includes students who carry emergency medication in their backpacks. Please submit the updated forms as soon as possible (attached below).
It is a New York State REQUIREMENT for 9th and 11th graders to submit updated physicals with immunization records attached. Send them to the health office , they were due OCTOBER 15TH (physicals must be dated after 9/6/2022). The school physician will be conducting physicals the first week of November for any students who have not submitted this requirement.
Winter Sports - Sign-ups have begun for Winter Sports on Final Forms. Physicals must be dated after November 1, 2022. Please choose only one sport. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD.
Raising food allergy awareness and offering the option of non-food trinkets and toys in a separate bowl makes Halloween safer and more inclusive for all trick-or-treaters. For more information on on FARE's Teal Project click here.
Any questions, contact Cyndi Mallon, RN NCSN cmallon@klschools.org or Kerby Anne Cabrey, RN kcabrey@klschools.org by email, phone 914-763-7205, or fax 914-763-6572.
Keep Kids Moving All Winter
A message from Cohen's Children Medical Center:
For most of us, as the temperature drops so does our activity level. But keeping active year-round is essential for everyone (not just kids) in maintaining a healthy weight, preventing the risk of chronic diseases, improving cardiovascular health, and building strong muscles and bones.
What’s more, among children and adolescents, increased physical activity has been shown to help improve attention, memory, executive functioning, processing speed, and cognition – all of which boost academic performance – and reduce the risk of depression.
How much do we need?
https://northwellhealth.org/2O2C-1FGSK-876JLS-YUDVN-1/c.aspx
What counts?
https://northwellhealth.org/2O2C-1FGSK-876JLS-YUXLC-1/c.aspx
Some ideas to keep kids active this winter.
https://northwellhealth.org/2O2C-1FGSK-876JLS-YUDVO-1/c.aspx
JJHS PTO is a group of parent volunteers who raise money and provide services and activities to benefit the students and staff of JJHS. The JJHS PTO is proud to foster a sense of community among both high school students and parents.
STAY INFORMED
The PTO is one of the most important sources of information about everything going on at JJHS. To make sure you stay in the know, sign up on our webpage
(https://jjhspto.membershiptoolkit.com) or use the QR code to the right and enter your contact information on the DIRECTORY tab. The PTO does not receive this info from the school district. This will be your link to the JJHS PTO!
SUPPORT US
By supporting the PTO, you will become an integral part of the larger high school community.
There are many ways you can be involved! Email us at johnjayhspto@gmail.com to find out more.
PTO Sponsored Events that need your support!
Homecoming Dance - *NEW*
Winter Ball - *NEW*
Turkey Trot
Winter Wonderland
Welcome Back Breakfast for teachers and staff
Movie Nights
Teacher Appreciation Week
Senior Week/Seminar Day (Pancake Breakfast & BBQ)
Senior Scholarships
Class Level Support
Jay Fest
We look forward to working with you and seeing you at some of our special events!
Contact us with any questions at johnjayhspto@gmail.com and follow us on our JJJHS PTO Facebook Page!
JJHS PTO Board
Lisa Valdes, Paul Kuszynski, Amy Buatte, Mavis Wright, Teryn Kendall, Lynette McHugh
Encore Is Back!!!
KLSD ArtsAlive is thrilled to announce the return of our popular Broadway-style cabaret show, Encore, on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
Now in its 10th year, Encore is a unique event where current JJHS students and alumni share the JJHS stage together, creating an evening of Broadway magic. Award-winning composer and lyricist Andre Catrini (JJHS class of 2007) will return as this year's musical director.
Encore features JJHS students and alumni (whether part of the theater program or not) performing solos or duets, no matter if they have performed the role previously or not. For some, this is their first time performing on the JJHS stage, while others are stage veterans currently starring in high school or professional productions, studying the art in college, etc.
Any JJHS Student can audition, and we hope you'll consider joining us for this one-of-a-kind experience. To sign up and receive your audition packet, please visit the Board in the performing arts wing. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, November 22nd. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this spectacular night!
Learn more about this unique experience, follow these links!
https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cm4ttf2AhiO/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
KLSD ArtsAlive is the arts booster club for the KLSD! We have promoted arts in education programming in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District since 1997 and has been a district-wide arts booster club for all KLSD schools since 2018. We believe that promoting the arts in our schools unifies our entire community. By supporting arts-related events and programming, we give everyone the opportunity to celebrate our talented students and teachers.
Through fundraising efforts (and thanks to your support), KLSD ArtsAlive has been able to contribute funds in recent years to the the Art Gallery, Pottery Wheels, the Sound Booth, Bandshells, and participate in Arts in Education programming for Student Workshops and Field Trips at John Jay High School.
To find out more about us and see how you can become involved, please check out our website: https://klsdartsalive.org/
The John Jay Booster Club could use your help, please check out johnjayboosters.org to learn more about our mission and what we do.
Keep an eye out for our merchandise store coming soon and for information about the return of the Harlem Wizards to the KL School District.
And thank you to all our volunteers during the fall season.
Click on the link above for more information.
Extra Help
Tuesday - Art, Social Studies, World Language
Wednesday - Business/Tech, English, Music, Science
Thursday - Health, Math, PE
Helpful Links
Technology Help Desk
Prior Community Bulletins
Steven Siciliano
Principal
ssiciliano@klschools.org
Samir Biswas
Assistant Principal
sbiswas@klschools.org
Mallory McDonald
Assistant Principal
mmcdonald@klschools.org
Kim Piccolino
Assistant Principal
kpiccolino@klschools.org
Marisa Merlino
Director of Guidance
mmerlino@klschools.org
Christian McCarthy
Director of Health, Athletics, Physical Education and Wellness
cmccarthy@klschools.org