HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH NEWSLETTER
January 6, 2025
JANUARY EVENTS
1/9/25 -Junior Parent Night
1/14/25- Challenge Day
1/16/25 -Business Academy Entrance Exam
1/21,22/25- Seal of Biliteracy Test
1/23/25 -Ms. Indian Contest
1/27/25 -Spanish Honor Society Induction Ceremony
1/30/25 -8th Grade Parent Night
đŸ‘‡HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH- KINDNESS TOWN USA đŸ‘‡
KINDNESS IS "IN" FOR 2025
How many of us truly live each day with kindness at the front of our minds? Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Do you stop and take the time to help others?
- Do you tend to use sarcasm or understanding more in your everyday language?
- Do you patiently listen to our coworkers and friends when they need to talk?
- Do you do something for somebody else ‘just because’?
- Are you generous with your time and resources?
- Now be honest, how is your road rage?
Being kind to just one other person can have a massive chain reaction. Sure, kind acts can turn a bad day into a good one, but kindness can also help people make different choices that impact their entire lives. Once someone has received compassion, they are more likely to share it with someone else, and thus, the cycle keeps going. Think about a time someone has gone out of their way to help you out. Doesn’t it make you want to pay it forward and help others?
So go ahead, jump on the kindness bandwagon! You can positively affect yourself, your friends, your community, and, believe it or not, the world. Let's make 2025 the Year of Kindness.
WRITING CENTER EVENTS
SEAL OF BILTERACY
The exam for the NJ Seal of Biliteracy and the Global Seal of Biliteracy for all three schools is scheduled in January, 2025. Students in grade 11 and 12 are invited to register for the exam. The exam will be given in the following languages: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Thai, and Hindi.
Below is a table with the schedule, Google Classroom link, and the link to the Google Form to sign-up for the exam. The registration for the exam will tentatively close on December 13, 2025.
Parent Square
If you aren’t already, all parents are encouraged to sign up on Parent Square, where parents will find important information from their child’s school(s). Guidance will also be utilizing Parent Square to relay important information parents need to be informed about. There is a link to Parent Square on the Toms River Regionals Schools homepage under Helpful Links, you can use this link to go directly to the TRRS homepage https://www.trschools.com/
SCHOLARSHIP WRITING WORKSHOP
Any senior who may need assistance in completing or starting scholarship applications, Mrs. Waldron will be running a workshop to help! ANY senior is welcome to show up on January 23rd periods 6,7, or after school in the media center. Can’t make that date, but still need help? Reach out to Mrs. Waldron in guidance.
SPRING DUAL ENROLLMENT WITH OCC NOW AVAILABLE
Registration for spring semester dual enrollment courses with Ocean County College is now open. For more information about available courses and how to register, please visit the following links:
Dual Enrollment Registration and Tuition information 2025SPE.docx
HSS.OCC Dual Enrollment Courses 2025SPE.docx
JUNIOR PARENT NIGHT
On January 9, 2025 @ 6:00pm, the staff from the Guidance Office will speak to Juniors and their parents in our cafeteria. Topics will include the senior schedule, and the entire college application process. There will be a question and answer session at the end of the presentation.
OCVTS Career Discovery Day
On Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 9am - 1pm, at the Brick location of the Ocean County Vo-Tech School, 350 Chambers Bridge Road Brick, NJ. This is a FREE event for all ages. K-12 & Parents. Come discover your passion with a fun-filled day of hands-on activities and demonstrations. Participate in activities while learning about different careers. For more information visit the Vocational School website at: https://www.ocvts.org/events/cdd2025
FAFSA Support Session - For Parents of Seniors
On Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 2 - 4PM in the High School EAST Media Center, Mr. Eric Ginsberg from Solution Prep in Toms River will present to parents of seniors. Parents will get assistance completing the FAFSA. Parents will need to bring a charged laptop or tablet, parent & student’s 2023 taxes, W-2’s & 1099s and totals of bank accounts and investments. Se habla espanol.
OCVTS Open House
On Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Come tour state-of-the-art buildings, meet program instructors, receive a course overview, & participate in live program demonstrations. To find a program open house location and for more information visit the OCVTS website at: https://www.ocvts.org/events/openhouse2025
Negotiating with Colleges
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 6:30 - 8:30PM in the High School NORTH Auditorium, Mr. Eric Ginsberg from Solution Prep in Toms River, will present to both students and their parents. Learn how the cost of college can be lower, the right places to look and the questions to ask colleges for every possible dollar off, help students make informed decisions about college costs and student loans, plus smart saving strategies! This vital information can save you thousands off the cost of college!
Scholarship Information for Seniors
Looking for financial assistance with your child's college? Click on the link below to check out our scholarship website! Scholarships are being added regularly! Your senior can also visit the Scholarship drawer in the Guidance Department. https://www.trschools.com/hssouth/scholarship-applications
2024 - 2025 Seniors of the Month
Congratulations to those seniors who have been selected as High School South’s Senior of the Month! Click on the link below to see the Seniors of the Month for the 2024 - 2025 school year.
Click on the Guidance News banner above to visit the Guidance Webpage
BISOLA FASAKIN
JANUARY SENIOR OF THE MONTH
J.P. GLUCK
JANUARY SENIOR OF THE MONTH
SHANE SMITH
DECEMBER SENIOR OF THE MONTH
MADELYN RAIMANN
DECEMBER SENIOR OF THE MONTH
Hanna Ludovico November Senior of the Month
Daniel O'Donnell November Senior of the Month
Sophia Citta October Senior of the Month
Jake Henehan October Senior of the Month
Mario McCoy September Senior of the Month
Grace Rhine September Senior of the Month
Federally Funded Free Chinese Learning Program for High School Students
free Chinese learning program for rising 9th grade to college students in Summer 2025.
Students will benefit from engaging lessons, cultural activities, and opportunities to enhance their communication skills in Chinese—all at no cost. Daily lunch is provided, thanks to the federal grant. Please note that there are only have 30 spots available.
To learn more, please visit our website: www.monmouth.edu/startalk or see the flier below.