Greetings Redwing Families,
I hope everyone had an amazing summer filled with a nice balance of rest and fun. I am so thrilled to have our classrooms and hallways filled with children again. Everyone looked great, and a big shout out to my new group of freshmen. They were a little confused with where to find their classrooms, but by Monday they will have it down pat.
Our fall sports are all opening up this week, and over the weekend. I look forward to catching all the action, and I hope you all can join us for some of these exciting games.
I wanted to introduce so new faces at HHS:
Mr. Kristian Dumicic - Math
Mr. Jens Kopastch - Science
Ms. Claire Malajian - Special Education/History
Ms. Patricia Agamez - World Languages Spanish
Mr. Frank Cagiao - 9th Grade Guidance Counselor
Ms. Brianna Pecora - 10th Grade Guidance Counselor
Ms. Argenis Gutierrez - Teacher Apprentice
Mr. Paul Pesenti - Teacher Apprentice
You will have the opportunity to meet them all at our Back to School Night on Thursday,
September 26, 2024. Mark your calendars.
I wanted to share the reason behind our new cell phone policy, so parents have a clear understanding of where our decision came from. At the start of the summer we discussed using the Yondr phone pouches, which have been recently all over the news. While I loved the idea of students disconnecting from their cell phones, I also did not like the idea of them not being able to access them at all throughout the day. I know as parents I am responsible for your most precious commodity, your child, and in the event of any emergency you must be able to contact them. Also, as the Principal, I am responsible for providing your child with a distraction free learning environment so they can engage with the classroom instruction. I have created a policy that has all students securing their phone in a phone storage case at the front of the classroom. If they use the restroom, they cannot bring their phone with them. When the period ends, they take their phone and proceed to the next class and follow the same process. In the case of an emergency, students have immediate access to their device. They are never more that 25 feel from their phones, which allows the easy access. During lunch, they are permiited to use their devices, but when in class they must check them in. I am confident we will see positive results in student performance due to this policy, which is why I am making this mandatory. Failure to comply will result in a disciplinary referral and a parent coming in for a meeting.
I hope this helps in your understanding behind my decision. I look forward to year filled with great accomplishments for your child and Hoboken High.
Please remember to fill out the lunch form. Whether you are interested in lunch or not, it is imperative that we get a completed form. I am attaching below for your convenience.
Picture day is Monday, September 9, 2024. Students will take their pictures during their regularly scheduled PE class.
All the best,
Ms. Picc
