The Redwing Quarterly

Greetings Redwing Family!

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of the first marking period, but here we are. As you read through our newsletter, please take notice of what your child is doing in their classes. Whether in AP, Honors, or CP, our curriculum continues to challenge students. When out of the classroom, there is a host of activities for students to get involved in. Whether athletics or clubs, students have the opportunity to expand their horizons through our co-curricular offerings.

The end of the first marking period is an ideal time to reflect. As you review your child's report card, take note of what is going well, and areas that need focus. Utilize our tutoring labs during school and before/after school. The guidance team will be reaching out to families to set up academic meetings for the week of December 2nd. If you do not recieve a call and wish to have a meeting, feel free to reach out to them.

It is very important that your child attends school regularly, and on time. Chronic absenteeism is a leading cause in academic struggles. Be sure that your child is eating well, and getting enough sleep.

Mr. Ponce and Mr. Williams have been sending letters and meetings are taking place to ensure that all families are aware of their child's attendance.

I hope everyone has a very happy and healthy thankgsiving!

All the best,

Ms. Picc

In Physical Education classes this fall, students have been fully immersed in activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and skill-building. Starting with Fitness Testing, they completed the "Fitnessgram," which included pushups, sit-ups, and the pacer test to help set personal fitness goals and track their progress.

The Fall Sport Unit offered a variety of options like football, soccer, tennis, fitness walking, volleyball, basketball, spikeball, and even corn hole, making it possible to keep all students engaged—even in large class sizes!

Outdoors through October and into November, students took full advantage of the field and the track, gaining not only physical benefits like improved strength, endurance, and agility but also mental benefits, such as reduced stress and increased focus. These diverse activities give young people a strong foundation for lifelong fitness and wellness, all while enjoying the fresh air and camaraderie of outdoor exercise.

In World History, students are exploring early global connections, focusing on how trade fostered the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices across continents. They are studying the Age of Exploration, when European explorers set out on voyages that expanded geographical knowledge and opened up new trade routes. This era led to European colonialism, as European powers established colonies, impacting indigenous populations and leading to significant shifts in global power and cultural interactions. Through these topics, students gain insight into how early global interactions shaped the modern world.

In US History I, students are actively engaging with the American Colonial Period through a variety of dynamic learning activities. By writing analytical reflections, they deepen their understanding of how the colonies formed unique identities influenced by early sectionalism and the diversity across New England, Middle, and Southern regions. Group work allows them to collaborate on projects, comparing how different areas developed socially, economically, and culturally. Through quizzes, they reinforce their knowledge of key events and figures, while class discussions examine the complex and often challenging relationships between European settlers and indigenous peoples. These activities encourage critical thinking and help students connect early American history to larger themes of identity and conflict.

In AP World History, students have built a strong academic community through team-building exercises that foster collaboration. They’ve delved into major historical events across Afro-Eurasia, analyzing how these events impacted societies over time. Alongside practicing multiple-choice strategies with historical stimulus materials, students have also honed their argumentative writing by examining how states wielded power differently and responded to the rise of wealth within their societies.

In AP Government and Politics, students have similarly strengthened their learning community through team-building activities. They’ve worked on multiple-choice strategies using government-related stimuli, explored the connections between key foundational documents—like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence—and modern landmark court cases, and have studied the roles and interactions of the legislative and executive branches of American government. Through this, they are building a robust understanding of the American government’s foundational and functional principles.

In their art classes, students are deeply immersed in projects that explore fundamental techniques and encourage creative growth. Through studies on the elements of art, they’ve been experimenting with value and atmospheric perspective by using monochromatic washes, which allows them to see how light and shadow create depth and mood in their pieces.

In Art Portfolio 1, students are honing their skills with colored pencils, focusing on blending and layering to achieve vibrant, cohesive images with rich texture and tone.

Meanwhile, in Art Portfolio 2, students are working on intricate mash-up drawings, combining diverse ideas around a central theme to produce highly detailed, imaginative artwork. This creative exploration not only builds technical art skills but also stimulates intellectual growth—students learn to solve problems, think critically, and see new perspectives, all of which contribute to a deeper understanding of the world around them.

In English I, students have been immersing themselves in a variety of American short stories, including “Alert but Not Alarmed,” “Quilt of a Country,” and “American History.” Through these narratives, students explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and national unity, gaining insight into the complex fabric of American life. Additionally, students are honing their writing skills by crafting narrative essays, focusing on storytelling techniques and personal expression. Currently, they are diving into Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which provides a powerful perspective on life within a Native American reservation and the challenges of navigating cultural divides.

In English II, students are delving into Gothic literature through classic and eerie stories like “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “House Taken Over,” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Each story offers a unique glimpse into the dark and mysterious aspects of human nature, prompting students to analyze themes of fear, psychological suspense, and the supernatural. Alongside these readings, students are strengthening their written communication through narrative essays, learning to express their ideas and develop their voices in compelling ways.

In English III, students are focused on refining their narrative writing skills to enhance clarity, structure, and expressiveness in their essays. In addition to writing, they are reading a selection of nonfiction essays and short stories. This literature serves as a foundation for examining tone, diction, rhetoric, and theme, as students analyze how language shapes meaning and evokes emotion. This analytical work encourages students to think critically about the author’s choices and their impact on readers.

In ELA 12, students are engaging in a diverse curriculum that builds both writing and analytical skills. They are working on a writing unit aimed at strengthening their personal narratives by applying advanced writing techniques. Earlier in the course, students completed a detailed research project on Anglo-Saxon history and literature, which they presented to their peers, helping them build context for upcoming texts. They are also participating in independent novel reading, allowing for choice and self-directed learning. In addition, students are conducting close readings of Edgar Allan Poe’s works, with a particular focus on analyzing mood, tone, and point of view. To improve vocabulary skills, students are using Vocabulary.com for practice and enrichment. The class is currently reading Beowulf, analyzing themes of bravery and the hero trope, which connects to the Anglo-Saxon literary tradition they studied earlier.

In Animation 1, students in Period 3 have been creating comic strips throughout the first marking period. They began by writing a story paradigm with a clear beginning, middle, and end, which they shared with classmates. After selecting their final stories, they used MovieMagic Screenwriter’s comic book template to draft a 3-5 page script for their comic strip. They then used FrameForge 3D Studio to create a pre-visualization (pre-viz) of each panel, downloading it as a movie and importing it into Toon Boom for finer control as they finalized their comic panels.

In Video in the Connected World 1, students in Periods 4, 8, and 9 prepared entries for the Speech and Theater Association of New Jersey (STANJ) communication contest. They crafted screenplays without any dialogue or written text, including titles. Students mapped out angles and shots for each scene, then used FrameForge 3D Studio to storyboard and align visuals with their scripts.

In Video in the Connected World 2, students in Periods 2 and 7 participated in a contest sponsored by the Third Circuit Court, which focused on defining aspects of American democracy. After developing story paradigms and presenting them to the class, students formed teams, chose their story, and wrote a 5-7 page screenplay, followed by a shooting script and storyboarding. They were allotted 5-7 days to produce the best pre-production package and shoot the scenes. Currently, students are editing their footage and will vote on the most professional edit to finalize their project.

Aviation 2 provides students with an in-depth exploration of flight mechanics, focusing on vectors and the pressure dynamics essential for successful flight. Students are delving into the inner workings of aircraft, analyzing the forces and principles that enable flight. Through hands-on activities and practical theory, they gain an enriched understanding of the complexities of aerodynamics.

The Robotics Club has had a strong start to their competitive season, with a high-performing robot that has surpassed last year’s results. With three more matches to go, the team is continuously refining their robot’s design and functionality to maximize performance in each competition. The students are enthusiastic about the improvements and look forward to showcasing their hard work in upcoming events.

In Principles of Biomedical Science, students have taken on the role of forensic investigators as they dive into the mysterious case of Anna Garcia’s death. From the start, they have analyzed evidence collected at the crime scene, including blood, hair, and fingerprints, applying real-world forensic techniques to solve the puzzle. Recently, students performed DNA analysis through gel electrophoresis, studying blood samples to uncover critical details in the case. They’ve also gained hands-on experience using micropipettes, a key tool in biomedical labs, as they learn the precision required for scientific investigation. This engaging case study has immersed students in the fundamentals of biomedical science while building their analytical and lab skills.

Students in Chemistry courses have been diving into engaging and thought-provoking topics, each tailored to their level of study. In Chemistry CP, students started the year mastering the basics of matter and its classification. They explored the mathematical relationships of matter, gained hands-on experience with tools used in the field, and modeled atomic structures by arranging subatomic particles. Currently, they are delving into electron configurations and orbital diagrams, laying the groundwork for understanding how and why atoms interact.

In Pre-AP Chemistry, students have taken a deep dive into the interplay between matter and energy. Through models and calculations, they explored particle interactions and energy transfer using calorimetry, connecting these concepts to real-world scenarios in farming and biology. Currently, they’re investigating gases with exciting labs, such as imploding cans and eggs being sucked into bottles, which highlight the impact of temperature changes on gases. They’ve modeled particle behavior using the Kinetic Molecular Theory, verified their predictions through real-world observations, and conducted calculations on properties like gas pressure, volume, and the role of energy in phase transitions.

AP Chemistry students began the year with a focus on atomic structure and the foundational theories of matter. They progressed to applying atomic-level concepts to macroscopic properties, using electronegativity to predict types of bonding. Their studies culminated in exploring intermolecular forces, understanding the properties of solids, liquids, and gases, and analyzing how matter transforms. Through molecular geometry and gas law calculations, they’ve honed their ability to predict particle behavior and connect these predictions to observable phenomena.

Across all levels, students have been actively modeling, experimenting, and applying their learning to the real world, building a robust understanding of chemical principles.

In Life Skills and Vocational class, students have been exploring a wide range of post-high school career pathways, including college, vocational training, and on-the-job learning opportunities. To enrich their experiences and develop practical skills, the class has participated in several hands-on activities. During a Hoboken Halloween Scavenger Hunt, students brainstormed Halloween decoration ideas and ventured into town to find them, enjoying a festive and interactive outing. They also celebrated Diwali, immersing themselves in Indian culture by learning traditional dances, exploring Bollywood, painting diyas, and enjoying a meal from Karma Kafe.

Additionally, the class has been involved in real-life vocational projects like producing dog treats for their RedWing Barkery business, where they created and delivered October-themed biscuits. This entrepreneurial activity taught students about product creation, customer service, and business management. To make the most of the warm fall, students made a refreshing fruit salad, discussing their favorite fruits, comparing prices during a shopping trip to Shop Rite, and preparing the salad themselves. These activities have provided students with valuable life skills, from budgeting and cooking to cultural appreciation and business practice.

The Teen Action TASK Force is a dedicated group of high school students committed to supporting their peers by promoting healthy lifestyles, managing stress, and fostering a positive school climate. The Teen Action TASK Force's mission is to engage and empower teens to advocate for their school community, raising awareness and educating their peers on vital social and emotional issues. Throughout the school year, TASK Force members will meet regularly with their classmates to discuss community concerns, develop their leadership skills, and provide encouragement and support to others.

PTO Presentation with Partners in Prevention for Middle and High School Parents
"Is Your Teen Struggling with Anxiety or Stress?"

Parents attended a one-hour educational workshop that included open discussions, resources, and practical giveaways to help support their teens. The event offered parents valuable insights into the challenges of teen anxiety and stress, equipping them with tools to assist their children.

District-Wide Red Ribbon Week Celebration

During the third week of October, students from kindergarten through 12th grade celebrated Red Ribbon Week. This district-wide event encouraged students to embrace a healthy lifestyle and make wise choices. Each school held a "Lighting of the Promise Tree" ceremony, where students and staff symbolized their commitment to living drug-free lives.

The Teen Action Task Force actively participated by distributing red ribbons to students and staff, inviting them to write personal promises to stay drug-free. Alternatively, individuals could light a candle in honor of a loved one affected by addiction or lost to it.

Halloween “Scary Facts” and Ice Cream Incentive
On Halloween, the Teen Action Task Force provided students with impactful “scary facts” about drugs. Peers who learned and recited the “Real Scoop on Drugs” received a scoop of ice cream as a reward, reinforcing the message that “Life is Sweeter Drug-Free.”

Vaping Awareness Resource Table
In collaboration with Partners in Prevention, the Teen Action Task Force hosted a resource table on the dangers of vaping. The table featured informational materials and giveaways, each adorned with positive, informative messages to raise awareness and educate students about the risks of vaping.

This year, the school guidance department has been actively supporting students with new staff, engaging events, and valuable resources. Two new counselors have joined the team: Mr. Cagiao, a Nationally Certified Counselor with four years of experience at Wallace, is working with 9th graders, and Ms. Pecora, a Licensed Associate Mental Health Counselor with expertise in LGBTQ+ support and three years of experience as an elementary and middle school counselor, is supporting 10th graders. The department has hosted several events, including the College & Career Fair, which featured over 45 institutions, FAFSA Night with guidance on financial aid applications, and Guidance Night, which covered high school planning, college timelines, and extracurricular opportunities.

Students have also participated in college visits to institutions like Quinnipiac, the University of New Haven, Montclair State (National Hispanic College Fair), and Kean University (HBCU Fair). Pre-college programs such as the ACES Pre-College Program, Stevens Society of Women Engineers, and NJIT Pre-College Program have been promoted to encourage academic exploration. Additionally, seniors have access to workshops on SAT prep, college applications, and exploring post-secondary options. The guidance department continues to provide comprehensive support to help students achieve success.

RUTGERS

The Student Center recently facilitated a college visit to Rutgers University-New Brunswick, where 35 of our Juniors and Seniors explored various academic programs and learned about the university’s application process. The tour was hosted by Rutgers University’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program, providing students with valuable insights into higher education opportunities.

NJCAN

In collaboration with the HHS Transition Program, the Student Center continues to provide life skills training opportunities and direct assistance to students, supporting their personal and academic growth.

Our Youth Development Specialist, Mr. Walker, has been actively supporting students in building workforce skills and preparing for life after high school. Utilizing the New Jersey Career Assistance Navigator (NJCAN) program, Mr. Walker helps students identify their interests, explore post-secondary options, and develop individualized career plans aligned with their goals.

Recently, Mr. Walker shared his own second career as a Hoboken Firefighter with the students, providing valuable insight into this noble profession. He also brought information to Ms. Sivo's Life Skills class, ensuring students have access to resources that can inspire and inform their future career paths.

Power of Words

Our Mental Health Clinician, Ms. Escalante, has been offering one-on-one support to students, equipping them with resources to navigate challenges effectively. Additionally, Ms. Escalante has facilitated discussions on positive mental health and coping strategies for the broader student population. She recently hosted an event titled "The Power of Words," where students crafted personal affirmations and reflected on their positive impact on daily life.

Student Center Hosts Family & Friendsgiving Luncheon

The Student Center recently hosted a Family & Friendsgiving Luncheon with the students of Hoboken High School. This heartwarming event brought together students, families, and staff to celebrate thankfulness and community.

In addition to sharing a meal together, the Student Center provided cooked meals for several families within the Hoboken High School community, ensuring that the spirit of giving extended beyond the luncheon. The event was made even more special by the participation and support of our administration, staff, and students, who worked together to make it a resounding success.

A special thank-you goes to the Hoboken Police Department for their generous donation of turkeys, which were cooked and enjoyed by everyone during the celebration.

This event exemplified the values of gratitude and togetherness that define our school community.

Student Center Collaborates on Teaching Healthy Relationships and the Nurtured Heart Approach

The Student Center has partnered with some of Ms. Bevacqua’s Health Classes to teach the principles of Healthy Relationships and the Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA). These lessons emphasize essential skills such as open communication, mutual respect, trust, boundary-setting, honesty, active listening, conflict resolution, empathy, compromise, and the ability to express needs and feelings effectively.

The Nurtured Heart Approach, developed by therapist Howard Glasser in 1992, focuses on improving self-regulation through behavior modification. This approach is widely used by families, educators, healthcare professionals, and others to foster positive interactions and build healthy, meaningful relationships.

By integrating these concepts into the classes, the Student Center is helping students develop tools that support personal growth and encourage lasting, positive connections with others.

Students in Algebra 1 are building on their foundational skills, transitioning from solving various types of algebraic equations to graphing linear equations. They are learning to use slope and other information from equations to create and interpret graphs. In PLTW-Computer Science, students are delving into programming concepts through block programming, focusing on loops and conditional statements. As the semester progresses, they will apply these skills by designing their own apps, integrating the knowledge gained from their projects. Meanwhile, in Statistics, students are deepening their understanding of data by analyzing real-world examples, such as median home prices, and making inferences. They are also learning to utilize tools like graphing calculators and computer statistical software to summarize and interpret data effectively.

In Computer Science Essentials, students are introduced to the world of app development using MIT App Inventor. This platform allows them to create functional mobile applications directly on their phones, with projects ranging from games to interview databases. Currently, students are also exploring basic cybersecurity by learning about ethical hacking, which introduces them to the principles of safeguarding data and privacy.

Computer Science Principles offers a deeper dive into programming with Python, where students utilize the Turtle feature to create visual designs through code. This class emphasizes computational thinking and image manipulation, as students experiment with Turtle's capabilities to adjust and create original digital artwork. The course is an engaging way for students to strengthen their coding skills while exploring creative applications of Python.

In Computer Science A, students advance to Java programming, a structured and widely-used language in professional software development. Java’s stricter syntax and structure help students develop a strong foundation in object-oriented programming. They use Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to design platforms with interactive elements, allowing them to build and manipulate visual components within the user interface.

In our Spanish I and II classes, students recently finished learning about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Mexican legends. Spanish I classes analyzed the cultural significance and elements of the legend of La Llorona to understand its impact on Latin American folklore and contemporary beliefs. This activity included an exciting cooperative learning experience: an escape room (sala de escape) based on the story of La Llorona. It was an engaging activity for our comprehensible input classroom, tying in lessons about the preterite and imperfect tenses, as well as the cultural aspects of Halloween and Día de los Muertos. We celebrated Día de los Muertos by enjoying hot cocoa and cookies while learning about the holiday’s significance in Mexico and other Latin American countries. The escape room activities were conducted using Google Slides via Google Classroom, allowing students to learn, earn points, and complete the tasks in small groups.

In our AP Spanish classes, we studied the Spanish Civil War, examining the cruelty and brutality of the conflict and its connection to World War II.

New Course Offering at Hoboken High School

With great excitement and careful planning, Hoboken High School debuted a new course in our World Language Department this fall: AP Spanish Literature and Culture. Taught by Ms. Cruz, this creative and engaging course is equivalent to a college-level introductory survey of literature written in Spanish. Students continue to develop their interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational skills in Spanish, as well as their critical reading and analytical writing abilities, while exploring short stories, novels, plays, essays, and poetry from Spain, Latin America, and U.S. Hispanic authors, along with other supplemental texts.

In addition to introducing this new course, we expanded our AP Spanish Language and Culture offerings from one session to two to better accommodate our student population. Ms. De La Rosa teaches this course, which is equivalent to an intermediate-level college course in Spanish. Students deepen their understanding of the Spanish language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication to real-life situations. The course explores themes such as families and communities, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges.

Our AP students have been honing their reading comprehension and cultural analysis skills using Azulejo, Encuentros Maravillosos, and Temas textbooks. Through these resources, they learn about cultural products, practices, and perspectives from Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.

Our other Spanish classes, taught by Ms. De La Rosa, Ms. Cruz, and Ms. Agamez, are also making excellent progress using the Vista textbook series. Each class is focused on new vocabulary and grammar concepts to advance their journey in language acquisition:

• Spanish I is starting the unit Hola, ¿Qué tal?

• Spanish II is working on the Family unit.

• Spanish III is completing the unit on Pasatiempos (Hobbies).