ABIS Happenings

Our 8th grade class recently embarked on an exciting field trip to Sandy Hook, NJ, as part of the New Jersey Sea Grant's Marsh and Ocean Ecology program. Students spent a full day exploring salt marshes and barrier beaches, engaging in hands-on activities like seining, plant identification, and shell collecting. This immersive experience enhanced their understanding of estuarine and coastal ecosystems while supporting key science standards. The trip provided a unique opportunity for our students to learn about marine habitats, human environmental impact, and local ecology right on the Jersey Shore.

7th-grade students in the Data Dash class visited Duke Farms on Thursday, October 3rd. The trip provided students the opportunity to learn about the role of statistics in ecology and conservation. Students explored areas of Duke Farms and recorded data about understory vegetation biodiversity and bird biodiversity. Upon return to class, students work together to visualize (graph) their data, discuss what it means, and create a poster to communicate their results.

Students in Mr. Hamilton's 1st period and 6th period science classes recently embarked on an exciting science adventure during our lab trip, where they got hands-on with four amazing experiments! First, they played detective by conducting a contact tracing investigation to locate “patient zero” for the fictional disease, "NoRizzitis." Then, in a creative twist, they electroplated copper from a penny onto a nickel, creating what we fondly called a “pickle.” The fun didn’t stop there – students programmed self-driving toy cars to navigate a track with precision. Finally, they tested over-the-counter medicine using advanced techniques like spectrometry to verify the drugs’ contents. The trip was a thrilling dive into the world of science, and our young scientists were up to the challenge! Next up on November 26th Mr. Hamilton and Mrs. Bussell's 3rd period class, and Mr. Hamilton's 7th Period class will be going to the ISAAC Center labs.

Every month we celebrate our students for their contributions to the classroom and their grade. Each of our grade level teams collaborate and select two overall grade level recipients who have demonstrated positive character traits during the month. This can include work ethic, engagement in class or with other students, kindness towards others, and advocacy for self and others.

In addition, each specials area teacher selects a student to celebrate based on their subject area; Art, Music, Technology, World Languages, PE/Health, STEM, etc.

21-25 October - Fall Book Fair

23-31 October - Red Ribbon Week

25 October - Halloween Dance

25 October - Picture Day

1 November - ABIS Got Talent

Time spent outdoors is something we all look forward to. Unfortunately hiking, biking or just spending time in our yards or in the woods can increase the chance of tick exposure. The NJ Department of Health has provided this resource which provides excellent information NJ residents can use to reduce exposure to ticks/tick-borne illness. Click on the link - excellent information!

If your child is planning to participate in ABIS sponsored sports, please take some time to review this information

The ONLY sports paperwork accepted for school-sponsored sports is the current NJSIAA physical. Para español haga clic aquí. They are available on the district website, and for your convenience, the link is also provided in this email. These forms were updated in July 2024, so please be sure you are using the updated paperwork.

Physicals are to be performed by the student's medical provider. There will be no school-based physicals. Please contact your child's healthcare provider for information with regard to the physical.

Completed physicals need to be submitted to the school nurse. They are then sent to the district physician for final approval. No athlete can participate unless the physical is approved, so please arrange to have physical paperwork submitted by the due date.

Before taking the physical documents from the medical provider, check and make sure the provider has signed and dated the form in all required areas, including the eligibility and Cardiac Module areas. The school district physician cannot approve any physical missing these signatures.

For students who use an inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector: medical authorization is required each new school year and must be on file in the school health office.

Sports physicals are valid for 365 days from the date of the physical. If your child plans to participate in school based sports, it is suggested to bring sports physical paperwork with you when your child goes for their annual checkup.

The due date for all sports physical paperwork for Winter Sports is November 13, 2024. This is the last date physicals will be accepted.

The Class of 2025 will be having a Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser just in time for the holiday season. Orders are accepted now through Nov. 4th with the items being delivered the week of Dec. 2nd. Please see a senior class officer, Mrs. Formanowski in room 10 or Ms. Stephen in room 8 to order or use the link to shop! Thank you in advance for your support!

Two movies will be shown. Family-friendly first and classic horror second. Advanced seating is required for one or both showings. Space is limited. Reserve your seats here.

Here is the ABIS October Issue from the Manville Public Library. It includes a variety of upcoming events and some other interesting shares.

The Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park located in Basking Ridge offers year-round programs for everyone! After-school drop off programs for kids ages 5-13 (day varies based on age group), programs geared for families to get out and explore together, and even programs for adults. No matter your interest, we have a program that can help you explore!
https://www.somersetcountyparks.org/environmental-education-center

The Manville Food Pantry will be open the second Saturday of each month at the Faith in Action Church at 228 S. Main Street. Please make sure to bring your ID and a bag.

Feeding Hands is also offering assistance the fourth Saturday of each month at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 34 South Third Avenue. See the flyer for dates and more details.

Empower Somerset is holding two, in-person Teen Speak workshops for Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers this month. Teen Speak is an evidence-based, skill-building workshop that helps parents improve communication with their teens and aims to reduce common teen risk behaviors such as mental health concerns, sex, and substance use. Click here and here to view flyers.