VTHS Message January 2020

Happy New Year!

As we move into a new month, a new year and a new decade, we are truly inspired by the talented young men and women who attend Vernon Township High School. It is an honor working side-by-side with our teachers to ensure that each of our students receives a quality educational experience while in attendance here.

Thank you for allowing us to share in your child's educational journey.

If there is anything we can do to assist you as we move forward, please do not hesitate to ask.

With Sincere Thanks,

Pauline F. Anderson, Nicholas M. Demsak and Jacquelyn M. Van Orden

At Vernon Township High School, we will continue to focus on the New Jersey Social and Emotional Learning Competencies and Sub-Competencies during the 2019-2020 school year.

"It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head--it is the unique intersection of both." -David Caruso

8th Grade Parent/Guardian-Student Orientation Night was a huge success! Approximately 150 families came out to learn about all of the great things VTHS has to offer for the Class of 2024!

The evening began with the VTHS Chamber Orchestra playing for the parents/guardians and students as they arrived, followed by a video in the Auditorium that highlighted VTHS.

Next, 12th grade student, Nathan Fitch, sang the National Anthem after the Pledge of Allegiance, and Dr. Anderson welcomed everyone to open the evening. Afterwards, five 12th grade students (Cole Benkendorf, Talia Capasso, Michael Catli, Joseph Cimo, and Olivia Vizzini) shared their VTHS experiences followed by Mr. Getz speaking about Freshman Academy.

Freshman Academy teachers then facilitated tours around the building to give our parents/guardians-students the chance to experience our amazing school and CTE programs, and at the end of the evening over 40 athletics, clubs, and activities were ready to share about their programs in the Gym as parents/guardians-students enjoyed refreshments served by the VTHS SCA. (Many of these students traveled to Glen Meadow Middle School on Wednesday, December 11th to provide additional information to the students of the Class of 2024. They did an excellent job speaking to our future students!)

Below are some pictures of the 12th grade students who spoke at the beginning of the evening.

Last month, 20 of the VTHS Thespians from Troupe #3981 traveled to Robbinsville HS to compete at the New Jersey Thespian Festival. Students competed in musical solo, musical duet, contrasting monologue, scene, improv, and musical dance. The event involved 51 schools from throughout NJ with over 1400 students competing. The keynote speaker at the event was Vernon HS alum, Devin Ilaw, who played Thuy in Broadway’s Miss Saigon.

Congratulations to Rylee Smaldone for receiving the Superior award for her contrasting monologue performance, and to Skye Port for her musical solo performance!!! We are so proud!

The VTHS Band and Orchestra presented their annual Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 12th. Many of these students had already participated in many holiday season music events including the Vernon Tree Lighting, McAfee Tree Lighting, Highland Lakes Tree Lighting and the German Christmas Festival at Lake Mohawk.

The VTHS Meistersingers enjoyed a very busy holiday caroling season! These talented singers performed at the Vernon Tree Lighting and at the Crystal Springs Christmas Village. The Meistersingers were also honored to perform on stage as the opening act of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Prior to this performance, the choir spent their time in New York singing at Mt. Sinai Hospital and around the tree at Rockefeller Center. They also sang at the Skyland Stadium Light Show and Christmas Village.

On Monday, December 1st, the Meistersingers sang on the 102.3 WSUS morning show with Steve Andrews. Following the radio airing, the group performed along with the Brass Choir, entertaining staff and students throughout the district, as they shared their beautiful holiday music through the halls of each school.

Finally, all of the VTHS Choirs performed at the Winter Choir Concert on Wednesday, December 18th for a joyous celebration of the winter and holiday season!

Mrs. Kristy Riegler and the Student Council did a great job bringing school spirit to VTHS during December! We are greatly appreciative of their efforts! Congratulations to Mrs. Shannon Flannery and her homeroom winning the door decorating contest! Many thanks to Ryan Dunbar for creating this year's Winter Pep Rally t-shirt.

As has become a tradition at VTHS, the GEOY Teacher of the Year and the Educational Services Professional of the Year were announced at the Winter Pep Rally.

Mrs. Lindsay McAloney was awarded as our Teacher of the Year. She proudly accepted her award dressed as Cindy Lou Who since she was the MC for the Winter Pep Rally!

Mrs. Jen Shirhall was recognized as our ESP; she works diligently each day as our Genesis expert.

Congratulations to both of these hardworking, talented and dedicated staff members!

Wednesday, January 1 - New Year’s Day - District Closed

Thursday, January 2 - SCA Meeting - 9:15 - 10:15 am - Conference Room B

Wednesday, January 8 - Vernon Coalition - 9:00 - 10:00 am - Conference Room B

Friday, January 10 - Poetry Out Loud Annual Competition

SCA Bingo - 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm - Cafeteria

Tuesday, January 14 - DECA-Avoid the Flying Object Tournament - 5:45-9:00 pm - Gym

Wednesday, January 15 - Parent Tech Camp - 6:45 pm - 8:45 pm - Auditorium

Thursday, January 16 - NHS Blood Drive - 7:30 am - 3:30 pm - Auditorium

BOE Public Meeting - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Lounsberry Hollow

Friday, January 17 - Winter Formal - 6:00 - 10:00 pm - Cafeteria

Monday, January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - District Closed

Thursday, January 23 - Marking Period 2 Ends

January 27 - 31 - Midterm Week* (see details below)

In conjunction with the Vernon Township Police Department and the Vernon Township Board of Education, we are proud to continue our new Safe Driving Initiative for the 2019-2020 school year.

Our final presentation for the 2019-2020 school year will be held in February for all student drivers who did not attend one of the three presentations offered during the summer and early fall. An email will be sent out to all sophomores, juniors and seniors once the date has been set.

This will be the final opportunity to attend a Share the Keys presentation for the current school year. Once each student driver and a parent/guardian have attended a presentation, they will receive a certificate, which must be presented when applying for a VTHS parking pass.The final presentation date and time will be announced shortly!

Student safety is of our utmost concern and students driving on campus poses potential hazards to our students, staff, and visitors.

We believe that attending this program with your child will help instill a sense of importance and responsibility that comes with sitting behind the wheel, whether driving to campus or anywhere else.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation!

The Winter Formal has been rescheduled and will be held on Friday, January 17th!

Come out and support this "new" event sponsored by the junior class for a night of great music, dancing and food with your friends. Listen for the daily announcements and get your ticket(s)soon! (Tickets that were already purchased for December's event will be honored at this dance.)

This is more like a dance than a "formal." There is no need to buy fancy dresses or wear a suit! Wear your holiday best and have a fun night out at Vernon Township High School.

Thank you for allowing us to work with you and your child during the 2019-2020 school year.

If we may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Email: panderson@vtsd.com
Website: www.vtsd.com
Location: Vernon Township High School, County Road 565, Glenwood, NJ, USA
Phone: (973) 764-5695
Twitter: @DrAndersonVTHS

Email: ndemsak@vtsd.com
Website: vtsd.com
Location: Vernon Township High School, County Road 565, Glenwood, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-764-5784
Twitter: @MrDemsak

Email: jvanorden@vtsd.com
Website: vtsd.com
Location: Vernon Township High School, County Road 565, Glenwood, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-764-5726
Twitter: @APJackieV