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HAS Newsletter

October 2024

HAS Newsletter October 2024

A Message From The Principal

Dr. Balsamello presented at the UCESC Board of Director's meeting during the November meeting on 11/6/24. He discussed the successful opening of the school as well as new initiatives such as Student Success Plans as well as reviewed the October Newsletter. At Hillcrest Academy South Campus (HAS), students were able to enjoy two incentive days with activities in observance of Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving themes as well as a surprise attendance incentive so all students present on 11/27/24 were able to visit the Westlake Sunshine Cafe.

November Important Dates

Student of the Month

November - Rosemary

Congratulations to Rosemary for being our overall Student of the Month! She has worked hard and been very dedicated in her classes to receive this honor. Keep up the excellent work!

Faculty "Getting to Know You"!

Mrs Wrzesinski Favorites:

Favorite movie: The Godfather Trilogy

Favorite food: Chicken Parm

Favorite color: Purple and Black

Favorite book: The Count of Monte Cristo

Favorite travel spot: anywhere near water

Favorite extra: History documentaries, craft fairs, my family, glitter

"Let Your Voice Empower" Teacher Recognitions

November - Appreciate

This year's district wide theme of "Let Your Voice Empower", teachers are awarded pins in different areas of empowerment. The November theme was 'Appreciate'. As role models for our students, it is important to be an example of what empowerment looks like and how we can empower others to do the same.


The faculty/staff picked for this month's honor have shown not only how to appreciate what they are given but also, we are appreciative for what they have done for HAS! Congratulations!

Ms Pradel

Mr Fritz

Mrs Arora

Teacher's Corner:

Mrs Flores - Spanish

The students worked on the unit “La Familia y las Tradiciones” in Spanish class. Students distinguished the similarities and differences between the patterns of celebrations, family and food of the target culture related to activities, family, and celebrations of the local culture in different Spanish countries. This unit fits precisely in the social studies component of high school standards, where students are exposed to different experiences, family traditions, foods and lifestyles of other people around the world with “Las Tradiciones Típicas”. Students are able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between practices of the culture studied. For instance, students have multiple opportunities to compare and contrast “Las Tradiciones Típicas”, which is one of the traditions in Spain and around the world, dating back since the rule of the Aztec Empire and “Posadas”. Students discussed and learned about the family tradition since it addresses multiculturalism; helping students develop a sense of diversity and respect for other cultures. Then, as an assessment students wrote and illustrated their own version of the “Las Tradiciones Tipicas”. In addition, students worked in different projects in which they had to create a well-organized research about “La Familia y las Tradiciones Alrededor del Mundo” in the school/ home in order to describe their favorite Tradition in Spanish and then illustrate each tradition. Students are able to engage in conversations, express feelings and emotions, and exchange opinions and compare and contrast different family traditions from the Spanish-speaking countries and the United States.

Mr Barone - Phys Ed/Health

In November, students have been participating in a basketball unit on days we have been in the Lamberts Mill Academy gym. Some mini games include 3 on 3 games and also a 3-point Shootout. When in the Fitness Center, the students have been completing workouts using the fitness equipment and also enjoying ping-pong tournaments as well as games of billiards. In Health, the students have just wrapped up their Understanding Health and Wellness unit.

Halloween

Halloween is a fun and festive time to kick off the fall season. Students this year really took the holiday seriously and came to school looking fantastic! From the creative face pain to the fun inflatable suits, our students came prepared to celebrate. During the first period of the day, students embarked on a creative virtual scavenger hunt created by Ms Vlastaras. Congratulations to the student winner Martha A. on being the first to complete correctly and submit the scavenger hunt! Then students broke off into different classrooms to enjoy an incentive Halloween themed movies that included The Addams Family, Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus 1 & 2, Ghostbusters, and Monster House.

Diwali

One of the many things we love to do at HAS is share and celebrate our different cultures. Of course it was no surprise that Mrs. Arora, HAS's Science teacher, was excited to share about Diwali with staff and students. A classroom was decorated with traditional Diwali garland, trinkets, and sweets (candy). Students and staff came in groups to visit the room but not before Mrs Arora gave a traditional Diwali greeting at the door. Once everyone entered, Mrs Arora gave a brief explanation of the holiday, its significance, and what the different decorations represented. Before departing the room, the groups were offered to take sweets in celebration.

Fire Safety Assembly

Earlier this month, Ms Arora's Forensics classes attended a fire safety assembly. Captain Kelber from the Westfield Fire Department came to speak on safety tips for different fire scenarios. Some of the more common fire safety tips were about candles, carbon monoxide, cooking, electrical, smoke alarms, and what to do if the home catches on fire. Captain Kelber also explained how to use a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency.

1st Marking Period Honor Roll Field Trip

Our first marking period came to a close this month. Once grades were officially completed, the HAS honor roll list was completed into 3 tiers:

1st Tier - all A's

2nd Tier - Mostly A's and some B's

3rd Tier - Mostly A's & B's with 1 C


Students who were in great behavioral standing that made it into one of the 3 tiers celebrated their accomplishments by attending a trip to the Cranford Movie Theater. Students got to enjoy popcorn and a drink while they watched Red One.


Congratulations on your accomplishments and we all look forward to see what you all will do in the second marking period!

HAS is Thankful For:

Teachers are thankful for...

...our students! The students bring life to our school. They give the teachers a purpose and a reason to come to school every day. As all teachers know, education never truly ends. Even being a teacher, there is still a lot to learn and our students are a key element in that. The teachers at HAS are always looking to be the best role models they could possibly be for our students and by extension, trying to be the best version of themselves.

Students are thankful for...

...a lot! High school students are at that important age where they are trying to cross the gap from childhood into adulthood. It is so easy to get lost during this stage of their lives, so any support our students receive makes them feel secured and loved. In our display, students expressed their gratitude towards friends, family, and the faculty and staff at HAS.

Students Outside of School

Nailed It!

Alison has been an at home nail technician for the past couple years. She became influenced by social media that showed her that getting your nails done for a simple nail set was very expensive at the nail salon. She made a choice to save her money and get the supplies needed to do her own nails. As time passed, Alison began to take on clients and spread her business all over social media. Through the support of her friends and family, she has been doing nails ever since. When asked how being a nail tech makes her feel, Alison replied that it makes her happy as it has ignited her passion for creativity and also make some money in the process.

About Us

Hillcrest Academy South Campus is an alternative high school for students from the Elizabeth Public School District. Students are referred to HAS by their Elizabeth Academy guidance counselor and administration for an interview at HAS. We provide a small educational learning setting with opportunities to make up courses through our Credit Retrieval Program in a caring environment in order to meet Elizabeth’s graduation requirements.

Website: www.ucesc.org

Instagram: ucesc_has

Facebook: Hillcrest Academy South
Location: 1571 Lamberts Mill Road, Westfield, NJ, USA-Door 3B
Phone: 908-233-9317

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