February

The month of February has come and gone so quickly, I can’t believe that we are already three quarters through the school year. Fortunately, the weather has been very cooperative for the most part. We have had a great deal of precipitation but NOT the cold white fluffy stuff that we have to shovel. We were able to celebrate Black History Month in fine fashion by expanding our collective knowledge through morning readings, guest speakers, art exhibits, and a range of other classroom activities. During our teacher In-service day, our staff did a spectacular job of creating professional development activities that enhance our teachers' abilities to connect with students as well as collaborate with one another. This was led by Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Baskerville, the district supervisors and department chairs who all deserve a hardy job well done SALUTE! As we work through the “winter grind” GREAT things continue to happen at PHS with the students and staff. I encourage you to READ on and learn about the AWESOME things taking place in our beloved EMPIRE!

Strength & Honor

Mr. Lester

In honor of African-American history month on Friday, February 7, 2020, the SHADES of U. S. Club, presented an interactive assembly, ‘Meet Brownmill Clothing Company’!! An upcycling clothing company completely owned and operated by PHS Alumni: Justis Pitt Goodson, Elijah Pitt Goodson, Kwaku Agyemang, Taha Shimou, and Chris Chandler. These young men are the epitome of a true entrepreneurial spirit and excellence. They have successfully owned and operated their clothing business for more than 10 years!! Kwaku and Chris showcased the origins of their entrepreneurial spirit and elaborated on the influence of their African-American heritage on their academic and business success. There were several classes in attendance. The assembly was both informational and entertaining.

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On February 20th, Byron Hurt came to PHS to present on issues of race, health and social justice with a particular focus on gender violence prevention. As a filmmaker and motivational speaker Mr. Hurt’s work and the discussion forum with students was a valuable experience for both students and teachers. Mr. Hurt is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, lecturer, published writer, and anti-sexist activist. His documentary, "Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and broadcast on the PBS series Independent Lens. He presented to a combined history and Race and Gender in Literature audience where he encouraged student discussion and focused on civic engagement and a future without violence, specifically assaults against women. Mr. Hurt has been featured on MSNBC, NPR, CNN, FOX News, Access Hollywood, MTV, BET, ABC News World Tonight, Black Enterprise, C-Span, of course at PHS!

Kenneth C. Davis famed author of Don’t Know Much About History, recently engaged students in a live streaming online visit with one of Mr. Neurohr-Pierpaoli’s English classes via Skype. Mr. Davis presented on his published works, writing process, and conducted a robust Q&A session with students.

For 30 years, Kenneth C. Davis has proven that Americans don’t hate history — just the dull version they slept through in class. Davis’s approach is to refresh us on the subjects we should have learned in school. He does it by busting myths, setting the record straight, and making history. Many thanks to Ms. Tanis and Mr. Neurohr-Peirpaoli for setting up this wonderful opportunity for our students!

On February 4th, PHS sophomore Karishma Kesapragada competed in the 15th annual Poetry Out Loud regional semifinals at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, NJ. Karishma represented Piscataway extremely well against 20 other schools, performing Christina Rossetti’s “Amor Mundi” and Gary Soto’s “Self-inquiry before the Job Interview”. Bravo Karishma and Mr. Hamas, Poetry Club adviser and English teacher.

Congratulations to our PHS Ethical Debate team for their participation in the Regional Ethics Debate Bowl held on Saturday, February 8, at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. Many thanks to the team advisor, Patricia Killian of the English Department, for providing our students with this opportunity. BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Chelsea Enabosi, Dena Elnokaly, Arielle Elie, Patrica Killian, Javier Teixeira, Damari Reed MIDDLE ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Samar Shah, Natalya Welcome, Devi Krishna, Erika Sagastume, Navya Mishra, LAST ROW:Lamiya Zaman

On February 4th, 2020 was the Piscataway Lady Chief Senior Night. We honored our six senior players and one manager. The Lady Chiefs defeated South Brunswick 52-42. The seniors from left to right are: Maya Lee, Samiyah Stewart, Jania Neelon, Rahkhia Mack, Yalani Minguela, Megan Santhumayor and Savannally Melo.

From February 14-17th, 24 Piscataway High School French students ranging from level 1 to level 4, traveled to Quebec City, Quebec. Students were able to use the French language daily. They also sampled traditional Quebecois food, learned about the city's rich history, and visited important places and monuments all around Quebec City. They even had a chance to celebrate the Carnaval de Quebec, a celebration of winter which included visits to ice castles, ice hotels and ended with the Carnaval parade. Thank you to the trip coordinators, our two French teachers Mrs. Sylvia Guensch and Mrs. Maria Whiteman. A fun and exciting time was had by all!!

National School Counseling Week is celebrated each year in February to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within the school system. A huge thank you to our PHS Counselors for all that you do! (From left to right: Kelly Chilakos, Brian Wischusen, Shar-Mekka Pernell, Mary Stephanie Rogers, Jill Fraticelli, Rick Brown, Shirley Aviles, Rodney West, Patricia Nazaire, Mark Kiang, Nicole Martelli and Supervisor of Career and Guidance Theresa Edmondson).

Congratulations to our PHS artists who earned a total of 18 Scholastic Art Awards! Yumna Enver, Karen LuoYe, Pauline LuoYe, Tyler Merring, Danielle Natale, Kevin Nguyen, Jennifer Raymondi, and Viviana Sanchez received these honors! Thanks to Mrs. Amme and Mrs. Lentini-Pombrio for providing these opportunities!

PHS artist Alicia Jusinski will be featured in a special State event celebrating 60 years of Youth Art Month in NJ. This is a great honor for Alicia. Artwork will be on display at Liberty State Park from March 15th-21st. Congratulations and thanks to Ms. Lentini-Pombrio!

The PHS Drama Club hosted a Broadway Karaoke Night! Thanks to Mike Yoson and Erik Hall and the student leadership team that made this happen!

Sixteen Air Force JROTC “Thunder Chiefs” volunteered with Operation Shoe Box in New Jersey on Saturday, February 15th at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2290 in Manville, NJ. The cadets assisted in assembling 1,250 personal care packages for shipment to US troops deployed around the world. Operation Shoebox embraces a practical mission of providing hands-on support for our troops deployed overseas and returning home with dignity and appreciation.

Piscataway AFJROTC cadets led by Narjis Barhaoua and Manvir Chahal present a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Kerry Richardson. Cadets planned and executed the annual drill competition on December 14th hosting 15 schools from the tri-state area. The unit raised $800 during the competition for LLS. Additionally, the unit made a donation of $300 to the Steven Sillers Tunnel to Towers foundation providing support to the families of first responders in the New York City area.

First Year Cadet Category

Unarmed Regulation: 1st Place Commanded by: Aamir Jalal

Unarmed Inspection: 2d Place Commanded by: Heta Patel

Varsity

Armed Regulation: 3d Place Commanded by: Matthew Hagg

Unarmed Inspection 1st Place Commanded by: Deeba Majid

Congratulations to PHS Artists Daniel Chihuan, Alyssa Griguoli, Evy Guzmon, Azaan Johnson, Alicia Jusinski, Katrina Lovich, Karen Luo Ye, Kevin Nguyen, and Jennifer Raymondi who will have their artwork in the Middlesex County youth art month exhibit! Thanks to Ms. Amme and Ms. Lentini-Pombrio for this opportunity!

Congratulations to the PHS vocalists who were accepted into region choir: Judith Alegun, Kassandra Gonzalez, Gina Le, Arron Little, Izabella Lopez, Brianna Lorimer, Rachel Oliva, Lea Rafisura, Jade Scharnikow, Cristian Thornton, Sophia Westberg, and Reidyn Wingate. Congratulations and thank you to Megan Suozzo!

Thanks to PHS’s Bella Voce for participating in the Piscataway African American Senior Club’s Youth Day as part of the Black History Month events at the Piscataway Senior Center! Thank you to Ms. Suozzo!

The Empty Cups Fundraiser was a huge success and the fundraising goal was exceeded! PHS Ceramics students made mugs for purchase and all the proceeds went to Feeding Middlesex County! Thank you to Mary Wartenburg for putting this all together! What a beautiful afternoon of art, community, and service!

Our advanced PHS theatre students toured to our intermediate schools and the Piscataway Day School to share their tour production: Miss Electricity. This tour culminated with an evening performance at PHS for the public. Thanks to Mr. Yoson for bringing this tour to our whole community!

The PHS Wind Ensemble performed as part of a lecture that Dr. Sumner gave on band repertoire. The Wind Ensemble also gave a performance of the full lecture for family and friends at PHS. An awesome way to give back to the larger educational community! Thanks to Chris Sumner and the Wind Ensemble and congratulations on this great honor!

Our PHS Arts Department travelled to our middle schools to share our course offerings and opportunities!

Kishan Patel is a RU Pharm student and a Pway alumni who came in with other Pharm students to talk to the Biomedical Academy to talk about the dangers of vaping.

In honor of African-American history month on Friday, February 7, 2020, the SHADES of U. S. Club, encouraged staff and students to showcase their African Inspired fashion!

Please see below for photos of some of the students, faculty and staff who came to school on Friday, February 28th in celebration of spirit week for closing out a celebration of Black History month. The students are Evangeline Onugha, Kaiya Johnson, Asiya Kamara, Oluwakanyinsola Adewumi. The faculty and staff represented in the attached images are Mr. Robinson, Ms. Cabinda, and Mr. McComb.

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March 5 9 to 5 The Musical 7:00pm - PAC

March 6 9 to 5 The Musical 7:00pm - PAC

March 7 9 to 5 The Musical 7:00pm - PAC

March 10 Teacher In-Service - Early Dismissal for Students

March 10 Winter Sports Awards Night 6:30pm - PAC