VTHS Message November 2019

October was an emotionally challenging one for the family of Vernon Township High School due to the sudden loss of one of our students, but we have worked together to ensure that our students had the opportunity to process their emotions.

We would like to thank the Central Office administration, staff members from throughout the Vernon Township School District, members of the Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth, Mrs. Norma Brand and her therapy dog Hugo, and volunteers from the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc., for assisting our students, staff and families deal with this painful loss.

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.

"Emotional Intelligence is a way of recognizing, understanding, and choosing how we think, feel and act. It shapes our interactions with others and our understanding of ourselves. It defines how and what we learn; it allows us to set priorities; it determines the majority of our daily actions. Research suggests it is responsible for as much as 80% of the 'success' in our lives." ~Handle with Care: Emotional Activity Book by J. M. Freedman and A. L. Jensen

The Guidance Department would like to thank everyone who availed themselves of the opportunity to participate in the October activities that focused on college admissions. It was wonderful to see so many of you participate!

On Thursday, October 24th, some of our juniors and seniors in both Literature of the Holocaust and Issues of Conscience went to New York City to see the Auschwitz: Not Long Ago, Not Far Away exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage with Mr. Thom LoGiudice and Mr. John Loggie. At the museum they heard from Holocaust survivor and author of 14 books, Dr. Rene Alkalay. In addition, they toured the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It was a highly emotional yet very rewarding day for our students. Here is a group shot (with Dr. Alkalay).

The students of VTHS were invited to attend a new musical about opioid abuse and its impact on teens and families. Its message was an excellent one, which led to discussions and some insightful questions.

We would like to thank every parent and guardian who took the time to attend this year's Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences. We truly believe in the importance of working together for the benefit of every student.

Key Club students volunteered their time at a roadside clean-up on Saturday, November 2nd. Thank you to the Key Club students and Mrs. Ufferfilge!
On Sunday, November 3rd, the VTHS Key Club students reported to the VFW in Vernon to help with a luncheon for 30 veterans from the Lyons VA Medical Center. The students assisted in serving lunch and socializing with the veterans.

On Wednesday, October 30th, the Vernon Coalition conducted this year's PRIDE Survey with our students.

We would like to thank all of the parents/guardians who gave consent to have their children take the survey. The information gleaned from this survey will enable the Vernon Coalition, a Center for Prevention and Counseling program, to continue their fine work throughout the Vernon Township community.

The fall athletic season has come to an end and the winter season begins! The Ice Hockey Team has already begun practicing at Skylands Ice World; they will be looking to defend their conference and county titles.

Bowling and swimming begin practice on Monday, November 11th. Boys and Girls Basketball, Wrestling, Indoor Track and Skiing all begin practices on Monday, November 25th.

The magical season for the Field Hockey Team ended on Friday, November 1st in the State Sectional Final against state power West Essex. The girls raised the bar for many teams to come but can be very proud of their many accomplishments including a conference title.

The Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams competed in the State Sectionals Saturday, November 9th. Teams and Individuals with select finishes may move on to the Group Meet on Saturday, November 16th. The Varsity Football Team traveled to Lakeland on Wednesday, November 6th for a consolation game starting at 5pm.

Be sure to visit the Athletics Website on www.VTSD.com regularly for great photos and updates!

Thank you to all of our coaches and all they do for our student athletes!

Once again, Director Lindsay McAloney and Assistant Director Dana Ziegler directed another outstanding performance with our students. Our talented student performers were amazing as usual! Congratulations, one and all!

Congratulations to the VTHS Marching Band for placing 3rd out of 9 Bands at USBands Group IVA NJ States Competition on Saturday, November 2nd. They also received the Cadets Award of Excellence.

Congratulations also to the VTHS Marching Band for placing 3rd out of 14 Bands in Group IVA National Championships on Sunday, November 3rd! This is the highest ranking for our Marching Band at a National Championship Competition in Vernon Township High School’s history!

The Sophomore VSA students recently completed the "Vikings in Service" Mural on the walls of Vernon Township High School.

We would like to share a few photos taken during the unveiling on Friday, November 6, 2019.

An Open House walk-through will be held on Wednesday, November 27th at 6:00 pm for anyone interested in seeing this thoughtful presentation.

Our Hospitality class--under the guidance of Ms. Jen Fowler--was provided with the opportunity to host a breakfast for our guests prior to the unveiling of the Wall of Heroes. The students worked hard to provide delicious food and a most welcoming ambiance in the new Hospitality Dining Room. At the conclusion of the program, they took some time to pose with Ms. Karen D'Avino, Superintendent and some members of the Board of Education.

We hope you enjoyed the long weekend! As has been a tradition for many years, the annual NJEA Convention necessitates the closing of all New Jersey public schools. As a result, school was closed on November 7th and 8th so that every public school staff member could attend this event.

On Monday, November 11th at 7:00 pm, the VTSD will be conducting their annual test of the annual test of the Emergency Notification System using School Messenger. You can verify your contact information in the Genesis Parent Portal. If you need assistance, please contact your child's main office.

On Tuesday, November 12th, all student grades will go "live" on the Student/Parent Portal. Please be sure to contact your child's teacher(s) first if you have any questions about your child's grades.

On Saturday, November 16th five Vernon schools will host its Fall Harvest SCA Tricky Tray. It will be held at VTHS and doors will open at 5:30 pm, with calling starting at 7:00 pm. Admission is $2.00 per person.

On Tuesday, November 26th, the newest members of our VTHS National Honor Society will be inducted. Congratulations to all of our newest members!

On Wednesday, November 27th, VTHS students from the band and theater will be joining our athletes at Glen Meadow Middle School to celebrate all that Vernon Township High School has to offer students of the Class of 2024 and the Class of 2025. This tradition has become a yearly tradition and a favorite activity.

The Vernon Township School District will operate on an early dismissal schedule on Wednesday, November 27th. The district will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th.

"Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness and gratitude."

~Nigel Hamilton

The Vernon Lights Festival is set for its Grand Opening on Friday, November 15th. The hours are 4:00 until 10:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November 15th through January 15th--with the exception of Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day when the event will be open every day! Employment opportunities are available to our students. Please your child stop by the main office for employment applications - or download one using the link below -- if they are interested in this exciting opportunity.

We are looking for the 2019-2020 Governor's Educator of the Year nominations from VTHS. If you have an educator (GEOY) or Educational Services Professional (ESP) you would like to nominate, please use the form below.

"No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care."

~Theodore Roosevelt

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