IN OUR SCHOOLS

Student news: Young Puerto Rico hurricane victims find new home at Edison Jobs Corps

Staff Report
@MyCentralJersey
Student Aurora Romero speaking on behalf of students from the Puerto Rico Job Corps centers who recently arrived to New Jersey to continue their studies at Edison Job Corps.

As a part of a ResCare Corporation “Spirit of Giving Initiative,” the Edison Job Corps Academy has received more than a dozen students from their Job Corps sister centers in Puerto Rico devastated by Hurricane Maria. 

Students from Barranquitas, and Arecibo Job Corps centers arrived to New Jersey over the last month to a warm welcome from Edison Job Corps staff and students, according to a news release. The most recent student arrivals from Puerto Rico were included in a special luncheon on Dec. 7  at Edison Job Corps at 500 Plainfield Ave.

During the luncheon, ResCare Workforce Services Regional Director Carol Parsons expressed many thanks to the Edison Job Corps staff and great pride with ResCare for being able to provide critical support to the students so severely impacted by the storm. 

Center Director Brenda Jenifer echoed these sentiments, adding that the Edison Job Corps is committed to giving the courageous students a long-term place to reside and opportunity to continue their education while the recovery and rebuilding process for Puerto Rico continues.

The recently arrived students from Puerto Rico appear in the attached photo with Freeholder Kenneth Armwood (standing), Highland Park Councilwoman, Elsie Foster-Dublin (beige pant suit), Edison NJ Councilman Joe Coyle (kneeling) and Edison Job Corps Deputy Director, Windy White.

Job Corps is a tuition-free education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that works to help young people ages 16 to 24 improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic training. Funded by Congress, Job Corps has been training young adults for careers since 1964. According to a news release, Job Corps is committed to offering all students a safe, drug-free environment where they can take advantage of the resources provided.

For more information about the Edison Job Corps program, visit http://edison.jobcorps.gov.

Read: The good things students are doing in Central Jersey and beyond

Read: Education news from around the region

College Connection: Advice from local expert columnist

Alvernia University

Twenty-two Alvernia University students in professor Sue Guay's "Interpersonal Communication" course wrote 35 articles for Berks County Living magazine's Best of Berks section, and submitted 44 citizen journalism articles to BCTV.org. Local authors include:Timothy Bailey of Monroe Township and Jordan Perry of Helmetta.

Immaculata High School Scholastica

Immaculata High School in Somerville recently hosted its Immaculata Scholastica, an academic competition for area elementary and middle schools. With its theme of "Where minds meet and scholars compete," the Immaculata Scholastica showcases the talents of seventh- and eighth-grade scholars from the surrounding area. This year, participants hailed from Somerset and Middlesex counties.

After five rounds of questions, involving STEM, Humanities, and the Arts, Green Brook Middle School and Immaculate Conception School, Somerville competed in the final round for first place. Green Brook prevailed as this year’s champions, with Immaculate Conception placing a close second. First- and second-place medals were bestowed on both teams, with Green Brook bringing home a huge trophy.

"This is the third year that Immaculata has hosted Scholastica and it seems that the competition has become stronger and the enthusiasm from the students and their supporters even more intense,” Immaculata Principal Jean Kline said. 

In addition to Green Brook Middle and Immaculate Conception, the following schools participated: Branchburg Central Middle School, Holy Savior Academy of South Plainfield, Somerville Middle School, St. James of Woodbridge, St Matthew of Edison, and St. Matthias of Somerset.

For more information about participating in the 2018 Immaculata Scholastica, contact Timothy Cullen at tcullen@immaculatahighschool.org.

Kent Place School

Kent Place School in Summit has received an extraordinary gift: $1 million for its Ethics Institute from an anonymous donor. This is the largest single gift in the Ethics Institute’s 10-year history.

The Ethics Institute at Kent Place School (EIKPS), established in May 2007, is a leader in the promotion of the process and practice of ethical thinking and decision-making at the primary- and secondary-school levels. The Ethics Institute works to prepare its students to be compassionate citizens and the effective leaders of tomorrow through a wide range of opportunities, among them its signature programs: the Bioethics Project, Ethical Leadership in Business and Ethics in Action.

Over the years, EIKPS has partnered with renowned organizations such as the Hastings Center, Atlantic Health System and the Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University. The institute also has hosted parent workshops, and professional development opportunities and has been spotlighted at national conferences.

The $1 million donation will endow a full-time director of the Ethics Institute.

For more information about the Ethics Institute at Kent Place School, visit www.kentplace.org/ethics.

First place winner for the painting was Juan Montés Zarate.

Linden High School

Students of Spanish at Linden High School recently held an exhibit that used art as a way to enhance their proficiency in the language as well as their understanding of Mexican culture — and of themselves.

“The Hispanic Art Gallery” was presented Nov. 21 in the school’s Media Center and hosted by Spanish teachers Tania Miguelez and Rocio Horzepa, according to a district news release.

Horzepa said the unique art exercise helps the students raise their learning to a new level. "When you create, it is the highest level of cognition you can acquire," she said at the start of the exhibit.

There were two main sections to the exhibit. The first group included seniors in the school’s International Baccalaureate program, who created paintings illuminating their inner spirit. Students contrasted their self-perception of who they are against their image as perceived by others. The assignment was paired with a writing task and an oral proficiency presentation using the painting as a subject for conversation.

Winner for the mask were Nancy Lima de Felix, first place.

The other group included IB juniors and students in Spanish III honors. They created plaster masks, painted and decorated to resemble the traditional calacas or calaveras mexicanas. Their work was based on in-depth study of the celebration of El Dia de los Muertos, or the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday. The participants also completed interpretive tasks and written presentations. Instrumental teacher Bernard Mathews’ guitar students provided beautiful background music throughout the exhibit.

Linden High School Principal Yelena Horre was among the visitors to the exhibit. She told the students she was proud of the work they created — and of the teachers for going the extra mile. 

“It would be very easy for the teachers to just clock in and clock out,” she said. “But this is above and beyond, and they do it because being here is a work of heart. It’s not just a job, it’s a vocation.”

Visitors to the exhibit were allowed to vote on which pieces were the best. They took small pieces of pink and yellow paper, and dropped them into cups numbered for the works of art. Winners for the paintings were: Juan Montés Zarate, first place; Daniella Calero, second place; and Dylan Simoes, third place. Winners for the masks were: Nancy Lima de Felix, first place; Angela Lopez, second place; Booke M. Beyer, third place.

Students from the Linden High School Peer Pals Class holding a check for $3,000 for Kingwood
High School in Humble, Texas.

ALSO: Linden Public Schools came together starting in September to raise money through the sale of wristbands to a help a high school in Texas that was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. The final tally is in: The project raised $3,000.

The fundraiser was spearheaded by the Peer Pals class at Linden High School, which focuses on service to the community and setting an example for others. The funds will be given to Kingwood High School in Humble, Texas, which was flooded by Harvey’s deluge, according to a district news release.

“We would like to thank our Linden Public Schools family for your assistance with making this initiative a success!” the Linden High School Peer Pals said in a statement of thanks to the entire district. “We know that Linden Public Schools are ‘Humble Enough to Help’ those in need!”

Linden wristband sales raise $3,000 for exas school devastated by Harvey.

The students in the class came up with the concept of wristbands, went on a website to design them, and voted on the slogan. The bands are red, white and blue tie-dye, and say: “Linden Public Schools: Humble Enough to Help.” They were sold throughout Linden Public Schools for a donation of $1 or more.

Although this is the first year of the Peer Pals as a standalone class, the group has had a relationship for years with a similar student group in Allen, Texas. The partnership started when students and teachers in Allen reached out to Linden after 9/11 to offer support to a school in the Northeast. The relationship has remained strong ever since.

After Hurricane Harvey hit, the students in Linden reached out their partners in Allen to see how they could help. Allen was not hurt by the Hurricane, but student there were raising funds for the school in Humble, so Linden wanted to pitch in.

“During the beginning days of this initiative, our story made the local news and newspapers, which brought great support from people everywhere,” the Peer Pals statement said. “Through the assistance of our LPS family, local and surrounding communities, and outreach from around the state and country, we were able to raise $3,000! The money collected through this fundraiser will assist Kingwood High School in their efforts to put their school back together.”

Miami University

Amy Wysoczynski of Edison has been applying the tools of science, education and conservation to become a leader in the conservation community. This month, she is expected to conclude her master's course of study with a master of arts in teaching (MAT) degree in the biological sciences from Miami University through Project Dragonfly.

Middlesex County College

Middlesex County College students in Professor Alexandra Fields’ Integrated Reading and Writing course recently partnered with the Edison Township Environmental Commission and the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership to carry out a community cleanup at the Fox Road underpass in Edison. Students have spent this semester studying various environmental issues, and used their reading and writing skills to plan and promote the cleanup. Students collected 17 bags of trash and recyclables, along with nine tires, a suitcase, car seats, and various other large trash items. Here, Jessica Colon of Rahway, left) places some trash in the bag held by Carolyn Muncibay of Old Bridge.

Old Bridge Townships Public Schools

Old Bridge Township Public Schools received the 2017 Play Unified Award by Special Olympics New Jersey at a banquet held at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton last month.

Old Bridge was selected from more than 100 schools in the Garden State who were nominated for the award, according to a news release.

“The deciding factor was the implementation of our Unify Generation class at Old Bridge High School,” said Karen Lewicki, a special education teacher who designed and implemented the course this year. The class is open to students with and without disabilities, who work together with common goals and objectives for course credit.

Top row, standing: Alec Treglio, Fidencio Aparicio, Jalen Sanders, Rebecca Mazur, Kayla-ann Kotowicz,  Morgan Ashmore, Matthew Rosalie, special education teacher Karen Lewicki
Middle Row: Dylan Ur, Peter Hernandez, Jason Ramos, Jarod Horvath
Bottom Row: Dylan Madrid, Melissa Kanski, Louis Cavana (holding plaque), Prima Pellicciotta, Sal Luppino.

The program initially started with Special Olympics in sports — nationwide — then Old Bridge took it to the next level.

“Just now we are forming a generation of students with all abilities to become leaders in the unified movement,” Lewicki said, adding she became involved with Special Olympics after watching her own parents struggle with her disabled sister for her to become included in educational opportunities.

The students, who are enrolled in the full-year course, were invited to take the class. Requirements included being active members of the Project Unify Club for two years and obtaining recommendations from their teachers and guidance counselors.

“We went from a club staying one time per week after school with mostly sports,” Lewicki said. “We started talking to the athletes, and they told us what they wanted. They wanted to participate in events like karaoke, arts and crafts, and drama.  Every student has a want.”

Senior Rebecca Mazur is one of the 18 students enrolled in the course; she has been a member of the club for three years and currently sits on its Board of Directors.

“I started my sophomore year and somehow got involved and began building friendships with students enrolled in the program; we all got older and matured,” she said. “I got to see everyone grow — the program, the athletes, the partners.”

Jalen Sanders, also a senior, said he has built friendships through the program.

“These friendships are not forced; we do fun things all together,” Sanders said. “In class, we are all at the same level.”

In addition to receiving the state Special Olympics award, a member of the National Special Olympics asked that Old Bridge share its curriculum with other educators across the country at the 2018 Summer Olympics in Seattle, Wash.

Also, two students, Paige Giasullo, a freshman, and Bella DiDomenico, a sophomore, were selected as ambassadors for Play Unified at the 2018 Summer Olympics.   The two will speak about the program, assisting other schools in developing the program initiated in Old Bridge.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

East Brunswick resident Renee Nuzzi, a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, was named captain of the women's track and field team.

Rutgers School of Health Professions

Karina Pizzelanti, a senior at Rutgers School of Health Professions, is one of five students nationwide to receive a $2,000 scholarship from the American Proficiency Institute (API).

“Now in our tenth year of awarding API Scholarships, the caliber of students entering the medical laboratory science profession continues to impress me,” Daniel C. Edson, president of API, said in a news release. “This year’s scholarship winners are particularly inspirational. From growing up in a homeless shelter to regularly donating blood as a means of giving back, they all found a calling for the clinical laboratory profession.”

“My love for science and the world around me stemmed from a very young age,” Pizzelanti said. In the medical laboratory field, “there will never be a shortage of questions to ask, ideas to express, or knowledge to seek. I hope to have a career in disease research and prevention.”

Deborah Josko,program director in the Medical Laboratory Science Program at Rutgers School of Health Professions, added that Pizzelanti will “make an excellent medical laboratory scientist someday.”

“We are proud to support the future of the laboratory profession through these API scholarships,” Edson said.

The American Proficiency Institute is one of the largest proficiency testing providers in the world, serving over 20,000 laboratories. API offers innovative solutions and technical excellence for the proficiency testing needs of hospital laboratories, physician offices, clinics, and point-of-care testing sites.  

St. Francis Cathedral School

St. Francis Cathedral School fifth grader Rocco Santamassino collected toys for The Valerie Fund in memory of former classmate, Giuliana Velona.
The SFCS students donated new toys that will be given to pediatric cancer patients this holiday season.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Nico Patel of North Brunswick was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Patel was initiated at MCPHS University in Boston.

The Wardlaw+Hartridge School

Former Major League baseball player and batting coach Milt Thompson conducted the inaugural Wardlaw+Hartridge Baseball Clinic on Dec. 2 at the school’s campus in Edison. The clinic included a morning session for middle school players and an afternoon session for high school players.

Former MLB player Milt Thompson(center) provides useful tips at Wardlaw+Hartridge Baseball clinic.

The former outfielder and World Series winning batting coach provided instructions on many fundamental skills, including base running, throwing, fielding and batting. Thompson also shared motivational words for the young ballplayers, with an emphasis on commitment, hard work and practice. 

ALSO: 

Holiday Angels… Sanya Sidhu of Edison and Samantha Phillips of Scotch Plains, Middle School students at The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison, visit the Angel Tree to select ornaments with gift suggestions for autistic children at The Crossroads School in Westfield. The gifts will be delivered to the school during the holiday season.

Union County College

A hardworking group of student volunteers from Union County College in Elizabeth pitched in to help maintain a thriving wildflower meadow along the shores of the lake at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

As part of Union County’s Adopt-a-Park program, the enthusiastic group spent the day removing dried weeds, debris and old fencing. The wildflower meadow provides sustenance and shelter for birds, butterflies and other valuable pollinators. It features a colorful array of seasonal plantings throughout spring, summer and fall.

Any individual or group is welcome to join Adopt-a-Park. For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683 or visit ucnj.org/parks. For more Union County volunteer opportunities and environmental programs, visit The Green Connection on the county's website.

Union County College students prepare Warinanco Nature Habitat for chilly weather.

Student and School news appears on Fridays. Email:hntmetro@mycentraljersey.com