campus times - east orange school district...east orange campus high school’s annual back to...

Campus Times

1st Edition

Fall/Winter 2017

Campus Times Fall/Winter 2017

Welcome readers to the first edition of Campus Times, a newspaper written by East Orange Campus High School students. The goal of Campus Times is to inform readers, administration, faculty, staff, the student body, and the East Orange community, of ground breaking news and student achievements. On behalf of the Campus Times newspaper staff, we hope you enjoy our first edition and we wish you a safe, wonderful and restful holiday.

Campus Times Staff and Administration

Newspaper Advisors Dr. James Ozello Mr. Vishnu Raghunandan

Contributing Journalists Mildred Asante Andres Franklin Alhassane Toure Katrina Keil Kasendra Louis Orlando Lewis Javauri Lemon Kiara Martinez Aaliah Alonoso

EOCHS Principal Abdulsaleem R. Hasan, Ed.S

Assistant Principals Mrs. Debra Boone Mr. Damien Phoenix Dr. Older Azard

Board Members Mr. Bergson Leneus, President Ms. Terry S. Tucker, Vice President Dr. Kristie M. Howard Mr. Cameron B. Jones, Sr. Ms. Marjorie Perry Ms. Lena Ragin Mr. Jenabu C. Williams, MPA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kevin R. West Assistant Superintendents Dr. Deborah M. Harvest Dr. Dana E. Walker

EOCHS Mission Statement

The mission of our school is to provide all students with a high quality education that enables them to be contributing members of a multiethnic, multicultural, and pluralistic society. We seek to create an

environment that achieves equity for all students and ensures that each student is a successful learner, is fully respected, and learns to respect others.

EOCHS Vision

East Orange Campus High School aspires to be a model of excellence for learning by preparing our students for post‐secondary life through high‐quality academic and extracurricular experiences in a

safe and supportive learning environment.

Rising to a Standard of Excellence

EOCHS Back to School Night

October 4, 2017 By: Kasendra Louis

East Orange Campus High School’s annual Back to School Night was held on October 4, 2017. This year’s event offered a new format by which parents had the opportunity to meet with the children’s teachers. In past years, parents traveled to department-specific areas, such as the media center or cafeteria, to meet instructors. In this year’s innovative approach, parents had the opportunity to meet with their children’s teachers in the classrooms in which their children were taught. This method allowed parents to experience the classroom environment for each class on their children’s schedule.

The parents were intrigued and excited about this format, like students on their first day of school. The parents re-experienced their youth, curious and amazed by their children’s daily schedules, period changes, and meeting teachers. Moving from class to class, parents had the chance to absorb the full extent of the school building and something of the children’s daily school environment. Everyone enjoyed the event, including the food and the booths for clubs and teams at the entrance of the cafeteria. In all, Back to School Night was instructive and entertaining for parents, guardians and students.

Rising to a Standard of Excellence Continues…..

EOCHS Fall 2017 Pep Rally

Students anxiously await the introduction of their favorite athletes

September 29, 2017 By: Mildred Asante Whenever our school decides to hold a pep rally, it is to inspire the spirit of the school. Pep rallies also give us the chance to come together as a school and cheer on the sports teams in our school. Not long ago, our school held a pep rally for fall sports, and the aim of our school’s Principal, Mr. Hasan, was to change the school for the better, which is also the theme for the school year. Before the pep rally, we had a spirit week during which each day of that week, we had to dress based on specified themes daily. Spirit week ended on Friday of that week, when the school gathered in the gymnasium for our first pep rally. As I entered, I was astonished by the school’s spirit in the gymnasium. Kicking off the event, the school’s chamber choir sang the National Anthem. The opening events continued with the AFJROTC, which gave us one of the best displays they could ever give. That is not to forget the JV cheerleaders, who cheered for each class before moving forward with the event. The school’s AFJROTC, the marching band and the cheerleaders made the whole pep rally so astonishing. The school’s marching band performed a great show, which also boosted the energy and everyone’s school spirit.


All students came out to represent their classes. The seniors wore red, the juniors wore blue, the sophomores wore grey and the freshmen wore black. It was a beautiful sight to see. Coaches were proud to call out their teams. Sports teams came out one after the other, shouting out inspirational chants, and we all stood up, cheering them on.

Mr. Hasan, Principal of EOCHS, led the students in cheering for their classes! The administration also gave a brief speech on the theme for the year - “THE YEAR OF CHANGE.” After the speech, there was a dance-off among the classes, and it was very fun to watch! Go Jaguars!


Law Club Hosts Debate for Social Studies Classes By: Dr. Ozello, EOCHS Law Club Advisor On Wednesday, November 8, the Law Club held a debate for all Social Studies classes in the Courtroom. The debate topic was, “Resolved: Professional athletes should be required to stand for the National Anthem.” The Law Club President, Jay Dominguez, hosted the event, as well as debated the topic, during 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th periods. Other debaters included Rhabi Wright, Joviany Cadet, Mildred Asante, Ayodele Sasona, Alhassane Toure, and Diavante Corum. EOCHS Social Studies Department Chair Ms. Richardson, who was present for the 3rd period debate, commented, “It seemed like a lot of scholars were intrigued and very interested in debating in their class and joining the debate club.” She also referred to the engagement of the students and the popularity of the event, when she said, “I would like to see this happen more often, maybe even once a month if possible.”

The debates are included as part of the Law Club, and assists students with research skills, public speaking, and thinking on their feet, explained the Law Club advisor, Dr. Ozello. He went on to say that while the structure of the debates are set in advance, the students run everything else, from the choice of the debate topic, to the schedule of debaters. “The students are the focus of the Law Club and the debates,” Dr. Ozello said. “They make all the decisions, and I just give the means to execute their decisions.” If anyone is interested in joining the Law Club, or participating in future debates, they can contact Dr. Ozello in the Courtroom, Room B111.

EOCHS Students and Faculty

EOCHS Law Club President, Jay Dominguez


Law Academy Hosts English Class Grendel Trial

By: Orlando Lewis Dr. Ozello’s Law classes and Mrs. Herring-Drummond’s English classes recently collaborated with an English Literature court case in the Courtroom. Dr. Ozello’s classes acted as the jury and Mrs. Herring-Drummond’s students acted as prosecutors or defenders for Grendel from the story of Beowulf. For the court case, Dr. Ozello’s classes had the opportunity to determine whether Grendel was guilty or not guilty, based on the presentation of the evidence and testimony by Mrs. Herring-Drummond’s students. “It was a great experience for students to feel what jurors have to do,” Mrs. Herring-Drummond said. “This project was a culmination of two books and the students really got to center in on the main characters/monsters,” Mrs. Herring-Drummond continued. “They were able to think critically to deduce his guilt or innocence. It was a pleasure watching this case unfold and seeing the excitement within the courtroom.” In addition, Dr. Ozello stated, “It was a wonderful opportunity to utilize the courtroom and for the students to experience acting as a jury.”

EOCHS Law Academy Courtroom Evidence used in Grendel Case


EOCHS Social Studies Department Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly Program

Ms. Jimenez leads Campus students in Latin Dance

By: Mildred Asante Hispanic Heritage Month is an official celebration of American citizens whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On October 20, 2017, the EOCHS Social Studies Department hosted the 11th Annual African Roots of Latin American assembly in the school auditorium. With most of the students in the school's auditorium, the national flag and the school’s flag was presented. The event started with vibrant images and colorful slides presented by the Studies Social Studies department as spectators were ushered to their respective seats. The PowerPoint slides visually explained how cargos of raw materials, manipulated goods and enslaved humans, the spirit of music and dance traveled across the Atlantic Ocean. There was an opening dance performance by Salsa instructor/choreographer Ms. Eleanee Jimenez, and EOCHS Social Studies Teacher, Mr. David. This initial dance number was an anticipatory set to get the audiences’ attention, while encouraging them to start tapping to the beat. Some students even volunteered to go on stage to mimic a few Afro-Caribbean dance steps. The school’s campus choir performed “Despacito” directed by Mrs. Gopal. Despacito is an Urban Pop Latino song, and many EOCHS students happily sang along. This number was followed by Ms. Allen dancing and singing a classic Cuban composition,


“Guantanamera,” popularized by the Queen of Latin Soul Music, Celia Cruz. Before the curtain closed Lois Brunette and Crystal Carter, sang a salsa rendition of “Beauty and Beast,” accompanied by a dance performance by Mr. David and EOCHS Social Studies Department Chair, Ms. Richardson.

Mr. David and Ms. Richardson in their final Latin Roots dance

Moreover, Mr. David, an 11-year veteran Social Studies teacher, received an award for dedicating more than a decade of his career to fostering an entertaining and engaging educational environment. Mr. Julius David Sr. spearheaded the assembly program titled “The African Roots of Latin Music and Dance.” There was also acknowledgement and recognition to faculty members and students who made the program a successful one. “As a novice teacher eleven years ago, one of my main objectives was to succeed in the classroom by connecting with the kids of East Orange. I knew that Campus students love music and dancing,” Mr. David reflected. His Afro-Cuban performance knowledge and experience assisted with this goal. “Luckily, I was able to infuse dance and music into my history lessons,” Mr. David added. The mini-presentation was initiated in October of 2007, and had approximately 90 viewers at its conception. This event is now presented as an educational assembly to over 500 students and participants annually. In addition to demonstrating connections to students and the curriculum, there has been an increase in collaboration among talented students and faculty members. This collaboration has cultivated a cross-curricular activity program. Social Studies, Music, Foreign Language and the Special Education Departments have all been instrumental in the growth of the cultural assembly that Mr. David engineered. He concluded, “I worked hard and I worked smart to connect with the students. Ultimately, I connected with the community and shed some light to the common origins of the different cultures.”


Breast Cancer Awareness I Stand with Pink

By: Newspaper Staff In honor of breast cancer awareness month, the Student Government Association organized the "I Stand with Pink” day and the following is an explanation of the event:

“On this day, all club advisors would ask four of their members, (including sports teams) to wear a pink shirt to stand in solidarity for the cause. They will then take an aerial-view picture in the front quad of the school, replicating the pink ribbon. We will then release 100 (breast cancer inspired) balloons in the air and do a quick silent walk around the quad before taking separate pictures of each group/club. Each group is asked to make a small poster highlighting their club and the fact that they "stand with pink." I made the posters and will have them blown up. They are encouraged to add a fact/statistic surrounding Breast Cancer. (Names of those impacted by this type of cancer can also be signed on our huge poster).”

“I Stand with Pink” day was such a great activity that fostered Breast Cancer Awareness at EOCHS. It was a gorgeous sight to see that once the students united, they came back to class with a beautiful pink ribbon!!

EOCHS COURTYARD NOVEMBER 2, 2017


By: Katrina Keil November is nationally recognized as National Native American Hertiage Month. For the first time in EOCHS history, the Social Studies Department hosted its first annual Native American Heritage Month Speech Contest. It was an opportunity to give the students a chance to come outside of their comfort zone and give an educational speech among their peers and teachers. This event allowed us to formally acknowledge the triumphs and tragedies of Native American History, past, and present. To most students, it brings a chance to boost their confidence and spread knowledge of new discoveries. We had the opportunity to shine a light on true events of bravery and strength of the Native American people.

Native American Heritage Month Speech Contest

Katrina Keil performing her speech


East Orange Campus High’s Jaguar Achievement Day

Making Period 1 By: Aaliah Alonso December 13, 2017 On the morning of Wednesday, December 13, 2017, East Orange Campus High School held its first Jaguar Excellence Achievement Ceremony of the school year, in the school auditorium. The program began at 10 a.m., with the AFJROTC cadets performing the Presentation of the Colors. Following AFJROTC, a stirring rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” was performed by the East Orange Campus Band, followed by “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by the East Orange Campus Choir. Then the East Orange Campus Drum Corps raised the roof by storming into the auditorium with some rousing percussion.

Principal’s High Honor Roll students await their awards


Our principal, Mr. Hasan, welcomed the scholars and their parents to the presentation. Superintendent Dr. Kevin West then took the microphone and congratulated the students on their academic success. Dr. West inspired the honors recipients to even greater heights of achievement. The crowd then welcomed the National Honor Society President Jamilah Stevenson, and Vice-President Shayra Olan-Hernandez, who echoed the encouragement given by Dr. West with inspirational words of their own.

Dr. West, Superintendent of East Orange School District

National Honors Society President Jamilah Stevenson (right) and Vice-President Shayra Olan-Hernandez review their notes in preparation for their comments


After the speeches, the awards began. A total of 49 scholars received pins and additional items, to recognize their achievements for attaining the Principal’s High Honor Roll with a grade point average of 4.0. For the next tier, with a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.9, 119 scholars made the Jaguar Honor Roll, and they received certificates of recognition. In addition, 252 scholars, with a grade point average of 3.0 to 3.4, were recognized with placement on the Honor Roll. With a total of over 400 students honored, more than 25% of the student population was recognized for earning a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. For the second marking period, we hope to see even more scholars recognized!

Jaguar Awards were distrbuted by Dr. West and Dr. Harvest to EOCHS students.


Social and Academic Clubs Offer After-School

Opportunities

By: Andres Franklin Ring!! The bell rings and you’re moving to the next class. In that 4-5 minutes of free time do you ever stop and take a look at what the school community has to offer? East Orange Campus High School is open to an abundant amount of social clubs and extracurricular activities for students. If you are interested in the evolution in technology or just like getting your hands on a keyboard, Tech Club might be worth looking into. If you want to sing your heart out, talk to Mrs. Gopal about joining the Choir. After school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, afterschool tutoring is offered. If you need the extra help, tutoring is designed to spend more time working with teachers to help you understand what you didn’t learn. Even though there isn’t enough time in between classes, you should take a look at the announcements mounted up on the school walls. Maybe you can take time out of your afterschool agenda if you have a few moments to spare. Get involved in your school community and support your fellow Jaguars. A great way to support our athletic teams is by attending home games. Fundraising activities are set up at every game. Remember to prioritize, join a club or afterschool activity, but don’t be late to class.


Jamilah Stevenson Homecoming Queen

Shares Her Winning Experience

EOCHS Principal Hasan posing with the 2017 Homecoming Queen, Ms. Jamilah Stevenson and the 2017 Homecoming King, Mr. Treymont Carter.

By: Alhassane Toure

It was quite the delight to interview the 2017-2018 Homecoming Queen, Ms. Jamilah Stevenson. Jamilah is a dominant athlete in both Softball and Volleyball. She enjoys playing video games, cooking, and working. She is also a modern day scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. When asked about how she felt about winning her title, she said, “I’m happy it happened, all the hard work I put into my campaign paid off.” I’d say she was right. I also asked her what she could do for campus as Queen. “I’m going to set an example for future Queens, by keeping my grades up and acting according to the policies.” With Jamilah's new voice in the campus, she is going to set the standard as the model Queen.


The Year of Jaguar

Source: Photo provided by Mr. Mustafa Hooten

EOCHS Football Team

By: Kenneth Mavin, EOCHS Assistant Football Coach

This year, 2017, is the year of the Jaguar Football Team Renaissance, under the leadership of Head Football Coach & EOCHS Teacher, Mr. Rae Oliver. With this season, the East Orange Campus High School Jaguars have started the mission to achieve greatness and bring many championship trophies back to the city. Although with a late start (April 2017), and no legitimate off-season workout, Coach Oliver, was able to produce a 6-4 winning record, including, qualifying for the NJ State North 2 Group 5 playoffs. Coach Oliver and his amazing staff defeated the odds, by having a successful season under the leadership of multiple freshman and sophomores, including, Captain quarterbacks Quadir Scott and Nazir Montgomery. These two young men competed all summer for the same position and still managed to keep a tight relationship, knowing one would win the job over the other. This team was very diverse in regards to skill set, as many players played multiple positions, in particular, Senior captains Radi Rojas, Devon Swan, and Benildo Jean- Baptiste.


East Orange coach Rae Oliver and the seniors pose with the "Old Guard Award" after their 21-0 win over rival Barringer. (Evan Slavit | For NJ Advance Media)

This season truly proved how resilient these young men are, as they overcame multiple problems, including lack of equipment and the installment of an entirely new offensive system. We also had many players miss the first three games due to eligibility and health-related issues, but despite it all, we did not falter, as we got off to a 3-0 start. We then dropped the next three games, losing to John F. Kennedy of Paterson, Montclair High School, and Bloomfield High School. This downward skid was painful; however, our young men did not hang their heads low, moving past these defeats to record two victories over Morristown and West Orange High School, earning our place in the state playoffs for 2017. Although, the season ended in a 28-8 loss to Elizabeth High School, the future is looking very bright for Head Coach Rae Oliver, his staff, and players.


Jaguar Spirit! GO JAGUARS!

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