1

Welcome To The 2009-2010 School YearI am hopeful that you and your family have enjoyed your well deserved vacation and have made time to connect with as many family and friends as possible. Those relations in our lives are, after all, the most important and bring us true fulfillment, peace, and joy.

This first issue of Husky Happenings 2009-2010 is full of important and needed information for both you and your child. I urge you to read our newsletter thoroughly and keep on hand for future reference. I also encourage you to read about Dumont High School’s selection as a PLC Lab School. This initiative will contribute to our mission of being a center of continuous learning for both students and staff. During the 2008-2009 school year, teachers were working together to research and discuss new curricular programs that will enhance the education every child receives at DHS. Being recognized by the NJ Department of Education for these efforts and as a “school that works” is a point of pride for us. Future Husky Happenings will highlight our progress as a PLC Lab School.

Only the first edition of Husky Happenings per year will be mailed home. The remaining three editions will be found on the DHS website www.dumontnj.org in November, February, and April. However, if you wish to continue to receive a paper copy of Husky Happenings, please contact Mrs. Stanek at (201) 387-3000, ext. 3003.

I look forward to once again seeing you on our fields, at our many events, and in our building.

Mr. Michael ParentPrincipal

HUSKY HAPPENINGSA

ugus

t 20

09 The Quarterly Newsletter of Dumont High School

In This Issue

page 2-3 Need To Knows page 3Curriculum News Guidance News

page 4School Security Athletics NewsClubs & Student News page 5Parent Groups News page 6 Upcoming EventsHonorable Mentions

2

Need To KnowsNew School Phone NumbersThe phone system features an automated attendant and voice mail system to facilitate communication with district faculty and staff. Please take note of the following important main numbers. You may also dial the Guidance Department and Athletic Department directly.

DHS Main Office (and to call a student in as “absent”):(201) 387-3000Guidance Department (direct number):(201) 387-3010Athletic Department: (direct number)(201) 387-3094DHS School Nurse(201) 387-3000, ext. 3605DHS Cafeteria(201) 387-3000, ext. 3066

New StaffMr. Nicolino Nese joined the DHS staff on June 1, 2009 as the new Director of Athletics.

Ms. Kristy Curtin joined the DHS staff on September 1, 2009 as the new School Psychologist.

Back To School NightThe annual Back to School Night will be conducted on Wednesday, September 30 beginning at 7:00 PM in the DHS Quirk Gym. We look forward to having you become familiar with your child’s teachers and courses, as well as the policies and procedures of DHS. A letter will be sent to you shortly providing details and inviting you to this annual event.

8th Grade Open HouseThe annual 8th Grade Open House will be conducted on Wednesday, October 14, beginning at 6:30 PM in the DHS Auditorium. It will be a great opportunity for parents and 8th graders to receive an

up close and personal view of DHS’s outstanding curriculum and co-curricular activities.

Swift ReachThis year the district will continue utilizing an automated phone service called Swift Reach to alert our parental community to school closings and other pertinent emergencies. As all information from last year is still in the system, please notify Mrs. Stanek at DHS (201) 387-3000, ext. 3003 only if you have changes to your contact numbers since last school year.

Student/Parent HandbooksIt is extremely important that our new parents and students become familiar with the contents of our Student-Parent Handbook. This handbook will be distributed to all students at the beginning of September during homeroom. Please contact the Main Office at the high school should your child not receive a Student-Parent handbook. This year, the handbook is also accessible via the Dumont High School home page on the district website (www.dumontnj.org). The handbook clearly explains all school policies.

Free or Reduced LunchIf you believe that you qualify for free or reduced meals, you must provide verification of this fact along with your application. Applications will be sent home shortly for this purpose. Such verification of eligibility may include, but is not limited to, copies of wages/salaries, welfare, and child support payments, pensions. Social Security checks or any other type of income that is applicable. Be assured that any information you provide will remain confidential.

One type of form is to be used for all students, with the youngest schoolchild in the family returning one form to his or her school for all children in the family. Please note the application requests that all students be listed in Part 1A, and everyone (including parents/guardians, non-school age children, grandparents,

or other relatives) else in the household be listed in Part 2, whether or not they have an income. All families qualified to take advantage of this opportunity are urged to provide your child with free or low cost nutritional lunches. Any questions, please contact Mr. Parent at (201) 387-3000, ext. 3003.

Student Drop-off And Pick-upPlease be aware that parents should use Husky Drive as a drop off area for students. Please do not use our faculty parking lots to drop off students. This practice may pose a danger to your children and creates traffic issues in our faculty parking lots and on New Milford Avenue. To avoid traffic delays and build up on New Milford Avenue, we are continuing to strongly encourage parents to use the Dixon Avenue entrance as a drop off point. A walkway is available to give students access from Dixon Avenue to the Main Entrance. Also, parents are reminded that visitor parking is only available on Husky Drive in the parking lot directly in front of the new Media Center and main entrance. If that lot is full, you are asked to find additional parking on the street as all spaces in the faculty lots are reserved.

Student Yearbook PicturesStudent pictures will be taken on September 3 and 4. A makeup date for pictures will be announced at a later time. Students will be able to place their orders with payment to the company, Lors Studio, for any additional pictures other than the ID student picture.

School/Student LockersStudent lockers have been re-organized and re-assigned to all students. School lockers are the property of the Dumont Board of Education and are on loan to students. Mr. Wichmann, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services, may be contacted at 201-387-3000, ext. 3007, for questions regarding lockers.

HU

SK

Y HAPPEN

INGS

Aug

ust

2009

3

FERPAThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a Federal Law that requires public schools to provide notice to parents of the types of student information that it releases publicly. If you do not wish the Dumont Public Schools to include your name in DHS’s student directory, please return the bottom portion of the FERPA form to Mr. Parent by September 25. If we do not receive written notification by this date, your child’s name will be listed in the student directory.

Parent Access To Grades & AttendanceAs you may be aware, DHS utilizes an electronic grade book program entitled Power Grade that features a parental access component. A letter will be sent home for logging on to the parent access portal.

Curriculum NewsDHS Selected as PLC Lab SchoolDumont High School has been selected as one of only thirty three Professional Learning Communities Lab Schools by the NJ Department of Education and the Educational Information Resource Center.

Professional Learning Communities (or PLCs) are small learning groups of professionals. PLCs are usually made up of four to five people who study ideas or issues related to student achievement or school goals, conduct research on the issue, and collaborate with each other to find solutions, amend policy, or improve practice.

The high school faculty worked in PLCs last year to investigate a future Freshmen Seminar course, a Pathways program, Option II, and an Economics/Finance course slated for school year 2010-2011. As a result of being selected as a PLC Lab School, every faculty member of the

Curriculum Council will be afforded professional development and on-site coaching from leading authors and educators who are well versed and experienced with PLCs.

As a PLC Lab School, Dumont High School will once again be at the forefront of the latest educational movements all in an effort to sustain our commitment to providing our students and staff with he best possible education.

Guidance NewsCongratulations To The Class of 2009We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Class of 2009.

We continue to be proud of the fact that a large percentage of our graduating seniors pursue educational opportunities post graduation. In fact, an impressive 96.7% of the Class of 2009 planned

to continue their education, with 62.2% going to 4-year colleges, 31.1% going to 2-year colleges, 3.4% going to nursing, business, trade, and/or technical schools, and 1.0% to the armed services. 2.3% of the graduating class is pursuing employment opportunities.

Naviance ArrivesNaviance is a web-based communication system that allows each student to create a personalized success plan. Because it's on-line, students and families can work together with counselors and administrators who become "success coaches", working to ensure that each student stays on track with his or her personal goals.

Naviance provides students and parents with the framework to direct their own education, establish long and short-term goals, and plan for post secondary success.

Dr. Collins and the Guidance team will be hosting parent evenings in the fall to demonstrate and explain how Naviance works.

Testing DatesHSPA at DHSOctober 6, 7, 8 (2009)

SAT at DHSOctober 10, 2009

PSAT at DHS October 14, 2009

Contact Dr. Collins, Director of Guidance, at (201) 387-3010 for test information, as well as registration deadlines. You may check the school district website (www.dumontnj.org) for additional information under Guidance Department.

Virtual High SchoolVirtual High School (VHS) is a non-profit organization that collaborates with schools to offer on-line, content-rich, credit-bearing high school courses to students throughout the United States and around the world.

Currently there are over 200 courses to chose from in the following areas: Language Arts, Math, Technology, Life Skills/Health, Foreign Language, Science, Social Studies, Business, and the Arts. Courses may be either half-year or full year. Students in grades 10-12 are eligible. Please contact you child’s Guidance Counselor for more information on enrolling you son or daughter in a VHS course.

Satellite School ScheduleThe Satellite School schedule for the 2009-2010 school year may be accessed on our school district website www.dumontnj.org. As a point of information, students attending the Paramus program are provided with bus transportation to the site at the following times: 7:20 AM for the morning session; 11:30 AM for the PM session. If you have any questions or would like more

HU

SK

Y HAPPEN

INGS

Aug

ust

2009

4

information regarding the Satellite school program, please contact the Guidance Department at (201) 387-3010.

School SecurityVisiting DHSAs a means to continue to enhance school security, the district will continue implementing a Visitor Management Procedure in all district schools.

The Board of Education’s visitor policy states that all school visitors, including parents, must report to the main entrance to obtain a visitor’s pass before

proceeding to any part o f t h e b u i l d i n g. W i t h o u t exception, all visitors w i l l b e expected to follow our access and

visitation procedures. Visitors must use the designated entrance to enter the school. Once admitted into the building, the visitor will report directly to the main office or in the high school’s case, the security desk area, to be issued a visitor’s pass.

In order to obtain a pass, the visitor will need to present one of the following forms of identification, which will be scanned into our computerized security system: e.g. Driver’s License, Passport, State/County Issued ID, Health Insurance Card, NJMVC Non-operator License, Resident Alien Card, Car Registration, Utility/Tax Bill. The pass that is issued will identify the person as a processed visitor to the school with the date and time and will serve as a sign-in verification. At the end of the visit, visitors should return to the main entrance desk with the pass to be checked out. Once a visitor is initially processed, future visits to the building will be expedited.

Student IDs/Access CardsAll student ID/access cards will be returned to the 10th, 11th and 12th grade students who turned in their ID cards in June. Students who did not hand in or who lost their cards but paid the $10.00 replacement fee will have new cards issued to them in September. All incoming 9th grade students and newly enrolled students will have student ID pictures taken for this purpose on September 3 and 4 during Physical Education classes.

Once IDs are processed and issued, students will be required to be in possession of their IDs at all times during the school day. These cards will provide students access into the building in the morning, during SDLs, and during the lunch hour. Cards will also be needed to access bathroom facilities.

Students who arrive to school without their access cards may lose campus privileges such as open SDL and Lunch periods, and may receive additional disciplinary consequences. Students will be required to pay a $10.00 replacement fee for lost or stolen cards. Meetings will be held with students during the first few weeks of school to discuss the system.

Video Security SystemFor safety purposes and to ensure the protection of district property, the district has installed web based security cameras in common interior and exterior areas of the high school. Information recorded via this system will be reviewed on a regular basis and will be utilized to ensure the protection and welfare of the school community. More information related to the features of this system will be shared during student homeroom meetings.

Photograph/Video Use AuthorizationThe Dumont Public Schools requires parents/guardians to sign a Photograph/Video Use Authorization Form authorizing or denying permission to use photographs/videos of their child(ren) in publicity relating to the district’s educational programs. The Parent/

Guardian permission is included in this mailing and is due back to the homeroom teacher no later than September 18, 2009.

Athletics NewsFall SportsThe Fall Sports Season these teams will open play on the following dates:

Girls Volleyball9/11 vs Cliffside Park, 4:00 PM

Boys Soccer9/11 vs Cliffside Park, 4:00 PM

Girls Soccer9/12 vs Cliffside Park, 12:00 PM

FootballSeptember 11 vs Cliffside Park, 7:00 PM

Boys and Girls Cross Country9/15 vs River Dell and Fort Lee @ Darlington Park, 4:00 PM

Join in the excitement and experience all the action in the new stadium. For athletic information, contact Mr. Nic Nese, Director of Athletics, at (201) 387-3094 or view the district website www.dumontnj.org.

Clubs & Student NewsDHS Youth TheatreUnder the direction of Ms. Tuxill, the DHS Youth Theatre will conduct its performances on December 4 and 5 at 7:00 PM in the DHS Auditorium. For information about these performances, you may contact: Ms. Tuxill: (201) 387-3000, ext. 6092 or Ms. Mascarelli: (201) 387-3000, ext. 3017.

HU

SK

Y HAPPEN

INGS

Aug

ust

2009

5

PALSThe Peers As Leaders (PALS) organization will be hosting the first annual “Move-In Day” on August 27. “Move-In Day” is a freshman orientation program that allows the 9th graders to explore the building, find their lockers, and learn about the schedule prior to the first day of school.

Student CouncilThe Student Council will be launching a new program on September 1st called “Bigs and Littles”. Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Wells put out the call at the end of last school year looking for seniors to volunteer to be big brothers and big sisters for freshman. 79 seniors volunteered to mentor the 243 freshmen we have coming in. Each “big” will mentor three freshmen. We will be framing the “Bigs and Littles” program using the district’s outstanding Teacher Mentoring Program and other national and state peer mentoring programs.

Marching BandDHS’s outstanding Marching Husky Band will once again perform at the football games during the Fall Sports Season. The band, under the direction of Messrs. Chiandusse and Pochini, will also perform at the North Jersey Marching Band Festival on Sunday, October 25 at Montclair State University (the rain date is November 1).

Parent Groups NewsAthletic BoostersThe Dumont Athletic Booster Association was busy over the summer with the start of their first big mailing. The Dumont Athletic Association throughout the year fundraises to support every athlete and athletic association throughout DHS. They strive to purchase equipment in support of our athletes that may not be covered under the DHS budget. They also provide scholarships

and hold an All Sports Dinner to honor our varsity athletes. This cannot be done without the support of you. If you have not done so already, please support the Athletic Boosters by sending in your membership.

The first meeting will be on Thursday, September 3. Plan to come to the meeting and look for more ways to get involved. The other meeting dates will be posted on the high school website, and they are:• Wednesday, October 7, 2009• Tuesday, November 10, 2009• Wednesday, January 6, 2010• Wednesday, March 3, 2010• Wednesday, April 14, 2010• Tuesday, May 18, 2010

All meetings will be at 7:15 PM in the DHS Media Center.

In May of 2009, the Dumont Athletic Boosters Association had the pleasure of electing the new Executive Board for the 2009-2010 school year. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact anyone of them. The new officers are: Lisa Sansone, President (201) 384-3777; Sandy Kraykowski, Vice President; Susie Reitano, Recording Secretary; Tracy Cullen, Corresponding Secretary; Lynne Vietri, Treasurer.

Don’t forget about the DHS “Huskie” clothing. There will be lots of new items, so keep an eye out for the booth at Dumont Day, and at athletic events and school activities. You can view the items online (www.dumontnj.org, DHS page, Husky Store link) and download the flyer to place an order. They make great gifts and show your high school spirit!

Music BoostersThe Dumont High School Music Booster Association welcomes everyone back from summer vacation as they begin the 2009-2010 school year and invites you to join their organization. Membership will again be $10.00 per individual or $15.00 per family, and registration forms will be available at their table on Dumont Day. The Music Boosters are encouraging all

families to b e c o m e a c t i v e members to he lp make this their best year ever.

In the past, with the support of the members, the DHS Music Booster Association has granted awards and scholarships to graduating seniors and has sponsored the Thanksgiving Day Breakfast, Band Dinner, and Choral Luncheon for our students. They have also donated much needed equipment to the Music Department. Please consider joining their organization and supporting our music students.

Meetings will be held in the Media Center (unless otherwise noted) at 8:00 pm on the following dates:

• Monday, September 14, 2009• Monday, October 5, 2009• Monday, November 2, 2009 (meeting

in Room 109)• Monday, December 7, 2009 (meeting

in Room 109)• Monday, January 4, 2010• Monday, February 1, 2010• Monday, March 1, 2010• Monday, April 12, 2010• Monday, May 3, 2010• Tuesday, June 8, 2010

If you have any questions regarding membership or are interested in helping us on Dumont Day, or any other event throughout the year, please call Claire Pidi at (201) 439-1985.

Key CommunicatorsIn order to provide parents with an opportunity to become involved with happenings at Dumont High School, Mr. Parent is seeking volunteers to serve as Key Communicators. This committee is comprised of a maximum of 25 members from the school community. Key Communicators will meet with Mr. Parent and other high school administrators and supervisors periodically during the school year to

HU

SK

Y HAPPEN

INGS

Aug

ust

2009

6

exchange ideas and information vital to the continued effectiveness of the school.Meeting dates in 2009-2010 will be announced at a later date.

If you are interested in being considered to participate as a Key Communicator, please call Mrs. Terry Stanek, at (201) 387-3000, ext. 3003. Please understand that there are a limited number of individuals who may serve on this committee. If you served on this committee last year, and would like to continue to serve in that capacity, please call Mrs. Stanek as well. There will also be an opportunity for parents to sign up as a Key Communicator on Back to School Night.

Project GraduationProject Graduation 2010The Project Graduation 2010 committee has set some upcoming meeting dates:• Tuesday, September 8, 2009• Wednesday, September 16, 2009• Thursday, October 1, 2009• Thursday, October 8, 2009• Thursday, October 22, 2009• Monday, November 2, 2009• Wednesday, November 18, 2009• Monday, December 9, 2009

All Project Graduation meetings will be held at 7:00 PM in the DHS Media Center.

The Fashion Show Fundraiser will be held on Thursday, November 4 at the Florentine Gardens in River Vale at 7:30 PM. Further information and tickets will be available in September. Any questions please contact Stephanie McClinton at SRMC159@aol.com.

Project Graduation 2011The Project Graduation 2011 committee has set some upcoming meetings:Wednesday, September 23, 2009Wednesday, October 21, 2009Wednesday, December 2, 2009Wednesday, January 13, 2010

All meetings will be held at 7:30 in the DHS Media Center.

Junior parents should have already received in the mail a letter, along with

payment coupons, to sign up for Project Graduation 2011. The letter and payment coupons will also be available shortly on the Project Graduation website. For further information, please contact Sandy Kraykowski at (201) 387-9181 or Gina Letizia at (201) 384-2384.

Upcoming EventsSeptember• 2 First Day of School• 3 Underclassmen Portraits• 4 Underclassmen Portraits• 7 SCHOOL CLOSED-Labor Day• 9 Student Activities Club Fair• 10 Senior Portrait Retakes• 11 Senior Portrait Retakes• 11 PALS New Student Luncheon• 13 DHS Cheerleaders Carwash @

DHS 9:00 AM• 17 College Night @ FDU• 22 Senior Parent Night 7:00 PM• 28 SCHOOL CLOSED - Yom Kippur• 30 Back to School Night 7:00 PM

October• 6 HSPA Test• 7 HSPA Test• 8 HSPA Test• 10 SAT Test @ DHS• 13 (Makeup) HSPA Test• 14 (Makeup) HSPA Test• 14 PSAT Test @ DHS• 14 8th Grade Open House 6:30 PM• 15 (Makeup) HSPA Test• 17 Forensics @ DHS 8:00 AM• 20 Powder Puff Game 7:00 PM• 23 Fall Sports Pep Rally 2:00 PM• 24 Homecoming Dance 7:30 PM• 25 Band Festival @ Montclair State

University 4:30 PM

November• 1 (Rain Date) Band Festival• 4 SCHOOL CLOSED-Election Day• 4 End of First Marking Period• 5 SCHOOL CLOSED-Convention• 6 SCHOOL CLOSED-Convention• 13 Career Fair 8:45 AM• 25 ONE SESSION DAY• 25 Veteran’s Salute/Flag Raising• 26 SCHOOL CLOSED-Holiday• 27 SCHOOL CLOSED-Holiday

Honorable MentionsPlease join me in celebrating the good news and exciting events for our faculty members:

• The entire Dumont High School custodial staff and the Dumont Buildings and Grounds crew for doing a stellar job with getting the building ready for the students. We are very proud to work these men who are lead by Kevin Dunne, John Sperone and Craig Leotta.

• With the start of the 09-10 school year, Ms. Genny DiTrani will begin her 40th year of service to Dumont High School. Last year, Mr. Rich Markert celebrated his 40th anniversary as a teacher. We and our students are honored to have both of you on staff.

• Ms. Nicole Dunne is now Mrs. Nicole Costa, and Ms. Karen Booker is now Mrs. Karen Estrada. Mr. Curt Banicki is still Mr. Banicki - but there is now a Mrs. Banicki. All three teachers celebrated their weddings over the summer. We wish them happiness and prosperity as they begin their new families.

• Mr. Craig Post and Ms. Cari Koblitz have been awarded a $1000.00 grant from the Bergen County Utilities Authority to continue their recycling and environmental projects with our students. This is the second year DHS has been awarded this grant.

• Ms. Elizabeth Tuxill’s semi-autobiographical play “It’s Your Mother” was performed in New York City this summer. Many teachers and students turned out for the performances.

• We proudly welcome back Mrs. Tara Lennox and Mrs. Laura Sobek. Both are new moms (of beautiful children)and will be returning to DHS in September.

• A heroic salute to Mr. Jason Cannici who literally saved the life of a young girl this summer by using his Epi-pen training (required for all coaches in Dumont) in a time of crisis.

HU

SK

Y HAPPEN

INGS

Aug

ust

2009