Deirdra Grode, Ex. Director / Principal K-8

Elementary & Middle School 255 Congress Street

Jersey City, NJ 07307 Tel: 201-963-0222 Fax: 201-963-0880

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John Bellocchio, Principal 9-12

High School 4th and Garden Streets, 4th floor

Hoboken, NJ 07030 Tel: 201-963-3280 Fax: 201-963-0695

THE HOBOKEN CHARTER SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

NOTE FROM THE

PA

located on page 23

of this issue!

Table of Contents

HS Spanish page 2 HS History page 3 HS English page 4 HS PeaceJam / Interact news pages 5-6 Art News pages 7-13 Student Council page 14 HS PE / Health page 15 HS Math page 16 HS Science page 17 Perfect Attendance page 18 Boxtop collection info pages 19-22 Update letter / news from PA! page 23

Important Dates: Friday, December 14th – 1:00 p.m. dismissal for High School only Wednesday, December 19th – End of K-8 marking period Thursday, December 20th - Parent Association Meeting – location and time TBD Friday, December 21st – 1:00 p.m. prompt dismissal for the Winter Break – no after school activities. Monday, December 24th – Tuesday, January 1st – School Closed for Winter Break Wednesday, January 2nd – Schools re-opens! Classes begin at 8:30am sharp! Thursday, January 3rd – Lottery application deadline Wednesday, January 9th - Board of Trustees Meeting – 7:00 p.m. @ Demarest Building, 4th floor Thursday, January 10th – Lottery 7:00 p.m. – 255 Congress Street

HCS HS Cougar News & YOU… purrrfect together!

Reminder... Lottery Application Deadline is

Thursday, January 3, 2013! For more info, please contact Ms. Spinella, Lottery

Coordinator at 201-963-0222 x217

SPECIAL NOTE: THERE ARE LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

RIGHT NOW IN THE 10TH GRADE! Contact Ms. Edgar x221 for more information!

SPANISH CON SENORA BOWEN

In Spanish I the student’s worked to describe their physical appearance and their personalities. They also reviewed the colors in order to describe personality by saying their favorite colors. In grammar, they learned adjectives and their posi-tion in the sentence. En la clase de espanol I, los estudiantes trabajaron con el tema “Describan su personalidad” Ellos practicaron también describiendo su personalidad de acuerdo a sus coloresfavoritos. En gramática ellos aprendieron lo que son los adjetivos, para que se usan, y su posicion en las oraciones. In the intermediate classes, the students worked on the topic of extra curricular activities. In grammar, they learned how to make equal and unequal compari-sons in Spanish. The verb hacer + time expressions. Los estudiantes en clases intermedias trabajaron con el tema, las actividades ex-tracurriculares. En gramática elloos aprendieron a hacer comparaciones de personas y cosas que sean iguales y desiguales, el verbo hacer + expresiones de tiempo. In the advanced classes, the students worked on the topic of unforgivable experi-ences, describing a visit to a national park, school competitions, and expressing emotions regarding the outcome of an event. In grammar, they reviewed the preterit of regular and irregular verbs. En las clases avanzadas, los estudiantes trabajaron con el tem alas experiencias inolvidables, describiendo la visita a los parques nacionales, concursos en la es-cuela, y a expresar emociones sobre el resultado de un evento. En gramática ellos revisaron el preterito de los verbos regulares e irregulars.

Economics The senior economics class has been study-ing incentives and be-havioral psychology. They are also explor-ing topics such as the 4 P’s of marketing, fi-nance, the 3 C’s of credit, interest rates, the Fisher equation N=i+r, the Rate of Re-turn Formula E-B/B, the Rule of 72 and fi-nancial literacy. The senior class also viewed 2 films- The Ups and Downs of Stocks and Trading Places to learn about stock and commodities trading. The seniors will begin their 10-12 week stock market analysis project in early January 2013.

World History

The Freshmen recently wrapped up their analysis of Chinese religions and philoso-phies such as Taoism, Confucianism, and Legalism. Students will now turn their attention to the Opium Wars of the 19th century. Students also learned about Zheng, and his alleged discovery of America (before Columbus) and surmised how Amer-ica would be different if the Chinese had settled America instead.

United States History II The junior class in US History II studied World War I-Causes and Lessons, The Roaring Twenties-From Happiness to Despair and the Stock Market Crash of 1929. They have begun to compile research for the President’s Project due in March. They have also begun to select their topics for their 5-7 page research papers.

The sophomores have recently finished their analysis of the Boston Massacre of 1770. Students debated as to whether or not the Boston Massacre was really a mas-sacre or simply overblown propaganda. The sophomores are now debating whether or not the colonies should have declared independence from Britain from a loyalist and patriot perspective.

United States History I

HISTORY

OMNIBUS EDITION DECEMBER 2012

English with Ms. Lee & Ms. Bodunde 9th Grade American Literature

The 9th grade class is continuing to master reading comprehension skills with nonfiction arti-cles. We are reviewing qualities of argument and perspective. We have been incorporating these readings in collaborative projects that support and reinforce skills. The class is also practicing their speaking skills as they present information to the class. Learning the skills to effectively present information is a crucial life skill that is continually practiced. 10th Grade American Literature The 10th grade classes are continuing to build up their vocabulary and grammar skills. As we review last year’s skills, we are practicing the mastery of the rules of grammar while construct-ing new skills. Students are constantly engaging in proper writing formats and speech in order to become better speakers and writers. The sophomores are currently battling direct objects, in-finitives and diagramming infinitives as direct object phrases. Then students have been creating projects to wrap up skills they have mastered for each unit.

11th Grade English The juniors have been learning and practicing the art of the argument. They are writing and workshopping multiple drafts of argumentative es-says. In addition; they are getting the chance to understand the reach of what is considered an “argument.” This past week, they screened, ana-lyzed and discussed television commercials as examples of “visual argu-ments.”

12th Grade English

The seniors have also been working extensively to write well-crafted, richly elaborative argument essays. They are trying their hands at a range of top-ics, from controversial referendums from the 2012 election season to the growing strength of the for-profit college system. They continue to use vari-ous non-fiction texts to support their writing and participate in peer writing workshops.

In our efforts to reuse our waste, PeaceJam-mers are continuing to recycle e-waste through the Funding Factory. We have been recycling ink cartridges, old cell phones, DVD players and iPods. This month we sent out two full boxes of e-waste that our school is credited for through the Funding Factory. For every item we send, we receive points that are used towards buying school and classroom supplies.

Keep those e-wastes coming!

While some students ran home Thanksgiving eve, PeaceJammers had other plans! Some stu-dents went over to the Hoboken Shelter to sort and fold clothes and donate some food items. Since the holiday season is so busy at the Shel-ter, they are in constant need of volunteers. Students spent a few hours sorting clothes into groups for men, women and children. Then they helped bring and sort food items as well. Thank you PeaceJammers for making the change!

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On our Make a Difference Day, we had the pleasure of hosting the Alliance for Climate Educa-tion for an interactive assembly. Little did we know how much of an Alliance this wonderful organization would be with the Hoboken Charter High School! After Hurri-cane Sandy, Lonna, our ACE friend, contacted us to let us know that ACE was collecting items for people and sent us a list. PeaceJammers looked through the list and asked their friends if they had lost anything or were unable to purchase supplies due to the Hur-ricane. This month five boxes of supplies were delivered to our school with letters from stu-dents and children around the country that collected these much needed items. It was so inspir-ing for our students to read these letters and sort through the boxes, knowing that students just like them were doing things for others, working together to make change! Thank you Lonna and ACE for your continued support of the Hoboken Charter High School and thousands of schools across America.

HCHS HCHS Interact is

currently selling silicon bracelets

that read “catch your breath”

The are $1.00

HCHS Interact Is continuing our efforts in “The Change Challenge”

and raising money for LUNG CANCER. HCHS Interact Club is still raising money to donate to this very worthy cause. We are raising

money in memory of Ezzat Abedair, father of Romanda class of 2015 and her sister Anisha,

HCHS class of 2012. Mr. Abedair was a dedicated husband and father, he was a kind, wise

person, and he was always eager to help all who were in need. So far we have raised over $100!!

Way to go HCHS Interact!!

HCHS Interact is

running a Holiday

Toy Drive. All new

and gently used toys

will be accepted.

Toys may be dropped

of at the High School

in Room 403

HCHS Interact and FirstBook

HCHS’s Interact has partnered with FIRSTBOOK in our efforts to Rebuild Hoboken Charter School and create a library in the High School! We contacted FirstBook right after the fire and began to create a virtual book drive. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, FirstBook made a donation to our drive, and combined with a few others thus far, we just got our first shipment in. Seniors are busy with the new SAT and college books. Our virtual web site is:

http://supporters.firstbook.org/gotorebuildhobokencharterschool

Please help spread the word, an encourage everyone to visit our virtual book drive. Thank you FirstBook for all you have done for our school!

Art Studio “13” The seniors continued painting with oils as they completed their three part study. Students critiqued their unique paintings using all of the Elements and Principles of Design. These paintings will be on exhibit in the Hoboken Library for the month of December. The reception will be on Tues-day, December 11th at 2:40 at the Library. We invite everyone to stop by and take a look, give us feedback, and sign our book.

12th Grade Art

MONOCHROME SELF PORTRAITS

Students began their study of themselves as people, as objects and as art forms. Stu-dents were asked to draw a self portrait based on a photo-graph or by looking at themselves in the mirror. Many stu-dents used the grid technique to com-plete their drawings. After completing the first part of their work, they used acrylics and oils to paint their work in monochrome. Many students created ten to twenty tints in their color to use as a reference. These delightful portraits are hanging in our hallway.

While some students chose to work in full color, others chose monochrome for their oil study. Each painting definitely took on a new perspective of their original topic. After completing their self portraits, students were given a “break” and a 30 x 40 paper. They were challenged to create a self expres-sive painting. It was interesting to see how they separated themselves from the styles of their previous paintings and channel their en-ergy into themselves.

11th Graders have been learning about dif-ferent artists, styles and techniques. This past month we spent quite some time on Picasso and Cubism. Students were intro-duced to an assortment of works by Pi-casso. Moving up in the century, students learned about Peter Max and his “hippie” style. We invited you to come check out our hallways that are bedecked with stu-dent work.

Art Studio “14” In an introduction to Picasso, stu-dents were shown portraits in Cubist style. We dis-cussed style, tech-nique, color theory and application. Students were given the option to use any materials they wanted on a masonite board. These delightful works are hanging in our hallway, come check them out!

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Juniors learned about Peter Max, an American illus-trator and graphic artist, known for the use of psy-chedelic shapes and color palettes as well as spec-trums in his work. They looked at multiple works that he created over the years and were encouraged to create their own work in his style. Students used a wide array of color, bold outlines, and subjects. Students were excited as they hung their work up to critique. These creative works are currently on dis-play in the hallway of the high school.

Continuing with Picasso and Cubism, stu-dents developed their techniques using oil pastels. Students were encouraged to push themselves with their application and ma-nipulation. Students commented on the quality of the oil pastel and how it gave a different feel with specific amounts of ap-plication. We used simple portraits and fo-cused on the medium rather than the sub-ject.

Art Studio “15”

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After creating gray scales, 10th grade began working on “Still Life With Reflections”. We looked at many works that portrayed reflections and we discussed how things may look distorted when seeing them through a glass. Al-though the glass is clear, the object is not always so clear. Students worked on their foreground and objects that were closest to them. Once they completed the contour line drawing, they used ebony and soft lead pencils with shad-ing stumps to add values. Students were encouraged to draw and shade their work upside down to help them fo-cus on the values rather than the objects themselves.

Students learned about Picasso, Cubism and the “Shattered Effect” that occurs when a portrait is distorted in his style. Students analyzed an assortment of portraits that portrayed this quality. We discussed the multiple faces that can be intertwined through one original face. We worked on pat-tern and repetition as well as texture and tints. Many students focused on the bold outline and worked on this part first. Once the outline was completed, students took the liberty of choosing the material that best worked with their project. Each student mounted their work in preparation for display. These wonderful portraits are hanging in the hallway, come check them out!

Art Studio “16” 9th Grade had the opportunity to look at and analyze

many different types of masks. We discussed when and where people wear masks. We also talked about why someone would wear a mask whether it is for decoration or celebration, drama or religion. We discussed different cultures that use colorful and dark masks for holidays. After looking through many different styles, students were assigned to create their own mask. Everyone had to use at least five different materials but three dimen-sional was not a requirement. Most students chose markers to help them outline their work and then it was free reign. Some students took fabric, while others used layered papers. Some students even found glass beads and attached them as decorations. All of the masks are on display outside the art room. All of the students agreed how interesting each of their work is, especially the diversity that came out of one single assignment.

It may be hard for view-ers to u n d e r -stand the w o r k s h o w n here, but the pro-ject con-sists of only lines. We discussed how the artist interprets the world around him or her and communicates it through visual expression. The list of what this work is about consists of: a sturdy line, a depend-able line, a trustworthy line, a confused line, a dark line, an honest line, a caring line, an angry line, a difficult line, a line that goes up, another that goes down, a line that swirls and lastly, one that has hard edges. After drawing each of these lines, 9th Grade students had a better un-derstanding of what it means to express themselves based on their personal inter-pretations.

Students discussed magnifying objects without a magnifying glass. Students drew a picture inside a box on their paper. After they completed the inside, they began to work on the outside, magnifying their original picture. Students enjoyed looking at their work on two different size scales. After they completed their works, students critiqued a project that a classmate completed.

“A wall is made of individual bricks, together

they create a foundation and more importantly,

they create a community”

Students of the Hoboken Charter High School

are creating

“The Healing Wall” Reflections of Hurricane Sandy

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Hoboken Charter School high school students created a “Healing Wall” made of hundreds of paper bricks with writing and drawings, sharing individual stories and lasting impressions from the storm. The “Healing wall” is now mounted on the walls of the City Hall lobby and more than 20 students from Hoboken Charter High School went to talk to Mayor Dawn Zimmer about the project that started at the school but now has spread to other schools in Hoboken. “It is a really nice way to bring the community together,” Zimmer said. "I am really impressed how the Hoboken Charter High School put this together so quickly." Zimmer said that she wants, visitors and city employees to add to the project and sees it climbing the walls in the central staircase of City Hall.

PeaceJam students met with Mayor Zimmer in the end of No-vember in City Hall. They had the opportunity to hear her talk about the Hurricane and Hoboken, and a short Q & A after. Mayor Zimmer complimented the students for their efforts and expressed her appreciation for their thoughtful project.

The Healing Wall will remain in City Hall as per Mayor Zimmer’s request. The wall will extend its borders as it climbs up to the second floor. We continue to encourage people to go and add a brick to our wall.

“Perceptions”

“All of our knowledge is the offspring of our perceptions.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

“Perception” is an art exhibit, created by the senior students of the Hoboken Charter High School. It is a collection of works based on “perceptions”, and how we view the world around us. Students spent time observing and studying their chosen topic. After numerous sketches and critiques, students created an assortment of paintings in various styles, media and applications in order to communicate their “Perceptions”. “Perceptions” is currently on display in the Hoboken Library throughout the month of December.

HCHS students interested in acting were treated to a performance by Emmy Award winning actress, Elaine Bromka and her famous “Tea For Three”, one woman show about three First Ladies. All high school

s t u d e n t s were asked if they would be interested in acting in a perform-a n c e . PeaceJam-mers have been col-lecting sto-ries about experiences

during Hurricane Sandy with plans to give a performance. Students from all grades volunteered for this exciting project. After the show we had a Q & A with Ms Bromka. What a wonderful opportunity! Thanks to the Hoboken Library for hosting s u c h a nice event.

CONGRATULATIONS

to the following students who have been invited to be published in

Celebrating Art

Jamil Bethea Richard Donan Dillon Farley

Imani Greenlee Anna Herrara Adeanna King

Annie Lizzi LaShanda McAllister

David Ortiz Veida Rodriguez

Dimyana Shonoda Gabriela Solano

Victor Smith Jiovahnny Toussaint

The publication will be available in

March 2013.

This years Student Council has been working tirelessly to make changes in our school. They have been creating projects and programs that benefit the entire school. They have been raising money that will be used for programs in the school as well as for the athletic teams. They are dedicated to their positions and to their school. We commend the Student Council on their work ethic and their consistent efforts for all they do for our school.

The student council will be selling sweatshirts, t-shirts

and sweatpants with the school logo. T-Shirts— $15.00

Sweatshirts—$26.00 Sweatpants—$22.00

Please contact Ms Septimus at mseptimus@hobokencs.org for more information

or to place an order.

High School Physical Education High School Physical Education High School Physical Education

In Physical Education we have just about finished the Volleyball Unit. The rules of the game, boundaries, strategies, and skills of the game have all been taught to the students. Students have been continuing to work on perfecting their under-hand and overhand serve as serving is one of the hardest skills in the game of Vol-leyball.

Currently students in Physical Education have just started the basketball unit! The basketball skills we’ve been working on are shooting, dribbling, rebounding, passing, and offensive and defensive positioning. The basketball games played have been extremely competitive and entertaining to watch.

Physical Fitness for Life/Nutrition For Life

In health class, students have been learning about the six classes of nutrients, food sources of the nutrients, and the functions of each type of nutrient. The students were also taught how to assess the nutritional value of foods, the importance of a healthful diet and how to plan a healthy diet for themselves or for someone with special health needs.

In the next few Health classes I will show two movies that display our nation's food industry, exposing how our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the liveli-hood of the American farmer, and the safety of workers and our own environ-ment. Both movies reveal surprising, and often shocking truths, about what we eat, how it's produced and who we have become as a nation.

Understanding Drugs and Medicines Coming up in health class students will also be learning about what makes a drug a medicine and why certain drugs are classified as drugs of abuse. Students will also learn about the benefits that medicines offer when taken correctly, the risks of misusing medicines, why certain medicines and drugs are addictive, and how addiction can be avoided and treated.

Welcome to Hoboken Charter School Mathematics Department. In this marking period most of the basics in Algebra and Geometry was covered and students will be reviewing for the mid-term examination soon

In Algebra I, we are currently working on the chapter covering slopes and linear functions. Topics like slopes and the three forms of lin-ear systems will be treated in detail. The so-lution of inequalities with the number line was very clear to the students. Also students are able to solve multi-step equations with variables on both sides. The concept of functions and solving system of linear equations in two variables will be reviewed for the mid-term examinations.

In Geometry, we are now working on chapter five of the text book.

This chapter deals with the relationship within Triangles. Students also learned about con-gruent triangles using the different postulates.

The parallel lines and the transversal theorem was covered in detail. Students can easily find the corresponding, alternate interior and alter-nate exterior angles, given two parallel lines and a transversal.

In our Algebra II class our students are work-ing on linear systems, slopes, graphing linear inequalities and solving multi-steps equations. Functions and relations and their graphs were covered in detail. The graph of the parabola including the features like the vertex, the axis of symmetry and the minimum and maximum points were discussed. Our students also learned the matrix algebra including finding the determinant and inverse of matrices and solving simple matrix equations.

In Math Applications, the students continue their studies, and practicing the SAT and HSPA state test. This includes countless packets and flashcards, reviewing multiple solutions, and test taking strategies. In Pre-calculus , we are currently finishing up the chapter on the six trigonometric functions. We are learning how to use these trigonomet-ric functions to find an unknown angle and side of a right, acute, or obtuse triangle.

Biology I The freshmen completed their unit on Cellular Energy by performing a lab where they tested if yeast (a brownish powdery “substance”) is really a living thing. To do this they needed to first provide the appropriate environment and resources for life and then, since yeast cells are microscopic, had to indirectly test for me-tabolism. In short, they warmed up the yeast and fed it sugar. If it was alive, then it should breathe out carbon dioxide… They trapped the gas with bal-loons and c o m p a r e d them with c o n t r o l s w i t h o u t sugar!

Biology II The juniors have moved past the earliest forms of life that evolved on Earth to more complex organisms… true plants. As simple as they may seem, plants are extremely com-plicated, many, like common wheat, have more chromosomes/DNA than Humans! Also, there are four chapters in the text de-voted to plants… which the juniors noticed almost immedi-ately!! We just com-p le ted p lan t structure and function and can now explain why and how this leaf can be so HUGE!

Biological Sciences

In Chemistry, the sophomores are getting into how and why elements bond and combine into new materials. It turns out, atoms aren’t too different from us: Covalent Bonds SHARE electrons to form new molecules where Ionic Bonds take what they need… know anyone like that?

The senior class has transitioned past atmos-pheric conditions/Hurricane Sandy with less issue than most of NJ and are now developing New En-ergy Strategies for our state. In the wake of the storm, it has become painfully obvious that NJ is in desperate need of this! And finally, the Robotics Elective is rollin’! We have designed, developed, programmed and tested robots that can move and carry-out simple commands! If you’re missing parts to your micro-wave… we don’t know a thing!

Physical Sciences and Science Electives

HCS HS Perfect

Attendance for November 9th

Ian Aranibar Byshire Murrain

10th Arturo De La Paz

Meosha Washington

11th Brandon Rivera

Christian Schwanse Milton Vargas

12th Mahmoud Elbanna

Keoni Estrada Christian Fermin

Jiovahnny Toussaint

HS Boxtop/Label results for

September—Mid December

12th grade = 19* 11th grade = 0 10th grade = 7 9th grade = 0

__________

12th grade = 70* 11th grade = 0*

10th grade = 0 9th grade = 0

*Kudos to Senior Ambria Daniels in the 12th grade, who contributed ALL of the Sr. boxtop

& label submissions! Way to go Ambria!

You are in the clear lead for HS submissions!!!