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November 2019 - Posts
Dear Parents/Guardians, Some important happenings at the MHS (week of 12/2/19): *Homecoming is coming!: Attention all high school students! Homecoming is Friday, December 13th. Tickets are on sale until December 4th. Please see a junior class officer for a permission slip during homeroom or lunch.  Permission forms completed for guests from outside our school need to be approved by building administration.  *Spirit week is coming: Two of our most important events are the Toy Drive and the Food Drive. Start collecting toys and food. Toy Drive ends at 8:10 am on Friday, December 13, 2019. The Food drive ends at 8:10 am on Tuesday, December 17, 2019.  *Spirit Week Dress Up Theme Days: Thursday, 12/12              Dress Up/Dress Down Day  Friday, 12/13                  Purple and Gold Day Monday, 12/16                Blackout Day (Wear all black) Tuesday, 12/17               Heritage/Country Day Wednesday, 12/18          Sports Day for HS/Class Color Day for MS  Thursday, 12/19              Class Color Day for HS/Sports Day for MS Friday,    12/20               Pajama/Slipper Day (Slippers must be secured in the front and                                                                                     back) *Collecting for Those In Need in Our Community: The City of South Amboy, Local PBA #63 and the South Amboy School District will partner again this year collecting donations for three local families in need.   Please see flyer attached to my weekly email for more information. *Yearbooks - Don’t wait too long: It is yearbook ad time at South Amboy Middle/High School. Tribute ads in the yearbook are available and can include photos alongside a personal message to your son or daughter. There are a limited number of pages available in the 2020 South Amboy Middle/High School yearbook, act now before the space is taken, our ad pages are due by 1/15/20! Click HERE to see what options are available. Looking Ahead: *12/12/19: Spirit Week Theme Days begin.  *12/12/19: Winter concert *12/13/19: Homecoming *12/16/19: BOE meeting *12/20/19: Short session *12/21/19: Friends of South Amboy Charity Basketball Games *12/21/19 - 1/1/20: Schools closed for winter break.  If you have any questions, please call the school so we can assist you.  Thank you, Dr. McCabe
Posted by pmccabe  On Nov 27, 2019 at 2:44 PM
  
Dear Parents/Guardians of Fall Varsity Athletes, We are having a recognition presentation tomorrow beginning at 8:15 am for our fall varsity athletes who will be receiving their varsity letter. The presentation is scheduled for students in grades eight through twelve to attend in our auditorium. If your child is one of the athletes receiving a varsity letter and you would like to attend this school presentation, please contact the main office at 732-316-7669, ext 2. Thank you, Dr. McCabe
Posted by pmccabe  On Nov 26, 2019 at 8:56 AM
  
Dear Parents/Guardians, Some important happenings at the MHS (week of 11/25/19): *Homecoming is coming!: Attention all high school students! Homecoming is Friday, December 13th. Tickets are on sale until December 4th. Please see a junior class officer for a permission slip during homeroom or lunch.  Permission forms completed for guests from outside our school need to be approved by building administration.  *Anytown the Musical was excellent! Their message was as strong as their performance. Our students were engaged, entertained and asked some very good questions about the plot, the message, and opioid abuse during the question and answer session after the show. I asked all of my students to continue this conversation at home. I hope they shared their experience of the musical with you. George Street Playhouse also provided some helpful resources for parents and students: Resources for Teens https://app.operationprevention.com/ https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/opioid-facts-teens/letter-to-teens Resources for Parents: https://www.operationprevention.com/#parent-toolkit http://www.drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/SafetyFirst-8-Tips-for-Talking-Tip-Sheet.pdf https://www.drugabuse.gov/parents-educators If you as a parent have questions about anything to do with drug/alcohol abuse, please feel free to reach out to our school. We consider ourselves a resource for you. *11/25/19: There is a Board of Education meeting at our school. *11/26/19: Our Student Council will be distributing Thanksgiving Day pies. If you purchased one, please stop by between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Pick up will be by the auditorium entrance to the school. *11/27/19: Short session day *11/28/19 & 11/29/19: Closed for Thanksgiving Looking Ahead: *12/4/19: Deadline for Homecoming permission form and ticket fee *12/6/19: PTO Holiday Spectacular at the MHS was cancelled *12/6/19: Tree Lighting Ceremony by Train Station *12/12/19: Spirit Week Theme Days begin. You can check our school calendar to find out the theme for each day. *12/12/19: Winter concert *12/13/19: Homecoming *12/16/19: BOE meeting *12/20/19: Short session *12/21/19: Friends of South Amboy Charity Basketball Games *12/21/19 - 1/1/20: Schools closed for winter break.  If you have any questions, please call the school so we can assist you.  Thank you, Dr. McCabe
Posted by pmccabe  On Nov 24, 2019 at 6:39 AM
  
Dear Parents/Guardians, For conferences this evening, please enter using the high school or middle school entrance. I also ask that you sign in at the welcoming  table; we will have one at each door. Please remember that the conferences this evening are brief, each will last five minutes and we will be keeping to the time schedule. If you find the time allotted this evening is not enough, request to continue the conference at another time. We are always able to schedule conferences throughout the school year. Thank you, Dr. McCabe
Posted by pmccabe  On Nov 21, 2019 at 12:54 PM
  
Dear Parents/Guardians, On Thursday of this week, your child will see the George Street Playhouse performance of Anytown. This is a very meaningful and realistic look at the problem of drug use/abuse among teenagers, especially opioids. The performance will touch on the risk factors involved with drug use as well as the roles friends, family and parents play. Their roles can be supportive of health or supportive of drug use. The line between the two can be blurry at times and it is necessary for our youth to have healthy conversations with the important adults in their lives about this issue; it can be a matter of life and death. The performance, while entertaining, is also very serious. It is approved for grades seven through twelve; however, if you have any concerns about your child being a part of the audience, please reach out to the school.  Once the performance is over, the cast will have a question and answer session. The discussion should not stop there. As principal, I ask that you speak to your child when he/she comes home. Below are some pre performance questions you can discuss at anytime with your child. We also have some post performance questions that are specific to the musical.  Pre Performance Questions: What are the qualities of a hero?  Which of these qualities do you possess?  What do you feel is your path to success? How competitive do you need to be to realize your dreams?  What stresses you about the world today?  What do you do to de-stress? What scares you about yourself?  How do you control this fear?  Think about a close friend: What is special about your relationship with them? What would you do without them?   Post Performance Questions: Why do you think the musical is called Anytown?  How did the character of “The Monster” function in the story?  Why do you think the authors created this character?  Which character did you most identify with in the musical? Why?  What was a moment in the story when they made a decision that had an impact on another character? What do you think happens at the end?  What choice do you feel Hope makes?  What moments from the story can you use to support your opinion?  What was your favorite song in the musical? Why?  What about the music and lyrics helped you better understand the character(s)?  In 2017, the US Department for Health and Human Services called the opioid crisis the worst drug epidemic in American history. How did we get here? What factors contributed to this epidemic? What solutions do you think could be helpful to ending this crisis?  How did the set, props and costumes contribute to the story? Think about one moment when the set, costumes, or props surprised you and/or helped you better understand the circumstances of the story. Why do you think Robyn kept Hope’s father’s substance abuse a secret? How might that knowledge have changed Hope’s perception of the risks she was taking? Do you think the opioid crisis should be handled as a law enforcement issue or as a public health issue? Why?   There will be two performances on Thursday, 11/21/19. The first will be at 8:30 am and the second at 11:00 am. If you would like to attend either one, please contact the office ahead of time. I think it would be time well spent.  Thank you, Dr. McCabe
Posted by pmccabe  On Nov 19, 2019 at 11:06 AM
  
Dear Parents/Guardians, If you log on to Parent Access at this time you can view your child's marking period one report card. If you have any questions, please call the school so we can assist you.  Thank you, Dr. McCabe
Posted by pmccabe  On Nov 18, 2019 at 3:45 PM
  
Dear Parents/Guardians, Some important happenings at the MHS (week of 11/18/19): * Grades for marking period one will be available early this week on Parent Access. I will send out a notice once they are posted. *11/20/19: PTO meeting *Parent/Teacher conferences and student short sessions: 11/21/19 (conferences from 6:00 pm   to 8:00 pm)  and 11/22/19 (conferences from 1:00 pm to 2:35 pm).   *Anytown the Musical provided by George Street Playhouse for our students: this is coming to the Middle/High School on 11/21/19 for grades 7-12.  Parents may want to be familiar with the plot of the musical, it is very powerful.  The Plot: Star athlete Hope Baker sports a 4.0 GPA and limitless potential. But when a boy she likes offers her one little pill to reduce the pain from a soccer injury, Hope makes a decision that rapidly transforms her dreams into an escalating nightmare.  With her future at stake, will Hope get the help she needs before opioids destroy everything she cares about?  Based on interviews with families struggling with the disease of addiction, opioid prevention experts, law enforcement officials, and educators, this original musical will empower audiences with the knowledge to make positive decisions to avoid substance abuse. Anytown was developed in partnership with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health in response to the devastating impact prescription opioid misuse, heroin, and fentanyl have had on communities throughout New Jersey.  Key research and feedback during the development of this musical was provided by RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery. Given the issues presented, it is advised the performance be for audiences from 7th grade through 12th. If you have any questions, please call the school. *Flashback Dance Party for grades 5-7: the City of South Amboy and the SAYO are having a dance at the Senior Center on 11/22/19 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  *Homecoming is coming!: Attention all high school students! Homecoming is Friday, December 13th. Tickets are on sale until December 4th. Please see a junior class officer for a permission slip during homeroom or lunch.  Permission forms completed for guests from outside our school need to be approved by building administration.  Looking Ahead: *11/25/19: BOE meeting *11/27/19: Short session *11/28/19 and 11/29/19: schools closed for Thanksgiving *12/4/19: Deadline for Homecoming permission form and ticket fee. *12/6/19: PTO Holiday Spectacular at the MHS *12/6/19: Tree Lighting Ceremony by Train Station *12/12/19: Winter concert *12/13/19: Homecoming *12/16/19: BOE meeting *12/20/19: Short session *12/21/19: Friends of South Amboy Charity Basketball Games *12/21/19 - 1/1/20: Schools closed for winter break.  If you have any questions, please call the school so we can assist you.  Thank you, Dr. McCabe
Posted by pmccabe  On Nov 17, 2019 at 8:10 AM
  
Dear Parents/Guardians, Some important happenings at the MHS (week of 11/12/19): *Marking two begins on Tuesday, 11/12/19. *Parent/Teacher Conferences are coming! Conferences will be held on 11/21 and 11/22. The parent scheduler in Parent Access is open and will be closed on Thursday of this week.   *AP Testing: The deadline for AP payment submission is Nov. 12. Checks are to be made out to South Amboy High School. Please indicate the name of each AP assessment on the note section of the check. Know that each AP exam is $94. All checks are to be hand delivered to Ms. Witte in the Guidance Department. Students are to register for AP exams through the College Board Website using their online account.  *Order forms for Student Council Thanksgiving Pies  are due on 11/14/19. Thanksgiving Pie Sale:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NEpmAKIIgJzfVRut2J8MDLvGDvM9QObfYba4C7j8Vd4/edit?usp=sharing *Class of 2022 is selling Fun Pasta. Please see the following link to order or a Class of 2022 member for the order form. All orders are due by November 15th. https://www.funpastafundraising.com/shop/south-amboy-middle-high-school-class-of-2022  *Anytown the Musical provided by George Street Playhouse for our students: this is coming to the Middle/High School on 11/21/19 for grades 7-12.  Parents may want to be familiar with the plot of the musical, it is very powerful.  The Plot: Star athlete Hope Baker sports a 4.0 GPA and limitless potential. But when a boy she likes offers her one little pill to reduce the pain from a soccer injury, Hope makes a decision that rapidly transforms her dreams into an escalating nightmare.  With her future at stake, will Hope get the help she needs before opioids destroy everything she cares about?  Based on interviews with families struggling with the disease of addiction, opioid prevention experts, law enforcement officials, and educators, this original musical will empower audiences with the knowledge to make positive decisions to avoid substance abuse. Anytown was developed in partnership with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health in response to the devastating impact prescription opioid misuse, heroin, and fentanyl have had on communities throughout New Jersey.  Key research and feedback during the development of this musical was provided by RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery. Given the issues presented, it is advised the performance be for audiences from 7th grade through 12th. If you have any questions, please call the school. *Flashback Dance Party for grades 5-7: the City of South Amboy and the SAYO are having a dance at the Senior Center on 11/22/19 from 7:00 pm to 10;00 pm. Please see flyer attached to my weekly email. *Homecoming is coming!: Attention all high school students! Homecoming is Friday, December 13th. Tickets are on sale until December 4th. Please see a junior class officer for a permission slip during homeroom or lunch.  Permission forms completed for guests from outside our school need to be approved by building administration. Looking Ahead: *11/20/19: PTO meeting *11/21/19 (eve)  and 11/22/19 (afternoon): Parent/Teacher conferences and student short sessions. Parent Access scheduling for conferences will be available next month. *11/21/19: Anytown performance for our students. *11/22/19: Flashback Dance Party *11/27/19: Short session *11/28/19 and 11/29/19: Schools closed for Thanksgiving *12/12/19: Winter concert *12/13/19: Homecoming *12/20/19: Short session *12/21/19: Friends of South Amboy Charity Basketball Games *12/21/19 - 1/1/20: Schools closed for winter break.  If you have any questions, please call the school so we can assist you.   Thank you, Dr. McCabe
Posted by pmccabe  On Nov 11, 2019 at 1:46 PM
  
Dear Parents/Guardians, Some important happenings at the MHS (week of 11/4/19): *Shrek, Jr. The Musical is coming!!! Auditions to be held at the Middle/High School auditorium beginning tomorrow, 11/4/19. *Reminder: this Thursday and Friday we are closed due to NJEA Conferences. We are also closed on Monday, 11/11/19, in honor of Veterans Day. *Marking period one ends on Wednesday. Marking period two begins on Tuesday, 11/12/19. *Parent/Teacher Conferences are coming! Conferences will be held on 11/21 and 11/22. We will be opening the parent scheduler in Parent Access on Tuesday of this week. I will send out an announcement once the scheduler is available.  *Governor’s Educator of the Year Award: Do you know a classroom teacher or educational services professional (which could be a Child Study Team Member, Paraprofessional, Counselor, Librarian, etc.) in our school who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference? If so, please take the time to recommend this person for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program by completing using this link: https://forms.gle/YgAbA66t4XSGGpCa9 to access the nomination form and complete the form by November 6, 2019. Administrators, staff members, students, parents and community members are encouraged to participate. *The deadline to submit all documentation for 2019-2020 Winter Athletics has been extended to November 8th. Registrations are to be completed online and physicals are to be submitted to Nurse Housman. Please see Mr. Zalocki if you have any questions or are in need of assistance.   *AP Testing: The deadline for AP payment submission is Nov. 12. Checks are to be made out to South Amboy High School. Please indicate the name of each AP assessment on the note section of the check. Know that each AP exam is $94. All checks are to be hand delivered to Ms. Witte in the Guidance Department. Students are to register for AP exams through the College Board Website using their online account.  *The class of 2026 Krispy Kreme fundraiser pickup/delivery date is changed to Thursday, November 21st from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm.  Please contact Mrs. Joseph or Mr. Heady with any questions/concerns. *Student Council is conducting an Apparel Sale and a Thanksgiving Pie Sale.  Please see the following links for order forms and due dates. Apparel:   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rCLECMEx_da1q0tP2s9QEtBuXSpeG1dbItvo43mOxpc/edit?usp=sharing Thanksgiving Pie Sale:   https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NEpmAKIIgJzfVRut2J8MDLvGDvM9QObfYba4C7j8Vd4/edit?usp=sharing  *Class of 2022 is selling Fun Pasta. Please see the following link to order or a Class of 2022 member for the order form. All orders are due by November 15th. https://www.funpastafundraising.com/shop/south-amboy-middle-high-school-class-of-2022  *Anytown the Musical provided by George Street Playhouse for our students: this is coming to the Middle/High School on 11/21/19. The show is based on interviews with families struggling with the disease of addiction, opioid prevention experts, law enforcement officials, and educators, this original musical will empower audiences with the knowledge to make positive decisions to avoid substance abuse. Anytown was developed in partnership with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health in response to the devastating impact prescription opioid misuse, heroin, and fentanyl have had on communities throughout New Jersey.  Key research and feedback during the development of this musical was provided by RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery. Looking Ahead: *11/11/19: Schools closed for Veterans Day *11/12/19: First day of marking period two *11/12/19: Deadline for AP testing payment *11/20/19: PTO meeting *11/21/19 (eve)  and 11/22/19 (afternoon): Parent/Teacher conferences and student short sessions. Parent Access scheduling for conferences will be available next month. *11/21/19: Anytown performance for ou
Posted by pmccabe  On Nov 03, 2019 at 7:47 AM