The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison recently enhanced its virtual classroom experience with the installation of Owl 360° cameras in more than 50 classrooms. The Technology Department installed Owls in classrooms of all three divisions.
According to the Owl website, “Any classroom becomes a hybrid classroom with the Meeting Owl, the smart conference camera that captures 360° video and audio for engaging distance learning. Powered by the Owl Intelligence System, the Meeting Owl automatically shifts the camera to focus on whoever is speaking. The result is an experience that nearly feels like sitting in the classroom.”
W+H teachers are conducting synchronous (live) instruction with in-person students, but the use of Owl 360° camera systems allows students in remote learning to connect to live lessons either from home or from another location on campus to allow for social distancing. This also facilitates interaction between students who are learning in different locations.
“The OWL system helps to foster engagement between students at home and their peers and teachers in the classroom by offering an interactive experience that allows all learners to feel more connected to their classes in real time. It uses voice and motion tracking simultaneously to pivot to whomever is speaking and offering a 180-degree view of the entire room along the top frame while one or more speakers are viewable. This impressive technology is one tool which helps to build relationships across the distance between home and school.,” said Dr. Corinna Crafton, Middle School Head and Dean of Teaching and Learning.
Also: Students in Nicole Nolan's Global Citizenship class at The Wardlaw + Hartridge School in Edison participated in the first of three hosted student discussions from Global Education Benchmark Group on Wednesday, Oct. 21. This initial discussion was titled, "Our Shared Pandemic Experience." The conversation included students and teacher moderators from China, Russia, India and the United States. Students worked in breakout groups of 10 along with two teacher moderators. Discussions focused on what their life was like during the pandemic, things they learned, how they coped, where things are now, and where things are going in each location.
“One thing we all learned is that although we are thousands of miles apart, the feelings and experiences we have been managing throughout the pandemic are essentially the same. We are all connected,” said Nolan, who is working with W+H faculty and staff members Silvia Davis, Esther Faus and Hua Liu to set up virtual exchanges with partner schools.
W+H students who participated were juniors
Shreya Dharayan of Edison,
Aarush Dharayan of Edison,
Rose Kassam of Scotch Plains,
Emily Brogan of Colonia and
Grace Lu of Edison, along with
Jim Lu and
Laura Chen, who participated from China. Students in the Trimester 2 Global Citizenship Cohort will participate in the next discussion on Wednesday, Nov.18, at 7 p.m. That discussion is titled, "Global Perspectives on Justice."
Also: Lower School students, parents and teachers from The Wardlaw+Hartridge School in Edison recently found creative ways to engage in appreciating their favorite books in the first virtual edition of Camp Read-A-Lot. The event, organized by Silvia Davis, Lower School Head, was designed to motivate children and adults alike to spend time reading over the weekend.
Parents, faculty and staff posted pictures on the Homeroom app showcasing the many places in which they curled up to enjoy reading. Several read in tents, many went outdoors to take advantage of the autumn weather and some even decided to read upside down. Instead of having snacks in the school’s AP Room like in previous years, participants enjoyed their own homemade treats during the three-day reading extravaganza.
Albrook School
The Albrook School Upper Elementary students took to the outdoors on a perfect fall day to engage in social distance learning. The sunshine made it easy for them to focus on their language work such as reading strategies, main idea, details and reading groups. The school is in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards.
Delaware Valley High School
Delaware Valley High School in Frenchtown crowned a Homecoming Queen and King on Friday, Oct. 23, before beating the Manville Mustangs 41-7 on the football field.
The Queen is
Kristen Bill of Kingwood Township, and the King is
Theo Mackey of Holland Township.
The voice of Carlos Webster, broadcasting from the press box, introduced each member of the Homecoming Court. Of the queen and king, he said:
“Kristen is being escorted across the field this evening by her mom, Mary, and her dad, Tim. She has played field hockey and lacrosse all four years for Del Val. She is also an active part of the Sport and Spirit Club. Outside of sports, Kristen is involved in Best Buddies and Relay for Life. After graduating, Kristen plans on going to college and studying engineering.”
“Theo is being walked across the field this evening by his mother, Donna Mackey. Theo has been involved in football for three years here at Del Val where he plays offensive guard. He has also played lacrosse for four years at Del Val where he played attack. Theo also was involved in helping out with Best Buddies for all four years. Theo plans on attending college after graduation to study business.”
“Normally the king and queen enjoy some additional fanfare at a Homecoming dance. Of course that couldn't happen this year. But I was so happy to crown Kristen and Theo before the game. It's one of my favorite moments of the school year.” said Principal Adrienne Olcott. Teacher Jessica Severns coordinated the production.
Members of the Homecoming Court included Haleigh Cronce, Amanda Dely, Isabella Gohil, Tyler Holzworth, Patrick Agulis and Tyler Lagun.
Del Val's coach Mike Haughey is also having a moment, On Monday, Oct. 26, he said his team played really well, scoring six touchdowns on 24 offensive plays. He described some of the plays as “explosive,” and said “the defense was really tough.” The lopsided score enabled some of the backup players to get some experience, “so it was a fun night,” he said.
East and West Amwell Schools
West Amwell School and East Amwell Township School each won a new garden partially made from recycled oral care waste through this year’s Save Water Challenge, courtesy of global oral care leader Colgate-Palmolive (“Colgate”), regional retailer ShopRite and recycling leader TerraCycle.
"We look forward to engaging all our Kindergarten through Grade 6 students in this outdoor learning experience and using the new instructional outdoor space,” said West Amwell School Principal David Miller. “West Amwell School has a small and strong school community who's beauty will only be enhanced by this award."
West Amwell School earned a total of 1,528 pledges through online pledging to save water on its behalf while East Amwell Township School earned a total of 390 pledges. As the first-place overall winner, West Amwell School is eligible to receive a garden donation partially made from recycled material including 48 pieces of garden lumber, one picnic table, one gazebo, and one flat bench valued at $15,000.
"West Amwell school is grateful to Colgate and ShopRite for such an awesome opportunity for our students. The winning effort involved the entire community — from staff, parents, and students, and community social media support,” said West Amwell School PTO President Michael Strouse. “Our school is forming a committee of parents and teachers to maximize learning potential of the prize.”
As the third-place overall winner, East Amwell Township School is eligible to receive a garden donation made partially from recycled material that includes 48 pieces of garden lumber and two flat benches valued at $5,000. All built using recycled toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and floss containers collected through the Colgate Oral Care Recycling Program, the gardens will be unveiled at ceremonies next spring.
“East Amwell Township’s Community Members and students are always willing to help the school and the environment; whether it be by voting or recycling materials. The community support is what makes our school so great! With the winning of garden materials and benches, our students will be able to utilize outdoor space and observe nature,” said 5th Grade Teacher/Environmental Club Advisor, Sharon Ernst. “Getting outside, taking a breath of fresh air, and being mindful of our surroundings is imperative, especially with the challenges everyone has faced this year.”
"We look forward to engaging all our Kindergarten through Grade 6 students in this outdoor learning experience and using the new instructional outdoor space,” said West Amwell School Principal David Miller. “West Amwell School has a small and strong school community who's beauty will only be enhanced by this award."
West Amwell School earned a total of 1,528 pledges through online pledging to save water on its behalf while East Amwell Township School earned a total of 390 pledges. As the first-place overall winner, West Amwell School is eligible to receive a garden donation partially made from recycled material including 48 pieces of garden lumber, one picnic table, one gazebo, and one flat bench valued at $15,000.
"West Amwell school is grateful to Colgate and ShopRite for such an awesome opportunity for our students. The winning effort involved the entire community — from staff, parents, and students, and community social media support,” said West Amwell School PTO President Michael Strouse. “Our school is forming a committee of parents and teachers to maximize learning potential of the prize.”
As the third-place overall winner, East Amwell Township School is eligible to receive a garden donation made partially from recycled material that includes 48 pieces of garden lumber and two flat benches valued at $5,000. All built using recycled toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and floss containers collected through the Colgate Oral Care Recycling Program, the gardens will be unveiled at ceremonies next spring.
“East Amwell Township’s Community Members and students are always willing to help the school and the environment; whether it be by voting or recycling materials. The community support is what makes our school so great! With the winning of garden materials and benches, our students will be able to utilize outdoor space and observe nature,” said 5th Grade Teacher/Environmental Club Advisor, Sharon Ernst. “Getting outside, taking a breath of fresh air, and being mindful of our surroundings is imperative, especially with the challenges everyone has faced this year.”
Hunterdon County Vocational School District
Prerna Shankar, a Hunterdon County Vocational School District (HCVSD) student, has been named to the 2020-2021 class of Governor’s STEM Scholars, a statewide STEM education initiative for NJ students in grades 10 through the doctoral level. Shankar is a junior in the district’s four-year Biomedical Sciences Academy (BSA).
The STEM Scholars Program is the result of a public-private partnership among the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, the Governor’s Office, the New Jersey Department of Education, the Secretary of Higher Education and private industries to introduce high school and post-secondary STEM leaders to New Jersey’s vast STEM economy. The ultimate goal of the program is to retain this young talent in the state.
This year, 75 students made the cut for the program. Shankar’s selection is an acknowledgement of her commitment to developing a clear pathway to a career in medicine through her academics and extracurricular activities.
Shankar, of Clinton, hopes that through the STEM Scholar experience, she will “gain valuable insight into the various facets of the medical field while networking with professionals across the state.” She believes the broad foundation of knowledge from the BSA, combined with her STEM Scholar experience, will provide an advantage as she works to become a medical professional; she currently wants to be a neurosurgeon.
“I’ve realized that being successful in the medical field doesn’t just require medical knowledge,” Shankar said. “It requires a broader perspective that includes how public health, governmental regulations and ethics affect practice as a professional, and I’m confident that this program will provide me that crucial perspective.”
As a STEM Scholar, Shankar gains access to themed conferences this year that feature accomplished STEM professionals and successful companies, academic institutions and government research organizations. Shankar recently attended her first event virtually, a STEM in Government symposium, which included a familiar face with HCVSD Director of Grant Management, Admissions & Security Tanya Nalesnik, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, speaking on the panel.
"The Hunterdon County Vocational School District is proud to have one of our own academy students selected for this highly competitive program,” said Nalesnik. “Our district’s academies are earning a reputation for excellence, and students like Prerna exemplify that by earning state-level recognition for their passion in STEM fields."
In addition to networking with and gaining insight from professionals as a STEM Scholar, Shankar also will engage in a hands-on learning experience as a member of a student research team. Shankar’s team will focus on designing STEM cell scaffolding that will aid in bone regeneration using chemical visualization software and 3D printing, among other tools. She was matched with her team and topic based on her interests in chemistry and biology, and her future career aspirations. All teams present their research findings at the conclusion of the STEM Scholars Program.
“The Biomedical Sciences Academy has played a vital role helping me define and pursue my goals,” Shankar said. “I was unsure of what path I wanted to pursue as a first-year student, but my coursework and the guidance I receive have allowed me to identify a clear path for myself in a field that I am passionate about.”
Shankar is a regular participant in the biology, chemistry and math leagues at North Hunterdon High School, which houses HCVSD’s BSA. She also is a gold and silver medalist for the high school’s National Latin Exam. She is president and founder of the BSA’s Brain Bee Club, which is ideal for students interested in neuroscience, and is treasurer of the BSA’s chapter of HOSA, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America. Shankar’s involvement in the BSA has helped connect her with additional learning opportunities, such as the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, which she attended virtually in late June. She also published two DNA sequences on GenBank through her participation in the competitive Rutgers’ WISE Program, also held this past summer.
Linden Public Schools
Linden Public Schools won two awards in the 2020 New Jersey School Communication Awards on Friday, Oct. 16, including a first-place win in the Media Relations — Human Interest category.
The winning story was about the Linden High School broadcasting students keeping their weekly news show on the air even after schools went to virtual learning. Students had to produce and edit videos from home without their regular equipment.
The second award was a third-place win for photography for a photo taken at a ceremony held in February to retire the number of girls basketball legend Tamecka Dixon. The photo showed a smiling Dixon, a former WNBA star, surrounded by members of the 2019-2020 girls basketball team in the Linden High School gym.
Both the story and photo were produced by Gary Miller, the district’s communication coordinator.
“Gary Miller has done a phenomenal job capturing and documenting important moments in the district,” said Superintendent Dr. Marnie Hazelton. “It is affirming that Mr. Miller won two New Jersey School Communication Awards. The district is extremely proud of Mr. Miller’s accomplishments.”
The awards were given by the New Jersey School Public Relations Association at a virtual ceremony on Friday, Oct. 16. Thirty-seven different school districts entered a total of 75 entries. Entries were judged by 15 professors and communication professionals in nine states.
The TNT News story highlighted student perseverance and resilience and was picked up by multiple news outlets, including The Star-Ledger, NJ.com, News 12 News Jersey, LocalSource, The Home News Tribune, and TapInto Linden. Students in the TV/Digital Media class that produces the show, which is co-taught by Miller and Chris Paskewich, were also interviewed for some of the news stories, giving them real-life lessons in news media.
“It meant a lot to me that the winning story was the one about the students in our class,” Miller said. “They worked very hard under difficult circumstances, and I told them they should be proud of the fact that people recognized them for that. I think this award only underscores that fact.”
Miller and Paskewich were also recognized over the summer in a letter from NJ Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer for their “guidance and support” in helping the students “celebrate themselves and their classmates” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the second year in a row that Linden has been recognized with multiple NJ School Communication Awards. At the 2019 awards ceremony, Miller brought home a second place and two third-place awards, more than any other district in the state.
Public Relations Society of America/NJ Chapter
Rowan University student Camryn Hadley was awarded the 2020 PRSA NJ Future Public Relations Professional of the Year scholarship, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. This annual award recognizes an undergraduate student who demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of public relations and commitment to the profession. Hadley expects to graduate in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations/advertising.
Tasked with creating a hypothetical public relations campaign for a new watermelon-berry cola, Hadley, who lives in the Somerset section of Franklin Township, proposed hiring a Tik Tok influencer, Charli D’Amelio, to appeal to a Gen Z crowd. In the first video, the dancer’s reaction was captured tasting the cola for the first time to increase awareness. The second video was a DIY effort, showcasing the influencer mixing the drink with ice and fresh berries to make a slushie to encourage brand engagement.
Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools
Megan Lam, a freshman in the graphic communications program, has been selected as Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School (SCVTHS) in Bridgewater's Student of the Month for October 2020. Lam is the daughter of Patrick and Mya Lam of Bound Brook.
SCVTHS Spanish Instructor Guillermo Reina nominated Lam for the Student of the Month Award because Lam is “an outstanding student that excels virtually or in the classroom. She has been very committed to succeed in her studies since day one. She is the highest achieving student in the class. Kudos to Megan!”
As a freshman, the Student of the Month award is Lam's first high school award. However, last year, Lam served as the vice president of her school’s National Junior Honor Society and was also a member of the National Japanese American Historical Society.
Outside of school, Lam enjoys playing tennis, as well as playing games online with her friends. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lam was very active volunteering at a nursing home and other events in her home town.
After high school, Lam plans on studying environmental business in college, in hopes of finding a career as a sustainability specialist.
“I’m thankful for receiving the Student of the Month award and am looking forward to my time at SCVTHS,” said Lam upon receiving the Student of the Month award.
Also: On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools (SCVTS) hosted a meeting between education and law enforcement officials to solidify an agreement formalizing a process for which schools can consult with law enforcement entities. At the meeting, representatives from Somerset County Vocational & Technical Schools, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and Bridgewater Police Department were all in attendance.
The meeting, held at the school’s Trade Wins restaurant, focused on topics of safety, security, as well as preventative programs and educational initiatives. “Sharing our students' talents over breakfast with our essential members of law enforcement, helped to solidify our ongoing working relationships while providing students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities,” said SCVTS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chrys Harttraft.
While hosting the meeting, students in the culinary arts program were able to put their skills to work and served breakfast for the guests. Attendees were treated to a breakfast of fresh fruit with a vanilla Greek yogurt drizzle, Craisin and orange scones, mini croissants, quiche with ham, cheddar jack, peppers and onions, baked streusel-topped French toast, made-in-house bacon, maple sausage and breakfast potatoes. With a hybrid schedule being utilized, students who were learning remotely were tasked with working on recipes, designing menus and took part in other activities without being physically present.
Being the first event since returning to in-person learning, students were “excited to finally learn the service end of interacting with customers,” said Culinary Arts Instructor Keith Johnson. Beyond normal food safety and sanitation requirements, the Trade Wins restaurant was transformed so that social distancing and face-covering protocols were able to be enforced.
Saint Helena School
“Signing your name or scribbling a grocery list may seem a simple, mundane activity. In fact, it is the result of a complex interaction of physical and mental processes involving cooperation among your brain’s cognitive, motor, and emotion areas, down through the brain stem and the spinal cord, and out to your hand," according to the DANA Organization in an article written on Thursday, Oct. 1, by Marc J. Seifer, Ph.D.
Maybe that’s why Catholic Schools insist on teaching and using cursive writing. Or, maybe, because requires a certain kind of discipline, possibly it’s just an opportunity to enjoy the actual act of writing. Whatever the reason, cursive handwriting has been taught in Catholic schools for decades.
Anyone who has shared in the experience will appreciate the Zane-Bloser National Handwriting Contest. Saint Helena School in Edison has participated in this national event for more than seven years and is happy to say that has had many winners. This year,
Sasha Smyth, an eighth grader, was one of the state winners. Smyth now qualifies to participate, at the national level, where she can compete for the honor of Grand National Champion.
Student and School news appears on Fridays. Email:cnmetro@mycentraljersey.com
Carolyn Sampson is Executive Office Assistant for the Courier News, The Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com, and handles the weekly Student News page. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today by clicking 'Subscribe Now' at the top right hand corner of this page.
Thousand Fell co-founders Stuart Ahlum, left, and Chloe Songer, right.