North Hunterdon High School
Annandale, NJ
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January 2024 E-Newsletter | |
Upcoming Events
The following is a list of important upcoming events:
- January 1: NHEF Meeting, 7-8 pm
- January 2: School reopens
- January 9 & 10: 8th Grade Student Orientation
- January 10: 8th Grade Parent Orientation, Theater, 6:30-8:00 pm
- January 12-19: Course selection opens for 2024-2025
- January 12-15: No Homework/No Pressure Days
- January 15: School Closed, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- January 19: Last Day of the First Semester
- January 19: Early Dismissal Students, 11:55 am, Staff-In-Service Day
- January 22: Second semester begins, third marking period begins
- January 25: National German Exam, 2:25-3:10
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Student Highlights
Leading the Pride!
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December Students of the Month
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LEA CHUKRALLAH
CLASS OF 2024
Senior, Lea Chukrallah has had a very positive experience at North Hunterdon these past four years. Lea said during her time at North, she made some very close friends, was given many opportunities, and had phenomenal teachers. Some of Lea’s favorite classes were AP Literature and AP World History. She looks forward to attending these classes each day and both classes have allowed her to grow a lot as a student. Lea is part of the Music Department as a member of Show Choir and the Tri M. Honor Society. She is part of the Theatre Department and has been in every musical since her freshman year. Lea is the Thespians Vice President and was nominated for the Papermill Playhouse Rising Star Award for her role of Eponine in Les Miserables last year. She is a member of National Honor Society, English Honor Society, History Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. Outside of school, Lea is a volunteer at Safe Harbor Child Access Center, where she teaches music lessons to children. She works as a Barista at Citispot Tea and Coffee. Lea sings at events such as at nursing homes and Christmas parties, on her own time. She says her favorite memories at North have been performing in events such as the Prism Concert, the musicals, and the Winter/Spring Concerts. Next year, Lea plans to attend college as an International Relations major on the Pre-Law track.
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CHARLES LISA
CLASS OF 2024
Senior, Charles Lisa is a very talented musician. Charles hopes to study Piano Performance next year in college, preferably at a conservatory in New York City or Boston. At North Hunterdon, he is involved in almost all music ensembles, is the secretary of the Tri-M Honor Society, and runs for the cross country team and track team. Charles has won awards performing in Jazz Ensemble at the Berks Jazz Fest, being named outstanding soloist. His favorite memory was the production of Les Miserables last year and performing in the Prism Concerts the music department holds each year. Outside of school, Charles has been playing piano since the age of five. He studies jazz and classical music with his teachers. Charles competes in piano competitions and has placed in the finals for the Young Pianist Competition of New Jersey and the Caneres International Piano Competition. He also plays guitar as a secondary instrument. Charles favorite classes at North have been the music classes, such as AP Music Theory and Jazz Ensemble. He really enjoys working towards a goal as a group and performing together. Charles says his experience at North has been one filled with opportunity and fun. The Music Department opened many doors for him to explore more ways to use his abilities as a musician and pianist.
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December Athletes of the Month
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VERONICA PETERSON
CLASS OF 2024
Senior, Veronica Peterson has been swimming since she was seven years old. Veronica strongest skills in swimming and her main events are the 100 fly and 100 back. The team’s biggest competition this year is Phillipsburg High School. The Lions lost to Phillipsburg by 8 points, but then won against Rutgers Prep in a co-ed meet. Veronica also swims on a club team in Pennsylvania called the Nazareth Easton YMCA. Next year, she plans to continue swimming in college, but is unsure which school she will attend. Veronica has applied to Washington College, Louisville, Delaware and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She plans to major in either Psychology or Business. Outside of swim, Veronica does the stats for the Lions Baseball Team. She likes to bake, hang with her friends, and go to the beach. Veronica says North Hunterdon has given her the opportunity to grow as a person and make new friends during her four years of high school.
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ERINN VANAUKEN
CLASS OF 2024
Senior, Erinn VanAuken has been cheerleading since she started with the Hunterdon Huskies 13 years ago alongside most of the senior cheerleaders. Erinn’s position on the team is main base. She is responsible for spinning the elite stunts and has to maintain control so the other positions can perform their role. The team recently placed first and “Overall Champion” for their game day routine and placed second with their traditional routine in the Hunterdon Warren Sussex Tournament. The ladies received a bid for both of their routines in the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship in Florida in February. Erinn is a member of Interact Club and is a Student Ambassador. She has participated in Friendship Day, Bring Your Child to Work Day, Freshman Orientation, and Relay for Life. Erinn is in the Principles of Teaching Program at Hunterdon Polytech. She is Vice President of the Hunterdon County Chapter for Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Through FCCLA, Erinn attends conferences, sets up community service and fundraising events, and competes in different events that align with the program. The experience she acquired as an officer helped her be confident in a leadership position with North Cheer. Erinn says the growth and perseverance she developed over her four years at North will always help her achieve her short- and long-term goals. There are many teachers, administrators, staff, and coaches who have supported her and rallied around her during some tough times. Erinn would not have been able to do it without them. Next year, she is still undecided if she will cheer in college. She is looking at attending the University of Rhode Island, East Stroudsburg, Penn State, and Towson. Erinn plans to major in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education.
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December Department Students
of the Month
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English: Halle Elder '24 and Jack Wunder '24
Fine Arts: Milo Livingston '24 and Allison Davis '27
Mathematics: Zachary Emerson '25 and Joshua Harrison '24
Music: Ava Spinetti '25 and Jianna Marina '26
PE/Health: Elia Reisner '24 and Jayna Kawas '25
Practical Arts: Tabatha Knipe '25 and Nada Elsayed '25
Science: Caylee Smith '27 and Parker Tomlinson '25
Social Studies: Lea Chukrallah '24 and Charles Lisa '24
World Language: Adeshola Ade '25 and Alyson Alport '25
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December Good Citizens
of the Month
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English: Liam McGreal '24 and Debra Burnejko '24
Fine Arts: Elizabeth Spann '27 and Brooke Connell '27
Mathematics: Samantha Tomko '25
Music: Miranda Meano '27 and Aria Spinetti '25
PE/Health: Nathaniel Reinagel '24 and Emma White '26
Practical Arts: Logan Hornady '27 and Samantha Mikruk ‘24
Science: Lucas Holbrook '24 and Sophia Zappetti '24
Social Studies: Emma Mullay '24 and Tyler Anderson '24
World Language: Justin Annese '27 and Lucas Wojdyla '25
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NHHS News and Updates
from Lion Pride
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Top December Posts from Dr. Cottrell @nhprincipal
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Congrats to Mrs. Luick for being selected as the NHHS Teacher of the Year and Mr. Niznik for being selected as the ESP of the Year. Great Job! #LionPride | |
Congratulations to Lea Chukrallah and Charles Lisa for being named Students of the Month and Veronica Peterson and Erinn VanAuken for being named Athletes of the Month. #LionPride | |
Shoutout to the NHHS Music Department for their outstanding holiday concerts. Today ]12/15] they are performing at Clinton Public School. | |
Thanks to Mr. Calabrese for making this month's Lion Pride announcement. His message was to remember the importance of gratitude and presence. He encouraged students to appreciate "Presence" over "Presents". #LionPride | |
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Health Office News
January is Healthy Weight Awareness Month. Start out the New Year on the right foot by refocusing on your health. The holiday season can take its toll on your waistline, so it's only fitting that January is Healthy Weight Awareness Month.
Please click here for more information on tips for maintaining a healthy weight.
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First Semester Classes-
Final Exam Schedule
January 9 and 10
Fine/Performing/Practical Arts, Tech. Ed
January 11 and 12
English, Health, Physical Education, Science
January 17 and 18
Social Studies, Business, Math
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Ski & Snowboard Club
The Ski/Snowboard Club will be traveling to Blue Mountain after school on the following dates: January 4, 11, 18, 25, and February 1, with make-up dates of February 8 and 15.
On the mornings of the ski/snowboard club trips, members should drop off their equipment on the baseball side of the building, lower lot inside garage doors.
Any questions, please contact advisors:
Mrs. April Jones at ajones@nhvweb.net and
Mrs. Cheryl Vida at cvida@nhvweb.net
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NHHS Teacher and ESP of the Year
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North Hunterdon High School Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Meghan Luick of the Math Department. Mrs. Luick has been an exceptional educator at North for the last 8 years! | |
North Hunterdon High School Educational Services Professional of the Year is Mr. Ron Niznik of the Counseling Department. Mr. Niznik has been part of North Hunterdon for the last 10 years! Congratulations to both of these outstanding professionals! | |
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Emergency School Closing - Winter Weather
In the case of actual or predicted inclement weather, the decision to close school, delay an opening, or dismiss early is made after the Superintendent confers with various area superintendents, county road officials, police departments, and maintenance departments, in addition to several weather services. Any change to the normal schedule due to inclement weather will be communicated to parents and staff via the methods listed below.
If school is canceled:
A decision will usually be made before 5:30 a.m.
A decision on after-school activities will be made later in the day depending on campus and road conditions.
Outside groups using the facility will be canceled. To check the rescheduling of athletic events, please visit the athletic department’s website or Twitter feed for the most up-to-date information
If school is delayed:
A decision will usually be made before 5:30 a.m.
School will begin two hours later at 9:45 a.m.
All bus routes will be delayed exactly 2 hours from their original pick-up times.
The decision is based upon safe traveling conditions predicted for later in the morning.
When school is delayed, there will not be an AM Polytech session. PM Polytech will be held as usual.
If school is dismissed early:
Students will usually be dismissed at 11:55 a.m. if weather conditions call for an early dismissal.
The decision will be made by 10:45 a.m.
PM Polytech will be canceled.
Please note: when schools are dismissed early, all afternoon, evening, and athletic activities are canceled.
The high school district uses an automated notification system called School Messenger to contact parents and staff members in the event of an emergency or if the school day schedule is changed, such as a school closure due to snow. School Messenger contacts the phone numbers listed in our system for each student’s family and our staff members, sends an email to parents, and can also send a text message. You can also check the school’s website, Facebook or Instagram for school status updates.
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NHV Cafeteria
Check out all the great things that the cafeteria is doing! Follow them on Instagram!
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Special Presentation
North Hunterdon HS welcomed former NBA player Chris Herren @c_herren on December 6 to speak with 10th and 11th graders about his struggle with substance abuse. It was a very powerful presentation! Learn more about Mr. Herren and his message at his website: https://herrentalks.com.
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Winter Sports Season Pass
The winter sports season has begun! A reminder that we do charge for attending Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball games and Varsity Boys and Girls Wrestling matches. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for students, cash only (senior citizens are free).
If you will be attending a good amount of games/matches, the school does offer season passes for any home varsity event. Season passes are $30 for a family (valid for 2 adults and 2 children); $15 for an individual; and $10 for a high school student only. Cash or check made out to NHVRHSD to purchase season pass. Please purchase at a home game from the person selling tickets.
Season passes are:
- Only valid for home winter season contests.
- No guarantee of admittance on sellout games.
- Non-transferrable.
- No refunds for cancelled contests.
- Not valid for NJSIAA or Conference Championship events
Good luck to all of our winter sports teams this season!
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Sign Up for Clubs
This is a reminder that you can still sign up your student to participate in a club or activity in Aspen. (Please note that Ski Club is closed now.) A new club has been recently approved called the NH News Club. If your student(s) would like to participate in an extracurricular club or activity, we require a parent/guardian to complete a consent for participation form in Aspen. Please check your email for instructions.
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Student Accolades & Accomplishments
Hear us ROAR!
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Congratulations
High School Vocalists!
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Big congratulations go out to Maya Haig, Daniela Knox, Jianna Marina, Ava Spinetti, and Savannah Wrigley for being accepted into the New Jersey Region 2 Chorus this weekend! Maya and Savannah will represent NHHS as Alto 2s, and Daniela, Jianna, and Ava as Soprano 2s. Ava was recognized as having the best North score at auditions. All have been recognized as being among the best high school vocalists in Central Jersey. So well done! | |
L to R: Lucas Holbrook, senior, on Trumpet; Daniela Knox, freshman, on Soprano 2; Ava Spinetti, junior, on Soprano 2; Jianna Marina, sophomore, on Soprano 2; Savannah Wrigley, freshman, on Alto 2; Maya Haig, freshman, on Alto 2 | |
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Congratulations to Senior Lucas Holbrook for auditioning and being accepted on trumpet into the CJMEA Region II Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. Lucas was the highest-scoring trumpet player out of 60 in the Central Jersey region and will sit first chair in both the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra. Congratulations to Lucas and all who auditioned!
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The school was treated to holiday caroling on December 22 by the Chamber Choir and Ms. Meo. Beautiful songs filled the hallways! Thank you!
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Please enjoy some of the beautiful artwork created by Ms. Lindaberry's Painting I students!
“Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso
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School Organization News
Members of the Pride
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Get Involved
Please visit the links below to learn more about our parent organizations and how you can join.
Join our Pride!
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Dance Team
The Dance Team prepared for their season by working with outside choreographers to create their routines. The Pom choreographer is Julianna Marsh & the Jazz choreographer is Katelyn Heinrichs.
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Boys Basketball
Boys Basketball kicked off their season with a team dinner the night before their season opener. The boys enjoyed some great food and team bonding that prepared them for the next day- all three levels beat Voorhees at home in their season openers!
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Boys Varsity beat Voorhees in their season opener 52-43 with the support of the Jungle who came out in full force for the Black-Out theme including black rally towels courtesy of the main booster club! | |
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Girls Winter Track
The Girls Winter Track and Field team is off to a quick start. The team kicked off their season on December 9th with a small crew running and jumping at the Jim Mitchell Invitational at The Armory in NYC. All six athletes ran PRs in the 300 or 600 races.
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L to R: Sr Danielle DiEsso, Sr Peyton Lewis, Sr Leah Rudolph, Jr Tessa Santoro, So Leana Angeles and So Chidera Emeaso
SCHOOL RECORD BROKEN!
At the Essex County Track Coaches Association Season Opener Invite at Ocean Breeze on December 15th in NY, Senior Danielle DiEsso broke a NH school record from 2011 in the 55m dash taking 1st place. She also took first place in the 200m run. Several freshmen competed in their first high school indoor track meet here as well in HJ, 55, 200 and 800.
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Boys Winter Track & XC
The Boys Winter Track and Field season was kicked off with their first meet, the Essex County Track Coaches Association Season Opener Invite at Ocean Breeze in Staten Island, NY. We had some great performances by all, and the athletes that medaled were:
HIGH JUMP
1st - Brody Sible 6-4
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LONG JUMP
4th - Brody Sible 19-11.5
800 METER RUN NOVICE
4th – Eric Beswick 2:11.93
800 METER RUN VARSITY
4th – Chase Kober 2:03.60
7th – Conor Brand 2:03.80
4X400 METER RELAY
6th - Conor Brand, Chase Kober, Cole Kober, Nicholas Santopietro 3:42.72
The Boys XC Team had a great end-of-season banquet to celebrate their season!
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They also had some individual postseason honors:
Lehigh Valley Live All-Area Boys XC
1st Team: Chase Kober
2nd Team: Cole Kober
Honorable mention: Conor Brand, Henry Masiello, Thomas Mani, Patrick Palma
NJ.com All-Group 3 3rd Team: Chase Kober
NJ XC/TF Coaches Association Teams
Hunterdon County 1st Team: Chase Kober, Cole Kober, Thomas Mani
Hunterdon County 2nd Team: Patrick Palma, Conor Brand, Henry Masiello, Ryan Schmidt
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Gymnastics
The 2023 North Gymnastics Team concluded their exciting 2023 season with a sentimental gathering that included athletes, coaches, families, and a fellow gymnast who competed as an independent from Warren Hills High School. The Lions welcomed her into their Team Pride throughout the season and looked forward to celebrating with her as a special guest during the North Gymnastics Banquet. The North Gymnasts have been terrific ambassadors for the sport of gymnastics and examples of Lion Pride throughout the 2023 season.
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Girls Wrestling
Early in December, Girls Wrestling opened with a strong showing at the Queen of the East tournament. Then the Lady Lions hosted a quad at their home opener on Tuesday, December 19, where they went two and one, winning against Somerville and Vernon. The loss was to the number one state-ranked high school team, Jackson Memorial. The brand new lineup board was on full display, marking a big milestone for North Hunterdon Girls High School wrestling. These girls left it all on the mat as a well-attended gold gym cheered them on! Join us for the next home match on February 1st and for Senior Night on February 9th.
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Boys Wrestling
The boys' season started with a great night of wrestling against Voorhees at home. With a loud and supportive Jungle, North went on to beat Voorhees 43-28.
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The team has been hard at work in the off season to prepare for the intense schedule they face this season and they have big goals. | |
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Boys Lacrosse
Pre-season car wash was a huge success for NHHS Boys Lacrosse! They are not even in season yet, and they are still focused on getting together to support their team!
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Key upcoming highlights:
The Booster Club & Family Meeting is for Wednesday, January 3rd, at the Clinton Firehouse at 7 pm. All 9th-12th Grade Parents and players are encouraged to attend to meet the new coaching staff and hear about some exciting things we have planned for the 2024 season.
For Winter - We have put together three days per week of high-level training for the boys to work together for 8+ weeks leading up to the season. We have arranged the following schedule:
Mondays 8:00-9:00 pm @ Pro-Activity (Speed, Agility, Strength Training)
Tuesdays 3:30-5:00 pm @ Branchburg Sports Complex (Lacrosse Training)
Thursdays 4:00-5:00 pm @ Pro-Activity (Speed, Agility, Strength Training)
Pro-Activity Sign-Up Form
Green & Gold (Branchburg) Sign-Up Form
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Cheer
North Cheer - Hunterdon Warren Sussex and UCA Pocono Regional Champions in Game Day; bids to Nationals
On December 2nd, the North Cheer team competed at the Hunterdon Warren Sussex Cheer Championships at Phillipsburg High School and came home the Hunterdon Warren Sussex Grand Champion in Game Day, as well as placing second in Traditional. The team then traveled to Wilkes-Barre Township, Pennsylvania, to compete in the 2023 UCA Pocono Regional Championships, with the goal of securing bids to the 2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, in February. Impressively, the team received bids for both of their performances in Traditional and Game Day and was also awarded the UCA Pocono Regional Champion title in the Game Day Division. With the bids secured, the team will continue their preparation to compete in the national arena in February by competing in several local competitions in January. Next up is the UCA Garden State Competition in Bridgewater on Sunday, January 7th. Let's Go North!
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Main Booster Club
On December 21st, the Athletic Department sponsored a Q&A for any student-athletes interested in playing sports at the collegiate level. The panel was made up of former North Hunterdon students who are now college athletes playing various sports. The Booster Club supplied gift cards as a thank you for the college athletes & also raffled off gift cards for the attendees at each session.
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We are looking forward to seeing what 2024 brings for our North Hunterdon athletes and athletic programs! Here’s to a successful year filled with strong competition, teamwork, sportsmanship, and, of course, lots of victories!
Are you following us on social media? Don’t miss out on all the great events coming up, and stay informed about all the amazing things happening with the teams!
Facebook: North Hunterdon Booster Club (please be sure to answer the questions!)
Instagram: NHHS Booster Club
Twitter: @NHHSBoosterClub
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Happy New LEAP Year to our NHHS students, faculty, and families!
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Congratulations to all of our teachers and the 170 students who performed in the Winter Concerts in December. It was a wonderful way to end the year of 2023! | |
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From the NHMA, we thank our amazing music students and faculty members for a magnificent first half of our school year. Also, a HUGE thank you to all of the volunteers that support our students and their programs. Your efforts are appreciated beyond words!
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What’s Next? ….
Winter Musical, “Freak Friday” - many of our music students are involved in various aspects of
this show. You’ll find them on stage, backstage, in the tech booth…. just about EVERYWHERE! Leap Year Day February 29th, March 1st-3rd.
20th Annual PRISM Concert – Thursday, March 21st – this is a unique experience for our students and audience! A variety of musical offerings with professional sound and lighting. Remember – HOLD the applause – it’s a seamless montage of performances with no pauses – just MUSIC.
Ongoing support for the NHMA:
Our parent-run organization supports our music students and department through various programs
such as master classes, scholarships, and program needs that arise.
Membership Drive – one of our largest fundraisers of the year! Please remember that your household does need to be a member for your student to qualify for NHMA scholarships. https://forms.gle/vZYeS6Rraz6yBXMg9
We would love to hear from you if you have an interest in volunteering. Please consider joining our group and even taking on some roles from our “graduating” parents of seniors. We have a few board and coordinator positions needing to be filled for 2023/24 – drop us a line and explore the opportunities!
Website: https://www.nhvweb.net/nhhs/musicassociation/
Email: nhmusicassociation@gmail.com
We’d love to see you at our next NHMA meeting: Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in Music Room #124
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NHEF Mission
The North Hunterdon Education Foundation (NHEF) is an all-volunteer, non-profit foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of education at North Hunterdon High School. We work together to fundraise and support grants researched and requested by NHHS staff that provide unique opportunities and experiences for North students. The NHEF's mission is to enhance education by funding innovative programs and experiences for all students.
Let's talk about the NHEF Family Pledge Donation Campaign!
To make your donation, please refer to the Family Pledge Donation Form: https://nhhsfoundation.org/donate/
Please consider the NHEF as your plan for your support in 2024! Coming together with support goes a long way and benefits educational programs aimed at all NHHS students.
The NHEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible
Thank You! We wish everyone a Happy 2024 New Year! Our heartfelt thank you to all who support the efforts of the North Hunterdon Education Foundation.
Please follow the NHEF on Facebook (@NHEdFoundation) and Twitter (@NHHS_NHEF) for announcements and tips.
Checking in with us means so much
For more information visit: Support NHEF
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We would like to THANK everyone who participated in the PTSA Holiday Visa Gift Card Raffle, we could not have done this fundraiser without you. We really appreciate all your support. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS!
1st place - $1000 winner is Marc Rubner
2nd place – $750 winner is Mike Morra
3rd place – $500 winner is Mary Rosato
4th place - $250 winner is Pilar Pantoja
To date, with your continued support of the PTSA, we were able to help 22 local families in need this Holiday Season. Moving right along, we look forward to supporting the Junior Prom in March.
Wishing you and your families a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!
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Board of Education Updates | |
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Each month, we will include key topics discussed or approved at the most recent Board of Education meeting. Meetings are livestreamed and you can find the link on the district website prior to each meeting date. Please click here to view agendas, recordings and minutes.
There was no Board meeting held in December. The next meeting of the Board will be its annual Reorganization Meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 6:00pm in the district administration office. The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 7:00pm.
For more information on Board meetings and agendas, please visit the district website at www.nhvweb.net and click on the District & BOE Services menu tab.
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