Waldwick High School Principal's Blog

PSAT Scores were released via the College Board on Monday, December 12.   It will be the responsibility of each student to access their free on-line College Board account to view scores and the score report.  PSAT scores have also been uploaded to Naviance.  Today, during Period 2, students were shown an overview of how to interpret the PSAT scores,  utilize The College Board site and the many resources available too them. Each student also received their test book back so students may review questions.    Both the Math and Language Arts teachers will be taking time over the next week to review the PSAT data and help students answer any questions they might have.  If a student has any issues accessing The College Board site they can see their guidance counselor.   Below are some resources/videos from The College Board Site:  Get the Most from Your Sco...

WALDWICK HIGH SCHOOL November Students of the Month 2016 – 2017 SCIENCE RYAN GRIFFIN - Ryan, a junior, is a superb student in Honors Physics.  He earned a 97 for the first marking period and has maintained a test average of 99 for the year-to-date.  Ryan is fully engaged in the class, is quick to answer questions and often has advanced insight that is unusual in a high school Science student.  Ryan has demonstrated his excellent science skills both in problem solving and in the laboratory.  It is a pleasure to have Ryan Griffin as a student. CAD NICHOLAS GILLEN - Nick is a senior in CAD II, but has been exceptional in class progressing to a much higher level and ability.  Not only has Nick been able to apply his skills in class, but he has also designed prototypes in Engineering and Design class.  He has also been a huge part of the success for the STEM Team.  Nick loves a challenge and is always looking to forward his knowl...

Congratulations to Waldwick High School tuba player Anthony Tutschek on his acceptance into Bergen County High School Band.  Talented musicians from high schools all over Bergen County audition for the chance to perform in this special group.  County band provides an opportunity for students to perform a challenging program with the best musicians of the area.  This is the second year Anthony has been accepted into this honor ensemble.   Great job, Anthony!

As we approach December, I thought this would be a great time to collect parent feedback about WHS and how you are feeling, as well as what you are hearing from your children.  Since day one this year, I have made it a point to talk with teachers and students about the importance of mental health and student wellness.  We, as school community, need to keep in mind and listen to our young adults and understand what they are dealing with and the difficulties they may be experiencing. I have created a survey that I am asking WHS parents/guardians to complete so I can hear your voice in this matter.  Please take some time to answer a few questions and have your voice be heard.   Link to Survey:  Parent/Guardian Feedback #OwnitWHS

WALDWICK HIGH SCHOOL October Students of the Month 2016 – 2017 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS SARAH ARMSTRONG - Sarah, a senior, is the English Language Arts Department Student of the Month co-recipient.  Sarah is an excellent student with a great attitude.  She works hard in the classroom and puts forth great effort and depth into each writing assignment.  Sarah wants to be a teacher and really is interested in her own learning.  She is insightful with literature and shows maturity toward the works. GEORGE THOMSON - George, a senior, is the English Language Arts Department Student of the Month co-recipient.  George is a hard worker who puts forth extra effort to dig deeply into texts on a regular basis.  When it comes to his writing, George uses the strategies we learn about when crafting eloquent prose.  He is open to constructive criticism and always aims to improve.  Finally, George's efforts to collaborate with his classmates ar...

Homework Free Week @ WHS During the week of November 7, there will be no assigned homework at Waldwick High School.  There will be additional homework free breaks throughout the  year which will be published by the District in the coming  days.   We hope these days will provide students time to mentally step away from focusing on homework and studying for tests.  In addition to no homework for the week, no assignments or tests will be due immediately after the break.   I am aware of one or two situations where long term projects were assigned over a month ago with dues dates during next week.  Those assignments will still be due; however, during all future homework free weeks, there will be no assignments/tests.    What you could do with the TIME .... Students can read just to read for the joy of it Spend time enjoying the great fall weather Spend time with family  Volunteer within the community Ta...

Who needs WARRIOR GEAR? Link to Online Store  https://whsholidaystore.itemorder.com/sale The Warrior Gear sale is this Wednesday, November 2, from 6:30 - 8pm in the High School Cafeteria.  Samples of all items will be on display.  Get some of your holiday shopping done in November!  If you can't make it Wednesday night, you can print out the order form and return it to the Main Office.  Sale ends on Wednesday, November 23.  Thank you for your support!   Link to    Order Form   Online Store

Best I have ever seen it @ WHS!!!  Every grade level went above and beyond with their theme.  Each grade level had a theme related to a board game. Seniors - Clue Juniors - Hungry Hungry Hippo Sophomores - Monopoly Freshmen - Candy Land   Huge thank you to the Class Advisors for organizing, motivating and guiding each of the grade levels.  Senior Class - Ms. Terzini Junior Class - Mrs. Kish Sophomore Class - Mrs. Pastore  Freshmen Class - Ms. Monell

*****UPDATE***** 700 Group - Class of 2017 I am proud to share with you the 700 Group for the Class of 2017.   Scoring 700 or higher is quite an accomplishment and something we are extremely proud of at WHS.   700 SAT (Evidence Based Reading & Writing) Liam Blanchard 710 Samantha Hughes 710 Chris Park 700 Sergio Scardigno 730 Jake Schwencke 700 Tyler Semus 700 Julianna Terracciano 700 George Thomson 700 700 SAT (Mathematics) Michael Conyngham 710 Emily Dozot 720 Conor Gallagher 750 Colin Post 730 Sergio Scardigno 730 Jake Schwencke 750 George Thomson 720

WALDWICK HIGH SCHOOL September Students of the Month 2016 – 2017 WORLD LANGUAGE SARAH ARMSTRONG - Sarah, a senior, is the World Language Department Student of the Month. Sarah is currently in French V Honors. Affable and extremely mature, Sarah is an independent thinker and a quality student who strives for success.   To that end, Sarah was voted President of the National Honor Society by her peers.  As President, Sarah goes above and beyond.  She keeps the entire group organized at all times and is extremely efficient.  In addition to her impressive academic achievements, Sarah plays varsity softball and tutors whenever she is available. TECHNOLOGY JOHN GREENWALD - John, a senior, has a very good background in Technology education having completed Materials Processing, Design and Engineering and four years of CAD experience.  He has also participated in STEM competitions and loves using the 3D printer to design.  John will have a ve...

Everyone needs validation. A good way to spread good vibes and positive thoughts is through Random Acts of Kindness. These days we are exposed to a lot of negativity and our academic community is affected by it. In an effort to change this negativity we are encouraging our students and staff to participate in Random Acts of Kindness.   There is a bulletin board set up in the senior wing for students to choose a Random Act of Kindness.  The board will be up all year; each class will be assigned a specific marking period, starting with the seniors, to keep it updated and keep the envelopes filled.   If you receive a random act of kindness, share with us who and what the act was by using the hashtag #kindnessWHS and post a picture on social media.  Our hope is to help students strengthen relationships between grade levels and also, each other in general.  It is a great feeling to have when someone takes the time out of their day to do something ...

The following activities will take place at WHS during our Week of Respect: Monday, October 3:  World Day of Bullying Prevention - Students and staff will wear blue. Tuesday, October 4:  9th and 10th grade students will be attending a presentation by the Ganley Foundation.  This heartfelt and empowering presentation offers educational basics and insights into the world of youth depression and suicide through real life stories and expert input.  The shared perspectives of a mental health expert and suicide attempt survivor encourage a dialogue with the audience which carries forward their message about the importance of mental health, depression awareness, suicide prevention and how to obtain help. Wednesday, October 5:  the 11th and 12th grade students will be attending a presentation by Gian Paul Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez has traveled across the nation as a motivational speaker for many corporate, athletic, government and educational institutions. ...

This year at WHS we started a peer mentoring program for the freshmen class. Our National Honor Society students have taken ownership of the program and have a lot of great activities planed for the year. Senior and National Honor Society President, Sarah Armstrong, wrote this guest blog post to summarize the program. Peer Mentoring Program Objective: To provide freshmen students with a senior peer mentor in the National Honor Society as a guide throughout high school. The transition from middle school into high school is no easy task. Senior NHS members aim to help freshmen tackle the challenges of adjusting to high school, as it is an environment that requires time to get used to. This program provides an opportunity for freshman students to hear truth and advice from those with experience, which will lighten the load by letting them know they have someone to turn to. Freshmen have been sorted into groups of eight or nine classmates and have been assigned...

PARCC results for the 15-16 school year were mailed home on Friday, which have some ramifications related to graduation requirements.  Over the last two years, the NJ Department of Education has made changes and updates related to high school graduation requirements.  Last year,  the New Jersey Department of Education approved the threshold score points (‘cut points’) to define the performance levels on the PARCC assessments. On August 3, 2016, the State Board of Education approved updated state regulations for the high school graduation  assessments requirements in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics for the Classes of 2017 through 2021 and beyond. NJDOE memo regarding Graduation requirements August 2016 Students graduating as members of the classes of  2017 through 2019  (Current Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors)   can meet graduation assessment requirements through a variety of ways, including: (1) Achieving pass...