Upcoming Events
December 2012/January 2013
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November 30-December 1
7:00 PM: It's a Wonderful Life
December 1-21
Wounded Warrior's Toiletries Drive
December 5
Dress Down for Campus Ministry
9:00 AM: Fire Prevention Awards
December 6
Sophomore Day of Reflection
December 7
Blood Drive
CHISPA Trip to Liberty Science Center
December 8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
9:00 AM-3:00 PM: Parents's Association Flea Market
December 11:
Yearbook Activity Pictures
8:00 AM: Winter Sports Pictures
6:30 PM: Parents' Association Meeting
December 12:
Activity Period - Schedule B 2:45 PM: SADD
December 13:
6:30 PM: Pep Rally
December 14:
Progress Reports emailed home
10:15 AM: Project Accelerate
December 15:
7:30 AM: SATs at Marist (Makeup of November SAT)
9:00 AM-3:00 PM: Parents's Association Flea Market
December 16:
Freshmen Trip to NYC
December 17-21:
Spirit Week
December 17:
2:45 PM: CSP Meeting
December 18:
Schedule D
9:45 AM: Christmas Liturgy
December 21:
8:30 AM: Champagnat Games
12:00 PM: Dismissal
December 24-January 2:
Christmas Recess
December 24, 26, 28:
Girl's Holiday Tournament
December 27, 29:
Boy's Holiday Tournmanet
January 2:
Founding of the Marist Brothers
January 3:
School Resumes
January 8:
2:45 PM: NHS Meeting
6:30 PM: Parents' Association Meeting
January 9:
Activity Period - Schedule B
6:00 PM: S/PA Holiday Party
January 11:
6:30 PM: Movies in the Gym
January 14:
End of Second Quarter
January 15-17:
Mid-Term Exams
January 15:
Medquest Applications Due
January 18:
Exam Conflicts
January 19:
Sophomore Trip to Philadelphia
January 21:
No Classes
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 22:
Second Semester begins
MLK Prayer in Religion Classes
January 23:
6:30 PM: Open House
January 24:
Report Cards mailed home
1:40 PM Dismissal
January 25:
Accepted Students Reception
January 29:
Year Level Assemblies
8:00 AM: Principal's Breakfast
1:00 PM Dismissal
January 30:
Study Hall begins
January 31-February 3:
Encounter
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 From the Principal 
Dear Marist Families,
Greetings to all. I hope the effects of Superstorm Sandy are now just a memory for you and your families.
Here's a little Marist trivia for you. Do you know the origin of the Latin phrase inscribed on the Marist Shield. You know, the one sewn to the school sweater? "In His Signis Vinces" translates to "In this sign, we will conquer." Historically, the phrase originated with the Emperor Constantine who, before a great battle, prayed for a sign from the heavens that his army would be victorious. The sign that he saw was the cross of Christ; thus, "In this sign we will conquer."
The sign with which we conquer is the insignia which symbolizes Marist, our school shield. Look closely and you will see several "signs" in the school's emblem: the decorative "M" which symbolizes Mary, the Mother of God, the patron of the Marist Brothers and of Marist High School, and our Royal Knight who bears the cross of Christ on his shield. The Latin motto, "In this sign, we will conquer" reminds us that as the Marist Family, we come from a proud tradition, and that victory will be ours if we uphold the Marist Values. It is an inspiring thought, and a great motivator, as all symbols can be, one that calls us to be our best selves.
While we are called to nobility by our emblem, the times in which we live certainly tempt us to be our less noble selves. I speak specifically to the allure and the potential dangers of social networking tools such as IM, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Having all been teenagers at some point, we are well aware that teens are by their very nature impulsive: they often act without thinking; they are slow to heed warnings; they can't imagine that consequences will follow their actions. Add the ability to instantly text your thoughts, ideas, and words to the world, and the stakes increase exponentially.
I encourage you to talk to your sons and daughters about this. Here are some lines you could use:
- If you wouldn't say "that" to someone, why would you text "it"?
- Take time to think before you press "Send".
- If you write it, it's there forever, for colleges and future employers to see.
Social Networking is such new technology that it will demand our creativity and vigilance if we hope to grow into its proper use. Let us use all of the tools at our disposal to become our nobler selves.
I want to alert students and parents alike to the reality that, due to Superstorm Sandy, we extended the first marking period. Therefore, the second marking period will last only six weeks rather than the usual eight so that mid-term exams will occur at the usual time. Progress reports will be e-mailed on December 14 so that the students will have three weeks before the end of the marking period. There's no time to be wasted!
As we anticipate the holiday season and the new year, I wish each of you the blessings of Our Lord Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. God the Father sent his Son to become one with us so that from Him we may learn how to be fully human, fully alive. Let us give God the glory by lifting our hearts to Him daily and striving always to be the best person God created us to be.
Sincerely,
Ms. Miesnik
P.S. Please note that this newsletter is for both December and January. You'll hear from me again after the mid-term exams!
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| Academic News
Study Hall began November 19 for any student that failed two or more subjects. This mandatory supervised quiet time will enable students who need it to start their homework, read or review for the next day, and to obtain tutoring. Each Friday a weekly progress report will be mailed home to you so that you too can keep up on your child's progress in the subjects that they had failed. Encourage your son/daughter to take advantage of this opportunity to turn around a failing grade.
Progress Reports for grades-to-date at the mid-point of the marking period will be ready on December 14 and will be sent out via e-mail. Please be sure that the school has your correct e-mail address. If you have changed your e-mail address, please contact Mrs. DePoalo (201-437-4545 x201) and let her know.
Mid-Term Examinations, which count for 10% of the final grade, will be administered according to the following schedule:
- Tuesday, January 15: English and Religion
- Wednesday, January 16: Mathematics, Spanish, Language Arts, Psychology
- Thursday, January 17: History, Criminal Justice, Science, Economics
- Friday, January 18: Exam Conflicts and Make-Ups
Students will not be given a make-up exam without a doctor's note. Failure to present a doctor's note will result in a student receiving a grade of zero (0) for that exam.
Mid-Term Exam Preparation has two aspects: What the teachers and students do together in school and what you and your son/daughter do at home.
- In school, preparation begins Monday, January 7 and extends through Monday, January 14. Teachers will outline what material is to be studied, provide study guides and review sheets, etc.
- At home, please be sure to encourage your son/daughter to set a study time each evening during review week. Ask to see the review materials and contact the teacher if your son/daughter tells you that review materials were not provided. Please insist that your son/daughter prepares each night before the scheduled exams and allow them to have a study area that is free of distractions. Encourage your son/daughter to get at least 8 hours of sleep before each exam, eat breakfast before each exam, and arrive to school on time for the exam.
We look forward to very positive results from each of our students.
Students will be dismissed at the conclusion of the second exam each day and buses will run after each exam. No bus transportation will be provided on Friday of exam week.
Exams cannot be administered to any student who owes tuition. Please make every effort to satisfy your financial obligation so that you son/daughter's education will not suffer.
Chapter 192 is a free program provided through the Bayonne Board of Education that offers remediation for students who have scored below the 40th percentile on standardized tests. If your son/daughter is eligible, you should have received a letter and a form in the mail. Mr. Mathews is the in-house contact for the program. If you have a question, please feel free to contact him at cmathews@marist.org. You may want to revisit this opportunity after you review the PSAT results. Remember this is a free service, so take advantage!
NHS Tutoring is available Monday-Thursday in the LMC from 2:40-3:40. This is a reliable source of extra help. Be sure your son/daughter takes advantage of this free service.
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Campus Ministry News
Wounded Warriors: In keeping with our "culture of service," during Advent we will be collecting toiletries, new socks and gloves for homeless vets. Through a special arrangement with St John's Soup Kitchen in Newark, these vets are housed, fed three meals a day and given medical attention. Often they suffer from PTSD and other mental illnesses. These are the poorest of the poor and we hope to help them. Donations can be left at Campus Ministry. Many thanks!
Sophomore Day of Reflection, postponed because of "Sandy" has been rescheduled for December 6th at the Marist Brothers Retreat Center in Esopus. Permission slips were due on Nov. 27th. Students attending may dress down. Please, no flip flops, walking shoes are needed for hiking. Long pants, gloves etc. it may be very cold up there. Students will leave after homeroom and return at approximately 5:30. Students not attending will have regular classes.
Did you know? Our students enjoy meditating together. Each liturgy and Prayer Service includes a time of silent prayer and meditation and our students, despite most expectations for adolescents, manage the silence very well and even seem to enjoy it. It's quite a sight: 400+kids in absolute silence. Ryan Williams and Jingyu Lin provide beautiful classical music on flute and piano during our meditations. They all make us proud!
Knight Jam has returned! Our rock group is back! After the graduation of many key members this talented musical group is back for liturgies and school activities! Their rendition of "Let it Be" was better than the Beatles, we think! Special Thanks to Mr. Ortiz, their leader!
Advent: December 2 marks the beginning of the season of Advent. During these four weeks we reflect on and prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth on Christmas Day. During this season, Campus Ministry will lead each of the religion classes in special Advent prayer.
Gospel Choir: Up and running again! Look for future announcements about their performances!
Christmas Prayer Service: Our Christmas Prayer Service will take place on Tuesday, December 18 at 9:45 AM. If you're free, you are invited to celebrate Jesus' birth with our entire school family. Traditionally, the Senior Retreat Leaders present a very stirring pageant, reenacting St. Luke's story of the Nativity. This year we will have a guest star in the person of Mr. Fudge's baby, Grace, starring as the Baby Jesus! Mr. Hayward's little one, Isabel, will be the littlest angel.
In January, we celebrate the Feast of St. Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist Brothers, St Elizabeth Seton, founder of the Sisters of Charity and Dr. Martin Luther King. Come and celebrate saints and heroes at our MLK Services on Tuesday, January 22 at 9:45.
Encounter: The next Encounter for Seniors is Jan 31-Feb. 3. This more serious retreat offers Seniors an opportunity to review their lives, their spirituality and their future goals. Interested Seniors should sign up early at Campus Ministry.
Did you know that almost half the Senior Class are Retreat Leaders? These students take their role as mentors and examples very seriously and enjoy spending time planning retreats and programs for younger classes. Many go on to be Marist Young Adults involved in retreat and service programs at Esopus. The Marist connection is life-long!
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Guidance News
PSAT Results will be made available to Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors during the month of December. Remember, that Freshmen and Sophomores will have a chance to take the PSAT again and that those scores are not part of their permanent record. The PSAT at their level is meant to provide added opportunity to practice for the SAT and to help them monitor their growth over their three years. Ms. E. and Ms. Heymer will be helping the Juniors sign up for their own, personal CollegeBoard account before midterms. This will help them jumpstart their college search and application process.
November SATs Rescheduled for December 15th: If your student was registered for the November SATs, please note that the test was rescheduled due to Hurricane Sandy. Students will need to print their updated admission ticket before the test date. Contact Ms. Heymer at ext. 304 or Ms. E. at ext. 301 with any questions.
Standardized Tests for Seniors AND Juniors: January 26th is the next available date for the SATs. Seniors who have not taken the test yet are STRONGLY encouraged to sign up for this administration. Please note that the January SATs are not going to be administered at Marist. The deadline to sign up is DECEMBER 28th. Juniors are also welcome to take the January SATs, but will be strongly encouraged to take the March 9th administration that will be offered here at Marist. The next test date for the ACT test is February 9th. The deadline to sign up is January 11th. Both Seniors and Juniors are encouraged to consider taking the ACT test.
College Acceptances: Go to Marist, Go to College!
Congratulations to those our first acceptances of the year:
Richard Aaronson Bloomfield College, NJ
Manny Suarez Fordham University, NY
Kristine Watco Rutgers University, NJ
Despite the hurricane, our seniors are doing well in the college application process. Over 40 students have applied to colleges and universities. Parents can help with the process by simply asking their students how it's going and encouraging them to do what they can at home. The application process is an investment of both time and money, but is well worth it in the end.
Financial Aid Night: Senior Parents, please be sure to keep an eye on our website for the date of our upcoming Financial Aid night in January. In the meantime, you may apply for a PIN at www.fafsa.gov to get the process started. January 1st is the earliest you can submit your FAFSA, but you can get the ball rolling by applying for the PIN now, as it takes a few days for the verification. FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process, so start getting familiar with it now! If you have any questions, please contact Ms. E. or Ms. Heymer.
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Other News
Voicemail and Email Blasts: If you did not receive a voicemail blast from Ms. Miesnik at the end of Superstorm Sandy break or the other night telling you that this newsletter was available, then your phone number and/or e-mail may still not be correct in the Marist database. Call Mrs. DePoalo at ext. 201 to check that out. Voicemail and e-mail are quickly becoming our preferred modes of contact.
Marist Transportation: Please be advised that all students riding the morning and 2:40 bus must have a bus contract. Evidence of this contract should be indicated on the front of your student ID. Please be ready to show your ID to the driver if asked. Also, you should be at your assigned stop five minutes early. Bus drivers can stop, but they cannot wait. Finally, if you are riding the 4:00 or 6:00 bus without a bus contract, you must pay $1.00 to the driver per ride.
Blood Drive sponsored by our American Red Cross Club, will be conducted on Friday, December 7. If your child is eligible, encourage him/her to donate a pint of desperately needed blood. Thank you to Brother Bob Warren and Mr. Jeremy Kay, moderators and the members of our Red Cross Club for organizing and coordinating this important activity.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception is December 8 which falls on a Saturday this year. This is a holy day of obligation, commemorating Mary the Mother of God in a special way. Students are encouraged to celebrate the day by attending mass.
Dress Down will be held on Wednesday, December 5. Students who choose to dress down will contribute $1.00 which will support our Campus Ministry Program.
Freshmen Trip to NYC: In an effort to expand our students' educational experience, Marist invites each year level to tour a major city. Seniors already visited Washington, D.C. in October! Freshmen will visit NYC for a Christmas Walking tour on Sunday, December 16. Permission Slips are available in the Main Office. Ms. Miesnik will be the tour guide! Cost is $10.00. Bus will leave Marist at 1:00 and return around 7:30. Any parent willing to chaperone this trip should e-mail Ms. Miesnik at amiesnik@marist.org.
Sophomore Trip to Philadelphia: Stay tuned for details. The tentative date is Saturday, January 19, right after the mid-term exams!
Individual Activity Pictures for the yearbook will take place during the school day on Tuesday, December 11. Please make sure your son/daughter is in school that day if they are involved in any after school activities within the school.
Spirit Week begins on Monday, December 17 and continues through Friday, December 21. Each year level has a theme, a color, and participates against each other in friendly competition. "Secret" judges award points during the week for enthusiasm, sportsmanship, teamwork, and of course, winning various competitions. The week culminates with the Champagnat Games, an indoor field day. Here is a schedule of the week's activities:
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Monday, Dec. 17: Tree Judging
Dress Down: Year levels dress according to "stereotypes"
Seniors - Hip-Hop
Juniors - Nerds
Sophomores - Jocks
Freshmen - Preppie
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Tuesday, Dec. 18: Christmas Prayer Service and Pageant
Wednesday, Dec. 19: Twin Day
Thursday, Dec. 20: Dress Down
Year levels dress according to states:
Seniors - California
Juniors - New Jersey
Sophomores - Hawaii
Freshmen - Texas | | Friday, Dec. 21: Champagnat Games; Dismissal at 12:00 |
Students wear class T-shirts for the Champagnat Games. Students should see Student Council moderators for details. Spirit Week is lots of fun. Stop by the school any day during the week to see why.
Christmas Vacation: begins at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 21and extends through Monday, January 2. School resumes on Wednesday, January 3. Enjoy your time with family and friends.
Safety and Security Reminder: We remind you that the Knight Club and the Library Media Center are open every day after school and there are other activities and clubs meeting at that time. However, the school closes at 4:00 PM. Students are not allowed to be in the building after this time unless they are supervised by a faculty member or a coach. In addition, as we start our winter sports program, home basketball games will be over by 9:00 PM and the building will be closed at 9:30 PM. Please keep this in mind as you make arrangements to pick up your child if they are attending these games.
School Closings: In the event of inclement weather, you will receive an automated phone call from the school. Please listen to the message carefully and completely. You can also find out if school is closed or if there is a delayed opening by logging onto our website at www.marist.org. School closing or delays will be placed at the top of the Marist home page. Should you suspect that school will be closed or delayed, you can also contact the school (201-437-4545) and listen to the pre-recorded message.
Student/Partner Alliance Holiday Party takes place in the Marist Cafeteria on Wednesday, January 9 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. All SPA families should already have received an invitation from Mrs. Margaret Momber, Executive Director. All SPA families are expected to attend this great party. Mark your calendars!
Martin Luther King Holiday is celebrated nationally on Monday, January 21. There is no school on that day. Marist strongly encourages students to devote this day to service in their local communities.
Open House will be held for prospective students on Wednesday, January 23 at 7:00 Sharp. Please encourage friends and neighbors with high school age children to take a good look at Marist. We will have a 1:40 Dismissal on Thursday, January 24.
MSG Varsity at http://www.msgvarsity.com/new-jersey/marist
is now our host for Marist News that is produced by our students. The articles, photos, and videos are all student created. Many thanks to our moderator, Ms. John. If you are an Optimum Online subscriber, you can view all of the materials found on MSG Varsity. If not, check it out anyway for the limited view to at least see what's been posted there by Marist students.
Dance Classes at Marist: Marist is bringing a professional dance instructor to teach afternoon classes in the spring semester. Adesina N. Sampson is a choreographer, dancer, and actor. Mr. Sampson will conduct a free demo class on Tuesday, December 11 in Room 209 from 2:45-3:45. Twenty-four students have already signed up. Students who attend the demo class will then have a chance to sign up for lessons. The cost for all 10 lessons will be $100 and the students will perform at the Arts Festival in April. Dance lessons could be a great Christmas gift!!
School Pictures: Lifetouch is the photography company who photographed our students at the start of the school year. They reached out to us to remind you that you can still order pictures if you'd like. If you are interested, Call 1-866-955-8342 and provide Marist's Picture Day ID # RI362858Y0 to order.
LOL! Laugh Out Loud Comedy Benefit: Our alumni director, Chris Hansen '99 wants to invite you a comedy night being held on Saturday, December 8 at 8:00 in the school cafeteria. One of our teachers, Jeff Niremberg, will be hosting! Click here for more info.
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Marist Parents' Association
Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 11 in the Marist Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. Come join us!
Volunteers Needed: If you'd like to work the concession stand at the Vendor Bazaar or at the home basketball games, contact Vice-President: Aretha Harris at vp@mpa.marist.org.
Vendors Bazaar: Calling all Marist Parents! Support your school at the newly formed Parents' Association's Vendor Bazaar. Come and enjoy lots of fun, festivity and holiday cheer. Hot food and drink will be on sale. PLEASE PASS THE WORD ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
When: Saturday, December 8 & 15 from 9:00AM-3:00 PM
Where: Marist Cafeteria
You can help by dropping off a homemade baked good to be sold at the concession stand or by volunteering to work! Contact our chairperson, Mrs. Nancy Marshall at fleamarket@mpa.marist.org. |
Athletic News
HCIAL Football All County Selection:
1st Team
D'Ondre Robinson
Aaron Smith
Daryl Black
Will Robinson
2nd Team
Christian Gonzalez
Kyle Stratford
HCIAL Volleyball All County Selections:
1st Team
Angela Lenzo
2nd Team
Gineyda Lopez
Princess Igiri
Honorable Mention
D'aundra Lewis
Glen Abellana
Winter Season Begins: With the fall sports season behind us, we look foward to the winter sports. Bowling and Swimming season begin on December 7th. Coed Swimming will open up against St. Peter's Prep and McNair at St.Peter's University. Boys and Girls Basketball regular season kicks off on December 14th with the girls traveling to St.Anthony's at 5:30pm, while the boys host Lincoln at home at 7pm.
Sports Calendar: Refer to the homepage of our website "School Calendar Section". Hope to see you at the games!
Winter Sports Pictures: will take place after school December 11. Order forms will be distributed to your daughter/son in their homeroom prior to the picture session.
Laser Show Winter Pep Rally:
Where: Marist Gym
When: Thursday, December 13th, 6:30-8:30 PM
Cost: Students $5; Alumni and Parents $7
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