Marist High School
October 2013
Family Newsletter
Stay current with Marist news and events
Letter from the Principal

Dear Marist Families:

 

I am still reeling from the warmth generated this past Friday evening.  The Student Council sponsored Back-to-School Barbecue was, for the first time, coupled with our Back-to-School Prayer Service.  Over 300 people attended the event which was held in the Quad!  It was awesome!  Click here to see a few photos.

 

One month into the school year and the Chromebooks seem to be a success.  Senior Chris Sasso says, "I love it! I can get on MHS Online to view my homework so easily!"  Juniors in my Honors English III class are happy that they can access their textbook online and don't have to lug that heavy book home!  We've had a few growing pains while Mr. Short continues to tweak the new wireless infrastructure, but overall, most classes are using the devices as if they have always been at their fingertips.  Teachers will continue their professional development in October to develop best practices for integration of technology into the curriculum.

 

Many of you are aware that the Marist Brothers have invited me to serve on an International Commission, whose task it is to design an Assembly that will take place in Kenya in September of 2014.  My work for the commission requires that I attend a preparatory meeting in Nairobi this October.  I leave on the 20th.  Although recent events in Nairobi have been rather unsettling, they have not altered our plans.  Follow this link  if you are interested in learning more about the Assembly, whose theme is "New Marists in Mission". 

 

Your sons and daughters will be hearing more about "New Marists in Mission" over the next few months as we do our part to light the spark of renewal around the Marist world.  I was wondering if any parents would be interested in a mini-retreat on Marist themes.  I would welcome the opportunity to share with you what I've been experiencing.   If this sounds interesting to you, click here.  That will give me some idea of how much interest there would be among the parents.

 

For those of you who are reading my monthly newsletter for the first time, I hope you find it informative.  Most parents especially look to the calendar at the end of the newsletter to help them plan their month.  In any case, the monthly newsletter is only part of our attempt to improve communication. You should always check the website.  In addition, the voicemail and email blasts seem to have been instrumental in improving parent awareness and participation.  Remember, your son's/daughter's success is built on a partnership formed between school and home.  Be sure they know you are interested in and "on top of" what's going on in their lives.


Thanks, as always, for your support and confidence.  Let us continue to work together to make Marist the premier choice for Catholic coed education in the area! 



Ms. Miesnik
bbqBack to School Prayer Service & BBQ




Academic News

   

On Wednesday, October 16, The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Tests (PSAT's) will be administered to all underclassmen at Marist.  Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will take this test in order to gain the maximum exposure to the types of questions that are on the SAT in an effort to raise student scores.  Be sure your sons/daughters are well-rested and have eaten a nutritious breakfast that day.  Students will be dismissed after the test at approximately 12pm.  Good luck to all our students taking the PSAT's! 


Wednesday, October 16 will be a school designated college visit day for seniors.  Since all underclassmen will be taking the PSAT, seniors will not be attending classes that day.  However, seniors will be expected to arrange college visits or tours. College tours must be arranged with each college ahead of time.  Visit the college's website and follow the link to instructions for arranging a tour.  Group visits are strongly encouraged.  

September Challenge

All September Challenge Tests were administered to Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior students on September 26.  Mastery of these tests will be indicated on the first progress reports.  The students who have "met the challenge successfully" will receive different awards depending on their grade level!  Those who have not will be scheduled for remediation.
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New England Prep is in its third year at Marist. The NEP uses video lessons, by SAT specialist Ray Dass, that will give your son/daughter 20 minutes of instructional preparation for the PSAT, SAT, and the ACT a week. This year the video lessons will be used in your child's Math and English classes. 
The National Honor Society is excited to announce the addition of juniors to our membership. This will help expand NHS involvement in our school and service projects. Congratulations to the members of the newly elected executive board:
  • Briche Lynn, President
  • Kamille Moise, Vice President
  • Maggie Farag, Secretary
  • Nourhan Nahnooch, Treasurer
Their leadership and vision will ensure that this will be a very exciting and productive year.  NHS has begun the tutoring program after school from 2:45-3:45 Monday through Thursday in the LMC. All students that are in need of extra help can utilize this service. 
Communication between home and school is very important. Please don't hesitate to contact a teacher or administrator if you have a concern or question.  You can leave a voice mail message or an e-mail message.  All messages are expected to be returned within 24 hours.  Also, use MHS Online as a means to keep up-to-date on what is going on within the classroom.
Progress Reports will be e-mailed home on Thursday, October 10.  These grades are an assessment of how your son/daughter is doing at the mid-point of this first quarter.  If you do not receive your son's/daughter's progress report, please call Mrs. De Poalo (201 437-4545 Ext. 201).  Also, please contact a teacher if your son/daughter did not do as well as expected.  Now is the time to remediate any problem that may exist.
Campus Ministry News


Opening Prayer Service
 
The Marist Family gathered in Prayer last Friday night before our barbeque. We asked the blessing of the Holy Spirit to unite us as a family in service to one another and to our larger community.  Fr. Frank Fano was our gracious celebrant. The Peer Counselors were inducted and pledged their commitment to the freshmen. Our kids, as usual, participated as lectors, choir and acolytes. It's good for a family to pray together and the parents who attended were pleased to be part of this area of our school life.
 
Several seniors will accompany Mr. Carbone and Br Dan O'Riordon to a work week-end at the Brothers' Retreat House in Esopus, where they will work on the retreat house and surroundings. In the tradition of the Marist Brothers, they will pray and work and have a great time in the woods of our beloved "Esopus."
Encounter Retreat

Seniors will also have an opportunity to attend the Encounter, to be held Oct 24-27th where they will join seniors from all of our Marist schools on the east coast to reflect and pray. Encounter is an important time in a Marist Senior's life, so interested seniors should see Ms. Kehoe to make arrangements to be included.


Freshmen Day of Reflection 
 
All freshmen are welcome to attend the day -- Oct 10h, Thursday at our Retreat Center in Esopus, NY.  Permissions slips and money ($25.00) must have been returned by Oct. 3rd (We are very strict about turning things in on time to prepare our students for adult life.)  Freshmen will return by 5:45 that evening. They should wear comfortable clothes, but no shorts and no flip flops or sandals. They will be hiking. Lunch is provided. No electronic devices. Cell phones and iPods are to be used only on the bus. Attendance is voluntary. Students who choose not to go will attend regular classes. If money is an issue, please see Ms. Kehoe.  Never let finances be the reason a student does not go to Esopus.
"Make a Difference" is a program in Bayonne to supply the local Food pantries. Marist Youth and the Senior Retreat Leaders will sponsor a bake sale to do our part.  We will join the schools in all of Bayonne in this good work.  The Bake sale is scheduled for Oct 17th so just this once, indulge your sweet tooth!  During November we will collect food schoolwide for St John's Soup Kitchen in Newark. 
Senior Retreat Leaders are very enthusiastic about their work with the underclassmen. They take their role as leaders very seriously and watch out for their younger members of the family, especially at Esopus. They take great pride in planning retreats and participating in Liturgy. It's good training for them and a great help, especially to the Freshmen.  These Seniors are chosen because of their proven ability to exemplify the Marist values.

Looking Ahead: 

  • All Saints Mass: Friday,  Nov. 1st  at 9:40.  All are welcome
  • Sophomore Retreat: Thursday, Nov.7th
  • Food Drive: Month of November
  • Thanksgiving Prayer: Tuesday  Nov. 26th at 9:40. All are welcome.
  • Day of Service: Wednesday,  Nov. 27th
Guidance News
Guidance TransitionsIn order to better serve the students, each counselor has been given students from all year levels who will remain their counselor for the duration of the student's time at Marist rather than changing counselors from year to year as we used to.  We feel that by providing a consistent person for students to turn to for academic and personal support, better relationships will form, and students will be more comfortable using the services we provide.  This will also benefit parents, as they will know exactly who their child's counselor is, and will have less confusion about who to contact should the need arise.  Our counselors strive to work WITH parents when it comes to academic support, personal issues, and college and career planning-simply call, email, or set up an appointment. 
Freshmen Peer Counseling:  In order to help our freshmen adapt more effectively as the rigor of freshmen year gets underway, our trained senior peer counselors will begin meeting with groups of freshmen on a weekly basis (every Tuesday) for the next few weeks.  We touch on a variety of freshmen topics and provide insight into the ins-and-outs of Marist life.  Parents of freshmen, please check in with your son/daughter about their peer-counselors and about what they've been learning. 
Standardized Tests: We are encouraging our students to take both the SAT and ACT tests, as certain students perform better on different types of tests. SENIORS: There is still time to register for the November 2nd SAT and both the December ACT and SAT.  Deadlines for both tests will be posted on the homepage of the Marist website for your convenience.  All senior should have taken one or both test at least once BEFORE the December break.  It is recommended that JUNIORS begin taking the tests in the spring.  If you have questions about which test would be best for your son/daughter, do not hesitate to contact your counselor for more details.
Welcome, Transfer Students:  All counselors have met with our transfer students in order to assure them of our assistance here at Marist.  We are happy to pick up where your previous school left off, and continue with you on the road to success.  Parents of transfers are welcome to contact your counselor with any questions or concerns.

December 14th ACT: Though not yet administered at Marist, the ACT is a great option for many of our students.  The deadline for the December 14th administration is November 8th, and fee waivers are available for those meeting the requirements. Check out www.actstudent.org for more details on testing sites and insight into the test itself.

November 2nd SAT's: 

The last day for regular registration for the November 2nd SAT is October 3rd .  Marist High School will be available as a testing center for the November 2nd  test. Seniors are highly encouraged to take the SAT in November to prepare for college applications.  If you miss the October 3rd  deadline, do not worry, there is also another administration of the SAT on December 7th  (deadline of November 8th).  Go to

www.collegeboard.org for more information.

NJCU College Fair: All of our seniors will participate in a College Visit Day at NJCU on Oct. 22nd.  Provided by Career Council, this is a great opportunity for students to learn about over 250 colleges. Ms. Heymer will distribute permission slips the week before.  Please return signed permission slips by the deadline so that your son/daughter can participate. 
College Process: Most seniors have begun their college planning process.  By now, they should have distributed their recommendation forms to teachers, signed up for the SAT or ACT (or both), and started a list of colleges they're interested in attending.  All families of seniors should be helping to narrow the choices for college and planning visits to their various choices.  Go to an open house or make appointments through the Admissions Office to go for tours and meet with financial aid officers.  Find out as much information as you can so you can make an informed choice.  Need help?  Make an appointment with your counselor!
College Lunch Visits:   By the end of this month, fifteen colleges will have visited Marist and spoken to the students during lunch periods.  We're grateful to Ms. Heymer for organizing all these college information events.  In addition, our guidance counselors will be teaching college readiness to the seniors every Friday during the first marking period.
College Admission Information Night: On September 25, the guidance department hosted an Admissions Information Night for seniors and their parents.  It was a marvelous turn-out, and many benefitted from the college reps in attendance.  We had representatives from Kean University (public, 4-year), Felician College (private, 4-year), and Hudson County Community College (public, 2-year).  Topics ranged from the basic application process, to the financial aid process, to transitioning from a 2-year school to a 4-year school.  Our panel of reps also answered many questions.  It was an informative and interactive night, and we look forward to our Financial Aid Information Night on December 11th.  
Other News
Gym upgrades

 

Thanks to our Parent Association we now have shades on our gym windows which allow us to darken the room and diffuse the glare.  Next time you are in the building take a look at the new sports silhouettes Mr. Hayward has hung between the windows.  We also purchased wall padding which is now being installed against the stage for safety.
Change in Student Fundraiser Dates:

 

As you know, the tuition at Marist is kept affordable through the efforts of our Office of Institutional Advancement.  They count on our two Student Fundraisers to help them.  Just so you know, The Annual Walk-a-Thon traditionally run in the fall has been rescheduled for the spring.  The Spring Raffle will be held during Spirit Week right before Christmas.  You'll receive more information as the time grows closer.  Remember, tuition only covers  85% of the true cost of educating a Marist student.  Fundraisers help!  And they build school spirit!
Open House:

 

The annual fall Open House, scheduled for Sunday, October 6 at 1:00 sharp, marks the recruiting season for the 2014-2015 academic year.  Spread the word!  Since so many of us put in a full day for that event, teachers and students, there will be no classes on Monday, October 7.
Columbus Day is observed on October 14 this year.  No classes will be held.  Enjoy the day off! 
Junior Rings Measurement will take place in the cafeteria during lunch on Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25.  Juniors will receive information beforehand.  Keep in mind that the Junior Leadership Ceremony which will take place in March is for all juniors, not just those who order a ring. 
Cap and Gown Measurements for seniors take place during the lunch period on Tuesday, October 15. Be sure your son/daughter is not absent on that day.

All Forms were due to the homeroom teacher on September 16.  At this time, students who have not submitted these necessary legal forms will be asked to serve detention until all forms are in.  Blank forms are available in the main office.

Activity Fair: Activity Period is a unique feature of Marist Life.  Once a month, the school day stops so that students can attend an activity of their choosing.  The Activity Fair, to be held on Wednesday, October 2, is when we market activities, new and old, that students can join.  Students are encouraged to include all activities on their college applications, making Activity Period an important component of "Mind, Body, Spirit" but also of "Go to Marist...Go to College". 
The Halloween Dance is an annual event at Marist, sponsored by Student Council.  See the Student Council Moderators to get your ticket for Friday, October 26 from 7:00 - 11:00. Don't miss this memorable event. 

Parents' Association News
Marist Parents' Association:  In its third year, the Marist Parents' Association, is now fully functional.   The shade installation in the gym, which their hard work paid for, were installed over the summer.  Their next meeting is on Tuesday, October 8, from 6:30-8:30.  You can find minutes of preceding meetings on the website, under parents.   If you'd like to join the association or become a volunteer, please contact the officers through their e-mail addresses which you can find on the website as well. 

Vendor Bazaar:  One of the main fundraisers of the Association is the monthly Vendor Bazaar.  The first one of the year is scheduled for Saturday, October 19 from 9-3.  If you are interested in becoming a vendor, click here.  If you are interested in shopping, come see us in the school cafeteria!  All proceeds go to Marist High School.

 

Athletic News

Football: Under first year Head Coach Juan Garcia, the football team is 2-2 and steadily improving.

 

Next Game: Friday October 4 at 7pm against Lincoln High School/Veterans Stadium.

Boys' Soccer: First year coach Victor Pesantez continues to work hard with a very young soccer team.

 

Next game: Wednesday October 2nd at 4pm against McNair/Lincoln Park. 
Girls' Soccer: Coach Erica Buonacquista and her young group of girls continue to search for a win. Despite the 0-3 start , the girls continue to show what the future holds, losing three games by 1 point.

 

Next Game: Thursday October 3rd at 4pm against Mcnair/Lincoln Park.
Girls' Tennis: Coach Sean Connor and the girls Tennis team continues to battle. We have eight girls on the roster.

 

Next Game: Tuesday October 1 at 4pm against Hudson Catholic/Hudson County Park.
Girls' Volleyball: Coach Kay has his girls fired up for another successful season. The girls are 5-2 and looks to make states for the second year in a row.

 

Next Game: Wednesday October 2nd at 4pm against St. Anthony's/ Marist Gym.
Upcoming Events - October 2013
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday


1

5:45 PM: School Board Meeting
2

Activity Fair

Schedule B

6:30 PM: CSP & VHS Parent Meeting
34

9:30 AM: Project Accelerate

6:00 PM: Volleyball Potluck
5
6

1:00 PM: Open House
7

No Classes
8

8:30 AM: SPA Mentor Breakfast

6:30 PM: Parents' Association Meeting
9
10

Freshman Community Day in Esopus

Progress Reports Emailed Home
11

Homecoming
12

Esopus Service Weekend
13

Esopus Service Weekend
14

Esopus Service Weekend

Columbus Day
No Classes
15

2:45 PM: NHS Meeting

Senior Cap & Gown Measurements
16

8:00 AM: PSATs

12:00 PM: Department Meetings
1718

9:30 AM: Project Accelerate

6:00 PM: Alumni Athletic Reception
19

9:00 AM: Vendor Bazaar
2021

Underclassman & Faculty Portrait Makeups
22

10:00 AM: Senior College Fair

7:00 PM: Information Night
23

Activity Period 

Schedule B
24

Encounter

Junior Ring Measurements
25

Encounter

Junior Ring Measurements

7:00 PM: Halloween Dance
26

Encounter
27

Encounter
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