Marist High School
February 2014
Family Newsletter
Stay current with Marist news and events
Letter from the Principal

Dear Marist Families:

 

I promised you that we would look into an alternative to the all black Van uniform shoe.  Well, we've kept our promise.  While the all black Van remains our more affordable option, students are now welcome to wear the sturdier, more supportive, but more expensive all black Sperry.  The model #'s are very specific.  No other Sperry will be accepted.  You'll find photographs and model #'s below as they were listed on www.journeys.com.  If you go to that site, just enter the model # in the search area and the product should come up.

 

 

Boys' Uniform Shoe

Girls' Uniform Shoe


 

Boys Topsider authentic original casual shoe.  Style #583104.  All Black.

Girls Topsider Bluefish Boat Shoe.  

Style # 583087.  All Black.

 

Having just commemorated the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, we were reminded of the wonderful diversity we enjoy at Marist High School.  On that note, we are planning a schoolwide family event, similar to the outdoor one we had in September in the quad, to celebrate our diversity on Friday, February 21 at 6:30.  This promises to be a fun event.  Click here for ticket information.  Entertainment will be provided by the students and Ms. Miesnik's band (no, I'm not kidding).

 

At this halfway point, I encourage you to really study your son's/daughter's midyear report card.  The final column reflects the average at this time.  Can that grade be balanced with a better performance in the second half? Remind them, "It's never too late to do your best."  Offer encouragement, provide a quiet study time and place, ask them to see MHS Online.  Finally, take the opportunity to email or phone their teacher to see if your prodding is paying off!  Wishing you all the best in the second semester!

Sincerely,

 

Ms. Miesnik

Importance Notice about Tuition
Marist High School continues to evolve and improve to offer the best possible co-educational Catholic high school experience in the area.  Our students are in the midst of their first year using one-to-one technology, and we offer a far-reaching college-prep academic program along with extra-curricular activities, the SAT prep program, in-house tutoring, and many other value-added experiences to prepare your child for life in college and beyond. Providing a first-rate college-preparatory education in a safe, values-based environment would be meaningless if we could not provide that education at an affordable price.  Fortunately, we are able to do both.  Tuition for the 2014-2015 academic year has been set at $9,150.  The true cost of your child's education is significantly higher than that amount, and to supplement tuition, Marist relies heavily upon charitable donations, fundraising, and parents paying bills in a timely manner.  Please do your part, so that we can continue to ensure Marist's position as the premier co-educational Catholic high school in Hudson County and surrounding areas.  Thank you.
Academic News

Report Cards were mailed home on Friday, January 31st. If your son/daughter made our Principal's List the Principal's Breakfast will be at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4th.  All of our Honor Roll students will be acknowledged during our year level assemblies that same day. 
Study Hall will begin on Wednesday, February 5th. Freshmen and Juniors must report to Mr. Fudge in room 312, and Sophomores and Seniors report to Bro. Maske in room 302. Study Hall  is mandatory for anyone who failed two or more subjects for the second quarter.  Students in study hall are academically ineligible for participation in sports and activities.  See Mr. Cassaro with any questions. 
Progress Reports will be emailed home on Thursday, February 27th.  At this time, academic ineligibility is reviewed. 
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Activity Period takes place Wednesday, February 19th.  Ask your son/daughter what activity they are participating in and how much fun they are having!

Communicate with your son's/daughter's teachers via e-mail or voice-mail, especially if he/she did not do well in a given subject. Now is the time to devise an improvement plan. Help is available: ask a teacher for extra help, go to the Library Media Center for tutoring after school Monday through Thursday, or go to Study Hall (mandatory for those who fail 2 or more subjects).
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.  You may want to revisit this opportunity now that you have reviewed your son'/daughter's PSAT results. If your son/daughter scored below the 40th percentile and is not currently enrolled in Chapter 192, please feel free to contact Mr. Tabora at [email protected] .  Remember this is a free service, so take advantage!
Campus Ministry News
Encounter: As we go to press, four of our Seniors , one faculty chaperone and several alumni team leaders are preparing for the Marist Encounter. This retreat, which brings students from many of our Marist schools together, helps Seniors focus and reflect on their relationship with God and their plan for a spiritual life. Encounters build community, a real sense of belonging to the Marist Family.   They will be hoping for snow in Esopus -  which is beautiful in any season. If you are ever in the area, drop in and see the grounds:  The Marist Brothers Retreat House is right on Rt 9W.
Teens for Jeans: We know how fast they grow so we are collecting gently used jeans for homeless kids this month.  They can be left in Campus Ministry or in our new donation bin outside of the Chapel. 
Special Olympics: Did you know that Ms. Gonzalez organizes students to help out at the Special Olympics several times a year?  These students helped out with bowling on Saturday, January 25.
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Love Your Neighbor Month!  During the month of February students will have an opportunity to get Valentine tattoos (wash-away, don't worry!) after they pick a good deed to do that day.  Expect the unexpected!  You may hear "I love you" or get a hug or someone may do a chore without grumbling...or give up TV or the cell phone for the day. They groan and complain but many rise to the challenge.. and judging by the number who come in to Campus Ministry to select a deed for the day, they secretly like it...but don't tell them we know...

The Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.:  Our Martin Luther King Prayer Service was held on Jan 28th and our students had a chance to reflect on Dr. King's call to non-violent change. The school watched the PBS video about the Freedom Riders followed by a rousing sermon from alumnus, Rev Anthony Bingham Class of 2007. 

Guidance News

PSAT Results: The scores are in, and guidance is in the process of meeting with the Freshmen and Sophomores about their performance.   Juniors received their scores before Christmas. We continue to work with the Juniors to get them registered on Collegeboard.org, and are encouraging them to register for the March 8th SAT's (offered at Marist).  The deadline to register is February 7th.  This is the second step for the Juniors in the college process; encourage them to register today if they have not done so already!

College Goal Sunday: Senior parents and students, this one is for you.  If you need help actually sitting down and completing the FAFSA local colleges host a variety of financial aid professionals to offer you FREE help in completing the FAFSA.  All seniors were given a flier about the event, but you can find out more information at http://njcollegegoalsunday.org
regarding the different sites and dates.  There are several sites that are convenient for the majority of our students.  Many of our students and parents have benefited from these events in the past.
Career Day: The long anticipated Career Day is coming up on Friday, February 7th.  We have professionals joining us from the following career areas: Dance, Finance, Psychology, Education, Engineering, Nursing, Political Science, Music, and National Security.  We are very excited, and hope the students are too.

Summer Programs: As always, our counselors are hard at work encouraging students to participate in enrichment programs over the summer.  Now is the time to enroll.  Encourage your student to see their counselor TODAY about what types of programs are out there.  Please note, several of you may have already received information in the mail about certain programs, as we nominate students throughout the year.  Do not hesitate to contact the guidance department with any questions or concerns.  Participating in a summer program is a prime way to make a good impression in the college application process.

College Acceptances and Scholarships:  Thus far, �� 28 of our 94 seniors have received their acceptances.  As a class, the seniors have already accrued $1,034,000 in scholarships, grants, and financial aid.  Ms. Heymer, Ms. E., Ms. S. and the interns are doing a magnificent job expediting the college application process for our seniors.   If your son or daughter is one of the few seniors who have not filed an application yet, encourage them to get on it!  

Go to Marist...Go to College!

 

 

 

Other News

Freshmen Registration takes place on Saturday, February 1, from 9:00AM-12:00 Noon. If you know someone who has a current eighth grader who has been accepted and intends to enroll at Marist, that if they missed this important date, they should call Ms. McQueary immediately at 201-437-4545 ext. 225. We cannot guarantee a place in next year's freshmen class unless the prospective students registers.  

Faculty Professional Day is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4. Students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. and will be required to leave the building.  Be sure you plan ahead and know what your child's plans are after an early dismissal.  Hold them accountable for their time and location! 
Dress Down will be held on Wednesday, February 5.  Students who choose to dress down will contribute $1.00 which will support our Guidance Department that offers many student-centered events throughout the year. 

Winter Dance:  Student Council is sponsoring a Winter Dance on Friday, February 7 from 7:00 - 11:00.  If your son or daughter is bringing a guest, they needed a signed permission slip for the guest.  This dance is considered "semi-formal" so students should be dressed up.  The cost of their ticked does includes light hors d'oevres, but be sure they eat something a little more substantial before they come.  If you have any questions, contact Mr. Pratko or Ms. Gonzalez.  

Visitors from ChinaMarist was invited to host 38 Chinese students who are on an American College Tour!  These students will be with us for the entire day on Friday, February 7 and will return in the evening to attend our Winter Dance.  Some of our students will act as hosts throughout the day! Ask your son or daughter about what this was like! 

 

 

 

February Break:  No classes will be held on February 13, 14, and 17, giving the faculty and students a five-day weekend.  Enjoy it! Happy Valentine's Day. 

multiculturalMulticultural Dinner:  As mentioned in the letter from the Principal, the Student Council will be hosting our annual Multicultural Dinner in the cafeteria on Friday, February 21 at 6:30.  This is a family event.  Come on, Come all! Tickets are $1.00 if you intend to bring a dish; $3.00 without a dish. What a deal!! All tickets are sold in advance so we can plan ahead. Entertainment will be provided by our many Performing Arts Clubs and Ms. Miesnik's rock band, "Mid-Life Crisis", will be making its Marist debut.     

Shakespeare Returns to Marist: On Wednesday, February 26, a professional Shakespeare Company from Madison, NJ called Shakespeare Live! will present Midsummer NIght's Dream to our entire student body. This production is sponsored by our English Department. As you may know, each year a different Shakespearian play is presented to our students, enabling them to see at least four of Shakespeare's plays by the time they graduate. Thanks to Mr. Pratko, our English chair, for arranging this and to Ms. Heymer, Ms. Sorbara and the NHS for helping prepare the student body prior to the production.

Class Trips Continue: The Sophomore trip to Philadelphia was held on Saturday, January 25.  Next stop, Boston for the Juniors, Saturday,  April 12! Encourage your son/daughter to take advantage of such opportunities.  Travel rounds out the educational experience. 

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. 

Attention Senior Parents:  Billing for the Senior Prom will be done through the Finance Office.  For information regarding total cost and the payment plan, please click here.

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, after a home basketball game the building will be closed within a half hour.  Please keep this in mind as you make arrangements to pick up your child if they are attending these games.

MSG Varsity at http://www.msgvarsity.com/new-jersey/marist continues to be our host for Marist News that is produced by our students.  The articles, photos, and videos are all student-created.  We've been a little slow posting this year, but you should be able to view new materials this month.  Many thanks to our moderator,  Ms. John.
Parents' Association News
Next MeetingThe Marist Parents Association will have its montly meeting on Tuesday, February 11,  at 6:30 in the cafeteria.  Please use the door by the side parking lot.  In addition to the business at hand, Ms. Miesnik will share a brief slide show on her recent experience in Nairobi. Please join us!
Marist Parents' Association Update: So far this year, we have raised almost $5,000!  This has largely been through the efforts of several parents who work the concession stands at most home games and through the monthly Vendor Bazaar.  The number of volunteers though has been dwindling.   Interested in helping out and haven't been contacted? Email Mark Lenzo at [email protected]. 

Vendor Bazaar:  The next Vendor Bazaar is Saturday, February 8 from 9:00 - 3:00.  Please spread the word!  We are in dire need of shoppers! All information for vendors is on the front page of the school website. We could use a few more volunteers as well!  Email Mark Lenzo at [email protected].

Athletic News

Winter Sports Updates:

 

Boys Basketball - Record 11-4

Girls Basketball - Record 11-6

Girls Bowling - Record 7-3

Boys Bowling - Record 7-4

Winter track

This year our track team has participated in all local track events including the Relay States in Toms River, NJ. Medal Winners thus far:

Boys

Justin Burnett (Senior)
Bassel Barbor (Senior)
Justin Pena (Senior)
Lindsey J. Baptiste (Senior)
Marquis Sanders (Senior)
Dawud Williams (Junior)
James Herron (Sophmore)
Girls

Kate Vovor (Freshman)
Cortlin Eady (Freshman)

Seeding for the Hudson County Girls and Boys Basketball Tournament will take place February 12th.So come out and support them during the HCIAL and NJSIAA state playoffs. Good luck to both our teams as tournament season approaches. 
Upcoming Events - December 2013
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
      

1

 

9:00 AM: Incoming Freshmen Registration

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3

4

 

Year Level Assemblies
 

8:00 AM: Principal's Breakfast
 

1:00 PM Dismissal

5

 

Dress Down for Guidance

Study Hall begins
               
2:45 PM: Academic Council Meeting
6

7

 

Career Day


7:00 PM: Student Council Winter Dance

8

 

9:00 AM: Vendor Bazaar

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10

 

2:45 PM: CSP Meeting

11

 

2:50 PM: Faculty Advisory Board Meeting
 

6:30 PM: Parents' Association Meeting

12

 

10:00 AM: Project Accelerate

13

 

School Holiday - No Classes

14

 

School Holiday - No Classes

15
16

17

 

School Holiday - No Classes

18

 

2:45 PM: NHS Meeting

19

 

Activity Period - Schedule B

20

21

 

10:00 AM: Project Accelerate


6:30 PM: Multicultural Dinner

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9:00 AM: Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

27

 

Progress Reports emailed home

28 
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1241 Kennedy Blvd., Bayonne, NJ 07002 | 201-437-4545