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

Dear Marist Families: 

 

Good news!  Many of you have requested parental access to MHS Online.  Well, problem solved!  As long as you know who your child's teachers are, you can log in and see the homework posted for that day. It's simple:

 

Go to the Marist website at www.marist.org, click on Parents and look for the link to MHS Online.  From that first page, click on the subject and then the teacher.  If the teacher has set it up properly, you'll be able to see the homework for the day.  If not, feel free to send them an email.

 

Marist's effort to go digital has definitely been challenged by wireless connectivity issues.  While some of the issues have been resolved, we are still not at 100% everywhere in the building, any time of the day.  Believe me, we will not give up.  Nevertheless, I felt that the connectivity is good enough for us to stock our LMC with a virtual library.  That's right:  310 e-books have been added to our collection!!  One-third of the collection is young adult fiction:  books that are appropriate for teenage interests and reading levels. The remainder are non-fiction books which cover a wide range of topics, from sports to careers, and academic to social emotional issues, just to name a few, all accessible to adolescent readers.  The e-books are listed as a part of our physical collection in our virtual card catalog.  Why not spend some time with your son or daughter perusing what books, both virtual and physical, the Marist LMC has to offer?  Here's how:

 

Go to Students > Library Media Center > Card Catalog.  You can peruse the collection as a guest, but the students need to login to check out a book.  For more information about the use of the card catalog or reading a book online, click here.  And here's the beauty of it all:  the student can read the e-book on any device:  Chromebook, Smartphone, iPad, etc.  The app even enables the book to be read aloud!

 

As you've heard, The Marist Parents' Association is sponsoring a Casino Night this Friday, May 3 at 6:30.  Come out, support the cause, try your luck!  The $50 entrance fee buys $100 in casino cash, food, and loads of fun.  Great prizes are available: one is a discount on next year's tuition!  Don't miss out!

 

The newsletter contains an important announcement about girls' uniform skirts.  Click here to read all about it.


This is the last newsletter of this year.  Let me end by wishing the class of 2014 a bright and successful future.  Go with God!  And to their parents and families, thank you for sharing them with us.  To the rest of you, enjoy the summer.  See you in September!
 

Sincerely,
 

 

Ms. Miesnik

Academic News

Academic Awards Banquet: Students who have excelled throughout the year have been invited to the Academic Awards Banquet, scheduled for Thursday, May 1, beginning promptly at 6:30. Tickets have been given out in homeroom. 

Progress Reports for all underclassmen will be e-mailed on Thursday, May 8. If you need to make changes to your e-mail on file, please call Mrs. De Poalo at 201-437-4545 ext. 201. If your child is doing poorly, please encourage them to stay motivated and to finish the year strong. 

AP Exams begin on Tuesday, May 6. A number of Marist students are slated to take exams in AP Spanish, and AP Computer Programming on May 6 at 8am, AP Calculus on May 7 at 8am, AP English on May 8 at 8am, AP Statistics on May 9 at 12pm, AP Physics on May 12 at 12pm, AP US History on May 14 at 8am, and AP World History on May 15 at 8am. We wish these students luck and look forward to their names being added to our AP Hall of Fame outside our LMC when they score a 4 or a 5! 

Final Exam Schedules:

 

Seniors

 

May 19:           1st - English; 2nd - Religion  
May 20:           1st - Math; 2nd - Economics/Spanish 
May 21:           1st - Criminal Justice/Psychology; 2nd - Science 
May 22:           Conflicts

 

 

Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors

 

June 9:             1st - English; 2nd - Religion 
June 10:           1st - Math 2nd - Spanish/Language Arts 
June 11:           1st - History; 2nd - Science 
June 12:           Conflicts

 

Please note: No student can take a final exam if tuition or fees are owed.


Graduation, which takes place at 2:00 on May 31, is by invitation only. Seniors return to school on Tuesday, June 3 for the Senior Breakfast to pick up their diplomas, report cards, and yearbooks. At that time, they also officially join the illustrious alumni of Marist High School. 

Final Report Cards for underclassmen will be mailed home on Monday, June 16. If you do not receive your son's/daughter's report card by June 19, please contact Mrs. De Poalo at 201-437-4545 ext. 201.

 

 

Summer School Registration takes place on Thursday, June 19 from 1:00-3:00 for Marist students who need to recover credit for a failed class.

 

 

Campus Ministry News

The Resurrection of Jesus and the Octave of Easter were observed joyfully on April 29 on our Mind, Body, Spirit Day with a simple liturgy.  "Knight Jam," our Christian Rock group led us in song. Ms. Miesnik led a reflection about the relationship between Easter, Mind Body Spirit Day and the New Marists in Mission initiative.  Our celebrant was Fr. Frank Fano of St Helen's in Westfield.  Fr. Frank, based on the popular song "Royal" encouraged students to "look for a different kind of buzz" in Jesus Christ. 

 

The highlight of the day was a celebration of New Marists in Mission with a "Lift-off" of balloons sent with all our prayers and good wishes. The wind interfered with our plans, but a good time was had by all. 

Service Day before Easter was a great success and our kids spread the work of the Gospel throughout Hudson and Essex counties. All reports were good and the kids were eager volunteers. We cleaned up a beach, visited nursing homes and day-care centers, sorted food at the Food Bank, cleaned an old Veterans' Cemetery, painted in a hospital, worked at a soup kitchen and got our school ship-shape. We were very proud of them in the diverse ways that they helped the community. 

Ascension Thursday, which is a holy day, is celebrated on May 29th this year. There is no school for students. Catholic students are reminded that they are obliged to attend Mass on Ascension Thursday. Faculty will meet for a full day of Professional Development followed by the Graduation Mass, which will take place in our Quad. A more formal invitation will be sent to you via the Seniors. All Seniors are expected to attend and bring family and friends to thank God for four years of blessings at Marist, and to ask God's blessing on our graduates and their families. All are invited. 

Marist Youth Retreat, a leadership workshop for sophomores from Marist schools in the United States, Canada, Mexico and other Latin American countries, will take place at Mt. St Mary College in Newberg, NY very near the Marist Brothers Center in Esopus, NY on Memorial Day weekend. Fourteen students have been nominated to attend. They will learn skills to become Marist Leaders in the Campus Ministry program.

 

Many of our Seniors made an Encounter Retreat this year and they periodically get together at one of our schools to pray in the Taize style (Taize is an ecumenical  monastery in France which attracts many young people.) The last trip was to Roselle Catholic HS where they shared prayer, dinner and had time to reconnect with old friends. Many of our Seniors go on to become Marist Young Adults who help to lead retreats and spend time developing their spiritual lives.

Jeans for Teens: Our families contributed bags and bags of new and lightly-used jeans for the kids at Covenant House in Newark, which provides housing and services for homeless teens who come in from the dangers of the streets.  As St Francis said: "Live the Gospel at all times, if necessary, use words."  We hope that our kids remember this through their whole lives and continue their generosity of spirit. 

Collection for Marist Academy, Nigeria: As part of the New Marists in Mission initiative, students are collecting used athletic wear and books for our Marist brothers and sisters at Marist Academy in Uturu, Nigeria.  We'll continue collecting until the end of the school year.  It's a boarding school of 1,200 students.  Br. Mark who is the administrator serves on the New Marists in Mission Commission that is planning the assembly in Nairobi.   If you'd like to visit their website it's http://www.maristacademyuturu.org. 

 

Guidance News

May & June SAT's: May 9th is the deadline to register for the June  7th SAT's.  We encourage the Junior class to take the June 7th test to get a start on the college process.  The best way to prepare is to practice, practice, practice.  Use the free resources at www.collegeboard.org or see Guidance for other tools.  If your student is taking the May 3rd SAT, be sure they have a good night's rest, have a good breakfast, and bring a healthy snack and water with them for break time.  Also, make sure they have their admissions ticket, School ID, several #2 pencils (traditional, not mechanical), and a calculator with them before they leave the house! 

Guidance Tips for the Summer:  Summer is the perfect time to make strides in the college preparation process-no matter what year your student has completed.  Colleges are looking for consistency in extra-curricular and volunteer activities, so why not start now.  Encourage your student to join a sports league, work at a camp, or volunteer at the local library, church or recreation center.  And don't forget that summer reading!  Junior parents, summer is also a great time to visit those colleges that are farther from home. 

Summer Programs: Deadlines are coming up to register for Summer Programs. All counselors are working with students interested in applying to programs.  Some programs are competitive to get into and some have costs attached.  Let us know if you have one in mind for your student and need our assistance, or if you need help finding the right one for your student.  

College Acceptance Statistics:

  • Total Number of Seniors:  94
  • Number of students who have been accepted by one or more colleges/universities to date:  65
  • Total amount of scholarship/awards, grants, financial aid offered so far:  $3,678,454
Please note, these numbers are contingent upon students' submitting their acceptance and reward letters to the Guidance Department.  If your Senior has not yet turned in their information, please have them do so ASAP.  We would like to publicly congratulate them on the morning announcements for this great accomplishment! 
Other News

No classes for students, Friday after the prom, May 23, Monday, Memorial Day, May 26 and on Ascension Thursday, May 29.  

Early dismissals will occur at 1:40 on Friday, May 2 and Friday, May 10.   Faculty Meeting on Tuesday, May 13:  1:00 dismissal.

Spring Musical, "Bye, Bye Birdie" was staged Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25. An Ice Cream Social was held before each show.  The cast was a combination of Marist High School Students and youngsters from St. Joseph's Elementary School in Jersey City.  It was a wonderful showcase of young talent. 

Afghan Raffle: Our very own Sr. Mary Agnes, who works in Guidance, has once again crocheted a beautiful afghan that she will be raffling off on Monday, May 5 to benefit the school. Buy a chance, help the school!

Final Activity Period of this school year meets this Wednesday, May 7. We hope this has been an enjoyable experience for your sons and daughters.  

The Senior Prom will be held at The Vanderbilt on Staten Island on Thursday, May 22. The "toast off" will begin at 5:00 in the Marist High School gym. All are welcome to the "toast off".

Ice Cream Social:

Underclassmen receive their yearbooks at the annual ice cream social, which takes place on Wednesday, June 4. Seniors are also welcome back to take place in the yearbook signing in the gym. The social begins at 1:45. Dismissal will be at the regular time.

Summer School Registration takes place on Thursday, June 19 from 1:00-3:00 for any Marist student who failed one or two subjects. Remember: NO student may proceed to the next grade with an outstanding failure. All failures must be made up at Marist summer school. If a student fails three (3) or more subjects, he/she cannot return to Marist.  Summer School Classes begin on June 30 and end on July 29.

Summer Programs: A number of interesting and enriching summer programs are available to students this summer. If you'd like more information, contact your son's/daughter's Guidance Counselor.

Rotary Club HonorsEach year the Rotary honors a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership, citizenship and scholarship. This year's winner is Christian Ivery. The Rotary Club also honors a "Teacher of the Year" from each Bayonne School. We are pleased to announce Ms. Carolynn John as this year's winner. Ms. John has become a valued member of the faculty for over 15 years, running our Fine Arts Program.  She has sent many a student on to prestigious Arts Colleges and stages our Arts Festival every spring.  Her dedication to the students is legendary.  It is rare to see the lights go out in her art room before 6:00 pm. Congratulations to Christian and to Ms. John! We are proud of you!

uniformsGirls' Uniform Skirts: The length of the girls' skirts continues to be an issue.  The girls have been told that they have the month of May to vote for or against continuing to have skirts as an option.  They will wear the skirts no more than 3 inches above the knee without rolling the waistband if they want to continue to have skirts as an option.  If they do not wish to comply, skirts will be no longer be available as an option; trousers will be the only choice.  This issue is an important marketing issue for the school as well as a daily distraction within the building.  Encourage your daughter to vote for skirts by wearing hers appropriately. 

Parents' Association News

Casino Night:  Be there!  This Saturday Night, May 3 from 6:00 - 10:00.  Tickets can still be bought from Mrs. DePoalo at ext. 201.

Next Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13 at 6:30 in the Marist Cafeteria.  Hope to see you there! It is an open meeting.  Agenda will include:

  • Nominating and electing officers for next year
  • Discussion about the way the proceeds of the year will be spent
  • Planning the end of year pot luck supper
  • Volunteering to help:
    • The Prom Toast Off, May 22
    • Freshmen Parent Night, June 16 
Casino Night - May 3rd
Athletic News

Baseball: Our boys' team has received the #1 seed in the county playoffs for the first time in school history. Their current record is 12-4. The baseball team will take on Lincoln or St. Anthony's in the first round on May 10.  Next Game-Saturday, May 3 vs. Gloucester Catholic at Veterans Stadium at 2:30. 

Softball: Coach Vargas has the girls playing great. The girls are 10-1 for the first time in school history. The girls received a #9 seed in the county playoffs.  They will take on #8 seed Memorial on May 10.  Next Game - Tuesday, May 6 vs. Dickinson at 16th street Park in Bayonne at 4:30.

Boys Tennis: Under first year coach Jeremy Kay, the boys tennis team is 5-2 and is gearing up for county Playoffs.

Spring Track: With the track team having a deep roster of 15 girls and 15 boys,  Marist's runners have been finishing first in many events this spring. With the states approaching, the team's goal is to make some noise in Toms River, NJ. 

Go Marist Knights!!
Upcoming Events - May 2014
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
  

 

 

1

 

6:30 PM: Academic Awards Banquet

2

 

10:00AM: Project Medquest

 

1:40 PM Dismissal

3

 

SPA Newark Conservancy

 

6:30 PM: Casino Night

4

5

 

12:30 PM: AP Psychology

6

 

8:00 AM: AP Programming

 

8:00 AM: AP Spanish

 

6:30 PM: NHS Induction

7

 

8:00 AM: AP Calculus

 

Activity Period Schedule B

8

 

8:00 AM: AP English

9

 

12:00 PM: AP Statistics

10

11

 

Mother's Day

12

 

12:00 PM: AP Physics

13

 

8:00 AM: AP History

 

1:00 PM Dismissal

 

1:15 PM: Faculty Meeting

 

3:00 PM: Scholastic Olympics

 

6:30 PM: Parents' Association Meeting

14

 

Dress Down for NHS

15

 

8:00 AM: AP World Civilizations

16

17

 

6:00 PM: Milestone Reunion

18

19

20

21

22

 

5:00 PM: Senior Toast Off

 

7:00 PM: Senior Prom

23

 

10:00 AM: Project Medquest

 

No Classes

24


Senior Exams

Marist Youth

25

 

Marist Youth

26

 

Memorial Day

No Classes

27

 

28

29

 

Ascension Thursday

 

No Classes

 

Faculty Professional Development Day

 

6:30 PM: Baccalaureate Mass

30

 

10:00 AM: Project Medquest

 

1:40 PM Dismissal

31

 

2:00 PM: Graduation


Relay for Life
Upcoming Events - June 2014
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday
12

3

 

9:00 AM: Senior Breakfast

4

 

1:45 PM: Ice Cream Social

5

 

6:30 PM: Athletic Awards Banquet

6

 

End of 4th Quarter

7

 

7:30 AM: SATs

8

9

10

11

 

6:30 PM: Planning Team Meeting

12

 

Make-up and Conflict Exams

13

14

Final Exams

15

 

Father's Day

16

 

Final Day of Class

 

Report Cards mailed home

 

6:30 PM: Incoming Freshmen Parents Meeting

17

20th Annual Blue & Gold Alumni Golf Classic

18

19

1:00 PM: Summer School Registration

20

21

CSP Lock-in

22

23

 

Summer School Registration

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

 

First Day of Summer School

 

 

 

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